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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 1, 2008)
AUGUST 1, 2008 juSt|OUt|39 film American Teen Feeling old? Then you really need to check out this documentary, which will make anyone grate ful to have the chaos of high school behind them. Director Nanette Burstein (The Kid Stays in the Pic- ture) gains remarkable access to a group of students in Warsaw, Ind., as they cope with backstabbing classmates, flaky parents, college admissions and dating drama. Despite rhe town’s conservative at mosphere, it’s reassuring to see a popular girl pun ished when she’s caught scrawling “FAG” on the window of a nemesis. Opens Aug. 8. A —Jim Radosta Brideshead Revisited Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited is a mas terpiece of moral dilemmas, and this adaptation by director Julian Jarrold captures many of them. Matthew Goode plays Charles Ryder, whose best friend, Sebastian Flyte (the wonderful Ben Whishaw), falls in love with him. Unlike 1981 ’s TV version, in which the love was requited, here the ambitious Charles keeps it platonic while fall ing for Sebastian’s sister Julia. Scrumptious visuals and an outstanding Emma Thompson as Sebas tian’s imperious mother make this contemplative, thoughtful film an absorbing experience. B —Floyd Sklaver Man on Wire I was on the edge of my seat for most of this documentary, which painstakingly re-creates the events leading up to one of the greatest pranks in history. French tightrope walker Philippe Pe tit redefined balance, grace and courage when, in 1974, he smuggled a ton of equipment into the World Trade Center and spent 45 minutes cross ing a wire between rhe towers. Considering our fi nal memory of the buildings involves 9/11 victims leaping to their deaths, it’s particularly poignant to see a man who triumphantly defied gravity in the same spot. Opens Aug. 8. A -JR The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor Director Rob Cohen (The Fast and the Furious) tries his best to retain the charm that worked in the first two movies of this adventure series, but he does not succeed. Brendan Fraser once again plays explorer Rick O’Connell, who this time travels to Asia to fight the ruthless Dragon Em peror Han, wonderfully played by Jet Li. Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is probably as disappointing as Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was for a lot of people. C + —Yvonne P. Behrens Pineapple Express Freaks and Geeks alumni Seth Rogen and James Franco establish themselves as the Cheech and Chong for Gen X in this comedy about a pot head slacker who witnesses a murder and goes into hiding with his drug dealer. Although it’s refresh- Man on Wire documents one of the greatest pranks in history. ing to see a funny film that has no hang-ups about weed, what’s even more bold is the unabashed bromance that develops between this odd couple. Opens Aug. 6. B + —JR Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 Based on the novels of Ann Brashares, this se quel by director Sanaa Hamri continues the story of four young women (America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel, Blake Lively and Amber Tamblyn) and their journey into college and another summer apart. The movie is funny and has a great message about friendship and finding your own strength and values. Opens Aug. 6. B —YPB Swing Vote Considering this is an election year, it seems fitting to release a movie about how every vote can make a difference. Kevin Costner is wonder ful as Bud Johnson, a loser who is just living day by day until he finds himself in a situation where his vote can essentially change the outcome of the presidential election. Director Joshua Mi-^ chael Stern makes the most of a stellar support ing cast: Nathan Lane, Dennis Hopper, Stanley Tucci and especially Madeline Carroll, who plays Bud’s daughter, Molly. An entertaining story that avoids turning into a boring political lecture. Go see it—and remember to vote on Election Day. B —YPB © Sunday, August 31, 2008 Doors 5pm - Pageant 6pm Tickets $35.00 Oregon Convention Center 777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd. Portland, Oregon AUGUST 7 TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Madeforaqueen.com , Official Jeweler to LaFemme Magnifique International darcellexv.com myspace.com/laiemmemagmilque
