Theater Review: Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street by JR

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

With the big screen, award winning release of “Sweeney Todd” this holiday season, we should all at least have an idea of what the story is about. Just in case you’ve missed it, I’ll summarize. Sweeney Todd is a barber with a wife and baby girl when he is thrown in jail for a crime he did not commit. Upon his release fifteen years later, he returns to his former house and barber shop in London to hear that his wife has committed suicide and his baby girl is living in the house of the Judge who wrongly accused him. The Judge has adopted her and she thinks that he is her father. Naturally, Mr. Todd wants to exact revenge on the Judge who locked him away and stole his daughter, so he opens his barber shop to give his customers, and hopefully the Judge, the “closest shave they’ll ever know”.

I had never seen a stage production of “Sweeney Todd” before the movie came out this past December, but I had seen stills from it. I had also seen “Jersey Girl”, which has a scene from the stage production. These images combined along with what I had seen in Tim Burton’s film version were what I was expecting for the stage production. Boy was I wrong.

The 2005 Broadway revival is quite different than the original 1979 production of “Sweeney Todd”. The most important and challenging change is that there is an absence of an orchestra section. The cast plays each instrument in the orchestration and carries the instruments with them as they play their characters onstage. The small cast of 10 never goes off-stage. They are on the stage the entire length of the musical, with the exception of the intermission of course. This was a truly remarkable thing to watch. The pianist also happened to be playing the Beadle, and while he was in center stage as the Beadle, the Beggar Woman put down her oboe and played piano. Then when the Beadle was done with his lines, he would go back to the piano while Mrs. Lovett came out playing the tuba. Johanna plays the cello while singing “Green Finch and Linnet Bird”. It’s something I’ve never seen before and really speaks to the talent of the cast.

Another surprise was the set design. Gone is the crude two story barber shop/meat pie shop from the photos for the original Broadway production. Instead, there is only a wooden platform raised approximately 6 inches off of the floor that the cast uses as their stage. This wooden platform also ascends behind them, reaching all the way above the rafters. They’re more like wood slats than a platform, actually. Resembling a picket fence with openings between the wood. This allowed light to shine through to give more mood to the scene. When the mood is light, a white light shone through the slats. When Sweeney was killing, a red light shone through. This was a very unique way to give off the very unique feel of this musical. Other than the platform/wood slats, there was no set. The characters had a few chairs, a ladder and a coffin onstage to stand in as other things. For example, the coffin would stand upright and open to act as the doorway to the Judge’s home. Or Anthony would stand on a ladder to proclaim his love for Johanna.

As beautiful and captivating as it was to watch, one must really be familiar with the story to understand what was going on. The actors are all moving all over the stage and without any set and with their fellow actors playing the instruments around them, aren’t always able to speak directly at each other when having a conversation. In fact, it was rare when they were actually together in the same area of the stage. The only characters who shared some true alone time were Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd. This is of course essential for those two characters in particular. If Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd have no chemistry, the musical wouldn’t flourish the way it has.

The cast obviously has to be talented to pull this off. The score for ”Sweeney Todd” is said to be Steven Sondheim’s most challenging and anyone who’s ever had to sing it knows this firsthand. One can easily be out of breath and out of energy simply by singing and standing in place. These actors have to not only sing the challenging score, but they also have to play the entire orchestration and act the entire musical. Judy Kaye, who filled in for Patti LuPone on Broadway for the 2005 revival, plays Mrs. Lovett in the touring production and she is the heart and soul of the group. She’s no stranger to the character and can act this part without a hitch. She’s amazing. David Hess plays Sweeney Todd with an agony and emotion that was so different from Johnny Depp’s Sweeney Todd. I can’t say one was better than the other; they each bring so much to the role. Needless to say, I loved Mr. Hess’s performance. The rest of the cast was astounding as well, naturally. I just can’t imagine having the range of talent that each member of this cast has.

The stage production of “Sweeney Todd” is simply phenomenal. Even if you’ve seen the movie, it’s an experience completely unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Trust me.

If you’d like to experience the tour of “Sweeney Todd”, click here for more information:

http://www.sweeneytoddtour.com/photo.htm

Jenny Rushing
beccajane67@yahoo.com

Movie Review: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by JR

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Starring: Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner

Directed by: Julian Schnabel

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for nudity, sexual content, and some language

US Release Date: Nov. 30, 2007

In French with English subtitles

I went into this film not knowing what to expect. I remember seeing a preview for it a few months ago and thinking that it looked beautiful, but I don’t remember anything else from the preview. All I knew was that I knew I wanted to see it but I wasn’t exactly sure why. Sometimes that’s the best way to go into a movie: Not knowing a damned thing about it, only that you have a gut feeling that you’ll like it.

“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” is based on a true story. Jean-Dominque Bauby was the editor of Elle magazine in Paris when he had a completely debilitating stroke at the young age of 43. He was paralyzed from head to toe, what doctors call “locked-in syndrome”, unable to walk, talk, or communicate. He could only blink his left eye, which later a nurse uses to help him communicate. What is remarkable about this story is that as dire as the situation, Jean-Do (as his friends call him) eventually sees hope. Before his stroke, he had arranged a book deal with a publisher and he wants to write his book, with the aid of his nurse, written entirely by his communicating with his left eye.

Every time I’ve tried to recommend this film, I’ve heard the same things, “Wow that sounds depressing”. Yes, it does sound depressing. I mean, the story is very tragic. If you look closer, you’ll find that it’s a tremendously emotional and at times uplifting film. It’s a story of great loss and then great triumph over that loss. There’s nothing like this film. You could compare it to films like “My Left Foot” I suppose, but the comparisons are slim. “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” captivates you, paralyzing you for the entire duration of the film as you sit in awe and wonder at the reality of the events unfolding.

A great majority of the film is told from the point of view of Jean-Do through his one blinking eye. The audience is put in his position as much as possible, even allowing us to hear his internal monologue as he learns of his stroke and finds out he cannot speak. We get to hear his reactions to his visitors and his nurses and doctors. A great deal of it is humorous. Even in his state, he hasn’t lost his sense of humor.

It’s not easy to even imagine yourself in a similar situation. You can imagine all day being locked in a room or in a straightjacket or something, and the feelings of panic, paranoia, claustrophobia that come with it. Still it isn’t close to how Mr. Bauby must have felt. Being trapped in your own body...Wow. It’s a living nightmare.

“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” is an amazing film, an experience not to be missed. It’s the ultimate story of overcoming obstacles.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Jenny Rushing

beccajane67@yahoo.com

Update: “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” won two Golden Globe awards. One for Best Director, beating out the Coen Brothers for “No Country for Old Men”, Tim Burton for “Sweeney Todd” and Ridley Scott for “American Gangster. Quite a feat! It also won for Best Foreign Language Film, beating out Ang Lee’s “Lust/Caution”.

DVD Review: Angel-A by JR

Angel-A

Directed by: Luc Besson

Starring: Jamel Dubbouze, Rie Rasmussen

MPAA Rating: R for language and sexual content

DVD Release Date: November 20, 2007

Luc Besson is one of the most exciting filmmakers around. He’s given us Leon the Professional, La Femme Nikita, The Fifth Element, District B13, and many others. When I gear up to watch a Luc Besson film, I know that there will be crazy camera shots, fun relatable characters, and great action. He’s becoming one of my favorites. So when I first saw the trailers for “Angel-A”, I was naturally excited. The negative reviews didn’t deter me one bit, I was determined to see this movie.

“Angel-A” is about Andre, a gambling ne’er-do-well who just can’t seem to catch a break from the many many people he owes money to. In a desperate attempt to end his life, and in a scene reminiscent of “It’s a Wonderful Life”, Andre attempts to leap off of a bridge to his impending death, only to be stopped when a beautiful leggy blonde jumps off right before he does. She says her name is Angela, and she’s a chain smoking “sexy bitch” who claims that since Andre has saved her life, she must save his.

The unlikely pair weave in and out of black and white bleak and deserted Parisian streets, knocking out Andre’s debt one by one. Angela appears to be either a smooth talker or a prostitute. Andre’s not quite sure which.

The acting in this movie had to work in order for the movie to work. Andre and Angela are on screen by themselves for most of the movie. Andre, played by “Amelie”’s Jamel Debbouze, is perfect in this part. Most of it has to do with how he looks. He just looks like a very clueless guy who would be down on his luck. He looks dirty and disheveled and naïve. Angela, played by relatively unknown Rie Rasmussen, is perfect as well. She’s beautiful, but very aloof. You never know exactly what she’s thinking. She’s very flirtatious with just about everyone, but clearly favors Andre. The two of them together make a very strange but sweet pair.

The film is shot entirely in black and white, for what reason I do not know, but it’s gorgeous. Paris never looked so sad and deserted than it does in this film. The shots are bleak but full. Not a detail is unnoticed. The signature Luc Besson filmmaking style is easily spotted as well with the jerky shots around the characters, and the spectacular filming of the climactic ending.

With all of the things this film has going for it, it should be better than it is. The script has it’s moments of charm and wit, but for the most part is pretty dull. It’s very unfortunate, especially with all of the potential that this film has going for it.

If you’re a Luc Besson like me, this one should be a no-brainer. If you missed it in theaters, go rent it now. If not, skip it and go for one of the better Luc Besson films. Even with this semi-flop, he’s a director to keep your eyes peeled for.

3 out of 5 stars
Jenny Rushing

beccajane67@yahoo.com

Movie Review: Enchanted by JR

Enchanted
Starring: Amy Adams, Julie Andrews, James Marsden, Susan Sarandon, Patrick Dempsey, Idina Menzel
Directed by: Kevin Lima
MPAA rating: PG for some scary scenes and mild innuendo
Release Date: November 21, 2007

Every Disney Princess movie is essentially the same, right? Princess to be lives in poverty, meets a prince, the next day they get married and live happily ever after. “Enchanted” begins like a typical Disney Princess movie, only there’s a hurdle to jump over to get to the “married” and the “happily ever after”. The Princess-to-be, Giselle, is hated by the Princely-Hubby-to-be’s wicked stepmother, and as she is tra-la-ing to her wedding, she is pushed down a wishing well and lands in New York City where she is no longer a cartoon and nothing is “happily ever after”.

There have been many attempts at a fractured fairy tale. Some have been hits, “The Princess Bride”, and some have been misses, “Happily N’Ever After” and “Hoodwinked”. This one is a hit out of the ballpark. The satire is pitch perfect, never dry or dated. The jokes are laugh out loud funny, not roll your eyes babyish. It makes fun of every Disney movie out there while still being the type of movie it makes fun of. It’s hysterical! My favorite cliché they make fun of is the woodland animals that help the Princess-to-be a la “Snow White” and “Cinderella”. In “Enchanted”, woodland creatures come to help Giselle whenever she calls for them by singing out the window. Only when she makes it to New York, other kinds of…animals…come to help her clean. I won’t give it away, but the audience loved it!

Most recently, Amy Adams has received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance as Giselle, and let me tell you, even though she’s going up against some heavy hitters like Marion Cottilard for “La Vie en Rose”, the nomination is well-deserved. She’s adorable as the wide-eyed, happy-go-lucky, spontaneous-song-singing Giselle. There is no doubt that she is a princess and she’s just lost. She’s a joy to watch, literally. I had a grin plastered to my face through the entire movie. Other notable cast members include James Marsden as the goofy yet charming Prince, Susan Sarandon as the wicked stepmother, Patrick Dempsey aka McDreamy as the single father who tries to help Giselle get back to wherever she’s from, Julie Andrews as the Narrator, and, my favorite, Idina Menzel (Wicked) as Patrick Dempsey’s girlfriend. What a cast! Everyone is on top of their game here and looking like they’re having the time of their lives in these roles.

The music is also excellent. For you musical lovers, there’s a great scene in which Giselle bursts into song in the middle of Central Park and gets everyone involved in a huge song and dance number. It’s so much fun! We were dancing in our seats along with them. The soundtrack is a must for every Disney fan.

If you’ve not seen “Enchanted” yet, the holidays are the perfect time to do so. Most of us are with family and that usually includes children. This movie is a great choice for children of all ages. We took my 13 year old cousin and she loved it just as much if not more than my five year old little girl. In fact, my dad liked it probably more than anyone. This movie is for everyone. I can’t wait to see it again.

4.5 out of 5 stars (because I’m biased towards musicals and Disney)
Jenny Rushing
beccajane67@yahoo.com

Movie Review: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium by JR

Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (2007)
Starring: Natalie Portman, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Bateman
Directed by: Zach Helm
Genre: Family/Fantasy/Comedy
MPAA Rating: G
Release Date: November 16, 2007

Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) owns a magical toy store, but will be retiring soon and leaving the business to his only other employee, Molly (Natalie Portman). He hires Henry, an accountant, to stabilize his finances before he leaves, and nobody is happy about any of it.

Since I first saw the trailer for “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium”, I knew it was a movie that I would love. The colors, the quirkiness, Natalie Portman’s haircut, I just knew. Sometimes you just know. As disappointed as I was to read all of the negative reviews, I was still excited to see it. The movie didn’t disappoint at all.

Dustin Hoffman is enchanting as Mr. Magorium. Just as he has transformed into wonderful characters such as Captain Hook and Raymond Babbitt, he does it again here. He’s simply adorable! He has such emotion in everything he says. You really believe that he’s been alive for over 450 years. You really believe him when he says that his toyshop is magical. You really believe him when he says that he’s “leaving”. Not “retiring”, not “dying”, but leaving. Isn’t that a nice idea? That we get to choose when we “leave”? Now if that isn’t great children’s storytelling, I don’t know what is.

Natalie Portman as Molly is just as magical as Dustin Hoffman as Mr. Magorium. Molly is a sweet girl in her early twenties who doesn’t seem to know what she wants in life. She used to be a pianist and has always dreamed of being professional, but finds herself stuck in the toy shop, not quite ready to move forward. When Mr. Magorium announces his departure, she is truly sad despite her dreams to leave the toy store. The relationship between Molly and Mr. Magorium is so sweet and innocent, very father/mentor to her daughter, it shakes her world when he says he is leaving. She always thought he’d be around. It forces her to realize where she really belongs. It’s the wake-up call she needed.

Jason Bateman rounds out the recognizable cast as Henry the accountant. Or as they all not so lovingly call him: The Mutant. Unfortunately, Bateman doesn’t receive nearly enough screen time as he deserves, so his character just seems like it was thrown in at the last minute to be an adversary/unlikely love interest. Still, when he inevitably comes around in the end, it’s very touching.

The special effects in this film are what appeal to the target audience, and they are spectacular. The colors are beautiful and the toys really to seem to come to life. It’s just as captivating to an adult as it is to a child. Some of the shots are simply breathtaking as well, such as the scene where Molly and Mr. Magorium take over an unsuspecting mattress store, and where Molly and Mr. Magorium dance in the park over bubble wrap. The movie is simply magical.
So say what you like about Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium. Say that it’s boring and hokey. Whatever you like, go ahead. But for the people who are kids at heart, Mr. Magorium’s is the place to be.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Jenny Rushing
beccajane67@yahoo.com

Movie Review: The Seeker: The Dark is Rising by JR

The Seeker: The Dark is Rising
Starring: Alexander Ludwig, Christopher Eccleston, Ian McShane, Frances Conroy, James Cosmo
Directed by: David L. Cunningham
Produced by: Walden Media
Genre: Action/Adventure/Fantasy/Kid’s
MPAA Rating: PG for fantasy action and some scary images

A very normal boy, Will Stanton, newcomer Alexander Ludwig, is turning 14. He has a rather large family, five brothers and one sister, and they unfortunately appear to be more interested in getting the family together for the upcoming Christmas holiday than celebrating Will’s birthday. While his family seems to regard the day as nothing out of the ordinary (his brothers give him a sock because they forgot to get him a present), it seems as though Will is just stepping into the threshold of a new destiny for his life. Strange men are following him around with a look of hope and knowing on their faces. And then he is told that he is to be “The Seeker”: a boy who has been chosen to lead the forces of Light to overcome the impending arrival of the Dark.

Alexander Ludwig is sure to become a popular child actor, hopefully to recover from the Hollywood Child Actor Syndrome. He has mastered the art of being an awkward teen while still being a role model. Something that isn’t done too often these days. He has a crush on a girl at school and the shyness and the fear of rejection is clearly visible on his face. He’s the youngest brother and is often left out of the fun that his older brothers have, leaving him to relate more to his sister. He’s a very socially awkward boy and he just wants to fit in. When he is told that he is supposed to be “The Seeker”, he is very curious and excited to find out what exactly this entails, but he is also scared. Ultimately, he succeeds and overcomes all of the obstacles set before him to become a truly great character for kids to look up to.

Alexander Ludwig even holds his own against the supporting cast of fine, established actors in this film. It must have been nerve-racking to act alongside actors such as Christopher Eccleston (“28 Days Later”, “Doctor Who” and “Heroes”), Frances Conroy (“Six Feet Under”), Ian McShane (“Dallas”, “Hot Rod”), and James Cosmo (“Braveheart”, “Trainspotting”, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”). These four make up the group of “Old Ones” who have been chosen to pass down the knowledge of the Light and the Dark and to make sure that the Light prevails. They are a joy to watch onscreen together.

The film is based on a five book series by Susan Cooper. I have not read the book, so I cannot compare, but hopefully a little more explaining is done in the book. The film was funny and very entertaining, but dragged a bit, especially in the second half when the film was supposed to be the most exciting. But a few things would have been nice to see. More of the history of the “Old Ones” would be nice, as well as some more back story about Will Stanton’s relatives. Also, why are all of the “signs” that Will is supposed to find in his immediate area? And why are they scattered throughout time? A very cool idea, yes, but why? Why wouldn’t they be scattered throughout the entire world instead of scattered throughout a tiny town in England?

These minor plot points could cause some frustration among adults seeking more, but from the reactions of the audience, the younger crowd to which this is geared doesn’t really care. They were more interested in the powers that Will receives as “The Seeker” than the plot. They were more interested in Will succeeding than where or how he found the signs. The children in the theater were cheering for Will. There is a new hero for children, and he is brave and normal and just like your kids. Finally there is a great role model for them.

3 out of 5 stars

Jenny Rushing

beccajane67@yahoo.com

Movie Review: Lust, Caution by JR

Lust, Caution (2007)
Starring: Tony Leung, Wei Tang, Joan Chen
Directed by: Ang Lee
Written by: Eileen Chang (story), James Schamus (screenplay)

Distributed by: Focus Features

MPAA Rating: NC-17 for explicit sexuality

In Japanese occupied China during the 1940’s, a resistance to the Chinese oppression is thriving. A group of school friends, upon hearing about the resistance, band together to make a change in the current state of their nation. They decide they will form a plan to assassinate Mr. Yee (Tony Leung), a Chinese born man who has joined the side of the Japanese. Because of her accomplishments in acting at their school, Wang Jiazhi (Wei Tang) is chosen to be the undercover spy, to befriend Mr. Yee, in order for her friends to murder him.

Tony Leung (“Infernal Affairs”, “2046”) is becoming one of my favorite actors. He’s got such a weathered but strong handsomeness about him. The emotion in his eyes and the delivery of his lines remind me of, dare I say it, Bogart himself. The slower pace of this film works in his favor, for he savors every moment that he is onscreen. Even when off-screen, his presence is still there. His character, Mr. Yee, is strong, weathered, and handsome, yes; but Mr. Yee is also tyrannous and unmerciful, having murdered many Chinese on behalf of the Japanese. Only Tony Leung could pull off as complex and as deeply scrutinized a character as Mr. Yee.

This is Wei Tang’s first movie and you’d never know it. She acts with such poise and grace and still is unfaltering in her friends’ mission to murder Mr. Yee, the man that she appears to be falling in love with. It seemed to me many times that she would blow her cover to be with Mr. Yee, I was literally on the edge of my seat. Wei Tang as Mak Tai Tai, the undercover name for Wang Jiazhi, is relentless and unmerciful. The perfect companion for Mr. Yee. The two of them have chemistry to spare.

Speaking of the chemistry between Mr. Yee and Mak Tai Tai, “Lust, Caution” is quickly gaining the reputation for being this obscene and almost soft-core porn. Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you: It is not. Out of the 157 minute run time, the sex scenes couldn’t possibly take more than 10 minutes. This is merely the doing of the MPAA, whom apparently say that it’s OK to make movies like “Saw” rated R, but movies that actually show a normal human activity are to be forbidden. For those of you who must know more about these sex scenes, here you go. For those of you who don’t, skip to the paragraph after.

**Spoilers**

The first sex scene in the movie is very surprising. By this time, we have only seen Mr. Yee and Mak Tai Tai in a very formal setting. Mr. Yee has invited her to a hotel room and she goes, hoping to become his mistress and therefore allow her friends to get closer to him. She begins the foreplay by straddling him, taking the cigarette from his lips. You think that this is how it will be: lustful, teasing, but no. Mr. Yee rips her dress from her body and throws her on the bed on her stomach. He then pulls off his belt and ties her hands together behind her. It’s a very intense scene, but not worth an NC-17 rating.
The sex scenes that follow are less intense, and by “less intense” I mean like less of a rape scene, and are very heavy and intimate, but still not worthy of an NC-17 rating. The two actors are obviously nude, and could very well be actually having sex, but they are not. We see breasts, female genitalia and partial male genitalia.

**End Spoilers**

There are several movies that I can think of offhand that are sexually worse than this film and received R ratings. I’m sure there are several that you can think of as well. I thought that “Brokeback Mountain”, Ang Lee’s last film, was very similar in this aspect. Personally, I didn’t think that “Lust, Caution” was worthy of an NC-17 rating, but that’s my opinion.

“Lust, Caution” is a beautiful movie; Ang Lee has delivered once again. Despite the long run-time, and the slow pace, this film kept me completely engaged. This will definitely be one to watch come Oscar time.

4 out of 5 stars

Jenny Rushing

beccajane67@yahoo.com

DVD Review: The Cooler (2003) by JR

The Cooler (2003)

Starring: William H. Macy, Alec Baldwin, Maria Bello, Paul Sorvino, Ron Livingston, Joey Fatone

Directed by: Wayne Kramer

Written by: Frank Hannah, Wayne Kramer

Release date: January 17, 2003

MPAA rating: R for strong sexuality, violence, language, and some drug use.

Bernie Lootz (William H. Macy) is the unluckiest guy in the world. He’s so unlucky that he’s made being unlucky his job. He works as a cooler for the Golden Shangri-La casino, owned by his old friend Shelly Kaplow (Alec Baldwin). What is a cooler, you may ask? A cooler is someone whom the casino hires to “cool down” a table when a player is winning too often. The casino has to make money, right? Since Bernie is so unlucky, all he has to do is walk over to the winner at a table, sit down next to him, and the winner automatically stops winning. However, once Bernie meets Natalie (Maria Bello), all bets are off.

If you haven’t seen “The Cooler” yet, you may know it from all of the praise that Alec Baldwin garnered for his role as the casino owner. This praise is well-deserved. Alec Baldwin is known for playing a good bad guy. He even played the bad guy in “Spongebob Squarepants: the Movie”. His bad guy in “The Cooler” is one of the best. He’s swaggering, self-obsessed, Scrooge-like, sallow-hearted and so deeply seedy, there’s just nothing redeeming about him. Billed as a minor character, Baldwin leads the already incredible cast. Every performance in this movie is top notch.

Which leads me to William H. Macy and Maria Bello. Bernie and Natalie. This is truly the odd couple. Bernie is a middle aged, not very attractive, definitely not the most positive of thinkers, really doesn’t have much going for him, guy. It’s hard to believe that any woman would fall for him (other than the fact that it’s William H. Macy and “Road Hogs” aside, he’s just a badass). Maria Bello is a beautiful cocktail waitress. You can see some depth to her eyes that suggests a painful past, but this only adds to her beauty. Despite their differences in the looks department, the two of them develop such a deep and caring relationship. One of the sweetest in recent film memory.

As a warning for film audiences, if you’re put off by nudity and violence, you may want to skip this one. I was surprised at the amount of nudity in this film. Not necessarily that it’s a bad thing, I just wasn’t expecting to see this much of William H. Macy. It was a shock at first, but then it became just really cool. Cool that he’s so comfortable in his own skin. It was very refreshing to see someone who doesn’t look like a model get naked. Especially a man.

The story line in the movie got lost for me. When the credits began to roll, I was more concerned about the characters than what the plot of the story was. I wanted to know more about them. I wanted to see where they would end up, what would happen to them. Now that’s the mark of a really good movie. You want more.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Jenny Rushing

beccajane67@yahoo.com

DVD Review: The Maltese Falcon by JR

Director: John Huston
Starring: Humphrey Boart, Mary Astor, Peter Lorre, Syndney Greenstreet
Release Date: October 18, 1941

Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade: that hat, that jacket, that face. Possibly one of the most recognizable characters in cinematic history. Hell, even I could have recognized him, probably even as young as high school. The Maltese Falcon is just one of those classic movies that everyone’s heard of, everyone’s seen stills from, and everyone knows the classic lines.

The Maltese Falcon is a classic detective story, and is based on a book by the same name. It's the film that has been recognized as the first film in the "film noir" genre. Sam Spade (Bogart) is a detective who runs a private investigative firm with his partner Miles Archer. A beautiful woman, Ruth Wonderly (played by Mary Astor) enlists the agency to help her find her missing sister and tail the man that she's run off with, and Archer gladly volunteers. While Archer is out following this man, he's shot and killed. After the murder, Sam Spade finds himself in a tailspin of greed, murder, and betrayal. I couldn't possibly outline the entire plot here, but the complexity is astounding. It's confusing, and it pushes the limits at all times. There is a murder that takes place in the first 10 minutes of the movie. There is so much sexual innuendo going on between the characters, I couldn't believe my eyes. Also, one of the characters, Mr. Cairo, was written to be very homosexual and the character was incredibly controversial in its day. This is one of the movies that they're talking about when they say, "They just don't make 'em like they used to".

The performances are phenomenal. It's what you'd expect with Humphrey Bogart as the main character, right? And we're not disappointed. This is the role that made him famous, and rightly so. He takes on the role with ease. He IS Sam Spade. The rest of the cast is perfect as well. Peter Lorre as Joe Cairo, who you may know from Casablanca and Arsenic and Old Lace, and Sydney Greenstreet as Kaspar Gutman must be mentioned for their performances. They were both just plain fun to watch. Their characters had the most entertaining idiosyncrasies: Peter Lorre with his effeminacy, and Syndy Greenstreet with his sheer size. If you've never seen The Maltese Falcon, this might help with a visual: the Marvel comics' villain Kingpin was modeled after him.

God, writing about this movie makes me want to watch it again. I'm sure there are tons of things that I missed during my viewing, that's just how this film is. It eats away at you after you've finished watching it, invading your thoughts. You sure said it Bogie: "This is the stuff dreams are made of."

5 out of 5 stars

Jenny Rushing

beccajane67@yahoo.com

DVD Review: An American Werewolf in London by JR

An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Writer/Director: John Landis
Starring: David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne, John Woodvine
Produced by: George Folsey, Peter Guber, Jon Peters
Genre: Horror/Comedy/Thriller/Werewolf

Two American tourists, Jack and David, are backpacking through England when they stop for rest at a pub in the country, the Slaughtered Lamb. The strange people at the pub are less than welcoming, and let the two young men venture back out on their own with the warning to “Stay on the road. Keep clear of the moors.” Jack and David take this as normal weird behavior and take a shortcut through the moors, only to be attacked. Jack is killed and David awakens in a hospital with a few scratches. Judging by the title, I’m sure you know by now: they were attacked by a werewolf. David, since he has survived the attack, is now a werewolf himself, and will transform into the beast during the next full moon.

It’s a story we’ve all heard a thousand times, right? Especially lately with terrible renditions of the story such as “Blood and Chocolate” and “the Skinwalkers”. “An American Werewolf in London” is, in my opinion, the definitive werewolf film. I had dismissed it previously due to the poor reception of “An American Werewolf in Paris”. I’ve always associated the two and thought that if “Paris” wasn’t any good, then “London” couldn’t be good either. Ever since I had heard that “London” was the reason that the Academy Award for Best Makeup was created, I’ve wanted to see it. How could a werewolf movie possibly be this good?

The make up award is absolutely ascertained in this case. The werewolf is amazing! If they were to make this movie now, I’m sure most of the werewolf would be CGI. If not the werewolf, then for sure most of the transformation. But back in the early 80’s, this wasn’t possible. I mean, just look at the TV in Nurse Price’s apartment! And the metal box above David’s bed in the hospital with all of the little switches and lights! The entire transformation in this film is real, and it makes it that much more scary and amazing. David’s hands grow before our eyes, his sharp nails poking out from under his regular nails, the hair appearing on his back, chest and feet. And then, just when you thought that it couldn’t get any better, his face grows too. He grows a snout, just like a wolf. It’s really an awesome sight. The first transformation occurs about an hour into the movie and by this time the audience is ready for it. When it happens, it happens right before our eyes. Nothing is hidden. The werewolf is one makeup achievement in the film, the other is Jack’s makeup. Jack has been killed by the werewolf in the beginning, but he returns to David throughout the film to give him advice. He’s also dead and in “limbo” so he progressively decays. David even refers to him as a “walking meat loaf”.

Oh and the soundtrack makes the transformation scene. During this hideous transformation, the song “Blue Moon” is playing. The soundtrack is perfect for this film. Director/Writer John Landis picked the songs for the film: every one of them has the word “Moon” in the title.

“An American Werewolf In London” would be a great film without the astonishing make up effects. The dialogue is brilliant and hilarious. The banter in the opening scene with Jack and David is real and establishes a great chemistry between the two. Some of their quotes:

Jack: Do you think she'll meet me in Rome?
David: I think Debbie Klein is a mediocre person with a good body.
Jack: Debbie is not mediocre and she has one of the great bodies of all time.
David: She's a jerk.
Jack: You're talking about the woman I love.
David: I'm talking about a girl you want to fuck, so give me a break.
Jack: Well, anyway, do you think she'll be there?
David: I don't know.
Jack: [like an announcer] Rendezvous in Rome starring Jack Goodman and Debbie Klein. The love affair that shocked Europe! See torrid lovemaking at its most explicit! See Jack and Debbie expose their lust in the sacred halls of the Vatican! Never has the screen dared....
David: If you don't stop, I'm going to kill you.
Jack: I have to make love to her. It's very simple. She has no choice really.
David: It just fascinates me that you can spend so much energy on someone so dull.
Jack: There is nothing dull about that body.
David: We've known Debbie what, since the eighth grade? How many years of foreplay is that?
Jack: She says she "likes me too much".

This is just in the very beginning of the movie, there are tons more! This is truly a comedy/horror, and one of the best. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re missing out on a classic that is still holding its own over 20 years later.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Jenny Rushing
beccajane67@yahoo.com

DVD Review: The Chumscrubber by JR

Director: Arie Posin
Starring: Glenn Close, Ralph Fiennes, Allison Janney, Camilla Belle, Rita Wilson, Carrie-Anne Moss, Lauren Holly, Rory Culkin, Jamie Bell, Justin Chatwin

Release Date: January 25, 2005
MPAA rating: R for language, violent content, drug material and some sexuality

"I live in a city, but in an apartment high above the cloud left by the blast. I'm one of the lucky ones. One morning, I awoke to find my head was no longer attached to my body. I'm not dead, but who could call this a life? So I do what I can, in this city of freaks and subhuman creatures. I became…the Chumscrubber."

This is one of those movies that I wanted to see when it came out, but it just kept getting passed by. It came out around the same time as "Thumbsucker" and I will always associate the two, even though I still have not seen "Thumbsucker". I had no idea what I was getting into with "The Chumscrubber". No idea. I had heard that the word means something along the lines of a person who cleans up fish parts after fishermen clean them, but this has nothing to do with that. According to urbandictionary.com, the word means:
1. For parents: The Chumscrubber is everything we ignore - all those subjects and conversations that parents and teens should be having but aren't-- the physical embodiment of everything we'd rather not deal with, everything that causes pain, or discomfort.
2. To teenagers: The Chumscrubber is a hero, a survivor, a fellow teenager who arrives into the real world to protect and keep his or her friends clean.

Apparantly the definition was created following the release and popularity of the movie.

"The Chumscrubber" is a very dark comedy about life in suburbia. It's so dark, I wouldn't likely call it a comedy, but that's what the movie claims to be. A bunch of high school kids who are bored out of their minds despite having just about every material possession they could possibly want, are doped up on every drug possible to make themselves happy. Their parents don't pay any attention to anything these kids do, unless it's in front of the other parents; for show. The parents are busy drinking away their problems and attending various social gatherings to keep up with what their kids are doing. And their kids are doing some really terrible things.

Sound familiar? The tone and look of this movie shares many similarities with "American Beauty", although where I felt "American Beauty"'s characters learned something from the situations they were in, I didn't feel like anyone in "The Chumscrubber" learned anything. I suppose in that way it would be more like reality: kids and parents don't always learn a lesson after something bad happens. But in this case, I really would have liked to see some sort of revolution. It's so sad when you see the destruction of youth. It's a very real movie. The plot also reminds me a lot of "Alpha Dog". I know "Alpha Dog" came out after this movie and was based on a true story, but there are definitely similarities.

The subject matter in "The Chumbscrubber" is rough. We've got teen suicide, kidnapping, violence, drug use that Bret Easton Ellis would be ashamed of, and then there are things like loneliness and depression. This is a very rough movie to watch. That being said, the movie is very funny too. I caught myself several times laughing out loud at some of the lines in this movie. Several parts in this movie rang true to me from my high school years. And made me, once again, never ever ever want to go back.

The cast cannot go unmentioned. I listed just about everyone in the cast above because while I was watching this, I kept getting excited seeing all these people on screen together. The last movie I saw Ralph Fiennes in was "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" as Voldemort. This is quite a different role. He plays the romantic mayor of the city engaged to be married to Rita Wilson's character. She's fantastic as well, playing an egotistical interior designer. Glenn Close knocks my socks off every time and doesn't disappoint here either. She plays the mother of the teen suicide victim and her repeated line, "I just thought you should know that, in no way whatsoever, do I blame you for Tony's death," delivered with such phony happiness, made me smile and feel sad for her all at the same time. She's none short of amazing. Allison Janney. Allison Janney is once again perfect doing what she usually does: playing a housewife. But she's got such passion. If only she could be in every movie. Everyone in the cast is spectacular. Everyone.

I guess I really don't have any complaints about this movie. It's not one just to throw on at a moment's notice, you have to be in the mood for this one. You almost have to prepare yourself for it. You're going to get emotionally involved in "The Chumscrubber". You're going to feel for these characters. The subject matter is going to mean something to you. If you're OK with all of that, put it in and give it a go.

4 out of 5 stars.
Jenny Rushing
beccajane67@yahoo.com

Movie Review: Stardust by JR

Title: Stardust
Starring: Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert DeNiro
Directed By: Matthew Vaughn
Produced By: Stephen Marks, Peter Morton, David Womark
Genre: Fantasy/Action/Adventure/Comedy
Release Date: August 10, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for fantasy violence and some risqué humor
Distributors: Paramount Pictures

Synopsis: A fallen star catches the eye of several people who want it for their own purposes.

Neil Gaiman. I started reading the first part of the infamous “Sandman” books a few years ago and it never really stuck with me. I ended up quitting before I finished the first one. Perhaps I should give it a second chance. Then when “Mirrormask” came out I decided to give him another try. I didn’t know what to expect with that one, and got bored with it, stopping the DVD about halfway through. Perhaps I should give it a second chance. So when “Stardust” was first announced and Gaiman fans everywhere were rejoicing, I was mulled by a feeling of “meh”. By this time, I’m pretty much indifferent to the man whom so many proclaim as godlike in his writing abilities. Then the movie got good reviews by darn near everyone and my interest was piqued. Gaiman can’t possibly appeal to everyone can he?

Apparently he can.

“Stardust” is a whimsical, hysterical fairy tale that had perfect box office timing. In a summer overcome by blockbusters and sequels, “Stardust” is that refreshing breath of fresh air. Yes it looks like a blockbuster with its stellar cast and huge sets, but the story is so well-written, I don’t think it will be quickly forgotten like a normal blockbuster.

As the movie opens, we are given a quick tour of the land. The small village in England of Wall is named for its literal stone wall that borders England with the magical world of Stormhold. Nobody can venture past the wall and there is a very old guard always sitting at the wall to make sure none passes through. Then the story begins with a background of all of our main characters: A king on his deathbed and his sons vying for the crown, three old and ugly witches, and the father of Tristan, the main character. We get to see the history of his mother and father: how they met, how he was conceived, and a little bit about how he was raised. Then we get to see Tristan as a young man: where he works, where he lives, and the girl with whom he is desperately in love, Victoria. Suddenly, a star falls from the sky and all of these main characters want it for their own purposes.

The cast in this film is superb. Tristan is played by an relatively unknown Charlie Cox. I like that this character is played by someone I haven’t heard of. There are no preconceived notions about him at all. I look forward to seeing him in many more films in the future. His chemistry with Claire Danes, who plays the fallen star, is shining. They are so much fun to watch. Michelle Pfeiffer is on top of her game for the second time this summer. With her Velma von Tussle from “Hairspray” and her evil witch Lamia, she’s definitely the comeback of the year. She does evil so well! Even with the wonderful performances already mentioned, my absolute favorite in the movie was Robert de Niro as the pirate captain. I’m not going to give it away since nobody gave it away for me, but he is fabulous!

The supporting characters in the movie are fantastic: There’s a witch who has a servant girl chained up for eternity with a magical chain that cannot be broken. There are a slew of very funny ghosts. There’s a goat that gets turned into a man who retains his goat-like appearance and characteristics. The magical world of Stormhold is brimming with wonderfully well-written characters.

As a lover of fantasy, I was in my element with “Stardust”. While I understand that it's not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, I really believe that there is something in “Stardust” for every movie-goer.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 falling stars

www.stardustmovie.com

Jenny Rushing
beccajane67@yahoo.com

Movie Review: Underdog by JR

Title: Underdog

Starring: Jason Lee, Peter Dinklage, Jim Belushi, Patrick Warburton, Alex Neuberger

Directed by: Frederik Du Chau
Genre: Action/Adventure/Family/Comedy

Release Date: August 3, 2007

MPAA Rating: PG for crude humor, mild language and action

A beagle who just can’t seem to do anything right, is kidnapped and given superpowers by a mad scientist, Dr. Barsinister. He escapes and makes friends with a boy who helps him discover how to use his new powers for good.

After first seeing the previews earlier this year, I have been excited about Underdog. As a parent of two children ages 7 and 5, it’s hard to find movies that everyone in the family will enjoy. My kids were as equally excited to see it as I was. Usually it’s them wanting to drag me to a movie (Happily N’ever After), or it’s me wanting to drag them to a movie (Narnia).

The story line in Underdog was very simple: Mad scientist and his bumbling sidekick want to do bad things, and the superhero must save the day. The big “twist” on this is that the superhero is a dog. Not so big of a twist, right? Yeah, I know. But it’s still a really cute gimmick and it worked for me. Underdog, whose alter-ego’s name is Shoeshine, is a great character for kids. He has trouble succeeding in what he does because something always goes wrong, and he feels like he can’t do anything. He’s funny and very relatable, even if he is a talking dog. His owner, Jack, is having some problems of his own and has to overcome them to help Underdog succeed. It’s nothing we haven’t seen before, but coupled with the action and the comedy, it really works here. All of the kids in the theater were captivated.

The performances were fantastic as well. Dr. Barsinister is played by Peter Dinklage (you might know him from Nip/Tuck) and he’s a perfect kiddie villain. He’s just sinister enough, yet he does physical comedy very well. His bumbling sidekick is played masterfully by Patrick Warburton. Underdog’s owner Jack is played by newcomer Alex Neuberger. According to imdb.com, he’s only been in one other movie: Running Scared, which I hated. He’s a great little actor. I expect to see him in many other movies in the future.

Underdog is the latest in the old-cartoon-turned-into-a-movie, and I have to tell you, I never watched the old cartoon. I remember seeing pieces of it here and there in my childhood, but it wasn’t one that I would carve out a slice of that special Saturday morning time for. One of the things I do remember about the cartoon is Underdog speaking in rhyme a lot, and he does that in the new movie as well. Sounds like it would get old? Nah, it doesn’t. Not in the short run-time. It’s endearing actually, like a part of his new persona that isn’t developed yet. I hate to compare, but it’s kinda like in Spiderman, when Peter Parker is trying to figure out how to use his webbing and shouts out things like “Go web!”.

My only complaint about the movie is that it dragged a bit in the second half. My kids were thoroughly engaged in it, but I took a quick 10 minute nap. Overall though, the movie was entertaining, funny, full of action, and completely appropriate for the entire family. Which I love.

4 out of 5 stars

Jenny Rushing
Beccajane67@yahoo.com

DVD Review: Dead Silence by JR

Beware the stare of Mary Shaw. She had no children, only dolls. And if you see her in your dreams, make sure you never ever scream.

The legend of Mary Shaw haunted the dreams of many children of the small town of Raven’s Fair. After his wife is mysteriously murdered, Jamie must travel home to face his family and to try to break the curse.

“Dead Silence”, by the same writers and director who brought us “Saw”, is proof that lightning only strikes once in one place. Being a big fan of the “Saw” movies, I was pretty excited to see this one, even though it got awful reviews. I figured that it got awful reviews because it was a horror movie with an early in the year release. Those kinds of movies almost always get bad reviews. This one unfortunately warranted the bad reviews.

The biggest reason why it was so bad was that it followed every horror/detective movie stereotype. For example, Donnie Wahlberg’s character. Let me paint a picture of what he looks like the first time we see him. He’s got a handlebar moustache, a receding hairline, a perpetual five-o-clock shadow, he’s wearing a trench coat and a shirt and tie, loosely tied around his neck to appear disheveled, and he’s eating a doughnut. Gee, I wonder what his character does for a living. Perhaps he’s a cop? No, better! He’s a detective investigating the murder of Jamie’s wife. Every line this guy delivers is straight out of any noir/detective/good cop bad cop type movie or TV show. It starts out as laughable, but by the end of the movie it’s just ridiculous. Can’t this guy get a gig on Dancing With the Stars like the other boy band has beens?

The movie also used the same effects over and over again. This one in particular: A car will be driving down a road. Then the image of the car on the road will morph into the map of the area, the sign for the town of Raven’s Fair, then it will morph from the sign back into the car driving down the road. The movie used this same effect several times. The first time it’s cool. The second, third, and fourth times? Not so much.

The action moved way too slow for my taste. Especially for a horror movie. We see the one killing in the beginning (again, stereotypical), but then the next killing isn’t until we’ve passed the hour mark. And nothing is accomplished in this hour!!

Oh yeah, and since it’s by the same folks who wrote “Saw”, there’s a “twist” ending. Wow. The twist is glossed by so quickly that I really could care less about trying to figure it out. I’m sure it does make sense, if you spent the time online reading message boards or watching some of the special features, but really, I don’t care. It was simply ridiculous.

I’ve been trying to think of positive things about this movie while I’ve been writing about all of the bad things about it…the only thing I could think of was the doll. Billy. He’s really got a creepy voice. I don’t know who did his voice, but it was really creepy.

Visit the official site at http://www.deadsilencemovie.net/

Jenny Rushing
beccajane67@yahoo.com

Movie Review: Paprika by JR

Paprika, the new anime film by Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue, Tokyo Godfathers), is every bit as meserizing as you have heard. It follows the story of the DC Mini, a device created to allow people to see what others are dreaming, and the people involved with it. I’m going to try to keep the description as vague as possible so as not to give away any spoilers.

I am a newcomer to the whole anime genre. I had seen “Perfect Blue” a few years ago, and really enjoyed it, but it was only this year that I finally saw “Akira” and “Ghost In the Shell” and my appreciation for anime began to grow. When I first saw a trailer for “Paprika”, I was, as I said before, mesmerized. I couldn’t take my eyes off, I wanted more. My biggest complaint about anime before “Paprika” was that it was so difficult to understand. Usually the films took more than one viewing to fully grasp what had just happened. While that’s entertaining occasionally, in my experience that had been the case for every anime. To me, they were an acquired taste, like Miike movies, and I was going to try to acquire that taste. “Paprika” helped give me the push into anime that I needed. It’s plot is complicated enough to keep it interesting, but it’s simple enough to understand in one viewing. However, this is a film that stays with you long after you’ve seen it, revealing more of itself to you day by day.

The animation in this film is none less than phenomenal. From the breathtaking opening scene, in which Paprika bounces throughout a city scene, popping in and out of billboards, transforming into the people around her, to the climactic ending, the audience is held in the spell of the visual beauty of this film. The soundtrack adds the perfect compliment to the visuals. Susumu Hirasawa, using keyboards and various electronic instruments along with vocals, composed the score, and it’s entirely infectious. The song that is heard in the trailer is the song that is played during that breathtaking opening sequence, and I’ve had it stuck in my head ever since I saw it. One of the songs from the soundtrack can be downloaded for free by clicking here. Lucky for us, Susumu Hirasawa is a free music advocate.

The characters are also a lot of fun to explore. Because we get to see their dreams, fantasies, and fears, the audience gets to see all facets of every character. It never becomes too confusing either. I wish I could tell you more about my favorite parts, but it would give away too much. If it were me, I wouldn’t want anyone to spoil this lovely film.

Several questions have been asked as to the nature of the “R” rating. Animation too often throws people off. How bad can it really be? Well, “Paprika” really isn’t terrible. There’s no blood, no gore, but there are plenty of suggestive visuals. If a child were to watch this film, they probably wouldn’t get half if not all of what the visuals are supposed to suggest, but still they should probably not see it. The storyline alone is too confusing for a child let alone the average teenager, so the R rating is justified, especially coupled with the visuals.

I understand that “Paprika” is currently undergoing a very limited release, which is unfortunate. This film deserves to be taken in on a big screen with an audience.

Theater Review: Spamalot by JR

Spamalot, in case you were wondering about the odd name for a musical or if I had it confused with Camelot, is the musical “lovingly ripped off” from the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”. It is the story of Arthur, King of the Britons, and his quest to find Knights for his famed Round Table, and consecutively, his quest to find the Holy Grail. Eric Idle, of the original Python cast, wrote the musical. During its original Broadway run, Spamalot won 3 Tony’s including Best Musical and was nominated for 14.

If you turned up your nose in disgust at the first sentence, “How could they do that??!! What sellouts! It couldn’t possibly be any good. Harrumph!” You are mistaken. While the show does leave out a few very funny scenes from the movie, the scene at the castle with all of the women being one of them and also the scene with the witch hunt, it stays true to the tone of the Monty Python humor. You may be pleased to hear that some of the dialogue is entirely the same; for example, the bit in the beginning of the movie about the coconuts and the swallows. This really helps get the audience going. The jokes that have been ingrained into our heads for over 20 years are still funny because now we are seeing them in person. The audience literally cheers and whistles when they see the French taunters (who are quite vulgar in the musical version, more so than in the movie) or the Knights Who Say Ni, or the Killer Rabbit.

Remember in the movie when King Arthur is telling Dennis (the politically correct activist muddling around in the shithole) that he is king because the Lady of the Lake told him that he was to be the one to wield Excalibur? She’s become a character in the musical. Played by Esther Stilwell in the touring cast, The Lady of the Lake and her Laker girls steal the show whenever they are on stage. She’s overexaggerated, mocking Christina Aguilera’s stupid hand motions when she sings, and she holds her own against a cast entirely of men. Her voice is beautiful and her range is challenged in this musical, especially in “The Song That Goes Like This” that has like 5 key changes, but still she’s amazing. I only wish there were more of her. She does too, as she comes out halfway through the second act complaining about her lack of stage time during the hysterical “Diva’s Lament”.

Having peeked online at some clips featuring the Broadway cast, I was a bit disappointed by the touring cast’s King Arthur. This only being because the Great Tim Curry played King Arthur on Broadway, and nobody could do as well as he. However, Michael Siberry played King Arthur in the touring cast, and he held his own. I only wish I hadn’t watched those clips before the show. The Lady of the Lake and King Arthur are the only two members of the cast who don’t play more than one role. Staying true to the Monty Python way, all other members of the cast play several roles.

The rest of the knights are great as well, each having idiosyncrasies of his own that adds to the hilarity of it all. One of them shits his pants quite frequently, one of them turns out to be gay in a great Village People type song and dance number, and one of them is constantly flatulent. I’m not going to reveal who, you’ll have to see it for yourself. Also, God makes an appearance in the show. But instead of the head in the sky, a giant pair of feet descend from the rafters and when King Arthur tries looking up at him, God exclaims, “Stop trying to look up my skirt!” The voice of God is the pre-recorded voice of John Cleese.

The music is wonderful, with Python favorites such as “the Fisch Schlapping Song” and “The Bright Side of Life” making appearances in the musical. There is a song for the “I’m not dead yet!” scene, and everyone in the audience was walking around singing it during intermission and as we were walking out after the show. I’m singing it right now in fact. “I am not dead yet! He is not dead yet!” There is also a song to announce intermission, after the French taunters throw dead animals at the knights, aptly titled, “Run Away”. In fact, after final curtain call, the cast lead the audience in a Follow the Bouncing Ball type sing along of “The Bright Side of Life”. Several references to other musicals are sprinkled throughout the show as well, including “Phantom of the Opera”, “West Side Story”, and “Les Miserables”.

I completely enjoyed myself at Spamalot. If only tickets weren’t so bloody expensive, I’d be going again. I haven’t met one person who doesn’t like Monty Python, or who wouldn’t love the humor of this musical. This one’s for everyone. To find out if Spamalot is coming to your town, click here. There are also rumors that it may be made into a film, in which case, I’ll be keeping you posted.

Theater Review: Wonderful Town by JR

Two sisters from Ohio move to New York to discover new opportunities. One, Eileen, is an aspiring actress who never has to buy anything herself: her looks and charm get her by. The other, Ruth, is a writer who doesn’t have the same fortunate ability as her sister. Lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and music by Leonard Bernstein. Based on the play, “My Sister Eileen” that was made into an Oscar-winning movie, “Wonderful Town” began its initial run on Broadway in 1953 won 6 Tony awards including Best Musical. The revival began in 2003 and was nominated for 6 Tony’s, but only won for Best Choreography.

Let me start off with the obvious: “Wonderful Town” should be called “Boring Town”. There. I’ve got that out of the way. “Wonderful Town” is one of those musicals that is not as much for the audience as it is for the players involved. The highly intricate and challenging score is exhausting to listen to, but I’m sure would be freaking amazing to sing. The harmonies are great, as in “Ohio”, and the opening song “Christopher Street” has 17 key changes. 17! Something brag-worthy among vocalists. Also, the Overture had very complicated time changes. I couldn’t keep track. Perhaps if “Wonderful Town” was a snooty modern art piece, the music would be easier to bear. But it tries so hard to be whimsical and reminiscent of “happier musicals” like “Guys and Dolls”. The music just doesn’t fit.

One of the biggest contributing factors to my non-enjoyment of “Wonderful Town” was the sound. It could be the Fair Park Music Hall and a problem with the acoustics (although I’ve seen countless productions there and there hasn’t been a problem like this). It could be the fact that the entire orchestra plays on a raised platform on the stage instead of in the pit. It could be some wiring problem, or a sound technician was asleep. I couldn’t hear a damn word these people said. I had to strain to try to understand them while they were talking, and it was even worse while they were singing. The lowest point in the musical was a song sung by a former football star named Wreck called “Pass the Football”. He sounded like Special Ed from Crank Yankers. Seriously. “Duuhhh, da-dum, dee-dum dee-dum, duuuhhh Pass duh Football!!” Another bad one was “My Darling Eileen” sung by Irish policemen. If you think it’s hard to understand Special Ed as a singing football player, try understanding extremely thick and overexaggerated Irish accents. Oh, and they do some Riverdance in there too. I think it was about this point that I turned to April and whispered, “What the hell is this?”

There were a few good songs. A few. My favorite was “One Hundred Easy Ways to Lose a Man”. Sounds stupid, right? Nah. It was great. Too bad there weren’t more moments in the show like this one. It’s Ruth’s big number in the first act. Because of this number, Ruth stole the show.

Along with not being able to understand anything that was going on, the sets don’t provide much to look at. The entire orchestra is on stage for the whole musical. That doesn’t leave much room for any sets. There are a few backdrops, and there is some furniture that comes in for scenes in Ruth and Eileen’s apartment, but that’s about it. So if you’re keeping track, that’s 1) Nothing to listen to and 2) Nothing to look at.

“Wonderful Town” is currently on tour. You can find out if it’s coming to your town by clicking here.

Jenny Rushing

beccajane67@yahoo.com

Movie Review: The Dog Problem by JR

Title: The Dog Problem
Starring: Giovanni Ribisi, Don Cheadle, Scott Caan, Lynn Collins, Mena Suvari
Directed By: Scott Caan
Written By: Scott Caan
Genre: Comedy
Release Date: September 11, 2006
MPAA Rating: R for language, some sexual content and nudity
Distributors: A Thousand Words

Solo (Giovanni Ribisi) is as alone as his name implies. Desperate for a connection with a human, he takes the advice of his therapist (Don Cheadle) and buys a dog. The new pet also provides the means for Solo to finally meet a girl (Lynn Collins) by way of a dog park and a few unusual circumstances. Written and directed by Scott Caan, who also plays Solo’s best friend, “The Dog Problem” is an adorable, quirky romantic comedy with more substance than you may think.

I hadn’t heard a darn thing about this movie. The only reason I saw it instead of “The Namesake” was because 1) the start time and 2) I was there with my sister and she loves romantic comedies. I have no problem with the occasional rom com. I’m a girl, dammit! Sometimes we just like sappy stuff. “The Dog Problem” however, was sweet and sappy, but more along the lines of Woody Allen than your typical rom com. The dialogue was sharp, witty, and like sounded like normal everyday conversations.

Solo, Giovanni Ribisi’s character, is a highly relatable character. He’s got money problems, he’s depressed, he doesn’t think he has any friends although Scott Caan is a pretty good friend, he doesn’t think he can get a girl, he thinks he’s a failure at his job (he’s a writer), who can’t relate to that? The guy is so desperate for a connection, that he buys his therapist gifts that can’t be accepted for professional reasons. He’s the perfect anti-hero, and this is the perfect role for Ribisi. Just quirky enough, but not as quirky as some of his past roles.

The rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Lynn Collins is adorable as Lola, a stripper not ashamed of her job. Scott Caan is great as the sex-obsessed best friend. Mena Suvari was hysterical as a snobby dog caretaker. Tito Ortiz from UFC even made a cameo as a bodyguard. It was great seeing him in a movie, especially without dialogue so the movie didn’t take a turn for the worst a la the WWE movies that have been coming out recently.

Random thoughts: The music was perfect! Mark Mothersbaugh wrote original music for the movie and it fits it like a glove. Also, the opening credits sequence was one of the coolest and most mesmerizing I think I’ve ever seen. Oh and the dog? This is possibly the cutest ugly dog I’ve ever seen.

“The Dog Problem” was a great movie for my sister-night-out. It’s a movie for men and women, dog lovers and dog haters (though I don’t think there are too many of those out there). It’s a movie for everyone.

Theater Review: Wicked by JR

Wicked the musical, based on the book “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire, tells the story of the two witches of Oz, Glinda the Good, and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West, before Dorothy dropped in. The Broadway production opened in 2003, and was nominated for 11 Tony’s, winning 3 including Best Actress for Idina Menzel (Elphaba).

I jumped on the Wicked bandwagon a little late. It was only this past year that I read the book, and finally bought the soundtrack CD. The book is a hard read to say the least. Gregory Maguire has created a different Oz from the one we’re all used to, the terminology and language can be daunting at times, and it took me two tries before I finished it. The book is great, don’t get me wrong, it’s just a hard book to read. One must understand though: the book, and the musical, and the original book by L. Frank Baum, and the movie “the Wizard of Oz” are all four separate and at times unrelated pieces of works. This can get very confusing, but it’s much easier if you just go with the flow and don’t ask too many questions.

The production of Wicked that is touring the country right now (yes right now!) is as close to the Broadway production as you’ll get. The sets are elaborate, complete with a giant dragon whose wings span the entire width of the stage, a giant ticking clock, and a beautiful Emerald City. The costumes are brilliant, identical to those I’ve seen in pictures of the original Broadway production. The special effects, especially Elphaba ascending into the air with her broom, are breathtaking.

The cast. Oh my, the cast. Listening to the soundtrack over and over and over, and given my pre-existing infatuation with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth (the original Elphaba and Glinda), I really had my doubts about whether I would enjoy anyone who dared set foot into their roles. In the touring production, Elphaba is played by Victoria Matlock and Glinda is played by Christina DeCicco, two unknowns to me, but I knew I would love Victoria Matlock by reading in her bio that she played Emma in Jekyll & Hyde. It’s just a thing with me. I automatically like anyone who’s done Jekyll & Hyde. It’s how much I love that musical. Needless to say, the two far exceeded my expectations. Victoria Matlock nailed “The Wizard and I”, my favorite song to belt in the car, and she had me on the edge of my seat during “Defying Gravity”. The girl can sing. Christina DeCicco, simply put, is Glinda. After seeing her performance, and forgive me Kristin Chenoweth, I still love you, I can’t imagine anyone else in that role. Her quirkiness is adorably loveable and is absolutely perfect. She kicks her feet up, jumps up and down, and has the energy of Molly Shannon’s Mary Katherine Gallagher, only without being even the slightest bit annoying. Christina is perfect. Victoria is perfect. So they’re “perfect together”.

“Wicked” is the perfect musical. If only there was a movie version…I know there are rumors, but nothing more than rumors. I just want to be able to watch it over and over and share it with my kids. Click here and find out if “Wicked” will be coming to your city. Who knows when it will be back.

Love,

Jenny

beccajane67@yahoo.com