MOVIE TIMES | INTERVIEWS | REVIEWS | CROSSWORD & GAMES

We talk to Christian Volckman, Ugly whose new film just like you: Renaissance America Ferrera isn’t nearly stars in the as animated new TV show as you might Ugly Betty have heard… produced by none other than Ms. Salma Hayek

But, can he act? See if Ashton Kutcher gets Debunk’d in our review of The Guardian by Peter Sobczynski

We Are Scientists experiment with new sounds, new tours, new albums, and… Gila monsters?! See what frontman Keith Murray has to say about all this nonsense

|| SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT TODAY a “Sensational!” WMK Productions, Inc. Presents —Chicago Tribune “A joyous celebration Three Mo’ Tenors that blows the roof off the house!” Fri.–Sat., Oct. 6–7, 8 pm —Boston Herald

Three Mo’ Tenors, the highly acclaimed music sensation, returns to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. This talented trio of African-American opera singers belts out Broadway’s best, and performs heaven-sent Gospel music in a concert event for the entire family.

Tickets: $63/$50/$42 Friday $67/$55/$45 Saturday Conceived and Directed by Marion J. Caffey

Call (562) 467-8804 today to reserve your seats or go on-line to www.cerritoscenter.com. The Center is located directly off the 91 freeway, 20 minutes east of downtown Long Beach, 15 minutes west of Anaheim, and 30 minutes southeast of downtown Los Angeles. Parking is free.

Your Favorite Entertainers, Your Favorite Theater . . .

|| ENTERTAINMENT TODAY SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 ENTERTAINMENTVOL. 38|NO. 51|SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 TODAYINCE S 1967

PUBLISHER KRIS CHIN

MANAGING EDITOR CECILIA TSAI

EDITOR MATHEW KLICKSTEIN

PRODUCTION DAVID TAGARDA

GRAPHICS CONSULTANT AMAZING GRAPHICS

TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR KATSUYUKI UENO

WRITERS JESSE ALBA JOHN BARILONE FRANK BARRON KATE E. BROOKS JULIAN CAMILLIERI JOHN CRUMLISH WARREN CURRY ERIK DAVIS BROOKE DAMMKOEHLER CLAYSON DEBURGER JOSEPH FEINSTEIN SHIRLEY FIRESTONE JANOS GEREBEN KEVIN GILL MICHAEL GUILLÉN ORMLY GUMFUDGIN JONATHAN W. HICKMAN TRAVIS MICHAEL HOLDER KAT KRAMER LINDSAY KUHN M. Y. LEE MICHAEL LEVINE ERIC LURIO RUBEN MACBLUE SCOTT MANTZ TONY MEDLEY 5 UGLY BETTY DAWN MILLER 15 THE GUARDIAN MARIANNE MORO

MIKE RESTAINO INDEX SEAN REYNOLDS CARMEN KARTINI ROHDE RICA ROMERO ANNIE ROLLINS 16 INTERVIEW WITH FILMMAKER CHRISTIAN VOLCKMAN BRAD SCHREIBER AARON SHELEY Michael Guillén chats with Volckman, whose Renaissance is gaining buzz across the board as a work that STEVEN SNYDER PETER SOBCZYNSKI boasts stunning visuals born of an intricate process that the director refuses to call “animation.” BILLIE STONE JOSEPH TRINH WIN-SIE TOW KIM VOYNAR MARCI WEINER MUSIC MOVIES RUSTY WHITE 10 They’re not really scientists: Jon Barilone chats with Keith Murray 18 Stop the hating: Forest Whitaker shows us all that even ruth- JONATHAN ZEITLIN of We Are Scientists; Super Mario Brothers finally in the classical less tyrant Idi Amin wasn’t all bad in The Last King of Scotland; CARTOONISTS spotlight: Joseph Trinh checks out Video Games Live at the Hol- Zedis Lapedis!: Yes, there’s an actual camp that kids can go PHIL CHO lywood Bowl, a night of video game music...played by an orchestra; to in order to become the next Billy Graham, and Jonathan MARK DARCOURT God only knows: Brad Auerbach reviews the 40th Anniversary DREW-MICHAEL W. Hickman has a word or two about its documentary; Kill yr ANNIE ROLLINS Edition of the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds. idols: Jonathan Zeitlin finds out exactly how and why punk PHOTOGRAPHER rock died in the new documentary American Hardcore; Downey DREW RESSLER JOHN NGUYEN THEATER does Dito: Jon Barilone reviews A Guide to Recognizing Your 4 Fly, fly, fly:Joseph N. Feinstein reviews Sonia Flew at the Laguna Saints; PLUS: Mike Restaino’s DVD Reviews and Art Film of COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT THE WEBSTER GROUP Playhouse; Go ask Alice: Travis M. Holder reviews The Rabbit the Week with Aaron Sheley. Hole. SALES KIRT KISHITA ART CIRCULATION SUPERVISOR FOOD 6 Colony of ants?: The LA River Art Commune presents a series DANIEL ESPINOSA 8 Wagons West: Joseph Feinstein samples West at the Hotel of new paintings, and Lindsay Kuhn braves her way inside. EXECUTIVE OFFICE Angeleno. 2325 WEST VICTORY BLVD, SUITE 5 BURBANK, CA 91506-1226 TELEVISION OFFICE (818) 566-4030 Fax (818) 566-4295 6 Thanks for the memories: Some of television and film’s favorite 5 GOSSIP GUY with Erik Davis veterans are coming back to the small screen, and Frank Barron www.EntertainmentTodayOnline.com makes sure they can still hold water. 9 WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP-UP with Joseph Trinh Please send all LETTERS TO THE EDITOR to: 24 MOVIE TIMES & THEATER LOCATIONS Mathew Klickstein, Editor 9 WARMLY, ORMLY with Ormly Gumfudgin ENTERTAINMENT TODAY 27 EVENT LISTINGS Property of Entertainment Today. Reproduction without written consent is prohibited. All rights reserved. The views of the reviewers and writers of this publication are their own, and do not necessarily reflect those of 30-31 FROLICSOME FUN the management of Entertainment Today. ©2006 Professor Klickberg’s Insuperable Crossword Puzzle, Lady Katsura and Suki Yaki’s Astrological Forecast, Sudoku, and Comics.

|| SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT TODAY

by Joseph N. Feinstein Chris Webb added greatly to the drama and angst being enacted on Significant, meaningful dia- the stage.

logue, distinguished performances, Lamont by Michael Photo and a talented cast all combine to Much of the strength of the make Sonia Flew at the Laguna play lies in what is not said: the Playhouse a most poignant play. word pictures and the feelings and meanings implied. The viewer The story tells of the dilem- takes the protagonist’s life experi- mas that arise in an ences, examines them, interfaith family when and slowly begins the Christian mother, to see why she has admirably played become the person by Judith Delgado, we discover on stage. decides she will not Another writer who light the Friday night succeeded at this was Shabbat candles that a guy named Wil- her husband, believ- liam Shakespeare. ably portrayed by Ms. Carrillo does Matt Gottlieb, has this character devel- requested in honor Marissa Chibas in Sonia Flew. opment with great of his father’s visit. skill. Sonia has just been informed by their son, Zach (Christian Barillas), At the end of the play, one “You forget it every once in a while...Sometimes, it’s kinda…what you have instead of your son, so you don’t want to let go of it either.” that he plans to join the Marines wonders if Sonia flew, or was she and expects to take an active part simply left to fly by erring parents by Travis Michael Holder whose own life will never be the same can crawl out from under and carry in the fighting. who deserve never to be forgiven? subsequent to Becca and Howie’s around like a brick in your pocket. You decide. P This has been a disappointing year son running into the street after You forget it every once in a while, but The history of Sonia’s life so far for theatre in our reclaimed des- the family dog—this could be the then you reach in for whatever reason, sweeps into her consciousness, Sonia Flew ert oasis, but, thank Terpsichore, the ensemble cast of the year in LA, led and there it is, which can be awful, and she begins to have renewed end of 2006 proves redemptive with with exquisite simplicity and palpable but not all the time. Sometimes it’s realizations of her past in Cuba Laguna Playhouse 606 Laguna Culture Clash’s Water & Power at the affection by director Carolyn Cantor, kinda…what you have instead of your that become the material for Act Canyon Rd. Laguna Tel. 949- Taper, the Edward Hopper-inspired who actually helmed the first reading son, so you don’t want to let go of it 2 of the play. In this Act, we come 497-2787, X-1 Nighthawks at the Douglas, and now of the play at SRC several years ago. either. So you carry it around, and it to understand the reasons for her David Lindsay-Abaire’s lyrical Rabbit Even as the play opens, with Becca doesn’t go away, which is…” attitudes and actions as we are Time: Two hours Playing until Hole at the Geffen. Although origi- sitting in her living room folding her made aware of her very sad life. Oct. 15 Tues. – Sat. @ 8:00 p.m.; nally commissioned by South Coast son’s clothes to donate to Goodwill, “What?” Becca asks. The incidental music created by Sat. & Sun. @ 2:00 p.m. Rep, this gently dynamic new play never does Cantor let the proceedings debuted at Manhattan Theatre Club slide into melodrama—as a matter of “Fine, actually.” earlier this year, resulting in three fact, without prior knowledge of the Drama League and five Tony nomi- storyline, it would be easy to assume I defy anyone not to have a tear nations. It’s a fascinating departure the boy is still just offstage ready to in your eye and a lump in your throat for Lindsay-Abaire, whose bizarrely slip into those trendy little T-shirts after the ambrosial Van Patten deliv- wonderful Fuddy Meers, Kimberly and jeans placed lovingly in a pile on ers that one incredibly straightfor- Akimbo, and Wonder of the World have the coffee table. ward, incredibly moving 11th-hour heralded him as one of our best—and speech; anyone who has ever coped quirkiest—new playwrights. It takes a couple of scenes before with death will understand it well the depth of Becca’s sorrow and the and surely find comfort in its sage As hilariously unpredictable as extent of how much her tragedy wisdom. has been Lindsay-Abaire’s work affects her life become evident, a before Rabbit Hole, this latest work testament to an amazingly unadorned Lindsay-Abaire’s Rabbit Hole immediately elevates him beyond and serene performance by Ryan, is a subtly inspirational place into underground cult status. It’s the story the heart and soul of Rabbit Hole. which one can allow oneself to take of a basically ordinary, somewhat Ironically, although Nat talks nonstop an emotional tumble, sure to both Marissa Chibas, Tanya Perez, and Geno Silva as a typical family with something to hide. nondescript family trying to cope with and constantly puts her foot in her haunt your days and help anyone, as the death of a four-year-old child lost mouth, it’s a monologue late in the our troubled species crashes through only eight months earlier in a tragic proceedings from Nat—who has the difficulties of life.P accident. As the marriage of Becca also lost a son 11 years earlier to a Travis’ Critic’s Picks: and Howie (Amy Ryan and Tate drug overdose—that becomes the The Geffen is located at 10886 Le Donovan) starts to unravel from the unacknowledged turning point of Conte Av., Westwood; for tickets, call Delirium, Staples Center strain, the remarkable Lindsay-Abaire the family’s crisis. As mother and (310) 208-5454. finds a tender, all-too human humor daughter stoically stuff the kid’s Fences, Pasadena Playhouse in their situation—exacerbated by toys into a garbage bag in his space- Travis Michael Holder has been Becca’s annoying but well-meaning themed room, the grieving Becca writing for ET since 1990. Also an Rabbit Hole, Geffen Playhouse mother Nat ( Joyce Van Patten) and asks if her gnawing feeling of loss award-winning actor and playwright, her delightfully dysfunctional sister will ever go away. the first of his five plays produced in LA, The Reunion,Howard Fine Theatre Izzy (Missy Yager). Surprise Surprise, is about to begin the “No,” Nat quietly admits. “It festival circuit as a feature film with 7 Redneck Cheerleaders, Elephant Stageworks Complemented by a heartrend- changes, though…the weight of it, Travis in a leading role. ing turn by theatrical newbie Trever I guess. At some point, it becomes O’Brien—as the tormented teenager bearable. It turns into something you || ENTERTAINMENT TODAY SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006

Courtesy ofCourtesy ABC by Erik Davis that’s just the first week of your stunt that should have definitely been average Hollywood romance. Here’s included in Jackass: Number Two. Keith Richards Gets Hammered what’s swirling around the rumor mill on Pirates 3 Set! this week: Wow, here’s a shocker: According to rumors, Lindsay Lohan and Harry Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Good news, ladies: Matt LeBlanc Morton have broken up, following Richards was reportedly so drunk on is officially single! The actor recently dinner at Hollywood’s Chateau Mar- the set of Pirates of the Caribbean: At ended his three-year marriage to mont. Supposedly, Morton ditched Worlds End, director Gore Verbinski Melissa McKnight, obtaining a Lohan because—wait for it—the America Ferrera plays “Betty,” a young neophyte in the world of high-fashion couture. had to physically hold the guy up speedy divorce decision in Los Ange- relationship wasn’t mature enough while shooting his scenes. When les County Superior Court. The ex- for him. Um, the girl is 20-years-old, by Elizabeth Wagert Then there are the five or so asked why he decided to get blasted couple have agreed to share custody drinks like a fish, and parties harder other cast members thrown in to before stepping in than you, me, Here we go again: That dog- give Betty disapproving looks over front of the cam- and an entire gone, age-old issue of an otherwise her outfits and hair-dos, sleep eras, Richards shot fraternity house cute girl who obliviously ruins her with Daniel, or both. Assistants, back, “If you wanted put together… sexual potential by wearing a pair photographers, designers…the straight, then you and that’s with of thick glasses, flat-ironing her pretty people in the show. C’mon, got the wrong man.” a broken hand. bangs, and donning braces, forever you thought ABC would make Arrr matey, at least I f M o r t o n being thrust into the “geek with a us look at real ugly people every someone is tak- wants matu- heart of gold” category and a new Thursday? ing his pirate role rity, perhaps TV series ensuing. And this time, seriously. he should start it kinda works. ABC is reallllllly hyping this with changing one up to be thee show to watch Anna Nicole Sells the name of his The story is based on a popular this season (as long as you keep Her Son’s Last restaurant, the Colombian telenova that Salma watching Grey’s Anatomy and Photos! Pink Taco. Hayek must have liked enough to Lost). They seem to have all the produce and do a cameo in, but not characters they need to make up In order to pay And This enough to give up her movie-star- a good show…Now, if they could for her son’s funeral, Week’s dom. Vanessa Williams is there for just find the chemistry, interesting Anna Nicole Smith Golden that honor. And she actually does storylines, and the comedy to back sold Daniel Smith’s Donkey Goes a pretty good job. But, their real it up. I mean, how many times a photos taken the To… savior is actress America Fererra season can they have Betty walking night of his death to (Real Women Have Curves) who into a glass door on her way to a Getty Images, who …Steve-O is the girl with the braces, bangs, meeting? Don’t answer that, Silvio then turned around for urinating on and…“poncho.” Her empathetic Hortez. and unloaded them the red carpet version of the Latino girl-next- to In Touch maga- prior to the door is capable of saving the show What the show does have going zine for upwards of world premiere from being the clichéd sitcom ver- for it is its not being as smart as $400,000. While of his new film sion of The Devil Wears Prada. the other pilots this season. And it’s unclear as to how Jackass: Number I mean that as a compliment. It much Anna Nicole Two. Known Betty is an ambitious girl from seems that all of the other shows will actually receive, for his outra- Queens who is hired to be the have such broad, unidentifiable she’s officially given geous, vulgar, assistant to Daniel Meade (Eric themes or situations (Six Degrees, new meaning to the and moronic Mabius), the son of Mode fashion Kidnapped, Smith… all the CSI’s). word “morbid.” stunts, Steven magazine’s owner, because she is What America needs now is some Glover (yes, the only woman up for the job that easy, no-brained comedy to follow Cage Flick Shut that’s his full they are certain Daniel won’t sleep up the Dawson’s Creek/ER-esque Down by Military name) decided with (at least until after they give dialogue that Grey’s Anatomy shells Coup! to shock the Betty a glamorous make-over in out later that night. crowd outside Season Four). Vanessa Williams Producers of Grauman’s plays her botox-hungry editor (a And now they have it. Origi- Nicolas Cage’s new Chinese The- more over-the-top version of Meryl nally, Betty was slated to run on film were forced to ater in LA by Streep in Prada) who hates Betty Friday nights…brainlessly going shut down produc- whipping it out but feels threatened by pretty much hand in “doing ten other things tion due to a mili- “If you wanted straight, then you got the wrong man,” replied Richards on his bibulous entrance. and making a, everyone else in the business, and but still able to keep up” hand with tary coup in Thai- well, jackass out likely has since her 30th birthday America’s Funniest Home Videos. land. While shooting the pic Time of their two-year-old daughter and himself. Hey, I guess it’s better and first wrinkle. But, how could they let Salma to Kill (a remake of the 1999 thriller will provide money to be put towards than going number two. Congrats, Hayek down like that? She may Bangkok Dangerous), all cast and crew school, medical costs, and a nanny. No Steve-O, you’re this week’s biggest Betty still lives with her family still agree to appear in another members were ordered to stay in word yet on who gets to keep all those ass…literally. in Queens who do not understand episode during Sweeps. their hotels and await instructions. cancelled episodes of Joey. why daughter wants to work in Thankfully, Cage has his private jet on Quote of the Week: Mischa Barton the city, much less work in such All in all, this show has poten- standby at a nearby airport just in case Bam Margera admitted on the on fame and the egos that soon a high-profile company where tial. It’s not particularly smart, things spiral out of control. Everyone Howard Stern Show that he and follow: “I was becoming too high she has little in common with her particularly funny, particularly else will have to make-do with only Jessica Simpson “bumped into each maintenance. Actors will start talking co-workers and gets little respect. anything…But it could be… P their private bathrooms for shelter. other” while the singer/actress was about themselves as if they’re the most But, of course, they support their Production assistants, well—they’re still married to Nick Lachey. Fol- important people on Earth—and I little girl’s dreams anyway. Side ABC’s Ugly Betty broadcasts on their own. lowing the “bump,” Bam says the was no different. We have to have a note: The family will be lucky to Thursday nights. two “wound up at her parents’ house big belief in ourselves. For most of appear in subsequent episodes as That Thing Called Love drinking margaritas, and it went us, it’s all about ‘me, me, me.’ It’s a the season continues and Betty’s from there.” Wait, so they had sex at mad business.” P dating-life begins. Love, sex, marriage, divorce—and Jessica’s parents’ house? Now, there’s a || SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT TODAY

Courtesy ofCourtesy ABC by Lindsay Kuhn After a convoluted, confusing drive—courtesy of Yahoo Maps—I found myself pulling into a dark parking lot with plenty of cars…but not a soul on foot (not that this is so unusual in LA). Though my instincts told me that this is not a place where a girl should walk alone, I got out of my car and listened for noise amidst Sally Field returns to television in Brothers & Sisters, a new drama on ABC . a complex of abandoned warehouses by Frank Barron to what worked for them before, so and shady factories. we bore the hell out of them. But, You may have noticed that many it’s not really about how old the I finally bumped into some fellow older, durable stars are returning to people are, it’s about telling good lost girls in front of an eerie large the airwaves this Fall. The trend stories. I try to do that.” building with a scary pipe jutting out can be credited to TV producers of its side. We all agreed that this was recognizing the fact that familiar Also not yet ready to retire are the perfect setting for a horror movie. rospective Look to the Future (Sept 16. tection is the mask that will keep his faces will have viewers tuning in, John Lithgow (61 on Oct. 19th) When one of the girls told me that a - Oct. 23) is being held. lungs free of toxic gases; nevertheless, at least for an initial look-and-see. and Jeffrey Tambor (who turned 62 nice guy in one of the lofts invited her he is left alone in a world in ruins. And in the battle of the networks on July 8th), who co-star in NBC’s to an “after-party,” I almost expected The back room displayed the This image definitely brings up feel- for eyeballs, that’s an important sitcom Twenty Good Years. Played that, next, zombies would immerge work of propaganda style artist Max ings of terror. victory. for laughs, the premise has two from the nearby dumpsters. Grundy who hails from Salt Lake successful professionals realizing City, Utah. Entitled Fear is the New Grundy believes that shock value Anyone who remembers Oscar- they may only have “20 more good Of course, I was being presump- Beauty, his mixed-media paintings and fear is a prime motivator of winner Sally Field at the start of years of life remaining,” and want tuous, and was actually standing on evoke feelings of total disaster: every today’s society: be it advertising or her career in the 1965 surfer-girl to make the most of every day with the world’s largest art colony. Since plane crashes, every ship sinks, and news broadcasting (“We are fighting comedy Gidget will certainly want daring sports and wild activities. I never really cross the LA River, I every city collapses. Grundy reflects the terror!”), people only react once to catch her in the new ABC drama Lithgow explained that, after his didn’t know that the creepy-looking on today’s Media that never ceases to threatened. Surely, his artwork isn’t Brothers & Sisters. She plays the 60th birthday, he “knew how it feels building was actually the former promote terror alertness and fear of something one would hang up in a mother of five adult children— to suddenly think, ‘I only have a Pabst Blue Ribbon plant, and is a potential apocalypse. Zen garden, but Grundy definitely including Calista Flockhart as her few good years left, and by God, now filled with art galleries. Shame makes a statement, and his exhibi- youngest daughter. Field, who is a I’m going to make good use of it.’” on me… Here, in East LA—home Having a background in graphic tions are definitely worth a visit. grandmother (and turns 60 on Nov. “This comedy show,” Lithgow con- predominately to Latino communi- design, Grundy employs the style of 6th), said she came back to regular tinued, “with its anxiety and panic, ties—“starving artists” have settled World War II Russian propaganda In a more peaceful first room is television “because of the great speaks very directly to me.” Off into spacious, trendy lofts in which posters to send his message. With Skratch the Pinstriper’s smaller Hot ensemble cast, plus the producers the set, Lithgow and his wife have they paint and sleep. And on October jagged compositions and a limited Rod exhibit. Mainly consisting of car and writers. You just don’t get a a home in Montana, “where I have 7th and 8th, the Brewery will host its color palette (red/grey/yellow/black/ and motorcycle parts with 50’s Von group like this learned to sail, Twice Annual Fall Art Walk in which white), the images are striking to Dutch-inspired pin stripes over them, with the oppor- ski, play golf, the artists open the t h e e y e Skratch embraces the rockabilly tunity to tell the and ride a horse. large doors of the and create scene, Kustom Kulture, and icons of kinds of stories It’s almost like factory and display feelings tattoo parlors. If you need to pimp up Courtesy ofCourtesy NBC about family. I’ve been doing their work to the of uneasi- your custom-made Oldsmobile with The really inter- research for the general public. ness. Like some fancy fender work, drive right esting thing for series.” in expres- into Skratch’s garage. East LA did me is that they After a bored sionistic strike me as the perfect setting for this wanted to write Tambor security guard paintings, type of automotive body art, since on great stories said he sees pointed to a small Grundy’s my journey through abandoned alleys about women of his role as “the sign that states work to get here, I did run across a number varying ages, and everyman who “Ar tist Bound distorts of souped-up Cadillacs. that’s not done wishes he had a Gallery,” we finally reality to very often.” chance to fulfill arrived at the provoke an I do urge art lovers to pay this the dreams he’s exhibit. Entering emotional art colony a visit on the weekend Ted Dan- placed on the the room, we were effect in of the Art Walk. This is a place I son, at age 58, back burner for greeted by wide- the viewer. didn’t know existed in Los Angeles, continues to so many years.” eyed people who and to have such a close-knit artist be offered lead Lithgow and Tambor again wrestle with TV. Tambor went looked to the door Next community is a breath of fresh air. I roles in TV shows. His latest is a on to say, “And I’m really grateful with longing to see to the pre- myself might even venture over the group therapist in the ABC series for the chance to play my age.” someone they rec- dictable river again, but probably during the Help Me Help You. “Let’s face it,” Although the characters become ognized. It felt like Twin Tow- daytime… P Danson admits, “I’m still getting wild thrill-seekers to reclaim their we had just arrived ers image, acting offers and scripts because of youth, Tambor revealed that his at one of those par- a recurring The Fall Art Walk will take place Cheers. They still hire me to play biggest thrill is keeping up with ties where everyone stares at the motif in Grundy’s work is the man in over the weekend of Oct. 7th. 11 am ‘Sam Malone,’ and on Help Me Help his “19-month-old son, and a door in the hopes that the popular a gas mask. Whether he is a victim - 6 pm. 620 Moulton Avenue, Los You, they surround me with young, grandson who was born four days people will arrive so that the party of war running away from the fires Angeles 90031, Moulton Ave @ N funny people. It’s smart to do that. after him.” P can begin…and end up looking or he is the perpetrator throwing the Main Street. Admission is Free. A lot of time, us older folks stick disappointed when it’s just you. In bombs, the “gas mask man” always two small galleries, the show A Ret- remains anonymous. His only pro- || ENTERTAINMENT TODAY SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN ENTERTAINMENT TODAY

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ForFor moremore information, Residing in the Hotel Angeleno, West is one restaurant that lives up to its reputation LADLADWPWP customers should call the Rebate as a refreshing reprieve from the workaday city bustle. Program DirDirectect Line at (800) 203-7380. Get more water tips at www.ladwp.com and also by Joseph N. Feinstein veal, and chicken that vary from twenty-two to at www.bewaterwise.com. thirty-six dollars; four of the eleven are steaks; The spherical building—jutting seventeen seven “sides” are all six dollars. stories high, at the corner of Sunset and the 405 Freeway—that used to be the Holiday Inn, We selected a few items from each portion has been totally transformed into the Angeleno of the menu, the better to judge Chef Moulton’s Hotel. And, within the hotel, on the seven- talent. Two antipasti arrived in the form of teenth floor, is the lovely West Restaurant. Chef charred eggplant and roast garlic puree, and We’re Working for LA! Josh Moulton has been entrusted with a menu the second: roasted beets with orange and Water for Life, Power to LA that calls itself an “Italian Steakhouse—com- walnuts. Both whet the appetite beautifully: bining the rich culinary traditions of Italy with the firm beets, surrounded by the juicy orange *This program is available to eligible LADWP American style!” and walnut bits, added zest to the flavorful residential customers. Restrictions apply. Before pureed eggplant. These two dishes are, perhaps, making a purchase, get the rebate program You enter a room that used to be a quiet the best bargains on the menu. Fran’s West guidelines online. Go to www.ladwp.com, dining establishment and has now been trans- Salad and my classic Caesar were everything then click on Rebates and Programs. formed into an upscale, sophisticated place salads should be: crisp, moist, flavorful, and with the steady beat of music always in the cleared the palette nicely for the next “small background. This pulsating rhythm gives notice plates” ordered. that their bar is a definite watering hole for the young, hip crowd that is gathered there; the Please do try the Chef ’s Maine Lobster word is out, “Let’s meet and greet at West!” Bolognese, for it’s the juiciest, tomatoey pasta I’ve had in years. The numerous bits of lobster We were escorted to a lovely table for two add a sparkle to this dish. When I return, I shall by a picture window that overlooks the freeway order a full portion of this dish, all by itself. below and the hills of Bel-Air. The beautiful orange sun was setting and added its lovely col- Mark, the genial General Manager, sug- oring to the shiny black marble tables and the gested we sample the “slow-cooked lamb candle lamps, already lit. Jennifer approached to mezzaluna with rosemary and mint fonduta. take our drink order, and the bus brought West’s It’s essentially a ravioli dish loaded with minced thick-sliced sourdough bread along with three lamb, one serving of which is quite filling. This trays of olive oil, assorted olives, and small cubes dish, as are so many others at West, could be of Fontina cheese. Butter is available for the divided among a large group to great satisfac- asking, but this thick bread soaks up the olive tion for all. oil beautifully—Just keep on your bib! Ever-concerned with her growing beltline, Though the place opened in June, Chef my beautiful wife selected the “grilled whole Moulton has already prepared a second menu; fish of the day” that was the Branzino or “Italian the selections are guaranteed to please everyone. Sea Bass.” It really isn’t in the sea bass family, There are nine antipasti, each at five dollars; six but the Italians undoubtedly know how to “crudo” selections at fourteen; fourteen “small classify things better than we. This very large plates” between nine and fifteen; the West two-pounder arrived, completely filleted and Salad at six per person; twelve “large plates” surrounded by fennel, olives, sliced potatoes, consisting of a variety of fish, steaks, lamb, and tomatoes. The lovely smile on her face || ENTERTAINMENT TODAY SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 was accompanied by two thumbs up, indicating warm, chocolate cupcake with a combination total satisfaction. of chocolate-caramel sauce ladled over the top with whipped cream on the side. Quite My grilled twenty-ounce, bone-in rib yummy, but, again, best when shared, for it’s a eye steak was a huge hunk of meat: tender, bit much for one. pink, juicy, and most deli- cious—cooked to perfec- All in all, West delivers. with tion. Chef Moulton has Now, if only they could Ormly Gumfudgin secrets he employs to help turn down that pulsat- make all his dishes a tad ing beat that reverberates different—the better to through the restaurant, and feed all his clientele. The the air conditioning that, at Several years ago, Roseanne Barr had a But I’m always digressing! Back to Rose- sweet corn succotash was times, is overly aggressive, hit series on TV, and I was one who tried to anne. This accordionist and I didn’t know enhanced with crisp diced and all will be excellent. watch every one of her shows. each other until we showed up at her house. celery and pimentos that Somebody told us what to do and when. I oozed freshness. All in all, this was a satisfying, What you will get is some very marvelous The next thing I knew, she married some think we were to break out in music when somewhat novel dinner. food. And, of course, you will remember to tell guy. Imagine my surprise when I was called their bus pulled up to the house. We had ‘em Giuseppe sent you! P to see if I’d appear with some accordion player to quickly discuss our quandary and figure Any good dinner should end with a rich and perform with my Bazooka—at her house, out what to play! About the only thing I cup of coffee, and that is what you can expect West in the Hotel Angeleno. 170 N. Church yet! Roseanne planned to hold a special can remember was I couldn’t play “Lady of at West. Lane, Los Angeles 90049. (310) 476-4611 birthday party for her new husband. I guess Spain” on my Bazooka. I suppose I could she wanted something different! Well, she have “oompahed” my way through the song, I selected the Moulton chocolate cake (Where Sunset meets the 405 Freeway) got it. It’s been so long, I can’t remember the which is most likely what I did. I’m quite with caramel center as my dessert. It’s a Dinner for two: $75 w/o alcohol. night. We all got T-shirts that read, “Happy good at that! Birthday, Ben!” As I say, I don’t remember what we played, You may not be old enough to remember but maybe we made an attractive addition to WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP-UP the Bazooka, created/invented by Bob Burns. the landscape. An accordion player playing by Joseph Trinh In the dictionary, it’s referred to as a “crude a song and I oompahing my Bazooka in the musical instrument...” I always capitalize correct key! My Attachment, who was there the “B” when referring to the instrument. with me, reminded me that we also had a This weekend in college football seemed really in the game. Cincinnati, Baltimore, It was highly popular back in the 30’s and bunch of “little people” there. I think their to be a letdown after coming off of last week’s Indianapolis, and San Diego (bye) also 40’s when Burns was a “funnyman” on the president at the time was actor Billy Barty, huge matchups. The biggest stories this time remain undefeated. old Kraft Music Hall program with Bing but I know he wasn’t there. round were the comebacks by some preseason Crosby…for five years. favorites. The biggest comeback this weekend, I must say I do have a lot of tunes however, was in the NFL. The New Orleans Bob had created the Bazooka, and I was a in my head due to my many years as a #12 Notre Dame made a furious come- Saints return to the Superdome in New teenage fan of the man. When I retired, I had disc jockey and fifty years singing in the back against unranked Michigan State to Orleans for the first time since Hurricane an instrument repairman in Burbank—John Barbershop Harmony Society. You oughta keep their national title hopes alive, scoring Katrina. Emotions ran high from start, Pedersen—build me one. I now bill myself hear me on my Bazooka doing “Aura Lee,” th 19 unanswered points in the 4 Quarter, with a level of energy that is rarely seen in a as “The World’s Only Living Bazooka (a song that Elvis performed with differ- winning a thriller, 40-37. Brady Quinn regular season game. This matchup against Player!” Do you know why? Because, as ent lyrics). He called the song “Love Me fought himself back into the Heisman race, the Atlanta—from start to finish—was a far as I know, I have the only Bazooka in Tender.” Big hit. throwing for 319 yards and five touchdowns, fairytale, with the Saints controlling the this world. Another thing you might not though it was the defense that won the game game from the start. The Saints started know: The Army’s bazooka—a rocket firing But enough about me. Oh, and yes: we at the end, returning an interception back for the festivities with a blocked punt that was tank killer—was named after Burns’ famous got paid for the Roseanne affair! P the go-ahead touchdown. #9 Georgia had recovered for a touchdown. Bazooka because of the similarity in appear- to use a last minute touchdown to get their ance; as well as its popularity at the time. first lead against winless Colorado, winning Despite going scoreless again, Reggie the game, 14-13. Bush gained 72 yards on 17 touches. First- year coach Sean Peyton called a masterful The Golden Bears, despite their thrash- game on offense, scoring on a double reverse, ing against Tennessee in the season opener, and utilizing both Bush and Deuce McAl- are trying to make their case for the Pac-10 lister, with the two combining for 168 total championship as #21 Cal outlasted #22 yards. The Saints defense, which has never Arizona State in a high scoring affair, 49-21. been known as dominating, held the NFL’s #3 USC continues their unbelievable streak #1 rushing team to just 229 yards of total of 55 straight games of scoring at least 20 offense. The Saints welcomed football back points, beating Arizona, 20-3. The second to New Orleans, after such devastation.

longest streak is at 37 (Virginia Tech). The IN Trojan defense held the Wildcats to –16 yards Can a sports game heal a people who D (that’s right, negative yards rushing). The haven’t found anything to cheer for in bad news, however, is that Dwayne Jarrett, months? Especially with a team that hasn’t the school’s highest-scoring wide receiver, seen success ever in their history? Well, at A injured his shoulder, potentially missing 2-4 least that night, it did. There seemed to be a weeks worth of action. new hope, with the formerly hapless Saints starting their season, 3-0, with Reggie Bush

In the NFL, the Carolina Panthers as the apparent savior of the city. OUR avoided going 0-3 by beating the Tampa

Bay Bucs, 26-24, on a late game field goal, Even if he doesn’t become the legend call: 818-566-4030 Y sending the Bucs to 0-3. Tampa Bay QB people say he will, the hope generated by his Chris Simms had to be hospitalized due to presence alone has created a renewed sense

a ruptured spleen. The Seattle Seahawks of vigor and energy in the Delta. ATES stay undefeated as they blew out the New York Giants, taking a 35-3 at half. Despite America. P R a strong comeback, the Giants were never LACE OR P F ENTERTAINMENT TODAY ENTERTAINMENT || SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT TODAY Music Interview Panthers and pandemonium An interview with Keith Murray of We Are Scientists Photo by Dan Monick Photo

Don’t believe a word that these guys say: Keith Murray, Chris Cain, and Michael Tapper of We Are Scientists.

by Jon Barilone for the words. So, I think we may play their cover in front of them, which, for an audience For New York-via-California rock trio We member, will be delightful. The point in that Are Scientists, their next tour will be a home- case will be not to watch the band on the stage coming of sorts. Keith Murray (guitar/vocals), but to watch the band in the crowd who has Chris Cain (bass/vocals), and Michael Tapper to stand there while their song is maligned. (drums/vocals)—all graduates of the local When it comes to different from any other Claremont Colleges—have toured internation- tour ever, we’re going to have a bunch of Gila ally for the past year and a half with big-name monsters onstage. We’re going to let ‘em loose bands such as Hot Hot Heat and Arctic and see what they do—that’s about a half hour Monkeys. They have found huge success in of the show. Everyone’s going to have to sign a the UK, where their singles and debut album, waiver when they come in: an affidavit that gives With Love and Squalor, topped music charts on consent to be mauled by the Gila monsters. You a regular basis. know, so they won’t blame or sue us.

I was able to catch up with Keith in between JB: Even though you’re winding down this tours in order to ask him a few questions album, would you say that the American tour regarding the upcoming American tour, their is a set-up for your second album? next album, and the upcoming Oct. 1st Glass House show. The band members are known for KM: It’s going to have an aspect of the “clos- their quirky humor, which is why I wasn’t too ing night party” of a play and all that since surprised to hear about Gila monsters, dolphins, it’s going to be our last North American tour and panthers…all in one sitting. for at least four or five months. It will be like watching someone trying to eat the last bit of Jon Barilone: So, you guys will be on another an incredibly delicious cake before the end of tour soon. What’s it called, and how is it going the party. This tour’s going to be gluttony for to be different from what we’ve seen and heard us in every aspect. On the other hand, that in the past? will be offset by another form of gluttony which is sort of the incredible excitement of Keith Murray: It’s called the “Also-Ran Buzz the Christmas Day thing. You know, where Band Tour”—it’s us, Art Brut, and the Spinto something new is happening and all you want Band. Is the question “How is it going to be to do is go into your parents’ bedroom and open different from any other tour ever?” or just your gifts ahead of time. That’s an incredibly anything you’ve heard from us before? clumsy metaphor for what we’re doing, which will simply be playing new songs. JB: First you guys, then any tour ever. JB: When’s the second album going to be KM: I’ll start with the pedestrian aspects in out? which it will be different from any other tour of ours, and that will be because we’re winding KM: It’s somewhat hard to say at this point. this album down. We’re going to be playing We have a few songs written, and then, you some new stuff to test it before we actually know, a whole bunch of (laughs) ideas that have to go and record it. Also, part of the deal we haven’t really worked out arrangements with this tour is that we’re selling a split 7” with for. In a perfect little world, we will pump it Art Brut wherein we cover one of their songs out as quickly as possible. I hate to even give and they cover one of our songs, and we really approximates, but we’re thinking we’d like to like the cover that we did for the song (laughs). We sort of rewrote everything about it except see KEITH MURRAY on p.12 |10| ENTERTAINMENT TODAY SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 Concert Review

by Joseph Trinh The beeps, bloops, and blippity-bops we have come to know and love about video games On September 21, 2006, the world of video (and that some might expect from this event) games invaded the Hollywood Bowl. have stepped aside to an array of complex orchestral and symphonic arrangements—com- Interesting that one of the largest natural plete with choir—that you would more likely amphitheaters played host to Video Games hear at a “traditional” Hollywood Bowl concert. Live, a celebration of a digital medium that is For years, the gaming industry has been devel- normally associated with super plumbers and oping products at a level of cinematic grandeur spaceships. Donkey Kong on the same stage on par with that of a Spielberg film, complete that has hosted Pavarotti and the Beatles? Odd, with a John Williams’ score. yes, but it’s just another night in the Bizarro World the press calls Hollywood. The performances of Video Games Live were accompanied by video montages of the Admittedly, I arrived late to the party, miss- games that inspired the music on three giant ing the costume contest. The kid who dressed projection screens. The visual scope of some up like Kirby—the pink, marshmallow looking of these games would rival Peter Jackson’s hero who eats his enemies—won the audience Lord of the Rings, taking the audience through vote when all the contestants trotted out onto a kaleidoscopic view of the vast digital world the stage later during the performance. I did, these gamers visit on a daily basis. One of the however, make it to the Meet and Greet, where more striking montages came from the game music composers from many of the gaming God of War, with grand, epic-like war sequences companies signed autographs. A few even between monsters and neo-primitive armies, had old Nintendo consoles and Godfather-like con- covered with signatures. trast on individual char- Imagine busting that out acter shots. Though the the next time your bud- scenes are nothing new

dies come over to play Nguyen by John Photo to anyone who has seen Contra. these images on television ads, its magnification at PLACE Right before the show, the Hollywood Bowl, in YOUR AD I went to stand outside the both sight and sound, artists’ entrance, hoping gave these games the epic IN to be able to go back- feel of the biggest of Hol- stage. I felt like a groupie lywood blockbusters. waiting for the band to arrive, keeping my eye out One of the bigger for the stars of the night. crowd pleasers of the Whether that’s good or night was the game play not, I don’t know. My wait on stage. A ten-year- was not in vain. old named Danny got to play Space Invaders on This is also here where one of the giant projec- I met Valerie Vickers and tion screens in front of Greg O’Connor-Read, Yes, that’s Duck Hunt being played by orchestra. the 8,000+ on hand. A director and editor of special shirt given to him Music4Games.net, respectively. Greg gave me a by eminent game (and film) sound designer crash course on the gaming music world. From Tommy Tallarico tracked him digitally across this brief elucidation, it seems like the gaming the stage, allowing the spaceship on screen to industry has followed the same path as the film follow young Danny as he shot down aliens industry. As more money is made with these for prizes. The Goodyear Blimp kept time. products, the more money goes into it, creat- Seriously. ing bigger and more extravagant blockbusters. However, just like the film industry, there are As the night wore on, I began to realize how less and less proven moneymakers. Maybe that much I was actually getting lost in the music. explains the increasing presence of sequels, People would believe that they would be too as in film. Interesting parallels between the conscious of the fusion of video games with industries, though not the only ones. orchestral music. Just like in film, the musical score take you through the highs and lows of The show started with music artist BT, the visual medium that you are experiencing. doing what amounts to a love letter to his young daughter. An airy, atmospheric song that slowly However looking at this form of entertain- builds around a video montage compilation of ment, the score is even more affective, since mainly home videos and fragments of a poem the characters we watch are being played by that professes a father’s love for his daughter. us. Hence, this music is the soundtrack of Though the performance on its own didn’t seem the gamers’ lives. Imagine Danny Elfman to be in tuned with the video game theme of producing your soundtrack as you rip out the the night, it was nonetheless touching and heart of Jonny Cage. That’s a life I would like sentimental, perhaps a bit too personal for to live. P such a festival. TODAY ENTERTAINMENT |11| SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT TODAY KEITH MURRAY from p.10

come out by next summer. We’ll see. saw what the Internet did for Korn, away three minutes in which people Come December, we may be sitting and we want that. would feel forced to cheer for us for in the practice space, weeping. no good reason at all. So, yeah: best JB: And look at OK Go—that to just skip the encore. We’ll pretty by Brad Auerbach The songs sound as fresh as JB: Will it have a totally different treadmill video. much keep playing if a crowd seems they did four decades ago. I’ll give sound, or will the new album stem like they want us to play more and When the Beach Boys’ Pet you time to read that again. Four from what you guys did on the first KM: That’s the answer. more. We’ll just go ahead and play Sounds slipped into the marketplace decades ago. record? every single song we know; we just in 1966, it was an abrupt departure JB: Treadmills for the next music won’t take the pause. And, you know from the string of pop hits that the Bookended by the achingly KM: The thing about us is that we video? what? People should be applauding band had sent to the top of the beautiful “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” all listen to the same vague sphere of us for not taking pauses because that charts in the previous years. In and “Caroline No,” the album runs music, but all have different interests KM: Oh man! Treadmills, fancy just demonstrates the true stamina fact, the group had been touring through a baker’s dozen gems. in music. It’s hard to say which way suits, and Tim Nordwind as lead of We Are Scientists! Although, to in Japan without Brian Wilson The autobiographical “That’s Not we’ll really go; we’ll have to see what singer! There is the answer. So, I’ve keep it fair, every song we know is while he toiled away in LA on what Me” and “I Just Wasn’t Made For happens. I really have no idea how been calling Tim; he hasn’t returned only, like, an hour and fifteen minutes. would become one of the most These Times” moved away from the next album will sound at this my calls, but we’re trying to recruit So, I guess the stamina’s not really all important albums of the decade, the teen anthems for which Wilson point. What happens when you put him. that remarkable. if not the century. had become famous. With nary a us in a room and we fight for eight mention of surfing or hotrodding, hours? The answer: our next album. JB: One of the coolest things about JB: The band’s resume is getting By the mid 1960’s, Wilson had Wilson increased the stakes of you guys is that, even though you pretty impressive. You’ve had a song been idolizing Phil Spector for modern songwriting. His work JB: Ok, hard question now. In graduated several years ago, you on The OC, CSI: NY, a 2006 Winter several years, finding everything immediately affected Lennon and 15 words or less, describe We Are make a point to play at Olympics commercial, and a video- from his look to his production McCartney, who set about trying Scientists’ musical style. the Claremont game, and you’ve played on David style hugely influential. Wilson to top Wilson. The result wasSgt. Letterman and Conan O’Brien. still counts Spector’s Christmas Pepper’s, resulting in the two most KM: You know, I hate to use What’s next? Album as his all-time favorite. consistently acclaimed rock albums poetry, but I’m just going to throw Wilson then discovered the radical ever released. a picture at you and hope it trans- KM: We really would like turn his “label mates” from Britain lates. “If dolphins could ride jet to get into writing jingles for had undertaken; the Beatles’ Rub- The second disc provides a skis, that’d be the sound of We commercials and anonymous ber Soul became a new standard bounty of delights for the audio- Are Scientists.” And they’re theme songs for TV shows. by which rock music would be phile: the entire audio program in working on it, just as a side It doesn’t matter to have We measured. Wilson was introduced Hi-Res PCM Stereo and in 5.1 note. Most people might Are Scientists’ songs on stuff; I to Tony Asher, who was able to Surround Sound. Also on the not know this. I do a lot want to just have random, really provide meatier lyrics for the music second disc is about an hour’s worth of scientific reading—the innocuous background music Wilson had in mind. Taking more of DVD extras. Highlights include dolphins are working on for TV shows. Kind of like the than a page from Spector’s “Wall several goofy promotional clips that it. oboe and the snare drum going of Sound” studio stylings, Wilson bring to mind the Monkees. These “doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo” assembled an ace crew of musicians were shot by Derek Taylor, tighten- JB: It seems like the right before it goes to commercial. to bring his new songs to life. ing the link to the Beatles. The band is on the road a lot. How That’s the kind of thing I want to various interview segments include do you spend your time? work on. In 1997, Capitol released a new material along with some Colleges on sprawling four-disc set devoted great perspectives from awestruck KM: On a van tour, you spend 70% a fairly regular basis. JB: Last question: What can we entirely to Pet Sounds, which pro- Brits. Pete Townshend says that of your time in the van or sleeping. When’s the next time you’ll be expect from the show at the Glass vided a treasure trove of mate- with the album’s release, “the You get a lot of reading done and playing a campus show? House on Oct. 1st? rial and an enlight- whole world was turned on a lot of pathetic mid-day napping ening its head.” Elvis Costello where you’re not tired, but your body KM: I’m not sure. Playing the Glass KM: Complete pandemonium. We’re glimpse is equally effusive. just says, “There is no useful stimulus House was sort of our concession to going to bring four live panthers on into available, so I’m going to shut down trying to get a Claremont-related stage, and they’re going to fight to Wilson’s Particularly enjoy- right now.” This time, we’re actually show. It’s really hard to set up half- the death, then Michael [Tapper] will creative able is a recent BBC scaling it down to an RV, but it’s the way-decent campus shows; every fight the winner. That makes it sound process. sequence with George same scenario—we’ll sleep while the show we’ve played at Pomona recently like he’s incredibly brave and strong This two- Martin, seen tooling bus is driving; so, when you wake up, has been set up by friends. We say, because he’s fighting the strongest disc set along Sunset Boulevard you’re in a new place. “We have a day off on this day when panther, but that panther’s going to is more in a convertible Cadil- we’re going to be in Southern Cali- be pretty worn out since it just killed mod- lac. Upon JB: Have you been able to update fornia, so let’s just do a show.” Then three other panthers. So, it’s actually est, but arrival your tour blogs and the website our friend will say, “Okay, I’ll rent a pretty inglorious. The crowd usually provides at lately? basement somewhere and get a keg.” boos him because, at that point, the some great sonic Wil- And we’re, like, “Awesome.” I think panther’s just kind of lying on the upgrades. Whereas son’s KM: We definitely have been neg- the Glass House is a fine venue, and ground, panting. You know, breath- the previous box set house, ligent in our Internet duties. Before I think it is important for the kids ing its last, and Michael comes out, was packed with out- the two we started touring, we pretty much to get the hell off of the Claremont and—very jauntily—straddles it takes, alternative ver- sit down at pathetically updated our website Colleges. and breaks its neck with his hands. sions, and studio chatter, the a mixing board. every day or every other day. These [The panther] can barely put up any current release is more straightfor- In the same way Martin decon- days, you get onto the bus at 4:00 JB: Something interesting I’ve resistance—it kind of paws at him ward. The original 13 track mono structed Sgt. Pepper’s in another am—and this may come as a surprise noticed about your shows—you don’t in a pleading way. So, Michael turns mix remains at the heart of any documentary, he slides the faders to some readers, but sometimes it’s play encores. Can you talk about that out to be a villain more than anything Pet Sounds release, and not simply on Pet Sounds and marvelously good to pull away the veil here—and choice? else; it’s actually pretty depressing. I because Wilson has been deaf in provides a peek into the way a 23- the last thing you want to do is some wouldn’t come. P one ear since childhood. The stereo year-old Wilson was able to spin Internet work at 4:00 am after the KM: The phenomenon of the encore version (included here, from the magic all those years ago. P show. I know, it sounds counterintui- is mysterious to me. I’ve never been We Are Scientists will be performing box set) immediately follows the tive, but it’s true. You’d think you’d particularly wowed by a band doing an with Art Brut and Spinto Band on mono version. A clever trick is to Brian Wilson will be performing want to spend some hours logged on, encore, because all that really means Saturday, Sept. 30th at the Henry sequence the tracks in mono/stereo Pet Sounds and other classics at but it hasn’t really worked out that is that they go offstage for three min- Fonda Theater. 6126 Hollywood pairs, to see how Wilson approved Royce Hall on November 1st. way for us. We’ve actually made a utes. By not playing an encore, we’re Blvd., Hollywood 90028. Doors open the 1997 stereo recreation. pact that, on this next tour through not playing fewer minutes of music at 8 pm. December, we’re going to focus. We or anything; we’re actually just taking |12| ENTERTAINMENT TODAY SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN ENTERTAINMENT TODAY ADVERTISE FOR RATES AND INFORMATION call: 818-566-4030 email: [email protected]

|13| SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT TODAY |14| ENTERTAINMENT TODAY SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 That said, whatever the film lacks in originality or straightforwardness (screenwriter Ron Brinkerhoff could have easily dropped the characters of Costner’s estranged wife and Kutcher’s local love interest, played by Melissa Sagemiller, and no one would have missed them), it makes up for in sheer skill and professionalism.

It has been directed by Andrew Davis, whose career has been some- what uneven in the years since he hit it big with the one-two punch of Under Siege and The Fugitive (of course, if you want to launch into a passionate defense of the likes of Photos by Ben Glass Photos Chain Reaction or Collateral Damage, Kutcher and Costner portray Coast Guard elites in Andrew Davis’ The Guardian. Candace Hilligoss plays lost soul Mary Henry in Herk Harvey’s 1962 cult classic. knock yourself out), and it is prob- THE GUARDIAN (Ashton Kutcher), a hotshot trainee ably the best thing that he has done by Aaron Sheley 60’s that has influenced numerous who brashly announces to everyone since then—the action scenes are directors—especially David Lynch, on his very first day that he plans on fairly spectacular and, aside from a A vehicle crashes into the water as he has noted in a number of (2 1/2 out of 4 stars) breaking all the various speed and few moments that veer off into sheer and the passenger’s dream of sur- interviews. Directed by Andrew Davis endurance records for the base—not mawkishness, the dramatic scenes are viving begins. Starring: Kevin Costner, the most tactful thing in the world also pretty good as well. The female protagonist, named Ashton Kutcher, Neal McDonough, since a) they are all held by Ben, and Notice that this film is like Mary, finds the afterlife to be John Heard, Melissa Sagemiller, b) Ben stands right behind him while A lot of the credit for the latter Brazil or An Occurrence at Owl mystical, yet caustic. Her search Sela Ward he announces this news. should also go to the two stars—Cost- Creek Bridge because much of what for answers leads to the carnival 135 minutes, Rated PG-13 ner is strong and sure in the kind of is happening, if not everything, is outside of town where ghosts dance You probably won’t be shocked to gruff and no-nonsense loner role that strange due to the realization that to offbeat organ music. Mary per- discover that Ben and Jake, after ini- he has often excelled at, and while the female protagonist is already forms on the organ for a church, yet by Peter Sobczynski tially butting heads, grow to develop Kutcher has his less-than-spectacular dead. her deadly experience in the film’s respect for each other. You probably moments here and there (the big opening car crash leads her to play The good news about the inspi- won’t be shocked to discover that Jake emotional scene in which he reveals Cluing her in to her death is a the film’s leit-motif dalliance of the rational adventure filmThe Guardian eventually learns to stop looking out his deep, dark secret smacks a little carnival—empty at first and then macabre. is that it manages to transcend its only for himself in order to become too closely of high-school theatrics), later filled with ghosts. A figure- essential cheesiness, despite a few the kind of team player that makes he makes for an interesting foil head of death (with bushy eye- At times, Mary is unable to rough spots here and there, in order for the best rescue for Costner and brows) follows her around for the hear normal conversations (neither, to provide viewers with 110 minutes swimmer. You shows that he length of the film. The woman of for the matter, can the viewer…as of relatively solid action and drama probably won’t can do more than the story tells others around her of the sound design turns mute during anchored by a couple of performances be shocked to simply play the her condition, but slowly sinks into these odd sequences). She asks for that are better than you might expect. discover that Jake stoner goofball. madness when she discovers her company from her neighbor, but in The bad news is that it then goes on has a past personal mortal life may have ended. Like an icy glare of stupor rejects his, at for another 25 minutes as it offers tragedy in his life And yet, all a dream within a dream, this times, near demand for romantic up one ending after another in an that has driven the good work well crafted, low-budget involvement. In fact, increasingly desperate attempt to him to become a done in the first foray into the metaphys- as she continu- wrap up the story. As a result, even rescue swimmer. three-fourths of ics of death is wild with ally collides with the most indulgent viewers are likely You probably The Guardian reverberating appeal. the figurehead of to wind up tuning out long before the won’t be shocked is undone by a death, she finds that end credits finally begin to roll. to discover that messy and con- Following around only she alone can Ben will learn to fused final act the female protago- break the spell. Kevin Costner stars as Ben Ran- overcome his own that offers up nist through her dall, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer personal demons by Ben Glass Photos more endings afterlife is a journey The film is wholly so proficient and revered that he in order to get Kevin Costner as rescue swimmer Ben Randall. than Clue in an unlike any other, captivating in its mys- barely seems able to function out back into the effort to close perhaps slightly tery to uncover what of the water—he can easily save drink. And even if every element shop. It feels as though Davis was similar to the has happened to Mary one troubled marriage, at least in that I have listed above has come as unsure of how to end his film, shot 1990 modern after her car accident. a metaphorical sense, by saving a a total surprise to you, you probably a whole bunch of different finales, psychological thriller Jacob’s The audience is trapped couple from drowning in a storm at won’t be shocked to discover that the and then inexplicably decided to use Ladder directed by Adrian Lyne. in her consciousness, and—along sea, but is unable to do the same on climax of the film involves Ben and all of them. Carnival takes the viewer into with her— vicariously lives out the dry land with his own union with Jake teaming up in an effort to save the protagonist’s mind, as the strange realities of living a duplici- estranged wife Helen (Sela Ward). the day during an especially harrow- Under normal circumstances, this narrative slowly breaks apart into tous life of death and dream. After another rescue attempt ends ing rescue attempt. would be off-putting enough, but it two concurrent paths—her dream in the death of the rest of his crew is especially ruinous here because life highlights her non-existence Each iconic clue of death brings and leaves him psychologically unable As you can tell from even just a the first of the conclusions is by far in the world, and her afterlife with it the ambiguity of the film’s to get back into the water, Ben is brief summary, The Guardianis pretty the best—a nice bit that wraps up concerns her wandering amongst intent. Her nightmare journey pulled from active duty and sent to much a Frankenstein’s monster of a all the important plot strands in a strange figures who loom over never lets up, and spectacularly Louisiana to teach rescue swimming film stitched together from pieces refreshingly low-key manner that her to suggest that she is holding sustains a surreal viewing experi- to a new batch of recruits at a Coast taken from any number of earlier emphasizes the human drama over off Fate. The film is a suspenseful ence that is a treasure among cult Guard training center. works—there is a little bit of An pyrotechnics. Apparently, it was too march of death and invariably one films. P Officer and a Gentleman and a whole of the great indie cult classics of the Among his charges is Jake Fischer lot of Ladder 49, to name only two. see THE GUARDIAN on p.21 |15| SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT TODAY

Courtesy ofCourtesy Onyx Films

Filmmaker Christian Volckman utilized breakthrough state-of-the-art technology to create the awesome visuals of his new film.

by Michael Guillén CV: It didn’t happen like that. It make him play a 3-D character into really happened when I saw the this computer world and you’re going Michael Guillén: Christian, I’m images. And for me, the motion cap- to be able to recreate Paris in any way impressed with the look of Renais- ture—which is not animation because you want or anything else, people sance; its surfaces are dazzling and it animation is very cartoonish and can would have laughed at you. And exemplifies a chiaroscuro aesthetic. be great—but, the presence of human then, 70 years later, it’s happening and Was that your original concept? Or beings into this black-and-white film we can pretty much do anything we did that develop with animator Mark was for me a revelation. There was an want. It’s also a world that’s starting Miance? immediate emotion that I felt doing to become more and more virtual, the film. Then Paris came along, and real stuff is secondary. TV is Christian Volckman: I was touring and the script started being written more important, communication on with my first short film [Maaz] at the around a futuristic Paris. the Internet is more important than Imagina in Monaco, France. I saw a table, and that’s very strange. It’s a couple of images Mark had done MG: Paris certainly is a character in like a world of thoughts. in black-and-white, and I was com- Renaissance. To see this vision you pletely fascinated because, actually, had of Paris set in the not-too-distant MG: And yet, it’s not really pho- the first film I made was in high-con- future was enthralling, especially the torealistic; it’s “hyper-realistic,” as trast, though com- glass underground you’ve said in the past. How would pletely in color, mall near Notre you differentiate this process from but I loved the Dame, and the rotoscoping (the process utilized in Fritz Lang mov- exciting car chase Richard Linklater’s Waking Life and ies and everything along the Seine; the recent A Scanner Darkly)? from that period. familiar, accessible A lot of stuff images projected CV: It’s just the way [our process] that came from into the future. is done. You create this 3-D world Expressionism out where whatever you want to do in of Germany and CV: That was the this world—create a huge building Russia; the expe- idea, yeah. or any kind of furniture—you have rience that they to draw everything; that’s one of the made in cinema MG: You don’t problems of animation, you have to for me, that was categorize Renais- draw anything that you want to see in it! So when I saw sance as anima- the film. And then you find actors to those few images, tion, in fact you’ve incarnate your characters. Then you which used new said that you don’t shoot them. Suddenly, they bring READ THE LATEST technology but think it’s either life through their movements to your rendered an old film or animation, virtual characters that you have been MOVIE REVIEWS IN kind of feeling with that shadowy that you think it’s a new genre; how creating, sculpting in your software. look, immediately I thought it was would you define that “new” genre? Then you can frame it. That’s where going to be great. I met Mark and I you have your scene that’s been told him his work was very interest- CV: I don’t know. It’s very strange recorded into your computer, and ing, and then we lost touch with each technology. For me, it’s symbolic it’s playing forever, and you can play ENTERTAINMENT TODAY other. I finished my short film, and of what is happening to our world. it back-and forth and change angles then one year later, I met him again, You can take a character and put him around 360º; in any direction, you can CHECK OUT THE MOVIE TIMES AT A and that’s when everything started. into a virtual world. It’s close to The look at what’s going on. HEATER EAR OU ON We started to work on the film. Matrix in terms of the symbolism. T N Y It’s something crazy when you think MG: The angular perspectives proved p.24-25 MG: So the original concept was to about it. In the 1920’s, if you said in intriguing, especially when you shot do a noirish-style film? 70 years we’re going to be able to cap- ture the movement of a character and see VOLCKMAN on p.20 |16| ENTERTAINMENT TODAY SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 IN

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|17| SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT TODAY JESUS CAMP Muslim children are taught from an And from Jesus Camp, we figure early age to fast during Ramadan. A that Fischer’s message is one of (2 1/2 out of 4 stars) cheap shot would be to point out that restraint and belief in the Christian Directed by Heidi Ewing, Fischer doesn’t appear to have missed form of God. Unfortunately, the film Rachel Grady many meals (there, I said it). But doesn’t go into the details of her mes- 84 minutes, Rated PG-13 the jolly Fischer has a very pleasant sage abridging her sermons in a way self-deprecating personality. that makes the message seem a little by Jonathan W. Hickman thin and even vague. No doubt that At one point, she prepares for an many different issues are addressed event and permits the cameras into during camp worship. Jesus Camp contains enough quot- her dressing room where she fever- able material to keep Bill Maher and ously sprays hairspray on her hair in We do get a little politics, though. other nightly talk show hosts in edgy an effort to tease the short strands up They are convinced that George Bush material for months. somehow. Later, on stage, she asks is our God-chosen leader. At one Forest Whitaker brings humanity and vitality to one of history’s greatest monsters. the children she’s preaching to about session in the chapel, a large cutout THE LAST KING OF from medical school in Scotland. But while some may sneer at the her hair. She clearly is aware of her of President Bush is displayed, and SCOTLAND His father, a rural family doctor, “squareness” of the message exposed appearance and uses her matronly the children are asked to pray for the expects his son to follow in his by the evangelical Christians featured figure to instill a sense of matriarchal man. And the abortion issue takes up (3 out of 4 stars) footsteps. But the young Garrigan in this little documentary, the truth is safeness into those she teaches. a large part of the film. If you didn’t Directed by Kevin McDonald decides that he should try to do that this growing group has become a already know it, they are decidedly Starring: Forest Whitaker, something more important with significant political force in America. Unfortunately, Jesus Camp doesn’t Pro-Life. This is the group that dons James McAvoy, Kerry Washington, his life. One night in his room, And, at one point in the film, one very tell us much about Fischer’s back- the red tape over their mouths with Simon McBurney, Gillian Anderson he spins a globe and promises to influential evangelical minister of the ground. She certainly has a market- the word “LIFE” written on it. go to the first place on which his megachurch states what is becoming ing background, has smartly studied 121 minutes, Rated R finger lands. When his finger hits an obvious reality: if the evangelicals her demographic (children), and As a counter to the conservative by Jonathan W. Hickman Canada, he frowns and gives the vote, they can determine the results knows how to get to them. We don’t message of Fischer and her fellow globe another spin, and Uganda of elections. The age of the Christian know if Fischer has children, and I campers, Jesus Camp intersperses radio Why did Idi Amin, Uganda’s becomes his destination. But once conservative politician is upon us! wasn’t sure of her marital status. talk personality Mike Papantonio ruler from 1971 to 1979, murder in Uganda, he quickly discovers of Air America’s Ring of Fire show. something like half a million of his that his idealistic goals don’t really Camp is a tidy movie that briskly But, I don’t want to assassinate the His take on evangelicals is that this fellow citizens? And why did he, mesh with his hip aspirations. And follows three bright young kids messenger; the focus of the film is on group is dangerous and a little scary. at one point, anoint himself “the a fleeting but unfulfilled romance who are members of We see him in his radio last king of Scotland?” Filmmaker with the wife (X-Files’ Gillian evangelical churches and studio taking calls and Kevin Macdonald sheds some light Anderson) of another visiting regularly attend a sum- rationally talking about on the subject through the eyes doctor there leaves him more than mer camp led by Pastor the issues such as the of a young Scottish doctor who wanting. Becky Fischer. The camp Intelligent Design vs. becomes close to Amin in the early is suitably called “Kids on Evolution debate. While part of his bloody rule. It takes a chance encounter Fire” and strives to make ofCourtesy Magnolia Pictures Papantonio is good, I with Uganda’s new leader—mili- children warriors of God. would rather have seen The Last King of Scotland is a tary general Idi Amin—to pull him At the camp, children are a liberal church featured brutal and beautiful film. It is a away from the moral high ground. encouraged to let Christ to fully be able to com- movie that looks at one of Africa’s Soon, Garrigan becomes Amin’s and God into their lives. pare and contrast the most feared and terrible leaders personal physician. Garrigan can This process takes free- approaches. from the inside, as it presents the tell that there’s something not right form within them, and romance of a charismatic president about the arrangement. Of course, often results in intense Jesus Camp is very and his intoxicating effect on those he should have followed his heart prayer and even speaking interesting, but seems to around him. Cleverly, we get a and not been lured over to the Dark in tongues. be a little too hands-off. front row seat when young Scottish Side. But the evil is hidden from It doesn’t create much doctor Nicholas Garrigan ( James Garrigan who is kept in luxury The religious camp debate; rather, it gives McAvoy) is brought into Amin’s and pacified by lavish gifts like a is held each year in the you a story from the inner circle to become his closest Mercedes convertible. ironically named Devil’s fly on the wall. By the advisor. But this position, thrust Lake, North Dakota. It time we figure out who upon the idealistic Garrigan, might Amin is depicted as gregarious is a well equipped facility the characters are, this be too much for him to handle. and deeply committed to the bet- with dorms, cabins, and a 87-minute film is over. terment of his country. But there’s large chapel. The impres- We are left with little While McAvoy (who played evidence of corruption all around. sive chapel is technologi- understanding of evan- the goat-eared Mr. Tumnus in The Garrigan dismisses these tells and cally advanced—Power- gelical core beliefs and Chronicles of Narnia) is very good even bickers with British officials Point presentations are why they have decided here, this is Forest Whitaker’s film. who he initially believes are the employed from a bank to take the evangelical He devours the role of Amin as cause of problems in the region. of computers, and the Film takes us into a fascinating and perhaps frightening new world. path. few could (although Yaphet Kotto And he’s not entirely wrong, but, speakers are all fitted with wireless the message itself and its effectiveness seemed right for the role in Raid as we know, Amin’s governance microphones that appear to be pricey especially in deference to the children At one point, Fischer watches on Entebbe). Whitaker is both proved to be one of the bloodiest items. Much of the film’s scenes take that attend her camp. Basically, video tape of the children during a charismatic and downright scary. in history. place in this modern chapel. It is a Fischer unabashedly wants to convert worship ceremony. She says that the No doubt, he is on the short list place of worship with all the bells everyone to Christ and believes that children are not in a trance, but that for Oscar. There can be no doubt that the and whistles. appealing to children is the first step they are just filled with the spirit. approach taken by Director Mac- toward achieving her goal. She’s Fischer isn’t some cult leader. She McAvoy plays the young doc- Donald to display the early days of So, who is Becky Fischer? Early a Pentecostal Christian who’s not wants to be taken seriously and wants tor, Garrigan, idealistically. We are in the film, she remarks during one afraid to insist on the rightness of to get her message out. In Jesus Camp, introduced to him as he graduates see LAST KING on p.21 of her speeches that Christians have her religious doctrine. Pastor Fischer’s message remains a become fat and lazy. She notes that little of a mystery. P |18| ENTERTAINMENT TODAY SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 AMERICAN HARDCORE A GUIDE TO caught in the tempestuous crossfire. RECOGNIZING His father, Monty (Chazz Palmin- teri), is too controlling, while Dito’s (3 out of 4 stars) YOUR SAINTS Directed by Paul Rachman mother, Flori (Dianne Wiest), strives to be naïve of what goes on 100 minutes, Rated R (3 out of 4 stars) in the streets. by Jonathan Zeitlin Directed by Dito Montiel Starring: Rosario Dawson, Young Dito steadily pulls away “Punk is dead” spits out of the Robert Downey Jr., Shia LaBeouf, from his friends and girlfriend mouth of Bruce Loose from San Chazz Palminteri, Channing Tatum, Laurie (Melonie Diaz) to discuss Francisco band Flipper. Zander Diane Wiest traveling, poetry, and music with Schloss of Circle Jerks stares into the the transfer student Mike O’Shea 98 minutes, Rated R camera and says, “It was over a long (Martin Compston). After Dito time ago. It’s over. Go home.” takes one beating too many from by Jon Barilone the Puerto Ricans, Antonio takes Paul Rachman’s documentary, C.O.C. is but one of many bands featured in this documentary about the 80’s hardcore scene. matters—and an aluminum base- American Hardcore (with writer Ste- way into a show with pipe bombs. cover that her screed is genuinely Director/writer Dito Montiel ball bat—into his own hands. The ven Blush, whose book served as a There were fights and speed and sex. moving. In trying to hammer in has good reason to be proud of his Puerto Ricans, in turn, take the life launch pad), covers the 1980’s punk There are also some really touching his vision of an unbroken American debut film,A Guide to Recognizing of Dito’s friend; I won’t say which scene from its birth to its demise, moments represented in the film, as hardcore landscape, Rachman glosses Your Saints. Loosely based on one. After a yelling match with but the virulent anti-establishment when Rollins recalls his nervousness over Texas and the Southeast, and his memoir of the same name, his father, Dito finally leaves for attitude of the time seems as relevant about joining the already established spends little time in the Midwest. the movie boasts a superb cast California. today as it did under the shadow of Black Flag, or when Tommy Stinson that earned the Best Ensemble Reagan. Comprised of interviews of the Replacements describes his That is not to say that the film Performance Award at Sundance. Channing Tatum is surpris- with an endless cast of hardcore bands envious attraction to the scene as an is just a parade of the biggest of the Montiel’s goal was to make the ing here, exhibiting raw, animal from 1980-1986 and archival footage, outsider, watching from across the big. Rachman couldn’t squeeze any movie feel real, and he succeeds in energy that makes Antonio wild the film is an engaging romp around room like a spurned lover. more bands in without bloating the drawing the viewer into the intense and unpredictable. Frank the Dog the US that follows the spread of a picture’s running time. There is foot- lives of his characters. While some Walker (Anthony De Sando) is true rebellion against mainstream While American Hardcore has age and interviews with SS Decon- of the editing techniques are a little an undeniably fun character and, culture. a treasure chest of rare (and often trol, Gang Green, Cro-Mag, and the too “indie” for my taste, and the with his charming flamboyancy, highly amateur) performance footage Adolescents. There is Battalion of soundtrack is lackluster, several he steals a couple scenes. The adult From the opening shot of the and a soundtrack that serves as an Saints, Teen Idles, Negative FX, and actors shine and help create an Dito slowly changes from being film, Rachman establishes the politi- excellent primer for US punk, the Nig-Heist. While the film often fails enthralling film. detached to being heartbroken, cal and social climate in which the film is less about the actual music to distinguish many of these bands and Robert Downey Jr. shows he scene was born, and the absolute than the story. As MacKaye himself from each other (despite often wildly The story—a mix between understands the character well, contempt for the conservative revival- points out, the musicianship of bands different backgrounds, philosophies, Montiel’s memoirs and a creative especially through his body lan- ism that fueled hardcore’s roots. The like Minor Threat and Bad Brains and musical skill), Rachman effec- script—centers on Dito (Robert guage and facial expressions. narrative’s momen- tively gives the viewer Downey Jr.), a 30-something pub- tum is carried by a feeling of the irre- lished author who left New York Indie fans can relax: despite the the recollections of pressible force that was for California when he was a teen- star-studded cast, Montiel does not the major players, hardcore. It seems to ager. He receives a phone call from shy away from so-called “indie” and the interviews spring up everywhere, his mother with the news that his camerawork and editing. The film are full of energy and feed on itself and father is very sick and won’t go to has plenty of jump cuts, handheld and humor. Henry its own violence. the hospital. He goes back home to camerawork, voiceover, and the fact Rollins of South- confront the family and friends he that the films moves between two ern California’s By 1984, Reagan left all those years ago. Only then different timelines screams “coun- seminal Black Flag was re-elected. Vio- does Dito realize how much he ter-cinema.” Montiel also makes it is oddly engaging lence in the hardcore affected everyone clear that this is and honest. H.R. movement practi- by running away not an autobio- of DC legends Bad cally lampooned its and how much graphical film, Brains comes off ofCourtesy Sony Pictures Classics Inc. origins, and the US they had affected though the char- like a spiritual guide, Director Paul Rachman with writer Steven Blush, whose book helped inform the film. scene began to die. The him. acters and plot while Ian MacKaye film begins to dip into stem from his of Minor Threat is the intense and should not be overlooked, but Rach- heavy-handed eulogies to punk. The Mixed in with memoir and his focused nexus of hardcore’s values man keeps to the narrative of how present-day recollections of the end this storyline are childhood. He and beliefs, distancing the movement the scene spread through America. seem disconnected from the absurd long flashbacks strives to capture from the “junkie nihilists” of UK’s He often cuts in graphics that trace missteps made as bands tried to move to Dito’s life as a the emotion and late 70’s punk scene. Vic Bondi of the movement from one city to the on to something different. teenager and the feeling of the Articles of Faith, Joey “Shithead” next, or washes over a map of the events leading environment and Keithley of DOA, and Keith Morris West Coast with the viscosity of American Hardcore presents the up to his escape characters that, of Circle Jerks inspire glee from the spilled ink. end of punk as the final chapter of from home. Thompson Walter by Photo as he intended, opening clips of the movie, shooting a cultural movement, and ignores Make no mistake: Dito Montiel directs Downey Jr. allows viewers to off barbs about cocaine, Fleetwood The film has its weaknesses. the evolution of the music. For the it is an escape for young Dito (Shia relate to the film. Mac, and the 80’s lust for cars, clothes, Rachman tries to cover too much players involved, including Rachman LaBeouf ). His friends—Antonio and sappy romance. ground toward the end, and, in doing (who was deep into documenting the (Channing Tatum), Giuseppe The young actors and actresses so, breaks the rhythm of the nar- scene), the end was bitter, frustrating, (Adam Scarimbolo), and Nerf are the real story here, and Montiel, There are some truly hilarious rative. His attempt to consider and disillusioning. American Hardcore (Peter Tambakis)—are sexually- with the help of producer Trudie anecdotes that preserve the sheer joy the role of women in the world of seems to end with a message: given charged, violent maniacs. Informal Styler and others, found a ton of and freedom of hardcore. There are hardcore is anemic, although Kira time, even counter-culture becomes gang warfare is on the rise between up-and-coming talent to showcase. stories of guerilla parties anywhere Roessler—later bassist for Black common, and the more conformist Dito’s neighborhood buddies and and every night. Jack Grisham of Flag—speaks so honestly about her society becomes, the more urgent the the Puerto Ricans, and Dito is see SAINTS on p.21 TSOL recalls how he bartered his disappointment by the Slip It In LP need for rebellion. P |19| SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT TODAY CHRISTIAN VOLCKMAN INTERVIEW from p.16

A scene from Christian Volckman’s Renaissance.

up from the underground tunnels through to MG: Another notable achievement was how the people walking on the glass overhead. you staged and framed conversations with virtual reflections off windows. Also, the trans- CV: That’s one of the things that is really parencies in Renaissance—like the invisibility interesting because you can frame it any way suits in the rain—were executed excellently. you want in any direction, and you edit it at the Can you talk a little bit about how you achieved same time. It’s a little bit frustrating finally to those ghost-like effects? film because you have to edit it in a 2-D world, but in reality the scenes are completely recorded CV: That was also symbolic in terms ofmise en into your machine, and you can ride around scène; for me, it’s like the camera is a symbolic with it, you can be with your characters if you action, it’s like what you want to say in your want, in any way that you want. Until there, it’s scene, and there is an unconscious level. So, you taking the world of human characters, bringing have to achieve something on an unconscious them into the machine, and living with them. level. You are trying to do something that the Then after it becomes a film, you have to edit, audience feels but doesn’t know what is really you have to frame it, you have to add music; going on; but, they feel that there’s something. but at some point, it’s actually more free than One of the things is also the reflection, the idea that. I don’t know how to define the genre. of the mirror and the reflection and double. When I see what Zemeckis did, or what the Which also throws back to the high-contrast Japanese made with this technique, it’s just the in black-and-white. There’s all this way of beginning of it. trying to show that the idea of eternal youth is all an illusion. So, it’s the reflection of the MG: The characters in the film are distinct soul—which is eternal—but it’s not something personalities who don’t necessarily look like the that we have to achieve on the body level. actors portraying them. I found that refreshing, in the way unknown, non-professional actors MG: Renaissance configures the idea of eternal can be refreshing in a live feature. youth as the drug of the future, sold through talking billboards, which reminded me of CV: The reference, of course, is Manga films Blade Runner. Was that an intended cinematic like Ghost in the Shell and Akira and really citation? impressive Japanese animation; but, in those films, everybody looks the same. We wanted to CV: Right. In the beginning, you have this go more for an expressionist kind of look. citation, this publicity that’s going on into the street, and you see it, and then the whole MG: I understand you developed Maya film runs through, and then you see it again software that allows you to capture the micro- in the end, but it has a whole other meaning. movements of the eye? That was one of the ideas: to deconstruct the obsession with youth. I mean, what are we CV: No, it’s not software. Actually, it’s a all selling to ourselves? The commercials are simple process. The actors had cameras on always present everywhere, but it’s really the them with glasses that would reflect their reflection of suffering. eyes and whenever they were playing, we were recording the eye movement of the actor. We MG: The movie is dazzlingly hypnotic with could “re-inject” those movements into the eye the surfaces you’ve created; but, what would of the virtual character afterwards. We were you say is the heart of the movie? What lies always frustrated by films—Polar Express is a behind or beneath those surfaces? good example—because the eye movements are just really strange. You don’t know where CV: (Slyly smiles) That’s a trick question. they are or what they’re looking at. The belief (Laughs, pauses.) There’s different levels. On a in a character is always through his eyes. In the philosophical level, for me, it’s just the accep- beginning, that’s what you look at when you tance of death. That’s what I wanted to talk look at people; you don’t look at their hands, about. But, that’s on an unconscious level for you look at their eyes. If that wasn’t right, me. It’s not really in the script. It’s more like a everything was wrong, so that was one of the feeling. It’s difficult to resume what’s the core things we were fighting for: to make this as of the film. It’s a complex question. P realistic as possible. |20| ENTERTAINMENT TODAY SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 THE GUARDIAN from p.15 DVD Review low-key for some people because it to recommending The Guardian. then launches into an over-the-top This is a bit of a shame because set-piece in which everything is as it does contain many worthwhile melodramatic as can be, and while it elements scattered throughout that is technically impressive, it lacks the are unfortunately undone by those by Mike Restaino what keeps Ballet Russes moving? grace of the previous ending. rambling final reels. No—at the end of the day, theirs Dayna Goldfine and Dan is a static and almost painfully That said, it is still preferable to You know how a lot of movies Geller’s Ballet Russes is a curious straightforward style. But, like a the ludicrous “final finale,” a queer come out on DVD these days that documentary, one that doesn’t great magazine article or nonfiction duck of a scene that tries to add an add in several minutes of previ- necessarily engage with its own book, for neophytes like myself unnecessary hint of fantasy to an ously deleted footage on so-called aesthetic syntax, but delivers the who know as much about ballet otherwise realistic film and winds “Director’s Cuts”? If Davis ever goods nonetheless. This is a sen- as we do about nanophysics, Bal- up nearly transforming the film into gets the chance to do something timent that can be let Russes is certainly an odd prequel to Costner’s previous along those lines here, here’s hoping applied to most docu- appealing. water-based epic, Waterworld. that he decides to instead remove mentaries, but Ballets the several minutes at the end that Russes makes it per- What is more Because it so thoroughly goes probably should have been deleted fectly clear in its own exciting than the film, off the rails in the final half-hour, in the first place. P volition: Regardless though, is the archival Ashton Kutcher as Jake Fischer. I cannot quite find my way around of filmmaking prow- bonuses on this DVD. ess, the subject mat- There is an hour of ter here is captivating bonus performances THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND from p.18 enough to work on that features the its own. Ballet Russes danc- ers, more than 200 On paper, to this still photos of those cranky writer, the idea involved in the troupe, of following two dueling ballet and a trailer. A commentary track troupes through the tumultuous might have been a nice addition—it early 20th century sounds just about truly seems odd that there’s not boring enough to force me into a one here—but with a lovely video self-induced coma. But, there’s a transfer and a simple yet effective lively history to Ballet Russes that I stereo sound mix, Ballet Russes on found moving and earnest. Again, DVD is definitely more than just is Goldfine and Geller’s filmmaking a movie, which is nice. P

James McAvoy (left) and Forest Whitaker (middle) in The Last King of Scotland. Amin’s rule is sexy and cinematic a film about Amin, rather, one that brutal concluding scenes change the “A civilization in which there is a wild whirlwind discussion of (even romantic). MacDonald dis- features him prominently. tone quickly that, while not uncalled not a continuous controversy about R-rated sexual politics and X- played an ability to relate real world for, will shock viewers. important issues is on the way to rated presentations of these poten- events with intimate accuracy in his Finding the right way to tell totalitarianism and death.”—Robert tially incendiary images. However, impressive filmTouching the Void. Amin’s story had to be tricky for Still, had the film focused exclu- Maynard Hutchins after ten or twenty minutes, the filmmaker Macdonald, because Gar- sively on Amin, I don’t think audi- exceptionally graphic intricacies My problem with Last King of rigan is a character that most in ences could have taken the sheer Rise Above—in which there of the band’s performance act in Scotland is that its focus is a little too the audience can relate to, and is brutality. Just glimpses of the horrors are, in no specific order: Sadomas- itself becomes mundane—if you’ve much on the young doctor, and the also one that weakens the narrative he perpetrated prove to be terrifying. ochistic bondage, strap-on dildo seen one cockslapping strap-on film therefore leaves Amin dropping enough to make Amin’s reign of And the device used to tell a part of blow jobs, simulated dildo, you’ve seen ‘em in and out of scenes merely to charm, terror less important than Garrigan’s ruler Amin’s story, that of Garrigan’s transgender castra- all—and Rise Above intimidate, and horrify. Whitaker survival. And this is complicated by a youthful perspective, does manage to tions, and cute pup- does nothing but tread excellently does what is expected of somewhat forced love affair between make an important point. Sometimes, pies barking. water for an hour. him, but the character, as written, Garrigan and one of Amin’s younger idealism and naivety can permit evil lacks complete definition—this is not wives. Using this romance, the film’s to take root and grow. P It’s the oldest story And the extras in the punk rock book: on this relatively A band uses their sta- straightforward DVD A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS from p.18 tus on stage not just to release aren’t much of entertain and inspire anything: Interviews Due to time constraints and the But, when you take into account numerous memorable scenes reflect with music, but to with director Tracy dual-temporality nature of the film, Montiel’s vision of representing that achievement. P also transform their Flanagan and the not all of the younger actors have a realistic and honest portrait of performance into a band offer some nice enough screen time to show the what life is like, then it makes gritty, issue-heavy dissection of how the depths of their talent. LaBeouf and sense that the movie ends sort of soapbox (why perform when you band views its mission in the punk Diaz’s performances are certainly open-ended. can preach?). In Rise Above, the world, additional live performances memorable, though, and LaBeouf seriously one-note documentary by and deleted scenes flush out the effectively sheds his previous comi- Montiel does not sell-out and Tracy Flanagan on the notoriously film a bit, and—most interesting cal/Disney label to take on a fairly go for the sappy, stitched-up end- radical dyke band Tribe 8, we get of all—the lyrics to selected Tribe serious and adult-like role. ing, and his dedication to his vision both examples and defense of how 8 songs allows those of us unfa- makes the movie feel that much these women view their status as miliar with their particular brand Initially, I felt that the movie more authentic. Though the editing feminist icons and fringe-society of screeching tinnitus orgasms ended abruptly and that adult Dito sometimes detracts from the flow of muckrakers who do everything to get to the bottom of what it did not have resolution with every- the movie, Montiel accomplishes they can to stir things up. is these nice young ladies “sing” one important to him, namely the his initial goal of portraying intense about. P Rosario Dawson as Laurie. adult Laurie (Rosario Dawson). moods and emotions, and the film’s So in that capacity, Tribe 8 is

|21| SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT TODAY Movie Listings The Guardian H H 1/2 (PG-13) Please see our review on page 15.

A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints H H H (R) Please see our review on page 19.

Half Nelson H H H H (R) Who would’ve guessed that one of the year’s best films would take its title from a wrestling maneuver? Half Nelson is the kind of deeply moving, yet predominantly unsentimental, movie that we so rarely see these days. The Notebook’s Ryan Gosling plays a junior high school history teacher who uses unconventional and progressive methods to creatively reach his students in a new way. The young Shareeka Epps plays one of Gosling’s students who, after a basketball game, catches her “unconventional” teacher smoking crack. Rather than ripping the two apart, the incident in fact bonds the two unlikely friends who find what each is missing in the other. (WC)

Now Playing... Hollywoodland H H (R) Anne Stanton (Kate Winslet) shakes hands with Louisiana politician Willie Stark (Sean Penn) in All the King’s Men. Hollywood. The place where people Al Franken: God Spoke Aurora Borealis tries so hard to appeal to the ADD- Anthony Mackie, Sarah Carter, and venture from all over the country H H H H H 1/2 (Not Rated) 1/2 (R) afflicted 14-year-old in us all with its Rachel Miner. (MK) in search of the Promised Land, a Strangely enough, Al Franken is a Directed by James Burke and starring over-the-top stew of sex, drugs, and place where wide-eyed dreamers not so much a movie about politics Joshua Jackson, Donald Sutherland, violence that its sheer relentlessness Gridiron Gang seek fame and fortune, a place where H H H as it is a true love story. We follow and Juliette Lewis, Aurora Borealis quickly wears out its welcome to (PG-13) wayward travelers come to be a part the comedian/talk show host on is a film that doesn’t necessarily live such a degree that even the most This ain’t no Mighty Ducks. of the American Zeitgeist. First- a book tour, through the creation up to its name. Rather than being a over-caffeinated audience members Gridiron Gang is perhaps one of the time director Allen Coulter ably of his radio program Air America, bright phenomenon spectacular, it’s are liable to grow weary long before only “inspirational sports movies” to directs an enigmatic tale in which and over the course of a dangerous a rather quiet blip in the dark ether it finishes. (PS) show the nitty-gritty side of a sport the truths beneath the surface mission across enemy lines (the of contemporary cinema. Light- that is, let’s be honest, pretty rough- collide with the aspirations of these Republican National Convention). hearted and not all bad, the film has Flyboys and-tumble…especially the real-life dreamers. The cast—Ben Affleck, Over the time spent with the man, its shining moments, but most—like Not Reviewed (PG-13) team portrayed in this film (they’re Bob Hoskins, Robin Tunney, Adren we find that he’s indeed possessed of a shooting star—fizzle out before WWI story of the Lafayette a group of juvenile delinquents who Brody, and Diane Lane—perform a spirit of love and goodwill (even you’ve even noticed. (LK) Escadrille, France’s first fighter play football while under lockdown). wonderfully in this period piece set if you don’t necessarily agree with pilots. Stars James Franco. (MK) Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson plays in the Golden Era of Hollywood, as him), and that he’s really just playing The Black Dahlia their coach, a man who knows that TV’s George “Superman” Reeves is H H H H by the rules (polarizing the public (R) The Fountain most of these boys probably won’t found dead from an apparent suicide in order to sell books and keep his Brian De Palma ably directs this Not Reviewed (R) make it very long on the “outside” that might be more than meets the reputation alive) that pundits such stylish period piece based on the Well, it’s almost difficult not to once their shackles come off. eye. Unfortunately, first-time scribe as himself on either side of the true crime book by James Ellroy slam this film from the mind of Nevertheless, he inspires the boys to Paul Berenbaum makes a valiant fence abide by religiously. But, it’s (LA Confidential). Starring Josh the guy who made Requiem for a stop thinking of themselves as losers effort, but just can’t quite lift the also a story of the love between Hartnett, Aaron Eckhart, Scarlet Dream and Pi; but as blasphemous and start becoming winners. Again, story up off the ground. (JA) Franken and his wife, his partner in Johansson, Mia Kirshner, and as it might seem to some, this one a warning: this is not for young Idiocracy crime who gives the man the will to Hilary Swank, the film takes us to just might not be top notch fare. ones who think they’re going to see H HH persevere throughout. (JH) the Golden Era of Hollywood and From the incomprehensible script another Air Bud or Angels in the 1/2 (R) into the seedy underbelly of a town nobody could understand to the Outfield. (JH) The real question on everyone’s All the King’s Men that was anything but golden under film shutting down in 2004 after mind who watches Idiocracy is H 1/2 (R) the surface…where a young starlet- a “beard fight” with original lead This is a perfect case of movie that to-be is found brutally murdered in Brad Pitt (his part now played never really needed to be remade a back alley. Eckhart and Hartnett by Hugh Jackman), the film was in the first place. In fact, even the play the fuzz on the case, and what finally completed for a budget that original 1949 adaptation of Robert though they never (true to this day) was half of what it had originally Penn Warren’s Pulitzer Prize- find the culprit, what they do find boasted only to be booed out of the winning book doesn’t necessarily will change both their lives forever… recent Venice Film Festival. Film hold up to the lauds it had gained (PS) has Jackman and Rachel Weisz in during its heyday. And yet, here three parallel stories that take place comes Steve Zaillian with a star- Crank in the past, present, and future. The H H studded cast to try to “put Humpty (R) three tales deal with love, life, and Dumpty back together again.” Sean Crank is a film about a hitman the nature of etc. (MK) Penn plays a neophyte politician ( Jason Statham) who has been who quickly finds that the old Lord injected with a synthesized blend Haven

Acton adage of “absolutely power of poison designed to shut his heart Not Reviewed (R) corrupting” is more true than he down, forcing him to constantly Stylized heist film of sorts set in could have imagined… (PS) jack up his adrenaline levels in the the Cayman Islands. Being called most outrageous ways possible in a Traffic a la Quentin Tarantino, American Hardcore desperate struggle to stay alive long this multi-story film boasts an all- H H H (R) enough to complete his mission star cast that includes Bill Paxton, Please see our review on page 19. before his inevitable demise. Crank Orlando Bloom (also a producer), Jet Li summons his opponent to fight inFearless . |22| ENTERTAINMENT TODAY SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 of a notch up from the prison from where she just immerged. She’s a user, Reviews DVD Inside Scoop Box Office Interviews Features Contests Messageboard Search a loser, and someone who wants to at least attempt to find her way into a “normal” life…if she can just keep the need for drugs, sex, and wildness to a minimum. Sherry’s daughter Popeye the Sailor on the case. Preliminary tests on the bagged spinach, and scraps is in the custody of her family who from Popeye’s Tuesday evening meal, confirmed traces of the E. are reasonably apprehensive about By Rusty White coli bacteria. The San Diego Coroner’s office also confirmed the letting the little girl see her messed- presence of E. coli in Popeye’s digestive track. up mommy. This is a film ultimately about redemption, salvation, and Award-winning Toon and figuring out what to do when you retired Merchant Marine Popeye Popeye was an 18-year-old Merchant Marine when his real- have nothing left. (JH) the Sailor died early Wednesday life exploits became the subject of a King Features comic strip in of E. coli poisoning at the Old 1929. The public’s love of the scrawny sailor with a heart of gold This Film Is Not Yet Rated H H Sailor’s Retirement Home in La drew Popeye to Hollywood, where he played himself in hundreds (NC-17) Jolla, CA. Popeye was 96 years of cartoons over the next six decades. In addition to his lengthy Documentarian Kirby Dick does old. San Diego homicide detec- career, Popeye was also the subject of a live action biopic directed about as slipshod of a job on this tive Eddie Valiant told the press by Robert Altman. Popeye was also a long time advocate for Toon one as he did on Derrida (about that Paul L. Smith, an orderly at rights and was twice president of the Toon Actor’s Guild (TAG). philosopher Jacques Derrida and the retirement home, is being questioned in relation to Popeye’s his fathering of Deconstructionist death. A public memorial will be held tonight at Charger Stadium. rhetoric). Yeah, the subject matter Popeye’s wish was to be cremated and have his ashes scattered is remotely interesting (though Popeye’s only living relative, Swee’ Pea, found his uncle writh- at sea. President Bush has authorized the USS Enterprise to too much of the film is dedicated to Kirby’s quest to find out exactly ing in pain late Tuesday night. An ambulance arrived and rushed transport Popeye’s ashes to the South Pacific for interment in the who the members of the weirdly Popeye to San Diego’s Mercy Hospital. Popeye was pronounced deep. The President stated that, “Popeye has done more than clandestine MPAA Ratings Board dead shortly after midnight. Suspicions were raised when Swee’ anyone else in Hollywood, except maybe John Wayne, to promote are), but what we’re left with is a Pea noticed that his uncle’s supply of canned spinach had been the image of United States sailors.” The President also praised series of repetitious interviews with replaced with bagged fresh spinach. Detective Valiant was called in Popeye for promoting healthy eating habits. directors who basically are upset that they can’t foist as much nudity (namely gratuitous nudity involving homosexual intercourse) as they why Mike Judge—a man who has more than musical backing from his It may be Jet Li’s Fearless (perhaps to preserve their habitat…and their want up on the silver screen. You brought muchos dineros to Fox over long-time friend and piano player to distinguish itself from that nutty lives. (MK) learn a lot about the Ratings Board the years through his cult cable/ Percival (Benjamin). (JG) Jeff Bridges movie from the early and the MPAA that you never knew DVD hit Office Space and King 90’s?), but this film is in fact directed Renaissance before, but you also learn that there of the Hill television show—can’t Invincible by everyone’s favorite Hollywood Not Reviewed (R) are definitely a lot of horn dogs H H H quite get his latest flick out to the (PG) Chop Sockey director, Ronny Yu, Please see our interview on page in Hollywood (oops, I mean: the masses. Starring Luke Wilson, The newspaper headlines read: whose Freddy vs. Jason and Bride 16. “indie” world) these days! And how! Maya Rudolph, and Dax Shepard, “Fan turns overnight player.” In of Chucky may not have stunned Yeesh! (TM) the strangely cartoonish yet ever-so 1976, UCLA football coach Dick audiences, but at least gave frat guys School for Scoundrels The US vs. John Lennon frighteningly possible sci-fi comedy Vermeil took over the struggling something to watch when they were Not Reviewed (PG-13) H H H (follow us here) takes the viewer 500 NFL franchise, the Philadelphia too drunk for the high intelligence Billy Bob Thornton and Jon (Not Rated) years into the future where Darwin’s Eagles. Possibly as a publicity stunt, quotient of MTV’s programming. “Napoleon Dynamite” Heder star in Documentary that chronicles John theories have been turned on their Vermeil called for an open tryout. Film’s gettingg some big lauds as Todd “Road Trip” Phillips’ comedy Lennon’s transformation from pop head (and repeatedly dropped… Enter bartending factotum Vince a brilliant paean of Martial Arts. about a young man who decides to sensation to outspoken anti-war over and over again). Yes, it’s seems Papale (Mark Wahlberg). He’s 30, (MK) learn from the master how to get activist. Includes a plethora of circa the Dumb have inherited the Earth he’s just lost his wife over money a girl…only to have the teacher video footage in a film that Yoko in a Survival of the Stupidest type problems, and he barely ekes by on The Last King of Scotland become his ultimate competition… Ono herself claims “would be the H H H of world where 2005 denizens Joe an income that comes mostly from (R) (MK) one that, of all those made about Bowers (Wilson) and a hooker- mixing drinks. At the behest of his Please see our review on page 18. him, he’d love.” (WC) with-a-heart-of-gold (Rudolph) bar buddies, Papale tries out for the The Science of Sleep H H H awaken after being frozen for the Eagles to find that he has a most The Last Kiss (R) The Wicker Man H H HH previous half-millennium. They unique talent for the game. Coach (R) The fact that The Science of Sleep (R) attempt to figure out just what the Vermeil (Greg Kinnear) concurs, The Last Kiss is a film that offers is Gondry’s most autobiographical This remake of the original 1970’s heck has happened, and you may and the rest is sports history. (JH) us the chance to spend two hours artistic offering to date can be seen, British horror film that starred attempt to figure out why the heck with some of the most obnoxious as the film was shot partly in the Christopher Lee might seem like yet Fox has dumped this hilarious, Jesus Camp and self-centered characters to same building where the director another viscous bubble in the muddy H H inspired glimpse at where we 1/2 (PG-13) ever appear on a movie screen. If lived in Paris…during a time when pail of similar treacle to splurge out might be going if we keep drinking Please see our review on page 18. you’re interested in watching Zach he, like the main character (Gael of Hollywood over the last few years, Gatorade instead of water. (PS) Braff, Casey Affleck, and company Garcia Bernal), worked at mundane but with Neil LaBute in the driver’s Jackass: Number Two run around with their parents job at an uninventive calendar design seat, there’s always more than meets

Idlewild Not Reviewed (R) down with a case of severe arrested company. Though some might feel the eye. Nicolas Cage portrays a H H (R) Johnny Knoxville pretty much development, then this would be that the wild dream sequences— cop who, after a tragic accident A strange miasma of styles, stories, promised he was finished with his the perfect date movie for you. For shot ten months before there was during a routine traffic stop, leaves and genres, Idlewild has much to pedomorphic Jackass shenanigans all the rest of us, let’s just hope and even a full script or a cast signed to for a strange island where he has offer…maybe too much. And yet, (and television, in general, if I pray that there are still some people the film—are a little too evocative of been beckoned by an former fiancée though they may lack cohesion as remember correctly). But, then left who understand that when the music videos, many others will see whose daughter has gone missing. a whole, the individual parts of the again, Kevin Smith said he’d not do going gets tough, the tough get that the visuals are those that might What he discovers is a kind of Lord movie are certainly enjoyable. The anotherr Jay & Silent Bob movie, settled. (PS) belong in a Magritte painting. As of the Flies meets Amazonian world basic story is that of two young and Ashton Kutcher did make that such, Science is both playful and in which a powerful matriarchy rules men (Andre Benjamin and Big feeble attempt to distance himself Open Season sophisticated, a feat that only Michel over the land. And that’s probably

Boi of OutKast) who grow up from the likes of Punk’d before Not Reviewed (PG) Gondry could accomplish with such the most normal thing about the in the 1930’s South to become, having to make an ignominious Animated tale boasting the voice “scrumtrulescent” vim. (BS) place. Strangeness abounds as respectively, a singer/club owner return to what he does “best.” Hey, talents of: Martin Lawrence, LaBute cleverly gives us suspense and a mortician/piano player. Both these days: why challenge yourself? Ashton Kutcher, Gary Sinise, Debra Sherrybaby and tension as opposed to simple H HH P work, at least part-time, at the same (MK) Messing, Jon Favreau, and Billy (R) thrills and easy spills. (PS) gangster-infested speakeasy, and Connolly. Story gives us a group Sherry (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is trouble brews after a shootout leaves Jet Li’s Fearless of animals led by the craven grizzly released from prison and ends up in

Rooster (Big Boi) in need of a lot Not Reviewed (PG-13) bear Boog (Lawrence), as they unite a half-way house that is about half |23| SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT TODAY |24| ENTERTAINMENT TODAY SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 |25| SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT TODAY IN

NTERVIEW I AND

EVIEW R OVIE M ATEST L THE

EAD R ENTERTAINMENT TODAY ENTERTAINMENT |26| ENTERTAINMENT TODAY SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT TODAY ENTERTAINMENT |27| SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT TODAY |28| ENTERTAINMENT TODAY SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT TODAY Classifieds

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EXTRAS NEEDED FOR PRINT AD FEMALE WEB DESIGNER WANTED WEB DESIGNER WANTED Entertainment Today is a well-established weekly publication that deals with - $40 FOR 4 HOURS Female web designer for new online girl Small Media Distribution Company Seeks entertainment related news. We have openings in several positions. We are looking Looking for Extras for Friday October 6th magazine. Think Maxim for women. Must Web Designer. Site has been designed but is for proctive, energetic people who are teamplayers to join our team. Check out job from 8:00am until 12:00 noon. Four hours - be progressive, efficient, creative and willing in bad need of a make-over/update. Seeking descriptions for available positions and submit your resume with the title of the 40.00 cash. All types please - we need it to to build a website from the ground up. We someone to help upgrade or innovate current position in your email subject line. look like a lot of people shopping at the mall. are a team of dedicated, fun and supportive design and improve navigation. Please all types submit. Quick and painless. women. Compensation negotiable. TO APPLY: TO APPLY TO SUBMIT: TO APPLY: Email your resume and/or links to Please email your resume to [email protected]. Email headshot to: [email protected] Please email [email protected] samples of your work to Laura at: hr@ We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in our workplace. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– persuasianfilms.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES CASTING REAL WOMEN TO HOST EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO CEO We are seeking self-starting, motivated, competitive Sales Professionals to join our NEW SHOW FOR MAJOR CABLE OF PROD/MGMT COMPANY DP & SET DESIGNER WANTED retail Advertising Sales Department as Account Executives at the fastest growing NETWORK I have a dance instruction video project Entertainment Weekly in LA. You will be responsible for developing leads, making Major cable network is casting for a host for a Job Description: coming up and am looking for a D.P. with calls and going on appointments to bring in new business. Account Executives are also new daytime show. We are looking for REAL Crystal Sky, LLC. an established Prod/ HD experience and a SET DESIGNER. If involved in the development of client’s advertising sales campaigns and work with our WOMEN. Age range - 21-50. All shapes & management company seeks assistant to you have a crew you normally work with, we internal production department to develop the ads. A car is required and you should sizes. All ethnicities welcome. You must love to CEO/Producer. will also consider those submissions as well. preferably live in and be familiar with LA. Successful candidates should have at least talk and be relatable to viewers. We are looking Extremely busy desk with all the typical The shoot will be within the next 2-3 weeks. one year of sales experience, be a self-starter, competitive, outgoing and personable. for someone who has had some interesting assistant duties including phones, scheduling, TO SUBMIT: Successful Account Executives understand that you get what you put into this job. If life experiences or who has overcome some faxing, reading scripts, writing script coverage, Email your resume and a link to your you are looking for a career in sales, advertising, print media and publishing – this is the adversity (divorce, widowed, single parent, and as well as travel arrangements and heavy samples of your work (if available) to: position for you! Weekly Draw + Commission DOE. etc.) Must have a sense of home & family. work during film markets. An outgoing [email protected] –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Some TV experience is helpful. Submissions personality a big plus. Great company to grow OR Mail or drop off your work to: from all over the U.S. are welcome. Salary to with and good experience in the world of Neena & Veena, SALES MANAGER be discussed at interview. independent film. It is a full time/permanent 121 West Lexington Drive, Suite 521, Candidate will be responsible for overseeing Account Representatives (Inside/Outside) TO SUBMIT: position in the Century City area. Glendale, CA 91203 as well as reaching target sales goals. Must be able to create executable sales plans. Please attach your photo and send a 2 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Experience/contacts in Newspaper Advertising a plus. Will work closely with production paragraph cover letter telling us about yourself Job Requirements: and report directly to the Publisher. Salary + Commission DOE. and what adversity or life experience you have Must have excellent organization and follow SOUND EDITOR/SOUND –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– experienced, and Email your submission to: through skills. Strong attention to detail, and DESIGNER WANTED FOR 32 [email protected] must have knowledge of industry or previous MINUTE FEATURETTE GRAPHIC DESIGNER ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– assistant experience. Must have professional Picture editing will be finished around the We’re looking for someone to redesign the graphics for our weekly newpaper. Candidate phone manner, in-person presence a must as 23rd of this month. Required: Dialog editing, will design page layout and graphics - looking for young, hip, urban feel with a MTV/ CASTING ALL TYPES FOR well as a positive attitude to work in a fast Foley and background creation and editing, Film/Internet/New Media twist. Ideal candidate must be up-to-date on the latest trends MANSWERS ON SPIKETV paced environment. Full Time. final stereo mix, if possible with separate and fashion as it pertains to graphics design and page layout. This is a contract work- MALES & FEMALES / 18 and over, All TO APPLY: M&E tracks. ADR is almost complete, so for-hire position. Ethnicities. Seeking all types, all shapes Email your cover letter and resume to: is much of the BG. Pay: $750, + an extra –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– and sizes - beautiful, sexy, average, attractive, [email protected] $1000 deferred if sold. Estimated amount of no so attractive, tall , short, skinny, not so ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– work: 6 days. INTERNS skinny, overweight, etc. All types for different TO SUBMIT: Internship is non-paid position, but college credit can be granted. A perfect opportunity segments of the show. Physical Look more ART DIRECTOR WANTED FOR Register at www.infolist.com for FREE for for a student or new writer looking to find some exposure for his work or real experience important than acting ability. Very few HIGH BUDGET FEATURE FILM submission info. in the high-paced field of journalism. In addition to their regular duties, interns will be speaking roles. Minimum Pay is at least Looking for an Art Director of the highest ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– given the chance to write articles for the paper. This includes going to movie screenings, $100 for approximately 2 hours. Say you caliber to begin pre-production of a high free concerts, interviewing celebrities, etc. No experience is necessary, but your having are submitting for Manswers, and EMAIL budget movie filming in China, tentatively Register at www.infolist.com worked in the field before will greatly increase your chances of receiving the position. Headshot and Resume IMMEDIATELY to: slated to begin by Nov 1st or sooner. for FREE by September 30th We need interns who are not only dedicated, but also possess superior writing skills (as FOR A CHANCE TO WIN: [email protected] Production office will be in Beijing, so the job will entail copy editing and writing captions for pictures, etc.) An eye for detail • IPOD Nano ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– temporary relocation is a must. Knowledge is especially important. • A complete set of the Hollywood of Chinese NOT required. Academy award TO APPLY: Creative Directories CASTING FOR MULTI-MILLION winning actor already cast in lead. High Email a BRIEF message (remember Voltaire’s aphorism: • $50 Gift Certificate at DOLLAR GAME SHOW: “SHOW ME quality and credited experience absolutely “My essay would have been shorter, had I more time to write it”) about why you would Virgin Megastore! WHAT YOU GOT” necessary. NO BEGINNERS. be suited for this position. • Final Draft Pro Software! Casting NEWMulti-Million Dollar Game TO SUBMIT: Please make mention of any previous experience or skills in the body of your letter. • 10 Free Script Copies Show from the producers of Deal or No Deal Please email resume/filmography to: No attachments or resumes, please. Email your letter to: • $1000 Gift Card which will be airing this season on ABC! Do [email protected] [email protected] at Bradford Portrait Studio! you think you shouldbe one of America’s ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– newest multi-millionaires? If you are over 21 and you think America would love to see PART-TIME PERSONAL ASSISTANT you potentially win millions of dollars, we Immediate Opening for Household Helper BUSINESS It’s easy to place a classified ad in arelooking for you! YOU could potentially / Personal Assistant for Busy Executive. BUSINESS win up to $5,000,000 - one of the biggest Part time Mon-Fri 8:00a.m. - 10:30a.m. OPPORTUNITY prizes in game show history! Duties include errands, laundry, shopping, We are casting NATIONWIDE for light housekeeping etc. Must be extremely Home Based. Potential to contestants with great personalities and tons reliable, resourceful, organized and have a car. make your annual income of energy! Absolutely MUST live in the Santa Monica ENTERTAINMENT TODAY monthly working PT. Choose just email your request to [email protected] email casting director Stacee V at: / Venice area. Salary $500 per month plus success. 800-745-7582. [email protected] or gas allowance. e-mail resume and contact call (818) 288-4800 information to: [email protected] |29| SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT TODAY Walker and Prescott.com by Drew-Michael

WARNING: This is a humor piece. Unlike most other astrology columns, this column has no scientific basis, and is not intended as a guide to life decisions.

Capricorn (December 22 to January 20) Damn, girl. Yo drawers stank!! Time fo y’all to get yo funky self on over to the showah and clean yoself!! Mmmm, mmm!

Aquarius ( January 21 to February 18) It’s a shame that you’ve grown to dislike your neighbor. Yes, it’s odd that she still hasn’t put up her blinds even though she walks around naked through her exposed living room. Yes, it’s even more annoying that she’s a 230lb behemoth with pasty white Jell-o jiggler thunder thighs. But, hey: God only makes beauty, and so try your best to see His glory in even his more inglorious creations. Or, put the binoculars down and watch some TV instead.

Pisces (February 19 to March 19) That soup’s too hot. Don’t buy it. The “B” on the window means that sanitation isn’t this place’s main priority. Look at their hands. Did you even see the bathroom?! Uck. Maybe you should just get one of those sandwiches made by the fine people behind the deli counter at Ralph’s.

Aries (March 20 to April 19) Sorry to say it, but you shouldn’t take her to the movies tonight. The Lady sees only disaster in your future should you decide to take that path. The stars are telling us that you should opt for a night ride down the PCH. Our suggestion—in accordance with the stars—is to take the 101N, OK? Then you get off on Los Virgenes to take the serpentine Malibu Canyon Road all the way down and around past Pepperdine—careful at that left turn—then, yes: you’ve got it, take it all the way back to the 1 until it turns into the 10E. Skinny Panda by Phil Cho

Taurus (April 20 to May 19) Treat yourself today. Go out and buy a new album. Make sure the record isn’t scratched. Let the cashier keep the change. Walk backwards out of the store. Tip the brim of your hat to the security guard waiting on the corner. Spin around three times, jump up and down, and call it a night.

Gemini (May 21 to June 20) There’s nothing wrong with wearing too much makeup, but take it easy with Nay-Nay, your pocket puggle. It’s bad enough that you fashion Nay in that silly little stripey sweater outfit, but really: how much rouge does one dog need?

Cancer ( June 21 to July 20) The Lady is growing progressively more concerned about your lack of sleep as of late. Look, we have enough people out there on those dangerous Los Angeles streets who can barely keep their eyes on the road. We don’t need another cat on the scene with his beat-up Chevy weaving in and out of his lanes and not really paying attention just because he’s gotten about sixteen hours The Hot Zone by Mark Darcourt of total sleep this week. It’s over, it’s done. Get some rest, take it easy, and remember: the club will be open next week, too. Take a break.

Leo ( July 21 to August 20) Your favorite television show is Kids Incorporated?! Crazy. That just happens to be the Lady’s favorite show, too!! OMG!! Check this out: yeah, we all know that Jennifer Love Hewitt got her start on that show (obvy!!), but did you also know that Kids spawned the careers of Mario Lopez, Eric Balfour, and Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas?! Yeah!! Totes!

Virgo (August 21 to September 20) Everything’s going to be really quiet this week. Shhhhh….

Libra (September 21 to October 22) Stay away from green doughnuts. The Lady sees terrible things ahead for any bearer of said forbidden delicacy. In fact, maybe you should take it easy with sweets in general this week. Have you been getting enough iron? The Lady doesn’t think so. Look at those scrawny muscles and the way you’ve been trembling the last few months. All right, Mister, it’s time to get in shape!

Scorpio (October 23 to November 21) The new intern in the office doesn’t want to hear anymore about all the strain you go through to get there in the morning. What she does want to hear about is everything you know about Kim Basinger. You know: her fears, her hopes, her dreams. What makes Kim Kim? The Lady suggests that you do some intensive research online (IMDB.com is a good start), and find out whatever you can about America’s favorite and most deserved Oscar winner. You might just turn that intern’s head, and then…you know. Wink, wink. Nudge, nudge.

Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21) Baseball’s for girls, so why are you taking so much time out of your schedule to watch a bunch of overweight steroids-addled arrivistes sitting on a bench in wait of the opportunity to knock a piece of horse skin up and over a little fence and maybe run a whole 300 yards? I mean, diamonds are dumb, anyway. Totes! P ENTERTAINMENT TODAY

Astrological Forecasts by Lady Katsura and Suki Yaki are now on the radio! Tune in to “Harrison on the Edge” on KTLK AM 1150 Mondays at midnight for the new Psychic Astrology talk segment with host Cary Harrison. “Harrison on the Edge” airs weekdays from 10 PM to 1 AM and Saturdays from 2 PM to 5 PM • www.goHarrison.com

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ACROSS 4. Influential comedian born as Leonard Alfred Schneider CROSSWORD CONTEST! 7. Hilary Duff’s middle name First 10 with correct answers will win 11. Poet and writer during the early 1900’s who was forever in search of writing “the perfect Knitting Factory tickets and gift certificates. line,” and eschewed anything that was not “common” or “local” to America in his works 13. A person who has recently acquired unaccustomed status, wealth, or success by dubious Send correct answers to: means and without earning concomitant esteem; a social climber Entertainment Today 15. He played the Goblin King in “Labyrinth” 2325 W. Victory Blvd, Suite 5, 16. Clear or limpid Burbank, CA 91506-1226 19. She plays the title character in Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette” 20. He wrote “Stir Crazy,” “Splash,” and the book that would be adapted into “The Lonely Guy” starring Steve Martin Answers to last weeks puzzle: 22. Creator of animated television series “The Family Guy” 23. He wrote the wordless children’s book that was adapted into Academy Award-nominated short film “The Snowman” 24. Father of “Looney Tunes” and “Merrie Melodies” DOWN 1. Long-time writing partner of Dave Chappelle 2. The World’s Only Living Bazooka Player 3. Writer of “Rape of the Ape” 5. Writer-director of Academy Award-nominated “The Triplets of Belleville” 6. Dean Koontz’s “fable for all ages” about a group of kindhearted stuffed animals who venture through the city over a most important night 8. She bares it all in Jim Jarmusch’s “Broken Flowers” 9. Oregon-born animated filmmaker whose works include: “I Married a Strange Person,” “Nose Hair,” and “How to Make Love to a Woman” 10. Filmmaker who wrote the popular “Hollywood Babylon” and “Hollywood Babylon II” books that exposed some of Tinseltown’s biggest scandals 12. “I’m mad as ____, and I’m not going to take it anymore!” 13. Born in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, she is a performance artist and experimental musician who became NASA’s first and only artist-in-residence in 2003 14. The Internet’s biggest multilingual free-content encyclopedia 17. “How do I ____ thee?” ©2006 Entertainment Today 18. These “Original Artyfacts from the First Psychadelic Era” song collections influenced much of the underground scene of the 1970’s and early 80’s 21. American painter born in Brooklyn who calls himself an “urban primitive” artist THANK YOU FOR READING ENTERTAINMENT TODAY |31| SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT TODAY |32| ENTERTAINMENT TODAY SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2006