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Just
Say Yes
Nine
characters in search of meaning.
BY
LOIS WADSWORTH
THIRTEEN CONVERSATIONS ABOUT
ONE THING: Directed by Jill Sprecher. Written
by Karen Sprecher, Jill Sprecher. Produced by Beni Atoori, Gina Resnick.
Executive Producers, Michael Stipe, Sandy Stern. Cinematography, Dick
Pope. Editor, Stephen Mirrione. Production design, Mark Ricker. Costumes
Kasia Walicka Maimone. Music, Alex Wurman. Starring Matthew McConaughey,
John Turturro, Alan Arkin, with Amy Irving, Barbara Sukowa, Clea DuVall,
Tia Texada, Frankie Faison and William Wise. Sony Pictures Classics,
2002. R. 103 minutes.
This subtle, intelligent film challenges the
viewer to find in its multiple stories the common link promised by
the title. The task involves connecting characters as diverse as criminal
prosecutors, academics, housekeepers and insurance claims adjusters,
and the interface between them is not obvious. Stories unfold in what
might be construed as chronological order, but that is misleading.
 |
| HOUSEKEEPERS
DORIE (TIA TEXADA) AND BEATRICE (CLEA DUVALL) ARE CLOSER TO THE
BOTTOM OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC SCALE THAN THE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE
FILM. |
Sisters Jill and Karen Sprecher are interested in
showing the experiences, ideas and attitudes that shape the lives
of contemporary, urban men and women. What is happiness? the characters
(and filmmakers) ask.
When the film begins, the question seems to center
on three men: an upbeat, self-satisfied, assistant district attorney,
Troy (Matthew McConaughey); a pessimistic, mean-spirited insurance
claims administrator, Gene (Alan Arkin); and a depressed academic,
who is unable to love, Walker (John Turturro). The link between Troy
and Gene looks to be no more than a chance encounter in a bar, and
we believe Walker and his wife, Patricia, will work out their differences.
But early in these sequences, the question of happiness
arises. Gene invites Troy, a self-described happy man, to show him
a happy man, and promises to show him a disaster about to happen,
or cheery words to that effect. Walker tells Patricia that he only
wants what everyone wants, but he finds only the most exhausted clichés
to describe what that is.
As the movie unfolds, other characters more positive
about their lives assume importance: a conscientious, young housekeeper,
Beatrice (Clea DuVall), who was saved from drowning as a child; and
a happy, middle-aged man, Wade Bowman (William Wise), whose optimism
rankles his boss, Gene. Others include Dick (Frankie Faison), an office
worker who looks on the lighter side of life, and Bea's housekeeper
pal, Dorie (Tia Texada), who lives for the hope Beatrice gives her.
Walker's wife, Patricia (Amy Irving), tries to understand
what her gloomy husband wants, while his lover, Helen (Barbara Sukowa),
chooses between Walker and her husband. Troy will form an intense
relationship with Beatrice, and at some point Walker not only will
give Troy a ride but also the dubious benefit of his unasked advice.
If you've ever thought about how other people —
whether central to your life or only passing through — have
influenced you or how you may have affected others whose paths crossed
yours even briefly, Thirteen Conversations is a fascinating
puzzle to put together. For as much as it is about life-changing events,
it is also about glances exchanged, tentative steps toward reaching
out, the unexplainable happiness of seeing a smiling face, looking
at you.
Highly recommended, Thirteen Conver-sations About
One Thing opens at the Bijou on Friday, Aug.8. See it more than
once if you can.
Back to Top
The
Light Fantastic
Mini-Me's
the name of the game.
BY LOIS WADSWORTH
AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER:
Directed by Jay Roach. Written by Michael McCullers and Mike Myers.
Produced by John S. Lyons, Eric McLeod, Demi Moore, Mike Myers, Jennifer
Todd, Suzanne Todd. Cinematography, Peter Deming. Editors, Greg Hayden,
Jon Poll. Production design, Rusty Smith. Art direction, Drew Boughton,
Mark Worthington. Costumes, Deena Appel. Choreography, Marguerite
Pomerhn Derricks. Starring Mike Myers, Beyoncé Knowles, Michael
Caine, Robert Wagner, Seth Green, Mindy Sterling, Fred Savage and
Verne Troyer. New Line Cinema. PG-13. 98 minutes.
Comedian Mike Myers has fashioned another
one-man show in this second sequel to his 1997 smash hit, Austin
Powers, and its first sequel, The Spy Who Shagged Me. Again,
Jay Roach directs and Myers stars as multiple characters: Austin Danger
Powers, Dr. Evil, Fat Bastard and Goldmember. Myers loses himself
beneath the tons of makeup, fat pads and profuse body hair of Fat
Bastard, but his adolescent (and scatological) humor remains undiluted.
Even Goldmember, with his automaton-like legs of action, provides
just one more laugh in what is essentially a comedy that makes its
points by referring to other movies and to its own earlier works.
 |
| MINI-ME
(VERNE J. TROYER) AND DR. EVIL (MIKE MYERS) ESCAPE CELL BLOCK
A. |
Michael Caine steps in as Austin's oily, womanizing
father, Nigel Powers (also Captain Hendricks). Caine spoofs his own
historical film roles as spy novelist Len Deighton's myopic Harry
Palmer in The Ipcress File (1965), Funeral in Berlin (1966)
and Bullet to Beijing (1995). But the like father, like son
bit gets a tad overdone here, what with the repetition of Dr. Evil
and his two little evils, Mini-Me and Scott Evil (Seth Green).
Austin's woman, Foxxy Cleopatra (Beyoncé Knowles),
is named after a Pam Grier character from the blaxploitation-era movie,
Foxy Brown. Jack Hill's 1974 crime action thriller featured
its share of bell-bottom pants, Afros and loose guns and made a star
of Grier as a tough, sexy babe. While Foxxy's Afro has to be seen
to be believed, the most daring thing she does is to kiss Austin,
who succumbs to her charms like a bee nuzzles into a fragrant golden
rose.
Saving the best for last, Verne Troyer steals the
show as Mini-Me and Mini-Austin. Troyer's expressive face and 2-feet-8
inch frame give him a lovability boost that children who don't get
most of the film's jokes like. A precocious 5-year-old confided to
his mother that he thought the film was so sad he almost cried when
Dr. Evil makes Mini-Me leave the room. Although Mini-Me does not speak,
he communicates straight from the heart.
The real prize moments in this utterly forgettable
movie are the celebrity-laden opening and final credits. My favorite
is an unscripted comment by Ozzie Osbourne, very nearly the last of
the cameo appearances onscreen. These sections look and feel like
everyone in-volved had a hoot, while much of the "real" movie seems
forced, with long pauses after laugh lines, which makes the script
sound infantile when the guffaws aren't forthcoming. Myers is a talented
guy, but even talent isn't enough sometime.
At your own risk, Austin Powers in Goldmember
is now playing at Cinemark and Cinema World.
OPENING
OR RETURNING:
Films open the Friday following date of EW publication
unless otherwise noted. See archived reviews at www.eugeneweekly.com.
Blood Work:
Clint Eastwood's film adaptation of a sensational crime novel by Michael
Connelly stars Eastwood as a retired FBI agent with a heart condition
who chases down a serial killer. Connelly's book lends itself to the
Eastwood treatment. Also stars Anjelica Huston, Jeff Daniels, Wanda
De Jesus, Paul Rodgriguez. R. Cinema World. Cinemark.
Crocodile Hunter, Collision Course: In this
comedy of errors, undercover CIA agents suspect Steve and Terri Irwin
of information theft and go to Australia to prove it. PG. Movies 12.
Hey Arnold!: Nickelodeon animated series stars
voices of Jennifer Jason Leigh, Christopher Lloyd and Paul Sorvino.
PG. Movies 12.
Thirteen Conversations About One Thing: A teasing
riddle that casually links the stories of nine contemporary men and
women, this interesting film by filmmaker sisters Karen and Jill Sprecher
includes an outstanding ensemble cast: Matthew McConaughey, John Turturro,
Alan Arkin, Amy Irving, Clea DuVall, Tia Texada and William Wise.
Highly recommended. R. Bijou. See review this
issue.
XXX: Vin Diesel and Samuel L. Jackson star
in this athletic spy thriller directed by Rob Cohen. Sony is betting
big on this "Vin Diesel film" to become the next hot franchise. PG-13.
Cinema World. Cinemark.
Films open the Friday following date of EW publication
unless otherwise noted. See archived reviews at www.eugeneweekly.com.
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.
Austin Powers in Goldmember: If the third time
is charmed, here is Mike Myers, back in multiple roles as Austin Powers.
Michael Caine plays his secret-agent dad and Beyoncé Knowles
is Foxxy Cleopatra. Directed by Jay Roach. PG-13. Cinema World. Cinemark.
See review this issue
Bad Company: The unlikely duo of Anthony Hopkins
and Chris Rock in a spy action/comedy. Directed by Joel Schumacher,
it also stars Peter Stormare and Kerry Washington. PG-13. Movies 12.
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. Movies
12. Online archives.
Country Bears, The: An 11-year old bear decides
to reunite his favorite bear rock ban for a benefit concert. Musical
performances or appearances by Don Henley, John Hiatt, Elton John,
Queen Latifah, Willie Nelson,. Bonnie Raitt and Brian Setzer. G. Cinemark.
Enough: Jennifer Lopez tries to get away from
her abusive husband, played by Billy Campbell ("Once and Again"),
in Michael Apted's drama. Also, Juliette Lewis, Noah Wyle. PG-13.
Movies 12.
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.
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.
Highly recommended thriller. R. Movies 12. Online
archives.
K-19: The Widowmaker: Based on a true story
about a Cold War Russian nuclear submarine that has a near-meltdown,
the film shows the courage of the sailors and their officers to stave
off what would have been an international nuclear disaster. Stars
Harrison Ford, Liam Neeson and Peter Sarsgaard. PG-13. Cinemark. Online
archives.
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. 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. 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.
Martin Lawrence Live: Runteldat: New routines
by the Bad Boy of Comedy include personal anecdotes as well as social
commentary. R. Cinemark.
Master of Disguise: Dana Carvey plays Pistachio
Disguisey, a waiter who turns into whatever he thinks of next - a
cherry pie, a rockstar, a sports hero. 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. 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. Cinemark. Online
archives.
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. Online
archives.
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.
Road to Perdition: Sam Mendes (American
Beauty) directs this fathers-and-sons drama set in Chicago during
the Depression. It stars Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Tyler Hoechlin, with
Jude Law, Daniel Craig, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Stanley Tucci and Liam
Aiken. R. Cinema World. Online
archives.
Signs: Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan
and starring Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix, this supernatural thriller
about crop circles looks like a box-office bonanza. Also stars Rory
Culkin and Abigail Breslin. PG-13. Cinema World. Cinemark.
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. Movies 12.
Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams: Robert Rodriguez
says his sequel has lots of action, is fun and nobody dies. Stars
Antonio Banderas, Daryl Sabara and Alexa Vega. Cinemark. Cinema World.
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. Online
archives.
Stuart Little 2: Stuart goes to school now,
and he has big brother George and baby sister Martha to play with.
But a mysterious bird named Margalo involves everyone in an adventure.
Voices of Michael J. Fox, Melanie Griffith, Nathan Lane, Geena Davis
and more. PG. Cinema World. Cinemark.
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. Movies 12.
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
Accidental Spy: Jackie Chan plays a salesman
who gets involved in a bank robbery and becomes a spy. PG-13.
Birthday Girl: In Jez Butterworth's dark comedy,
Nicole Kidman plays a Russian mail-order bride for a hapless small-town
bank clerk played by Ben Chaplain. She stirs things up when she invites
her cousin and his pal to visit on her birthday. Kidman is always
worth watching. R. Online
archives.
Carmen: A Hip Hopera: Hip-hop musical based
on Bizet's opera, Carmen, stars Beyonce Knowles, Mekhi Phifer and
lots of others. Robert Townsend directs. PG-13.
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.
In the Bedroom: Named one of the best of 2001
by many critics, this intimate domestic drama stars Sissy Spacek,
Tom Wilkinson and Marisa Tomei. First-time director Todd Field adapted
the film from an Andre Dubus' story. The New York Times wrote:
"it is an astonishingly rich, detailed and grimly moving piece of
work." AFI Awards best actor to Spacek. Academy awards for Spacek,
Tomei and screenwriters. Highest recommendations. R. Online
archives.
Last Orders: Four old friend's story is retold
during their journey to sprinkle the ashes of one into the sea in
director Fred Schepisi's film adaptation of Graham Swift's Booker
Prize-winning novel. Set in England, with flashbacks to World War
II, the film becomes a question of how much any of the survivors want
to remember about their lost mate. Stars Michael Caine, Bob Hoskins,
David Hemmings and Tom Courtenay. R.
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.
Pauline and Paulette: Belgian filmmaker Lieven
Debrauwer's first feature stars Dora van der Groen and Ann Petersen
in a charming but clear-eyed story about aging sisters. It's a personal
film, intimate like family and as troubling. Audience Award and Ecumenical
Jury Special Prize at Cannes 2001. One of the best small films of
2001, it had a short theatrical run at the Bijou in 2002. PG. Online
archives.
Race to Space: Based on a true story, a NASA
scientist and his son become fond of the chimp selected to be the
first in space. Directed by Sean McNamara. Stars: James Woods, Alex
Linz, Annabeth Gish. PG.
Shiner: Michael Caine stars in this boxing
film; he's a promoter who sets up an illegal fight in which his son
is killed. Directed by John Irving, it also stars Martin Landau. R.
Showtime: Eddie Murphy and Robert De Niro spoof
TV cop shows. Also starring Rene Russo and William Shatner. PG-13.
Next week: All About a Boy, The Cat's Meow, Iris,
Joe Somebody, National Lampoon's Van Wilder, Return to Never Never
Land, The Sweetest Thing, We Were Soldiers.
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