PAGE THE STAR 6 ARTS MAY 11- MAY 17, 2010 EVERYBODY HATES TONY ROTHTANA OUCH Online Editor "Iron Man 2" isn't about saving the world, or sav­ ing the people Tony Stark loves. The film is about the duplication of the technology found in the Iron Man suit. It's a film about gadgets and not about the human condition. This ·is perfectly fine since "Iron Man 2" can be considered an action film. But aside from a race to assemble high tech gear, there isn't much happening in "Iron Man 2." For a film fascinated by gadgets and high tech equipment, the film's pacing fails to deliver. It's slow like a drama but has none of the depth. The pace is absurdly disrupted by too many characters speaking too many lines at too slow a pace. The terrific action sequences are too far spread out to keep the pacing exhilarating. Robert Downey Jr. returns as Tony Stark. Tony •stark came out to the world as Iron Man at the end of the previous picture. Why wouldn't he? Being a hero with vast media attention is a modern allure. For an egomaniac such as Tony Stark, confessing to the world of his dual identity is simply stroking his ego. His cocksure manner has him gleefully running about the entire film. He is funny and flirtatious. But he seems to have digressed a little from his growth from the original "Iron Man'' picture. Stark's charis­ ma doesn't win over any other characters in the film. A lot of people dislike Stark. Don Cheadle has replaced Terrance Howard as James Rhodes. "Rho­ dey" doesn't get increased screen time over his origi­ nal "Iron Man" incarnation. He is there, but seems to be non-supportive of Stark. Rhodey and Stark don't seem to be friends but mild enemies. Everyone scolds Tony Stark. Mickey Rourke is Tony Stark returns as less of a loveable protagonist and more ofa egotistical flirt. in the film as Ivan Yanko, and hates Tony Stark too. Though he appears intimidating, he really isn't devel­ oped well enough to present a great danger. ters uninvolved in a deeper moral issues, "Iron Man out the picture. It's an action film without an exact For the other villain we have Sam Rockwell as 2" becomes a lightweight picture filled with only hu­ understanding of where to place the action sequences. Justin Hammer. He's like Tony Stark in many ways. mor and visual effects. It takes nearly twenty minutes into the film before we Hammer is an arms dealer seeking to imprint his leg­ There are too many characters in "Iron Man 2" get our first taste of action. acy on the future of modem warfare. He runs his own that do not directly contribute to the overall story. "Iro~ Man 2" doesn't have much of a plot. There corporation. Yet, Hammer isn't imposing, he stumbles A film with an ensemble cast is harder to direct and are no vast conspiracies, no underlying themes involv­ and is easily outwitted by Stark. Thus, making Ham­ juggle screen time with. The film doesn't seem to un­ ing freedom, security and militarism. "Iron Man 2" is mer an unrewarding antagonist. It's hard to believe derstand the purpose of some characters and everyone devoid of a deeper meaning. It's a story populated by that Hammer will ever be able to outwit Stark. It's seems nearly interchangeable in the J?lOt. attractive people preening about and flirting with each not a surprise when he doesn't. He hates Tony Stark The film's director Jon Favreau appears as Tony other incessantly under the boom of fire crackers. Queer Lecture as well. Stark's driver Happy Hogan. This time Favreau's Ho­ We're meant to be enchanted by it all. The special Series: Emilie Roy, The premise of the picture doesn't give "Iron gan has longer screen time than in the previous "Iron effects, the heavy banter about neutrons and protons. Maa 2" the intensity it needs to make tbe.-villains aad Man." He gets to throw a couple of punches. But there "'The Personal Is There isn't any humanity in "Iron Man 2." heroes feel like something larger is at stake. Instead are no subplots involving his character. Hogan isn't Simply having actors portray characters isn't Historical: Lesbian all of the dialogue descends into witty exchanges be­ interesting or humorous. Hogan's inclusion is a dis­ enough. The characters must undergo a process of Identity & the tween all the various characters. Every character is service to cinema and the script. transformation. always trying to verbally joust at another one. It's a The action sequences of the film are quite won­ None of the characters change, making "Iron Man Sonoma": funny flick and perhaps that's a reason the film can't derful. There are lots of explosions in the film. Yet, 2" seem like a mere dress rehearsal rather than a real When: Tues., May 11, 12 be taken seriously. With no real conflict and charac- the action sequences are awkwardly spaced through- "Iron Man" sequel. noon What: Presenting from her prize-winning 2009 SSU History M.A. thesis, Roy explores the role that lesbians played in Sonoma County's women's Summer fun at the Wells Fargo Center movement, focusing on moments where their JOSETTE C~NILAO definitions, articulations, and negotiations of Staff Writer identity fueled the movement. Sonoma County's Wells Fargo Center is offering Where: Stevenson 1002 many chances, in this coming month and the next, to relax in entertainment and art. In Santa Rosa, the cen­ ter, well respected for its various artistic events, has planned to showcase quality music, comedy and cul­ ture. As the tail end of May signals the end of another academic year, the Wells Fargo Center provides local opportunities to enjoy and celebrate that end with live entertainment. The line up at Wells Fargo is headlined by very fa­ miliar names, acknowledged talents and labeled stars including names like Smokey Robinson, The Barena­ ked Ladies and David Spade. Sonoma Film Spade, famous for his stints in popular comedy Institute, shows like "Saturday Night Live" and "Just Shoot Me," also made a comedic name for himself in mov­ Featuring O AMOR ies like "Joe Dirt" and "Tommy Boy." He will be per­ NATURAL: forming at the Wells Fargo Center on May 20. Golden When: Fri. , May 15, 7 Globe and Emmy Nominee, Spade will appear in Santa p.m. Sun May 17, 4 p.m. Rosa for a night of live stand-up. What: Carlos Drummond Canada's alternative rock group The Barenaked COURTESY // ROCK-FEST.COM de Andrade was a beloved Ladies, will make a stop in Santa Rosa in the midst of and respected Brazilian their US Spring Tour, just following the March release Alternative rock group The Barenaked Ladies is just one of the events scheduled this summer at the center. poet whose life spanned of their newest album "All in Good Time." The band nearly the entire 20th will be playing at the Wells Fargo Center on May 25. century. He never Legendary R&B soul singer, Smokey Robinson are experienced comedians with an unconventional also host Jason Robert Brown, Tony award winning intended his erotic poems is scheduled to perform at the center on May 28. The take on comedy, giving it a musical aspect. Their per­ musical theater composer and lyricist. He will perform to be made public, but the Grammy winner's trademark voice and Motown vibe formance is also to be joined by the Yo Yo man on a two hour set. of selected songs from his works: "Pa­ posthumously published 0 has earned him accolades and fans over the course of May 14. rade," "Last Five Years," "13" and "Songs for a New AMOR NATURAL has proved his career. Now, at 70, Robinson still continues to en­ The second comedy act focuses humor specifically World." to be near to the hearts tertain and showcase his talents. on themes related to the lesbian, gay, transgender and Grammy award winning slack-key guitarist, John (and other parts) of all Apart from these three enticements, the Wells bisexual community. The show will feature comedians Keawe, will appear at Wells Fargo on June 13. John Brazilians who happen Fargo Center offers more comedians and concerts, and Vicky Shaw and Daniel Leary. Their show is the 16th Keawe and Family are scheduled to perform the guitar upon it. by way of culture, there will be a Beerfest hosted on Annual Pride Comedy Night, scheduled for June 12. style that originated from Kohala, Hawaii. Keawe is June 5. The musical performances soon to appear at the regarded as a master of the slack-key guitar. Where: Warren Auditorium The Beerfest is to showcase local microbrewer­ Wells Fargo Center range in styles: classical, broad­ The Wells Fargo Center has filled their calendar ies as well as gourmet food. For those over 21, this way and slack-key guitar. with appealing options for live entertainment this May outdoor celebration elevates beer to a level of creative The American Philharmonic will play for free and June. The variety of genres and acts offered prom­ appreciation. at the center on both May 22 and 23. Conductor Ga­ ises for diverse and entertaining live performances. Two other comedic groups are to perfonn in May briel Sakakeeny will lead the concert titled "Inner Comedy and concerts provide an avenue to cel­ and June.