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Winning
Combination
Filmakers
and performers hit the mark.
By Lois
Wadsworth
ABOUT
A BOY: Written and directed by Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz.
Co-written by Peter Hedges. Based on the book by Nick Hornby. Produced
by Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro, Brad Epstein, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner.
Executive producers, Nick Hornby, Lynn Harris. Cinematography, Remi
Adefarasin. Production design, Jim Clay. Costumes, Joanna Johnston.
Editor, Nick Moore. Music, Damon Gough (AKA Badly Drawn Boy). Starring
Hugh Grant, Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette and Rachel Weisz, with Victoria
Smurfit. TriBeCa Productions; Working Title Films. Universal, 2002.
PG-13. 101 minutes.
 |
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Jackie
McQuillan (real-life soccer star Ally McCoist) and Gordon McLeod
(Robert Duvall) have different goals.me,
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The producers of this film … TriBeCa Productions
(A Bronx Tale, Meet the Parents) and Working Title Films
(Billy Elliot, Bridget Jonesäs Diary)… know how to make
a mainstream comedy thatäs not only quirky, light-hearted and enjoyable
but also fresh, touching and resonant. About a Boy avoids
cuteness because both Hugh Grant and newcomer Nicholas Hoult, who
plays 12-year old Marcus, take their roles seriously. It speaks to
Grantäs personal charm and professionalism that he gives the young
actor the opportunity to take the spotlight from him. Hoult is the
unifying presence when heäs onscreen, while Grantäs talent gets a
wider-than-usual range as Will Freeman. The perfect puer, Willäs
a 38 year old with no intention of growing up or even of becoming
an interesting person until love enters his life.
Shy Marcus is already different from
the other kids at school, but heäs helpless when his hippie mom, Fiona
(Toni Collette, who gives an exemplary curl to what could have been
a pitiable character), walks him to school, gives him a kiss and tells
him she loves him. The kids who overhear heckle him unmercifully,
but a few bullies become abusive. Fiona, morose about a breakup, doesnät
see what her kid goes through at school. But later when Will does,
he acts.
Marcus first meets Will at a gathering
of SPAT, Single Parents, Alone Together. Will stirs up some concoction
about having a 2-year old son, but heäs actually there to pick up
women. Marcus is there with Suzie (Victoria Smurfit), a single parent
friend of his depressed momäs. At a group picnic in the park with
Suzie and her kid, Marcus accidentally kills a duck. Will lies for
him to the park official so easily that both Suzie and Marcus are
floored, but for different reasons. Later that same day, when Will
could help Marcus in a more meaningful way, heäs too rigid about giving
up his freedom.
Despite the opportunities for melodrama,
the filmäs script retains a sardonic tone even as Will discovers that
he likes being part of Marcusäs extended family. But when he meets
Rachel (Rachel Weisz) and canät answer a simple question: ÜWhat do
you do?,¹ Will sees her interest fade. A rich London slacker who hasnät
worked a day in his life, thanks to a hammy Christmas song his dad
wrote in the 1950s, he is dumb struck. Once again faced with the chance
to do the right thing, shallow Will shamelessly persuades Marcus to
pose as his son so they can just drop by to see Rachel and her 12-year
old boy. True to form, Will does not intend to tell Rachel about the
fraud, but Marcus has other ideas.
Looking for a winning combination to
bring a largely interior popular novel to the screen, you might never
think of Paul Weitz, 36, and his brother, Chris Weitz, 32, the highly
successful writing/directing partners of that scatological teen flick,
American Pie. I know I wouldnät. But the Weitz brothers hit
all the right notes here, and About a Boy is sure to be the
favorite of a large audience. Very highly recommended, itäs now playing
at Cinemark.
Back to Top
Flesh
& Politics
Sex
comedy with a serious subtext.
By Lois
Wadsworth
Y
TU MAMA TAMBIEN: Written and directed by Alfonso Cuar„n. Co-writer,
Carlos Cuar„n. Produced by Jorge Vergara, Alfonso Cuar„n. Cinematography,
Emmanuel Lubezki. Original music, Natalie Imbruglia. Editor, Alfonso
Cuar„n, Alex RodrÍguez. Production design, Marc Bedia, Miguel ngel
lvarez. Art director, Miguel ngel lvarez. Costumes, Gabriela Diaque.
Starring Maribel Verdu, Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal, with Andrþs
Almeida, Ana L„pez Mercado, Maria Aura Andrþs, Mayra Serbulo and Silverio
Palacios. IFC Films, 2002. 105 minutes. NR.
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Jean (Bruno Cremer) and Marie
Drillon (Charlotte Rampling) stop on their way to the beach house.me,
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|
Wait, you think. Have I wandered
into a Mexican teen sex flick? Scenes
burst with urgent, consensual, heterosexual or mastubatory sex. Or else
the characters are getting stoned, planning to get high, telling jokes
about sex or laughing at practical jokes of the farts-in-a-closed-car
variety. Male sexual adolescence of this Beavis and Butt-head pair is
thoroughly catalogued in a brief time, while biting social commentary
clues you into the differing strata of Mexican society these boys represent
… the ruling oligarchy and the working class. The narrator stands in
for talented Mexican director Alfonso Cuar„n (The Little Princess,
Great Expectations), a filmmaker who has more on his mind than
the pubescent antics of idle boys.
Cuar„n is no longer to be pegged as
the weaver of conventional tales. Y Tu Mamˆ Tambiþn is unapologetic
about sex, and the better for it. Sex in American movies is a big
taboo, while films reeking with murder and graphically detailed violence
are easily available to everyone … even children … despite their hypocritical
ratings. But show full frontal nudity (men or women) or portray a
sexual act between mutually consenting teens or adults, or heaven
forbid! teen boys and a mature woman, and your film will receive the
dreaded X. Wisely, Cuar„n made this film in Mexico, and IFC Films
has released it in the U.S. with no MPAA rating. Itäs not for prudes.
The shards of Mexican political life
that Cuar„n holds up to the light in this road movie are more devastating
and profound than if they were the overt focus of the film. Taking
your mind off politics are two horny teenagers, Tenoch (Deigo Luan,
Before Night Falls) and Julio (Gael Garcia Bernal, Amores
Perros), and their somewhat older companion, Luisa (Maribel Verdu,
Belle Epoque).
Contemporary political movements are
noted when the car is stalled in traffic in Mexico City by a demonstration
in which Julioäs sister is participating. And as the trio haunts the
rural back roads to a mythical beach called Boca del Cielo (Heavenäs
Mouth), the political reality of dissent is seen through the car windows
but not commented on. They pass accidents, police and military checkpoints
and witness the ongoing, ethnic cleansing of the peasant class by
men with guns, but Julio and Tenoch donät notice, while Luisa watches
silently.
Theyäre all busy sharing secrets, building
trust. The boys tell Luisa they and their pot-smoking buddies call
themselves Charolasters, which roughly translates as space cowboys.
Likewise, the sex education Luisa imparts to her charges is not only
the wet dream they imagined, but also a more complicated matter of
relationship and shared pleasure.
When they stumble into an isolated
beach paradise and set up camp, they meet the delightful Chuy (Silverio
Palacios) and his devoted wife, Mabel (Mayra Serbulo). They hire the
family to take them to beaches accessible only by water and put them
up when their campsite gets trashed. Now weäre in the real heart of
Mexico, one that is disappearing even as we marvel at its pristine
beauty. Cuar„näs great gift is that he makes this multilayered film
look so easy that it can almost be taken as light entertainment. But
only if you close your eyes.
Y Tu Mamˆ Tambiþn was one of
the critically acclaimed films at the 2001 New York Film Festival.
Reminiscent of the French New Wave films that burst upon Cannes in
1959, this film, along with Amores Perros, represents a break
from the past for Mexican cinema. Emmanuel Lubezkiäs cinematography
is both telling and very beautiful, and the Cuar„n brothers know how
to enliven an old genre and make it seem new. Opens at the Bijou Friday.
Highest recommendations.
Back to Top
OPENING
OR RETURNING:
Films open the Friday following date of EW
publication unless otherwise noted.
Alexander Nevsky (Russia, 1938): Sergei
Eisensteinäs tale of the invasion of Russia circa 1241 by Teutonic
knights and its defense by Prince Nevsky was scored by Sergei Prokofiev.
At 7 pm on 5/23 in 180 PLC. Free.
Boca a Boca (Spain, 1995): Javier Bardem
(Before Night Falls) stars in Manuel Gomez Pereiraäs farce
about an actor who temps at a phone-sex job. R. At 7 pm 5/24 in International
Center, EMU. Free.
Casablanca: At dusk on 5/24 on Memorial
Quad or in case of rain, at 7 pm in 180 PLC. Free.
Enough: Jennifer Lopez tries to get away
from her abusive husband, played by Billy Campbell (ÜOnce and Again¹),
in Michael Aptedäs drama, written by Nicholas Kazan (Reversal of
Fortune). Also, Juliette Lewis, Noah Wyle. PG-13. Cinema World.
Cinemark.
Good Times: Hour long program of The
Tape-Beatles as well as an open showing of local film, video. At 7:30
pm on 5/26. $3-$5 donation. (Call 341-4066).
Insomnia: Christopher Nolan (Memento)
explores sleep deprivation in this remake of a 1998 thriller from
Norway. Set in Alaska, it stars Al Pacino and Robin Williams, Hilary
Swank, Martin Donovan, Maura Tierney, Nicky Katt and Paul Dooley.
R. Cinemark. Cinema World.
Monsters Inc.: From Pixar, the creators
of Toy Story, comes a new computer-animated feature about a
scare factory, Monsters Inc., and its top monster, Sulley (voice of
John Goodman). Also voices of Billy Crystal, James Coburn, Jennifer
Tilly, Steve Buscemi and Mary Gibbs. G. Movies. 12.
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron: Animated
Western adventure with the voices of Matt Damon, James Cromwell and
Daniel Studi is an action picture, not a comedy. Co-directed by Kelly
Asbury and Lorna Cook. G. Cinema World. Cinemark.
Until the End of the World: William Hurt
and Solveig Dommartin play lovers in this road picture set in 1999.
Directed by Wim Wenders (Paris, Texas). With Sam Neill, Max
von Sydow, Jeanne Moreau. Wendersä pictures have interesting characters
and a few good ideas, but this one bogs down in storytelling, which
is remedied by second viewing. A picture for the Millennium. Great
sound track. R. At 7 pm on 5/28 in 122 Pacific. Free.
Van Wilder: In the classic tradition
of National Lampoon movies, Walt Becker directs this comedy about
graduation. Staring Ryan Reynolds and Tara Reid. R. Movies 12.
We Were Soldiers: Mel Gibson stars as
Lt. Col Hal Moore who led his men in the brutal battle for La Drang
Valley in the Viet Nam war. Based on Mooreäs memoir. Directed by Randall
Wallace, also stars Madeleine Stowe, Greg Kinnear, Sam Elliot, Chris
Klein, Keri Russell and Barry Pepper. The first half is a WWII movie,
while the last half is surprising and moving. R. Movies 12. Online
archives.
Y Tu Mama Tambien: Two teens and an unhappily
married woman in a sexy Mexican road movie that also has a political
subtext. Director Alfonso Cuar„n, writer Carlos Cuar„n and cinematographer
Emmanuel Lubezki create a fabulous movie for stars Maribel Verdu,
Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal. Highest recommendations. NR Bijou.
See review
CONTINUING
About a Boy: Nick Hornbyäs popular British
novel about a rich London rake (Hugh Grant) who invents an imaginary
son to meet women who are single parents. But instead he finds a troubled
boy (Nicholas Hoult), who teaches him to grow up. Directed by Chris
and Paul Weltz, it also stars Toni Collette, Rachel Weisz. PG-13.
Cinemark. Cinema World. See review
Beautiful Mind, A: Inspired by the true
story of a mathematical genius who battles mental illness, Ron Howardäs
film stars Russell Crowe, Ed Harris and Jennifer Connelly. Academy
Awards for supporting actress, directing, best picture, and writing.
Highly recommended. PG-13. Movies 12. See
review .
Big Fat Liar: Frankie Muniz (ÜMalcolm
in the Middle¹) tries to prove sleazy Hollywood producer (Paul Giamatti)
turned his class paper into a hit movie. Directed by Shawn Levy. PG.
Movies 12.
Blade 2: Directed by Guillermo del Toro,
who also directed Deviläs Backbone. But there the resemblance ends.
Wesley Snipes stars in this vampire horror flick. R. Movies 12.
Changing Lanes: Starring Ben Affleck
and Samuel L. Jackson as, two men who meet in a minor car accident
and set out to destroy each otheräs lives. Directed by Roger Mitchell
and produced by Scott Rudin. R. Cinema World.
Endurance, The: Documentary footage and
contemporary interviews with descendants of survivors of uncommonly
gifted leader Ernest Shackletonäs 1914-1916 star-crossed exploration
of Antarctica. One of the great real adventures of all time. Highest
recommendations. G. Bijou. Online archives.
Forty Days and 40 Nights: Josh Hartnett
plays a high school heartthrob who gives up all sex for 40 days and
nights. Then the girl of his dreams, played by Shannyn Sossaman, walks
into his life. R. Movies 12.
High Crimes: Ashley Judd plays a woman
who finds out her husband is not who he claimed to be. She and Morgan
Freedman must defend him from being framed by the military. PG 13.
Movies 12.
I Am Sam: Sean Penn plays a mentally-challenged
single parent raising his daughter. Michelle Pfeiffer plays an attorney
who takes his case when the girl is put in foster care by social services.
Extraordinary performance by Penn, who received an Academy nod. PG-13.
Movies 12. See
review .
Italian for Beginners: A Dogma ‘95 film,
this light, romantic comedy written and directed by Lone Scherfig
interweaves the stories of six insecure Copenhagen singles. R. Bijou.
Lord of the Rings, The: The Fellowship
of the Ring: The first book in J. R. R. Tolkienäs literary trilogy,
directed by Peter Jackson stars Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett,
Liv Tyler, Sean Astin, Christopher Lee. Academy Award winner for cinematography,
makeup, and visual effects. Highest recommendations. PG-13. Movies
12. See review.
Monsoon Wedding: As a Punjabi family
in Delhi gathers for a wedding celebration, traditional and contemporary
culture mix. Created by Mira Nair (Salaam Bombay!), staring
Naseeruddin Shah, Lillete Dubey and others. R. Bijou. Online archives.
New Guy, The: DJ Qualls plays high school
senior who has a chance to wipe the slate clean and reinvent himself.
Comedy directed by Ed Decter also stars Eliza Dushku, Zooey Deschanel,
Lyle Lovett and Eddie Griffin. PG-13. Cinema World. Cinemark.
Resident Evil: Milla Jovovich and Michelle
Rodriguez play commando leaders trying to save the world in this action
thriller based on the video game. R. Movies 12.
Return to Neverland: Disney animated
tale of the rebellious 12-year old daughter of grown up Wendy (from
Peter Pan). Peteäs still around, and he tries to help her.
G. Movies 12.
Spider Man: Tobey Maguire stars in Sam
Raimiäs film about one of the most popular comic book superheroes
to come to the screen. Also stars Willem Dafoe as the Green Goblin,
Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, Rosemary Harris and
J.K. Simmons. PG-13. Cinemark. Cinema World. Online archives.
Star Wars: Attack of the Clones: George
Lucasä second of three Star Warsä prequels comes to the screen
with Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, Ian McDiarmid
and Samuel Jackson doing all the heavy lifting. PG. Cinema World.
Cinemark.
Time Machine: Guy Pearce (Memento)
stars in this remake of H.G. Welles sci-fi novel, directed by Simon
Wells (The Prince of Egypt). Creator of time machine is hurled
800,000 years into the future, where he finds there are only hunters
and the hunted. PG-13. Movies 12.
Unfaithful: From director Adrian Lyne
(Fatal Attraction) comes a film that plays on the fears of married
people. Diane Lane plays a married woman who has an affair (Oliver
Martinez) that leads her husband (Richard Gere) to become suspicious.
Violence lurks. R. Cinema World. Cinemark.
MOVIE
THEATERS
Use the links provided below for specific show times.
Bijou
Art Cinemas
Bijou Theater 686-2458 | 492 E. 13th
Regal
Cinemas
Cinema World 342-6536 | Valley River
Center
Springfield Quad 726-9073 |
Cinemark
Theaters
Movies 12 741-1231 | Gateway
Mall
Movies before 12:30 are Sat. Sun. only. $1.50 all shows all days.
Cinemark 17 741-1231 | Gateway Mall
NEW
RELEASES ON VIDEO:
Releases subject to change. Available the Tuesday following
date of EW publication, sometimes sooner:
Chungking Express:
Chinese New Wave director Wong Kar-Wai (Days of Being Wild)
created this 1994 critically acclaimed story of love and urban isolation
set in Hong Kong. Deliriously wild, yet touching. Unrated. In Mandarin
Chinese with English subtitles.
Everything Put Together: Despite
its horror show creepy music, this Marc Foster-directed film turns
out to be Üa finely acted expressionistic critique of the suburban
baby culture and its joys, fears and fetishes,¹ according to The
New York Times review. It stars Radha Mitchell as the suburban
mother of an infant who dies of SIDS. 2000, R. April DVD.
Harry Potter and the Sorcereräs
Stone: Utterly faithful to J.K. Rowlingäs book. Stars Daniel Radcliffe,
Emma Watson, John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane and more. Directed by Chris
Columbus. PG. See review
.
Last Waltz, The: Special edition
of Martin Scorseseäs 1978 rock documentary on the last performance
of The Band and their musical guests, including Neil Young, Joni Mitchell,
Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Ronnie Hawkins, Muddy Waters, Emmylou
Harris and the one and only Bob Dylan. Lots of DVD extras. PG.
Love and Rage: This 1998 film
about an English woman who hires an Irish man to manage here island
estate stars Greta Scacchi, Stephen Dillane and Daniel Craig. Never
played Eugene. R. April DVD.
Rare Birds: Stars William Hurt,
Molly Parker in tale of a cockeyed scheme by the neighbor of a beset
cafe owner to bring birdwatchers into the neighborhood.. Never played
Eugene. NR.
Slackers: Teen comedy stars
Devon Sawa, Jason Seagal and Jason Schwartzman and is directed by
Dewey Nicks. R.
Tart: Stars Dominique Swain,
Brad Renfro, Melanie Griffiths and Bijou Phillips in story about a
girl who will do anything to belong at an exclusive private high school
in Manhattan. Never played Eugene. R. April DVD.
Next week: Blue Velvet Special Edition,
Hustler Special Edition, Shallow Hal and Mothman Prophecies.
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