Monte Cristo’ Good Laugh to Alexandre Dumas’ Landmark Work Takes to the Silver Screen in Director Kevin Atlanta in February Reynolds’ Adaptation

ENTERTAINMENTpage 17 Technique • Friday, January 25, 2002 • 17 Take a trip into Big Sky The same, but different If just leaping tall buildings in a Though ‘Onward and Crossword’ ENTERTAINMENT single bound isn’t enough, check has moved onward itself, the CPuzzle out Big Sky’s By Design. Page 21 is here for your enjoyment. Page 19 Technique • Friday, January 25, 2001

Guitarist bringing Count yourself in for ‘Monte Cristo’ good Laugh to Alexandre Dumas’ landmark work takes to the silver screen in director Kevin Atlanta in February Reynolds’ adaptation. Jim Caveziel stars as the embattled Edmond Dantes. By Chris Webb By Ananya Paul Contributing Writer Contributing Writer

Artist: Keller Williams Title: The Count of Monte Cristo Album: Laugh Director: Kevin Reynolds Label: SCI Fidelity Rating: yyyy Genre: Pop/Rock Tracks: 15 An admirable example of one Rating: yy man’s implausible drive to retali- ate, the new release The Count of Only 5 minutes of listening to Laugh by Monte Cristo is pleasurable to any Keller Williams will lead you to two conclu- audience. For those of you who sions. First, go see his live performance at the have read Alexandre Dumas’ novel, Variety Playhouse on Febuary 21st because you there are a few surprises here and will never play guitar as good as him. Second, there, but all in all the movie never Williams never realized that too much of a funny lacks the exhilaration the book pro- thing becomes overused and boring quickly. vides. Keller Williams, long noted for his energetic While watching Kevin Reynolds’ one-man stage shows, fails to capture his style in The Count of Monte Cristo, it’s easy the studio. The innovative sampling methods to see why Alexandre Dumas’ Ed- that transform him into a full band on stage lose mond Dantes is one of the most all wonder when carried by studio musicians. As significant icons in literary history. if the producers realized that his talent was squan- The valiant character Edmond dered they added a live track to finish off the Dantes is played by Jimmy Cavie- album. The fact that Keller Williams alone cre- zel. Caviezel does an amazing job of ated the entire 16-minute performance is noth- portraying Dantes’ struggles for free- the time Dantes spends at Château ing less than amazing. dom. In the beginning, Dantes is d’If runs a little lengthy, the satis- The album contains the covers “Spring Buds” put to prison by his so-called “best faction that comes from the overall by Michael Hedges and “Freakshow” by Ani friend” Fernand, played by Guy movie makes up for it. As with most Difranco. “Spring Buds,” in sharp contrast with Pearce. movies, this movie also has its flaws. the rest of the album, is slow and depressing. Not Both Pearce and Caviezel con- Guy Pearce’s character was an- exactly great fare for an album supposed to make tinue to bolster their reputations as noying and one-dimensional. Be- you laugh. In “Freakshow” Williams drops the superior actors by working for cul- sides these minor blemishes in the guitar for a trash can lid. The whimsical arrange- turally rich movies rather than box film, the planning of revenge, the ment of conga rhythms and harmonic vocals office blockbusters. thrilling fencing scenes, setting and create the only song that sustains the momen- Luis Guzman is a charm in this plot keeps the viewers absorbed in tum and bizarre nature the album intended film, acting as Dantes’ loyal confi- its story line. throughout. dant and sidekick, providing some The conclusion seems inevita- Sadly, Williams writes all the remaining songs. of the film’s comic relief. In a film ble and the most memorable scene Sad? Because they lack any control or guidance. with melancholy themes such as jeal- of the entire movie. There are slight The lyrics for each song follow a repetitious ousy and revenge, Guzman finds changes from the novel, which spices pattern of sing a line, repeat a line, repeat and ways to add comedy and make that the movie up a bit. The film will be repeat. The song “Kidney in a Cooler” actually comedy absolutely priceless. appreciated by both those new to repeats the last line in each verse three times then One would think that a movie Dumas and those who have read repeats each line once more in the last verse. based on a great literary work by the book. Repeating a joke once is funny, repeat it four Dumas would last for at least three This exciting conclusion brings times and your audience will wonder if they can hours. Reynolds does a fine job of this equally exciting film to a close. get a refund. “Bob Rules” is mildly entertaining reducing Dumas’ work to less than The Count of Monte Cristo serves as a story of a dream in which Williams is a two hours without leaving holes in the purpose of providing good en- By Jonathan Hession (top) and Albert Watson (bottom) / SPYGLASS contestant on “The Price is Right.” the plot or littering the film with tertainment, taking the audience to Dantes (Jim Caveziel) looks to his friend Fernand Though tastes in music vary, and many might lengthy dialogues. a different world. It’s Definitely Mondego (top), because he has been separated from dislike Williams’ style, this album will find favor Although one may argue that worth catching this weekend. his beloved Mercedes (Dagmara Dominczyk). with avid guitar fans. Find a friend who dared to See Williams, page 18 Ready to leap tall buildings in a single bound? By Andrew Santelli only 100 feet, which is small Entertainment Editor by today’s mega-coaster stan- dards, the real thrills on this To mark its 35th anni- ride come later. versary season, this year Six Superman will have an “in- Flags Over Georgia will make verted pretzel loop” where the its largest investment ever. trains climb to the top of the Superman - Ultimate figure and dive in a loop close Flight will be the Southeast’s to the ground rather than from first flying coaster, and will the ground up, in the tradi- be part of an expansion to tional manner. make Six Flags the “Super The inverted pretzel loop Park of the South,” said John is difficult to imagine, but will Odum, the park’s general surely provide a sensation un- manager, at the coaster’s in- like other coasters, especially troduction event this past considering that these harrow- Tuesday. ing twists and turns will hap- On this flying coaster, rid- pen in a matter of seconds at ers will belt themselves in with speeds of 60 mph. shoulder restraints, a lap bar, To enhance the feeling of and leg restraints. As the train flying, the track will swing riders leaves the station, the seats close to the ground, and actu- will rotate forward, with rid- ally underground for one por- ers facing the ground direct- tion of the ride. Courtesy MADISON HOUSE PUBLICITY ly. This is the flying sensation The other distinctive fea- Talented guitarist Keller Williams, pictured here, that will make riders feel like tures of the ride create a laun- Rendering courtesy SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA releases his new CD, Laugh, on February 19. Superman. The inverted pretzel loop at Six Flags Over Georgia’s new Though the first drop is See Coaster, page 18 Superman—Ultimate Flight will be the first of its kind ever built. 18 • Friday, January 25, 2002 • Technique ENTERTAINMENT

Williams from page 17 Coaster from page 17 ...101010101010 10 1010101010101...... Two Bits spend the money and borrow it for dry list of thrills and chills. Ride a few days. Then go see his show in time on Superman will be over three Hi there Two Bits Folk! For sion of dating failure. Now, GenX efficient these days as EVERYONE February. While Laugh doesn’t con- minutes, a marathon by coaster stan- those of you who haven’t checked is internet savvy and people are do- is admitting dating failure. Call it tain any particularly exceptional song dards, covering 2,759 feet of tubu- your Palm Pilots recently, you should ing everything online. There are now the emotional equivalent of the dot- except Difranco’s “Freakshow”, lar steel track. know that we are approaching a personal sites that will match you com bust. Since there are millions William’s guitar playing is superb Superman will be Six Flags’ high- very special day, a day where wom- lonely A+/Net+ Certified IT pro- throughout. Fans of artists like Vic- est-capacity attraction, shuttling over en expect men to come out of their fessionals who are the same boat, tor Wooten and Tim Reynolds will 1,500 riders per hour, using an in- shells and shower them with atten- the discerning Techie needs to know marvel at the seamless chord chang- novative dual loading system for tion in uncharacteristically mushy Those same hacker how to write a personal ad that will es. Ultimately, these fans will not the three trains that will carry 28 displays of sentiment, a day where say, “I admit that I’m a dating fail- care that the lyrics are corny or that passengers, four abreast. The ride the average man would rather have skills that get you ure, but I’m the best dating failure they often make no sense. Laugh is will also feature Six Flags’ popular a root canal than face the world. pictures of Britney on this screen. Please don’t click for people who idolize guitar gods. Qbot virtual queueing system, de- Yes folks, Valentine’s day is coming ‘next’ on me.” For the average person, Keller creasing wait time for guests at the fast. Sadly, many Techies will face Spears and Justin This is where first impressions Williams is not worth buying be- park. this holiday alone with only Timberlake can get are very important. If you say you cause he won’t be appealing. But, So, you’re probably asking your- lara_croft_striptease.mpg to keep are a college grad, but list your group he’ll be worth the ticket price to see self, how long will the wait be for them warm, or would, were it not you a date this affiliation as “College Student” you his show if only for the amazement. this behemoth to open? The an- for Two Bits Man. Fear Not! Those Valentine’s Day. have committed a major faux pas. In a time when live performances swer is, not as long as you think. same hacker skills that get you pics This will attract the attention of the are rehearsed, recorded, and cho- Construction is ahead of schedule, of Britney Spears and Justin Tim- same people out there who have a reographed, the innovative tech- with completion of the track slated berlake can get you a date. Yes, you copy of “Nitpicker’s guide to Star niques of his impromptu for late February, followed by a bout too can write a personal ad and be with others based on any conceiv- Trek” and read rec.arts.startrek.tech. performance are a welcome change. a month of testing. The park opens lavished with attention by other poor, able common interest, from reli- You really, really don’t want to at- Expect standing ovations from skep- March 23, and Six Flags officials pathetic sops, I mean, desirable in- gious preference, favorite Mentos tract their attention. Not only are tical audiences. said Superman will be taking its dividuals. ad, or complementary fetishes. Peo- they more of a dating failure than first super hero wannabes on their In days gone by, people consid- ple still see this as a sign of dating Laugh hits stores February 19. flights in early spring. ered personal ads to be an admis- failure, but he process is a lot more See Two Bits, page 21 ENTERTAINMENT Technique • Friday, January 25, 2002 • 19

Interested in authoring the crossword? the in authoring Interested [email protected] 1234 56 789 The Live List: 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 January 21, 2002 Jan. 25-Feb. 2 19 20

CJ’S LANDING (270 Buckhead Ave.) ROXY (3110 Roswell Rd.) ACROSS 21 22 23 24 (404) 237-7657 (404) 233-7699 www.cjslanding.com www.atlantaconcerts.com/roxy.asp 1. Before the storm 25 1/26 9 from 10, Falling Up 1/25-26 Pink Floyd Laser Show 5. ìSheíll be there _____ 3 p.m.î 1/31 Craig David 7. Seven year _____ 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 COTTON CLUB (152 Luckie St.) 2/1 Better than Ezra 10. Lassie (404) 688-1193 2/9 Jimmie Vaughn 12. Opposite of Yes 35 36 37 www.atlantaconcerts.com/ 2/21 John Hiatt 13. There are seven cottonclub.asp 2/25 Soulfly 15. Begone! (Imperative verb) 38 39 40 1/25 Cloud 10 2/26 Injected 16. Mentally exhausted 1/27 Supafuzz 19. State next to California 41 42 20. Without people 2/7 ULU SMITH’S OLDE BAR (1580 Piedmont 21. A ballerina dances here 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 2/26 Michelle Branch Ave.) 22. Madman 3/2 Eric Gales (404) 875-1522 24. Wily 51 52 53 54 3/3 The Calling www.smithsoldebar.com 25. Long ago times 3/8 Bob Schneider 1/25 Dezeray’s Hammer 26. Hair color 55 56 3/10 Dismemberment Plan 1/30-31 Pat Green 31. Rose ______3/13 South 2/2 Drive-By Truckers 35. The highest point 57 58 59 60 2/6 Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash 36. Spain and Portugal DEKALB ATLANTA CENTER 38. To neaten 61 62 63 2/4 Judas Priest TABERNACLE (152 Luckie St.) 39. The conscience (404) 659-9022 41. Carmen, e.g. ECHO LOUNGES (551 Flat Shoals Rd.) www.tabernaclemusic.com 43. Baha

(404) 681-3600 1/26 Dave Chappelle 46. Obliquely

S R U A O D S E Y

www.echostatic.com/echlounge 2/1-2 Cake 47. Tibetan priest T 61 62

51. Unwholesome 63

O B E B S I U N G D S

2/4 The Breeders 2/7 Cowboy Mouth E

57 59 58

53. ìIn the same bookî 60

O M L L S U C R O A N E

3/12 The Indigo Girls CD Release Show 2/14 Ludacris T

55. A clam 56

A M R A L A I L B I E D I

2/16 Alicia Keys 56. Overly showy M

51 52 54

23. Malt beverage 53

L A A I L S N A L T M A

FOX THEATRE 2/22-23 Moe 57. A tide A

43 45 44 46 47 49 48

www.foxtheatre.org 3/7 Bad Religion 26. Hotel parent company 50 E P O A www.foxtheatre.org 58. Present indicative of he R 42

1/27-28 Luther Vandross 3/15 Nelly Furtado 27. ìLearn it toî 41 T S O H H S P U E R E O 60. Prods G

28. Roman Goddess of plenty 38 39

3/8-9 Hank Williams, Jr. 3/16 Buddy Guy 61. A major star 40 T T P I P O I R E B A

29. A degree I

35 36

3/17 Jars of Clay 62. Hair style 37

R I N O R G Y E C I H S

30. Pass this and get $200 P

27 26 29 28 30 32 31 34

GEORGIA THEATRE (Athens) 3/18 311 63. Eye ailment 33

L O E D 31. Female N

1/29 Cheap Trick 32. Rage 25

O T S E A M I N C A L S

2/7 John Mayer UNDER THE COUCH (Couch Bldg.) Y 21 23 22

DOWN 33. Young swine 24

N V E D A A M N U N A E N

2/13 Merle Haggard (404) 206-0985 D

19 34. Portuguese saint 20

A O R N I T E W R A E I

4/11 Willie Nelson utc.gatech.edu 1. Piece of garlic 37. To occupy a space D 15 17 16 18

C L L O E I N O A E S

1/25 Group X 2. False name 39. A stamp E

10 11 12 13 14

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MASQUERADE (695 North Ave.) 3. Opera singer Jerry 40. Where ashes lie H

2 1 4 3 5 6 9 8

(404) 577-2007 VARIETY PLAYHOUSE (1099 Euclid Ave.) 4. Change from one stage to another 42. A NY lake 7 www.masq.com (404) 521-1786 5. Actinon chemical symbol 43. Military supplies 2/14 The Dead Kennedys www.variety-playhouse.com 6. One not living on campus 44. A people of Northern Thailand 3/10 NOFX 2/1 Ricky Scaggs 7. Managing Editor of ìSports Nightî 45. Sicker 2/2 Donna the Buffalo 8. Sea bird 46. Island in the New Indies PHILIPS ARENA 2/8-9 Tripping Billies 9. Percentages of Irish farm crops 47. A 30ís dance www.philipsarena.com 2/16 Victor Wooten 10. Whining speech 48. A traditional saying 2/9 Bob Dylan 2/21 Keller Williams 11. Nabisco cookie 49. Allot 3/10 Neil Diamond 14. Whirl 50. Singing brothers 17. States of being free 52. Priestly garments 18. Elongated fish 54. After shave brand 20. One puts this on first 59. Thus 20 • Friday, January 25, 2002 • Technique ENTERTAINMENT

Two Bits from page 18 Big Sky experiments (with mixed you probably are, but they will nag to stand out, but not to scare every- you about the inconsistencies of your one. The clothes should be reveal- personals persona until you stran- ing, but not so revealing as to get success) with new release By Design gle them, and being in prison is kicked off the website. Second, make even more of an impediment to dat- sure that the picture is properly ex- By Alyson Laura are enjoying what they are playing. the eclecticism was damaging being than being a geek. posed. Unless you really want to Contributing Writer Much of the newer stuff sounded cause it didn’t provide for smooth Just like any article, a personal attract the goth crowd, you don’t forced compared to the old. transitions and a harmonious con- needs a stellar headline. You want want to appear too washed out or Artist: Big Sky “Denied”, “Your Way” and “Cie- tinuous listening. to dazzle Mr. or Ms. Right with too dark. Finally make sure the skin Album: by design lo Grande,” all found on earlier re- A saving grace was found in the your stunning wit, not your k-rad tone and the neck size of the pic- Tracks: 17 cordings, bring about emotions last two songs, “All Over” and “Down yyy Bash scripts. I recommend han- tures you ripped out of the maga- Rating: ranging from inspiration, relaxation Under” which are live recordings. dling your headline like the pros zine can be made to match your and excitement respectively. One It was nice to know that this band do: Lie. A good example for you head once you paste it together. Now Judging this CD by its rather highlight is that in the group’s older sounds just as strong, if not more guys out there would be, “Multi- you know the real reason people bleak cover may give the impres- songs they explore new styles. “Ve- compelling when heard live. “Down millionaire Descendant of British like Photoshop. sion is that this six-member band gas or Best” adds a flute to other- Under,” quite possibly the best song Royalty, Schooled in the Ways of But, you may ask, is not such from Gainesville, Florida will be wise typical rock, and “Cielo Grande” on the CD, is actually a cover, which Fencing and Tantra Seeks Nice Girl.” mendacity an invitation to disaster? experimental and hard to stomach. is totally instrumental, featuring Big Sky has redone beautifully mak- Consistency is of the utmost im- Would not one get caught in their Only one of those assumptions will bongo drums and acoustic guitars. ing it powerful, fast, and full of heart. portance when you lie though. If I web of deceit? Not if you are care- be wrong. Another song that pushes their lim- This is how every song should sound, were to meet the nice girl because of ful. Nobility is always a safe lie since Big Sky’s By design catches lis- its along with an obvious title is but unfortunately they don’t. the above headline, I would point most royals had enough illegitimate teners off guard with its first song, “House of Blues.” The track in- Although these two songs give out that in an effort to come closer children to populate most of the the title track, by beginning quickly cludes a harmonica, strong bass and me hope that Big Sky is the kind of to enlightenment, I gave away all of United States. Practically everybody and pulling their audience into its rapid cymbal tapping, features in- band to be seen live and not listened my money to the Tantric Outreach has a royal ancestor. Fencing is a intense modern rock sound. Not a dicative of American blues. to on a studio recording that could Center in London, and that’s why I good lie as well, since the sport is bad start, but “Slow” brings things This experimentation with dif- never capture their true essence. A drive a 1986 Yugo GV. See how sufficiently obscure that most peo- back down in a hurry. “Slow,” like ferent styles is quite signature of a loyal fan will love this CD, yet new- easy that ple won’t know you all the song titles, is a telling name band just starting out but isn’t con- comers may not develop the same was? The are faking it, so long because it is just that, slow…and vincing for a band trying to win appreciation that repeat live view- fencing also as you don’t quote boring. The lyrics drag on about nationwide acceptance. All that they ings can brew. is an advan- Tell the people that “The Princess Bride” “such a pretty girl,” and the mildly were successful at was making the tage in ex- when you pick up a pleasing guitar sounds get drowned statement that they can succeed at Big Sky is playing at Smith’s Olde Bar plaining you’re lonely but foil or a saber. Claim- out by thoughts as to whether or different musical styles. In this case, tonight. away any looking, sexy but shy ing knowledge in not this is how this band sounds in physical de- tantric practices is concert. formities. (okay, indulge me likewise safe, since Two songs later, “Undertow” still Suddenly, with this one)... the only way some- drags to a somber beat but the lyrics the nasty scar one is going to find perk it up by persuading that “hope on your fore- out is well, rather in- is the last thing you know…don’t head where timate, and they let go.” “Kings” passes by without a your brother hit you with a Tonka aren’t likely to call you on it. second glance but “Blame” starts to dump truck is now a souvenir of a Of course, I realize that some of pick up the pace with a little ska battle to save the honour of the you are still hung on the morality influence. This marks the end of Queen. issue. Oh, wait. You’re reading new material and beginning of songs Once you have crafted your mas- Two Bits, so never mind. None- from their previous four albums. terful headline, you must consider theless, just in case you clip this They were all produced when Big how to sell yourself with an aptly article for a fellow geek in need, I Sky was an unknown and unsigned worded article. Remember that this recommend taking a fully honest band that was relatively unknown is the meat of your personal, and approach. Tell it like it is. Tell the outside of the Southeast. any potential suitor will make her people that you’re lonely but look- This is a change that is easily decision based on what you say here. ing, sexy but shy (okay, indulge me noticeable because you can hear A good example of what you might with this one falsehood), and that something that wasn’t present in say would be, “I write a widely read you love Star Trek. Scientists esti- most of their new songs, heart. In humor column in the student news- mate that there are at least thirty or general, whether they were slow love paper of one of the most prestigious forty people on Earth reading the ballads or energetic, pick-up-your- Photo courtesy WICKED GROUP schools in the country. I figure that personals who choose dates for their feet beats, the older songs have the The band Big Sky will be celebrating the release of their newest CD, By I don’t want to rest if I intend to get brain, and if you start now, you extra element that you know they Design, with a performance at Smith’s Olde Bar here in Atlanta tonight. my seventh Pulitzer by my twenty- might just find one by Valentine’s fourth birthday. When I’m not 2005. With Starsailor, Love is Here but good music isn’t attending class or writing this col- I know that you may be skepti- umn, I like to dabble in music. Aww cal about taking out an online per- By Bryan Basamanowicz From Northwest England, Star- easy to guess where the chorus is shucks! Who am I kidding? I don’t sonal, but all you have to lose is Staff Writer sailor is a four piece outfit featuring going to develop and proceed, how dabble. I wrote four of the Bill- your self respect, your dignity, and a bassist, guitarist/vocalist, drum- the piano will fit in to develop the board Top Ten songs of the 1990s. your pride, not to mention the Artist : Starsailor mer and pianist. The first single off countermelodies, and it is even more If you’re interested, write me soon.” $19.95 per month membership fee. Album: Love is Here of love is here, “Fever” made a show- often easy to fill in the rhyme to a Notice how lying is a useful tool in Of course, less the twenty bucks, Label: Capitol Records ing in the top 20 of the U.K.’s sin- lyric before it is sung. A lot of songs the body of your article as well. Calc II probably wasn’t all that dif- Rating: y 1/2 gles chart soon followed by “Good on the album would be quite easy to The last important feature of a ferent. At least the personals don’t Souls.” The third single, “Alcohol- sing along to but unfortunately, Star- personal ad is the picture. Ads with change books on you every semes- If you can get by the unenergetic ic” surpassed its predecessors with a sailor’s lack of energy and connec- pictures are viewed before those ter. With a confidence booster like folk rock genre, the band’s hokey showing in the top ten on the U.K. tive power don’t make such an without pictures, so it pays to look that, how could you possibly not name, the trite horizon scene on the charts. Love is Here just recently endeavor seem very appealing. your best. There are a few things to want to join the dating revolution CD cover and just listen to the mu- achieved platinum success in the When looking for Starsailor’s mu- remember when choosing your pic- of the future? Until next week, this sic itself, you’d still be wasting your U.K. as the album currently sits at sic to be simple and relaxing take ture. First, Select one with an eye is the Two Bits man asking, “will time looking for something redeem- #12 on the album charts. caution, another disappointment is catching subject matter. You want you be my Valentine?” ing in Starsailor’s Love is Here. In most of the songs, it is quite in the making.

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