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Hubris THE INCREDIBLES: Written and directed by Brad Bird. Produced by John Walker. Executive producer, John Lasseter. Composer, Michael Giacchino. Production design, Lou Romana. Editor, Stephen Schaffer. Character design, Tony Fucile, Teddy Newton. Cinematography, Janet Lucroy, Patrick Lin, Andrew Jimenez. Starring voices of Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, Jason Lee, Sara Vowell, Spencer Fox and Brad Bird, with Elizabeth Pena, John Ratzenberger, Jean Sincere and Dominique Louis. Walt Disney Pictures. Pixar Animation Studios, 2004. PG. 121 minutes.
Sometimes solo, sometimes in a group, a family of superheroes fly off on a mission to save the world from evil in a swept-wing fighter jet that travels underwater as well as flying like a bat out of hell. I'm grumpy about this plot, having seen several variations in the last couple of years. And 2004 has been a year of too many superheroes for me — Spider Man, Hellboy, Sky Captain and Team America — to say nothing of lesser deities who time-travel for fun and profit or those who practice magic. Superheroes are not (usually) mortal. They don't bleed, burn or drown when struck by a laser beam, out-of-control vehicle, train, bullet, knife, sword, bomb or what-have-you. All have superhuman abilities. They fly, hold their breath underwater impossibly long, run faster than a speeding bullet and often turn anatomical appendages into specialized weapons. In this film, the Parr family takes it upon themselves to risk their lives to rid the world of evil. They include Bob, aka Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson); his wife Helen, aka Elasto Woman (Holly Hunter); their teen daughter, Violet (Sarah Vowell), who creates force fields; preadolescent son, Dash (Spencer Fox), who runs incredibly fast; and baby, Jack-Jack (Eili Fucile, Maeve Andrews), whose real powers are still unfocused. Violet is shy but covers it up with teen angst; bored Dash puts a tack on his teacher's chair. Cute, huh? Sure, the Parrs and their pals and enemies are animated. Not real. Not people. But thanks to Pixar Studio's clever animation, these characters have personalities. Like us, they communicate, fight with each other, eat breakfast, go to work or school, live in the suburbs. Clearly, these are Pixar's most fully realized human characters. But brilliant animation for what purpose? To show that being bigger, stronger, faster or more flexible than any one else makes you right and them wrong? Yikes! As superheroes, the Parrs don't notice whether they kill or injure civilians on their missions. They're like the young dudes and dudettes of Team America, who destroy the Louvre, the Sphinx, other people and other human landmarks in the way of their plan to annihilate faceless foes, headed by a strong evil person. No, not Kim Jong Il, but Buddy Pine, aka Syndrome (Jason Lee), a wannabe with the moral conscience of a hit man. In The Incredibles, superheroes have been forced to go underground. They can no longer use their special powers because school teachers, lawyers, politicians and insurance executives "celebrate mediocrity," in Mr. Incredible's words. The big guy knows this because his alter ego, Bob Parr, rages against the machine daily in his job as an insurance adjuster. Bob longs for the good old days when he was a full-time hero, not just a moonlighter listening to the police scanner for fun with his buddy, Lucius, aka Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson). The only character who understands the superheroe's real need to return to the life — to be cool — is fashion maven Edna Mode (Brad Bird) aka E, who designs their costumes. I'm troubled by the ideas expressed and suggested here. Is the movie about being reluctant to surrender youth to age or relegate past heroics to today's ordinariness? Does everyone secretly long to be a young man or woman going off to fight evil? Does the movie say to really young kids that might is always right, bigger and stronger is better, and being different is only OK if you're secretly an unstoppable power? The American way? Like Team America, The Incredibles turns me off. I'm unable to put my finger on what filmmaker Brad Bird is saying. He's made a film that's visually interesting, and the action heroics to save the world are a white-knuckle race against the clock. But while Helen expresses warmth and thoughtfulness through her relationships with her husband and children, the little boy Dash is getting the message to "be like Daddy," and that sounds like a conservative invitation to be a warrior to me. The Incredibles is now playing at Cinema World and Cinemark. You decide. I have: not recommended.
On
the Road Again GO FURTHER: Documentary produced and directed by Ron Man. Writer, Solomon Vesta. Executive producers, Camera Planet, Robi Blumenstein and Daniel J. Victor. Editor, Robert Kennedy. Cinematography, Robert Fresco. Sound design, Mike Rosnick. Original score, Guido Luciani. Art director, Lynne Dalgleish. Starring Woody Harrelson. Featuring Steve Clark, Joe Hickey, Tom Ballanco, Renee Loux Underkoffler, Jessica Chung, Joe Lewis, Sonia Farrell, Laura Louie and Ken Kesey. With musical performances by Bob Weir, Natalie Merchant, Anthony Kiedis, Michael Franti, Medeski, Martin & Wood, String Chees Incident and Dave Matthews. Sphinx Productions, 2003. NR. 80 minutes.
Life as a road trip with Woody Harrelson, barreling down coastal Highway 101 from Seattle to Los Angeles in the summer time: What a sweet trip! The bus burns hemp oil fuel, and the Merry Hempsters ride bicycles some or part of the time. The point of the trip is to get out the word about healthy living, eating right for the Earth, and supporting organic farming. This is not investigative journalism but a frankly not-balanced view of the environmental issues related to food and health. Most days on the road, Woody rides his bicycle. Others ride with him, but you get the feeling that not everyone rides every day. You rarely see Woody on the bus, so he must have a private vehicle traveling with the bus. Professional bus driver Joe Lewis seems to be a genial fellow who has hung out with movie folk before and isn't fazed by much. Some of the other enviro-activists include Renee Loux Underkofler, who prepares daily meals using raw foods. One concoction involves avocado and chocolate in a blender, for example. Woody eats organic vegetarian or perhaps vegan, it's never totally clear. Steve Clark, the tour's junk foodie, fantasizes eating steak, drinking pop and smoking cigarettes, but he gives up all of them to become a convert to a healthy lifestyle. I found Steve's style a little crude, particularly with a pretty college student he picks up along the way, seems interested in, then disses when she leaves the bus. What's that all about? But basically, on this road trip, the men respect the women and vice versa, which is good. There are many early morning stretches and exercises, led by Jessica Chung, a yoga teacher and dance teacher from Seattle. The group's morning rituals remind me of the Oregon Country Fair in the old days, when only a small number of craftspeople camped out. Music is good throughout. Look for your favorites here. I liked Dave Matthews over the final credits, in an acoustic version of One Sweet World. The best shots of Woody are during his informal talks at college campuses — UO, San Francisco State, UC Berkeley and others. He's relaxed, informed, articulate and focused. And there's no doubt he's a strong believer in the way of life he and the others embrace on this journey. But his private life remains as closed at the end as at the beginning. A lightweight movie, Go Further features the last interview with the late Ken Kesey, fun with the Pranksters, a downtown Eugene parade, a visit to Kesey's farm and a talk to students at the UO. Not a waste of time, it's a taste of a lifestyle that most of us won't sample. But for those who would, more power to you.
OPENING
OR RETURNING: After the Sunset: Just one more heist and he'll retire, master thief Pierce Brosnan promises his girlfriend (Salma Hayek). But a pesky FBI agent (Woody Harrelson) comes to his island paradise. Bret Ratner directs; also stars the great Don Cheadle. Sneak at 7:30 pm 11/6. R. Cinemark. Cinema World. Battle Royale: Japanese thriller, horror film starring Takeshi Kitano is both extreme and controversial. A class of young adolescents is kidnapped, drugged and dumped on a deserted island, with enough food and water for three days. And a weapon each. Only one will leave alive. R. LateNite Bijou. Bridget Jones The Edge of Reason: What's not to like in the Bridget Jones sequel? Stars Renee Zellwegger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant again. Directed by Beeban Kidron, romantic comedy also stars Jacinda Barrett and Jim Broadbent. R. Cinemark. Donnie Darko Director's Cut (2004): A complex and pessimistic story about a teenager (Jake Gyllenhaal) and his mental illness, with a giant rabbit and a little time travel thrown in. Richard Kelly wrote and directed this tale of a schizophrenic teen, Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal). Alternately comic and grim, the film also stars Mary McDonnell) as his mother, Jena Malone as the girl he likes. Elvis Mitchell (NYTimes) writes: "Mr. Gyllenhaal's commitment is particularly spooky; he is probably a couple of great roles away from being a star." R. LateNite Bijou. Go Further: Award-winning documentary filmmaker Ron Mann followed Woody Harrelson and friends on an eco-consciousness-raising trip down the Pacific Coast Highway, a 1,300 mile spiritual and physical odyssey-on-wheels. Harrelson is best when addressing college students, including UO. Lots of nice country to bike through. Sweet. NR. See review this issue. Henry VIII: Because he wanted a male heir, King Henry VIII (Ray Winstone) lets nothing stand in his way — the church, his wives, his personal advisor, Cardinal Wolsey (David Suchet). Among his six wives: Anne Boleyn (Helena Bonham Carter) and Jane Symour (Emilia Fox). At 9 pm on 11/14 on "Masterpiece Theatre" PBS/OPB. Check listings. Hero: Jet Li, Tony Leung, Chiu Wai, Maggie Cheung, Zhang Ziyi and Donnie Yen star in this rousing martial arts epic. Set in a war-torn China at the violent dawn of the Qin dynasty more than 2,000 years ago, three opponents plan to assassinate the king, but one loyal subject stands in their way. PG-13. Movies 12. Polar Express, The: Robert Zemeckis (Who Framed Roger Rabbit?) directs a wholly CG animation adventure, starring Tom Hanks in multiple roles in this adaptation of children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. Called "performance capture," the technique uses actors' live-action performances to drive the emotions and movements of the digital characters. G. Cinemark. Cinema World. Secret Ballot: Written and directed by Babak Payami, based on an idea by Moshen Makhmalbaf, this tale about a national election is set on an island in Iran. Nassim Abdi is an election official who comes to the island to collect everyone's votes before deadline, and Cyrus Abidi is the soldier she recruits as her aide. G. In Farsi, with English subtitles. Plays at 6:30 pm on 11/12 in International Longue, UO campus. Seed of Chucky: Deathless demon doll is ready to procreate in the fifth chapter of this horror series. Chucky is voiced by Brad Dourif, while Jennifer Tilley and others act for Don Mancini. R. Cinemark. Viva Castro: Boris Frumin's 1993 film is set in 1965, when Russian youth, like those everywhere else, chafe under the strict rules of the regime. Kolya has to grow up after his father is caught stealing and his mother is sent to a labor camp. At 7 pm on 11/16 in 115 Pacific, UO campus. Free. YouthVisions: Local short videos produced by kids. At 8 pm on 11/12 at DIVA. Films open the Friday following EW publication date unless otherwise noted. See archived reviews at www.eugeneweekly.com
CONTINUING: Alfie: One of the true playboys of the movies, Alfie (Jude Law) plows through a swarm of women never thinking of commitment until he lets the love in. Alfie's beauties include Marisa Tomei, Susan Sarandon, Nia Long, Jane Krakowski. R. Cinema World. Cinemark. Anacondas: Hunt for the Blood Orchid: Horror thriller set in a jungle in Borneo where scientists travel down a river looking for a rare orchid said to the be the source of a youth-preserving serum. PG-13. Movies 12. Bourne Supremacy, The: Paul Greengrass (writer, director of Bloody Sunday) directs Matt Damon as assassin Jason Bourne in the second installment of Robert Ludlum's espionage thrillers Also stars Joan Allen, Brian Cox, Julia Stiles, Kurt Urban and Franka Potente. One of the summer's best films. Highly recommended. PG-13. Movies 12. Online archives. Cellular: This Phone Booth-like thriller stars Kim Basinger, William H. Macy, Chris Evans and Jason Statham. A carefree young man (Evans) receives a phone call from a woman (Basinger) imploring him to save her life. She's been kidnapped, and he's her only chance. PG-13. Movies 12. Collateral: Michael Mann's thriller stars Tom Cruise as an LA hitman and Jamie Foxx as his taxi driver, who's surprised to discover he's a hostage. Together, they're like fire and ice, feeling and nothingness. A character study in action, the film is one of the best movies of the year. Very highest recommendations. Don't miss. R. Movies 12. Online archives. Friday Night Lights: High-school football is a big deal in 1988 Odessa, Texas, and director Peter Berg has fun with the fictional locals played by Tim McGraw, Billy Bob Thornton and Jay Hernandez. PG-13. Cinemark. Grudge, The: The curse of one who dies in the grip of a powerful rage kills and is passed like a virus from victim to victim. PG-13. Cinemark. I Heart Huckabees: The delirious, new laugh-out-loud comedy from David O. Russell (Three Kings, Flirting with Disaster) stars Jason Schwartzman, Lily Tomlin, Dustin Hoffman, Isabelle Huppert, Mark Wahlberg, Naomi Watts and Jude Law. One of 2004's top films, it gets my very highest recommendations. R. Bijou. Online archives. Incredibles, The: Writer, director Brad Bird and Pixar Animation Studios create an action-adventure story set in suburbia where a former top crime fighter, Mr. Incredible, gets the call to jump back into actions. PG. Cinemark. Cinema World. See review this issue. Ladder 49: When Fire Chief Mike Kennedy (John Travolta) takes rookie firefighter Jack Morrison (Joaquin Phoenix) under his wing, the probationary firefighter matures into a seasoned, veteran at a Baltimore fire station. But after years of risking his life and watching his relationship with his wife and kids deteriorate, Jack is at a crossroads and questions whether or not it's worth it. PG. Cinemark. Manchurian Candidate, The: Psychological thriller stars Denzel Washington as an ex-career officer disturbed by his experiences in Desert Storm. Liev Schreiber plays a former squad sergeant, now a vice-presidential candidate and son of a powerful senator (Meryl Streep). An especially fine performance from Jeffrey Wright as a damaged vet suffering hallucinations. Very highest recommendations. R. Movies 12. Online archives. Napoleon Dynamite: Jared Hess' indie comedy stars Jon Heder as a high schooler, who lives in Idaho with his grandmother. The Village Voice says, "the film is an epic, magisterially observed pastiche on all-American geekhood, flooring the competition with a petulant shove." PG. Cinema World. Raise Your Voice: Sean McNamara this predictable coming of age movie about a talented girl (Hilary Duff) who runs away from her hometown to attend an LA performing arts school. Also stars Oliver James, John Corbett and Rebecca De Mornay. PG. Movies 12. Ray: Jamie Foxx plays late, great Ray Charles in this musical, biographical drama, directed by Taylor Hackford. Co-stars Kerry Washington, Regina King, Clifton Powell, Harry Lennix, Terrence Dashon Howard, Richard Schiff, Aunjanue Ellis and Sharon Warren. Outstanding performance by Foxx. One of the year's finest films. PG-13. Cinema World. Cinemark. Online archives. Saw: James Wan's bloodthirsty horror tale about a serial killer who commits suicide, leaving would-be victims chained up, stars Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, Monica Potter and Leigh Whannell. R. Cinemark. Shall We Dance: American remake of the sublime Japanese film of the same title. Sorry to report it, but Jennifer Lopez plays the dance teacher and Richard Gere the shy man who learns to dance. See the original to compare to this all-Hollywood effort. PG-13. Cinemark. Cinema World. Shark Tale: In this computer-animated feature, a lovable tropical fish with the voice of Will Smith takes on the underwater Mafia when he assumes responsibility for killing the godfather of the Great White Sharks. Other voices include those of Jack Black, Robert De Niro, Renée Zellweger, Angelina Jolie and Martin Scorsese; Eric Bergeron. Directed by Vicky Jenson. PG. Cinemark Shrek 2: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy return. The newlyweds face Queen Lillian (Julie Andrews) and King Harold (John Cleese). Fairy godmother (Jennifer Saunders), Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) and the ferocious Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas). Sequel is so-so. PG. Movies 12. Online archives. Spider Man 2: Peter Parker aka Spidey (Tobey Maguire) returns as a college student by day who still loves Kirsten Dunst and a superhero when needed against his new nemesis, Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina). Sam Raimi directs. Excellent film! See it. PG-13. Movies 12. Online archives. Taxi: If you've seen the trailer for Tim Story's movie, you'll recognize the inept police detective (Jimmy Fallon) who takes a taxi to work on his cases. Of course, with Queen Latifah behind the wheel, anything can happen. PG-13. Movies 12. Team America: World Police: With animated wooden marionettes, Trey Parker and Matt Stone (South Park) create an action adventure film about an international police force devoted to global stability and battling bad guys. R. Cinemark. Online archives. Terminal: Steven Spielberg directs Tom Hanks as a tourist who has to live at Kennedy airport because his homeland disappeared in a civil war. He falls in love with Catherine Zeta-Jones, whose comic talent is wasted in a dumb-dame role, while Hanks only works part-time. Too long and too cute. PG-13. Movies 12. Online archives. Village, The: M. Night Shyamalan's new suspenseful film stars Joaquin Phoenix, Bryce Dallas Howard, Adrien Brody, William Hurt and Sigourney Weaver. PG-13. Movies 12. Wimbledon: Tennis champ (Paul Bettany) is about to retire from the game when he meets American tennis star (Kirsten Dunst), who encourages him to compete at Wimbledon. PG-13. Movies 12.
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