LIVEN UP The Explorer, June 5, 2013 23 SCRE ING Drab, serious ‘After Earth’ falls short Nick Spake an actor. he real fault lies in how But Shyamalan’s vision is too drab, Book of Eli” and the fourth episode on this kind of material? Maybe he Special to 10/13 Communications lamely Smith’s character is written too serious, too predicable, and too of “he Walking Dead: he Game.” received so much criticism for “he and directed. Not even the most boring keep anyone invested. he problem with “Ater Earth” Happening” that he wanted to do a ost of the ads for “Ater charismatic man alive could make To give Shyamalan credit, “Af- is that Shyamalan is simply out 180. All that’s for certain is that Shy- Earth” have neglected to him interesting. ter Earth” is a nice looking movie. of his element. He’s not a science amalan is going through an identity Mmention that M. Night Shy- Will Smith is really only a sup- His visual style has improved since iction/action adventure direc- crisis and needs an intervention. If amalan co-wrote and di- porting player anyway. he true “he Last Airbender,” which was tor. With his best ilm, “he Sixth he ever wants to get back on track, rected the ilm. Movie studios inal- star is Smith’s real-life son, Jaden so darkly shot you could rarely tell Sense,” he established that he’s best he needs to recognize his mistakes, ly seem to be realizing that having Smith. He plays Raige’s teenage boy, what was going on. On occasion, at subtly creating suspense and go back to the drawing board, and Shyamalan’s name plastered above Kitai, who wants to be a ranger like we get a nicely written moment be- physiological fear. hat’s the com- rediscover his voice. the title will no longer sell tickets. his papa. Regrettably, Kitai isn’t the tween Will and Jaden. hat’s prob- plete opposite of a special efects Grade: C- “Ater Earth” thankfully isn’t as most physically gited soldier. he ably thanks to the ilm’s other writ- extravaganza like “Ater Earth.” unbearable as Shyamalan’s “he exposition is so rushed, however, er, Gary Whitta, who wrote “he Why would Shyamalan even take Last Airbender,” “he Village,” “he that we never even see Kitai strug- Happening,” or “Lady in the Water.” gling during training. To grow But even with some nice visuals and closer to his son, Cypher decides an intriguing premise, the ilm still to bring Kitai along on a mission. sufers from many of Shyamalan’s Matters go haywire, however, when Welcom t infamous reoccurring blunders. Hi- their ship crash-lands on the aban- larious moments that are intended doned earth. Both of Cypher’s legs burger pinto beanbea ragout, mustard, mayo, pico de gallo, to be serious, totally forced, unnec- are broken, leaving it up to Kitai to pecan wowood-smoked bacon, cotija cheese avor countr. essary lashbacks, whiny younger travel across the terrain to ind a characters, and a weak twist ending. distress beacon. Cayton’s Burger Bistro has he ilm takes place 1,000 years Jaden Smith has proven him- arrived at The Golf Club in the future. Earth has been aban- self to be a capable young actor. He at Dove Mountain. doned. Will Smith, who also came was great alongside his dad in “he up with the story for “Ater Earth,” Pursuit of Happyness” several years Our menu of sure-to-please is General Cypher Raige. He’s a ago. Unfortunately, the only notes classics with a modern twist stern, no-nonsense member of the he’s given to work with here are dis- features 11 gourmet burgers, Ranger Corps, a peacekeeping or- tressed, irritable, and annoying. he ganization that travels the galaxy. whole father-son dynamic between can’t-resist sides, shakes and To describe Smith’s character as Jaden and Will feels so hollow and an extensive selection of stern may be misleading, though. unnatural, which is a real feat, see- regional craft brews. his guy is so emotionless, passion- ing how they’re actually related. “Af- less, and one-note that he could be ter Earth” could have been a thrill- Not in the mood for a burger? an android. hat’s not a criticism ing and colorful adventure about a Try our knife-and-fork salads, of Smith, who has great range as parent and child coming together. sandwiches, entrées and sinfully delicious desserts. OV YOUTH All performances will be held Open daily for lunch, at John J. Pedicone Jr. Performing happy hour and dinner. THEATER TO Arts Center at Flowing Wells High school, located at 3275 N. Flowing PRESENT ‘BEAUTY Wells Road. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the AND THE BEAST’ show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online at Spotlight Youth Productions is spotlightyouthproductions.com. an Oro Valley youth theater group General admission is $10, reserved of 45 actors/actresses ranging in age seating is between $12 and $15. from 8 to 13 years old. For more information on the Spotlight Youth Productions is Oro Valley Spotlight Youth Produc- going to be presenting “Beauty and tions, visit the website at spotlighty- the Beast” on June 7- June 8 and outhproductions.com. 6501 W. Boulder Bridge Pass Marana, AZ 85658 again between June 14 and June 15. (520) 572-3530 ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain

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