FREEZE FRAMES

THE DARK HALF - The main character is an author who writes serious books under his real name and lurid shockers under a pseudonym. Imagine his surprise when his pseudonymous alter ego comes to life as an actual person, due to supernatural causes that the movie doesn't even try to explain, and turns out to be just as nasty as the novels he's supposedly written. Based on a book by Stephen King, this capably filmed thriller promises to be more intelligent than most, perhaps casting some light on how writers li ke King feel deep-down about the violence and hostility they habitually trade in. But the second half degenerates into a routine horrorfest, complete with an onslaught of gratuitous gore and unbelievable story twists. At least Timothy Hutton gives two solid performances as the good writer and his creepy doppelganger, and the fine supporting cast includes a wide range of talent from Julie Harris to Robert Joy. Written and directed by horror specialist George A. Romero, and photographed by Tony Pierce-Roberts

with his usual panache. (Rated R) INDIAN SUMMER - A small band of aging yuppies takes a vacation at the summer camp where they spent their vacations long ago, and renew acquaintance with the lovable old counselor who helped them grow into the mediocre specimens of humanity they are today. This trite comedy starts tossing out worn-down cliches and hackneyed formulas before the opening credits are over, and goes downhill from there; even talented performers like Alan Arkin and Elizabeth Perkins can only triumph over such weak material for occ asional fleeting moments. Mike Binder directed the picture from his own screenplay. Tom Sigel did the fetching cinematography, which conveys some lovely views of real-life Camp Tamakwa in Canada's picturesque Algonquin Provincial Park. (Rated PG-13)