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(04/26/01 4:44am)
Up until this year, I was going to law school to join the vast community of lawyers. But after marching into the IDS and demanding they hire me, everything changed. \nWell, actually the IDS hired me on the spot after I brought in a rough, rough review of "Almost Famous." From then on, I found my passion in writing and film. \nI may be leaving IU with no job or no real idea of my future, but I do know the last thing I want is a job lacking creativity and behind a cubicle. \nMy advice to the people lucky enough to have three, two or one more year on this campus: Get involved in something that you are passionate about. To give back something to people in any capacity can be more memorable than any big party or night out drinking (in most circumstances). \nI am trying very hard not to feel extreme anxiety and sadness about embarking on a life filled with responsibility and waking up at decent hour. But these four years here at IU have been the best college experience I could have asked for. I received a great education, learned every shortcut to avoid traffic, ate at Zagreb's as much as possible and, most importantly, made lifelong friends. To my friends, thank you for your patience because I know I can be difficult. Thank you for laughing at my stupid jokes, and thank you for always accompanying me to Nick's when I felt the need to play Sink the Biz. \nThank you to my family, especially my father for giving me six months of avoiding the job market like it was the plague. Thanks to my mother for inspiring me to write well. Most importantly, thank you to people who have read my reviews, especially for their criticism. I am still waiting for some hate mail! Thank you to the IDS and Jason, Rachel and Eden for showing me the ropes. Farewell Bloomington, I will miss the small town mentality of this college town every day as I hesitantly enter the real world.
(04/26/01 4:00am)
Up until this year, I was going to law school to join the vast community of lawyers. But after marching into the IDS and demanding they hire me, everything changed. \nWell, actually the IDS hired me on the spot after I brought in a rough, rough review of "Almost Famous." From then on, I found my passion in writing and film. \nI may be leaving IU with no job or no real idea of my future, but I do know the last thing I want is a job lacking creativity and behind a cubicle. \nMy advice to the people lucky enough to have three, two or one more year on this campus: Get involved in something that you are passionate about. To give back something to people in any capacity can be more memorable than any big party or night out drinking (in most circumstances). \nI am trying very hard not to feel extreme anxiety and sadness about embarking on a life filled with responsibility and waking up at decent hour. But these four years here at IU have been the best college experience I could have asked for. I received a great education, learned every shortcut to avoid traffic, ate at Zagreb's as much as possible and, most importantly, made lifelong friends. To my friends, thank you for your patience because I know I can be difficult. Thank you for laughing at my stupid jokes, and thank you for always accompanying me to Nick's when I felt the need to play Sink the Biz. \nThank you to my family, especially my father for giving me six months of avoiding the job market like it was the plague. Thanks to my mother for inspiring me to write well. Most importantly, thank you to people who have read my reviews, especially for their criticism. I am still waiting for some hate mail! Thank you to the IDS and Jason, Rachel and Eden for showing me the ropes. Farewell Bloomington, I will miss the small town mentality of this college town every day as I hesitantly enter the real world.
(04/13/01 1:48am)
Dealing drugs can be difficult, even when you are as renowned a dealer as George Jung. "Blow" is George's life story, based on the book by Bruce Porter. The movie is at times poignant and tragic.\nJohnny Depp plays George, a small-town boy from Massachusetts who rises from small-time marijuana dealing to sole responsibility for 85 percent of cocaine imported into the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. Growing up in Massachusetts, George has an unstable family life except for the loving relationship he has with his father (Ray Liotta). \nGeorge and his best friend, Tuna, pack up for California and start selling weed through their connection, Derek (Paul Reubens), a hairdresser with a stick fetish. Eventually, a clean-cut and carefree George is caught with 660 pounds of marijuana. George goes to jail many times in the film, but this time is most important because there he meets Diego (Jordi Molla). \nTogether they plan to import cocaine, or "mota," from Colombia with Diego's contacts. As George states so eloquently, "Jail was a crime school and I left with a doctorate in cocaine." George eventually does well, makes exorbitant amounts of money and falls in love with a drug dealer's fiancee, Mirtha (Penelope Crúz).\n"Blow" is by no means a classic in the fashion of drug films like "Scarface," "Goodfellas" or "Boogie Nights." But the movie is well acted and aesthetically appealing. Johnny Depp shines as George Jung. George is a complicated man, and Depp delivers a raw and complex performance. George basically invented the marketplace for cocaine, and with that comes responsibility. The film is not preachy and does not condone drug use. The drugs are a part of George's life and serve as a background for telling his story. \nThis is a film about family, money, happiness and loyalty. It is both funny, tragic and well directed by Ted Demme, a former MTV producer. "Blow" is not a coke party film but plenty of memorable moments are in that vein. "Blow" left me on the edge of my seat worrying and wondering what could possibly happen next to the biggest importer of cocaine in the 20th century.
(04/12/01 4:00am)
Dealing drugs can be difficult, even when you are as renowned a dealer as George Jung. "Blow" is George's life story, based on the book by Bruce Porter. The movie is at times poignant and tragic.\nJohnny Depp plays George, a small-town boy from Massachusetts who rises from small-time marijuana dealing to sole responsibility for 85 percent of cocaine imported into the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. Growing up in Massachusetts, George has an unstable family life except for the loving relationship he has with his father (Ray Liotta). \nGeorge and his best friend, Tuna, pack up for California and start selling weed through their connection, Derek (Paul Reubens), a hairdresser with a stick fetish. Eventually, a clean-cut and carefree George is caught with 660 pounds of marijuana. George goes to jail many times in the film, but this time is most important because there he meets Diego (Jordi Molla). \nTogether they plan to import cocaine, or "mota," from Colombia with Diego's contacts. As George states so eloquently, "Jail was a crime school and I left with a doctorate in cocaine." George eventually does well, makes exorbitant amounts of money and falls in love with a drug dealer's fiancee, Mirtha (Penelope Crúz).\n"Blow" is by no means a classic in the fashion of drug films like "Scarface," "Goodfellas" or "Boogie Nights." But the movie is well acted and aesthetically appealing. Johnny Depp shines as George Jung. George is a complicated man, and Depp delivers a raw and complex performance. George basically invented the marketplace for cocaine, and with that comes responsibility. The film is not preachy and does not condone drug use. The drugs are a part of George's life and serve as a background for telling his story. \nThis is a film about family, money, happiness and loyalty. It is both funny, tragic and well directed by Ted Demme, a former MTV producer. "Blow" is not a coke party film but plenty of memorable moments are in that vein. "Blow" left me on the edge of my seat worrying and wondering what could possibly happen next to the biggest importer of cocaine in the 20th century.
(03/01/01 6:01am)
This movie is quite timely because of one reason: Benicio Del Toro. In 2001 he has starred in three great films, "Traffic," "Snatch" and "The Pledge." This film showcases Del Toro's talent as a smoldering screen actor. His charisma and charm are characteristic of legendary film stars like Paul Newman and Steve McQueen, and he even resembles Brad Pitt. \n"The Way of the Gun" is a small gritty film that follows two vagrants (Del Toro and Ryan Phillipe) as they try to get by on donating blood and sperm while committing petty crimes. While in a sperm bank, they overhear a conversation about a rich but corrupt man who has paid a young woman, Robin, (Juliette Lewis) to carry his child. Apparently his new trophy wife, Francesca (Kristin Lehman), will not carry a child for her husband. In a strikingly violent scene, Del Toro and Phillipe kidnap the woman, shoot at her bodyguards and hold her and her unborn child hostage to collect from Mr. Chidek. \nThe kidnappers take Lewis to a motel and wait for her doctor, also Mr. Chidek's son, to induce labor and bring them $15 million. But trouble ensues when James Caan, as Mr. Chidek's fixer, comes to the motel to cut a deal. There is a great scene with Caan giving life and work advice to Del Toro, telling him to get out of the business.\nThis film is entertaining because the cast is great, and many subplots wait to explode. Although gritty crime films are common, the kidnapping of a pregnant surrogate mother is a new angle that is incorporated into the plot smoothly. The dynamic between Del Toro, Phillipe and Lewis works, and Lewis is great as a seemingly innocent woman caught up in a grand mess. \nBut this is an ode to Del Toro, who is finally appreciated in big films that still have an independent edge by "The Way of the Gun." Keep your eyes on him because he is sure to be the next biggest thing. And even if the golden statuette eludes him on March 25 for his work in "Traffic," we can all be certain he is going to be around for a while.
(03/01/01 5:00am)
This movie is quite timely because of one reason: Benicio Del Toro. In 2001 he has starred in three great films, "Traffic," "Snatch" and "The Pledge." This film showcases Del Toro's talent as a smoldering screen actor. His charisma and charm are characteristic of legendary film stars like Paul Newman and Steve McQueen, and he even resembles Brad Pitt. \n"The Way of the Gun" is a small gritty film that follows two vagrants (Del Toro and Ryan Phillipe) as they try to get by on donating blood and sperm while committing petty crimes. While in a sperm bank, they overhear a conversation about a rich but corrupt man who has paid a young woman, Robin, (Juliette Lewis) to carry his child. Apparently his new trophy wife, Francesca (Kristin Lehman), will not carry a child for her husband. In a strikingly violent scene, Del Toro and Phillipe kidnap the woman, shoot at her bodyguards and hold her and her unborn child hostage to collect from Mr. Chidek. \nThe kidnappers take Lewis to a motel and wait for her doctor, also Mr. Chidek's son, to induce labor and bring them $15 million. But trouble ensues when James Caan, as Mr. Chidek's fixer, comes to the motel to cut a deal. There is a great scene with Caan giving life and work advice to Del Toro, telling him to get out of the business.\nThis film is entertaining because the cast is great, and many subplots wait to explode. Although gritty crime films are common, the kidnapping of a pregnant surrogate mother is a new angle that is incorporated into the plot smoothly. The dynamic between Del Toro, Phillipe and Lewis works, and Lewis is great as a seemingly innocent woman caught up in a grand mess. \nBut this is an ode to Del Toro, who is finally appreciated in big films that still have an independent edge by "The Way of the Gun." Keep your eyes on him because he is sure to be the next biggest thing. And even if the golden statuette eludes him on March 25 for his work in "Traffic," we can all be certain he is going to be around for a while.
(02/22/01 5:42am)
• Directed by Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz\n• Starring Chris Rock, Eugene Levy, Regina King\n• Rated PG-13\n• Now playing at ShowPlace East 11\nIt is a story that is vaguely familiar. Through the power of the supernatural, a man returns to Earth in another body to live again. "Down To Earth" is based on Warren Beatty's 1978 movie "Heaven Can Wait" and stars the heavenly funny Chris Rock. But the edginess of the original story is lost by giving in to the studio mentality of having everything work out just fine. \nChris Rock is Lance Barton, a bike messenger who is killed by a truck while he is staring at the girl of his dreams. He is also an aspiring comic who dreams of wowing the Apollo. In true Apollo fashion, he is nicknamed "Booey" and his heckled off the stage on every amateur night. He ascends to heaven with the aid of an angel (Eugene Levy). There he meets Mr. King (Chazz Palminteri), who by an accident does not have a place for him. Lance then is offered to take the body of a rich white older male, Charles Wellington. He agrees because he sees that the girl of his dreams, Suntee (Regina King), has business with Wellington. Although Lance can see his true self when he looks in the mirror, everyone else sees an older white male.\nThe premise is hilarious: Chris Rock as an old white man, what great jokes! But Rock is at his best uncensored, and with a PG-13 rating, the jokes cannot be that wild. But for a family film, there is a large amount of profanity.\nIn his new powerful and stinking rich body, Rock "descends to staff levels," as his computer-tracking device notes, and tries to buddy up with his staff members.\nIf you are familiar with Chris Rock's now defunct HBO show, you will remember the actress Wanda Sykes. As Wanda the maid, she steals the film. Eventually Wellington wins over his staff members, and Wanda begins dusting the house in a mink coat, dripping with diamonds. Wellington also wins over Suntee by saving a hospital in Brooklyn that services those without insurance. In one of the funnier scenes, Rock addresses the board of the hospital in a hilarious tirade where he comments, "You shot in the head, we got a bed." \nThose scenes are few and far between. The Apollo is a nice medium to showcase Rock's genius standup act and comedic timing, but the film lacks an original and sharp story. From the beginning the plot line is obvious and sappy at times. Even if you are a big Chris Rock fan, as I am, you are certain to be disappointed. He would be better serviced in an R rated film where he has true artistic freedom.
(02/22/01 5:00am)
• Directed by Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz\n• Starring Chris Rock, Eugene Levy, Regina King\n• Rated PG-13\n• Now playing at ShowPlace East 11\nIt is a story that is vaguely familiar. Through the power of the supernatural, a man returns to Earth in another body to live again. "Down To Earth" is based on Warren Beatty's 1978 movie "Heaven Can Wait" and stars the heavenly funny Chris Rock. But the edginess of the original story is lost by giving in to the studio mentality of having everything work out just fine. \nChris Rock is Lance Barton, a bike messenger who is killed by a truck while he is staring at the girl of his dreams. He is also an aspiring comic who dreams of wowing the Apollo. In true Apollo fashion, he is nicknamed "Booey" and his heckled off the stage on every amateur night. He ascends to heaven with the aid of an angel (Eugene Levy). There he meets Mr. King (Chazz Palminteri), who by an accident does not have a place for him. Lance then is offered to take the body of a rich white older male, Charles Wellington. He agrees because he sees that the girl of his dreams, Suntee (Regina King), has business with Wellington. Although Lance can see his true self when he looks in the mirror, everyone else sees an older white male.\nThe premise is hilarious: Chris Rock as an old white man, what great jokes! But Rock is at his best uncensored, and with a PG-13 rating, the jokes cannot be that wild. But for a family film, there is a large amount of profanity.\nIn his new powerful and stinking rich body, Rock "descends to staff levels," as his computer-tracking device notes, and tries to buddy up with his staff members.\nIf you are familiar with Chris Rock's now defunct HBO show, you will remember the actress Wanda Sykes. As Wanda the maid, she steals the film. Eventually Wellington wins over his staff members, and Wanda begins dusting the house in a mink coat, dripping with diamonds. Wellington also wins over Suntee by saving a hospital in Brooklyn that services those without insurance. In one of the funnier scenes, Rock addresses the board of the hospital in a hilarious tirade where he comments, "You shot in the head, we got a bed." \nThose scenes are few and far between. The Apollo is a nice medium to showcase Rock's genius standup act and comedic timing, but the film lacks an original and sharp story. From the beginning the plot line is obvious and sappy at times. Even if you are a big Chris Rock fan, as I am, you are certain to be disappointed. He would be better serviced in an R rated film where he has true artistic freedom.
(02/01/01 5:00am)
J. Lo, Jennifer Lopez's sophomore follow-up to On the 6 is a meteoric attempt to climb the charts of "TRL." Lopez may be well known as a former "Fly Girl" and current movie actress, however, her vocal talents are nonexistent. The songs on the album could have been written by any 12-year-old girl who is pining for the boy in her science class. Not to say bubble gum pop can't be fun, but it requires catchy lyrics, an upbeat voice, and groovin' beats. \nLopez has neither an upbeat voice with much range (another good example of this is Christina Aguilera) or songwriters with much talent. \nThe first single released from the album, "Love Don't Cost a Thing," is the best track on the album, maybe because of its heavy rotation on MTV as well as the "Making The Video" that constantly plays. Aside from Lopez romping in the sand, the song actually is catchy enough to make it a radio favorite. The lyrics may be somewhat basic, but the message of the song is important. Independent women do not need a man to buy them diamonds the size of small cars; rather they need love and attention. \nThe other song worth mentioning is "That's the Way", which is produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, who has produced for Whitney Houston and Toni Braxton. This song showcases Jennifer's range and has a beat that keeps the listener's attention. \nSurprisingly, Jennifer gets in touch with her Latin roots on the last two tracks of the album. "Dame" and "Si Ya Se Acabó" are sung in Spanish and accompanied by big band instruments. When listening to these songs I felt like I should be in a lounge chair with a pina colada in my hand ordering around a cabana boy. That actually is a great feeling to derive from a pop song.\nCliched lyrics and beats that sound all too familiar weigh down the album. A few times I thought I was listening to a song from the previous album. Although Sean "Puffy" Combs lends his expertise to producing two tracks, he can't save his girlfriend. She should stick to more club, techno songs or to Spanish songs, at which she shines. A couple songs could be fun to listen to, but you definitely don't want to dig into your pockets to buy this CD.
(02/01/01 4:40am)
J. Lo, Jennifer Lopez's sophomore follow-up to On the 6 is a meteoric attempt to climb the charts of "TRL." Lopez may be well known as a former "Fly Girl" and current movie actress, however, her vocal talents are nonexistent. The songs on the album could have been written by any 12-year-old girl who is pining for the boy in her science class. Not to say bubble gum pop can't be fun, but it requires catchy lyrics, an upbeat voice, and groovin' beats. \nLopez has neither an upbeat voice with much range (another good example of this is Christina Aguilera) or songwriters with much talent. \nThe first single released from the album, "Love Don't Cost a Thing," is the best track on the album, maybe because of its heavy rotation on MTV as well as the "Making The Video" that constantly plays. Aside from Lopez romping in the sand, the song actually is catchy enough to make it a radio favorite. The lyrics may be somewhat basic, but the message of the song is important. Independent women do not need a man to buy them diamonds the size of small cars; rather they need love and attention. \nThe other song worth mentioning is "That's the Way", which is produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, who has produced for Whitney Houston and Toni Braxton. This song showcases Jennifer's range and has a beat that keeps the listener's attention. \nSurprisingly, Jennifer gets in touch with her Latin roots on the last two tracks of the album. "Dame" and "Si Ya Se Acabó" are sung in Spanish and accompanied by big band instruments. When listening to these songs I felt like I should be in a lounge chair with a pina colada in my hand ordering around a cabana boy. That actually is a great feeling to derive from a pop song.\nCliched lyrics and beats that sound all too familiar weigh down the album. A few times I thought I was listening to a song from the previous album. Although Sean "Puffy" Combs lends his expertise to producing two tracks, he can't save his girlfriend. She should stick to more club, techno songs or to Spanish songs, at which she shines. A couple songs could be fun to listen to, but you definitely don't want to dig into your pockets to buy this CD.
(01/25/01 5:13am)
Although famous for his weekend jaunt to Scotland to marry the Material Girl, Guy Ritchie directs films too! This said with a hint of sarcasm because surprisingly, "Snatch," a caper of sorts, shows real directorial talent. This film, although missing a deep meaning, is fun fluff. Ritchie successfully interchanges many story lines that end up connecting in the style of a film like "The Usual Suspects" or "Go." \nThis fast-paced caper-heist film chronicles the passage of a diamond that every character is trying to get his or her fingers on. Originally apprehended by Frankie Four Fingers (Benicio Del Toro), a notorious gambler, the jewel is the object of obsession by every gangster in town, including a man known as Boris. \nHe hires three bumbling thieves to find the jewel, but they are quite inexperienced at crime and end up making things worse. This is set in the backdrop of illegal boxing where Mickey (Brad Pitt), a boxer with an undecipherable accent, refuses to go along with the promoter to throw the fight. \nThere are many colorful characters trying to both find the jewel and to just make a dollar. \nThere are many bright moments in this film. A scene with Frankie Four Fingers being fitted for a suit is hilarious. This is Benicio Del Toro's year he has shined in every movie he has had contact with. The scenes with Del Toro that flash him gambling with background music pumping "Viva Las Vegas" are great. Pitt is also convincing as a trailer park bum who cannot be understood by anyone but his mother and his other trailer park friends. \nWhere does "Snatch" fall short? Well, some of the cuts in the movie seem to be straight out of an MTV music video. Halfway through the film it loses its luster. But a fantastic climax makes up for the boredom. In addition, Dennis Farina's character, Abraham Denovitz, seems to be the same one he played in "Get Shorty."\nThis film needs close attention because the dialects at time are unclear. Although this film is not deep, it doesn't need to be. It is sublimely funny, and the performances of a great cast should not be missed.
(01/25/01 5:00am)
Although famous for his weekend jaunt to Scotland to marry the Material Girl, Guy Ritchie directs films too! This said with a hint of sarcasm because surprisingly, "Snatch," a caper of sorts, shows real directorial talent. This film, although missing a deep meaning, is fun fluff. Ritchie successfully interchanges many story lines that end up connecting in the style of a film like "The Usual Suspects" or "Go." \nThis fast-paced caper-heist film chronicles the passage of a diamond that every character is trying to get his or her fingers on. Originally apprehended by Frankie Four Fingers (Benicio Del Toro), a notorious gambler, the jewel is the object of obsession by every gangster in town, including a man known as Boris. \nHe hires three bumbling thieves to find the jewel, but they are quite inexperienced at crime and end up making things worse. This is set in the backdrop of illegal boxing where Mickey (Brad Pitt), a boxer with an undecipherable accent, refuses to go along with the promoter to throw the fight. \nThere are many colorful characters trying to both find the jewel and to just make a dollar. \nThere are many bright moments in this film. A scene with Frankie Four Fingers being fitted for a suit is hilarious. This is Benicio Del Toro's year he has shined in every movie he has had contact with. The scenes with Del Toro that flash him gambling with background music pumping "Viva Las Vegas" are great. Pitt is also convincing as a trailer park bum who cannot be understood by anyone but his mother and his other trailer park friends. \nWhere does "Snatch" fall short? Well, some of the cuts in the movie seem to be straight out of an MTV music video. Halfway through the film it loses its luster. But a fantastic climax makes up for the boredom. In addition, Dennis Farina's character, Abraham Denovitz, seems to be the same one he played in "Get Shorty."\nThis film needs close attention because the dialects at time are unclear. Although this film is not deep, it doesn't need to be. It is sublimely funny, and the performances of a great cast should not be missed.
(01/11/01 5:00am)
The horses and the Rio Grande might be pretty; but the slow-as-molasses plot distracts the vision of "All the Pretty Horses." The film is adapted to the screen from Cormac McCarthy's novel set in the modern West and focuses on two young men in the years after World War II. John Grady Cole (Matt Damon) decides to leave Texas after his grandfather's death and the subsequent selling of his ranch. With Cole's dreams of living and working there shattered, he sets out for Mexico with his buddy Lacey Rawlins (Henry Thomas of "E.T." fame.) On their journey they encounter a teenager named Jimmy Blevins (Lucas Black) who is running from the law. After Blevins' horse and gun are stolen, they part ways and end up at the front door of a powerful ranch-owner. There, Cole falls madly in love with Alejandra (Penélope Cruz.)\n The film has all the trappings of a beautiful love story with the background of untamed countryside and rustic living. But Billy Bob Thornton's direction lacks a coherent plot to tie it all together. We have nothing to invest in the characters from the minute they are introduced. There is no development, which hinders the film. Not to mention the dialogue, which is choppy and misplaced. The story takes a back seat to the landscape, which is remarkable.\n The relationship between Damon's and Cruz's characters is contrived. After two glances at each other, the audience is supposed to believe they are madly in love and destined for trouble. The two actors seem as though they are in different films and have no chemistry. The only relationship in the film worth noting is that of Damon's and Thomas' characters. We are convinced they are old buddies who are young and free, exploring carefree youth. Although each character is not fully developed on his own, together their dynamic is believable.\n The message of the film is unclear. There are many allusions to the human spirit, forgiveness, the power of God and if he exists. But the film lacks a rhythm. Thornton is quite pretentious in his vision, and if he tried to make this a simple film, he just might have succeeded.
(01/11/01 1:30am)
The horses and the Rio Grande might be pretty; but the slow-as-molasses plot distracts the vision of "All the Pretty Horses." The film is adapted to the screen from Cormac McCarthy's novel set in the modern West and focuses on two young men in the years after World War II. John Grady Cole (Matt Damon) decides to leave Texas after his grandfather's death and the subsequent selling of his ranch. With Cole's dreams of living and working there shattered, he sets out for Mexico with his buddy Lacey Rawlins (Henry Thomas of "E.T." fame.) On their journey they encounter a teenager named Jimmy Blevins (Lucas Black) who is running from the law. After Blevins' horse and gun are stolen, they part ways and end up at the front door of a powerful ranch-owner. There, Cole falls madly in love with Alejandra (Penélope Cruz.)\n The film has all the trappings of a beautiful love story with the background of untamed countryside and rustic living. But Billy Bob Thornton's direction lacks a coherent plot to tie it all together. We have nothing to invest in the characters from the minute they are introduced. There is no development, which hinders the film. Not to mention the dialogue, which is choppy and misplaced. The story takes a back seat to the landscape, which is remarkable.\n The relationship between Damon's and Cruz's characters is contrived. After two glances at each other, the audience is supposed to believe they are madly in love and destined for trouble. The two actors seem as though they are in different films and have no chemistry. The only relationship in the film worth noting is that of Damon's and Thomas' characters. We are convinced they are old buddies who are young and free, exploring carefree youth. Although each character is not fully developed on his own, together their dynamic is believable.\n The message of the film is unclear. There are many allusions to the human spirit, forgiveness, the power of God and if he exists. But the film lacks a rhythm. Thornton is quite pretentious in his vision, and if he tried to make this a simple film, he just might have succeeded.
(12/07/00 6:22am)
Most likely to dump his wife, get an earring and run off with Jack Nicholson's girlfriend: Harrison Ford\nMost bizarre friendship: Michael Jackson and Macauley Culkin\nBest Movie Sex Scene: The chickens of "Chicken Run"\nMost like a teenage Celine Dion: Jessica Simpson\nMost Gratuitous Nudity: Richard Hatch in "Survivor"\nBiggest Anglophile: Madonna\nThe Jennifer Lopez Award for Most Revealing Outfit: Tie -- Britney Spears and Geena Davis\nWorst Song of the Year: Tie -- Aaron Carter's "Aaron's Party (Come 'n Get It)" and O-Town's "Liquid Dreams"\nMost Informative Election Coverage: Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show"\nFreakiest Couple: Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton\nWorst Sequel: Tie -- "Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows" and "Urban Legends: Final Cut"\nMost likely to be rehab bunkmates: Robert Downey Jr., Ol' Dirty Bastard and Darryl Strawberry\nScariest Ally McBeal "Dancing Baby" rip off: The baby in "Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps"\nMost upsetting departure from television:Andy Richter \nFunniest Movie Title: "The Eyes of Tammy Faye"\nBest Marketing Ploy to Get Men Into a Chick Flick: "Coyote Ugly" and "Charlie's Angels"\nMost stuck-up "It" girl: Kate Hudson\nMost In Need of Forehead Reconstruction By Way Of Baseball Bat: James van der Beek\nBest Job at Proving He's Still an Idiot: Keanu Reeves with "The Replacements" and "The Watcher"\nMost Likely to Make You Want To Drown Yourself in a Bathtub: "What Lies Beneath"\nBest "Wall Street" Rip Off: "Boiler Room"\nCheesiest Movie: "Duets"\nBest Movie Ruined in the Last 10 Minutes: Tie -- "Almost Famous" and "Frequency"\nBest Former Child Star Turned Full-On Hottie: Kirsten Dunst\nMost Depressing Film: "The Virgin Suicides"\nBest Special Effects that Look Like You Did Them Yourself In Your Backyard: "Thomas and the Magic Railroad"\nWorst Movie to See on Drugs: "The Cell"\nBiggest Beef:Eminem and Everlast\nBiggest Pair of Underwear on Screen:"Road Trip"\nCelebrity We're Most Sick of Seeing: Helen Hunt\nMovie Most Likely to Make You Want to Turn and Run From Scientology: "Battlefield Earth"\nGreediest Couple: Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones for making money on their wedding\nMost Senseless Fun: "Charlie's Angels"\nBest Line: Shaft: "It's my duty to please that booty"\nThe Ricky Martin Award for Latin Flavor of the Month: Penelope Cruz\nBest On-Screen Duo: Chris Rock and Morgan Freeman in "Nurse Betty"\nBoy Band Most Likely to Kick All the Other Boy Bands' Asses in a Fight: 98 Degrees\nMost Dragged Out Departures: Tie -- Barbra Streisand leaving concerts and Kathie Lee Gifford leaving "Live"\nBiggest Kiss-Ass: Carson Daly\nThe Next Kriss Kross: Lil' Bow Wow\nBiggest Disaster Since Titanic: "The Beach"\nMost likely to make you ask, "How did you get out of the trailer park?" Threeway Tie -- Christina Aguilera, Fred Durst and Eminem\nBest Sample: Offspring using Rob Schneider\nWorst Sample: Jessica Simpson using John Mellencamp\nChannel Most Obsessed with Crappy Music of the past: VH1\nChannel Most Obsessed with Crappy Music of the present: MTV\nMost Drool-worthy Video: D'Angelo's "Untitled (How Does it Feel)"\nMost vexed actor:Joaquin Phoenix\nWeirdest Career Turnover: Christian Bale going from Jesus in "Mary Mother of God" to title character in "American Psycho"\nWorst Use of Facial Hair: The Backstreet Boys\nMost Accurate Movie Title: "Loser"\nMost Likely to Single-handedly Kill Teen Movies: Freddie Prinze Jr.\nCelebrity with More Money than God: Oprah (but she is God, right?)\nFunniest new guy: Owen Wilson\nHeaviest Rotation of Annoying Song: "The Thong Song" by Sisqo\nBand We're Gonna Miss the Most: Smashing Pumpkins\nThe Winner of the Gwyneth Paltrow/Ben Affleck Award for "We don\'t give a #@!* if they're dating anymore:" Tie -- Russell Crowe/Meg Ryan and Britney Spears/Justin Timberlake
(12/07/00 5:13am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Although it's been eight years since Sade's last album, the wait has been worth it. Lovers Rock showcases Sade's smooth melodic voice with lyrics that do have substance. Sade's songs mainly explain the feelings of love and passion. You can feel the passion in her voice. And even though many associate Sade with slow love songs, these songs can be appreciated by any music aficionado.
(12/07/00 5:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Although it's been eight years since Sade's last album, the wait has been worth it. Lovers Rock showcases Sade's smooth melodic voice with lyrics that do have substance. Sade's songs mainly explain the feelings of love and passion. You can feel the passion in her voice. And even though many associate Sade with slow love songs, these songs can be appreciated by any music aficionado.
(12/07/00 5:00am)
Most likely to dump his wife, get an earring and run off with Jack Nicholson's girlfriend: Harrison Ford\nMost bizarre friendship: Michael Jackson and Macauley Culkin\nBest Movie Sex Scene: The chickens of "Chicken Run"\nMost like a teenage Celine Dion: Jessica Simpson\nMost Gratuitous Nudity: Richard Hatch in "Survivor"\nBiggest Anglophile: Madonna\nThe Jennifer Lopez Award for Most Revealing Outfit: Tie -- Britney Spears and Geena Davis\nWorst Song of the Year: Tie -- Aaron Carter's "Aaron's Party (Come 'n Get It)" and O-Town's "Liquid Dreams"\nMost Informative Election Coverage: Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show"\nFreakiest Couple: Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton\nWorst Sequel: Tie -- "Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows" and "Urban Legends: Final Cut"\nMost likely to be rehab bunkmates: Robert Downey Jr., Ol' Dirty Bastard and Darryl Strawberry\nScariest Ally McBeal "Dancing Baby" rip off: The baby in "Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps"\nMost upsetting departure from television:Andy Richter \nFunniest Movie Title: "The Eyes of Tammy Faye"\nBest Marketing Ploy to Get Men Into a Chick Flick: "Coyote Ugly" and "Charlie's Angels"\nMost stuck-up "It" girl: Kate Hudson\nMost In Need of Forehead Reconstruction By Way Of Baseball Bat: James van der Beek\nBest Job at Proving He's Still an Idiot: Keanu Reeves with "The Replacements" and "The Watcher"\nMost Likely to Make You Want To Drown Yourself in a Bathtub: "What Lies Beneath"\nBest "Wall Street" Rip Off: "Boiler Room"\nCheesiest Movie: "Duets"\nBest Movie Ruined in the Last 10 Minutes: Tie -- "Almost Famous" and "Frequency"\nBest Former Child Star Turned Full-On Hottie: Kirsten Dunst\nMost Depressing Film: "The Virgin Suicides"\nBest Special Effects that Look Like You Did Them Yourself In Your Backyard: "Thomas and the Magic Railroad"\nWorst Movie to See on Drugs: "The Cell"\nBiggest Beef:Eminem and Everlast\nBiggest Pair of Underwear on Screen:"Road Trip"\nCelebrity We're Most Sick of Seeing: Helen Hunt\nMovie Most Likely to Make You Want to Turn and Run From Scientology: "Battlefield Earth"\nGreediest Couple: Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones for making money on their wedding\nMost Senseless Fun: "Charlie's Angels"\nBest Line: Shaft: "It's my duty to please that booty"\nThe Ricky Martin Award for Latin Flavor of the Month: Penelope Cruz\nBest On-Screen Duo: Chris Rock and Morgan Freeman in "Nurse Betty"\nBoy Band Most Likely to Kick All the Other Boy Bands' Asses in a Fight: 98 Degrees\nMost Dragged Out Departures: Tie -- Barbra Streisand leaving concerts and Kathie Lee Gifford leaving "Live"\nBiggest Kiss-Ass: Carson Daly\nThe Next Kriss Kross: Lil' Bow Wow\nBiggest Disaster Since Titanic: "The Beach"\nMost likely to make you ask, "How did you get out of the trailer park?" Threeway Tie -- Christina Aguilera, Fred Durst and Eminem\nBest Sample: Offspring using Rob Schneider\nWorst Sample: Jessica Simpson using John Mellencamp\nChannel Most Obsessed with Crappy Music of the past: VH1\nChannel Most Obsessed with Crappy Music of the present: MTV\nMost Drool-worthy Video: D'Angelo's "Untitled (How Does it Feel)"\nMost vexed actor:Joaquin Phoenix\nWeirdest Career Turnover: Christian Bale going from Jesus in "Mary Mother of God" to title character in "American Psycho"\nWorst Use of Facial Hair: The Backstreet Boys\nMost Accurate Movie Title: "Loser"\nMost Likely to Single-handedly Kill Teen Movies: Freddie Prinze Jr.\nCelebrity with More Money than God: Oprah (but she is God, right?)\nFunniest new guy: Owen Wilson\nHeaviest Rotation of Annoying Song: "The Thong Song" by Sisqo\nBand We're Gonna Miss the Most: Smashing Pumpkins\nThe Winner of the Gwyneth Paltrow/Ben Affleck Award for "We don\'t give a #@!* if they're dating anymore:" Tie -- Russell Crowe/Meg Ryan and Britney Spears/Justin Timberlake
(11/03/00 8:05pm)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>In the new film "Lucky Numbers," playing the Pennsylvania state lottery can be not only dangerous but insanely painful to watch. The star power of John Travolta and Lisa Kudrow as well as the famed directing of Nora Ephron can do nothing to help move this film along.
(11/03/00 9:11am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Usually when a CD is showered with guest vocalists on every single song, one must proceed with caution. It is a frequent sign that the singer cannot pull his or her own weight. However, Guru's Jazmatazz uses these guest vocalists efficiently, and his soulful style is not overshadowed.