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
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