JUNE 13, 2008 justpucs?
troops, and a stunning es
cape on the rooftops of Brazil
ensues. It’s the first chase
of many, leading to the first
“Hulk-out,” giving a chance
to showcase how far CGI
effects have come since the
last time the growly green gi
ant was onscreen.
Lake Oswego filmmaker Dan Merchant explores the collision of
Norton is sharp in the
faith and culture in the United States in Lord, Save Us from Your ■
title role, as is William Hurt
Followers.
as the mustachioed daddy
type General Ross. Liv Tyler looks appropriately
understanding to show that religion does not have
doe-eyed, and Tim Roth is an excellent villain,
to divide but can instead bring people together,
although he’s continually shot in a way that em
regardless of sexual orientation. Opens June 13 at
phasizes how short he is. Director Louis Leterrier
Holly wood Theatre B
knows action from his time on the Transporter
-JR
films, and here he brings on apocalyptic rampag- ,
ing action with gusto. While The Incredible Hulk ;
and the City
isn’t nearly as good as Iron Man (but watch for an
In case you’ve been living in an ex-gay ministry
end scene and an important cameo), it’s a crowd for the past 10 years, here’s the scoop on this big
pleasing action film that pays frequent homage to
screen adaptation of the beloved HBO television
the beloved 1970s TV series, as well as its comic
series that wrapped in 2004: Romance columnist
book origins. B +
Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and her three best
s- -Jf'
-i.,
■
now selling beer
belgians • large format
Sex
—Andy Mangels
Kung Fu Panda
This DreamWorks CGI-animated movie is
more for adults arid kung fu lovers than for chil
dren, even though it touches on all the life lessons
we try to teach kids. The movie tells the enter
taining tale of a clumsy, fat panda who becomes a
true kung fu master by learning that if he believes
in himself, he can do anything. The slapstick is
effective and the action choreography is stun
ning, but there are not as many jokes as the trailer
would lead you to believe. The stellar voice-over
cast includes Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman,
Lucy Liu and Jack Black. C +
—YPB
Lord, Save Us from Your Followers
Like a faith-based Michael Moore, Lake Os
wego filmmaker Dan Merchant tackles a divisive
topic with an irreverent approach in this docu
mentary about the collision of faith and culture in
the United States. In one scene he sets up a “con
fessional booth” at a Gay Pride festival to inter
view visitors about how religion has affected their
lives, to apologize for the many atrocities commit
ted against queers by so-called “loving Christians”
and to demonstrate a unique approach of love and
friends—jaded Miranda (queer actress Cynthia
Nixon), romantic Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and
homy Samantha (Kim Cattrall)—go shopping for
men and shoes with equal gusto in the Big Apple.
As Carrie observes from the outset, she used to
write about the search for love, but now she wants
to figure out what to do once you’ve found it. Like
last year’s successful Simpsons Movie, if you love
the show, you’ll love the film. A-
wine • chocolate • beer
bulk olive oil & vinegar
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www.corkwineshop.com
-JR
Speed Racer
Much more big-screen video game than movie,
Speed Racer is the ultimate triumph of style over
substance. Computer graphics rule supreme, and
it would have been better had they just stopped
there. The dialogue is excruciatingly terrible, and
the scenes of human interaction seem intermi
nable. Fortunately, most of the running time
consists of whiz-bang, nitro-propelled, candy
colored action sequences that obey no known
laws of physics. For sheer technological visual
innovation, Speed Racer knows no equal, but the
human beings are not just superfluous, they’re ir
ritating, despite being portrayed by a highly tal
ented cast. A gorgeous, overblown, brainless, 21st
century Tron. B-
—Jemiah Jefferson
Coventry
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