September 30, 2004 page M U S I C / F I L M '80s music preens with xSky Captain' sails shameless swagger By Brittany Gearheart through smooth waters

By Forrest Sanders Every generation has music that is infamous for its 'Sky Captain and the World off time. The ice cream parlor music of the '50s was halt- Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow ed by the psychedelic wave of the '60s, which was Tomorrow' is like an episode of a Flash Gordon serial intensified by disco in the '70s. My guilty pleasure, on a Star Wars budget. The art-deco-rich Starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, secretly shared by many in our generation, originated world where the takes place has been Giovanni Ribisi, Angelina Jolie with big hair bands, outlandish rock and roll chicks and a decade in the making, all dating back to a Rated PG others who were along for the roller coaster ride of '80s Mac computer in director Kerry Conran's music.I will admit that the bad boy image of Axl Rose basement. Today, Conran's debut feature is Director Kerry Conran inspired me at three-years-old when I knew all of the a milestone in computer generated wiz- words to "Sweet Child of Mine." ardry. His flesh-and-blood characters are Girl power arose thoughts of superiority of the Rating &&& 1/2 interacting in a world that has been con- female sex with rocker chicks in bands such as The structed entirely by computer , (out of four stars) Bangles, Blondie, Heart and singers such as Cyndi and Conran deserves praise for creating a Lauper. Trendsetters like Madonna and Michael film of such ambitious scope. Jackson did not only give us songs such as "Billie Sky Captain's plot follows the Lois Lane- when our heroes are faced with the Jean" and "Like a Virgin," they inspired teenagers esque reporter Polly Perkins (Gwyneth enraged illusion of a giant suspended head. around the globe to don gloves, leather, lace and a Paltrow in soft focus) who's been tracking However, it's not the great and powerful world of lewd behavior - is this an argument? a story in which the world's most Oz that's spelling doom for Sky Captain and It did not take long for the aerosol cans and plastic renowned scientists have been mysteri- Polly Perkins, but rather the late Laurence jewelry to be set aside. Soon neon jogging suits, graffi- ously vanishing without a trace. After Olivier. In the film's most innovative scene, ti hats and gold chains embraced the world of hip-hop reuniting with her old flame, aviator Joseph Conran and company use Olivier's likeness with Run DMC and MC Hammer. The Fresh Prince of Sullivan (Jude Law in the role of Sky to play the mysterious Dr. Totenkopf. Bel Air, Will Smith, not only serenaded us with cleancut Captain), the two embark on a mission to Besides the revolutionary elements of rap but led us into to the sitcom subculture with "this the film, the top notch cast is also due is a story all about how my life got twisted upside thwart the plans of evil-doer Dr. Totenkopf, who's been plotting to destroy the world. credit for realistically playing make believe down." You know that you can finish these lyrics. I suppose one could call Sky Captain's in the midst of their blue screen surround- Music will change, but the fans keep it alive. If this story one that lacks depth, but to overcom- ings. Paltrow and Law make for a terrific were not true, we would not see the bands continue to plicate a story like Sky Captain's would be on-screen match, while their snappy, light- reach out and strive to deliver what we have uncondi- to sacrifice the wide-eyed, "gee whiz" hearted banter provides the film with a tionally supported. The good stuff is still flowing with innocence of the film. As it stands, it's a steady stream of laughs. Meanwhile, in an touring artists like The Cure, Prince and Journey, who perfect homage to the science fiction of all-too-brief appearance, Angelina Jolie is have all recently performed in Nashville. The Pixies will the pre-WWII era as well as playing out a the very definition of "cool" as the British perform at the Voodoo Festival in New Orleans along commanding officer of an air base sus- with the Beastie Boys on Oct. 16-17. If we refuse to let bit like a greatest hits collection for Hollywood's golden era. While affectionate pended in the sky. With her role as the the music fade, it will continue to inspire generations to come. Do not be afraid to love what you know, -k nods to King Kong and Metropolis are pres- ent, the most blatant reference occurs See Tomorrow, 8 Harangue: WELCOME MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE! *& T BlueCoast Like to read words like this one? Try reviewing books for [flash] Free chips & drink 10% off any menu with purchase Item when of burrito. basket OR MTSU Student ID of tacos or salad Is presented 2-4pm llam-9pm Monday-Friday Monday-Friday Cone see what everyone is raving about! [email protected] 1122 Memorial Blvd. Phong W-3761 fax 191-3763 Limit one per person. Not redeemable for cash or credit