The Pilot, page 8 "Parenthood" By Jane Richards It seems as though Ron Howard has the Midas touch. The Reel Thing After directing such hit films as "Night Shift" and "Splash", one would expect his star to fade a little. Instead, it's Movie Reviews shining brighter than ever, as seen in his latest effort, "Parenthood". A stellar cast, including such big names as Steve Martin, Rick Moranis, Diane Wiest, Keanu Phantom of the Opera, The Reeves, and Tom Hulce help make Motion Picture" this movie one of the best this year. Although, released in By Casper Jetson early August, it continues to By Dash Riprock Do you want to see a good hold its own at the box office "Rhythm Kation 1814", Janet movie? Do you want to see a and is now being shown at the Jackson movie that will literally scare Mall Cinemas in Shelby. living daylights out of you?? There are several plots, Janet is back...and after Do you want to see one of the shown in vignettes, alternating a three year wait, is it worth best-edited movies of 1989? Do from hilarious to sad to sweet. it? You bet it is. Jackson's you want to see one of the most Martin strives to be the perfect last album, "Control", was a versatile actors of our time? father for his eldest son, while colossal success, and it looks If you answered "yes" to a mate-hungry Wiest tries to as though "Rhythm Nation 1814" any of these questions... don't relate to her moody, sexually- will soon be standing by it's go see "Phantom of the Opera". confused son. Moranis tries to side. What was wrong with this raise a brilliant daughter, and The album's first three movie? Almost everything. From Hulce brings home his illegiti­ songs touch lightly on drugs, the typecasting of Robert mate son. But, wait. There's hunger, and homelessness but Englund as The Phantom (Englund morel zero in on illiteracy and self- is also Freddy Krueger of A newlywed couple (Reeves help. "Nightmare on Elm Street...") and Martha Plimpton), a crabby That's right, Janet's gone to the sloppy job of editing (as patriarch, and a head-butting political. And if that's what seen when a microphone is 3-year old help to round out the girl has on her mind, that's hanging form the top of the the storyline that will leave fine. The first song "Rhythm screen in one scene) . There were you crying and laughing at the Nation" sets this tone: "We are too many bad points and too few same time. a nation with no geographic good with this movie.., o.k., I have seen this movie boundaries, bound together by o.k. what was good about it? Ah, twice, and enjoyed it thoroughly our beliefs." Janet begins well, um. oh, the music wasn't each time. The dialogue is quick sounding angry. "We are like- too bad. and hilarious; sincere and minded individuals, sharing a What I found most disap­ sarcastic; and downright common vision, pushing toward pointing was the fact that it wonderful. a world rid of color lines." could have been a good movie. Each star gets a chance to Following "Rhythm Nation" other actors, another director, shine in this 4 star comedy. and finishing out the political another story, etc. (get the It's a guaranteed good time for trilogy, there are "State of the point?). everyone who likes to laugh at World" (homelessness) and "The What am I saying about this good comedy. Knowledge" (education). These movie? Don't waste your money first three songs allow one to on it now or when it comes out see Janet's heart. on video tape. And when it comes After "The Knowledge," to cable... watch something Jackson snaps, "Get the point? else. In the Good. Let's dance," and breaks into "Miss you much," the album's first single. Groove The rest of the album is what is expected from Janet: a few crunchy, upbeat dance tunes that will definitely provide ample video opportuni­ ties and a trio of ballads to Album Reviews compliment the album's closing. The only real surprises By A. Nony Muss are the one rocker, "Black Cat, " "Epic", Jefferson Airplane where Janet sounds like her brother (the one who looks just This just in: Jefferson like her) singing a Robert Airplane crashes...leaves many Palmer song, and "Escapade," a fans wounded. tune rich in groove and rich in Who would have expected melody that makes one think of the reunion album from such a the Human League's crash album great band to be anything but (also a Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewb first class? Well, to the production). disappointment of many fans, By the sound of the album STEVE MARTIN this attempt to once again take maybe the way it is selling. .It flight leaves one reaching for looks as though Janet is going the barf bag. to be a busy girl for at least Even after seventeen years the next year. .or so. .Look for apart, the band still possesses at least five videos...or so— its trademark harmony. That Keep it up girl! harmony, however, is nothing without at least semi-meaningful and coherent lyrics. Songs such as "Panda" and "Freedom" leave Look back at the 80’s one saying, "Okay...That was interes-ting. Now what were they trying to say?" This last desperate attempt with The Pilot should have been grounded from the start. If you really want Parenthood to hear some true Jefferson in next issue. Airplane, catch an earlier V UNIVERSAL RELEASE flight..