Persall's Top 5

By STEVE PERSALL

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 25, 2000

Recent releases recommended by Times film critic Steve Persall

1 The Original Kings of Comedy -- Spike Lee delivers a concert movie that matters, starring four stand-up comedians and a raucous audience. Not just a performance captured on film, but a galvanizing time for African-American pop culture.

2 Color of Paradise -- A blind Iranian boy largely ignored by his father makes spiritual peace with the world around him. Elegant simplicity, with beautiful sights and sounds. Beach Theater only.

3 Space Cowboys -- Senior-citizen astronauts save the day. Haven't Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland and James Garner been doing that for ages?

4 Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps -- Eddie Murphy's makeup artist doesn't do all of the work in this multiple character tour de force. This is a truly fine comic performance from an underrated actor.

5 Coyote Ugly -- Energetic movie junk featuring female bartenders who are sexy and assertive. John Goodman's sweet, funny role as a worried father nearly steals the show.

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