ENTERTAINMENTVol.38, No.39 ~ Friday, July 7, 2006 TODAY

New reviews on: Pirates of the Caribbean —Peter Sobczynski A Scanner Darkly —Adam Barnick

LIFE AFTER DEATH? The surprise success of Who Killed the Electric Car? Friday, July 7, 2006 |  | ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today

PUBLISHER KRIS CHIN

MANAGING EDITOR CECILIA TSAI

GUEST EDITOR ERIC BYLER

ART PRODUCTION DAVID TAGARDA

TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR KATSUYUKI UENO

COPY EDITOR JULIAN CAMILLIERI

WRITERS ADAM BARNICK FRANK BARRON JULIAN CAMILLIER WARREN CURRY CLAYSON DEBURGER SHIRLEY FIRESTONE JANOS GEREBON 14 Electric Car: Life after death? MICHAEL GUILLEN 12 Depp rescues Pirates JONATHAN W. HICKMAN

TRAVIS HOLDER INDEX LADY KATSURA KAT KRAMER M. Y. LEE MICHAEL LEVINE ERIC LURIO MARY MALLORY SCOTT MANTZ DAWN MILLER STEVEN SNYDER PETER SOBCZYNSKI SEAN REYNOLDS GAIL ROBERTS ANNIE ROLLINS ENTERTAINMENT Vol.38, No.39 ~ Friday, July 7, 2006 TODAY BETH TEMKIN KIM VOYNAR MARCIE WEINER SUKI YAKI EVE YEUNG COVER BOOKS 12 DEPP TO THE RESCUE IN “PIRATES” 6 MIND TRAVEL CARTOONISTS Peter Sobczynski on the latest Pirates of the Caribbean Sean Reynolds finds much to like inMexico in Mind, the latest ANNIE ROLLINS anthology from Maria Finn MARK DARCOURT DREW-MICHAEL FILM COLUMNS PHOTOGRAPHERS 10 MOVIE LISTINGS KATSUYUKI UENO 6 HOLLYWOOD INSIDER with Dawn Miller SALES 14 CAN “ELECTRIC CAR” SWAY CONGRESS? ALICIA APAGHIAN Michael Guillén asks the filmmakers behind the hit film KIRT KISHITA Who Killed the Electric Car? 7 MY TOWN by Mike Levine CIRCULATION SUPERVISOR DANIEL ESPINOSA 16 “A SCANNER DARKLY” Adam Barnick reviews Linklater’s latest 7 WORDS n MUSIC with Kat Kramer EXECUTIVE OFFICE 2325 WEST VICTORY BLVD, SUITE 5 17 CRITICS CLASH BURBANK, CA 91506-1226 Warren Curry and Peter Sobczynski disagree on TELEVISION OFFICE(818) 566-4030 Road to Guantanamo Fax (818) 563-1258 8 “NIGHTMARES & DREAMSCAPES” And vampires. Frank Barron reviews the new Stephen King OF COMING SOON: 20 A BRIEF HISTORY QUEER CINEMA series, as well as Spike TV’s Blade www.EntertainmentTodayOnline.com Jonathan W. Hickman reviews Fabulous! 9 THE ABC’s OF “KYLE XY” 21 GEARING UP FOR OUTFEST M. Y. Lee reviews the pilot for ABC Family’s Kyle XY David Magdael previews LA’s hottest festival FUN STUFF THEATER 22 GET OUT OF MY SPACE 4 NEW ERA AT CENTER THEATRE GROUP Tina Kim debuts her new column with a diss on fellow Travis Holder on Laurence Fishburne in Without Walls, users at myspace.com Property of Entertainment Today. and on CTG under Michael Ritchie Reproduction without written 22 ASTROLOGY consent is prohibited. 5 NOEL COWARD’S “HAY FEVER” Horoscope by real and actual psychics Lady Kastsura All rights reserved. and Suki Yaki. The views of the reviewers and Mary Mallory praises the initial offering of writers of this publication are their own, Theatre Creators Collective and do not necessarily reflect those of the 23 COMICS AND SUDOKU management of Entertainment Today. ©2006. VOLUME 38, ISSUE 39 ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today |  | Friday, July 7, 2006 Theater Review Revamped CTG knocking down Walls

Cherry Orchard. And, and is happy to perform an over- although my own critical zealous monologue from A praise was decidedly in Midsummer Night’s Dream that the minority, I maintain incites Morocco’s comment: Ritchie’s recent, ultra- “You think what you did was courageous choice to God’s gift to William Shake- bring Robert Wilson, speare, but you’re nowhere near William Burroughs, and special enough to be as arrogant Tom Waits’ stridently as you are.” spectacular Black Rider to the Ahmanson was the Uhry’s bold, engrossing play, best thing to hit Los energized by the amazingly Angeles stages this year. intense and fiercely committed In other words, Mr. Fishburne— who seems to be Ritchie’s doing something channeling the gloriously rich right, galldurnit. but effete vocal delivery and stance of Roscoe Lee Browne— Now adding to his list may end up being this year’s of successes is Without most notable work. Sadly, while Walls by Alfred Uhry, the über-needy Anton is meant author of the multi-award to be bursting with youthful winning Driving Miss bravado and raging hormones Daisy and The Last Night that predictably lure him out of of Ballyhoo. Uhry’s newest his clothes in the play’s contro- work is a revelation even versial seduction scene, Lanter if occasionally flawed. offers only a cardboard-cutout, Laurence Fishburne stars Hollywood-film-kid version of as Morocco Hemphill, a teenaged angst. Obviously sit- fey, failed Broadway cho- ting on a lot of raw talent, Lanter rus boy who finds a voca- rarely speaks from the gut, so tion and sufficient hero devoid of spontaneous commu- worship teaching drama nication that, in most scenes, he at a prep school in the could bob away on headphones mid-70s— ignoring ineq- listening to KROQ. Oh, what uities such as being able TV has spawned: actors who to “eat out for a year” on don’t know how to listen and the cost of one of his rich, respond freshly and honestly! teenaged charge’s designer footwear. Morocco’s quiet Amanda MacDonald gener- life works for him, allow- ally manages to avoid the same ing enough adoration and pitfalls as Morocco’s prize stu- fulfillment to all but for- dent, and Anton’s love interest, get his career as a per- Lexy. In one lovely, heartfelt former, hardly one for the scene, she confesses what she theatre history books he thinks she knows about Morocco loves to peruse. But his and Anton’s relationship via success as an educator is payphone to her industrialist soon rocked by a troubled father. transfer student named Anton MacCormick, Uhry’s script ultimately falls played here by Matt short due to one important Lanter (Geena Davis’ son omission: a resolution that is less on Commander in Chief ). a theatrical band-aid and more a Laurence Fishburne and Matt Lanter in Alfred Ihlry’s Without Walls transformation. Insight on Basically ignored by a fabu- Morocco’s stalwartly decent Ticket Holder with Lieberman, perhaps the best, Howard Kissel wrote in his lously wealthy, globetrotting character is frustratingly absent, most imaginative and supportive review of Drowsy in the New mother, Anton’s previous enroll- and might have been explored Travis Holder casting director working any- York Daily News: “It’s full of wit ments have all ended in expul- more fully and effectively with a where in this hardhearted, indus- and high spirits, so entertaining sion, and Morocco’s Dewey more experienced stage actor Since Williamstown Theatre try-obsessed town of ours. you can almost overlook the fact Academy is his last resort. cast as Anton, allowing Fish- Festival guru Michael Ritchie it came from Los Angeles.” Anton’s interest came west last year to take the Still, Ritchie has made some Don’t you love how Manhattan in theatre is Center Theatre Group presents reigns of the Center Theatre brave artistic choices that left sees our theatre community, more forced Without Walls Group (CTG) from retiring him way out on the proverbial which is in truth far more prolif- than steadfast— Tuesday-Saturday 8 PM, Gordon Davidson, not all of his limb and, gratefully, most of ic and far less commercial these a way to skate Sun. 7:30 PM, Sat./Sun. matinee 2:30 PM decisions have been met with them have proven inspired. days than most of what’s being through school Now thru July 16 favor in the LA theatre commu- CTG’s pre-Broadway mountings mounted in New York? without effort. Mark Taper Forum @ the Music Center nity— particularly the early of The Drowsy Chaperone (which Anton’s not a 135 North Grand Ave. elimination of the CTG’s minor- swept the 2006 Tony Awards) Since his arrival, Ritchie has theatrical novice, Los Angeles, CA 90012 ity workshops and the beloved and The Importance of Being Ear- also brought to the Taper Mam- however; he’s Phone: (213) 628-2772. artists who ran them, and, more nest were both embraced on the et’s hilarious Romance, iWitness, run a lightboard www.TaperAhmanson.com recently, the grave loss of Amy Great White Way— although and the Molina/Bening-infused a couple of times Friday, July 7, 2006 |  | ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today Theater Review Community burne and MacDonald the free- dom and camaraderie to soar to Expo features art, culture higher levels. As the emotional Laughs abound in Fever catalyst who turns his mentor’s world upside-down, Lanter’s of China’s Naxi minority Anton is just too obnoxious to warrant Morocco, or any of the traced back to the third century by Jerry Quinn rest of us, to care much about A.D. Unique elements of the what happens to him. culture solidified around the The Los Angeles Web Cul- seventh century, when the Naxi Still, led by Christopher ture Center hosted “The World migrated along the upper Yang- Ashley’s sharply focused direc- Culture Heritage Naxi Ethnic tze River. tion and extremely provocative Group Culture Exhibition” on staging, Without Walls is a mas- July 1st and 2nd. A total of 41 Early Naxi people created a terful, delicate, haunting, highly exhibits included copies of kind of pictorial writing system thought-provoking production, Ming and Qing Dynasty murals, known as Tomba hieroglyphs. marked by an impressive stage Tomba hieroglyphs, and Chi- The Naxi call this hieroglyph turn by Fishburne, one of our nese calligraphy. The exhibition “jiusilusi,” which means “marks time’s best and least cookie-cut- was designed to promote Chi- inscribed on the wood and ter film stars. na’s Naxi ethnic minority over- stone.” Such hieroglyphs are seas, and foster friendly rela- still being created in the Lijiang contin- Bo Hudson as Richard Greatham; Rachel Leone as Myra Arundel; Coco Leigh as Clara; tions between the United States region— the only hieroglyphs Ritchie-dom at CTG Amanda Wing as Jackie Coryton; Max Bird-Ridnell as Sandy Tyrell. ues its prolific summer with two and China through cultural still in use today. more shows that sound as though Mary Mallory Hay Fever is an amusing exchange. Naxi artists Zhong- they’ll be more than worthy of our by production containing good lin Zhao, Ying Xiang, and Kang The Naxi people welcomed attention: Six Feet Under’s won- A lighthearted concoction laughs and fine acting. Lead- Zhao traveled from China to influences from other cultures. derful Frances Conroy costars of frivolity and nonsense, Noel ing the cast is an over the top, attend the exhibition. Phuntsok Han and Tibetan painters were opposite Tessa Thompson in Coward’s Hay Fever entertains flirtatious Menozzi as the Tashi, of Tibet, accompanied commissioned to paint murals David Greig’s Pyrenees at CTG’s audiences with its arch humor famous actress Judith. them as an interpreter and in Lijiang during the 14 century. Kirk Douglas Theatre, and the and madcap characters. As guide. Some of these projects lasted world premiere of the musical such, it is a good choice for The ensemble exudes a more than 300 years, from the Curtains begins its pre-Broad- Theatre Creators Collective’s warm chemistry and charm. The Naxi people live primar- Ming Dynasty into the Qing way run at the Ahmanson Aug. first presentation, easy on the Certain roles are double cast, ily in Lijiang, Yunnan, a city Dynasty. Lijiang’s Ming and 9. Curtains features Frasier’s actors and the audience. with different actors appearing with a population of 300,000. Qing Dynasty murals occupy David Hyde Pierce and Broad- Friday and Saturday nights. They are one of 56 Chinese an important place in Chinese minority groups, with a long art history and are considered way royalty Debra Monk, as well The story, such as it is, Kern makes daughter Sorel a P as Karen Ziemba, Jason Danie- revolves around the self- wide eyed, innocent hoot. history and culture that can be national relics. ley, and Edward Hibbert. Scott absorbed, theatrical Bliss fami- Dechow brings a sarcastic, Ellis directs and the backstage ly: novelist father David (Don- understated charm to lay-about mystery features a book by ovan McGrath), actress mother Simon. Jackie Coryton brings Rupert Holmes, music by John Judith (Maria Menozzi), beau- a touching vulnerability to the Kander, lyrics by his late partner tiful daughter Sorel (Samantha sensitive Amanda Wing. Fred Ebb, Kern), and artist son Simon and addi- (Frederick Dechow). Each has Timing is a little ragged at tional lyrics invited a member of the oppo- the beginning before settling by Kander site sex to their country house down into a comfortable groove and Holm- for the weekend. How will the in the second act. The English es. Rob family entertain their guests, accents, however, remain incon- Ashford amuse themselves, and not get sistent to the end. Hay Fever is choreo- on each other’s nerves? Who an entertaining trifle filled with graphs. No are they really romancing, their madcap characters, delicious P chopped guests or each other? wit, and good acting. liver here. Chay Yew Theatre Creators Collective presents Sounds like a great summer Hay Fever for the new regime at Center Now through August 5 Theatre Group, doesn’t it? If Friday and Saturday at 8 PM only some of LA’s most talented Avery Schreiber Theatre and hardworking creators of 11050 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. great theatre past and present could keep their jobs instead of Tickets $15 • Call (866) 811-4111 losing them— including Luis www.Theatermania.com. Alfaro, Chay Yew, and the uni- versally treasured Amy Lieber- man— my lingering apprehen- sion about CTG’s future could be allayed. P

Travis Michael Holder has been writing for ET since 1990. Also an award-winning actor, he has authored five plays produced in LA, including Surprise Surprise, soon be a THANK YOU FOR READING feature film. His first novel,Waiting for Walk, will hopefully be published before he jettisons his corpulent frame TODAY off the Hollywood Sign. ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today |  | THANK YOU FOR READINGFriday, July 7, 2006

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ENTERTAINMENTTODAY Book Review Finn’s Mexico anthology transports the mind

by Sean Reynolds D. H. Lawrence suffered from tuberculosis while he and Column his wife lived in Oaxaca. He Much more than a travel wrote opulently descriptive por- guide, Maria Finn has compiled traits of daily life in essays titled A word with the guide to Getting Down an anthology of vivid recollec- Mornings in Mexico. “The Mar- leather jacket as a part of my tions and poignant essays illu- ket is a huge roofed-in place. costume, which I still have, minating the unique history and Most extraordinary is the noise by the way. culture of a diverse country mis- that comes out, as you pass along understood by many visitors. the adjacent street. It is a huge Mexico in Mind celebrates with noise, yet you may never notice What is it you like most vibrant realism the complex it. It sounds as if all the ghosts about your job? aggregate of culture and geogra- in the world were talking to one I like not having a boss. I phy found on the great southern another, in ghost voices, within like that nobody can tell me peninsula. Finn, also the editor the darkness of the market struc- what to do. of Cuba In Mind, has chosen a ture. It is a noise something like troupe of literary giants span- rain, or banana leaves in a wind.” ning over 150 years with tales Editor Finn notes that the mar- What has been the most describing bullfights ket “continues to interesting project you and love affairs, this day as a riot have worked on? dancing and spiritu- of color, crafts, The Boys and Girls Guide to ality. The stories and and produce that Getting Down– finally it came journals are from showcases the about that my twisted sense English speaking richness of rural of humor could be seen as a authors and poets Mexico.” positive thing. When I was who have traveled working in commercials, I the country. In an excerpt always felt I had to scale it from Some Trav- back. Mexico In Mind els and Some would be a good Travelers There, companion while author Alice Do you have any tips or sitting in a deck- Adams tells of advice for those looking to chair bound for her visit to the get into your industry? Puerto Vallarta or at home-turned- Yeah, I do actually, and home in a comfortable armchair. museum of painter Frida Kahlo. this is it: Do it yourself. The book addresses the practical “Her sheer painterly skill is often Nobody’s going to do it for and the problematic, the desires overlooked in violent reactions, you, just do it yourself. There and fears of a nation struggling one way or another, to her sub- are already too many direc- in many ways, but deeply rooted ject matter, but only consummate tors, DP’s and hairdressers. I by cultural and religious identity. skill could have produced such should have raised the money and made The Boys and Girls Exceptionable prose and poetry meticulous images of pain and Paul Sapiano, director of The Boys and Girls Guide to Getting Down cover a wide arrangement of love and loneliness.” Adams is Guide to Getting Down ten topics from William Burroughs’ dismayed, however, by the lack years ago. It’s all about the sordid accounts of heroin addic- of Frida Kahlo’s artwork in the money. If you have the money, you have the control. So raise the money and do it yourself. tion to Richard Rodriguez’s museum, and the overwhelming Hollywood Insider essay describing the allure of the presence of her husband Diego Don’t think that somebody’s going to see your Virgin of Guadalupe and her Rivera’s. Dawn Miller script and think you’re the new wonder-kid. I revered status in Mexican cul- used to think that I would just write the movie, Paul Sapiano is the writer/director of the LA ture. Rodriguez writes, “The The collection also includes someone would read it and like it, and then I Film Festival favorite The Boys and Girls Guide Virgin of Guadalupe symbolizes John Reed’s The Rise of a Bandit, would get to make it, but until you actually do it to Getting Down. The film hilariously dissects the entire coherence of Mexico, an account of Pancho Villa writ- and raise the money, it’s not going to happen. the partying culture in Los Angeles, in the for- body and soul. You will not find ten while Reed rode alongside mat of a ‘how-to’ guide on planning your night the story of the Virgin within the outlaw and his soldiers in for optimum success. 1914, and Jack Kerouac’s expa- What are some current projects that you’re hidebound secular histories of working on? Mexico— nor indeed within the triate musings on Mexican sol- They Played Soccer With His Head. The true credulous repertoire of Senor diers and village women. Award Describe a typical day in your life? Fuentes— and the omission ren- winning author Luis Rodriguez story of the 1980 New Mexico prison riots, ders the history of Mexico contributes a selection from his There are no typical days. One day I’m hob- where 32 people were murdered in 36 hours, one incomprehensible.” recently published book of nobbing with the stars, the next day I’m cleaning of whom was decapitated and the inmates had a poems, My Nature is Hunger. The my bathroom. I spend a lot of time polishing the kick around with his head. contemporary poet exemplifies wheels on my car. I like to sleep. I’m 32, but I like to look like I’m 24, and the way I maintain the kind of imagery to be found Who are some of your influences? on the pages of Mexico In Mind. that 24-year-old façade is by sleeping a lot and hydrating. I’m strongly influenced by Mary Jane and J. The old woman stares out Daniels. Two of my favorite writers. an open window, Shards of sunlight pierce her face What and where was your first job? Cutting shadows on skin. She is washing I got a job proofreading bus timetables, I’m What’s next for you? Her hands after the dishes, dipping them not kidding. As a kid, I was also part of a bed of Two more Boys and Girls Guides. Hopefully Into a sea of hues and shapes, nails, fire-eating and snake charming act, and we the box set will generate enough revenue for me A sea of syllables without sound, would tour all the clubs in the United Kingdom to open a soul bar in Hawaii called The Edwin In a stone house in Merida, & Ireland. I used to have to wear a studded Star. P Author/Editor Maria Finn Her Merida of dense Mexico. P

Friday, July 7, 2006 |  | ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today Column Column Quips from a defensive driver Taylor: Music a way to give back

My Town with *Immigrant-rights groups Words n Music with and unions are kicking off a Kat Kramer Michael Levine months-long campaign to nat- uralize 1 million immigrants nationwide, bolster the voter I recently attended The Help th *Folks who naively think peo- registration rolls and send a Group’s 29 Annual Spring ple are basically good have never message to politicians that Luncheon, where the 2006 Hon- tried to enter the freeway on the immigrants are a force to be oree was Elizabeth Gabler, the ramp at about five PM. reckoned with. president of Fox 2000 Pictures and “the classiest lady in show *Illegally parked cars that have *Jeffrey Cohen, author of business.” Gabler was presented cluttered city streets for two the Aaron Tucker Mystery with The Help Humanitarian months while transportation offi- series, has a three-book deal Award by the co-chairmen of cials worked to resolve a legal for a new series of mystery Fox Filmed Entertainment, Tom Rothman and Jim Gianopulos. glitch can now be towed away books, the Comedy Tonight The Help Group has been serv- after being parked 72 hours in the series. In Some Like It Hot But- ing children with special needs same spot. tered, the first in the series, for 30 years, including kids with Sarah Taylor sings with her music students at the The Help Group’s Spring Luncheon Elliot Freed owns a local New autism, Aspberger’s Disorder, *Maneuvering through traffic Jersey movie theatre that shows emotional problems, and learn- explained that they didn’t have a parts to the session singers. It while talking on the phone only comedies. When a ing disabilities. The chairman of music program, and they needed worked. When I started teach- increases the likelihood of a crash patron’s popcorn is poisoned, the board is Gary Carmona, and someone to come in and teach ing them, the population of the fivefold and is actually more dan- he feels obliged to investigate. the president/CEO is a take- the kids a couple of songs for kids was mostly SED (severe gerous than driving drunk, U.S. Due from Berkley Prime charge lady named Dr. Barbara their up-coming event. It just so emotionally disturbed). They researchers report. Crime in 2007. Firestone. Together, they have happens that I always wanted to had been abused and neglected. made The Help Group one of be a teacher. My mom was a SED kids respond well to an *Excellent buzz on the street *Some of LA’s most buxom the largest, most innovative non- teacher. My grandmother was a exciting environment. They’re for Joe Cortese starring role in the babes will strut their stuff next profit organizations in the coun- teacher. I’d done volunteering in good at last minute changes, it soon to be released independent month to benefit stray animals, try. They’ve also assembled an the past, but at the time, I was so doesn’t freak them out because film, Shut Up and Shoot, where he but the city of Los Angeles impressive team to create the busy in the music industry. their lives are so undependable stars as a flamboyant gay movie said Tuesday it is pulling out of musical portion of the luncheon. and unreliable, so if I want to producer. the controversial “Hooters for Kat: What was the job inter- change my mind, it doesn’t faze Neuters” bikini contest. One such team member is a view like? Can you remember them. I play piano and guitar– *Los Angeles airport chief talented singer/musician named how you felt? and I choose the songs. I think Lydia Kennard recently described *Emulating the “listening Sarah Taylor who teaches music all the kids respond to a more $1.2 billion worth of coming tour” of Hillary Clinton when to kids, and rehearses a select Sarah: I went over and met Bar- contemporary approach. group of them to sing at the bara (Firestone). I’d never had a improvements to LAX: an she first ran for the Senate, the With Music Education Luncheon each year. Taylor, “straight job” before– I’d been Kat: expanded Bradley International newly minted anchor of the being cut from most normal Terminal, realignment of the along with the fabulous for- doing nothing but singing. I “CBS Evening News,” Katie school budgets, it seems yours southernmost runway to improve Couric, will soon embark on a mer Temp- remember I is thriving. How has it changed safety, and automated screening of listening tour of her own. tations dressed in all checked baggage. vocalist what I your day-to-day routine? Louis Price, *Walt Disney Corp. lost at thought was rehearsed *Good ideas are not adopted the U.S. Supreme Court in the “appropri- Sarah: Barbara is so supportive the kids on automatically. They must be driven 15-year legal battle over the ate” for my of the arts, it’s ridiculous. She’s such tunes as interview. I into practice with courageous merchandising rights to Win- all about reaching the kids in a “I Believe I gave them impatience. nie the Pooh characters. creative way. I’m grateful to her Can Fly” and my resume– for allowing me to find a new “What A which I’m *If there is one thing that Los sense of self-identity. I used to *The Justice Department Wonderful sure they Angeles has learned in Mayor claims impressive results in be so consumed with my music World.” The were look- career. I was part of that world Antonio Villaraigosa’s first year in curbing counterfeit trading kids were ing at it office, it is this: He does not shy and copyright theft but Holly- where you’re checking your thrilled to thinking, voicemail all the time to see if away from a fight in pursuit of his wood leaders and economists Baby Face croons with a Help Group youngster sing along “What’s you have a job. In working with vision for the city. aren’t buying it— L.A.’s movie with special this?” It had the kids, I’d find the whole day industry still is losing $6.1 bil- guest Kenneth “Babyface” all the tours I’d done, but it had had gone by, and I hadn’t even *Calling the historic Hall of lion each year to piracy. Edmonds. I was lucky to be able nothing to do with teaching cre- thought of doing that. I’ve Justice downtown a “money pit,” to sit down with Sarah Taylor dentials. But Barbara could see learned a lot about myself from the county grand jury accused *Tired of the state of public after the show. how much I wanted to do it. the experience– it’s a new level officials of wasting hundreds of bathrooms? Do something She’s amazing, and she saw my of self-discovery. For some of thousands of taxpayer dollars on about it! Join the fight for passion. I came back a week these kids– it’s the music that Kat Kramer: How did you renovation efforts even as they cleaner, safer, more accessible later, and worked with the kids. gets them out of bed in the become involved with The Help risk losing a $16 million federal and public restrooms. www. It went great. morning. It’s been an exciting grant for the project. americarestroom.org. Group? journey for me. P Kat: How did you approach *It seems like every other *Polls show that some three Sarah Taylor: I had just gotten teaching them? See The Help Group kids perform week; Pat Robertson gets himself out of four Americans support off the road with Joe Cocker– in on December 2nd at “The Teddy into hot water by announcing that allowing doctors to prescribe fact, my suitcases weren’t Sarah: I just taught them the Bear Ball” at The Beverly Hilton he received yet another personal medical marijuana for patients unpacked yet. A friend of mine way I would if I was at a record- Hotel. For tickets, please visit message from the Almighty. P called and told me a little bit ing studio, and I had a session, who need it. www.TheHelpGroup.org. about The Help Group, and and I was going to teach the ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today |  | Friday, July 7, 2006 Television King draws stars to Dreamscapes

“The training is exten- sive, six hours a day just in the gym,” Jones said. “Then there’s the martial arts, sword work, every- thing. But it’s easy for me because I’m an athlete. I love it. The first time I got in a wire rig, hanging four stories up, everybody is like ‘Are you okay?’ I’m like, ‘Are you kidding me? I live for this. Let’s do it again.’”

Aiding the blood- sucking exterminator is Jill Wagner as Krista, a soldier just back from William Hurt battles an army of vengeful toys in Stephen King’s Dreamscapes Iraq, and Nelson Lee as series Desperation. Weber says Blade’s sidekick Shen. He’s the by Frank Barron his Nightmares & Dreamscapes one who creates imaginative story is, “very Stephen King weapons to destroy the vam- From the stories of Stephen because it’s twisted and humor- pires— sort of like James Bond’s King, Nightmares & Dreamscapes ous. It’s about a couple that goes “Q.” is a four-week television event on a road trip and encounters presented by TNT on Wednes- the denizens of a small town days starting July 12 at 9 PM. called Rock’n’Roll Heaven. It’s News-worthy Big stars and fine actors, such as more than just scary. This has a Brian Williams may be the William Hurt, William H. Macy, lot to say about America’s love ideal anchorman on NBC’s Steven Weber, Tom Berenger, affair [with] pop culture.” Nightly News, but he admits he Marsha Manson, and Kim Del- relished recent appearances on aney have flocked to the Turner The Tonight Show with Jay Leno cable series, but the startling sto- Move over Buffy and The Daily Show with Jon ries by Stephen King are the real If you liked the Blade films Stewart. “I love being funny with stars. There’s not a word of dialog with Wesley Snipes, get ready them. But there are a lot of in the first, hour-long episode for Blade: The Series on Spike TV things that I care about, although titled Battleground, but the story (Wednesday’s at 10). The show, some of them don’t lend them- about a hit man (Hurt) who based on the popular Marvel selves easily to television. I’m a wages war with the creations of comic books, recently debuted huge history buff and I love the the toymaker he just killed will with a ratings-grabbing two- history of the American presi- have audiences spellbound. hour movie, setting up the prem- dency. I love watching cars rac- ise of a noble ing around the track, but you can Umney’s half vampire only do so much journalism on Last Case (air- hell-bent on NASCAR,” he says, laughing. ing July 19), crushing a stars Emmy- colony of Speaking of which, NAS- winning Macy full-bred CAR superstar Jimmie Johnson, as a hard-bit- vampires in winner of the Daytona 500, was ten gumshoe Detroit. part of all the hoopla surround- THANK YOU FOR READINGin 1938 who Starring as ing the opening of the Fast & discovers he is the heroic Furious: Extreme Close Up attrac- the main char- night stalker tion at Universal Studios Holly- acter in a seriesTODAY is Kirk Jones, wood. It was inspired by the rub- of novels that a who audi- ber-burning action movie writer named ences may franchise. Although he is no Sam is writing remember stranger to life in the fast lane, THANK YOU FOR READINGin 2005. “Ste- from last Johnson was wowed by the stunt phen King is summer’s drivers who jumped over a cou- bold,” Macy brilliant war ple of vehicles, and made “donuts” said. “His Macy fractured in Dreamscapes drama Over on the asphalt as the cars spun TODAY imagination is There. But around in circles. Also he praised fantastical, so he’ll take great music fans will know him best as the drivers’ skill at “drifting,” leaps. He will put together plots Sticky Fingaz from the hip-hop which is sliding around a sharp that are unlikely, but he’s such a group Onyx. Now Jones is show- turn, ultra fast—as seen in the skilled writer that you buy into ing off his athletic side, as he latest filmThe Fast & the Furious:

ENTERTAINMENTTODAY them.” participates in breathtaking Tokyo Drift. Now, gentlemen and stunts in the action-packed ladies, start your engines. And if The next episode, You Know series. That’s what makes Blade you can’t get enough of NAS- TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN They Got A Hell of a Band, stars distinctive—in addition to all CAR on cable, head to the Cali- Steven Weber, who worked with the usual shootouts and chase fornia Speedway, or Universal

ENTERTAINMENTTODAY King on three other projects, scenes, there’s a lot of martial Studios for the ride of your life. including the recent ABC mini- arts and high-wire work. P Friday, July 7, 2006 |  | ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today THANK YOU FOR READING

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Pilot spells ABC’s of Kyle XY ENTERTAINMENTTODAY

by M. Y. Lee

Kyle XY, the new ABC Family series about a teenage boy with no memory, no clothes, and no belly button, promises to tap into the high school genre with an almost X-Files twist.

Found wandering alone in a Seattle forest, unable to speak or understand a word, Kyle (Matt Dallas) is sent to juvenile hall. But when a pretty-in-a-Doris-Day-sort- of-way psychologist, Nicole Trager (Marguerite MacIntyre) meets Kyle, she decides to take him home to her family. While there are a few protests at first, she is able to convince her passive hus- band, Stephen (Bruce Thom- as), boy-crazy daughter, Lori (April Matson), and her annoying son, Josh ( Jean-Luc Bilodeau) to let Kyle stay for while.

Kyle makes Doogie Hows- er look like a slacker, finishing hour-long exams perfectly in five minutes. Medi- cal tests prove he uses massive amounts of his brain when most humans only use seven percent. He also has a photo- graphic memory, the ability to mimic peo- ple exactly, reprogram computers in mere seconds, and skillful- Matt Dallas as Kyle ly dodge fast-moving objects like Neo from ofz is voiceover. To make up for the The Matrix. Wheth- fact that Kyle doesn’t really speak, the er he is an alien or audience is beset with inner mono- born in a laboratory, logues. Although interesting at first, we’ll slowly discover they quickly become tiresome. as the series unravels. Kyle is a likeable Marguerite MacIntyre as Nicole Trager Don’t let the fact that it’s on “ABC character. He looks Family” throw you off. The network innocent without is really revamping its image with the being vacuous. He pulls off being silly, and the shows it’s putting on the air. ABC Family is more you find yourself embarrassed for him, the more like the N or what used to be the WB, more you care. than the Disney channel. The programming is edgy, young but not too young, and of course, What also makes Kyle XY different is its deals with family. But Kyle XY definitely has its lighter sensibility. Although it includes a suspi- PG-13 moments– which include masturbation, cious man who watches Kyle and the Trager teenage sex, and some nudity. family from his truck, the show still has what one might call “The Disney Effect,” where you’re In the pilot, Kyle XY relies on its engaging never really worried that someone is in danger. mystery and unusual concept to bring in and Kyle XY lacks the eeriness of The X-Files or hopefully keep viewers. But once Kyle gets past Smallville, but the writers Eric Bress and J. his awkward “baby” phase (and all the set-up Mackye Gruber (The Butterfly Effect, Final Des- needed only for a pilot), he’ll start doing every- tination 2) do a nice job of keeping you wanting day activities like going to school, and we’ll feel P more. The only thing you might not want more more connected to him.

ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today |  | Friday, July 7, 2006 Movie Listings Now Playing: Capsule reviews from Enterainment Insiders

The Break-Up fact is that the book was better at cener declines to deeply venture beyond Cohen’s loyal fans or bring Keeping Up With The Steins ★★ ★★ (PG-13) when expectorating conspiracy into her characters’ trials and trib- converts to the brooding whimsy ★ (PG-13) One might be inclined to walk theories than doing chases. (EL) ulations. She opts instead to and dense wordplay of his songs. The Bar Mitzvah (Hebrew for into a screening of The Break-Up The Grove, Arclight, Pacific Galleria sugarcoat the film with a litany of But the reclusive Cohen offers “first blessing”), is one of the most thinking that the title says it all. Stadium 16, AMC Burbank 16, Mann whimsical scenes that offer mild warm and amusing recollections. – Glendale Exchange 10, UA Marina Del important ceremonies in the Jew- Except in this case, it doesn’t. Now amusement. (WC) David Germain, AP Rey 6, AMC Santa Monica 7 ish religion. In olden times, a 13- if the film had the more appropri- Academy 6 Theater Laemmle Sunset 5, Laemmle Monica 4 year-old boy would come up to ate title of “The Argument,” then Devil Wears Prada ★★★ Loverboy ★★1/2 (R) Heart of the Game, The ★★★★ read the torah at the synagogue that would have been more like it. (PG-13) Even devoted fans of Loverboy, (PG-13) for the first time. Then he would (SM) based on Victoria Redel’s novel AMC Loews Universal City 18 & IMAX, The concept of fashion as art is Darnellia Russell had game but be given a party prior to being and directed by veteran actor The Grove, Pacific Culver Stadium 12, a theme given a proper send-up she needed more. Basketball gave kicked out of the house and forced Kevin Bacon, will have to admit Pacific Galleria Stadium 16 in The Devil Wears Prada. And her a start, but what is thought of to get a job. (EL) Leammle Music Hall, Laemmle Town it’s a mess of a movie. With a tone when that art is worn by the as just a game to some became the ★ ★ ★ you can Center so uneven and scattered that you Cars 1/2 (PG 13) likes of Meryl Streep, catalyst from which Darnellia will Pixar is unique in the history of forgive the softness of the film. can almost (but not quite) believe mature into a woman. The Heart of The Lake House★ ★ 1/2 (PG) movies. It’s the only studio not to deals with adult issues it’s actually what the director Prada the Game is a terribly inspiring A time warp allows architect Alex have ever produced a flop. Even intended, Loverboy is an odd little but handles adult situations from documentary that’s about more Wyler (Keanu Reeves) to corre- Walt Disney himself during his movie...but not always in a good a distance to make it appropriate than Darnellia’s story, it’s a story spond with Doctor Kate Forster heyday would produce the occa- way. Primarily a vehicle for Bacon’s viewing for a large audience about a coach with odd ideas (Sandra Bullock). Forster just sional financial disaster. But not wife Kyra Sedgwick to dive into spectrum. And while this may about basketball and a heart big happens to live in the future. Not Pixar. The only bad movie they what has to be the most bizarre help at the box office, all that far in the future, however, ever produced was a short called role of her career, the film sputters about two years to be exact. And Boundin’ and that doesn’t really it waters down the in more than a few spots, yet its as luck would have it they live in count, which leaves expectations effectiveness of the quirkiness manages to keep you the same house. In Forster’s future so high as to cause breathing trou- story. (JH) intrigued to some degree. (WC) Alex moved out well before. Laemmle Sunset 5, Laemmle Monica 4 ble to see them up close. (EL) A rclight, AMC Loews Reeves and Bullock both do a AMC Loews Universal City 18 & IMAX, Universal City 18 & IMAX, AMC Century City 14, Pacific Galleria The Grove, AMC Century decent job and Christopher Plum- Nacho Libre ★★ (PG) Stadium 16, AMC Santa Monica 7, City 14, Pacific Culver mer as Alex’s father delightfully Jared Hess’ sporadically funny Century 8, AMC Burbank 16, AMC Media Stadium 12, Los Feliz 3, The chews the scenery. The Lake House Nacho Libre is a messy film carried Center 8, AMC Media Center North, Brdige: Cinema de Lux, is a one hankie weepy for gals who through on the misanthropic cha- Mann Glendale Exchange 10, Pacific Paseo Laemmle Grande 4 Plex, really don’t want to see any of the Stadium 14 AMC Loews Marina 6, risma of its lead Jack Black. Lots Pacific Galleria Stadium 16, superhero action flicks that usually of unique sketch type comedy come out this time of year. (EL) Click ★★ (PG-13) AMC Loews Broadway 4, can’t make this incomplete story Century 8, AMC Burbank 16, AMC Loews Universal City 18 & IMAX, Since a magical remote control The Grove, AMC Century City 14, work. And this despite some AMC Media Center North 6, inspired moments from anti-star turns out to be the cause of Adam Mann Glendale Marketsplace Arclight, Pacific Culver Stadium 12, Pacific Sandler’s problems in his latest 4, Plant 16, Laemmle’s One Sherman Oaks 5, Mann Criterion 6 Black. (JH) AMC Loews Universal City 18 & IMAX, Colorado Cinemas, Pacific Theatres, Century 8, AMC Burbank 16, comedy, I couldn’t help but hope The Grove, AMC Century City 14, Mann Paseo Stadium 14 AMC Media Center North 6, Mann that a real fast-forward button Glendale Exchange 10, Plant 16, Laemmle’s Chinese 6, Pacific Culver Stadium 12, Los would appear out of nowhere and One Colorado Cinemas, Pacific Paseo Feliz 3, Pacific Galleria Stadium 16, Fast and the Furious: Century 8, AMC Burbank 16, AMC Media bail me out of the last 40 minutes. ★ ★ Stadium 14 That’s because despite an amusing Tokyo Drift c c Center 8, Mann Glendale Marketplace 4, Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man Plant 16, Laemmle’s One Colorado set-up that aims higher than you’d (PG-13) c The first two were to (PG-13) Cinemas, Pacific Paseo Stadium 14, UA expect from a Sandler comedy, Marina Del Rey 6, AMC Santa Monica 7 Click tunes out with an ending some extent hits, and so This concert documentary gathers the studio really had no solid interviews, anecdotes, recita- c c c that’s sappy, redundant and not The Omen 2006 (R) is an choice but to make a tions and tribute performances nearly as funny as the hour or so awfully good film. Surprisingly, it third. It’s all the usual that present a fairly engaging por- that preceded it. (SM) exceeds its predecessor but could AMC Loews Universal City 18 & IMAX, crap. The racing scenes trait of the wry, dark poet who not have been made without it. The Grove, AMC Century City 14, are to some extent became a distinct voice in pop Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada Though it has been a while since Arclight, Mann Criterion 6 Theatres, exciting. But when the music. Unlikely to appeal much Century 8, AMC Burbank 16, AMC Media Center 8, AMC Media Center North 6, camera isn’t on fast cars, the action stops dead in its tracks Mann Glendale Exchange 10, Pacific Beach enough to overcome the odds. Cities Stadium 16, Plant 16, Pacific Paseo making the film boring more Stadium 14 ( JH) often than not. If you like watch- Laemmle’s One Colorado, Landmark ing cars crash, Tokyo Drift might NuWilshire Theatre Da Vinci Code, The ★★ 1/2 be for you. Although race car fans (PG-13) Time to state the obvi- might be left wanting as the action An Inconvenient Truth ous: the movie was NEVER going becomes gridlock when the drama ★★★★(PG) to be as good as the book and kicks in. (EL) Is Al Gore doing a Chicken Little everyone knows it. Remember the AMC Loews Universal City 18 & IMAX, act in An Inconvenient Truth? I first Harry Potter film or Midnight The Grove, Mann Chinese 6, Pacific Galleria Stadium 16, Century 8, AMC wish he were. This stunning docu- in the Garden of Good and Evil. Burbank 16, AMC Media Center 8, Mann mentary about global warming is Both were fine films, but you can’t Glendale Exchange 10, Pacific Paseo a well-reasoned, clearly-proven, do things as nuanced as some nov- Stadium 14 intelligent, cogent, irresistible tor- els and remain faithful unless ★ ★ rent of scientific data, in a curious- you’ve got a miniseries lasting a Friends With Money 1/2 (R) ly warm, engaging, often funny total of four or five hours. This is With Jennifer Aniston, Frances presentation. What an entertain- not to say that Akiva Goldsman McDormand, Catherine Keener ing horror movie this is! ( JG) and Ron Howard don’t TRY. They and Joan Cusack. An episodic, AMC Century City 14, Arclight, did a damn fine job of doing an fairly enjoyable movie, but never Los Feliz 3, Pacific Galleria Stadium 16, almost exact transcription of the raises its stakes high enough to Laemmle Monica 4, AMC Media Center Frances McDormand as the ill-tempered Jane in Friends with Money North 6, Laemmle Playhouse 7 Dan Brown novel, but the simple become truly absorbing. Holof-

Friday, July 7, 2006 | 10 | ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today Sandra Bullock receives mysterious love letters in The Lake House I’ve seen the Richard Donner wistful film. In it, the radio show dodgeball. This bit is so weird directed original, I believe that the is taking place against the sudden- and unexpectedly hilarious that 2006 remake is fairly faithful to its ly pending demise of station WLT, it makes you wonder who the source. But instead of feeling like sold to an evil Texas conglomer- people were that came up with it a dirty impostor (ala Van Sant’s ate, making this the last hurrah. and where they were when the technically excellent but some- There is lots of backstage “reality,” rest of the script was being writ- thing missing Psycho), this version and - above all - fabulously stick- ten. (Peter Sobczynski) is sleeker and more consistently in-the-brain good music. Surpris- Landmark NuWilshire, Laemmle Sunset 5, entertaining than the first. (JH) ingly effective vocals by Meryl Laemmle Playhouse 7, Laemmle Town AMC Loews Universal City 18 & IMAX, Streep, Lily Tomlin, Virginia Center 5 Mann Criterion 6, AMC Media Center 8, Madsen, Woody Harrelson, and see LISTINGS p.18 Plant 16 John C. Reilly. Yes, they also act ★ ★ ★ in the context of monologues and Over The Hedge (PG) interweaving stories. (JG) Between the controversy sur- AMC Century City, Arclight, Pacific rounding its subject matter, the Culver Stadium 12, Pacific Galleria popularity of its star and the fact Stadium 16, Laemmle Fairfax, Laemmle that just about everyone on the Playhouse 7 planet has already read the book, ★ ★ ★ theater owners can finally count Road to Guantanamo (R) on getting that big opening week- Please see two contrasting reviews end they’ve been waiting for. And on page 17. Laemmle 1 Colorado, if The Da Vinci Code doesn’t do it Laemmle Fairfax for them, then Over the Hedge ★ ★ ★ probably will. That’s because the A Scanner Darkly (R) computer-animated big screen Please see full length review on adaptation of the popular comic page 16. The Grove, Laemmle Monica 4, strip series created by Michael Fry and T Lewis is a clever, charming Strangers with Candy ★ (R) and often funny movie that the Roughly four times the length of whole family can enjoy. (SM) Mann Culver Plaza 6 Theatres a normal episode, Candy unfor- tunately does not contain a simi- A Prairie Home Companion lar multiple of laughs. The film

★★★★(PG-13) is a smug and dreary slog through Robert Altman’s star-studded largely unfunny material that ensemble piece was inspired by will completely bewilder new- Garrison Keillor’s understated, comers while testing the patience unpretentious radio show from a of loyal fans of the show. Amy mythical, benign, heartwarming, Sedaris as Jerri Blank is best in American hinterland. Altman’s small doses. However I will direction is as laid-back and unos- admit that the film does contain tentatiously clever as Keillor’s one bit that actually made me show. With Keillor himself as laugh as hard as anything else writer and self-effacing star, Alt- that I have seen this year: a gym class sequence featuring an activ- man comes up with a wonderfully Stephen Colbert and Amy Sedaris team in the Comedy Central spin-off, Strangers With Candy substantial, light-hearted and ity more hazardous than even ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today | 11 | Friday, July 7, 2006 Film Review Depp to the rescue in Pirates

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN’S CHEST

(3 out of 4 stars) studio so desperate for material Directed by Gore Verbinski that they were reduced to ran- Starring: Johnny Depp, sacking their theme park rides arrests them and sentences them Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley for inspiration. When audiences to death for aiding in the escape 150 minutes, Rated PG-13 discovered that it was better than of wanted fugitive Captain Jack Naturally, Sparrow wants expected, they were so excited Sparrow (Depp). Beckett makes to save his own skin and that they were willing to over- a deal with Will— in exchange sends Will in his place. by Peter Sobczynski look its obvious flaws—mostly a for a pardon, Will is to track This doesn’t sit well with rambling screenplay and a run- down Sparrow and retrieve the Davy and he demands Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead ning time that was about thirty magical compass that Beckett that Sparrow provide Man’s Chest contains many of the minutes longer than necessary. desires. Will sets sail in pursuit him with 100 souls in elements seen in the original Now that the surprise is gone, of his quarry and before long, three days under penalty 2003 film— a freewheeling plot Dead Man’s Chest has to stand tracks Sparrow to a distant island of a fate worse than consisting of equal parts swash- on its own merits and reveals where the natives worship him death. After a half- buckling, action, and silly humor, itself to be— surprise— a rela- as a god. Unfortunately for him, hearted attempt to coerce plenty of icky creatures, creepy tively entertaining film often these natives have a tendency to potential souls in Tortu- villains, and sexy heroines and— hobbled by a rambling screen- eat their gods in order to release ga—a stop that reunites most importantly— a central play and a running time about their spirits into the world. him with Elizabeth (who performance by Johnny Depp thirty minutes longer than escaped from jail during that starts off over-the-top and necessary. The film’s passable plot all of this)—Sparrow proceeds from there. The one revolves around a deal that Spar- decides to try to find the thing that it doesn’t have— and Picking up soon after the row struck many years ago with legendary Dead Man’s the one thing that none of the first film ended, Dead Man’s the loathsome Davy Jones (Bill Chest, a long-buried zillions that went into it could Chest opens as the wedding of Nighy), a long-dead buccaneer chest belonging to Davy possibly buy— is the sense of lovebirds Will Turner (Orlando who resides on the Flying that contains a still-beat- novelty that the first film had. Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann Dutchman with his half-man/ ing heart and promises When that one came out, most (Keira Knightley) is interrupted half-fish/all-undead crew. Spar- everlasting life and con- people assumed that it would be by the loathsome Lord Cutler row received a ship, the Black trol of the seas to its a shameless cash-in effort by a Beckett (Tom Hollander) who Pearl, in exchange for his soul. owner. This leads to a Keira Knightley fetching as Elizabeth Swann Friday, July 7, 2006 | 12 | ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today number of wild swordfights, attacks by zombie pirates and the fearsome Kraken, plenty of cliff-hangers, and what may be the first selfless act performed by Sparrow in his lifetime.

All of this is fun for a while but the problem with a film like Dead Man’s Chest is that a tone of sustained whimsy can only be maintained for so long before it starts to get a little wearying. (If you doubt this, try watching It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World sometime.) By trying so hard to thrill, dazzle and amuse us in every single scene, the filmmak- ers never give the film the kind of breathing room required to fully appreciate their efforts. Take the first set-piece involving the escape from the cannibal Orlando Bloom as Will Turner island— for a while, it is a genu- inely hilarious slapstick ballet on mention quite fetching when a scale not seen since Steven decked out in a tri-cornered hat). Spielberg’s thoroughly underrat- And Bloom is . . . Bloom is the ed 1941, but it goes on for so boring and blandly handsome long that it winds up peaking straight man that no one notices long before it ends. Thus, what because everyone else gets all the should have been a priceless colorful material. example of slapstick stunting (a three-way duel fought atop a The real selling point of the enormous runaway water wheel) Pirates of the Caribbean franchise just kind of lies there. Screen- is, once again, the magnificently writers Ted Elliot & Terry Ros- fruity performance by Johnny sio and director Gore Verbinski Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow. (all returning from the first film) Once famously based on Keith apparently didn’t heed the criti- Richards (though one could also cisms that the original was too detect traces of Depp’s late pals long for its own good— Dead Hunter S. Thompson and Mar- Man’s Chest packs approximately lon Brando), he has here taken 105 minutes of top-notch enter- the role far beyond mere impres- tainment into 156-minutes of sion into the kind of demented movie. realm that only the most supremely confident of perform- At the same time, I am still ers ever dare to enter. Most recommending Dead Man’s Chest actors would shy away from a for many of the same reasons role like Sparrow for fear of that I recommended the first coming off as ridiculous. Here, film. Although they go on far no matter how strange the cir- too long, the action set pieces are cumstances—whether he is tied an ingenious blend of practical to a barbecue spit or battling effects, elaborate CGI creations, oddball creatures or demonstrat- and impressive fight choreogra- ing that the monkey in his pos- phy. The storyline deftly moves session is indeed undead—Depp from high melodrama to low always figures out a way to put comedy to creepy horror with an additional spin on the materi- nary a hiccup and ends on a note al via his hilariously mannered that should have everyone sali- approach. In a film that comes vating for the other sequel com- close to proving that there really ing out next summer. (Like the can be too much of a good thing, first film, this one is rated PG- Depp somehow manages to leave P 13 and parents should heed that audiences hungry for more. when considering whether or not to bring the wee ones.) Peter Sobczynski writes for the Liberty Suburban Chicago As for the performances, Newspapers chain and Nighy (the man underneath var- on-line at www.efilmcritic.com. ious motion-capture devices in He can also be heard on the nationally syndicated radio program, THANK YOU FOR READING the same manner as Andy Serkis Mancow’s Morning Madhouse. in the Lord of the Rings films) is Comments, complaints, questions, appropriately loathsome and threats and Milla Jovovich’s phone icky as Davy Jones. Knightley is number can be sent to him at [email protected]. appropriately spunky and TODAY Keira Knightley fetching as Elizabeth Swann delightful as Elizabeth (not to ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today | 13 | Friday, July 7, 2006 THANK YOU FOR READING

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ENTERTAINMENTTODAY Film Interview Will Car influence lawmakers? Michael Guillén asks the avengers of the Electric Car

by Michael Guillén electricity to make cars go Chelsea: I think the short answer because we create that here in is that the EV1’s were their own Earlier this year at the 49th the U.S. Our film talks about best advertisement. The more San Francisco International Film how effectively that can work if they were on the road, the more Festival’s opening night gala, I we all put our minds to it. It did people wanted them and if that’s couldn’t resist my Skyy vodka work, in the 90’s we had it, and it not the business you want to be martinis, and, you know what can come back now. The tech- in, having them out there they say: one is too many and nology is still there. becomes a liability in itself. two is not enough! So I arrived at my interview the following Wally: There’s a lot of stuff hap- Chris: The official reason they morning a little worse for wear pening. There’s the Prius, the claimed was that there were no but eager nonetheless to have a hybrid made by Toyota. I think spare parts and that cars couldn’t chat with the team behind Who it’s being driven in many cases be kept on the road and that Killed the Electric Car? Former because of high fuel prices. there was a potential long-term General Motors specialist Chel- Remember when the electric car liability. But their arguments sea Sexton was overdue, having [the EV1] was out, fuel prices seem very circular. We really missed a flight, so we started the were much lower than they are came to the conclusion they just ball rolling with director Chris now; but, we saw this coming. I didn’t want electric cars out there Paine, gas conservation expert think that things are going to on the roads. What do you Wally Rippel, and executive pro- happen whether or not the gov- think, Wally? ducer Dean Devlin. Sexton ernment is involved. My concern arrived soon after. is not “Are we going to do the Wally: Let’s suppose you were a right thing to save the planet?” typewriter company and it’s Michael Guillén: I’m 52 years but “Is America going to be left 1975, and you started a little old, I’ve never had a driver’s behind?” Are we going to watch venture with computers and a license, and I’ve never had a car. as the Japanese corner the mar- little bit of stuff with word pro- But I was so enthused by Who ket? As the Chinese move in? cessing and, of course, these Killed the Electric Car, I wanted As India steps up? As Europe things are more expensive to one! I’ve been interviewing a steps up? Are we going to be the make than typewriters. And you number of documentary film- odd man out? I’m sensitive to really didn’t believe in it but you makers who seem to share a that as an engineer. I want to be thought we’ll do this just in case common motivation, which is to in the leadership role. I want to [the government is serious about counter the systematic erasure of be a participant. I do not want wanting computers]. But people history perpetrated by various to be an observer. I want to be in like your product, and you’re get- powers-that-be. In your film, the game. Electric Car director Chris Paine and executive producer Dean Devlin at ting pushed in directions that the culpability has been nar- the scene of the crime. Devlin calls Car one of the highlights of his career. just don’t fit in with your type- rowed down to the usual sus- Michael: My concern— and I writer plans. Then, it turns out pects, but what are we supposed think it’s a growing concern as [Chelsea Sexton arrives and, is to get these cars back on the [the government isn’t serious.] to do with this information? we’re becoming more aware of after initial introductions and road, to take the lessons that we If you didn’t have vision for com- the current administration— is salutations, she settles into the learned and keep it from hap- puters, you probably wouldn’t do Chris Paine: That’s a good the addiction for oil justifying interview.] pening again, and also figure out anything more to move your question! Well, I would hope aggression. The other day I was how to move in a forward posi- business toward them. And this that people finish this film think- listening to a news report about Michael: Chelsea, I was talking tive direction. is the big picture that I see. I see ing, “My god, there are alterna- the oil resources in Venezuela about how Who Killed the Electric General Motors doing things tives to the gasoline car I’ve been and how suddenly we have war Car? has been posed as a who- Michael: Audiences have defi- that are hurtful, not just to the driving. There are alternatives in ships off the coast of Venezuela dunit mystery but that it’s really nitely been moved by this film. rest of us, but to themselves! the way I think about what and just as suddenly we’re find- a love story. And you walked in How do you think the American Look at their bottom line right transportation is. About what ing reasons to be angry with just at that moment! consumer is going to react? Will now. They’re losing a million kind of cars I want to have avail- them. The transparency of the they rally to the call? dollars an hour, twenty-four able to me. What do I want to situation irks me. Dean: The love interest! hours a day. The thing is, when do with the car that I currently Chelsea: I think they will. And you tell lies, you sometimes own?” You don’t use a car, which It seems that it has fallen to Chelsea Sexton: Hardly. our experience has proven that believe your own lies. is fantastic, because you’re obvi- documentary filmmakers to cor- they want to. They come out of ously not— rect the adage that history Michael: What are you doing each screening saying, “What do Dean: It’s interesting talking belongs to the victors. Certain now, Chelsea? How have you I do? Where do I go? Who do I about General Motors, on 60 Wally Rippel: You don’t create documentaries, like yours, cause continued on with your advocacy call? What do I buy?” The whole Minutes a couple of weeks ago emissions! [Laughter.] us to re-evaluate this. At first we of the electric car? point is to give them more of they did a big piece about how trust the decisions of our leaders, those options. It’s about creating General Motors may be near Chris: That’s terrific! I hear they seem to be for the best, but Chelsea: I still do quite a lot of more choices. bankruptcy and they blamed people talking on the radio about then we take a second look and work with Plug In America, 100% of this on their workers! four dollars a gallon for gasoline realize their decisions are wrong which was the organization that Michael: Why do you think They blamed it on how much and one solution is, “Well, why and their “histories” self-serving. you saw towards the end of the General Motors was so drastic they have to pay into retirement don’t I just drive less?” That’s A.O. Scott [of the New York film. We went through this evo- in destroying the EV1’s? (That funds and the health benefits terrific. But also, the auto com- Times] called Who Killed the lution from saving cars to trying was the emotional part of this and I thought, “How disgusting! panies— and you would hope Electric Car? a “prosecutorial to get more cars built. And so documentary. They saved those Blame the people who built your the government would [provide examination” and Grist Maga- we still continue to do that. We cars!) Why was there such a sys- company and not even mention the incentive for] this— should zine’s Dan Bree called it a who- work with policy makers and car tematic erasure and destruction that you abandoned the technol- really make it easier for us to use dunit in the form of a love story. companies and the whole point of the electric car? ogy you had before anyone else Friday, July 7, 2006 | 14 | ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today Wally Rippel on consumers and the electric car: “Yes, we’re all consumers. We should be chasing the best deal for our dollar. But we’re also citizens and we can say, ‘Advertising is just advertising. What product really corresponds with my values? What do I want for my vision of the future?’”

in the entire world, technology really didn’t have a chance to buy a big difference. You can imag- that could have put you on the this in 99% of the country, you ine what they could do to bring map, technology that could have never ever heard about this, so back the electric car. changed the face of your compa- how can we blame them? It’s a ny. Just ignore that and blame close call, but, we decided that Michael: What I liked about the workers.” those consumers that knew your documentary was its posi- about it, they said, “You know tive tone. You’re giving us hope Michael: CARB (California what? I need to wait and see.” that we can do something, you Air Resources Board) initially Or, “I’m going to go with what I know. But one complaint I’ve implemented the Zero Emis- see advertised on television.” Yes, heard about the electric car is sions Mandate to ward off Cali- we’re all consumers. We should replacing the batteries, that it fornia’s pollution crisis but then be chasing the best deal for our would be very expensive: is that ended up revoking it due to dollar. But we’re also citizens true? compromises struck with the and we can say, “Advertising is auto industry. Can the Zero just advertising. What product Wally: Well, that bridge has Emissions Mandate be brought really corresponds with my val- already been crossed. The bat- back somehow? Can your docu- ues? What do I want for my tery technology that was devel- mentary in any way help lobby vision of the future?” And that oped for the Prius, the nickel for a re-evaluation of that requires that we look beyond metal hydride battery, is being decision? advertising. I don’t mean to guaranteed for 150,000 miles. soapbox here, but, we decided in But the Prius is a little bit more Chelsea: The Zero Emissions the end that consumers are part expensive to buy than a conven- Mandate is actually going to be of the solution. So since the tional vehicle. You’re talking revisited this summer. There are electric car was killed, we’re all in about a 10-15% cost difference. some new hearings to try to fig- this together. And we all need to If you run all the numbers ure out what to do with it. So work together to get out of the assuming $1 a gallon for gas, the we not only hope, but expect this situation we’re in now. Prius doesn’t quite pay for itself. film to have an impact on those But gas doesn’t cost $1 a gallon, hearings. And the bottom line is Dean: It’s a very different world it costs $3 a gallon and the the consumers have got to start today. For the average consumer, arrows are all pointing upward. asking for what they want. The the consequences of not embrac- Two years from now, Priuses will traditional model of the auto ing this kind of technology are be powered by lithium batteries industry was, “We’re going to much more apparent today than rather than the nickel metal build something and then con- at that time. hydride and we have some spy vince you that you want it.” That people telling us that the Priuses needs to be reversed. Wally: Hurricane Katrina…. are going to have— at least some of them— will have the option Michael: You do place culpabil- Dean: The threat of global of being plug-in vehicles so that ity on the consumer— their lack warning is palpable now when instead of getting just 50 miles of awareness— and yet at the before it was theoretical. Mean- per gallon, you’ll be able to get same time I’m curious whether while in Iraq people are dying all well over 100 miles per gallon. it’s entirely their fault. At that the time and it’s directly related time, the average consumer was to our addiction to oil. And, Michael: Thank you so much being bombarded with advertise- frankly, just gas prices! If you for your time. It’s a wonderful ments for “preferable” products look at how the sales of the Toy- project. I think you’re on Oscar that the auto industry wanted to ota Prius have skyrocketed, it track. I’m serious! Thank you sell them. Can the consumer shows that consumers can make very much. P really be blamed? Michael Guillén is a staff writer and critic for Entertainment Today. Wally: This is such a fascinating For more interviews and writing by Michael Guillén, question for us. We went back go to: www.TheEveningClass.blogspot.com and forth because consumers ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today | 15 | Friday, July 7, 2006 Film Review Scanner offers dark predictions A Scanner Darkly

(3 out of 4 stars) Directed by Richard Linklater Starring: Keanu Reeves, Wynona Ryder, Woody Harrelson, Rory Cochrane, Robert Downey Jr. 100 minutes, Rated R

by Adam Barnick A pitch-black meditation on perception, paranoia and identity, this adaptation of celebrated sci- ence-fiction author Philip K. Dick’s A Scanner Darkly takes place in the near future. The futility of an endless war on drugs continues unchecked, meshed with the “endless sur- veillance” culture we are approaching today. Over 20 per- cent of the population is hope- lessly addicted to Substance D, a mind-destroying chemical that unbalances the brain’s hemi- spheres, causing paranoia, hallu- cination, dependence, and even- tually death. The government’s A rotoscoped Keanu Reeves is Bob/Fred in Linklater’s A Scanner Darkly solution to the problem is to flood nearly every street and tion with Donna and his friends, can barely catch up with the home with cameras, and to all burned-out shells who can no places his mind is going. His detain and silence anyone criti- longer connect. mile-a-minute performance is cal of these methods. stunning. Ryder is more intense For viewers, it’s tough to than she’s been given a chance to Keanu Reeves stars as Bob anchor feelings or a rooting be in her desperate explanation Arctor, an undercover cop whose interest in a mind-fried charac- of why she can no longer feel or own addiction is concealed but ter with shifting identities, but be intimate is chilling. growing. All but permanently he’s all we have. Even if we don’t ensconced in another identity as quite connect emotionally An almost-animated film, “Fred” (created by a scramble (intentional, considering the Scanner’s look comes from the suit, a hologram that masks one’s prevalent theme in this film), same studio and the same ani- identity), he is asked to consis- Bob/Fred’s situation keeps us mation style that created Lin- tently scan his addicted friends interested in his plight, wonder- klater’s Waking Life. Actors were (Rory Cochrane, Woody Harrel- ing if he can stop himself from filmed and then painted over son, and Robert Downey Jr.) and drowning. Ordered to spy on with ever-changing animation report on their behavior. Bob’s himself by a man whose identity schemes— an interesting way to sometimes girlfriend Donna is also in flux (Bob/Fred’s superi- depict the material, making the (Winona Ryder) is believed to or never removes his own scram- more overt hallucinations and have a connection to a major ble suit), Bob/Fred struggles to effects easier to pull off (like drug supplier. “Fred” is soon suppress his own addiction and characters thinking their bodies ordered to scan the person hold on to what he believes to be are infested with insects). The believed responsible for the sup- his original identity. Reeve’s reality presented though this plies/origins of Substance D in characterization is largely technique recalls Waking Life, Orange County. That man’s achieved through his own but this is a skewed, shifting ver- name? Bob Arctor. thoughts, which may not sit well sion of the here and now, rather with a film-going crowd looking than a malleable, liquid, dream Largely delivered through for an active ‘hero.’ Fans of state. claustrophobic environments as Dick’s book and sensibilities, and well as interior and interpersonal those of Linklater’s non-studio Though not quite the- emo dialogue, Scanner is directed by work should feel right at home. tional sucker-punch it aims for, Richard Linklater, no stranger to the film is affecting, and its trag- talkative characters who endless- Rory Cochrane as Freck rep- ic, futile ending is striking— not ly ponder the nature of the world resents the end of the line, a quite a twist, but it adds further they inhabit. Filtered through a twitchy mess of a man so far depth to a film that has a lot on P haze of drugs and fear, Scanner’s gone we’re not sure whether to its mind. characters hyper-articulate their laugh or cry at his condition, while Woody Harrelson’s Ernie paranoia, with analyses of life Adam Barnick is a staff writer that draw no solid conclusions. Luckman comes off as the one and film critic for Entertainment The story maintains the sense of ‘honest’ member of the group— Insiders. For more reviews the absurd— its black humor he only has one tangled identity by Adam Barnick, got to and pathos depicted though the to deal with. Robert Downey Jr. www.Einsiders.com misadventures of Bob’s interac- excels as Jim Barris, a man who Friday, July 7, 2006 | 16 | ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today Film Review Critics diverge on Guantanamo road

supplying such information nor confess- The Road to Guantanamo ing to being members of Al-Quaeda. Even when they claim they can prove (2 1/2 out of 4 stars) that the main evidence against them is in error, they are repeatedly inflicted with any number of cruelties— one of them is by Peter Sobczynski chained to a floor while strobe lights are flashing and death metal is blasting— for At some point or another, any intelli- a two-year period before they are finally gent film writer is forced to grapple with released. the question of art versus ideology in terms of providing critical analysis. If one This is shocking material and even if finds a film to be impressive on an aes- one chooses to play pessimist by saying thetic level but objectionable on a per- that the events were only half as bad as sonal or political level, does one praise it they claim, what we see is enough to because of the former, or slam it because inspire even the most conservative of of the latter? I have always placed artistic viewers to rethink U.S. policies towards concerns above ideological ones because detainees. Riz Ahmed stars in Michael Winterbottom and Mat Whitecross’ The Road to Guantanamo that is what my job is supposed to be. ping of U.S. and British bombs. This is why I am perfectly content to laud A film in which the men simply sit The Road to Guantanamo the work of right-winger John Milius and calmly recount their ordeal while we Their return trip is grossly more har- despite my own left-leaning political in the audience try to picture what hap- rowing than their initial journey. Monir bend. With Michael Winterbottom’s The pened in our minds could have been an (3 1/2 out of 4 stars) gets separated from the pack and is never Road to Guantanamo, I find myself facing incredibly bold and powerful work of Directed by Michael Winterbottom, heard from again. Ultimately, Ruhel, the flip-side of that question in confront- cinema and social commentary. The Mat Whitecross Asif and Shafiq are captured by North- ing a film that has serious flaws from an trouble with The Road to Guantanamo is Starring: Riz Ahmed, Farhad Harun, Waqar ern Alliance troops. artistic standpoint. Guantanamo tries so that Winterbottom was apparently wor- Siddiqui, Arfan Usman hard to succeed as a polemic that it winds ried that such an approach simply 95 minutes, Rated R The threesome is held captive at two up falling short as a story. wouldn’t be powerful enough to get his American military prisons in Afghani- point across. Instead, he has taken a The film tells the story of the “Tipton docu-drama approach in which actors re- by Warren Curry stan, where they are subjected to various forms of abuse, and eventually all are Three,” a trio of young Brits of Pakistani enact the events (occasionally in the The Road to Guantanamo, based on a transported to Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. or Bangladesh descent— whose harrow- actual locations where they happened) true story, should anger everyone who Hostile interrogations, physical beatings, ing ordeal as suspected Al Quaeda mem- while also appearing in “interview” foot- sees it. If you embrace this film’s human- and sensory depravation tactics are bers helped shine a light on the ongoing age in which they further recount their ist stance, you will be appalled by the inflicted upon them, but no matter how scandals involving the treatment of U.S. stories. While this approach may give injustice it depicts and more ready than relentlessly the military officials attempt prisoners even vaguely suspected of ter- the material a far more immediate and ever to criticize the “war on terror.” If to force them to confess to being terror- rorist ties. Their tale begins in the days visceral feel than the one I suggested, it your politics place you on the other side ists, the three young men refuse to break. following 9/11 as one, Asif (Afran also winds up inflicting an oddly distanc- of the dividing line, you might view this After two years of unthinkable torment, Usman), is sent off to Pakistan by his ing effect as well—since we are aware as a short sighted propaganda piece cre- they are returned to England and released mother to get married and his three going in that these are actors recreating ated solely for the purpose of eliciting without charge. What’s depicted here is pals—Shafiq (Rizwan Ahmed), Ruhel something instead of the real people, knee jerk reactions. not something that can or should be (Farhad Harun) and Monir (Waqar Sid- some of the punch is gone. Winterbot- shrugged off as an honest mistake. And diqui)— decide to tag along. After hang- tom is so insistent on rubbing our noses The prolific Michael Winterbottom the directors’ hyperkinetic style repeated- ing around for a few days, the guys crash in the torture that it begins to take on a (whose versatility knows no boundaries) ly hammers their point-of-view home. at a local mosque (only as a cost-cutting feeling of unreality. shares directing credit with Mat White- Some may feel they smack the audience measure, they insist) and are subsequently cross, and they employ a frenetic, take- in the face too often with their underly- inspired to travel into Afghanistan for a A more fundamental flaw is that no-prisoners style. In the docu-drama’s ing agenda, but it’s difficult to deny the few days. This turns out to be a horrible Winterbottom eliminates any idea, dis- first half, it appears this stylistic choice film’s power.The Road to Guantanamo will mistake on their part as some of them cussion or suggestion that might detract might overwhelm the film’s other ele- get your blood boiling— my recommen- fall ill, all of them get lost, one of them from that goal. We learn virtually noth- ments, but once the directors take a step dation is to see it with a friend whose disappears, and the rest find themselves ing about these men that might provide back and slow the pace a touch, TheRoad politics differ from your own. The post- caught up in a group of Taliban members any insight into who they are— includ- to Guantanamo delivers a powerful screening discussion will be lively. who are captured by allied forces and ing their thoughts at the time about attack. imprisoned. America, the Taliban, or 9/11 and its Watching the punishing tactics aftermath. Some of their actions, espe- In October 2001, four friends, Ruhel employed by the interrogators is mad- After their arrest, the three naively cially their decision to go into Afghani- (Farhad Harun), Asif (Arfan Usman), dening, and sometimes painfully laugh- assume that their nightmare is at an stan “to help” as they put it, are so inex- Shafiq (Riz Ahmed) and Monir (Waqar able in its stupidity (“Where is Osama end— eventually their captors will real- plicable that Winterbottom’s refusal to Siddiqui), all between the ages of 19-23, bin Laden?!” is a frequent demand). And ize that they are British citizens who explain them gives the impression that set off from their comfortable homes in our view is colored by the fact we know were merely in the wrong place at the somebody is hiding something and there the British midlands for Pakistan to these men are innocent. The film forces wrong time. Sadly for them, the presence may be more to the story than what attend Asif ’s wedding. A few days after one to ponder whether basic human of three English-speaking men among meets the eye. Of course, nothing could their arrival, the group, upon the plea of rights— i.e. the right not to be tor- the Taliban forces sets off any number of justify their treatment— unless each of an Imam at a mosque, decides to cross tured— should be extended to all, even alarms and they, along with many others, them was captured with a severed head the border to Afghanistan in order to aid those who intend to harm us (or, in this are shipped off to Cuba and detained at in one hand and Osama bin Laden’s the nation’s suffering citizens. Their case, share the same skin color with those the infamous U.S. military prison at phone number in the other— but by arrival coincides perfectly with the drop- who have harmed us in the past). P Guantanamo Bay. This was the start of a painting them as blameless angels instead seemingly endless ordeal in which they of actual human beings, Winterbottom takes the easy way out and winds up Reviews by Warren Curry appear on Entertainment Insiders (www.einsiders.com) and can be were repeatedly drilled for information doing a great disservice to his film. heard on the podcast Filmmakers Pod (www.filmmakerspod.com).. that they didn’t have and physically and psychologically brutalized for neither see GUANTANAMO, p. 20 ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today | 17 | Friday, July 7, 2006 LISTINGS from p. 11 ENTERTAINMENTTODAY SURVEY We’d like get to know you better!!! Please help us serve you by filling out this brief survey.

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Sex: (circle one) Male Female Age: _____ years old Is this your first time reading Entertain- ment Today?: (circle one) Yes No Brandon Routh is the Man of Steel in Superman Returns

★ ★ ★ If no, how long have you been a reader of Superman Returns Wassup Rockers★★★ (PG-13) Capsule Authors: Entertainment Today? ______years An affectionate portrait of seven Does the big screen still need a nonconformist Latino punk rock WC – Warren Curry Superman? The answer is a skaters who square off on their How often do you read Entertainment To- resounding yes. It may take home turf in South Central against JG – Janos Gereben itself a little too seriously, and hip-hop gangstas and skinhead day? (circle one) the love story tends to over- cholos, and then take crosstown MG – Michael Guillén Every week Once a month whelm the gee-whiz fun of it all, buses to Beverly Hills to devastate JH – Jonathan W. Hickman Twice a month Almost Never but Superman Returns is a very the rich White pseudos. Part good movie— it’s not quite documentary, part narrative recon- EL – Eric Lurio In this issue, which article did you find most super, but it’s definitely good. struction, and part ridiculous fan- interesting? Director Bryan Singer’s clever tasy. Not Larry Clark’s best, nor SM – Scott Mantz device to link to previous Super- his most polished, but certainly ______man films by incorporating John his sweetest. (MG) In this issue, which article did you find least Williams’ theme music, familiar Landmark NuArt Theatre, Laemmle Sunset (especially 2004’s The Punisherand 5, Laemmle Playhouse interesting? dialogue, and unused footage of 2005’s Elektra). But the film lacks Marlon Brando will surely give ★ ★ ★ focus, the dialogue is weak and ______longtime fans the chills. (SM) Water (PG-13) 1/2 there are far too many underde- What section would you like to see added in AMC Loews Universal City 18, The Grove, An unflinching look at the life of veloped characters, resulting in a Grauman’s Chinese, AMC Century City a widow in 1930’s India. A win- franchise that ends on a relative future issues? 14, Mann Chinese 6, Pacific Culver dow, is left at a home for cast out whimper rather than the X-cellent Stadium 12, Mann Village Theatre 1, Vista, widows where she is expected to ______University Village 3, Pacific Sherman Oaks bang that it deserved. (SM) 5, The Bridge, Laemmle Grande 4 Plex, UA spend the rest of her life. (JH) AMC Loews Universal City 18 & IMAX, Where did to youyou pick upup this this issue? issue: Laemmle Music Hall, Academy 6 P Marina Del Rey 6, Pacific Galleria Stadium Mann Chinese 6 ______16, AMC Santa Monica 7, Century 8, AMC Burbank 8, AMC Media Center 8, Who Killed the Electric What city do you live in? What city do you live in: AMC Media Center North 6, Mann Car? (PG) ★★★1/2 ______Glendale Marketplace 4, Mann Glendale The killers of the electric Exchange 10, Highland 3 Theatre, Plant 16, car were so good—so What is is your your profession? profession: Laemmle’s One Colorado Cinemas, Pacific Paseo Stadium 14 efficient—most of us ______forgot it existed. But in

Comments: ______Thank You For Smoking ★★★ Chris Paine’s documen- ______(R) This is the star-making vehi- tary, we focus our atten- cle Aaron Eckhart’s abundant tal- tion, not on the problem, ______ents have screamed for since In but on the solution. If Contact information (to send movie tickets): the Company of Men. Although a you were depressed by Name:______stellar supporting cast surrounds Inconvenient Truth, you’ll him, this film belongs to Eckhart, be horrified by Electric Address:______who, in the showy role of tobacco Car. (Steven Snyder) lobbyist Nick Naylor displays his Landmark NuWilshire Theatre, ______Laemmle Playhouse 7 brash, confident and often bor- Email: ______Acade- derline sleazy charm. (WC) X-Men: The Last Stand★ my 6 Theater ★ 1/2 (PG)

Please cut along the dotted line and mail your Waist Deep ★★1/2 (R) The third, and supposedly survey to Entertainment Today, 2325 West How do you recycle old clichés final installment hints at without anyone noticing? Change “X4.” It’s entertaining Victory Blvd, Suite 5, Burbank, CA 91506. Or the location of course. (EL) enough, and it’s certainly email Editorial@EntertainmentTodayOnline. AMC Loews Universal City 18, & IMAX, far superior to some of the Mann Culver Plaza 6 Theatres, The Bridge: other recent superhero Francisco Pedrasa as Kico com Cinema de Lux, Mann Criterion 6 flicks to come flying off Theatres, Plant 16 in Larry Clark’s Wassap Rockers the Marvel Comics conveyor belt

Friday, July 7, 2006 | 18 | ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today | 19 | Friday, July 7, 2006 Film Review Let’s do lunch Fabulous! celebrates queer pioneers with Clayson DeBurger the early era of gay and lesbian Queer Cinema grows into the While mingling my way through several of the Los cinema. I was taken by images mainstream, such films will be Angeles Film Festival’s parties, I discovered the drinking of this knowledgeable woman made by talented artists regard- delight of Absolut’s Ruby Red Vodka. This grapefruit infused carefully leafing through origi- less of their sexual identity. vodka comes in a red bottle– thus it is easy to spot even in the nal movie posters and publicity most dingy corner bar. Crisp with its citrus nose, it goes down material from perhaps every gay Featured this Sunday at Out- very smooth. Here are three drinks you can make with zthis and lesbian film ever made— an fest, Fabulous! The Story of Queer zesty vodka: amazing collection! Cinema will soon air on IFC as part of “Queer Month.” My The Skinny Red Head Ades and Klainberg deliber- hope is that IFC shows the film This is the drink for the calorie conscious who are tired of ately show us the juicy clips unedited. Ades, Klainberg, and the standard rum and diet coke. At around 55 calories, this from landmark films, refusing to her crew have amassed a signifi- censor. This is important because cant amount of archived and drink will keep one’s cuffed shorts fitting Hedwig’s John Cameron Mitchell is throughout the season. featured in Fabulous! many of the interviews point out new material in an effort to edu- the need to show same sex love cate gay, lesbian, transgender, • 1 part Absolut Ruby Red scenes on screen. Especially and, yes, even straight audiences. • 2 parts Soda or Seltzer Water Fabulous! insightful were the frank, youth- As recent events have demon- Serve over ice with a wedge of lime. The Story of Queer Cinema ful comments of Heather Mata- strated, ignoring marginalized razzo from Welcome to the Doll- communities is an aid to those house who said she grew up who target them. P The Pippi Longstocking (3 1/2 out of 4 stars) wanting to see lesbian sex vali- This drinks packs loads of citrus flavor. As Directed by Lisa Ades, Lesli Klainberg dated on screen but was denied Jonathan W. Hickman serves refreshing as it is delicious. as Editor-in-Chief, columnist, With: John Waters, for too long. Rich makes the film critic, and deep philosopher at • 1 part Absolut Ruby Red Gus Van Sant, Christine Vachon, blunt point that without sex Entertainment Insiders. For more • 2 parts Lemon-Lime Soda Todd Haynes, B. Ruby Rich scenes, the sexual identity of writing by Jonathan W. Hickman, • A splash of Orange Juice 82 minutes, Not Yet Rated supposedly gay and lesbian char- go to: www.EInsiders.com • A splash of Cranberry Juice acters was constantly questioned. Rich’s “show me the money” Garnish with a cherry and wedge of lime. by Jonathan Hickman comment crystallized for me GUANTANAMO, from p. 17 this critical development in the Ruby’s Coketails Lisa Ades and Lesli Klain- mainstreaming of queer cinema. Think of this as the grown-up childhood favorite the Roy berg’s documentary Fabulous! This is all the more frustrat- Rodgers with a citrus kick. The Story of Queer Cinema chron- Interestingly, Fabulous! ing because Michael Winterbot- tom is one of the most fascinat- • 1 part Absolut Ruby Red icles the origins, evolution, and reveals that, even as the market present incarnations of gay and grew for lesbian and gay movies, ing filmmakers working in the • 2 parts Coca-cola or Diet Cola (I would suggest Coke lesbian cinema. Dubbed the it became difficult to secure world today, and one who is usu- Zero) “New Queer Cinema” by film screening venues. Thus, the ally willing to take the kind of • A splash of Grenadine critic B. Ruby Rich, gay and les- home video and DVD market dramatic risks that most of his Serve over ice and garnish with a sprig of mint and a wedge of bian films have evolved from became more and more vital to contemporaries would shy away from. In films as varied as Wel- grapefruit. obscure, independently made both the films and their audi- productions to studio-green-lit ence. This led to the appearance come to Sarajevo, 24 Hour Party blockbusters. But Fabulous! People, In This World, 9 Songs and Although the above drinks are Absolut-ly delicious, for of Queer sections in video stores points out that there are still big Tristram Shandy, he has given those times when one would rather not partake in alcohol, no across the country featuring gay hurdles associated with coming viewers challenging works that drink is more fashionable than the classic Arnold Palmer. and lesbian themed films. Dan out in Hollywood. Bucatinsky, the writer and star have effectively blended the Cool down this summer with a combination of refreshing iced techniques of fictional and docu- tea and puckery lemonade. Below are some tips to make the of All Over The Guy, laments his Fabulous! provides illumina- mentary filmmaking in intrigu- most thirst-quenching Arnold Palmer’s possible. refusal to sell his film as a gay tion for those not intimately title when, in reality it probably ing and thought-provoking ways. 1) Brew your own iced tea. Dump the instant stuff and familiar with the genre. In 1985, was. (Even his outright failures, such throw out the Arizona crap! Brewing your own iced for instance, while I was watch- as 9 Songs, are more interesting tea is as simple as making coffee. Several companies ing Back to the Future at my local Happy Endings director Don than the best works of other including Tazo now package tea specially selected for multiplex, Donna Deitch’s Desert Roos makes the point that when directors too numerous to men- brewing iced tea. Making freshly brewed iced tea will Hearts had recently made a he writes characters, parts of tion.) The Road to Guantanamo bring an earthiness to your Arnold Palmer that helps to splash at the Sundance Film himself go into them, especially was clearly made with passion, balance out the tang of the lemonade. Festival where it was nominated when writing gay characters. anger and sincerity, but those for the Grand Jury Prize. But This was true in Happy Endings qualities simply aren’t enough to 2) If you have your own lemon tree, by all means overcome its weaknesses. Win- make your own lemonade. If not, buy the freshest long before Desert Hearts, films where a teenage boy is strug- like Kenneth Anger’s Fireworks gling with his identity. Waters terbottom may have wanted to lemonade possible. Unlike iced tea, many brands of (1947) paved the way. Fabulous! points out that if a straight actor produce a stirring and eye-open- lemonade are outstanding and not too sweet. I would employs interviews with film- plays a gay character it is Oscar ing bit of cinematic agitprop, but recommend Odwalla’s Fresh Squeezed Lemonade. makers and historians such as time (kissing a man is giving it what we are left with is little more than a vaguely leftist ver- 3) Do not use Crystal Light! All that sugar substitute John Waters, Gus Van Sant, up for the craft!). When a gay sion of Hostel P. makes an Arnold Palmer taste artificial. Add real sugar Rose Troche, Christine Vachon, actor plays a gay character, if you like: a 12 oz. Arnold Palmer is less than 100 Todd Haynes, and Guinevere should we not recognize this as Peter Sobczynski writes for the calories. Turner to bring us up to date. It well? What comes through in Liberty Suburban Chicago is always fun to hear from the Fabulous! is a common desire Newspapers chain and on-line at 4) Garnish. A simple garnish can really change the flavor sarcastically direct Waters, but throughout the movement to see www.efilmcritic.com. He can also be of an Arnold Palmer. I recommend experimenting my favorite interviewee was a queer identities represented heard on the nationally syndicated with garnishes from the traditional lemon slice and collector of movie posters from accurately on screen. As New Mancow’s Morning Madhouse radio program. Comments, complaints, mint sprig to more exotic flavors such as a basil leaf, a Sunday July 9th, 2:30 PM at the DGA • www.Outfest.org questions, threats and Milla Jovovich’s curl of grapefruit peel, or even a Thai red chili pepper Catch the Fabulous! television premire on IFC’s “Queer Month” phone number can be sent to him at P [email protected]. to kick in some heat! July 16th, 10 PM ET / 10:45PM PT • www.ifc.com

Friday, July 7, 2006 | 20 | ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today Community Outfest gears up for Friday kickoff

by David Magdael know no borders. These film- makers and their stories continue It’s summer in the city and to show us that Outfest is just as it’s time for one of the hottest relevant and important today as film festivals in the nation. it was 24 years ago. New stories Starting July 6 and ending on and new voices from the queer July 17, Outfest 2006 – The 24TH filmmaking diaspora continue to Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian rise to the top, and we are show- Film Festival will screen over casing these works over 11 days 200 feature films, shorts, and for everyone to experience.” videos from 25 countries. Since its founding in 1982, Outfest has In Outfest 2006’s “5 In Focus: presented more than 4,000 films New Directors Spotlight,” new to audiences of over half a mil- and emerging talents unveil fea- lion people. It is the oldest and tures such as: Fat Girls from Ash largest continuous film festival Christian; Forgiving the Frank- in Southern California. lins from Jay Floyd; Mom from Erin Greenwell; Coffee Date This year’s festival offers from Stewart Wade; and Colma: something for everyone from The Musical from Richard Wong. dramas to comedies to musicals Each of these filmmakers offers to documentaries to sing-along something new and fresh to the screenings to panels and discus- queer film genre, as well as to the sions. The 11-day fest opens American independent film with the audience favorite Pucci- scene. ni for Beginners from director Maria Maggenti and closes with This year’s Documentary GUANTANAMO, from p. 17 the brilliant 20 Centimeters (20 Centerpiece film is the moving Centimetros) from Spain’s emerg- and insightful feature, Wrestling ing filmmaker/writer Ramon with Angels: Playwright Tony Salazar. Kushner from Academy Award winning filmmaker Freida Lee “In 2005, mainstream audi- Mock. Her film covers three The artist at work in Wrestling with Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner, a new documentary from Oscar winner ences embraced queer themed years in the life of Pulitzer and Freida Lee Mock. Photo courtesy of the American Film Foundation films such as Brokeback Moun- Tony Award winning Kushner On Awards Night, Sunday, tain, Capote, and Transamerica, (Angels in America) from 9/11/01 film follows the story of a prodi- in drag, music, and a totally John July 16 at the Ford Amphithe- and the question came up about to the 2004 presidential election gal son who must return to face a Waters-like filming style making atre, audiences will be treated to the relevancy of our festival and providing a look into his life, his family he hasn’t seen in years. for a zany collection of short the Los Angeles premiere of the all of the other gay and lesbian work, his thoughts, and his art. With a cast that includes hottie films adapted from the work of sexy smart new comedy from film festivals across the land,” A hit at the 2006 Sundance Film Rockmund Dunbar (Prison cult artist Jack Chick. Filmmak- local filmmaker Q. Allan Brocka states David Courier, Outfest Festival, it will screen on Tues- Break, Soul Food, Punks), Loretta ers include P. David Ebersole, entitled Boy Culture. Destined 2006 Senior Programmer. “This day, July 11 at the DGA at 7:30 Devine (Gray’s Anatomy, Dream- Todd Hughes, Rodney Ascher, to be an audience pleaser, Brocka year’s Outfest films all tell PM with the director in girls, Waiting to Exhale), Jenifer Jamie Tolbert Franklin, Syd continues to solidify his place as remarkable universal stories that attendance. Lewis (Girlfriends, Madea’s Fam- Garon, Bryce Ingman, Tim Kirk, one of American independent ily Reunion, What’s Love Got to and Tommy! cinema’s important voices and Do With It) and Alec Mapa (Half Sat. July 8, at the Vista at Midnight brings together a talented cast of and Half, Desperate Housewives, up and coming actors. Connie and Carla), Dirty Laun- Loving Annabelle – From film- dry is a certain audience rouser. maker Katherine Brooks. Mov- Other highlights at this year’s Sat., July 15, Regent Showcase at 6:30 PM. ing performances from emerging Outfest include: actresses Diane Gaidry and Erin Kelly underscore the tender and The Blossoming of Maximo Oli- controversial story of young Colma: The Musical – Yes, the veros (Ang Pagdadlaga Ni Max- Catholic high school girl who genre is alive and well. A small imo Oliveros) – Already a hit on falls in love with her poetry town in Nor Cal where the num- the festival circuit with audiences teacher while attending an all ber of graves outnumbers the and critics alike, this amazing population is the backdrop for a girl’s boarding school. film takes you into the life of an Sat. July 8 at the DGA 1 at 9:30 PM coming of age story about three openly gay 12 year-old boy tak- friends newly graduated from ing care of his family: the main high school dealing with pend- leaders of the local crime ring in Time To Leave (Le Temps Qui ing life issues. Comedic, clever Manilla. Maximo unwisely Reste) – from France’s Francois and fun – audiences will find develops a huge crush on the Ozon. This stirring and moving themselves singing the title song handsome neighborhood police- film is Ozon’s most personal film as the credits roll. From first man in this very funny and sweet to date starring Jeanne Moreau, time feature director Richard tale of life, love and family. Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi and the Wong. Fri., July 7, DGA 1 at 7:00 PM smoldering Melvil Poupaud. Sat. July 8 at the Regent Showcase, Thurs., July 13, Barnsdall Art Park 7:15 PM 6:30 PM Hot Chicks – Producer P. David P Two roommates confront their attraction to one another in Boy Culture from Dirty Laundry – Described as a Ebersole, brings together an director Q. Allan Brocka serious comedy about family array of indie filmmakers who drama, Maurice Jamal’s second employ animation, puppets, men ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today | 21 | Friday, July 7, 2006 Column Buffoons invading my space! Astrological forecasts for women ONLY by Lady Katsura and Suki Yaki with know the friends on your list Tina Kim were your property. If you are so Capricorn (December 22 January 20) private, then get off of this online Our astro-vibes tell us you’re going to cross paths with your soulmate nonsense. MySpace.com has confirmed this week. Ignore all the ugly people and be on the lookout for “the my belief that most people who one.” Usually, soulmates look like models or rock stars, but be live or socialize on the web are I have written you a few times prepared for yours to look like an Olympic swimmer instead. serious BUFFOONS. The sheer and I am warning you that if volume of dumb notes I receive you don’t write me back, I will Aquarius ( January 21 – February 18) on a daily basis only reaffirms it. delete you from my list. Stop wondering when your boss is going to notice your new Oh I am shaking in my cleavage and aim for someone lower on the totem pole. That redhead in the mail room has been MySpace.com was originally Depends. I’m so scared that a ogling you for weeks and his dogs are going to love you. intended for independent artists complete stranger is going to to promote themselves, and such take me off their page. I do not is the case with me. I am a have time to write everyone back. Pisces (February 19- March 19) We are happy you are enjoying your “amazing” cybersex with SurfaBoy69. You’ve been stand-up comic, thus I put my I even put a disclaimer on my COMEDY profile on MySpace. page letting people know that I envisioning Ryan Seacrest with muslces but our psychic signals tell us that he’s more of a Captain com. I thought okay, it’s free, don’t write most people back. Lou Albano with extra rubber bands. why not. I can post some clips up and let people know about Aries (March 20 – April 19) my shows, as well as get my Do I know you? Who are you? That favorite scarf you’ve been missing did not get lost in the dryer. Your cousin stole it from name out there. It is a way for Can’t you see I have an artist’s your closet for her Australia trip. Can you believe she made you drop her off at the airport with me to network, get new fans. page? I can have a banner going your scarf and two of your G-strings in her suitcase? across my face saying I AM a What I didn’t realize was how COMEDIENNE only here to Taurus (April 20- May 20) most of the people are on there promote myself, yet I know that It’s okay to think about superheroes when you’re having sex with your boring fiancé, so stop to hook up and flirt in the virtual will not stop these notes. beating yourself up! For some variety, don’t limit yourself to celebrities in spandex and try group world. Hey, that’s fine with me. Do your thing but please don’t sex scenarios involving animated heros from the Superfriends (they didn’t call him Green Lantern bother me with terms like “let’s When is your next show? for nothing). get jiggy” or “hollah at your Oh this one really gets my man.” goat. My show dates are posted Gemini (May 21 – June 20) on my page you moron. Just because all your girlfriends are popping out babies left and right, you don’t have the right to Notes I have received on “forget” to take your pills without telling your boyfriend. You need to snap out of your breeder MySpace.com have caused me fever. Try baby-sitting your sister’s bratty kids for the weekend— it cured you the last time. to shake my head in disbelief Here is my number call me. and raised my blood pressure This is absolutely ridiculous. Do you think I have nothing Cancer ( June 21 – July 20) too: Okay, enough time has passed. It’s time to call your parents and tell them what a terrible job they better to do than call strangers on the phone, just to chat about did raising you. They’ll appreciate your honesty, and it will make it so much easier to move in Why did you send me a friend my life? I am not an internet with them again if you don’t sell a screenplay soon. request, or why do you want to troll. be my friend? Leo ( July 21 – August 20) Are you for real? Can’t you If humans were meant to have sex every day; they wouldn’t sell condoms in multiples of six. see I have a Comedy Artist page? You are hot. Even God rested on Sunday. So please give your pizza boy a break this weekend. Go for some Well yes, I am. Those notes DUH!! I am promoting myself. Chinese instead. It is up to you to add me or deny are nice to receive but one has to me. It is no sweat off my back. realize that you can have a pic- Virgo (August 21 – September 20) ture of a pimple and chances are We know your cat is the only one who sees you naked these days, but that’s no reason not to get you will receive at least 50 notes that tattoo you’ve always wanted. Go ahead and use your ex-boyfriend’s name. If you don’t get Are you adding my friends letting you know you are hot. because that is not cool. back together, you can always let your hair grow out. That has to be the stupidest I know everyone is not men- thing I have ever read and what tally ill because I sometimes get Libra (September 21 – October 22) makes it even worse, it’s from a normal notes and I do try to When was the last time you had a conversation with someone who actually interested you? It’s woman who says she works for a write those people back. I am time to dump your usual crowd, and find a new group of friends. Le Sex Shoppe has a meet-and- radio station in LA. This sap of not made out of wood. greet for new customers every Friday night from 10:30 to midnight. Be there and be yourself, a soul actually perused the 6000+ you’ve got nothing to lose. friends on my list to see if her This is a free service, so I friends were on it, or got mad guess you get what you pay for. Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) that I sent her friends a friend See you online! P We know you want revenge for all those parking tickets, but if you go around smashing meters request. Oh excuse me. I didn’t www.myspace.com/tkcomic with a baseball bat you’re bound to get caught. Instead, try taking it out on someone who has absolutely nothing to do with it. He or she will be caught off guard, so you’re likely to escape Tina will be headlining the without retaliation. Ice House Comedy Club Sunday July 9th at 9:00 PM Say her name at the door and get in for 1/2 price! Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) Ice House Comedy Club Stop letting people on TV tell you when and why to be angry. So what if two more lesbians got 24 Mentor Avenue • Pasadena, California 91106 • (626) 577.1894 married and some Mexican people want to work for a living? They’re just trying to be happy and www.icehousecomedy.com so should you. Cheer up! P

Friday, July 7, 2006 | 22 | ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today by Mark Darcourt Megan The Hot Zone wants to be like every other little girl.

But Megan is not like most other little girls because she has Progeria, a rapid aging disease by Mark Darcourt Walker and Prescot that causes children to die by their early teens from heart disease or stroke. Help The Progeria Research Foundation save Megan and children like her.

SODUKU Challenge yourself to the ultimate logic puzzle

Rules of Sudoku:

The object of the game is to fill in the blank cells with numbers the 1 to 9 so that : 1) Every row should have the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (in any order) exactly once 2) Every column should have the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (in any order) exactly once 3) Every 3x3 bolded square should have the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (in any order) exactly once progeriaresearch.org Remember you should NEVER have to guess. There will always be a logic answer to your solution.

Answers to July 7th's sudoku SUDOKU 9 8 1 6 Answer to last week’s puzzle: 3 9 8 1 5 7 6 2 4 CONTEST! 2 7 5 2 1 9 6 4 7 3 8 Send correct answers to SUDOKUThe ultimate logic puzzle 4 6 7 7 8 3 5 1 9 Entertainment Today at The object of the game is to fill in 6 the blank cells with the numbers 9 4 5 5 1 6 2 7 3 2325 W. Victory Blvd, 1 to 9 such that: 5 8 6 1 7 6 6 3 2 9 8 5 Suite 5 1) Every row should have the numbers 8 3 2 2 9 5 4 6 1 Burbank, CA 91506-1226 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 (in any order). 1 3 2 9 2 5 3 3 4 1 8 9 7 2) Every column should have the numbers 7 1 9 9 2 8 3 4 6 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (in any order). 9 4 6 First 10 with 6 8 4 4 7 9 1 5 2 3) Every 3x3 bolded square should have correct answers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (in any order). 2 4 8

Remember you should NEVER will win free have to guess. There will always be a logical answer. 3 7 5 2 movie tickets.

©2006 Entertainment Today ENTERTAINMENT Today ENTERTAINMENT Today | 23 | Friday, July 7, 2006