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Time
Travel
Forgotten
treasures recalled.
BY
LOIS WADSWORTH
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya
Sisterhood: Written and directed by Callie
Khouri. Adapted by Mark Andrus from Rebecca Wells's novels, Divine
Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood and Little Altars Everywhere.
Produced by Bonnie Bruckheimer, Hunt Lowry. Executive producers, Bette
Midler, Mary McLaglen, E.K. Gaylord II, Lisa Stewart. Cinematography,
John Bailey. Production design, David J. Bomba. Editor, Andrew Marcus.
Music, T Bone Burnett, David Mansfield. Costumes, Gary Jones. Starring
Sandra Bullock, Ellen Burstyn, Fionnula Flanagan, James Garner, Ashley
Judd, Shirley Knight, Angus MacFadyen, Maggie Smith and Allison Bertolino.
Warner Bros. Pictures, 2002. PG-13. 110 minutes.
 |
|
AS
A CHILD, SIDDA (ALLISON BERTOLINO) TREASURES THE MEMORY OF FLYING
THROUGH THE CLOUDS WITH HER MOTHER, VIVI (ASHLEY JUDD).
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Okay, I know. It's sentimental, dotty, clichéd.
True. But this movie is not for men. They should stay away, especially
male movie critics. This is a movie for women. It's about mothers
and daughters trying to remember the good things about their relationship
while looking straight at the darkness separating them. Women -- young,
old and in-between -- will see its heart. Don't take your boyfriend
or your husband to see this movie; go with your girlfriends, your
mother, your sister. Even the men in the film leave whenever
the women get together, accepting that they are superfluous at this
level of emotional communication.
Based on two best selling books by Rebecca Wells,
Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood and Little Altars
Everywhere, the movie is about Sidda Lee Walker, a successful
writer and playwright, who lives a comfortable lifestyle with her
soon-to-be husband, Connor (Angus MacFadyen), a clear-sighted, sweet
man who loves her. Sidda has carefully managed to never quite commit
to marrying Connor, but now they've set the date and sent out the
invitations.
Unfortunately, Sidda tells a Time magazine
reporter way too much about her childhood with an eccentric, alcoholic
mother, Vivi (Ellen Burstyn). Vivi reads the story and throws a big
hissy fit, vowing never to speak to her oldest child again. Sidda
and Vivi hang up on each other and mail nasty missives, including
a wedding invitation with the time and place sliced out with a razor
blade. Shep (James Garner) stays out of Vivi's range, while Connor
marvels at Sidda's passionate denial of her part in the debacle.
As the story evolves, Vivi's best friends learn of
the rift and fly to New York, determined to bring Sidda back home
to Cajun Louisiana to work it out with Vivi. Now here's where the
going gets tough for those of us with critical faculties. Teensy (Fionnula
Flanagan), Necie (Shirley Knight) and Caro (Maggie Smith) have been
members (with Vivi) of the secret Ya-Ya Sisterhood since they were
nine years old.
By insisting that this group friendship have a name
and accompanying rituals, Wells's novels and Callie Khouri's film
infantalize the women and diminish the hard-earned value of their
friendship. It's as if only a ritual spoken by four pre-pubescents
could continue to be taken seriously into its sixth decade. Such friendships
are serious matters, but calling themselves Ya-Yas destroys the very
credibility Wells and Khouri seek to portray. Too bad Khouri didn't
throw this trumped-up detail out the window to better tell how real
it is within women's relationships that weather many years.
Within the rickety framework given, the individual
women show themselves to be nervy, resolute and forgiving, consciously
aware of one another's foibles. Once Sidda sees this, and Teensy,
Necie and Caro begin telling her stories about her mother's life she
never knew, the film moves into its most fruitful area. Sidda's forgotten
memories of her mother's love come up for her, specific moments when
Vivi showed the girl her love, instants resonant with the emotional
happiness of childhood. But Sidda also has to cry a lot and face the
truth of her mother's neglect and cruelty, which she understands only
within the whole story.
Bullock, Judd, Burstyn, Flanagan and Smith give their
usual excellent performances, as does Garner. Highly recommended for
those women fortunate enough to have known real friendship in their
own lives, and especially for those who've forgotten that their flawed
mothers loved them. Now playing at Cinema World and Cinemark.
Back to Top
No
Surprises Here
Slogging
through the galaxy.
BY LOIS WADSWORTH
STAR WARS EPISODE II: ATTACK
OF THE CLONES:Directed and written
by George Lucas. Written by Jonathan Hales. Produced by Rick McCallum.
Cinematography, David Tattersall. Production design, Gavin Bocquet.
Editor, sound design, Ben Burtt. Costumes, Trisha Biggar. Composer,
John Williams. Visual effects supervision, John Knoll, Pablo Helman,
Ben Snow, Dennis Muren. Animation director, Rob Coleman. Starring
Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen. With Christopher
Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Frank Oz, Ian McDiarmid, Temeura Morrison,
Jimmy Smits, Ahmed Best and Anthony Davies. LucasFilm Ltd., 20th Century
Fox, 2002. PG. 132 minutes.
George Lucas's second prequel, Attack of
the Clones bears no resemblance to the refreshing, funky, original
Star Wars movies. And any attempt to imagine that this boring
piece of special effects fluff is related to the story that Joseph
Campbell, author of The Hero With a Thousand Faces, called
the hero myth of its time is purely coincidental. The film's only
mythic quality is its creator's mythical talent. What's epic is Lucas's
self-indulgence. He should call it quits here and save himself further
embarrassment. But he won't.
 |
|
SPLENDOR
IN THE GRASS: ANAKIN SKYWALKER (HAYDEN CHRISTENSEN) AND PADMé
AMIDALA (NATALIE PORTMAN).
|
Why? Money. Too much is riding on this lucrative franchise's
"success." At least $140 million was spent on the film's production
and post-production. But not to worry. As of the last week of June,
Variety reported Clones's worldwide, cumulative box
office at $469,100,895. You can sell a lot of popcorn to that many
people, so theaters aren't complaining. After six weeks on the charts,
the film still had a $9 million weekend domestically, down from the
previous week by a third, Variety reported.
At the core of this installment is a genuinely awkward
love story between the callow youth, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen),
who will grow up to be Darth Vader, and Padmé Amidala (Natalie
Portman), who's both more mature and emotionally stable than he. Decked
out in costumes worthy of the wildest fantasies of the love generation,
Padmé and Anakin lounge around at her secret villa, which looks
for all the world like the setting for a Maxfield Parrish painting.
This over-the-top romanticism is a ploy to attract
young girls to the film, which is primarily designed to attract young
boys. But Amidala's character in The Phantom Menace and in
the early sequences here appears to be a serious leader, well-spoken
and in control. It feels contrived that the former ruler of a planet
and now a Senator elected to the galactic council should go goo-goo
eyes over a lad whose lust for power is out of all proportion to his
abilities. Must be hormones.
It's also possible that Ewan McGregor has outgrown
his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Jedi warrior charged with helping
Anakin become a true knight. He seemed bored with the role, and I
can appreciate that. I was bored with all the characters. Even Yoda
showing exceptional courage and a deep understanding of wartime tactics
didn't work for me. And I'm glad Samuel L. Jackson has a good gig
here that doesn't require much from him, but he's too fine an actor
to waste in such roles.
Okay. That's about it. If you have to see what The
New York Times reviewer called "a two-hour-and-12-minute action-figure
commercial," you're on your own. Now playing at Cinemark.
Back to Top
OPENING
OR RETURNING:
Films open the Friday following date
of EW publication unless otherwise noted. See archived
reviews at www.eugeneweekly.com.
Beethoven Lives Upstairs: (1992) In 19th century
Vienna, a young boy's life changes when the new boarder in his home
is a composer. Ludwig van Beethoven has lost his hearing but is still
writing music. Includes more than 25 excerpts from the master's work.
Oregon Bach Festival Classical Kids Films, at 10 am on 07/04. Soreng
Theatre, Hult Center. Free.
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 other's lives. Directed by Roger Mitchell and produced
by Scott Rudin. R. Movies 12.
Like Mike: Lil Bow Wow plays an orphan who
dreams of playing pro basketball. When he finds a pair of magic sneakers,
he makes the team. Also stars Morris Chestnut, Jonathan Lipnicki,
Crispin Glover and Eugene Levy. PG. Cinemark. Cinema World.
Men in Black 2: Jay (Will Smith) drags a reluctant
Kay (Tommy Lee Jones) back into the agency with the mission of "Protecting
the earth from the scum of the universe." Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld,
it also stars Lara Flynn Boyle as Serleena, an alien masquerading
as a Victoria's Secret model. With Rosario Dawson, Johnny Knoxville,
Tony Shalhoub and Rip Torn. PG-13. Cinemark. Cinema World.
Powerpuff Girls, The: Animated movie about
tough little girls saving the world before bedtime. PG. Cinemark.
Cinema World.
CONTINUING:
About a Boy: Nick Hornby's 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. Highest recommendations.
PG-13. Movies 12. Online
archives.
Beautiful Mind, A: Inspired by the true story
of a mathematical genius who battles mental illness, Ron Howard's
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. Online
archives.
Bourne Identity, The: Matt Damon, Franka Potente,
Chris Cooper, Clive Owen and Brian Cox star in Doug Liman's character-based
spy thriller based on Robert Ludlum's best seller. A man with amnesia
(Matt Damon) sets out to discover who he is and why everyone wants
to kill him, and along the way he discovers love (Franka Potente).
A subtle skewing of the genre, it's highly recommended. PG-13. Cinemark
17. Cinema World. Online
archives.
Clockstoppers: Johnathan Frakes directs this
teen movie about a boy who finds a way to stop time. Starring Jessie
Bradford, French Stewart and Paula Garces. PG. Movies 12.
Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood: Sandra
Bullock plays a NY playwright who'd like to keep some distance from
her eccentric mother, played by Ellen Burstyn. Also stars Fionnula
Flanagan, Shirley Knight, Maggie Smith and Ashley Judd. PG-13. Cinema
World. Cinemark.See review this issue.
Enigma: Dougray Scott, Kate Winslet and Jeremy
Northam star in Michael Apted's WWII drama about cracking the German
code and saving the war for the Allied forces. Burdened by many subplots,
the film offers the viewer secrets, spies, a missing woman and romance
in addition to history. Recommended. R. Bijou. Online
archives.
Hey Arnold!: Nickelodeon animated series stars
voices of Jennifer Jason Leigh, Christopher Lloyd and Paul Sorvino.
PG. Cinema World. Cinemark.
Ice Age: Chris Wedge directs the voices of
Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, and Goran Vizjnic in this
digitally animated story of prehistoric creatures trying to save a
human child. G. Movies 12.
Lilo and Stitch: Animated Disney comedy about
Lilo, a lonely Hawaiian girl, and her small, ugly dog named Stitch.
The dog is an alien experiment that's crashed to earth. Six by Elvis
on the soundtrack. PG. Cinema World. Cinemark.
Lord of the Rings, The: The Fellowship of the
Ring: The first book in J. R. R. Tolkien's 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. Online archives.
Minority Report: Steven Spielberg directs Tom
Cruise in this sci-fi where killers are arrested and convicted before
they commit murder. In 2054, Cruise heads the Pre-Crime unit until
he's accused of the murder of a man he hasn't yet met. Based on a
short story by the genre's master, Philip K. Dick. One of Spielberg
and Cruise's best. Highest recommendations. PG-13. Cinema World. Cinemark.
Online archives.
Mr. Deeds: Adam Sandler plays an ordinary guy
who inherits $40 billion in this remake of Frank Capra's 1936 comedy,
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town. Also stars Winona Ryder, Peter Gallagher,
Steve Buscemi, Jared Harris and John Turturro. PG-13. Cinemark. Cinema
World.
Murder by Numbers: Sandra Bullock stars in
this detective thriller which pits her against two clever teens (Ryan
Gosling and Michael Pitt). Produced by Bullock herself, and directed
by Barbet Schroeder. R. Movies 12.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding: Based on Nia Vardalos's
one-woman stage show, it's about the 30-year old, unmarried daughter
(Vardalos) in an engaging, passionate but demanding Greek family in
New York. She meets the man she wants to marry (John Corbett), and
he isn't Greek. Yikes! Another humorous reminder that weddings are
also a family and community affair, this sweet romantic comedy entertains.
Recommended. PG. 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. Movies 12.
Other Side of Heaven, The: Christopher Gorham
stars as a young missionary sent to Tongan, and Anne Hathaway is the
sweetheart he leaves behind. She writes him letters and helps keep
his spirits up. Not actually created by the Church of Latter Day Saints,
it's more of a story of missionaries in general. PG. Movies 12.
Panic Room: David Fincher directs Jodie Foster,
Forrest Whitaker and Dwight Yoakam in this creepy thriller about a
woman and her child, who are stuck in a room in their own home. R.
Movies 12.
Rookie, The: Dennis Quaid stars as baseball
coach who makes a deal with his team and ends up trying out for a
minor league contract. Also with Rachel Griffiths. Received good reviews.
G. Movies 12.
Scooby Doo: TV's 1969 Great Dane, Scooby, returns
as a computer-generated detective dog in this comedy starring Freddie
Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Matthew Lillard. PG. Cinema
World. Cinemark.
Scorpion King, The: Inspired by The Mummy
Returns, this thriller stars WWF's The Rock and is directed by
WWF's The Mask, aka Eraser Chuck Russell. The Rock plays a hired assassin
trying to stop the evil ruler of the city of Gomorra. Our bets are
on him. PG 13. Movies 12.
Spider Man: Tobey Maguire stars in Sam Raimi's
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. Online
archives.
Star Wars: Attack of the Clones: George Lucas'
second of three Star Wars' prequels comes to the screen with
Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, Ian McDiarmid
and Samuel Jackson doing all the heavy lifting. PG. Cinemark.See review
this issue.
Sum of All Fears: Ben Affleck and Morgan Freeman
are Central Intelligence agents trying to prevent terrorists from
getting weapons of mass destruction. Also stars James Crowmell, Liev
Schreiber, Alan Bates and Philip Baker Hall. Based on Tom Clancy's
bestseller. PG-13. Cinemark. Online
archives.
Undercover Brother: Action comedy directed
by Malcolm D. Lee and written by John Ridley stars Eddie Griffin,
who adopts the garb of blaxploitation era private detectives to go
undercover. PG-13. Movies 12.
Windtalkers: Nicolas Cage and Adam Beach star
in director John Woo's WWII drama about a US Marine ordered to protect
a Navajo code talker during the Battle of Saipan in the Pacific against
Japan. Also stars Noah Emmerich, Mark Ruffalo, Christian and Peter
Stormare. R. 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. See archived movie
reviews at www.eugeneweekly.com
Charlotte Gray: Directed by Gillian Armstrong
and written by Jeremy Brock, based on the novel by Sebastian Faulks,
this WWII drama stars the fabulous Cate Blanchett with Billy Crudup
and Michael Gambon. Critics lamented its lack of historical narrative
flow and credible accents; praised the performances. Armstrong usually
does such excellent work, it's probably worth looking at. PG-13.
Hart's War: Drama set in WWII Nazi concentration
camp involves war hero Bruce Willis who commands his fellow inmates.
A murder in camp leads to a daring scheme. Film rides today's patriotism
wave. R.
Imposter: Based on a Philip K. Dick short story,
this futuristic sci-fi stars Vincent D'Onofrio as a government detective,
Gary Sinese as a military engineer/inventor suspected of being an
alien clone, and Madeleine Stowe as a surgeon and his wife. Mekhi
Pfiffer also stars. Directed by Gary Fleder. Violent. PG-13. DVD,
VHS.
No Such Thing: Hal Hartley's 2002 film never
played Eugene. It stars Sarah Polley, Helen Mirren and Julie Christie.
R. DVD, VHS.
Royal Tenenbaums, The: Wes Anderson directs
this critically acclaimed film that looks at a family of geniuses
who turn out to be simply neurotic. Stars Gene Hackman, Angelica Huston,
Ben Stiller, Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Danny Glover
and Bill Murray. AFI Award: Hackman. Academy noms to Anderson and
Wilson's screenplay. Much sweeter on second seeing. Highest recommendations.
R. New special DVD with lots of extras. Online
archives.
Walk to Remember, A: Shane West and Mandy Moore
star in this adaptation of a best-seller. Directed by Adam Shankman.
PG.
Zig Zag: Wesley Snipes in an urban drama as
the father of a learning impaired son called Zig Zag. Also stars John
Leguziamo, Oliver Platt and Natasha Lyonne. Directed by David Goyer.
R.
Next week: Ablaze, Amelie, Dragonfly, John Q, The
Last Man, New Best Friend and Storytelling.
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