FROM Twentieth Century Fox comes a mixed bag of film treats for the second half of 1999, led by the biggest blockbuster of them all, ''Star Wars: Episode 1--The Phantom Menace.''

''Pushing Tin'' is set in the highly-stressed world of air traffic control. The comedy film chronicles the lives of two controllers whose intense rivalry and penchant for oneupmanship threatens to ruin their careers and marriages, and create havoc on the planes in their airspace. The film is directed by Mike Newell and stars John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton, Cate Blanchett and Angelina Jolie.

In ''Lake Placid,'' a paleontologist (Bridget Fonda) travels from New York to Maine to investigate the mysterious death of a man near a remote lake. With the help of a game warden (Bill Pullman), a sheriff and a wildlife expert, she discovers the incredible secret behind the mysterious death. Steve Miner's movie also stars Oliver Platt.

''The Beach'' is Leonardo DiCaprio's first movie after ''Titanic,'' so movie-industry observers are taking a good look at it to see if it can keep the young actor's stellar career on an upward trajectory.

This early, it appears that the film is very far removed from ''Titanic,'' and that DiCaprio is similarly very different in it. He portrays an American who sets off on an exotic adventure in Thailand in search of a legendary tropical paradise unmarred by conventional society's problems. But, when he finds the modern-day Eden, he discovers that it hides more than a few disturbing secrets.

''Fight Club'' is Brad Pitt's latest starrer, and it is also very different from ''Joe Black,'' his last movie that didn't click all that much with viewers. This time, Pitt comes on strong as a man who sets up fight clubs in which young men are paired off in bloody, no-holds-barred bouts until one is knocked out. David Fincher directs the movie, which also stars Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter and Met Loaf Aday.

Jodie Forter stars in ''Anna and the King.'' Set in 19^th century Thailand, this film is the true story of the relationship between British schoolteacher Anna Leonowens (Foster) and the King of Siam (played by action star Chow Yun-Fat). Unlike some other more speculative versions, this movie is based on historical information and Leonowens' own diaries.

New soap for Angelu

Things are looking up for Angelu de Leon, whose acting career dipped when she had an affair-and a love child-with young action star Joko Diaz. After a long ''forced vacation'' from show biz, Angelu is testing the waters by way of a new soap, ''May Bukas Pa,'' which also stars Dina Bonnevie and Cherie Gil, who's just flown in from Italy, where her husband, violinist Rony Rogoff, has been put in charge of an orchestra.

Next on Angelu's timetable is a film, ''Bulaklak ng Maynila,'' where she's playing a role that requires her to go ''a little bold.''

The big question, of course, is if TV-movie fans will ''forgive'' Angelu for her indiscretions. Our bet is that they'll give her another chance, specially now that she's no longer living-in with Joko.

What about Joko's own acting career, which also skidded to a stop after news about him and Angelu broke? He needs a strong action vehicle to help him recover, but no offers are currently in sight.

Movies this week on 'PKP'

''Premiere Pilipino Klasiks'' (PKP)'' airs weekdays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on RPN 9. Action Monday (June 14) presents Fernando Poe Jr and Cecilia Lopez in the actioner, ''Saan Mang Sulok ng daigdig.'' Poe returns to his hometown and clashes with guerilla leader Ricardo Mondeon, who terrorizes the town and thinks that Poe killed his brother.

Romance Tuesday (June 15) screens ''Ibigay Mo sa Akin ang Bukas,'' topbilling Vilma Santos, Gabby Concepcion and Richard Gomez. Vilma and Gabby are in love, but his parents disapprove of her, so she leaves, becomes a doctor and marries Richard--who, unknown to her, has problems with his sexuality.

Comedy Wednesday (June 16) features Joseph Estrada, Jun Aristorenas and Zaldy Zshornack in ''Hit and Run.'' They play three con men who meet in an operation to steal an attache case full of dollars.