Arts/Local News
Battleship: Fights Space Invaders
Tribute: Never Stands Still
Modern Dance Documentary
Pays Tribute to Jacob’s Pillow
Festival
Review by Kam Williams
Special to TheSkanner News
T
he Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festi-
val traces its roots back to the
Thirties when it was founded
on a farm nestled in the Berkshire
Mountains by the legendary Ted
Shawn (1891-1972). He envisioned
the retreat as an oasis where modern
dance might be practiced, choreo-
graphed and performed as a legitimate
art form independent of classical bal-
let.
Other than being derailed by a tem-
porary setback during The Depression,
the festival’s stature grew steadily over
the ensuing years. In 1942, Shawn
built a theater in a converted barn so
that patrons could enjoy modern for
modern’s sake, independent of the dis-
tracting trappings of a big city opera
house.
Now celebrating its 80th anniver-
sary, Jacob’s Pillow is a veritable
mecca recognized as America’s
longest-running dance festival. Direct-
ed by Ron Honsa, ‘Never Stand Still’
is an enchanting tribute destined to
delight both modern dance devotees
and the curious alike.
Narrated by Bill T. Jones, this alter-
nately educational and entertaining
documentary divides its time between
concert footage and informative inter-
views with industry icons like Merce
Cunningham, Bill Irwin, Paul Taylor,
Judith Jamison and Suzanne Farrell.
We learn that dance is definitely a call-
ing and not a life for anyone who
wants a secure career path, since
you’re always just an ingénue or an
injury away from losing the limelight
forever.
Jamison reminds us, however, that to
reach the top, you have to be more
than merely technically adept. You
need to be among those rarest of tal-
ents also capable of touching the
human spirit.
Modern dance appreciated as a
sacred endeavor enabling one to fly
above the fray, if not literally, vicari-
ously, at the very least.
International Armada Defends Earth
from Aliens in Epic Naval Showdown
Review by Kam Williams
Special to TheSkanner News
T
hough ostensibly inspired by the Hasbro
board game of the same name, “Battle-
ship” is a special f/x-driven, sci-fi adven-
ture that actually has much more in common
with bombastic blockbusters like “Armaged-
don” (1998), “Transformers” (2007) and “Inde-
pendence Day” (1996). To its credit, this
variation on the theme does devote consider-
able attention to developing a back story before
letting all hell breaks loose.
That gives the audience a reason to care about
the characters upon the breakout of war with
bloodthirsty invaders from outer space. Anoth-
er positive is director Peter Berg’s capable cast,
led by veteran thespian Liam Neeson, Taylor
Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgard and Brooklyn
Decker. Along for the roller coaster ride is pop
icon Rihanna, who more than holds her own in
an auspicious acting debut as Petty Officer
Cora Raikes.
However, the diva’s diehard fans might be
disappointed that she doesn’t get to sing here,
unless whispering a few bars of “Sentimental
Journey” counts. Furthermore, her curvy
physique is kept camouflaged for most of the
movie under unflattering military fatigues.
The picture’s point of departure is 2005,
which is when we meet Stone (Skarsgard) and
Alex Hopper (Kitsch), two brothers seemingly
headed in opposite directions. The former is
serving his country as captain of the destroyer
USS Sampson, while his ne’er-do-well sibling
Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 74 minutes
Distributor: First Run Features
Never Stand Still
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lands in jail over an attractive blonde (Decker)
whose father (Neeson) is in charge of the entire
Pacific fleet.
Fast forward to the present where we learn
that Alex has not only enlisted in the Navy, but
that he’s already risen to the rank of Lieutenant.
He is also dating Samantha over the objections
of her disapproving dad who doesn’t 100 per-
cent trust that her hot-headed suitor has turned
a new leaf.
Alex is in the process of summoning up the
courage to ask Admiral Shane for permission to
marry his daughter when five vessels arrive
from planet G and proceed, without provoca-
tion, to decimate an international armada on
maneuvers in the middle of the ocean. Sudden-
ly, wedding plans have to take a back seat to
defending the planet.
Furthermore, as the most senior officer
aboard his ship to survive the initial attack,
Alex assumes command of the USS John Paul
Jones. This affords the former bad boy an
opportunity to exhibit his bravery (in the tradi-
tion of Revolutionary War hero Jones’ “I have
not yet begun to fight!”) as well as a much-
needed chance to redeem himself in the eyes of
his future father-in-law.
The epitome of a summer blockbuster: a
dizzying display of derring-do, patriotism and
fearlessness in the face of an overwhelming
alien invasion on the high seas. And the guy
even gets the girl.
Very Good (3 stars)
Rated PG-13 for profanity and intense vio-
lence.
Running time: 131 minutes
Distributor: Universal Pictures
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S EATTLE 2012
variety of activities for all ages at the 41st Annual
NW Folklife Festival, happening this Memorial Day
Weekend in Seattle Center. As always the festival
charges no admission fee. Seattle Center (by the
Space Needle.) All weekend event. 10 a.m.
If you have an event you want to share
with the community, email it two weeks
in advance to The Skanner at
info@theskanner.com
Friday May 25
NATHAN HALE STUDENTS SPONSORING ANTI-DRUG
CARNIVAL. Raiders Against Destructive Decisions
will be kicking off the long Memorial Day
weekend with the after school event which runs
from 3 – 5:30 p.m. in the Nathan Hale High
School Football Field and Track, 10750 30th Ave.
NE,
41ST ANNUAL NORTHWEST FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL.
Northwest Folklife is happy to again offer a wide
Page 2 The Seattle Skanner May 23, 2012
Saturday June 26
6TH ANNUAL GIG HARBOR SCRAMBLE. Come join
the fun at the 6th Annual Gig Harbor Scramble
starting at 10 a.m. at Skanse Brothers Park, 3207
Harborview Dr. This free family event marks the
official kick-off to summer and outdoor fun in Gig
Harbor.
Monday May 28
MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVATIONS TO BE HELD ON THE
CAPITAL CAMPUSGROUNDS. Beginning at 10:30
a.m. the Thurston County Veteran Coalition is
holding its annual program in the State Capital
Rotunda. The American Legion Band will perform
at 10:30 a.m. followed by the ceremony at 11
a.m. Olympia, WA
Saturday June 2
KIDNEY HEALTH FEST FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN
FAMILIES: This free event runs from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
at Van Asselt Elementary School, 8311 Beacon
Ave. S. This year’s theme is Celebrating 10 Years
Towards Kidney Wellness, Mind, Body and Soul.
MOVING BEYOND CANCER TO WELLNESS. This is a
free educational event for cancer survivors and
caregivers. Hosted by Fred Hutchinson Cancer
Research Center Survivorship Program. 8:30 a.m.
– 3 p.m. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research
Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N. This free event is
open to the public. For more information please
call 206-667-5262.