 |
  |
|
 |
||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||||||
Big
Screen Debut WALLACE AND GROMIT: THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT: Written and directed by Nick Park, Steve Box. Written by Mark Burton and Bob Baker. Produced by Claire Jennings, Carla Shelley, Peter Lord, David Sproxton, Nick Park. Executive producers Michael Rose, Cecil Kramer. Edited by David McCormick, Gregory Perler. Cinematography, Dave Alex Riddett, Tristan Oliver. Music produced by Hans Zimmer. Music by Julian Nott. Supervising animator, Loyd Price. Starring voices by Peter Sallis, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Peter Kay, Nicholas Smith. DreamWorks Animation and Ardman Features, 2005. G. 87 minutes.
Wallace and Gromit are among the most beloved animation characters now working in film, even though The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is their feature-film debut. The brainstorm of creator Nick Parks, this eccentric pair of clay-animated characters starred in a trio of award-winning short films made and brought to video during the 1990s. I count myself among the delighted grandparents, parents and children who have watched A Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers and A Close Shave countless times. The films are available again, and they make the perfect gift for kids — toddlers to junior high — and movie lovers of all ages. Each film is chock-full of references to other films and directors such as Alfred Hitchcock. For the uninitiated, Wallace, a good-natured, cheese-loving inventor, and Gromit, his silent but wise dog, solve mysteries. Detective work doesn't adequately describe what happens when they try to fix a situation gone wrong, because many times Wallace himself is at least partially to blame. Wallace's crackpot inventions may be untested and dangerous, but, like him, they are cheerful and colorful. Gromit is the fall-guy who must commandeer Wallace's schemes, while Wallace unwittingly fails victim to his own thingamabobs, as when he gets trapped wearing The Wrong Trousers, my all-time fave. Here Wallace and Gromit have formed a company called Anti-Pesto, which employs a series of devices that include giant vacuum cleaner tubes guaranteed to safely capture and humanely treat garden pests, such as marauding rabbits. And for some time, Anti-Pesto preserves the lovely tomatoes, zucchini, pumpkins and other vegetables tenderly grown in the village by people anxiously awaiting the Giant Vegetable Competition. One benefit customers of Anti-Pesto's pest-control protection receive is the company's early warning system, another series of linked contraptions, including lights and alarms. These wake Gromit, who wakes Wallace in the middle of the night whenever there's trouble in the pea patch. Also central to later Wallace and Gromit adventures is a damsel in distress, such as the unforgettable Wendolene Ramsbottom of A Close Shave, a character created by Park's directorial and writing team partner, Steve Box. Here it's Lady Tottingham (Helena Bonham Carter), who has a soft spot for bunnies. Her ladyship's distress stems from the antics of boorish Victor Quartermaine (Ralph Fiennes), who would rather blast the burrowing rodents into next week with his trusty hunting rifle than help them live another day to frolic on Lady Tottingham's lawn. Victor is a trifle taken with himself, and he falls into a snit when he realizes that humble Wallace seems to be making inroads with the lady he hopes to marry for her money. Wallace has a weakness for proper ladies, but an ingrained class barrier prevents him from expressing his affections directly. If you are a dog lover, you will be unable to resist Gromit, who furrows his brow, rolls his eyes, and continues to pick up after Wallace. Gromit carries scene after scene with no more than the tiniest changing motion of his head, the position of his ears, the worry lines of his expressive brow and the deep pools of his intelligent eyes. Despite being unable to speak (or bark), Gromit is perfectly understood by even the youngest among us, as well as by non-English speakers. His is a universal language. Wallace, on the other hand, talks all the time — to Gromit, to himself — and his distinctive voice is that of veteran actor Peter Sallis, who has spoken for Wallace since his inception in A Grand Day Out in 1989. Parks said he learned how to make Wallace's face move by how Sallis "formed his vowels and said words like 'cheese and crackers.' … I let Peter's voice dictate to me how Wallace looked, and it evolved from there." The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is now playing at Cinemark and Cinema World, and it's not just for the tots. Come one, come all. Celebrate!
A
Fool's Paradise GRIZZLY MAN: Documentary directed and narrated by Werner Herzog. Produced by Erik Nelson. Executive producers Erik Nelson, Billy Campbell, Tom Ortenberg, Kevin Beggs, Phil Fairclough, Andrea Meditch, Jewel Palovak. Production executive, Dave Harding. Cinematography, Peter Zeitlinger. Editor, Joe Bini. Music composed by Richard Thompson. Lions Gate Films, 2005 R. 103 minutes.
Beginning in the 1970s German filmmaker Werner Herzog made a string of fiction films that were strong enough internationally to make it to our shores, such as Aguirre, The Wrath of God (1972), Nosferatu (1978) and Fitzcarraldo (1982) among others. He's always been drawn to larger-than-life characters, whether fictional or actual, whose obsessions drive them outside the norm. Further, Herzog himself makes no distinction between his fictional film and his documentaries. Thus Timothy Treadwell, the self-annointed Gentle Warrior and protector of the wild grizzly bears living on the Kodiak archipelago became a natural subject for Herzog's cinematic scruitny. The result is a brilliant documentary work, shot after the death of Treadwell and his companion, Amie Hugunard, on Oct. 6, 2003 at a remote site Treadwell called "Grizzly's Maze" in Alaska's Katmai National Park and Reserve. Very late in the season, the campers were attacked, killed and eaten by an old, hungry male grizzly, not part of the group of animals Treadwell had spent 13 summers getting to know. Much of the film is fabulous footage of the bears in their habitat shot by Treadwell, which shows them fishing for salmon, running through tall grasses, fighting with one another for dominance, approaching him down the rapids of a swollen river — the very picture of beautiful, untamed nature. But Treadwell inserted himself in his casual camping outfits and his Prince Valiant haircut into the bear's world. And he increasingly turned the camera on himself, becoming the subject of his films rather than an observer of the wild animals he both loved and feared. It's as if Treadwell played Truth or Dare with himself and lost, then documented the progress of his delusions for us to see. Herzog interviews a number of people who knew Treadwell, including his parents, who are clueless, and the woman who co-authored Among Grizzlies and co-founded Grizzly People with him, Jewel Palovak. It was important for the making of the film when Palovak, who controls the Treadwell video archives, became a hands-on co-executive producer of the film. Like many of the interviewees who supported Treadwell's work, Palovak has only good things to say about his idealism, dedication, persistence. She saw in Herzog "an unflinching honesty" as well as a similarity to Treadwell as "a maverick who would not give up on what he believes in." As the film's narrator, Herzog was drawn to the project because he recognized in Treadwell's story the very aspects of human nature he's always been interested in — "the dark side, the demons and also the exhilarations and ecstasies," as he put it. But Herzog didn't go along with Treadwell's cozy contact with the animals. Instead of cuteness, Herzog said he saw in the great bears' eyes only "the overwhelming indifference of nature." Others interviewed are blunt in their criticism of Treadwell, and they have a point. But I liked best the commentary of an Alaskan museum curator of Aleut Indian lineage. He said Treadwell had crossed a boundary of respect carefully maintained between humans and wild animals for hundreds of years. What happened in the final moments of Timothy and Amie's lives is known only to two living people: the coroner and Herzog. One of Treadwell's cameras was running, with the lens cap on. The coroner savors sharing a few facts. But after listening to the audio tape, Herzog recommends that it be destroyed and never listened to again. Toward the end of Treadwell's life, his filmed condescension toward his woman companion, her senseless death and his irrational mood swings show he was breaking down. The effect of Treadwell's vicious rants and infantile attitudes makes it difficult for me to respect his work. But Herzog never falters in his. You'll have to see the film to weigh in. Opens at the Bijou Friday, Oct. 14. Very highest recommendations, but with cautions.
OPENING
OR RETURNING: Archaeology Mini Film Festival: The continuing program includes two films: "The Mystery of Chaco Canyon" and "Searching for Blue." Plays on 10/16 at 12 noon. $6. Bijou. Domino: Kiera Knightly stars in this movie based on the true story of Domino Harvey's life, from Beverly Hills to bounty hunter. Gritty violent action-packed and intriguing. Rated R. Cinema World. Cinemark 17. Eating Raoul: 1982 dark comedy about a dull couple with a dream of opening a restaurant who stumble upon a grizzly method of raising the funds and serving up the leftovers. DIVA Center 10/16. 6pm. Free. Elizabethtown: Cameron Crowe (Vanilla Sky, Jerry McGuire) directs Orlando Bloom as Drew Baylor, a young man who's just lost his job, his girlfriend, and his father. This romantic comedy-drama tells his story of returning home to Kentucky and finding new meaning in his life. Rated PG-13. Cinema World. Cinemark 17. Fog, The: Remake (and slight re-write) of John Carpenter's horror film by the same name, this film tells the story of the ghostly lepers returning to take their revenge on a small town's descendants. Stars Tim Welling, Maggie Grace, and Selma Blair. Rated PG-13. Cinemark 17. Grizzly Man: Werner Herzog's docuentary about grizzly activists Timothy Treadwell and Amie Huguenard who lived among the grizzlies of Alaska until their death in 2003. Rated R. Bijou. See review this issue. Mr. & Mrs. Iyer: Film from India telling the story of a woman travelling with her infant son on a bus with a new acquaintance. When stopped by an angry mob of Hindu extremists she is forced to decide whether to protect her new Muslim friend. Plays at 7 pm on 10/19 in 180 PLC, UO. Free. Must Love Dogs: Directed by Gary David Goldberg, a television sitcom director, pic stars the fabulous Diane Lane as a divorcée beginning to date again. Co-stars John Cusack, Dermot Mulroney, Christopher Plummer and Elizabeth Perkins. Sure to be a popular, commercial romantic comedy. PG-13. Movies 12. Online archives. Night of the Living Dead: 1968 cult classic tale of zombie hunger plays at the Bijou's Weekend of the Living Dead 10/15. Latenite. Noiseferatu: This variation on the classic vampire tale features local musicians Shawn Mediaclast and Warning Broken Machine. Bijou's Weekend of the Living Dead 10/14. Latenight. Peculiarities of the National Hunt: A young Finn hunter joins the famous traditional Russian hunt. "The party is an odd group and the hunt a hilarious frolic," according to the Yamada Language Center. Plays at 7 pm on 10/19 in 115 Pacific, UO. In Russian with English subtitles. Free. Plan 9 from Outer Space: 1959 Ed Wood sci-fi horror classic! As if zombies aren't enough, this one's got aliens too! Bijou's Weekend of the Living Dead 10/16. Latenight. Woman in the Dunes: 1964 haunting Japanese film about an entomologist who becomes the studied instead of the one studying when unexpectedly trapped. DIVA 8pm 10/14. Free. Discussion to follow.
CONTINUING: Aristocrats, The: Paul Provenza directs this obscene talent show where 100 comics tell the same filthy joke, an oldie from early vaudeville, in which unspeakable acts are performed. Each skit is original, while the joke remains the same. Comics include Paul Reiser, Jake Johannsen, Chevy Chase, Whoopi Goldberg, Gilbert Gottfried, Kevin Pollak, Bob Saget, Robin Williams, Erik Cartman, Jon Stewart, Sarah Silverman. Caution: Not for the squeamish. NR. LateNite Bijou. Batman Begins: Christopher Nolan (Insomnia, Memento) directs an all star cast to bring you the story of how young Bruce Wayne (Christopher Hale) becomes the Dark Knight. Also stars Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth, Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman and Katie Holmes. PG13. Movies 12. Online archives. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Tim Burton's reimagining of Roald Dahl's perennial children's favorite dark chocolate treat stars Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka with Freddie Highmore, his child co-star from Finding Neverland, along with Helen Bonham Carter. Loved it! Highest recommendations. PG. Movies 12. Online archives. Corpse Bride, Tim Burton's: Stop-motion animated film set in a 19th century European village is voiced by Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham-Carter and Emily Watson. PG. Cinemark. Dukes of Hazzard: Good ole boy cousins Seann William Scott and Johnny Knoxville are drivin' the back roads of Hazzard County with cousin Jessica Simpson. With Willie Nelson, Burt Reynolds, Joe Don Baker and Lynda Carter. PG-13. Movies 12. Online archives. Exorcism of Emily Rose, The: Scott Derrickson directs this unusual film, which incorporates horror with a compelling courtroom drama. Stars Laura Linney as an ambitious attorney, Jennifer Carpenter as a murder victim. With Tom Wilkinson, Colm Feore, Campbell Scott and Shohreh Aghdashloo. PG-13. Cinemark. Fantastic Four: Marvel Comic's superheroes, transformed by cosmic rays while on an outer space mission, battle the evil powers of Doctor Doom. Directed by Tim Story, movie stars Jessica Alba, Ioan Gruffudd, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis, Julian McMahon. PG-13. Movies 12. Flightplan: Jody Foster stars in this Brian Grazer-produced psychological thriller about a woman whose 6-year old daughter disappears without a trace mid-flight in a state-of-the-art aircraft. Directed by Robert Swenke, film also stars Peter Sarsgaard and Sean Bean. PG-13. Cinemark. Cinema World. Online archives. Forty-Year Old Virgin: Andy Stitzer (Steve Carell) has lived a life of involuntary chastity, and his friends are determined to do something about his state. Directed by Judd Apatow, the film stars Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd and others. R. Cinemark. Online archives. Gospel, The: Young singer turns his back on his church but after his father's death returns to the fold. PG. Cinemark. Greatest Game Ever Played, The: Bill Paxton directs this story about a forgotten sports hero, an amateur golf player from a working class family, Francis Ouimet (Shia LeBeouf (Holes), who beats the world champion golfer (Stephen Dillane) in the 1913 U.S. Open. Also stars Elias Koteas, Peyton List, Peter Firth, Josh Flitter. PG. Cinemark. Cinema World. History of Violence, A: After foiling a robbery in his small-town diner, Viggo Mortensen's quiet life with his wife and two children is plunged into a media circus, which attracts unsavory characters who claim they are from his shady past. Directed by the great David Cronenberg, the film also stars Maria Bello, William Hurt and Ed Harris. R. Cinemark. Cinema World. Online archives. In Her Shoes: Directed by Curtis Hanson. Sisters Maggie (Cameron Diaz) and Rose (Toni Collette) have little in common, but after a major break, they find their way back together with the help of a grandmother (Shirley MacLaine) they didn't know existed. PG-13. Cinema World. Cinemark. Into the Blue: Divers Paul Walker, Jessica Alba, Scott Caan and Ashley Scott discover a legendary shipwreck but also something more mysterious. Directed by John Stockwell, movie also stars Josh Brolin and James Frain. PG-13. Cinemark. Just Like Heaven: Romantic comedy starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo is set in San Francisco, where both claim a charming apartment is theirs alone. When she discovers she can walk through walls, they determine to solve the mystery. Directed by Mark Waters (Mean Girls, Freaky Friday). PG-13. Cinemark. Madagascar: Computer-animated comedy stars voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith as animals who escape from the Central Park Zoo for a big city adventure. But they are captured and put on a ship headed for Africa, where they must survive in the wild. Directed by Eric Darnell (Antz) and Tom McGrath ("The Ren and Stimpy Show"). PG. Movies 12. Mr & Mrs Smith: An action adventure romantic comedy thriller about a bored married couple (Angelia Jolie and Brad Pitt) who is surprised to learn that they are assassins hired to kill each other. Directed by Doug Liman (Bourne Identity). PG-13. Movies 12. Online archives. Proof: John Madden directs Gwyneth Paltrow, Anthony Hopkins, Jake Gyllenhaal and Hope Davis in the story of a young woman who took care of her dying father and now must confront her own strengths and fears. PG-13. Cinema World. Serenity: Cast and crew of the sci-fi cult hit "Firefly" have regrouped for the big screen. Joss Whedon (Firefly, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel) directs the story of the crew of Serenity and their struggles to evade the Alliance while they unravel the mystery of River (Summer Glau). Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Adam Baldwin, David Krumholtz and Chiwetel Ejiofor. PG-13. Cinemark. Sky High: Son of superheroes The Commander (Kurt Russell) and Jetstream (Kelly Preston), poor Will (Michael Angarano) must go to Sky High, an elite high school, where he battles a nasty gym coach (Bruce Campbell), a bully, teen angst, parental expectations and girl problems. Wow! PG. Movies 12. Thumbsucker: Written and directed by Mike Mills, this offbeat comedy stars Lou Pucci as a 17-year old outsider who sucks his thumb. His mother (Tilda Swinton) and father (Vincent D'Onofrio) seek help. Great performances by these three supported by Keanu Reeves as boy's deadpan orthodontist and Vince Vaughn as his debate coach. You don't want to miss this one! Very highest recommendations. R. Bijou. Online archives. Transporter 2, The: Former Special Forces operative (Jason Statham) must find the kidnapper who took a boy from the wealthy family he works for. Written and produced by Lu Besson, directed by Louis Leterrier, film also stars Alessandro Gassman, Amber Valetta, Mathew Modine and Kate Nauta. PG-13. Movies 12. Two for the Money: Naïve former college football star (Matthew McConaughey) sells his soul to work for a powerful bookie (Al Pacino). When trouble comes, push becomes shove. Rene Russo co-stars, and D. J. Caruso directs. R. Cinemark. Cinema World. Waiting: Comedy about "frustrated waiters, stingy tippers and dicey food" wants to take away your appetite. Stars Ryan Reynolds, Anna Faris and Justin Long. Duh! R. Cinemark. Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit: Nick Park's and Steve Box's outstanding creations, an eccentric inventor named Wallace and his long-suffering, silent but faithful dog, Gromit, finally reach the big screen in their first feature-length film. The mystery of a vegetable-ravaging "beast" must be solved to save the village's Giant Vegetable Competition, and our intrepid hero Wallace (voice by Peter Sallis) is just the man for the job. Lady Tottington (Helena Bonham Careter) and Victor Quartermaine (Ralph Fiennes) co-star. Most excellent, divine comedy. G. Cinema World. Cinemark. See review this issue. War of the Worlds: Directed by Steven Spielberg, this retelling of H.G. Well's seminal sci-fi adventure thriller about an invasion of Earth by Martians, as seen through the eyes of ordinary people played by Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Justin Chatwin, Miranda Otto, and Tim Robbins. Riveting, challenging and moving; very highest recommendations. PG-13. Movies 12. Online archives. Wedding Crashers: Hyper pranksters Owen Wilson and Vince Vaghn star in this throwback to a rowdier time in movies. Things go well for the boys until they meet up with Rachel McAdams and Isla Fisher and their parents, Christopher Walken and Jane Seymour. R. Movies 12.
MOVIE
THEATERS Bijou
Art Cinemas Regal
Cinemas Cinemark
Theaters
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
