The holiday gift guide - from gags to gadgets
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JACKSONVILLE
gift guide
from gags to
the holiday gadgets
a cliché heartwarmer
entertaining u newspaper
free weekly guide to entertainment and more | december 7-13, 2006 | www.eujacksonville.com
2 december 7-13, 2006 | entertaining u newspaper
table of contents
feature
Christmas - A Time For Giving.......................................................... PAGE 14
Winter Camps.................................................................................. PAGE 15
The Nutcrackers............................................................................... PAGE 15
Electronic/Gadget Gift Guide......................................................PAGES 17-18
Gag Gifts.................................................................................... PAGE 19-20
Internet Gifts.................................................................................... PAGE 19
movies
The Holiday (movie review)................................................................ PAGE 6
Movies In Theatres This Week.....................................................PAGES 6-10
Seen, Heard, Noted & Quoted............................................................. PAGE 7
Unaccompanied Minors (movie review).............................................. PAGE 8
Blood Diamond (movie review)........................................................... PAGE 9
National Lampoon’s Van Wilder: Rise Of Taj...................................... PAGE 10
at home
Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (DVD review)............... PAGE 12
The Chronicles Of Narnia (DVD review)............................................. PAGE 12
Sleeper Cell (TV Review).................................................................. PAGE 13
food
Apron’s Cooking School................................................................... PAGE 16
music
Los Lobos (Freebird Live)................................................................. PAGE 21
Music Calendar.........................................................................PAGES 22-26
Dark Romantics (interview).............................................................. PAGE 22
Don Miggs (interview)...................................................................... PAGE 23
Tractenburg Family Slideshow (interview)......................................... PAGE 24
Jimbo Mathus (interview)................................................................. PAGE 25
George Carlin (FCCJ Artist Series).................................................... PAGE 26
arts / theatre / on stage
Elements (Jane Gray Gallery)........................................................... PAGE 20
Christmas Carole (Alhambra Dinner Theatre).................................... PAGE 27
A Tuna Christmas (PBTS)................................................................. PAGE 28
Arts Calendar............................................................................PAGES 27-28
Greetings (First Coast Theatre)......................................................... PAGE 29
columns and stuff
The Jock.......................................................................................... PAGE 29
eujacksonville.com | december 7-13, 2006 3
thisweek
A living legend, Tony Bennett,
performs at the florida
theatre on tuesday.
thursday DECember 7
Circle Jerks
Circle Jerks
Punk Rock Legends the Circle Jerks return along with Lower Class
Chippendales
Yes girls, you read it right, the famous
Brats, Quick Sixx, Wounded Knee.
male dance revue is coming to town.
Fuel Coffeehouse – 7 pm
Billed as the “Ultimate girls night
$15.00 advance
out,” this might be just the ticket for
all that holiday stress you’ve been
Crystal Gayle: A Country Christmas The Community Nutcracker
building up.
One of America’s best loved and timeless entertainers, Crystal Gayle Enter the magical world of childlike imagination at one of
Plush – 7 pm, $20 Info: 743-1845
gets everyone in the holiday spirit with A Country Christmas, which Jacksonville’s greatest holiday traditions. See some of the areas
featuring Christmas classics laced with her well- known hits. finest dancers perform the most popular ballet of the year.
The UNF Fine Arts Center – 7:30 pm
Dark Romantics, Shangrala, House of Fools, Florida Theatre, Fri. - 8 pm, Sat. 2 pm & 8 pm
Info: 620.1921 or www.unf.edu/fineartscenter Paulsen, and Mi Capitan Info: 355-2787
The name Dark Romantics fits their music is a strange way.
december 8 - 10
friday
The tone of the music is somewhat upbeat, but it has the
creepy shadows of early goth and progressive music from the First Coast Nutcracker
eighties. Read interview on page 22. The First Coast Nutcracker will enchant the whole family,
december 8 Jack Rabbits Info: 398-7496 showcasing internationally renowned principal dancers, our area’s
finest young dance corps, and Tchaikovsky’s best-loved melodies
perfomed by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.
Art Show - Small Packages
See the work of twelve local artists. Works included in the exhibition december 8 - 9 Times Union Center, Fri.-8 pm; Sat.-2 pm & 8 pm; Sun.-2 pm.
Info: 354-5547
are acrylic and mixed media paintings on canvas, paper, and wood
panel by Kelly Eason, Brittni Wood, Catherine Bauer, Jason Wright, JJ Grey of Mofro Read more about all the Nutcracker performances on page 15.
Amie Murray, Cecilia Woolfolk, Megan Cosby, Molly Riefler, Bryan JJ Grey (lead singer from MOFRO) will do two seated shows
saturday
Eason, Jimmy Pines, Erica Pogue, and Ali Fuderer. Musical guest, at Cafe 11 in St. Augustine at 8:30 pm but both are SOLD
Shawn Lightfoot, will perform outside in the garden and holiday OUT (Info: 469-9311). However, MOFRO will be performing
drinks and treats will be served. Dec. 29-31 at Freebird Live but don’t wait too long to get your
Block 27 Gallery of Riverside, 2766 Park Street, behind Park Street tickets. DECember 9
Antiques. 6-10pm
Johnny O’Neal “Breakfast with Santa” at the Museum of
Yuletide Swing Blues legend Johnny O’Neal played the part of legendary
The St. Johns River City Band will be performing their annual big pianist Art Tatum in the 2004 Academy Award Nominated film Science & History
“Ray”. Director Taylor Hackford wanted a great pianist for this Santa and his elves will serve a continental breakfast for their
band holiday show.
part, since his playing was included in the film. Join Brenda guests, and for only $3 an elf will take a picture of your child sitting
Time Union Center – 7:30 pm
Frinks & Associates for Jazz @ the Beaches. Johnny O’neal on Santa’s lap. Breakfast sessions will each last about 45 minutes.
Info: 355-4700
is the first part of this Jazz Series and will sooth, and groove, Reservations are required. Call 396-MOSH, ext. 230.
your soul. MOSH - 8:30, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Holiday Spectacular Featuring the Ritz Voices Tickets: $22 in advance, $25 @ the door
Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum - 7:30 p.m.
Info: 632.5555
Atlantic Theatres, 8 pm Annual Tuba Christmas
Info: 249.PLAY (7529) or info@atlantictheatres.com More than 100 tubas perform live in front of the Christmas Tree at
the Jacksonville Landing - 2 pm
4 december 7-13, 2006 | entertaining u newspaper
Johnny Winter
Johnny has always been one of the most respected singers and guitar players in rock and the clear link
between British blues-rock and American Southern rock (a la the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd.)
Freebird Live - $20 Info: 246-BIRD (2473)
The Draft
With their debut album, In A Million Pieces,
Gainesville band, The Draft have composed
12 powerful tracks that take the former
members of legendary post-hardcore outfit
Hot Water Music into brave new territory.
the draft
Also performing Fifth Hour Hero and The
New Ghost. Fuel Coffeehouse 425-FUEL
Oteil and the Peacemakers
A bass master of jam band-style funk, rock, blues, jazz, and everything in between.
Jack Rabbits Info: 398-7496
sunday DecEMBER 10
Bouncing Souls, Street Dogs, Whole Wheat Bread
The Bouncing Souls are one of the best selling and longest lived of the punk bands from New Jersey.
Whole Wheat Bread is a young urban punk band from right here in Jacksonville. The band just released
their debut album “Minority Rules.” Fuel Coffeehouse Info: 425-FUEL (3835)
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts
Alltell Stadium at 1:00pm
Katt Williams - Live Comedy Show
Comedian and rapper Katt Williams will be performing in Jacksonville
to a full house fresh off of his appearance on the Howard Stern show
on Nov. 30. He missed his first scheduled appearance due to being
arrested at the Los Angeles International Airport for allegedly carrying
a stolen, concealed weapon.
Florida Theatre - 8 pm Info: 355-2787
monday
Katt Williams
december 11
George Carlin
This is not a show for the faint of heart or anyone who is easily offended by controversial topics. Read
more on page 21. Times-Union Center, Moran Theater - 7:30 p.m. 632-3373 or www.artistseries.fccj.org.
tuesday
Tony Bennett
december 12
Tony Bennett turns 80 this year and amidst the tributes, honors and accolades, the world’s most down-
to-earth living legend is celebrating this milestone the same way he essentially lives his life: enjoying each
moment to the fullest. At press time there were still a few tickets still available. Price: $55.00 - 125.00
Florida Theatre – 8 pm Info: 355-2787
wednesday december 13
Peter White Christmas
Versatile guitarist Peter White can make the room rock and take listeners on a tour that stops at acoustic,
pop, Spanish, contemporary jazz, and R&B. Teaming up with Peter for this smooth jazz Christmas show
are trumpeter Rick Braun and jazz saxophonist Mindi Abair. Florida Theatre – 8 pm Info: 355-2787
BT with Thomas Dolby
BT is a pioneer and innovator of modern electronic music, who is currently pushing the boundaries
with This Binary Universe, a DTS release, creating unique soundscapes seamlessly blended with digital
art visuals. Thomas Dolby is a living legend and the man responsible for musical ringtones. An array
of audio and visual wizardry as these two innovators perform live, accompanied by high definition film
presentations, with digital sound mixed in 5.1 live on-stage. Plush – 8 pm Price: $18.50
eujacksonville.com | december 7-13, 2006 5
Amanda meets Iris’ brother Graham, played
movies opening this week by Jude Law, and he is as much a gentlemen as the
nobility of old England. He plays the stereotypical
British fantasy man: noble, dignified, and charming.
APOCALYPTO Forget The Passion of The Christ,
So the fact that he is a father of two daughters just
this is Mel Gibson’s Braveheart-like portrayal of the
gives him extra domestic qualities, and enables the
downfall of the Mayan kingdom. During the Mayan’s
film to use cute young British girls to deliver cute,
decline, the ruthless king decided that to make things
kids-say-the-darndest-things lines that apparently
better and appease the gods, he would engage
in massive human sacrifices. Jaguar Paw (Rudy make everyone else in a theater laugh. Confused and
Youngblood) is a young man chosen for sacrifice, but anxious to escape another relationship, Amanda tries
he has other ideas and flees the kingdom to organize to resist him, but he is Jude Law. Oh yeah, and he’s
a rebel army to defeat the demented king. Bloody a widower, which means he’s lonely and not a villain
violence ensues. Rated R that was left by his last love. He was with her until
death did they part.
BLOOD DIAMOND A large priceless diamond Meanwhile, Iris finds an endearing elderly man
becomes the center of a struggle between a farmer, a wandering through the LA neighborhood where she
smuggler, and a syndicate of businessmen trying to is staying. Her character flaw is that she is too nice,
lay their hands on it. Leonardo DiCaprio co-stars with but that very flaw is the thing that compelled her to
Daimon Hounsou with Jennifer Connelly in this action help the elderly man. As it happens all of the time in
adventure story. Rated R Hollywood, when you help an elderly man wandering
around an affluent neighborhood, he is an academy
THE HOLIDAY Two women, played by Cameron award-winning writer. Because he is old, it is delight-
Diaz and Kate Winslet, who suffer from romantic ful when he acts flirty (apparently not “gross,” which
difficulties, swap homes in each other’s countries. is how I thought of it) and he is able, like the young
There, each woman meets the man of their dreams. British girls, to deliver lines that are neither funny
Co-starring Jude Law and Jack Black as the women’s nor well-crafted, and still get a laugh. Out of every-
love interests. Typical holiday fare Rated PG-13 one else in the theater, not me. The only laugh I got
throughout this picture was when I would look over
UNACCOMPANIED MINORS A gaggle of
at Brenton, who had come with me to endure this
unaccompanied minors are snowed in at Chicago’s
torture, and see that he was as confused and horri-
Airport during the holiday season. To amuse
fied by this film as I was.
themselves, they create a makeshift holiday.
So Iris meets film composer Miles, played by
Rated PG
a very restrained and sterile Jack Black, and she too
now playing falls in love. The rest of the film is heartwarming and
delightful. If you are the type of person that usually
enjoys movies described as “cute” and “heartwarm-
BABEL Written and directed by 21 Grams’ Alejandro ing” and “delightful” than perhaps this film is perfect
Gonzalez Inarritu, the three stories are set in Morocco, for you.
Tunisia, Mexico, and Japan. A tragedy befalls a I cringe at people that refer to films like this as
married couple portrayed by Brad Pitt and Cate “chick flicks” because I have more respect for the
Blanchett, which sets off a chain of mysterious events
general intelligence of females than to assume any
as Pitt’s character searches for answers. Rated R
drivel of a plot wrapped loosely around a love story
is appealing to most women. I would think that it
BOBBY Touted as a possible Oscar contender, the
is demeaning to present a wish-fulfillment plot that
scenario chronicles the assassination of U.S. Senator
Robert F. Kennedy on June 16, 1968. The film focuses says the most important thing in a woman’s life is
on the 22 people who were at the Ambassador Hotel finding a man.
Nancy Meyers, the writer and director of The
the holiday
where Kennedy was killed. The story shows how the
assassination affected these people after the tragedy. Holiday is working hard at defining her niche by
Rated R manufacturing these demeaning “chick flicks” that
utilize cheap plot ploys and adorable leading men to
BORAT Shot as a mockumentary, Sacha Baron get women into the theaters, where her hope is, men
Cohen assumes the character of a journalist from will follow. Her prior films are What Women Want
movie review
Kazakhstan who is dispatched to the United states to and Something’s Gotta Give. Both of these films
report on the greatest country in the world. Halfway made a subtle suggestion that there was a need for
into his travels, Borat becomes more interested in real female characters in popular cinema, but she
locating and marrying Pamela Anderson. He even does blew that agenda off with The Holiday, which has no
interviews in character–a ploy that real journalists by jon bosworth jaxvillain@yahoo.com strong female characters.
hate. Rated R Something’s Gotta Give was probably her most
Grade: C- Rated PG-13 138 min. enjoyable film, as it had quirky Jack Nicholson and
I was very possibly the worst person to review cause he’s so old, they seem funny. it revived the career of the talented and beautiful
this film. I tried to pawn this duty off on family and The male romantic lead is an adorable father of two Diane Keaton. Every other film she has made has
friends, as a sort of Christmas gift. No one I know daughters…and a widower. hinged on one or two silly plot ploys (in The Holiday
saw a pass to the preview of this film as a gift, they The female romantic lead is too nice to everyone, but Amanda is unable to cry) and loosely strung together
saw through my schemes and thought of it as a it pays off in the end. scenes that make people traditionally considered
burden I was passing along. That still doesn’t mean Cameron Diaz plays Amanda, a wealthy film “cute” (Keanu Reeves, Mel Gibson, and now Jude
you won’t like this movie, I just can’t stand movies editor from Los Angeles, who finds out that her Law) into the dream mate, to insure that the “chicks”
that can be described as “cute” or “feel-good.” boyfriend has been unfaithful. Across the globe, Kate come to the theater.
I know, I know. Jack Black is so funny (and Winslet, as Iris, is a too-nice British journalist that is If you are looking for an interesting and en-
even endearing when outside of his Tenacious D in love with a man that is about to marry someone tertaining Christmas movie, you may be at a loss.
character) and Jude Law is so talented, and Kate else. Santa Clause 3 is certain to be an even worse
Winslet is an Oscar winner that makes great film These two characters meet online and decide movie, Deck the Halls looks like a silly take on Na-
choices, and Cameron Diaz is so cute, so how could to trade homes for the Christmas season, as they are tional Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and The Nativ-
CASINO ROYALE There’s a new Bond in town, and it be all bad? When you bring this powerhouse cast equally frustrated with their own lives. So the very ity may be a little heavy-handed for a date night. If I
he’s rough, tough, and macho–Daniel Craig. Yes, to a movie attempting smart and heartwarming, it is L.A. Amanda goes to the snowy English countryside, were you, I would just rent A Christmas Story, turn
filmmaker Martin Campbell began this new Bond guaranteed to be good, right? Not right. You could and the humble British Iris reports to Sunny Los the air-conditioner on, and cuddle under a blanket on
picture like the last 20 movies had never been made. bring the best actors in the business to a bad script Angeles for a couple of weeks over the Christmas the couch in front of a fire. It’ll be just like they have
He set out to reinvent the franchise. It worked! Craig and it is still just as bad. holiday. What could possibly happen to these forlorn up North: winter with a good holiday movie to cuddle
(continued on pg 7)
Here are some trite “feel-good” movie setups: women? Well of course they fall in love with new to, because the snow makes it too much of a pain to
The quirky old man that delivers bad lines, but be- men. get to the theater anyway.
6 december 7-13, 2006 | entertaining u newspaper
seen. heard. noted. and quoted.
Bambino Lingo
Denise Richards told E! News’ Jason Kennedy that she would
“absolutely” like to have children with boyfriend Richie Sambora.
“I would be blessed to have children with Richie. He’s a phenom-
enal dad,” Richards said Monday at the Billboard Music Awards.
Richie promptly burst out in an impromptu version of Debbie
Boone’s She’s Having My Baby! That is, if the relationship lasts
long enough.
Sick Call
Farrah Fawcett completed several weeks of treatment for anal
cancer, her publicist said Tuesday. The actress was said to be
doing well and planned to share tips from her recovery with fellow
cancer sufferers on her official Website.
The Miracle of Prerecording
Jessica Simpson tearfully fled the stage at Sunday’s
Kennedy Center Honors after flubbing her perfor-
mance of Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” in a tribute to the
country icon. Unfortunately for those of you who
weren’t there, Simpson requested and was granted a
do-over of the number, which is the version slated to
air when the awards are broadcast on CBS.
Shacking Up is More Fun
Jenny McCarthy told Extra that she and Jim Carrey
have no plans to wed anytime soon. “We’re happy
with the way things are,” McCarthy said. The duo
recently traveled to Italy together to attend the wed-
ding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.
Scary Spice Paternity
Eddie Murphy questioned whether he is the father of
the baby his ex-girlfriend Melanie Brown (a.k.a. Scary
Spice) is carrying. “I don’t know whose child that is,
until it comes out and has a blood test,” Murphy said
in an interview. Be careful, Eddie, accidents cause
people.
Kung Fued by Table
Jackie Chan re-injured his chest after being hit with a table while filming Rush Hour 3, he said in a Nov.
27 posting to his Website. The actor was previously injured in March, when a stuntman kicked him the
wrong way while filming Rob-B-Hood. Chan should consider hiring a stunt double.
Blige Wins Big at Billboard Bash
Mary J. Blige scored a leading nine Billboard Music Awards Monday night, including R&B/Hip-Hop Artist
of the Year. Carrie Underwood and rapper T.I. bagged five apiece, while 17-year-old Chris Brown won
three, including the evening’s top honor, Artist of the Year.
Convenient Amnesia
Lane Garrison’s attorney, Harland Braun, told the Los Angeles Times that his client “doesn’t remember
anything about the accident” that killed 17-year-old Beverly Hills High School student Vahagn Setian and
injured two 15-year-old girls Saturday night. The Prison Break star has not been arrested and detectives
are reportedly awaiting the results of his blood tests.
Gwyn’s Spin Doctor Extracts Shoe from Her Mouth Again
Gwyneth Paltrow denied remarks attributed to her by a Portuguese newspaper, which quoted her as
saying: “The British are much more intelligent and civilized than the Americans.” Paltrow told People
magazine that she did not make the statement and insists she is “so lucky” and “so proud” to be an
American. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Dogg Dogged by Law
Snoop Dogg’s arraignment on a felony weapon charge was delayed until January. The charge stems
from a September incident in which a 21-inch collapsible baton was found in the rapper’s luggage when
he tried to board a flight. Still ahead, Snoop is due to appear in court on Dec. 12 and Jan. 11 on charges
stemming from separate incidents. Snoop is on an arrest binge. He was also arrested on drug posses-
sion charges after a recent appearance on Jay Leno, who quipped in his monologue, “I’m surprised
there were any drugs left for the police to find after the show.”
eujacksonville.com | december 7-13, 2006 7unaccompanied minors
is the best Bond yet–chiseled, powerful, and sexy. He
kills without hesitation, teams with the beautiful Vesper
Lynd (Eva Green) and wears today’s fashions. In this
scenario, Bond is tasked with his first mission from
Q (Judi Dench). He must stop a financial backer of
not for the sophiscated, great for kids
terrorism from winning a high stakes poker game in
the Bahamas. Rated PG-13
DECK THE HALLS This mediocre holiday film
involves two feuding neighbors. When Steve Finch by Erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
(Matthew Broderick) finds out that Buddy Hall (Danny
DeVito) is building the mother of all light displays on Grade C PG 95 min.
his house, he goes ballistic. Buddy is stealing Steve’s Unaccompanied Minors is like a Christmas from Everybody Hates Chris, plays the ivy-league
thunder as Mr. Christmas. Buddy keeps adding more time Breakfast Club for eight to fourteen-year-olds, bound Charlie Goldfinch. He’s a complete nerd,
and more lights so his display can be seen from a minus the drug references, with better chase scenes, who seems to have mostly been around adults and
satellite orbiting in space. Comedic situations ensue. “funnier” material, and with tons more holiday sh- doesn’t normally hang out with kids his age. He
Rated PG lock. That’s exactly how I envision the picture being escapes to The Sharper Image Store, where he tries
pitched to studio execs. It seems to borrow form a out all the gadgets and eventually ends up singing
DÉJÀ VU Denzel Washington stars as an ATF agent cadre of kid’s movies, like Home Alone. It’s updated, karaoke. Tough, tomboyish Donna Malone, played by
who travels back in time to save a woman from being of course, following six kids of very different back- Quinn Shephard, fulfills a fantasy I’m sure everyone
murdered. While accomplishing his mission, he falls grounds traveling without their parents and stuck in has had: she steals a skycap cart and drives it at
in love with his target, which greatly complicates his an airport because of snow. It’s not the most original top speed through the airport. Timothy “Beef” Wel-
mission. Rated PG-13 flick to hit theaters, but it is sure to be a winner with lington, played by Brett Kelly is the weirdest of the
kids in the above mentioned age group, provided that bunch. He fills in the consummate weirdo role played
THE DEPARTED This is Martin Scorsese’s tribute they aren’t too sophisticated in their tastes. by Ally Sheedy in the Breakfast Club, with his own
/ remake of Hong Kong filmmaker Felix Chong’s Wu Luckily, the movie moves fast enough that you particular brand of weirdness and imagination.
jian dao –a classic of the genre. The story deals with might not have time to ponder the conventions being Grace and Spencer pair off in the end, as
two men from opposite sides of the law. They are re-treaded. It’s definitely a safe movie to take your do the tomboy Donna and the nerd Charlie. The
each undercover for their organizations. One agent is kids to, as there aren’t any sexual references or bad scriptwriters seemed to have found the fact that
undercover for the Irish Mafia with the Boston State “Beef” wasn’t coupled off a bit sad, so they wrote a
language. Also, the child actors filling out the roles
Police and one agent is undercover with the Irish Mafia.
do an excellent job of charming their audience and slapdash scene in at the end, giving him a romantic
There’s a rat in the police unit and the Irish Mafia. The
are very well cast. interest. That, like much of the movie, had a manu-
two moles are dispatched to fine the moles in their
The film is directed by Paul Feig, who also factured quirkiness that I found hard to swallow.
organization. Of course, they are the moles. It stars
Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon as the moles and directed the short lived cult TV series Freaks and I tried very hard to suspend my belief at several
Jack Nicholson as the mob boss. Rated R Geeks. Unfortunately, I was counting on his past points in the film, mostly because security was so
resume to make this flick more interesting than it utterly inept. If it’s that easy to get around security at
FLUSHED AWAY This animated film is about an was. an airport, why do I have to take my shoes off and
uptown rat Roddy (voiced by Huge Jackman) who gets As a fan of That 70’s Show, I was happy to see Zach Van Bourke who furtively helps the kids. get wanded? These kids would have been arrested
flushed down the toilet from his penthouse apartment, actor Wilmer Valderrama in a major motion picture. Comedian Lewis Black plays Oliver Porter, who by real cops the moment they stole that sky cab cart
ending up in the sewers of London, where he has to He plays the harried and sympathetic flight attendant oversees the operations at the airport and is the and trashed an airport book stand.
learn a whole new and different way of life. Rated PG film’s overwrought Scrooge. He plays his part in an Some of the best moments in the film came
“ A TRIUMPH!”
over the top manner that fits horrible lines like “Last from the adults that just had cameos, like Teri Garr
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION In the style of humor one down is a fired apple.” as the tipsy, over-decorating aunt, who continues to
we have come to expect from director Christopher We follow six kids in the movie, although the festoon her already decorated house as she reas-
Guest, this film revolves around the actors in a small GLENN KENNY, PREMIERE core four stay together for the majority of the movie. sures Valerie Davenport (Paget Brewster) who is
indie melodrama Home For Purim about a Jewish Gina Mantegna plays the rich girl Grace Conrad, who worried about her kids stuck at the airport.
family in the Deep South during the 40s. When Marilyn escapes from the pen of unaccompanied minors For most of the movie, I was looking for a big
(Catherine O’Hara) hears Internet rumors that her to go to the airport spa (where she runs up a $450 laugh, and I never really found it. The movie was
performance could garner an Oscar nomination, the bill). Her brand conscious snobbishness soon disap- cute, but it never had me laughing out loud. I’ll for-
buzz of awards season is set in motion. It is not long pears as she joins the other renegade kids. Spencer give a great deal, if a movie can deliver punch lines
before the other actors get tagged with Oscar-fever Davenport, played by Dyllan Christopher is just an that have me laughing rather than groaning. The
too, and the race toward nominations begins. Starring: ordinary, awkward fourteen-year-old boy, working characters are somewhat memorable but the script
Eugene Levy, Harry Shearer, Catherine O’Hara, Michael to impress Grace. His attempts to impress Grace and plot lack originality. Still, it’s a fun holiday romp
McKean. Rated PG-13 are thwarted by his little sister, Katherine Davenport, with plenty of physical comedy that younger kids are
played by Dominique Saldana. Tyler James Williams, sure to enjoy.
THE FOUNTAIN This stunning art film by Darren
Aronofsky has been hailed as a masterpiece by
some pundits and panned as nonsense by others. It
involves Tomas, a man who becomes immortal by how unaccompanied minors was born
eating bark from the Tree of Life. He lives parallel lives
The endearing screenplay for Unaccompanied Shuler Donner states, “We were so glad that
simultaneously. Tomas lives three incarnations. First,
Minors was based on Susan Burton’s coming-of- Paul really responded to the material. He has such
as a Spanish Conquistador on an expedition to find
age story “Babysitting” on Chicago Public Radio’s a unique voice and style, and he is so good at com-
the fountain of youth for Queen Isabel (Weisz), then as
the doctor married to Izzi and trying to find a cure for Peabody Award-winning program This American bining physical comedy with heartwarming ele-
her brain cancer, and finally as an advanced human Life. “I heard this story on the radio about two sis- ments. Plus, nobody understands early teen angst
living in a bubble adrift in space unable to die to join ters who get stuck in an airport traveling from one like Paul.”
his wife on the other side. For viewers, it’s open to parent to another,” recalls producer Michael Aguilar. Having appeared on This American Life him-
interpretation. Rated PG-13 “It struck me as a great idea for a movie because self, Feig shares, “I was drawn to this project for
there was adventure, fun and an emotional center. so many reasons. I am always trying to tell stories
HAPPY FEET In the close-knit world of Emperor So I got together with writers Jacob Meszaros and about family or about people bonding together.
Penguins, they find their mates through singing. Ah but Mya Stark to create a group of young fictional char- Here you have five kids from separate families
a penguin is born who can’t sing a note. So, the misfit acters who get stuck in an airport over Christmas joined together by the fact that they’re mostly kids
Mumbles takes up tap dancing, and soon is banished without their families and create a little makeshift of divorced parents and, during the holiday season,
for their community. He meets a posse of outcasts and MOBILE USERS: For Showtimes -
Text Message BLOOD DIAMOND with your ZIP CODE to 43KIX (43549)
family of their own.” are sent around from one parent to the other. I just
soon the whole penguin nation is dancing to the oldies. Together with Aguilar, fellow producer Lauren love the idea of strangers who are thrust together
The animated film is voiced by Robin Williams, Hugh STARTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 Shuler Donner looked for the right director to realize and find that they have things in common. Also, I’d
Jackman, Elijah Wood, Nicole Kidman, and Brittany Regal Cinemas DIGITAL AMC Hollywood Theaters their project. A few years ago, Paul Feig had estab- been wanting to make a fun, physical, sort of old-
AVENUES STADIUM 20 ORANGE PARK 24 RIVER CITY MARKETPLACE 14
Murphy. Rated PG Phillips Hwy N off I-95 Blanding Blvd & Wells Rd I-95 to Duval Rd East Exit
lished his knack for telling stories about adventures fashioned comedy like the kind I grew up watching.
800/FANDANGO #680 904/264-3888 904/757-9880 DIGITAL
Regal Cinemas DIGITAL
BEACH BOULEVARD 18
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in adolescence as creator of the critically acclaimed I just wanted to try and capture that fun slapstick
(continued on pg 9)
14051 Beach Boulevard
800/FANDANGO #188
Outside Regency Mall
904/264-3888
Southside Blvd & Gate Pkwy
904/998-2020 television series Freaks and Geeks. style of comedy.”
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8 december 7-13, 2006 | entertaining u newspaperblood diamond
LET’S GO TO PRISON Dax Shepard stars as a career
criminal who has a plan for revenge. It is thwarted
by unlikely circumstances. So, he puts his intended
victim’s son in his place by putting him in prison, and
then joining him. Rated R
a gem of a movie NATONAL LAMPOON’S VAN WILDER: THE RISE
OF TAJ Kal Penn stars as Taj Mahal Badalandabad
(Van Wilder’s assistant) who leaves Coolidge College
by Rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net behind for Camford University. There he continues his
education and teaches an uptight student how to make
the most of his college education by picking up coeds
and drinking beer. Rated R
THE NATIVITY STORY This docudrama, directed by
Catherine Hardwicke, focuses on the life of Mary and
Joseph before the birth of Christ. The screenwriter
endeavored to be Biblically correct, with fictionalized
dialogue. The couple eventually journey to Bethlehem
under difficult circumstances where Mary gives birth.
Rated PG
ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING An epic adventure
that follows a young Jewish orphan who rises from
peasant to Queen of Persia only to face the annihilation
of her people.
Starring Tiffany Dupont, Omar Sharif, John Rhys-
A- Rated R 150 min Leonardo DiCaprio is riveting as Danny, who Danny is an adrenalin junky who loves Africa and its Davies, Luke Goss, Peter O’Toole. Rated PG
was in the Rhodesian Army’s special forces. He dangers. The country’s mystical allure haunts Dan-
The horror of the raging civil wars in Africa is occasionally does recon work for the Sierra Leone ny’s consciousness. He says the sand is red from all THE PRESTIGE Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale
chronicled in this powerful film. Which is a subtext Army when his smuggling activities coincide with the blood that has been spilled in the country. More portray rival magicians Robert Angier and Alfred
addresses the exploitation of slave labor diamond the Army’s mission. So, he has agreed to find significantly, he has built up a profitable life as a sol- Borden. Robert is dumbfounded by Alfred’s mind
mining in Sierra Leone by murderous rebel militias. Solomon’s boy and help Solomon get the diamond dier of fortune and diamond smuggler. Now he risks boggling tricks. He desperately tires to find out the
Set in 1999, filmmaker Edward Zwick crafted an out of the country. Danger lurks at every turn with his life to find the biggest natural pink diamond in secret of Alfred’s amazing tricks. What if his tricks
almost flawless scenario with brutally graphic action the Sierra Lione’s army clashing with the rebels in history. He sees it as his destiny. He could care less were not staged? What if he was doing real magic?
sequences. It is skillfully acted by a stellar cast, and vicious battles. Danny and Solomon frequently get about Solomon’s son, who is all but lost to Solomon. It’s a conundrum as events build momentum to Alfred
presents as a broad spectrum of contrasts. caught in the crossfire as they scramble to safety. Meanwhile, the forces of chaos are catching up finding out the truth. Michael Caine and Scarlett
This penetrating scenario has everything Along the way, Danny meets an American jour- with Danny and Solomon as they dodge bullets and Johansson co-starred under Christopher Nolan’s
nalist, Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly) working on explosions to find the diamond. direction. Rated PG-13
anyone would want in a movie. It is an intelligently
written script with inspired acting and top notch a feature story about blood diamonds. She latches The tremendous heat and pressures that cre-
THE QUEEN A revealing, witty portrait of the British
filmmaking.. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Danny Ar- on to Danny as an important contact. Danny is not ated the diamond symbolically represent the tumul-
royal family in crisis immediately following the death
cher, a diamond smuggler working for a big diamond thrilled that she keeps popping up in his game plan. tuous conflicts raging across Africa, leaving untold
of Princess Diana. The setting for this fictional account
syndicate. In a twisty plot, Danny hooks up with a Over his mercenary career, Danny has seen too death and suffering that tear at the soul of humanity. of real events is no less than the private chambers
fisherman, Solomon Vandy ( Djimon Hounsou) who, much slaughter, making him bitterly cynical about Zwick’s brilliant film lays bare the crumbling cultures of the Royal Family and the British government in the
during his internment as a slave laborer in the dia- the future of Africa. He sees Solomon’s diamond as of Africa as a study in extreme contrasts–life, death, wake of the sudden death of Princess Diana in August
mond mines, finds a large priceless pink diamond. his ticket out of the country. However, deep down, and the struggle for hope and dignity. of 1997. The result is an intimate, yet thematically
During a firefight with government soldiers epic, battle between private and public, responsibility
Solomon gets away from his guards and hides the
diamond, before running away into the bush. But
the brutal truths of blood diamonds and emotion, custom and action - as a grieving nation
waits to see what its leaders will do. Starring: Helen
later, he is captured. Coincidently, Danny and Solo- The world sees diamonds as sparkling, ada and Amnesty International gave them a name Mirren, Michael Sheen, James Cromwell, Sylvia Syms,
mon are incarcerated in the same prison. Danny beautiful and highly prized. They are symbols of in order to help bring the crisis into the public con- Helen McCrory. Rated PG-13
overhears another prisoner tell of Solomon finding love and fidelity, affluence and glamour. But in the sciousness: They called them ‘blood diamonds.’”
the diamond. Danny is all ears, and arranges to have African country of Sierra Leone, where many of the Zwick had only a passing knowledge of the term THE SANTA CLAUSE: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
Solomon released world’s diamonds are mined, they have taken on a and its meaning when producer Paula Weinstein Tim Allen will be able to retire on these goofy Santa
Thus begins a shaky alliance between the two much darker connotation. first sent him the script. “I had heard the phrase, Clause films. This third movie in the series features
African natives from radically different backgrounds. Director/producer Edward Zwick explains, but I didn’t fully understand its implications,” he Santa a.k.a. Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) who is faced with
Danny is more worried about his son who had been “‘Conflict diamonds’ are stones that have been offers. “The more I learned, the more fascinated double-duty: First, how to keep his new family happy,
captured by warlords in a raid on his village. The smuggled out of countries at war. They then go and horrified I became, and the more I realized and second, how to stop Jack Frost from taking over
ruthless thugs indoctrinate the boys with macho to pay for more arms furthering the destruction this was a story that needed to be told…I don’t Christmas. Rated G
propaganda and arm them with AK-47s which some of the region. They may be a small percentage of think movies can ever be too intense, but people
of them can barely lift up to their shoulders. The the world’s sales, but, nonetheless, in an industry have to understand why you’re showing them the SAW III It’s that voodoo that he do so well. Jigsaw
boys are hooked on drugs and turned into killers. worth billions of dollars, even a small percentage things you are showing them. In the case of ‘Blood kidnaps a doctor to keep him alive as he directs his
is worth many millions and can buy innumerable Diamond,’ there are brutal truths, but there is also apprentice to torture a new subject by solving riddles
This subplot runs parallel to the main story of Danny
small arms. In the late 1990s, people from such great beauty and emotion to be found in the lives that keep the poor captive alive. It’s the ultimate torture
and Solomon traveling to the area where Solomon
NGOs as Global Witness, Partnership Africa-Can- of those caught up in those situations.” endurance test. Rated R
buried the diamond.
(continued on pg 10)
eujacksonville.com | december 7-13, 2006 9immediately sets out to win, his Cock and Bulls being
apparently destined for failure. The story goes on to
STRANGER THAN FICTION One morning, a follow this competition, and Taj’s struggle to teach the
seemingly average and generally solitary IRS students how to loosen up and party.
agent named Harold Crick begins to hear a female If you’re looking for raunchy humor and easy to
voice narrating his every action. Harold’s carefully
follow storyline, then maybe The Rise of Taj will serve
controlled life is turned upside down by this narration
you well. A few laugh evoking scenes make seeing
only he can hear, and when the voice declares that
this movie not a total waste, but with those scenes
Harold Crick is facing imminent death, he realizes he
being too far and few between, I’d be weary before
must find out who is writing his story and persuade
her to change the ending. The voice in Harold\’s venturing to see Taj. A handful of too provocative
movie review
head turns out to be the once celebrated, but now scenes and jokes make this film somewhat edgy, but
nearly forgotten, novelist Karen “Kay” Eiffel, who is it lacks the freshness of former Van Wilder or other
struggling to find an ending for what might be her raunchy college partying classics like Animal House
best book. Starring: Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, or Porky’s. It’s got the whole charming message to it,
Queen Latifah, Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman. and morals prove valiant, but who wanted that?
Rated PG-13. The prim and proper English setting was an
interesting contrast to the vulgar actions of the char-
TENACIOUS D: THE PICK OF DESTINY In Venice acters, which was somewhat awkward. The English
Beach, JB (Jack Black) bonds with local slacker KG theme seemed too overdone and cheesy, along with
(Kyle Gass). They form a duo called Tenacious D, the vulgar characters. The soundtrack created the per-
national lampoon’s
setting out to become the world’s greatest band. To fect college party boy mood, as it was similar in style
make this happen they go on a quest to find the Pick to anything you might have heard in the American
of Destiny, which is located in a rock’n’roll museum, Pie movies. An audience might be hard to find as the
that will magically make them famous. Rated R obscene nature and female nude scenes might scare
van wilder: the rise of taj
some away, but the sentimental message and roman-
TURISTAS A hapless gaggle of young backpackers tic comedy feel might leave others disappointed.
have a bus accident, leaving them marooned in a Taj, played by Kal Penn, is easily recognizable
remote Brazilian jungle were a strange being lurks. as one of the co-stars of the stoner classic, Harold
Think Alien in the jungle. Much a bunch of young and Kumar Go To White Castle. Somehow Penn has
people. Rated R by MORGAN HENLEY got the monopoly on the Indian-actor in comedies job,
which is why his over emphasized Indian accent is
special showings C Rated R 95 min
National Lampoon’s Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj
strange. If you’re a fan of Penn, I’d recommend Harold
and Kumar instead of Taj. Looking at Penn’s resume,
isn’t much of a rise of anything. A downgrade from it’s apparent Penn likes to stay true to his Indian roots.
The Inspire Me Film Festival schedule for Dec. 7 at
the first, The Rise of Taj, is a watered down, less funny Once in an interview with Jay Leno, Penn told a story
Café 11 in St. Augustine has been postponed until
version of its predecessor. It isn’t a rise of anyone’s of how once a casting agency asked why he was not
Spring.
movie standards either. Filled with cheap dirty sex wearing a turban.
HAPPY FEET at IMAX Happy Feet will be shown at jokes, a predictable plot, and a cheesy English set- If you’re looking for a cheap laugh, then go see
the World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX® Theater through ting, the Rise of Taj seemed to fall a little short of any The Rise of Taj, if you’re not, then don’t.
January. Tickets are $10.50 for adults with discounts movie greatness.
for seniors, students, military, children and groups. Taj Mahal Badalandabad (Kal Penn), an Indian
The 2D World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX® Theater, graduate student sent to the English Camford Univer-
located at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., sity, is a product of the first Van Wilder’s teachings,
offers state-of-the-art, specially-designed cinematic and wants to use his newly acquired womanizing
technology. The only IMAX® Theater in Northeast skills on the fresh campus. He goes to the campus,
Florida, the Hall of Fame’s 300-seat IMAX® Theater eager and ready to join the Fox and Hounds fraternity they agree. As the strange crew assembles to the
houses an 80-foot-wide by six-story-high. The that his father spoke of so fondly as being in and dance, all in their very finest, many a mishap occurs.
World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX® Theater is open where he experienced his greatest female adven- Taj sends the group to mingle amongst the others,
every day of the year except Thanksgiving and tures. After a rude awakening the snobby and elitist and Taj immediately catches eye of the young female,
Christmas. For tickets and showtimes, call 904-940- fraternity the Fox and Hounds, Taj realizes Camford Charlotte (Lauren Cohan). A too touchy-feely elderly
IMAX or visit www.wgv.com. Holiday Favorites “The might not exactly be what he expected. Taj is then woman asks Taj to dance, and after regrettably ac-
Polar Express” and “Santa vs. the Snowman” are sent to be residence advisor for an oddball, strange cepting; Charlotte intervenes and saves him from the
also showing at the World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX® house of students called “The Barn”. Oddly loveable agony. Taj tries to play it smooth, but it is apparent
Theater. and strange, Taj is greeted by Sadie (Holly Davidson) that the ladies man we knew with Van Wilder is just
an overly sexual female, Gethin (Anthony Cozens), a not there with Taj. After embarrassing himself with
THE JERK The San Marco Theatre will be showing typical geeky nerd, Seamus (Glen Barry) a too rough Charlotte by calling the Fox and Hounds some belit-
Steve Martin in The Jerk along w/pizza in a cup! Dec and rugged Irishman, and Simon (Steven Rathman) tling and offensive names, Charlotte’s boyfriend, Pipp
15th,16th midnight and the 17th at 1pm. Info: 396- (Daniel Percival) the head of the Fox and Hounds fra-
a silent loner. Taj sees it as his mission to transform
4845.
these outcasts and use his “skills” to help these… ternity, ends their meeting, not on a friendly note ei-
less fortunate. ther. So Taj decides to take it upon himself and declare
GRIND2SHINE There will be a screening of Duval’s
Taj finds an invitation for the school’s large gala that his house full of rejects, as a new fraternity called
Hip Hop Movie, GRIND2SHINE and Concert@ Endo
Exo, 224 Kings Ave., Dec 16th, 8pm. Admission is ball, even though it’s hosted by the Fox and Hounds; the Cock and Bulls. Conveniently there is a contest
only $10 and includes your first drink. Just tell ‘em he insists that the group go. The group is reluctant, between all of the fraternities to show whose best in
EU sent you. Info: 396-7733. but through Taj’s often too easily persuasive ways, a series of strange and mundane competitions. Taj
AMERICAN HARDCORE This gritty documentary
directed and produced by Paul Rachman, chronicles
the history of American punk rock from 1980 to
1986. It was written by Steven Blush and stars the
real players in this rock’n’roll saga. Rated R. Dec.
Dec 29th, 30th Midnight 31st at 1 pm. Info: 396-
4845.
CLICK IT!
read it all online at
EUjacksonville.com
10 december 7-13, 2006 | entertaining u newspaperPeter Travers,
“PURE ADRENALINE!”
“ONCE AGAIN,
MEL GIBSON
PROVES WHY HE
IS ONE OF THE
BEST FILMMAKERS
AROUND.”
Pete Hammond, MAXIM
“A DAZZLING,
POWERFUL AND
COMPELLING
MASTERWORK!”
Paul Fischer, DARK HORIZONS
Advanced Ticketing at amctheatres.com or (904) 264-3888
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4:30, 4:55, 5:30, 7:15, 8:10, 9:55
LET’S GO TO PRISON (R) 9:30 PM
“YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE“
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Times For 12/9/06 ©2006
eujacksonville.com | december 7-13, 2006 11pirates of the caribbean
new on dvd
Beerfest (116 min.)
Two American brothers, Jan (Paul Soter) and
dead man’s chest - dvd review
Todd (Erik Stolhanske), decide to travel to
film is now available complete with limited-edition
Germany to participate in an international un-
3-D packaging.
derground drinking game tournament known as
Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knight-
Beerfest. Accompanied by their college drinking
buddies, the guys fly overseas to represent the
by kelliE abraHamSoN KAbrahamson1@aol.com ly return in this swashbuckling adventure tale where
old friends and new foes meet on the high seas. Will
US in the event. Rated R for pervasive crude and
Turner (Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Knightly) are
sexual content, language, nudity and substance
about to tie the knot when the couple is thrown in
abuse.
jail for aiding Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp) in his
latest escape from the authorities. The two agree to
High School Musical- Remix Edition (98
go searching for the infamous pirate in exchange for
min.)
their freedom. Meanwhile Jack is hiding out from
In this teen phenomenon, basketball team captain
the wicked sea spirit Davy Jones (Bill Nighy), to
Zac Efron and class brain Vanessa Anne Hudgens
whom the good captain owes his very life. The debt
secretly follow their dreams and audition for the
must be repaid and Jack’s time among the living is
lead in the school musical. This special two-disc
up. Once Captain Jack crosses paths with his old
edition features brand new supplements include
shipmate Will and the lovely Miss Swann, the epic
making of featurettes, two remixed songs, two
adventure truly begins.
versions of the film and more. This film is rated
The Dead Man’s Chest DVD has a nice amount
TV-G.
of bonus features and is well worth owning. Disc
one contains the feature film, an audio commentary
How to Eat Fried Worms (98 min.)
track with writers Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio and a
During the first day of at a new school, Billy For-
blooper reel. Disc two is where the real booty can
rester (Luke Benward) squares off against Joe
be found. Numerous behind-the-scenes featurettes
(Adam Hicks) the school’s bully, and winds up
made the cut including an hour long look at the film’s
accepting a dare that could change the balance
production and a brief look at the red carpet pre-
of power within the class. To gain some respect,
miere. Also included here are Jerry Bruckheimer’s
in a way only fifth graders can, Billy agrees to eat
photos of the production and an interactive look at
ten worms by 7 pm that very day. Rated PG for
Captain Jack’s costume complete with the whats,
mild bullying and some crude humor.
whys and hows. In all, the two-disc special edition
DVD boasts over five hours of bonus features and
Idlewild (121 min.)
The sixth highest grossing film of all time is inspired by the theme park ride, was a smash in the- will make a lovely addition to any film buff’s collec-
André Benjamin (aka Andre 3000) and Big Boi,
now available on DVD. Pirates of the Caribbean: aters and will no doubt break DVD sale records just tion. Should you or someone you know be a Pirates
both of Outkast, star in this musical set in a
Dead Man’s Chest, the sequel to the hit film that was like its predecessor. A special two-disc edition of the fan, this release will make the perfect gift.
lively speakeasy in a Prohibition-era small town
the chronicles of narnia
in Georgia. Percival (Benjamin) is a shy piano
player and songwriter roused from his shell by a
vivacious singer (Paula Patton) and Rooster (Big
Boi) is a philandering singer who winds up in
deep with a gangster (Terrence Howard) when he
extended dvd set
inherits the club. Rated R for violence, sexuality,
nudity and language.
Miami Vice (132 min.)
Based on the 1980’s TV action/drama, this up-
by kelliE abraHamSoN KAbrahamson1@aol.com
date focuses on vice detectives Sonny Crockett Last year’s Academy Award winning film The
(Colin Farrell) and Rico Tubbs (Jamie Foxx) Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the
as their respective personal and professional Wardrobe gets the Lord of the Rings treatment
lives become dangerously intertwined. Going with a new four-disc extended edition DVD release
undercover as offshore boat racers and outlaw available December 12th. C.S. Lewis’ literary clas-
smugglers, the two take on Arcángel de Jesús sic comes to life in this beautifully executed film
Montoya (Luis Tosar), a dangerous arms dealer about four children who enter a wardrobe and find
and drug trafficker. Rated R for strong violence, themselves in a magical world. There they meet
language and some sexual content. all sorts of interesting creatures including a pair
of beavers, a wicked witch and a regal lion named
Pulse (90 min.) Aslan.
When their computer hacker friend accidentally On April 4th The Lion, the Witch and the
channels a mysterious wireless signal, a group Wardrobe was released on DVD in two editions, a
of co-eds rally to stop a terrifying evil from taking standard single-disc version with little-to-no extras
over the world. Starring “Veronica Mars” beauty and a two-disc deluxe boxed set with additional
Kristen Bell. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences artwork and supplements. As I mentioned at the
of sci-fi terror, disturbing images, language, sen- time of that release, an extended edition DVD was
suality and thematic material. rumored to have been in the works should the feature film itself. Extended scenes add an additional minute journey into the life of the literary master-
initial versions sell well. And sell well they did. A 7-10 minutes to the film, not as much as I person- mind. This never-before-seen film is a particularly
Saturday Night Live- The Complete First record breaking four million copies of the DVD ally would have liked, but welcome nonetheless. The welcome addition considering what little was
Season were sold on the first day of release and here extended scenes are integrated seamlessly into the available on the author in the previous releases.
After far too many “Best of SNL” DVDs, the pow- we are, eight months later, with a new version of original film and do nothing to disrupt the flow. It all Disc four contains behind-the-scenes looks at the
ers that be are finally giving fans what they really the film just in time for the holidays. While many works quite well. I won’t rehash what bonus features making of the film itself thanks to a comprehen-
want: year by year box sets with early episodes people already own The Lion, the Witch and the can be found on the first two discs since that infor- sive featurette, an art gallery and an anatomy of
in their original formats. The set features all 24 Wardrobe on DVD, this release is certainly worth mation has been readily available for several months. a scene feature that breaks down the epic battle
episodes from the first season, a Limited Edition buying and would make a wonderful gift for any The new extras come on discs three and four where sequence toward the end of the film.
Photo Book with Rare SNL Photos of the Cast fan of the film. we get to see more of Narnia and the man behind the The extended edition DVD will only be avail-
and Lorne Michaels, cast member screen tests The first two discs in this box set are almost unforgettable tale. able until January 31, 2007 so if you’re interested
and archival footage from the Today Show with identical to the ones found in the two-disc deluxe Disc three has only one supplement, a feature- in owning this wonderful boxed set, now is the
Tom Snyder. This box set is not rated. collector’s edition with the only change being the length look at C.S. Lewis. Here fans can take an 81 time.
12 december 7-13, 2006 | entertaining u newspaperYou can also read
