SAW 3 (R) More slicing, more dicing, more Rube Goldberg-esque contraptions ostensibly designed to assure those closet sadists amongst us (and let him who is without sin cast the first stone) that torture can be "interesting." You were expecting Shakespeare, maybe? Stars Angus MacFadyen, Shawnee Smith, Tobin Bell and Dian Meyer. (Not Reviewed)
TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE BEGINNING (R) The buzz was apparently getting so bad on this "prequel" to the Texas Chainsaw horror franchise that all advance screenings simply came to a halt — which means we didn't get to see it. As is often the case in situations like this, that's probably a blessing in disguise. Stars Jordana Brewster, Taylor Handley, Cyia Batten, Diora Baird and Matthew Bomer. (Not Reviewed)
TIM BURTON'S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (PG) Tim Burton's masterpiece of neo-gothic animation (which was actually directed not by Burton but by visionary-for-hire Henry Selick) just keeps getting better and better. The good folks at Disney, never ones to shy away from cashing in on a good thing, have tweaked the film's brilliant digital visuals into a "new" version making use of a new 3D technology that only a few local theaters are currently capable of projecting. That means you may have travel a bit to see this puppy, but, believe me, it's worth it. This might just be the ultimate Halloween classic. Featuring the voices of Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey and Paul Reubens. 4.5 stars
