Rita Kempley (Craig Cola/ washingtonpost.com)

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It's Friday afternoon and you can almost taste the popcorn. Whether you're planning to hit the theater or your local video store, Rita's here to help you wade through the sea of choices.

It's also your chance to be a movie critic. Share your picks and pans, and tell us how things would be different if you ran Hollywood. Who would you cast in your movies and why?

A transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Bob Hope: Sorry, couldn't make it. Maybe next year.

Rita Kempley: Bob: Thanks for not dropping by. If you change your mind, the official, third annual cyber seance of the stars is next week on Halloween. Hope you can make it then.

Miss Edie the (Employed) Egg Lady: Hello Rita. It's been too long, dear.
Good news! Miss Edie got a job! Start Monday. Went and bought all new mu-mu's (fall tones, natch) and the cutest pair of Capri pants.

Saw Jackass 't wait to read some of the reviews ... they'll be Scathing!!

Gotta run. Time to take my curlers out. Bye now.

Rita Kempley: Miss Edie: Congratulations. I am sure Mister Jimmy told you that you were missed by one and all.

Peoples' Republic: Why, why, why, Rita dear, do these folks keep remaking movies that don't need it? Now it's "Swept Away", "Mr. Deeds", and "Charade". Were they so impressed with the do-overs of "Psycho" and "Diabolique" that they just had to try? What's next? "An Affair to Remember" with Adam Sandler and Winona Ryder? "Casablanca" with Ben and J-Lo? Oh, wait, I know- "Blood and Sand" with Brad and Jennifer, but instead of bullfighting it'll be extreme surfing, see, and ...

Rita Kempley: Dear Peoples' Republic:
Hubris? A lack of imagination? The studios are more willing to back a known success story? They'll never learn? They're aiming at the 12-24 year-old audience who have probably never heard of or seen the orginal versions and they won't know that Mark Wahlberg is no Cary Grant.

Washington, D.C.: I heard that director Jonathan Demme and actress Thandie Newton were in town recently for a screening of "The Truth About Charlie." As a huge devotee of French new wave cinema, I've really been looking looking forward to the film. Seems like a brilliant concept.

My question is: how does one get tickets for these advance screenings? Is there some kind of list? I'm an avid film-goer (two or three a week) and would enjoy being part of test audiences.

Thanks for the great chats.

Rita Kempley: Hi Washington:
There are several film clubs in the area. The Washington Film Society (I believe that is the correct moniker) offers many chances to see films in advance. There is the Sunday Cinema Club (against I believe that's the right name) that specializes in foreign and independent films, many with good advance buzz. Maybe some other folks know of more options.
Glad you enjoy the chats.

London Callin': Hi Rita

But does Wahlberg know he ain't Cary Grant?

Rita Kempley: Hi London:
He probably sees himself as a post-modern, post-millenial kind of Cary.

"The Ring": Okay... I did shriek ONCE during this movie, but that has more to do with me not liking insects (I shriek at roach commercials, too).

But "scariest movie since Psycho"? HARDLY.

All the suspenseful "oooo, what's doing this" got SHOT at the end for me.

Am I the only non-liker of this movie?

Rita Kempley: You are not the only non-liker. From where I'm standing, you are in the majority. Maybe the quoted critic was talking about the remake of "Psycho."

Reston, Va.: Rita,

I know that box office returns mean little to the quality of the movie, but it is fun to watch. So in that vein....

Harry Potter v. Lord of the Rings

Who comes out ahead this year?

Rita Kempley: Hi Reston:

I think "Scooby-Doo" proved your hypothesis once and for all. I'll have to go with Harry Potter again. I think it plays to a more mainstream and much broader audience.

Portland, Ore. What were your thoughts on Secretary? I thought is was very odd but found myself smiling through the entire movie.

What new ones do you recommend?

Love your chats!!

Rita Kempley: Portland:
I'm inclined to agree with your review.

I recommend "Punch-Drunk Love" and while the reviews were mixed, I enjoyed "Bowling for Columbine." I love a good rant and Michael Moore seldom disappoints.

Herndon, Va.: OUR NIGHT OF THE DEAD EMPRESS: Ref Mr. Grant -- Gene Wilder, in an interview, told of meeting Cary, who, while telling Gene how much he admired his work (I believe in "Silver Streak"), started discussing plots and said: "You just take an ordinary man, like you and me . . ." Wilder was nonplussed, to put it mildly.

Rita Kempley: Knight of the Living Dead:
I haven't been able to think about Cary Grant in quite the same way since I read a tell-all by one of his exes. She wrote that he liked to wear women's bloomers. Thought they were comfy.

Help, please, Queen Rita!: There's an error in the info given at the end of Desson's review of "Heaven" today. The film is not in German with subtitles, it's mostly in English, and the scenes in Italian are subtitled. Seems like the kind of thing that influences people in their decisions about what to see. How does one get that corrected?

Rita Kempley: Thanks for the heads up. Call the Weekend section at 334-6808 or 6809 and tell them about the error. They'll print a correction in the paper tomorrow if they get it in time. If nobody's in Weekend, call Style and see if they can help at 334-7535.

Sympathy for the Devil?: I may be a bit over-sensitive, but.. is the Hannibal Lecter phenomenon somehow linked with the American backlash against/distrust of the intelligent? ("Forrest Gump" is the most egregious cinematic example of this.) Hannibal is highly intelligent and cultured, he appreciates classical music and fine wine, he's a great cook ... so of course he has to be a mega-nutjob, because the swinish Average American needs a way to feel superior to him.

Rita Kempley: I'm not sure if I fall under the category of swinish average American, but I'm willing to give your theory a shot. It's definitely an intriguing one and there may be something to it. On the other hand, I think movies like Hannibal aim at both horror movie fans and a literary audience. At least, the first one did.
The world around us is so violent--as graphically illustrated by the snipers--and movies have become so violent that it really takes a lot to shock the American public...especially young adults. I think that also explains the trend toward piercings.
It's also true that Anthony Hopkins is extremely entertaining in the role.

Wheaton, Md.: What's the upcoming movie about the Mexican writer who had an affair with Leon Trotsky (and also with several women)? I thought it was something like "Frido." Do you know when/if it will get to D.C? I am very interested in Trotsky (not a follower). Sounds like something different. I think my wife (Brazilian) would like it, too.

Rita Kempley: Actually, it's called "Frodo. " And it will be coming to a theater near you next Friday.

Silver Spring: Saw Punch-Drunk Love last weekend. Altough I saw a lot of the devices the critics have been lauding -- soundtrack, silent moments, costume choices, shot choices, etc, I found the story to be mostly boring, and overall the movie to be just okay. Was I missing something?

Rita Kempley: I thought it was intriguing, though I can see why some people would be bored. It's definitely not action-packed, nor does the plot keep you on the edge of your seat.
It defiitely isn't the same old thing.

Montgomery County: I need advice on a date movie for my husband and me. We don't get out often enough, since we have a baby. I haven't been to the movies in about a year. Wow! So we are looking for something fun, maybe romantic, but not necessarily, not too hard on the emotions, not scary. We are just looking for a quality feel-good movie. Any suggestions?

Rita Kempley: There's only one choice: "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."

Although...: The prospect of hearing Cate and Giovanni act an entire movie in German is quite amusing, actually.
Thanks for the help!

Rita Kempley: I read right other that folo myself.

London Callin': And I'm really looking forward to that November movie with Frido Baggins.

Rita Kempley: Me too. I see he stopped plucking to better look the part.

Washington, D.C.: Who knew Tom Tykwer would come to the chat. Who else would be so upset about how folks might be affected by attending the movie?

I am wondering what SciFi Girl is going to say today? I am on pins and needles waiting.

Rita Kempley: I am always on pins and needles. Keeps you sharp.

Leon Trotsky's lover: Do you mean Frida? (as in Kahlo)? I thought Frodo was a hobbit. Or maybe Leon had inclusive taste in lovers.

Rita Kempley: I think you mean Fritos. Trotsky sure loved him a delicious Tex-Mex snack.

Richmond, Va.: Queen Rita - not wanting to correct your excellency, but the Mexican author is Frida (she is played by Salma Hayek, not Elijah Wood). It opens in NYC today, and got a good review in the paper of record in that city, not that I recommend anyone read reviews there. -Jim

Rita Kempley: Thanks Richmond.
"Frida" is screening even as we speak. My pal Jane Horwitz saw an earlier screening and like the movie a great deal.

Deluge of the Oscars: Hey Rita, love the chats.

I am one of your younger chatters and have only been truly following movies for the last five years or so (I'm 19, for the record.) My question is, has it ALWAYS been the case where the only true Oscar contenders are released in the final two months of the year? I'm finding it to be extremely aggravating to have to squeeze all my movie watching into the course of just a few weeks. I cannot even come up with three films worthy of being nominated for best picture this year, and I've already heard of a half dozen that have potential which are coming out in the next month. What gives? Will this trend ever stop?

Rita Kempley: Dear Deluge,
That is the pattern. Studios don't want Academy members to forget about their movie when it comes time to vote. They also believe that people screw their brains back in with the arrival of fall and are then capable of comprehending more challenging movies. Unfortunately, they think 19-year-olds and other young adults really want to see a string of garabage like Jackass.
And there's Christmas vacation. Lots more free time for going to the movies.

Los Angeles, Calif.: Got to go to the premiere of "JACKASS" on Monday. Why are there no reviews out on this? For the record, I liked it. Some of it was a bit much, but some was hysterical, if not juvenile and stupid.

Rita Kempley: They haven't dared show the movie to critics. For the record, they won't like it.

Herndon, Va.: OUR HALLOWEEN QUEEN: I hope I will not be found to be lacking in taste to note that right now, in the grave for many years, Cary Grant is better looking and has more wit than Mr. Wahlberg has alive.

Rita Kempley: Perhaps Cary will join our seance next week on Halloween.

Movie night: Deciding between Punch Drunk Love and Igby Goes Down tonight---can't decide which one to pick. Any thoughts?

Rita Kempley: I think Igby is a lot less demanding. I must admit that I get a little bit annoyed with poor little rich person movies. But I don't believe you'll be disappointed in either. Two of the years better offering so far.

all this talk of Cary Grant...: makes me a bit overheated! Talk about yummy.

But it also makes me wonder why movie stars don't shine quite as bright as they used to. Do you agree? Is there anyone these days comparable to Cary Grant or Marilyn Monroe or Jimmy Stewart or Humphrey Bogart or Katherine Hepburn? Is this because we hear too much about contemporary stars' private lives on Entertainment Tonight/Extra/Access Hollywood/People Magazine so they lose their luster? What do you think?

Rita Kempley: The press has always spilled a lot of ink over the hijinks of movie stars. I'm not sure that has a lot to do with it. Stars wear out a lot faster than they used to. For one reason, there's a lot more competition today than there was in Hollywood's Golden Age.

SciFiGirl: Just for Washington DC, I'm submitting. I liked Punch Drunk Love, lots of lovely moments, and Adam Sandler did a fine job as someone who really was disturbed, and knew that he was disturbed. His family is terrible. Can't wait to see that Frido thing with the towers, though. I think I'll make Frito pie to take with.

Rita Kempley: SciFiGirl: Thanks for making WDC's wish come true. Do I sense a love match in the making?

Re: Cary Grant: This may be too late, but I just joined the chat. I just wanted to state for the record that though I (at the advanced age of 26) am now outside the desirable 12-24 demographic, I have known since I was 12 that Mark Wahlberg is no Cary Grant.

Rita Kempley: Luckily, you are still a part of the most sought after demographic among TV outlest. I don't know your gender, but if you are female, you weren't part of the most diserable movie audience ever. That's males aged 12 to 24.

Washington, D.C.: Anyone who thinks it's a good idea to remake Cary Grant movies should be forced to watch the Warren Beatty/Annette Bening version of "An Affair to Remember."

Rita Kempley: You had to go and remind us. I had blocked that out of my mind.

One movie star who shines: Denzel Washington. Class act.

Rita Kempley: Absolutely.

Mister Jimmy: Rita, now that "Bewitched" has gotten the green light and Nicole Kidman signed on as that endearing Samantha, is the rumor true that they plan to cast two actors as Darrin and change actors mid-movie, a la the two Darrin's in the TV show?

Rita Kempley: Mister Jimmy:
What a clever idea. But I haven't a clue.

Potomac, Md.: Rita, I saw "The Rules of Attraction." The filmmakers should have consulted "the rules of filmmaking." This was a HORRIBLE movie: bad acting, bad writing, bad directing. And poor Sharon Waxman, having to do some big huge feature on this crazed director, who by all apparent indications has no talent. Thank you. (The movie was so bad, some people walked out during it, and here's one comment overheard on the way out, referring to one of the poor actresses in the movie: "Why was she in that? It was such a terrible movie.")

Rita Kempley: Potomac: Thanks for sharing. Remember the time to get exorcized is next week on Oct. 31.

Somewhere, USA: Why are males 12 to 24 considered the most desirable demographic?

Though that DOES explain why so many movies are so dumb...the "most desirable demographic" is also the dumbest.

Rita Kempley: Somewhere:
The studios believe, wrongly in my opinion, that males in that age group go to more movies than any other demographic. They also go back to see movies like "Star Wars" et al many times over. They also bring dates.
OF course, if you only make movies for that group that is the group that will go to the movies.

Cambridge, Mass.: I found "Punch-Drunk" Love beautiful and terrifying. One scene--one moment, more glance--moved me to tears. I won't give it away, but it's a shot that shows the inextricable link between beauty, sadness, and pain.

Rita Kempley: Cambridge: Yes, I know the moment.

Suncoast: My queen: Sadly, Igby Goes Down is not playing anywhere near me (I live in Florida), and I'm really looking forward to seeing it. Do you know when this movie may get a wider distribution?

Can't wait for the seance. Who hasn't shown up in recent seances who you'd like to see?

Rita Kempley: Suncoast: I'm surprised they haven't gone a bit wider already. Surely, it should do so in the next coupleof weeks. All the Christmas movies will start releasing around Thanksgiving and I assume they'll want to go wider before that.
We have heard from so many wonderful haunts. One of my favorites was Talulah. Perhaps she'll return.I

Washington, D.C.: No lovematch with SciFi. Just a sarcastic friend who loves to pick on her each and every chance I get.

Recently she submitted to a chat and didn't use her moniker and I totally spotted her and emailed her to tease her about her anonymous post. She was stunned by my bloodhound ability to catch her in the act.

Rita Kempley: So you are communicating on a deeper lover than you know.

SciFiGirl: No, I don't think you see a love match there...At least, not in the sense you people are thinking of!

Rita Kempley: Well, once again my attempts at matchmaking have failed. I am too sad to go along and will have to be on my way.

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