Twilight

As a narrative, Twilight offers virtually nothing you haven't seen in a dozen other mysteries set among Southern California's beautiful people: dirty cops, friends who turn out to be enemies, enemies who turn out to be friends, wads of cash exchanging hands, etc. This one just happens to center on a retired private eye (Paul Newman) looking into a possible murder plot involving his old friends, two aging, married movie stars (Gene Hackman and Susan Sarandon). The only reason Twilight doesn't feel like a thoroughly generic time-waster--and in fact offers a moderate level of satisfaction--is the pleasure which comes from watching great actors share the screen. Newman, wearing years of disappointment like an old sweater, shares scenes with Hackman, Stockard Channing and James Garner that spill over with the easy chatter of old friends. In fact, the actors are so good that they might trick you into thinking you're watching well-rounded characters. Strong optional. (S. Renshaw)