(^Campus Candids

Feb. 7, 2002 Arts & Entertainment Page 21 Surprise: -Birthday Girl’ pleases no And! Petrini the arrival of her cousin, Yuri she can portray virtually any Satniha Khanna sotmds'llke it came right off singer ^cott Weiland’s solo (Vincent Cassel), and his character. Cassel and Reporter A&.E Editor the gorgeous,, sotmdinjck to album, recorded while he friend, Alexei (Mathieu Kassovitz, both French ac “Reiîem forjj Dream/’The' âs ftghring a heroin addic In the Nicole Kidman Kassovitz), from Russia. tors, turn in fine perfor-, Cracker released its first song soon de,lvj tion and decided he would movie “Birthday Girl,” the Nadia and John’s relation mances as the “good” Rus album of original material take up singing in falsettq. cast graces the screen with ship soon twists, and provid- sian and “bad” Russian as the sincc 1998, “Forever,” hist “Sweet Magdaicn(i-of ironic comedy and artistic week. It’s too bad the My Misfortune” i&a tiraw'n- expressions. band’s shining rock appeal out, simply-constructed The movie is a far cry could not have lasted this tune featuring Lowery’s from Hollywood’s predict long. trademark gravelly vocals able romantic comedies. Its The comeback’s open^ and guitar solos that appear understated humor and ex ing track, “Brides of Nep on several previous Cracker cellent acting make “Birth tune/’ holds the most prom albums. The chann of this day Girl” a refreshing expe ise as a successful single. track mirrors that of the rience. Singer David Lowery’s band's hit “Eurotnish Girl,” The plot focuses on a Brit- Tom Petty-esque vocals but ruefully lacks the pre ish bank clerk, John <md a dreamy oif an part tmj faster, heavily-distorted gui cise lyrical genius of which Buckingham (Ben Chaplin), magnetic, but the album tar rilT, The combination of Lowery and his comrades who orders a Russian bride fails to hold attention, pre these elements is a step in the were once capable. named Nadia (Kidman) from senting multiple soiigs with right direction, but not the The soulful “Shame an Web site. As soon as his a four-four time signature. leap the album needs, less” marks a slower tempo new bride moves in with him, Mlramax/KRT Cracker is also limited “Miss Santa Croz Coun that is laden with luscious his uneventful life endures Ben Chaplin and Nicole Kidman play a British banker by, the appearance of the try” has an unejqpected pop background vocals that countless surprises. and a mail-order bride in the unusual romantic comedy, Hammond B-3 organ on appeal with a high-pitched, tmly stand apart from the A language barrier con “Birthday Girl.” every track, which takes the four-note hook and a har rest of the album. , fronts Nadia and John, and listener back to Counting monica, but the annoyingly Desphe aifew shiny mo the first 45 minutes of the ing viewers with enough story unfolds. O ow s’ 1993 release ‘‘Au repetitive, unorigintil lyrics; ments, the l^St thing movie are awkward for the comedy and drama to keep “Birthday Girl” was writ gust and Everything After.” drown out its potential. viewer to watch. John gives them hooked. ten by Jez and Tom A jaz?.y piano accompa “Superfan” is the ever” has to oifrer Is the tal- Nadia an English/Russian The most impressive part Butterworth; Jez Butterworth niment covers the oigan on Cracker strays from its de «3it of new bassisiand vo dictionary one afternoon, and of “Birthday Girl” is the un also directed the movie. the sassier track “Bring Us cade-old sound. Starting \^^th calist Brandy Wood. Her she shows him the porno usual turns in the plot. Although he has previ Down,” which ha.s shoe- a pleasing skittering bek and smoky vocals wonM p^h er graphic magazines she found Chaplin’s role helps make ously directed just one film, siring remindiers of Neil Eastern-influenced organs in thegood grac^ c^5ifeiyl while snooping in his closet. “Birthday Girl” British com Butterworth’s use of rear Diamond’^ famous “Sweet and chimes, it quickly and], .Crowfans; ■'''"y-■ After this key scene, their re edy at its best. view mirror shots and close- CarolMe*' laced within^'tt; imnfiiily dips into mono^«J Wood may liave more lationship focuses on sex. Kidman had to learn to ups gave the viewer a A cello pid violin duet nous vocals by guitarist luck in the sdo'cm ^r that The two live blissfully speak Russian for the role, glimpse into the intense feel at the start of the odd Johnny Hickman. His limited slie is simulUuiiîsly pttr* until Nadia tells John it’s her and does it almost flawlessly. ings of the characters and "Guarded by Monkeys*’ range is reminiscent of STP suing. birthday. The day is met by She proves once again that adds to the art of the film. (^Campus C a n d i d s LINES TO LIVE bY D What CD can you listen to from start to finish without getting sick of it? ll^ ^ When news becomes gossip And the hounds begin The rich man’s inspiration Becomes the be«j»ar’s greed And there's no to stop it servicing the need ‘Cos the scared cry out They possess an e> erlasting grief —the living end “blood on your hands" "Tink Floyd—Pulse. I’ve '‘''Cast Iron Filler—Further ''Alicia Keys—Songs in A ''Jay-Z— Blueprint. I t’s roll on ^ ^ listened to them since I Down the Line. It sums up Minor. Her vocals are so definitely one of his best 0 2000 reprise records ^ was little. It’s kind of college life in a nutshell.” original. The beats are albums, if not the best.” comforting.” exactly my taste.” il l a r y h e r m a n s e n io r —H S , —B e n S l iz e w s k i, s o p h o m o r e —D e a n n a D a l y , s o p h o m o r e —L a w r e n c e C h e t t y , fr e sh m a n share your favorite lyrics: pendiiluin(êloii.edii.

Load more