Twilight (Paramount Pictures) is more than just a movie. It is a celebration of an older generation of Hollywood. Paul Newman couldn’t make another Cool Hand Luke or The Hustler, but he fits well in Twilight.

Twilight is a mystery in which Harry Ross (Newman) finds himself investigating his friends, a married couple, Jack (Gene Hackman, Crimson Tide) and Catherine (Susan Sarandon, Dead Man Walking). The story is interesting, but it tends to get a little heavy. Newman cracks a few good one-liners, but they usually are tinged with sadness.

When he tells his partner Reuben (Giancarlo Esposito, Usual Suspects) he understands why Reuben wants to give up the profession, Newman’s delivery is warm with honesty. And Hackman is terrific as his friend, battling cancer and trying to squirm his way out of trouble. Hackman can be vulnerable and strong in the same scene, which is difficult to do.

Reese Witherspoon (Highway) portrays Hackman’s daughter. James Garner plays an old friend who was on the police force with Newman’s character. Garner is an outstanding actor with a strangely hypnotic, captivating voice.

The mystery is involving. In another trend-busting twist, it’s a small mystery involving a long-ago disappearance. No meteors hurtling toward Earth or aliens threatening apocalypse. Just a small story, with a little more violence than one might expect, and some astounding acting.Twilight now is playing.4 hatchets