S1MONE MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: +1

On the brink of bankruptcy, Director Viktor Toransky (Al Pacino) needs desperately to complete his film in progress when the leading lady, temperamental Nicola (Winona Ryder), walks out. Fate intervenes in the form of a dying man with a high-tech computer program that solves Viktors dilemma. He is able to digitally produce the remarkably realistic and beautiful Simone (Rachel Roberts) and manipulates her computer image to blend with live actors on the big screen. However, Viktors secret solution demands that he convince co-workers, the press, and the public to honor his new discoverys wish for complete privacy. But when the mysterious, artificial star becomes an international celebrity, Viktor must go to even greater lengths to hide the truth. With another outstanding performance by Al Pacino, S1MONE adds up to a funny, fanciful, refreshing story, and great entertainment.

Oh, what tangled webs Viktor must weave to feed his starved ego and win back his ex-wife Elaine (Catherine Keener). One lie demands three more to cover up the first one, making Viktors miraculous professional comeback a nightmare. And destroying Simones image leads to a murder trial. As rapidly as computer technology advances, such deception could very well occur if it hasnt already. But truth eventually wins out. Considering the vulgarities and sexual possibilities for the PG-13 rating, S1MONEs foul language seems rather subdued with only one obscenity and a few regular profanities. Sparse sexual content includes Viktors assistant trying unsuccessfully to seduce him. And, to make the press think Simone is real, Viktor strews lacy black lingerie around his hotel room. S1MONE stands out as one of the few recent films aimed at older audiences that can be recommended.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: New Line Cinema, 888 7th Ave., 20th Flr., New York, NY 10106