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(06/07/06 9:33pm)
Cheddar, provolone, bree: cheeses that could describe the cheesiness that is "High School Musical." But when using the adjective cheesy people often forget, cheese tastes good. \nThe story begins at a vacation resort New Year's Eve party where teeny boppers Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Anne Hudgens) are forced into singing a karaoke duet. As they take the stage they discover they have amazing computer enhanced singing voices they were never aware of. The couple shares a magical night but as vacation ends they must part ways until, as luck would have it, Gabriella's mom gets transferred and she ends up at Troy's high school. The two decide to audition together for the school's musical, but problem is, on Troy's home turf he's worshiped for being the varsity basketball stud. His teammates freak out about his new interest in theater (though they have no problem expressing their anger in song in dance) and the two must also compete against reigning drama club thespians, brother-sister team Ryan and Sharpay (who often get a little too close for sibling comfort).\nThis made-for-TV Disney Channel movie became a phenomenon earlier this year when it pulled in over 36 million viewers and the soundtrack topped the Billboard album charts, selling over 2 million copies (making it the top album of 2006 to date, unheard of for a made for TV movie soundtrack).And while it may just be "Grease" for young kids, It's nice to know its success may spark interest in movie musicals for a new generation after "Rent" and "The Producers" failed to score big.\nObviously the film is made for young audiences (it's so innocent it doesn't even let its leads kiss) and its corniness makes "Grease 2" look like "Casablanca," but that doesn't mean educated college students can't enjoy it. The awesome songs are annoyingly catchy (had the film been released in theaters "Breaking Free" would easily take home the Oscar for best song) and Kenny Ortega's choreography is damn impressive (especially coming from a cast so young.) It's also refreshing to see high school students actually played by teenagers.\nSpecial features include a making of feature and instructional dance video (that's nearly impossible to follow), plus music videos and even a karaoke sing along version of the film.\nSo if next year you see some kid in Gresham trying to get the freshmen to dance around a lunch table in unison while singing a song called "Stick to the Status Quo" just ignore me, if no one joins in, I'll quit eventually. This is one guilty pleasure worth checking out.
(06/01/06 4:00am)
"This is the true story of seven jailbirds picked to live in an abandon hotel and find out what happens when people stop acting nice and start getting their eyes gouged out by a mental psycho path." No, "See No Evil" doesn't begin with this voice-over, but with all the arguing, hooking up and drugs, it's nothing more than a bad episode of "The Real World." Except people die. \nA group of young inmates are sent to clean up an abandoned hotel for a city work release program (smart idea), where an insane killer happens to live. Apparently inmates are now allowed designer clothes, beauty products and cell phones in jail as long as they are young and hot. Back in the day some nuns messed up our killer, Jacob Goodnight (played by WWE wrestler Kane), by making him wash his sins out of his eyes (or something like that, I don't know I kind of stopped paying attention) and now he gouges out the eyes of his victims. Turns out the victims were the lucky ones because, wait for it…wait for it… with their eyes scratched out they'll never have to watch this movie (ooh bet you weren't expecting that.) \nKane mopes around looking like the lovechild of John C. Reilly and the Hulk killing the kids, nothing too exciting. On a side note, my cousin used to work for the WWE and back in 5th grade I went backstage (or whatever you call backstage at a wrestling match) and met several wrestlers including Kane. So I saw Kane without his mask on, which was huge back then because Kane aaaalways wore a mask, but now since he's doing a whole movie without one, I guess it's not that big of a deal. Anyways... I could talk about all the crappy camera angles and weird ghost noises used (even though the hotel isn't haunted) but there's really no point, just don't see this movie.\nIn all fairness, "See No Evil" isn't much worse than its predecessors in a long list of bad horror movies to fly out of theaters this year. The sad part is how audiences continue to flock to these films. Even against "The DaVinci Code," "See No Evil" managed to have a pretty decent opening weekend. While you can't really expect much from a movie financed by the WWE and directed by a porn director (Gregory Dark), you'd at least think a porn director would know how to pleasure an audience. Guess not.
(05/31/06 11:57pm)
"This is the true story of seven jailbirds picked to live in an abandon hotel and find out what happens when people stop acting nice and start getting their eyes gouged out by a mental psycho path." No, "See No Evil" doesn't begin with this voice-over, but with all the arguing, hooking up and drugs, it's nothing more than a bad episode of "The Real World." Except people die. \nA group of young inmates are sent to clean up an abandoned hotel for a city work release program (smart idea), where an insane killer happens to live. Apparently inmates are now allowed designer clothes, beauty products and cell phones in jail as long as they are young and hot. Back in the day some nuns messed up our killer, Jacob Goodnight (played by WWE wrestler Kane), by making him wash his sins out of his eyes (or something like that, I don't know I kind of stopped paying attention) and now he gouges out the eyes of his victims. Turns out the victims were the lucky ones because, wait for it…wait for it… with their eyes scratched out they'll never have to watch this movie (ooh bet you weren't expecting that.) \nKane mopes around looking like the lovechild of John C. Reilly and the Hulk killing the kids, nothing too exciting. On a side note, my cousin used to work for the WWE and back in 5th grade I went backstage (or whatever you call backstage at a wrestling match) and met several wrestlers including Kane. So I saw Kane without his mask on, which was huge back then because Kane aaaalways wore a mask, but now since he's doing a whole movie without one, I guess it's not that big of a deal. Anyways... I could talk about all the crappy camera angles and weird ghost noises used (even though the hotel isn't haunted) but there's really no point, just don't see this movie.\nIn all fairness, "See No Evil" isn't much worse than its predecessors in a long list of bad horror movies to fly out of theaters this year. The sad part is how audiences continue to flock to these films. Even against "The DaVinci Code," "See No Evil" managed to have a pretty decent opening weekend. While you can't really expect much from a movie financed by the WWE and directed by a porn director (Gregory Dark), you'd at least think a porn director would know how to pleasure an audience. Guess not.
(05/11/06 4:00am)
Damn you "Family Stone." Damn you for making me watch a Christmas movie in May, instead of waiting for a December release. Damn you for advertising yourself as a "Meet the Parents"-type comedy when you're really a serious drama. Damn you for having a conclusion so sappy it'd make a Garry Marshall film blush. But damn you, mostly, for appealing to my soft side, which forces me to enjoy crappy movies doomed for TBS syndication ("The Wedding Planner," anyone?). \nIn the movie, uptight Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) heads to her boyfriend Everett's (Dermot Mulroney) family home for Christmas, and finds a lukewarm reception. Among the Stone clan is domineering matriarch Sybil (Diane Keaton, magnificent as always), tranquil dad Kelly (a natural Craig T. Nelson, who should do more film work), unkempt, grouchy sister Amy (Rachel McAdams, yet to make a bad film), and stoner brother Ben (a smug Luke Wilson). Oh yeah -- also sister Susannah (Elizabeth Reaser) and brother Thad (Tyrone Giordano) who, because they're not played by famous people, are pushed to the side.\nThe clan ostracizes Meredith -- but it's hard to sympathize with her, as her own ignorant comments and tense personality undermine her attempts to fit in. Yet, at the same time, the Stones can be big jerks as well -- so, why does she bother trying so hard? After the introductions, a family secret is eventually revealed, shifting the plot from Meredith's awkwardness to more serious family issues. Suddenly, all the horrible things these people have done over the past days disintegrate. In the end, the "despite our differences, we're still family" message is hard to resist. Fight your hardest -- but come the closing credits, you'll most likely wear a smile with a tear in your eye. I'm angry at myself for liking this movie, but that doesn't conceal the fact that I did. \nThe special features primarily exist to remind viewers of the film's all-star cast. There's a casting session featurette (the film was originally supposed to be an independent feature, but Keaton's signing on brought the other stars flocking to the film), a red carpet premiere special (any compliments given to Craig T. Nelson should be revoked after seeing the mullet he sported to the opening), and a Q&A session with the cast at the Screen Actors Guild Theater. Writer/Director Thomas Bezucha must have overseen the creation of the special features, as they're practically a love letter to him. Everyone comments on how aaaamazing he was, and how hard he worked to make this film, and blah blah blah. Sure, he did a lot -- but there were other people on set too. \nPeople like production designer Jane Anne Stewart -- who made the Stones' New England home both meticulously, disastrously cluttered and charmingly picturesque (damn, doncha just wanna snuggle on the couch near that fire place?) -- that should be given their due credit. Several deleted scenes are also available -- but none are longer than thirty seconds, and most are filled with silence, so there's no point to them. The "outrageous" gag reel is anything but. Is somebody forgetting their lines, smiling, then saying "sorry" really that great of a blooper? Cast, director and producer commentaries are also included.\nReally, the only yuletide thing about "The Family Stone" is that it takes place during the holidays -- yet, nonetheless, the DVD should come with a tag that reads "do not open 'til Christmas." And, yes, watch it with your family.
(05/10/06 7:07pm)
Damn you "Family Stone." Damn you for making me watch a Christmas movie in May, instead of waiting for a December release. Damn you for advertising yourself as a "Meet the Parents"-type comedy when you're really a serious drama. Damn you for having a conclusion so sappy it'd make a Garry Marshall film blush. But damn you, mostly, for appealing to my soft side, which forces me to enjoy crappy movies doomed for TBS syndication ("The Wedding Planner," anyone?). \nIn the movie, uptight Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) heads to her boyfriend Everett's (Dermot Mulroney) family home for Christmas, and finds a lukewarm reception. Among the Stone clan is domineering matriarch Sybil (Diane Keaton, magnificent as always), tranquil dad Kelly (a natural Craig T. Nelson, who should do more film work), unkempt, grouchy sister Amy (Rachel McAdams, yet to make a bad film), and stoner brother Ben (a smug Luke Wilson). Oh yeah -- also sister Susannah (Elizabeth Reaser) and brother Thad (Tyrone Giordano) who, because they're not played by famous people, are pushed to the side.\nThe clan ostracizes Meredith -- but it's hard to sympathize with her, as her own ignorant comments and tense personality undermine her attempts to fit in. Yet, at the same time, the Stones can be big jerks as well -- so, why does she bother trying so hard? After the introductions, a family secret is eventually revealed, shifting the plot from Meredith's awkwardness to more serious family issues. Suddenly, all the horrible things these people have done over the past days disintegrate. In the end, the "despite our differences, we're still family" message is hard to resist. Fight your hardest -- but come the closing credits, you'll most likely wear a smile with a tear in your eye. I'm angry at myself for liking this movie, but that doesn't conceal the fact that I did. \nThe special features primarily exist to remind viewers of the film's all-star cast. There's a casting session featurette (the film was originally supposed to be an independent feature, but Keaton's signing on brought the other stars flocking to the film), a red carpet premiere special (any compliments given to Craig T. Nelson should be revoked after seeing the mullet he sported to the opening), and a Q&A session with the cast at the Screen Actors Guild Theater. Writer/Director Thomas Bezucha must have overseen the creation of the special features, as they're practically a love letter to him. Everyone comments on how aaaamazing he was, and how hard he worked to make this film, and blah blah blah. Sure, he did a lot -- but there were other people on set too. \nPeople like production designer Jane Anne Stewart -- who made the Stones' New England home both meticulously, disastrously cluttered and charmingly picturesque (damn, doncha just wanna snuggle on the couch near that fire place?) -- that should be given their due credit. Several deleted scenes are also available -- but none are longer than thirty seconds, and most are filled with silence, so there's no point to them. The "outrageous" gag reel is anything but. Is somebody forgetting their lines, smiling, then saying "sorry" really that great of a blooper? Cast, director and producer commentaries are also included.\nReally, the only yuletide thing about "The Family Stone" is that it takes place during the holidays -- yet, nonetheless, the DVD should come with a tag that reads "do not open 'til Christmas." And, yes, watch it with your family.
(04/20/06 4:00am)
If during your daily routine today you happen to witness someone trip, stumble or fall down, congratulations, you've pretty much seen "Scary Movie 4." Looks like the "Scary Movie" franchise has run out of steam, and rather abruptly too, considering "Scary Movie 3" was surprisingly entertaining. \nThe film begins with a weak "Saw" parody featuring Dr. Phil and Shaq, especially when compared to the hilarious intros spoofing "Scream," "The Exorcist" and "The Ring" that began the previous three films. This unfunny sequence sets the pace for the rest of the painful film. \nThis time around Cindy Campbell (Anna Faris) gets a job nursing an elderly woman living in a haunted house where she discovers a young boy who has been murdered. The ghost warns her of a world wide alien attack which brings Anna to a strange village where one man may have the answer on how to stop the assault. The problem with this fourth installment is it simply dresses the actors in the same costumes and recreates the production design of the film being made fun of without actually doing anything funny. Practically every joke is the same, an unfunny gag of somebody being repeatedly hit over the head. Any joke that does work, and there are a few, gets drawn out and becomes so over the top that it is no longer funny. \nIt would have helped if the film branched off from the four primary films it spoofs ("Saw," "The Grudge," "The Village" and "War of the Worlds"), though "Million Dollar Baby" and "Fahrenheit 9/11" get their share of ridicule this time around. By only limiting itself to these four sources, the film gets to the point where it has recreated so many scenes from the originals that it feels more like a remake rather than a parody. \nThe always dependable Anna Faris is still stuck playing Cindy Campbell. Poor Anna, she's a great comedic actress (check out her scene-stealing cameos in "Lost in Translation" and "Brokeback Mountain") and deserves better. It's about time she headlines her own, smarter movie. Another mildly enjoyable comedic talent comes from Craig Bierko, whose Tom Cruise impression is so dead on it sometimes sounds like voice tracks of Cruise are being used. While the Oprah couch jumping scene is funny, almost a year later it is a little dated. \nHow great would it have been if the screenwriters had planned ahead by having Cindy give birth to Tom's alien baby, spoofing the classic horror film "Rosemary's Baby." Then Cindy could be denied medication during birth due to her new religious beliefs. Oh well, guess we have to rely on "South Park" to stick it to Scientology.\nAfter pulling in over $40 million in its opening weekend, it's inevitable "Scary Movie 5" will get the green-light, which might not necessarily be bad. Hopefully the film will get back to its R-rated roots. That way we can laugh at good old fashioned vulgarity instead of obnoxious slapstick.
(04/20/06 1:43am)
If during your daily routine today you happen to witness someone trip, stumble or fall down, congratulations, you've pretty much seen "Scary Movie 4." Looks like the "Scary Movie" franchise has run out of steam, and rather abruptly too, considering "Scary Movie 3" was surprisingly entertaining. \nThe film begins with a weak "Saw" parody featuring Dr. Phil and Shaq, especially when compared to the hilarious intros spoofing "Scream," "The Exorcist" and "The Ring" that began the previous three films. This unfunny sequence sets the pace for the rest of the painful film. \nThis time around Cindy Campbell (Anna Faris) gets a job nursing an elderly woman living in a haunted house where she discovers a young boy who has been murdered. The ghost warns her of a world wide alien attack which brings Anna to a strange village where one man may have the answer on how to stop the assault. The problem with this fourth installment is it simply dresses the actors in the same costumes and recreates the production design of the film being made fun of without actually doing anything funny. Practically every joke is the same, an unfunny gag of somebody being repeatedly hit over the head. Any joke that does work, and there are a few, gets drawn out and becomes so over the top that it is no longer funny. \nIt would have helped if the film branched off from the four primary films it spoofs ("Saw," "The Grudge," "The Village" and "War of the Worlds"), though "Million Dollar Baby" and "Fahrenheit 9/11" get their share of ridicule this time around. By only limiting itself to these four sources, the film gets to the point where it has recreated so many scenes from the originals that it feels more like a remake rather than a parody. \nThe always dependable Anna Faris is still stuck playing Cindy Campbell. Poor Anna, she's a great comedic actress (check out her scene-stealing cameos in "Lost in Translation" and "Brokeback Mountain") and deserves better. It's about time she headlines her own, smarter movie. Another mildly enjoyable comedic talent comes from Craig Bierko, whose Tom Cruise impression is so dead on it sometimes sounds like voice tracks of Cruise are being used. While the Oprah couch jumping scene is funny, almost a year later it is a little dated. \nHow great would it have been if the screenwriters had planned ahead by having Cindy give birth to Tom's alien baby, spoofing the classic horror film "Rosemary's Baby." Then Cindy could be denied medication during birth due to her new religious beliefs. Oh well, guess we have to rely on "South Park" to stick it to Scientology.\nAfter pulling in over $40 million in its opening weekend, it's inevitable "Scary Movie 5" will get the green-light, which might not necessarily be bad. Hopefully the film will get back to its R-rated roots. That way we can laugh at good old fashioned vulgarity instead of obnoxious slapstick.
(04/13/06 4:00am)
"American Dreamz" is an ambitious, yet underachieving movie. It's not every day a big studio movie so explicitly parodies public figures like the president and TV personalities. That's territory mostly crossed by late night comedy sketch and talk shows. And that's pretty much all "American Dreamz" is; a drawn out "Saturday Night Live" skit. \nAfter being re-elected into office, President Stanton (Dennis Quaid doing a surprisingly good Bush impression) is having an identity crisis. He confines himself to his bedroom reading newspaper after newspaper and refuses to make any public appearances. Worried about Stanton's dropping approval ratings and rumors of a nervous breakdown, his chief of staff (Willem Dafoe all dolled up as Cheney) plans an elaborate publicity tour topped with an appearance on the country's top-rated television show, "American Dreamz" (aka "American Idol"). At the same time "Dreamz" host Martin Tweed (Hugh Grant impersonating Simon Cowell) is searching for contestants to make this season different. His hunt leads him to Sally Kandoo (Mandy Moore) and Omer (Sam Golzari). Sally is a manipulative all American girl hungry for fame, while Omer is an Arab terrorist harboring a secret obsession for show tunes, and a presidential assassination plot.\nAs a member of the uneducated masses that "Dreamz" wishes to speak to (ask me a question about Bush's economic policies and I'll give you as blank a stare as he's often criticized for, but bring up "American Idol" and I can easily tell you this season's best performance was Paris Bennet's rendition of "Midnight Train to Georgia") even I can call out "Dreamz" for not being as smart as it thinks it is. While the film perfectly mimics the quirks of "Idol" (clueless untalented contestants, excruciating commercial breaks before eliminations, the Coke sponsoring) and lampoons Bush (the idea that all his ideas are fed to him through Cheney) the film doesn't really say much about our culture. Sure it touches on the topics of America's obsession with fame and celebrity, and how easily audiences fall for prepackaged sob stories, but is that really news to anyone?\n"Dreamz" builds up to the show's season finale where it manages to sneak in some funny moments, a few interesting thoughts on problems in the Middle East and a surprisingly ballsy ending, but it's too little too late. Also a distracting and unnecessary romance forms between Martin and Sally that only drags the film on.\nWhile occasionally humorous "Dreamz" parodies a culture that doesn't necessarily need parodying. There really isn't anything wrong with enjoying a sugared down show like "Idol" and Bush's intelligence can't be as bad as the film makes it out to be. Save yourself the admission price and stay home to watch "Idol," see these figures impersonated on "SNL" or even read a newspaper. All are cheaper and more entertaining.
(04/12/06 11:11pm)
"American Dreamz" is an ambitious, yet underachieving movie. It's not every day a big studio movie so explicitly parodies public figures like the president and TV personalities. That's territory mostly crossed by late night comedy sketch and talk shows. And that's pretty much all "American Dreamz" is; a drawn out "Saturday Night Live" skit. \nAfter being re-elected into office, President Stanton (Dennis Quaid doing a surprisingly good Bush impression) is having an identity crisis. He confines himself to his bedroom reading newspaper after newspaper and refuses to make any public appearances. Worried about Stanton's dropping approval ratings and rumors of a nervous breakdown, his chief of staff (Willem Dafoe all dolled up as Cheney) plans an elaborate publicity tour topped with an appearance on the country's top-rated television show, "American Dreamz" (aka "American Idol"). At the same time "Dreamz" host Martin Tweed (Hugh Grant impersonating Simon Cowell) is searching for contestants to make this season different. His hunt leads him to Sally Kandoo (Mandy Moore) and Omer (Sam Golzari). Sally is a manipulative all American girl hungry for fame, while Omer is an Arab terrorist harboring a secret obsession for show tunes, and a presidential assassination plot.\nAs a member of the uneducated masses that "Dreamz" wishes to speak to (ask me a question about Bush's economic policies and I'll give you as blank a stare as he's often criticized for, but bring up "American Idol" and I can easily tell you this season's best performance was Paris Bennet's rendition of "Midnight Train to Georgia") even I can call out "Dreamz" for not being as smart as it thinks it is. While the film perfectly mimics the quirks of "Idol" (clueless untalented contestants, excruciating commercial breaks before eliminations, the Coke sponsoring) and lampoons Bush (the idea that all his ideas are fed to him through Cheney) the film doesn't really say much about our culture. Sure it touches on the topics of America's obsession with fame and celebrity, and how easily audiences fall for prepackaged sob stories, but is that really news to anyone?\n"Dreamz" builds up to the show's season finale where it manages to sneak in some funny moments, a few interesting thoughts on problems in the Middle East and a surprisingly ballsy ending, but it's too little too late. Also a distracting and unnecessary romance forms between Martin and Sally that only drags the film on.\nWhile occasionally humorous "Dreamz" parodies a culture that doesn't necessarily need parodying. There really isn't anything wrong with enjoying a sugared down show like "Idol" and Bush's intelligence can't be as bad as the film makes it out to be. Save yourself the admission price and stay home to watch "Idol," see these figures impersonated on "SNL" or even read a newspaper. All are cheaper and more entertaining.
(03/30/06 5:00am)
If you make out with your spouse who's trapped in an animal's body, is it still considered beastiality? Apparently not in this update of the old Disney "Shaggy Dog" films. \nTim Allen plays a busy father too obsessed with his career as a Los Angeles deputy District Attorney to be concerned with his wife ("Sex and the City's" Kristin Davis), son (Disney slave Spencer Breslin) and daughter (an overacting and annoying Zena Grey). But faith intervenes when a genetically altered canine bites Allen, transforming him into a dog and allowing him to see the errors of his ways. Well sort of, at least that's how it should have been. Turns out said dog is a 300-year-old Tibetan canine who's been stolen by a corrupt pharmaceutical company (headed by Robert Downey Jr.) interested in discovering his fountain of youth secret to sell for millions. And if that's not enough, the company is cruelly testing and creating weird crossbred animals. \nThe PETA-friendly message is pretty clear ... forcing animals to do anything (like acting in movies perhaps?) is wrong. So of course it's up to Allen and friends to bring down the company and anything else that's good about the movie.\nAt first "Dog" is mildly entertaining, as it allows Allen opportunities for some great physical comedy before the creepy CGI effects takes over. Allen's cheesy dialogue as a dog can be a little much, but it's not nearly as annoying as the constant barking placed over his voice tracks, just in case the audience forgets he's a dog.\nIn the end, the film bombards the audience with morals, values and more values. Money and corruption? Bad. But homeless people, attacking old ladies and dangerous freeway car pileups are all fine for the sake of a laugh. Oh but family relationships and being true to yourself is really important. Obviously the target audience is children, and they'll enjoy the film. But for anyone else, the film works in dog years. It's fun for the first 30 minutes, but everything after feels seven times longer.
(03/29/06 11:08pm)
If you make out with your spouse who's trapped in an animal's body, is it still considered beastiality? Apparently not in this update of the old Disney "Shaggy Dog" films. \nTim Allen plays a busy father too obsessed with his career as a Los Angeles deputy District Attorney to be concerned with his wife ("Sex and the City's" Kristin Davis), son (Disney slave Spencer Breslin) and daughter (an overacting and annoying Zena Grey). But faith intervenes when a genetically altered canine bites Allen, transforming him into a dog and allowing him to see the errors of his ways. Well sort of, at least that's how it should have been. Turns out said dog is a 300-year-old Tibetan canine who's been stolen by a corrupt pharmaceutical company (headed by Robert Downey Jr.) interested in discovering his fountain of youth secret to sell for millions. And if that's not enough, the company is cruelly testing and creating weird crossbred animals. \nThe PETA-friendly message is pretty clear ... forcing animals to do anything (like acting in movies perhaps?) is wrong. So of course it's up to Allen and friends to bring down the company and anything else that's good about the movie.\nAt first "Dog" is mildly entertaining, as it allows Allen opportunities for some great physical comedy before the creepy CGI effects takes over. Allen's cheesy dialogue as a dog can be a little much, but it's not nearly as annoying as the constant barking placed over his voice tracks, just in case the audience forgets he's a dog.\nIn the end, the film bombards the audience with morals, values and more values. Money and corruption? Bad. But homeless people, attacking old ladies and dangerous freeway car pileups are all fine for the sake of a laugh. Oh but family relationships and being true to yourself is really important. Obviously the target audience is children, and they'll enjoy the film. But for anyone else, the film works in dog years. It's fun for the first 30 minutes, but everything after feels seven times longer.
(03/02/06 5:00am)
Now that "Rent," the film version of the hugely popular Broadway musical (itself based on Puccini's "La Boheme") about a group of 20-somethings starving New York artists struggling with relationships, identity and loss among the 1980s AIDS epidemic, is on DVD, viewers can finally see the film intact with the "Goodbye Love" scene. The moment intensely dissects the character of Mark and leads into the suffering of Mimi - and was inexcusably cut from the theatrical release. \nHowever, even with the scene's inclusion, the film is still not perfect. After many of the big musical numbers there are moments of awkward silences, the drug deals are probably the sketchiest ever appear on film, the sight of Roger belting "What You Own" on a mountain top is unbearable, the extras never seem sure if they're supposed to notice the crazy people randomly bursting into song and the film's second half doesn't delve as strongly into the suffering and fear AIDS causes as the play does. \nYet despite these flaws (keep in mind these criticisms come from a very devoted fan of the show), the film still preserves the deep story line and "no day but today" mantra of enjoying and making the best of life while we can. And, of course, there's the excellent music, ranging from rock to pop, and gospel to opera. For first-timers, "Seasons of Love" will be the song that's impossible to get out of your head, but continued listening will cause attachment to other gems like "One Song Glory," "Out Tonight" and "Your Eyes." Much of the play's original cast reprise their roles, and while they may have aged, they still get the job done. Newcomers Rosario Dawson and Tracie Thoms are also fine additions.\nThe two-disc DVD includes deleted scenes and commentary from director Chris Columbus and cast members. The special features also include a superb, six part documentary titled "No Day But Today," which chronicles the long creation process of the play and the life of its author Jonathan Larson. Larson died the night before the show's off-Broadway debut, not of AIDS but of a rare stomach disorder. His premature death only resonates the show's fervent themes. Friends and family discuss Larson's inspiration for the show stemming from the loss of many close friends to the disease, and how after so much hard work Larson was never able to experience the global phenomenon that "Rent" would become. It's pretty much impossible to hold back tears. \nEveryone should experience "Rent" on stage (the national tour will stop in Chicago and South Bend in April), but for those not willing to cough up $80 for tickets, the "Rent" DVD is a worthy substitute.
(03/01/06 11:56pm)
Now that "Rent," the film version of the hugely popular Broadway musical (itself based on Puccini's "La Boheme") about a group of 20-somethings starving New York artists struggling with relationships, identity and loss among the 1980s AIDS epidemic, is on DVD, viewers can finally see the film intact with the "Goodbye Love" scene. The moment intensely dissects the character of Mark and leads into the suffering of Mimi - and was inexcusably cut from the theatrical release. \nHowever, even with the scene's inclusion, the film is still not perfect. After many of the big musical numbers there are moments of awkward silences, the drug deals are probably the sketchiest ever appear on film, the sight of Roger belting "What You Own" on a mountain top is unbearable, the extras never seem sure if they're supposed to notice the crazy people randomly bursting into song and the film's second half doesn't delve as strongly into the suffering and fear AIDS causes as the play does. \nYet despite these flaws (keep in mind these criticisms come from a very devoted fan of the show), the film still preserves the deep story line and "no day but today" mantra of enjoying and making the best of life while we can. And, of course, there's the excellent music, ranging from rock to pop, and gospel to opera. For first-timers, "Seasons of Love" will be the song that's impossible to get out of your head, but continued listening will cause attachment to other gems like "One Song Glory," "Out Tonight" and "Your Eyes." Much of the play's original cast reprise their roles, and while they may have aged, they still get the job done. Newcomers Rosario Dawson and Tracie Thoms are also fine additions.\nThe two-disc DVD includes deleted scenes and commentary from director Chris Columbus and cast members. The special features also include a superb, six part documentary titled "No Day But Today," which chronicles the long creation process of the play and the life of its author Jonathan Larson. Larson died the night before the show's off-Broadway debut, not of AIDS but of a rare stomach disorder. His premature death only resonates the show's fervent themes. Friends and family discuss Larson's inspiration for the show stemming from the loss of many close friends to the disease, and how after so much hard work Larson was never able to experience the global phenomenon that "Rent" would become. It's pretty much impossible to hold back tears. \nEveryone should experience "Rent" on stage (the national tour will stop in Chicago and South Bend in April), but for those not willing to cough up $80 for tickets, the "Rent" DVD is a worthy substitute.
(02/23/06 5:00am)
Poor February; you may be the shortest and coldest month of the year, but cry not, I still love you. After all, you provide me with February sweeps, the time when TV networks go all out to air the biggest and best shows. Each night during prime time I get to snuggle up to the warm glow of my TV, here are some highlights from sweeps so far.\nThe Grammys -- Really, U2, again? Ok fine, but look how upset Kanye West was when he lost for best album. That got me screaming, "We want a recount, we want a recount!" And Mariah Carey, you've been performing for 15 years now. Stop flailing your arms while singing or I'm going to personally amputate them.\n"24" -- Seriously, how is Jack Bauer still alive? Wait a few years and Chuck Norris jokes will be replaced by Jack Bauer jokes.\n"Desperate Housewives" -- To all who said the show was suffering a sophomore slump, it's comforting to know you're eating your words as we witness the showdown between Bree and Betty. Team Bree all the way.\n"Commander in Chief" -- After being pulled off the air for staff changes meant to improve the series, the show was supposed to return this month but has been pushed back again until April. Too bad, we won't get to see how President Mac would react to her VP shooting someone. The blood from the wound might be the only thing in the world redder than Mac's lipstick.\n"Arrested Development" -- And now for the 812th AD plug to be featured in Weekend. In a scheme of marketing genius Fox aired the final four episodes of this brilliant show on a Friday night, against the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. Great idea guys that will attract viewers. Hopefully by next sweeps the Bluth Banana stand will be set up over at Showtime; until then, I'll be dreaming of Pop-Pop and Gangey. \nThe Olympics -- Ahh, the Olympics. Only once every four years do we get to ogle over sports we would never even consider watching otherwise, laugh at funny foreign names and idolize unknown heroes only to forget about them two months later. But don't get me wrong -- I love the Olympics. I'm totally hooked to skiing, speed skating and even curling.\n"The OC" -- Oh, hey Ryan, Marissa, Seth and Summer. Um, listen, there's really no easy way to do this, but, uh I think we need to spend some time apart. I mean, come on guys, you're freaking out about Seth smoking pot. Remember that time when psycho skanky Jess overdosed in the pool. Yeah, no biggie. I mean the cops only got involved and you guys even did some '21 Jump Streeting' to catch the dealer, but Seth gets high, stop the presses. You're lucky promos feature a glimpse of Julie Cooper reenacting Sharon Stone's famous "Basic Instinct" interrogation scene. Otherwise I may only show up for the graduation episode in May ... you guys are graduating, right?\n"American Idol" -- Finally the auditions are over and we have a top 24. Early favorites to root for include Mandisa (if Simon says her butt is the size of France, then her voice is the size of Europe), Paris Bennett (hopefully when someone says the name Paris we'll start thinking of her and not the Hilton hotel heiress) and David Radford (his hometown is five minutes away from mine -- cool). Kellie Pickler, you made it to the top 24, so stop with your sob stories. Gray haired Taylor Hicks is also great, but he suddenly started impersonating Ray Charles. Jamie Foxx already does that 24/7. We don't need another person doing the same. \n"Grey's Anatomy" -- I had to save the best for last. Every time I tried to watch Grey's I could never truly enjoy it for one reason: Meredith Grey. Every episode she presents us with annoying voice-overs along the lines of "Life can be hard, we overcome obstacles, but at the end of the day everything works out for the best" blah blah blah. Cue cool indie rock song. \nBut all that changed on the "Code Black" post Superbowl episode when Christina Ricci ditched Mere with a bomb in a patients body and suddenly ... Meredith shutup for once. And I could finally enjoy supporting characters like Dr. Bailey (if her husband didn't survive the car wreck, I would've been willing to help her raise the baby) and George O'Malley (the new TV nerd every girl loves and every guy secretly wants to be, sorry Cohen but while you were getting high George was delivering babies). Then the show actually had the balls to let the bomb explode! Too bad only the bomb squad guys died; it would've been nice to see Meredith blow up too. Either way, I'm still hooked.\nThough sweeps is almost over, don't be upset March brings good TV too. "The Sopranos" finally return and there's a little show known as the Oscars. Happy TV watching.
(02/23/06 5:00am)
Coming to school and leaving friends and family behind can be hard. While you can't have your parents move in with you, it's possible to replace or find a new family pet. It's understandable why one might see the occasional student walking a dog through the Arboretum or in Dunn Meadow. And while stopping to pet that dog because it's cute might trigger a desire to go out and get an animal of your own, pets, especially in college, can be a big responsibility.\n Meredith Schock, a sophomore, recently bought a yellow Labrador puppy she named Duncan. In the past months of having the puppy Schock's schedule has changed drastically. Her responsibilities for Duncan include having to wake-up at 8 a.m. every morning to let him out, walking him, cleaning up after him, bringing him to the vet and the arduous task of potty training. \n"The walks aren't really a big deal," Schock says. "It's the potty training that's been a real pain in the ass, but in the end he's worth the trouble." \nSchock and her four roommates, who try to split the amount of work, have decided to take training matters into their own hands instead of paying for a trainer. They are currently teaching Duncan how to behave and how to sit, along with other dog commands. \n"The worst part about it so far has been having to leave him in his cage when we all go to class or go out at night," Schock says. "We feel guilty, but it's also getting him on a schedule and teaching him to sleep while we're gone." \nSchock and her roommates have wanted a dog since freshmen year, and after moving into their house early this school year, they went to Pass Pets in the College Mall to buy a puppy.\nFor some, coming to college can be an opportunity for owning animals they never had. \n"I am just an all around animal lover and have hopes of one day opening an animal shelter, but I have parents that don't share that passion. So I have always been limited in the pet area," says sophomore Heather Ramian, who owns a Maltese named Daisy and a ferret named Angel. \n"Once I was out of my house and out of the dorms, now living in an apartment that allows animals, I got them." \nRamian says her animals can cause some problems.\n"She destroys everything, whether it's the carpet or shoes, or articles of clothing. Somehow she gets a hold of stuff and manages to tear things apart," she says about Daisy.\nAnd pets can cost a lot of money \n"Let's just say my credit cards are red hot," Ramian says. \nBut she still gives them her unconditional love. \n"I love every aspect about her," she says of Daisy. "I love coming home to a very exciting, happy, loving dog. She is still a puppy, so she has tons of energy and she loves to play, which makes for a fun time with her."\nOther students with pets didn't necessarily have the intention of having a companion. Brandy Tolley found her cat Lola abandoned as a kitten at a loading dock at her work. \n"She looked premature and malnourished," Tolley says. "I'm an animal lover so I felt bad. I felt like I had to take her in." \nTolley even had to go against her landlord's rules by keeping the cat a secret before moving into a new, pet friendly apartment. \n"I wasn't supposed to have pets, but I didn't get in any trouble," Tolley says. "I took the chance and it worked out." \nTolley has to feed Lola twice a day and bring her to the vet once a year for shots. Lola, like most cats, doesn't need to be constantly entertained. \n"She's pretty lazy," says Tolley. "But she loves attention." \nWhile Lola makes a good companion, she can also burn a hole in Tolley's pocket. \n"She's a little bit of a financial burden," she says. "I usually spend about $12 to $20 a month on food for her, but that's because I like to buy her the pricier Iams cat food. The price isn't horrible, but it's not that cheap either."\nFor pet owners, finding pet friendly housing can be an inconvenience throughout Bloomington. Most off-campus housing, such as popular places like the Varsity Villas, Hoosier Courts and Smallwood Plaza, do not allow pets. However, pet friendly housing is available in the Bloomington area. College Mall Apartments on East Second Street, allow pets as do Dunnhill Apartments on East 17th Street and Walnut Knolls Apartments on North Walnut Street. Though it is important to contact management as some pet friendly places, like Dunnhill Apartments, only allow cats. \nFor those interested in doing some pet shopping, students can buy pets from a number of places. Pass Pets in the College Mall is a popular pet store as is Delilah's Pet Shop on North College Avenue. \nThose looking to adopt a pet can turn to the City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control. The center allows college students to adopt the animals but hopes to find owners who have experience with animals and can afford to care for them. While the shelter does see the occasional animal return, most adoptions are successful. A 30 day return period exists, but in that time the owner must have brought the animal to the vet within 7 days for check-up shots. \nThe organization also seeks to find the problem before a full return. Often a person will decide to switch for another animal. \n"Owning a pet is a huge commitment," says director Laurie Ringquist. "We really encourage students to plan ahead. Dog and cats can live for 12 to 15 years. Not only do you have to worry about finding pet friendly housing each year, but you also need to think about what to do with your pet over the summer and even life after college."\nWhile cats and dogs may be the most common pets, the shelter also offers many other animals including rabbits, hamsters, iguanas, snakes, chickens and they even recently had a goat. \nPass Pets says, quantity wise, their biggest sellers are fish. Due to the small amount of space they take up and their low maintenance, fish make easy pets. For anyone living in the dorms, fish are the only option. Residential Programs and Services list items prohibited in the dorms "Animals, including birds, laboratory specimens and guest's pets. Fish that are kept in water tanks are permitted as are service animals approved by the residence manager." \nPet owners should also be aware of Bloomington's local pet laws. According to the City of Bloomington; Indiana's Web site, "Dogs must be restrained by a leash/lead when off their property. Failure to do so will result in fines." \nOther laws include making sure animals receive "proper care," "preventing your companion animal from being a public nuisance (including consistent barking, aggression, roaming freely, destroying other people's property and so forth)," and animals prohibited as pets in the Bloomington area include "all native wildlife, hedgehogs and prairie dogs, all crocodilians: alligators, caimans and crocodiles and pythons of any species that can grow more than 12 feet long."\nDespite the restrictions and limitations on having a pet while in college, students still find time and enjoyment with their pets.
(02/23/06 12:01am)
Coming to school and leaving friends and family behind can be hard. While you can't have your parents move in with you, it's possible to replace or find a new family pet. It's understandable why one might see the occasional student walking a dog through the Arboretum or in Dunn Meadow. And while stopping to pet that dog because it's cute might trigger a desire to go out and get an animal of your own, pets, especially in college, can be a big responsibility.\n Meredith Schock, a sophomore, recently bought a yellow Labrador puppy she named Duncan. In the past months of having the puppy Schock's schedule has changed drastically. Her responsibilities for Duncan include having to wake-up at 8 a.m. every morning to let him out, walking him, cleaning up after him, bringing him to the vet and the arduous task of potty training. \n"The walks aren't really a big deal," Schock says. "It's the potty training that's been a real pain in the ass, but in the end he's worth the trouble." \nSchock and her four roommates, who try to split the amount of work, have decided to take training matters into their own hands instead of paying for a trainer. They are currently teaching Duncan how to behave and how to sit, along with other dog commands. \n"The worst part about it so far has been having to leave him in his cage when we all go to class or go out at night," Schock says. "We feel guilty, but it's also getting him on a schedule and teaching him to sleep while we're gone." \nSchock and her roommates have wanted a dog since freshmen year, and after moving into their house early this school year, they went to Pass Pets in the College Mall to buy a puppy.\nFor some, coming to college can be an opportunity for owning animals they never had. \n"I am just an all around animal lover and have hopes of one day opening an animal shelter, but I have parents that don't share that passion. So I have always been limited in the pet area," says sophomore Heather Ramian, who owns a Maltese named Daisy and a ferret named Angel. \n"Once I was out of my house and out of the dorms, now living in an apartment that allows animals, I got them." \nRamian says her animals can cause some problems.\n"She destroys everything, whether it's the carpet or shoes, or articles of clothing. Somehow she gets a hold of stuff and manages to tear things apart," she says about Daisy.\nAnd pets can cost a lot of money \n"Let's just say my credit cards are red hot," Ramian says. \nBut she still gives them her unconditional love. \n"I love every aspect about her," she says of Daisy. "I love coming home to a very exciting, happy, loving dog. She is still a puppy, so she has tons of energy and she loves to play, which makes for a fun time with her."\nOther students with pets didn't necessarily have the intention of having a companion. Brandy Tolley found her cat Lola abandoned as a kitten at a loading dock at her work. \n"She looked premature and malnourished," Tolley says. "I'm an animal lover so I felt bad. I felt like I had to take her in." \nTolley even had to go against her landlord's rules by keeping the cat a secret before moving into a new, pet friendly apartment. \n"I wasn't supposed to have pets, but I didn't get in any trouble," Tolley says. "I took the chance and it worked out." \nTolley has to feed Lola twice a day and bring her to the vet once a year for shots. Lola, like most cats, doesn't need to be constantly entertained. \n"She's pretty lazy," says Tolley. "But she loves attention." \nWhile Lola makes a good companion, she can also burn a hole in Tolley's pocket. \n"She's a little bit of a financial burden," she says. "I usually spend about $12 to $20 a month on food for her, but that's because I like to buy her the pricier Iams cat food. The price isn't horrible, but it's not that cheap either."\nFor pet owners, finding pet friendly housing can be an inconvenience throughout Bloomington. Most off-campus housing, such as popular places like the Varsity Villas, Hoosier Courts and Smallwood Plaza, do not allow pets. However, pet friendly housing is available in the Bloomington area. College Mall Apartments on East Second Street, allow pets as do Dunnhill Apartments on East 17th Street and Walnut Knolls Apartments on North Walnut Street. Though it is important to contact management as some pet friendly places, like Dunnhill Apartments, only allow cats. \nFor those interested in doing some pet shopping, students can buy pets from a number of places. Pass Pets in the College Mall is a popular pet store as is Delilah's Pet Shop on North College Avenue. \nThose looking to adopt a pet can turn to the City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control. The center allows college students to adopt the animals but hopes to find owners who have experience with animals and can afford to care for them. While the shelter does see the occasional animal return, most adoptions are successful. A 30 day return period exists, but in that time the owner must have brought the animal to the vet within 7 days for check-up shots. \nThe organization also seeks to find the problem before a full return. Often a person will decide to switch for another animal. \n"Owning a pet is a huge commitment," says director Laurie Ringquist. "We really encourage students to plan ahead. Dog and cats can live for 12 to 15 years. Not only do you have to worry about finding pet friendly housing each year, but you also need to think about what to do with your pet over the summer and even life after college."\nWhile cats and dogs may be the most common pets, the shelter also offers many other animals including rabbits, hamsters, iguanas, snakes, chickens and they even recently had a goat. \nPass Pets says, quantity wise, their biggest sellers are fish. Due to the small amount of space they take up and their low maintenance, fish make easy pets. For anyone living in the dorms, fish are the only option. Residential Programs and Services list items prohibited in the dorms "Animals, including birds, laboratory specimens and guest's pets. Fish that are kept in water tanks are permitted as are service animals approved by the residence manager." \nPet owners should also be aware of Bloomington's local pet laws. According to the City of Bloomington; Indiana's Web site, "Dogs must be restrained by a leash/lead when off their property. Failure to do so will result in fines." \nOther laws include making sure animals receive "proper care," "preventing your companion animal from being a public nuisance (including consistent barking, aggression, roaming freely, destroying other people's property and so forth)," and animals prohibited as pets in the Bloomington area include "all native wildlife, hedgehogs and prairie dogs, all crocodilians: alligators, caimans and crocodiles and pythons of any species that can grow more than 12 feet long."\nDespite the restrictions and limitations on having a pet while in college, students still find time and enjoyment with their pets.
(02/22/06 11:45pm)
Poor February; you may be the shortest and coldest month of the year, but cry not, I still love you. After all, you provide me with February sweeps, the time when TV networks go all out to air the biggest and best shows. Each night during prime time I get to snuggle up to the warm glow of my TV, here are some highlights from sweeps so far.\nThe Grammys -- Really, U2, again? Ok fine, but look how upset Kanye West was when he lost for best album. That got me screaming, "We want a recount, we want a recount!" And Mariah Carey, you've been performing for 15 years now. Stop flailing your arms while singing or I'm going to personally amputate them.\n"24" -- Seriously, how is Jack Bauer still alive? Wait a few years and Chuck Norris jokes will be replaced by Jack Bauer jokes.\n"Desperate Housewives" -- To all who said the show was suffering a sophomore slump, it's comforting to know you're eating your words as we witness the showdown between Bree and Betty. Team Bree all the way.\n"Commander in Chief" -- After being pulled off the air for staff changes meant to improve the series, the show was supposed to return this month but has been pushed back again until April. Too bad, we won't get to see how President Mac would react to her VP shooting someone. The blood from the wound might be the only thing in the world redder than Mac's lipstick.\n"Arrested Development" -- And now for the 812th AD plug to be featured in Weekend. In a scheme of marketing genius Fox aired the final four episodes of this brilliant show on a Friday night, against the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. Great idea guys that will attract viewers. Hopefully by next sweeps the Bluth Banana stand will be set up over at Showtime; until then, I'll be dreaming of Pop-Pop and Gangey. \nThe Olympics -- Ahh, the Olympics. Only once every four years do we get to ogle over sports we would never even consider watching otherwise, laugh at funny foreign names and idolize unknown heroes only to forget about them two months later. But don't get me wrong -- I love the Olympics. I'm totally hooked to skiing, speed skating and even curling.\n"The OC" -- Oh, hey Ryan, Marissa, Seth and Summer. Um, listen, there's really no easy way to do this, but, uh I think we need to spend some time apart. I mean, come on guys, you're freaking out about Seth smoking pot. Remember that time when psycho skanky Jess overdosed in the pool. Yeah, no biggie. I mean the cops only got involved and you guys even did some '21 Jump Streeting' to catch the dealer, but Seth gets high, stop the presses. You're lucky promos feature a glimpse of Julie Cooper reenacting Sharon Stone's famous "Basic Instinct" interrogation scene. Otherwise I may only show up for the graduation episode in May ... you guys are graduating, right?\n"American Idol" -- Finally the auditions are over and we have a top 24. Early favorites to root for include Mandisa (if Simon says her butt is the size of France, then her voice is the size of Europe), Paris Bennett (hopefully when someone says the name Paris we'll start thinking of her and not the Hilton hotel heiress) and David Radford (his hometown is five minutes away from mine -- cool). Kellie Pickler, you made it to the top 24, so stop with your sob stories. Gray haired Taylor Hicks is also great, but he suddenly started impersonating Ray Charles. Jamie Foxx already does that 24/7. We don't need another person doing the same. \n"Grey's Anatomy" -- I had to save the best for last. Every time I tried to watch Grey's I could never truly enjoy it for one reason: Meredith Grey. Every episode she presents us with annoying voice-overs along the lines of "Life can be hard, we overcome obstacles, but at the end of the day everything works out for the best" blah blah blah. Cue cool indie rock song. \nBut all that changed on the "Code Black" post Superbowl episode when Christina Ricci ditched Mere with a bomb in a patients body and suddenly ... Meredith shutup for once. And I could finally enjoy supporting characters like Dr. Bailey (if her husband didn't survive the car wreck, I would've been willing to help her raise the baby) and George O'Malley (the new TV nerd every girl loves and every guy secretly wants to be, sorry Cohen but while you were getting high George was delivering babies). Then the show actually had the balls to let the bomb explode! Too bad only the bomb squad guys died; it would've been nice to see Meredith blow up too. Either way, I'm still hooked.\nThough sweeps is almost over, don't be upset March brings good TV too. "The Sopranos" finally return and there's a little show known as the Oscars. Happy TV watching.
(02/09/06 5:00am)
In "In Her Shoes" Toni Collette and Cameron Diaz play two polar opposite sisters, who, despite their differences, can't help but love each other. Diaz is Maggie, an immature, attractive party girl who can't hold a job. Collette is Rose, the older responsible, but self-conscious and lonely lawyer. When Maggie hits rock bottom, Rose takes her in and tries to get her back on her feet. But after Maggie sleeps with Rose's boyfriend, Maggie gets the boot. It's not that they're unlikable; it's that they seem more like whiny teenage siblings arguing than actual adults with problems, making it hard to sympathize. \nMaggie will accept a drink from the creepiest of creepers and doesn't even think twice about getting into a car with strangers. Rose on the other hand seems more afraid of the idea of being fat than what she actually looks like. She's so obsessed with the notion of obesity (because in Hollywood Collette is huge) that she doesn't even realize men actually like her. Rose's obligatory best friend discusses the situation of Maggie and Rose's boyfriend that "neither deserves your tears." Well, neither do Rose or Maggie.\nBut as coincidence has it, Maggie discovers the two have a long lost grandmother (Shirley MacLaine) and heads down to Florida to hit her up for cash. It is here that Maggie learns there is more to her family's history than she knew. The car crash that killed the girls' mother is revealed to have been suicide. Their father, blaming their grandmother, decided to shut her out completely. It is these deeper family issues that lift the film from typical sister relationship fare and add depth to the characters. \nMaggie and Rose are forced to meet back up and reconcile their differences, and you can't help but feel for them once they do. While not as overly sentimental as most chick flicks, "In Her Shoes" contains a few obnoxious scenes in which laughter and hugs are substituted for actual substance. However, these are made up for with hilarious scenes where Rose and Maggie mock their annoying stepmother. MacLaine gives a great, subtle performance as the grandma, Ella. She explains that she doesn't display pictures of her family, because "if you put out pictures, people ask questions." That's an old lady if I've ever heard one.\nWhile special features are scarce on this DVD, they are still enjoyable. The behind the scenes featurette points out some artistic components of the film that one might not catch. The other two features are fluffy but fun, discussing the retirement community where the movie is filmed and the dog featured in the film.\n"In Her Shoes" is good, but don't necessarily rush out to see it now. Wait three years and this one will be on TNT every Sunday right after "Erin Brockovich" and "Sleepless in Seattle"
(02/08/06 5:23pm)
In "In Her Shoes" Toni Collette and Cameron Diaz play two polar opposite sisters, who, despite their differences, can't help but love each other. Diaz is Maggie, an immature, attractive party girl who can't hold a job. Collette is Rose, the older responsible, but self-conscious and lonely lawyer. When Maggie hits rock bottom, Rose takes her in and tries to get her back on her feet. But after Maggie sleeps with Rose's boyfriend, Maggie gets the boot. It's not that they're unlikable; it's that they seem more like whiny teenage siblings arguing than actual adults with problems, making it hard to sympathize. \nMaggie will accept a drink from the creepiest of creepers and doesn't even think twice about getting into a car with strangers. Rose on the other hand seems more afraid of the idea of being fat than what she actually looks like. She's so obsessed with the notion of obesity (because in Hollywood Collette is huge) that she doesn't even realize men actually like her. Rose's obligatory best friend discusses the situation of Maggie and Rose's boyfriend that "neither deserves your tears." Well, neither do Rose or Maggie.\nBut as coincidence has it, Maggie discovers the two have a long lost grandmother (Shirley MacLaine) and heads down to Florida to hit her up for cash. It is here that Maggie learns there is more to her family's history than she knew. The car crash that killed the girls' mother is revealed to have been suicide. Their father, blaming their grandmother, decided to shut her out completely. It is these deeper family issues that lift the film from typical sister relationship fare and add depth to the characters. \nMaggie and Rose are forced to meet back up and reconcile their differences, and you can't help but feel for them once they do. While not as overly sentimental as most chick flicks, "In Her Shoes" contains a few obnoxious scenes in which laughter and hugs are substituted for actual substance. However, these are made up for with hilarious scenes where Rose and Maggie mock their annoying stepmother. MacLaine gives a great, subtle performance as the grandma, Ella. She explains that she doesn't display pictures of her family, because "if you put out pictures, people ask questions." That's an old lady if I've ever heard one.\nWhile special features are scarce on this DVD, they are still enjoyable. The behind the scenes featurette points out some artistic components of the film that one might not catch. The other two features are fluffy but fun, discussing the retirement community where the movie is filmed and the dog featured in the film.\n"In Her Shoes" is good, but don't necessarily rush out to see it now. Wait three years and this one will be on TNT every Sunday right after "Erin Brockovich" and "Sleepless in Seattle"
(01/26/06 5:00am)
January is almost over, but it's never too late for New Year's resolutions. Here's what Hollywood should consider trying in 2006.\nFirst, can we get rid of those unrated edition DVDs of R-rated movies? They're only like two minutes longer and not any funnier.\nLet's also get rid of celebrity couple name combinations. "Bennifer" made sense, but "Bradgelina" and "Vauniston" is overkill. Until we figure out a way to combine my name and Lindsay Lohan's, these celebrity blends need to stop. And speaking of Hollywood's fantastic four ... Brad and Angelina, don't give the baby a weird name, but do give it up for adoption. Brad, yes, you've been dying to be a dad, but that's going be one damn good looking kid, and once it's older it'll be a famous star like Mommy and Daddy. It won't be fair to poor Maddox and Zaharah. What are they supposed to do when youngest sibling is winning an Oscar and they're still the rescued orphans wanting to hang onto Mommy's breasts during a publicity shot? \nAnd as for you Jen, it's already been a year since the split, and we're still on team Aniston, but 2005 was supposed to be your year at the box office, and both your films barely made $40 million. Pathetic. Hopefully "The Break Up" helps your slump, but the problem is, you're still Rachel. And that's not a bad thing, everyone loves Rachel, so start a business where people pay you to come to their parties pretending to be her. Vince, keep up with the funny and maybe make a normal resolution, like to quit smoking.\nThe American public should vow to watch "Arrested Development." But no matter how many critics tell you to, you just won't listen. Showtime, you'd better save the show from cancellation. That's not advice, it's a threat. Also, I ask for audiences to shift their attention to other great rating challenged shows such as "The Office," "Scrubs," "The Comeback" and "Kitchen Confidential." The last two were already cancelled? Damn.\nPeter Jackson, keep on doing what you're doing. I was like a six-year-old wetting myself with excitement while watching "King Kong." I can't remember the last time I was that entertained; perhaps it was back in 2003 during "The Return of the King."\nWhen filming the "Narnia" sequel, "Prince Caspian," don't be afraid to get violent. Every time an awesome battle was about to start, the film wimped out and switched scenes. PG-13 didn't hurt business for "Star Wars" or "Harry Potter," so let's step it up.\nHeath Ledger, people respect you now, don't screw that up. Take more risky roles, but don't go over the top, you're not Johnny Depp yet.\nJ.K. Rowling, writing the last Harry Potter book will be an arduous task, but please don't kill Harry. There's obviously not going to be a happy ending, but it's not right to kill him for the sake of not having to write any more sequels. We've already lost so many beloved characters, if another needs to die at least make it, um, you know what? A happy ending sounds just fine.\nTom and Katie, where to begin ... seek therapeutic help. Oh, right, sensitive subject.\nDakota Fanning, time for you to go on a five year hiatus so we don't have to witness your awkward looking years, then come back as an experienced, respected teen.\nIt's graduation year for the cast of "The OC." Guys, you need to make the right, not easiest, college choice. Ryan, you're doing the right thing by choosing Berkley and staying close to the Cohen casa. Seth, you need to go to the East Coast where people will finally realize how cool your dorkiness is, don't let your man-crush for Ryan and sudden fondness for Newport stop this. Summer, you're no East Coast snow-bunny, go party in Arizona like you initially wanted. A long-distance relationship with Cohen will be hard, but entertaining for viewers. Marissa, college? Keep dreaming. \nWinona Ryder, make a movie please. We miss you.\nJin from "Lost," isn't it about time you learned English? Aren't you tired of only being able to communicate with your wife? Sure, everybody's going to be busy training for Jack's army against The Others, but somebody has to be willing to teach you.\nKelly Clarkson, make more "American Idol" appearances. You've completely dissed your "Idol" roots (understandable, considering the "From Justin to Kelly" fiasco), but you owe the fans that made you a star. Two appearances won't hurt your newly established street cred. You don't even have to speak, just rock out to "Because of You" on a result show, that way if this year's contestants suck, viewers have something to enjoy.\nWell, that's it. The chances of these people listening are less than the odds that "Brokeback Mountain" being shut out of the Oscar race, but only 2006 will tell.