movspot030708

Movie review: Raunchy 'Teeth' plays Uptown late show

By Colin Covert, Star Tribune

Last update: March 6, 2008 - 4:56 PM

'TEETH'

Vagina Dentata is not the name of that catchy tune from "The Lion King." It's a mythical condition in which a woman's lady parts sprout fangs and gobble up fleshy intruders. A classic symbol of men's fear of castration and female sexuality, it appears in folklore worldwide but hasn't had much of a presence in pop culture. Now comes the horror-comedy "Teeth" (★★ 1/2, rated R for disturbing sequences involving sexuality and violence, language and some drug use), receiving its Twin Cities premiere this weekend. Jess Weixler plays Dawn, the leader of a high school Christian teen chastity group who discovers that she needs two sets of dental floss. Heather Graham lookalike Weixler (pictured above with a lecherous guy about to get his comeuppance) won the 2007 Sundance Special Jury Prize for Acting, mostly for playing it straight amid a maelstrom of raunchy sexuality, perverse humor and ludicrous gore. It's definitely not for Aunt Minnie, but cult movie mavens will appreciate director Mitchell Lichtenstein's willingness to push the boundaries of bad taste. (Midnight Saturday, Uptown Theatre, 2906 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-825-6006.)

OMNIFEST

The Science Museum's annual monthlong celebration of all films big begins today, reprising greatest hits "Everest," "Cowboys: Ride Around the World," "Roar: Lions of the Kalahari," "Indonesia: Dance of Life," "Amazon" and "The Alps." (Through April 6. Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. For ticket information and showtimes, call 651-221-9444.)