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Show life' t-. MONDAY • FEBRUARY 26 • 2007 > Movie review he comic book movie from hell f expectations are low, Ghost Rider is better han expected Jason Pyles Assistant Life Editor While watching Gfwst fider, I was reminded if the disclaimer that he Joker's cosmetic surEeon gives him in Batman 1989): "You see what I lave to work with here.1' Similar consolation riould be afforded to Mark teven Johnson, director |>f Ghost Rider. A flam- ins, skull-headed biker I who's a bounty hunter the devil is a tall orler for any filmmaker. Nevertheless, all filings considered. Ghost Wilder was better than I Jfexpected (though my exfectations were low). The special effects Ire artificial, but since it's a comic book adaptation, it works. Nicolas Cage is a decent Johnny Blaze, with hisusual spacey eccentricities; however, when he transforms into Ghost Rider, Cage is basically out of the picture. Ghost Rider is a Marvel comic book, unread by me, so I can't tell how faithfully the movie follows the comics. But here's the premise: As a young man, Johnny Blaze (Matt Long) makes a deal with the devil or a devil equivalent. He signs a contract in blood, sort of, agreeing to trade services. The devil performs a miracle for him; in return, Blaze has to be the devil's bounty hunter (a.k.a. Ghost Rider). The devil's son (not Damien, not Little Nicky) but another guy has three demonic cronies lined up to battle Ghost Rider. Here is where I digress: The devil is given the slick name "Mephistopheles" (Peter Fonda), but the devil's son is called "Blackheart" (Wes Bentley). Indeed, it's hard to find good help these days. Blackheart is trying to overthrow his father by obtaining a lost contract for more than 1,000 souls. Mephistopheles has commissioned Ghost Rider Courtesy Photo/Columbia Pictures to prevent this insurrec- Cage rides his hog through a horrible fog. tion and to destroy Black- terest, respectively. here there be* "groaners." What I find to be most heart and the Joan Jetts. What I find to be amusing about Ghost Rider most disconcerting about Sam Elliott (Road is when Johnny Blaze transHouse) and Eva Mendes Ghost Rider is the diaforms from a mere man (Hitch) make nice addi- logue. It has some ArSchwarzenegger into a mighty underworld tions as Johnny Blaze's nold mentor and love in- one-liners. Be ye warned, titan, his chopper also un- dergoes a parallel metamorphosis. I couldn't help bul think of Prince Adam and Cringer changing into He-Man and Battlecat. Battlecat ... now that's a worthy movie concept. Movie review ."'• Music review M_ife after Toad the Wet Sprocket Stupid humor hits new high \ "j.;-jJSFormer front man Glen Phillips and us latest solo albums Jason Pyles Assistant Life Editor Toad the Wet Sprocket /as that '90s band with jie "Walk On the Ocean" (png, and Glen Phillips *iWas Toad's front man until Khey disbanded circa 1998. Phillips was the brain behind his former band's )ng writ ing, especially .^lyrics; consequently, most Toad fans followed when began his solo career. Abulum (2001) is Philips' first "post-Toad" al)um. The songwriting is ine, but the record's projuction simply doesn't latter the material. Of his Solo releases, Abulum is *. jrihe weakest link. Even so, Ait's not without its charms. \buhtm has "Train /reck," a lyrical masterpiece and an extreme exe r c i s e in metaphors, simies and run-on sentences: "She looked just like a :ain wreck that could've en avoided in a third orld country by a long etch of farmland where e waters had run high and ashed the .topsoil down river so that next year •J^Kthere would be no crops." Because Phillips fre|uently performs solo ith his guitar, he recordI a live, solo-acoustic alum called Live at Largo (2003). It has 18 great performances, including some Toad tunes. Phillips also has a similar DVD (also titled Abulum) that features concert footage; I highly recommend it. In 2004, Phillips collaborated with Nickel Creek and produced Mutual Admiration Society. This record showcases excellent musical arrangements and musicianship. Arguably, Phillips' best post-Toad work is Winter Pays for Summer (2005). If you decide to give Glen Phillips a try, this is the album. With Winter Pays for Summer. Phillips is in fine form, demonstrating his abilities lyrically, musically and intellectually. For examples, hear "Duck and Cover," "Released," "Half Life" and "True." Phillips had two new releases in 2006: Mr. Lemons and Unucky 7. Both albums are respectable, but I would make particular mention of the songs "Marigolds" and "Revelator." Phillips has a depth to his talents that makes him an attractive and respected artist. To learn more, visit Glen Phillips' Web sites at www.glenphillips.com and http:// myspace.com/glenphillips Luke Hickman tim to a terrorist attack. This leaves the awkward, not-too-savvy mod Reno's finest are back squad with the duties of actand better than ever, torn from the tube and slung ing as the only guardians of right onto the beauti- justice in Miami, respondful, digital big screen. ing to every 911 call and • Comedy Central's par- tracking down the terrorists ody of Cops, Reno 911!, with the only anecdote to quickly gained a cult fan close the quarantine case. If you've never seen base shortly after its prethe show, then don't try mier in 2003, and has only and decide if you like it grown bigger and bigger over the last few yeaxs. by seeing the movie. InThe leader of the pack. stead of only having to fill Officer Dangle, best de- a 22-minute slot, writers scribes the team by saying: had to add filler and fluff "They're the dumb- to this 85-minute movie. It's a lot more vulest group of people gar and offensive, as I've ever met. One of well, mainly because them's legally retarded." they didn't have to fight In Reno 911!: Miami The Movie, the team takes with FCC officials about off on a wild road trip to the content this round. Which brings us to the the annual American Police Convention that's being next good point: If you've held in Florida. After suf- seen the show and hated it, fering the tedious bus trip don't even bother with MIacross the country, spirits AMI. The stupid humor is are broken only to find that brought to an all-time high. And if you're a diethey were never registered. hard fan, get ready to Instead of fighting laugh yourself dumb. their way into the conThe acquired comedy ference, this team of trashy law enforcers de- is amplified with a big cides to stay in town and budget and a big screen. party it up, Reno style. With superb cameos from On the second day of improv actors like The the convention, Reno's . Rock, a couple of the Anfinest decide to tell them chorman guys and a couwho's the boss, only to ple of guys from fellow discover that the conven- Comedy Central crack-up, tion center has been quar- Stella, you' re bound to antined after falling vic- be in for loads of laughs. Life Editor, Photo credit/ www.amazon.com Photo credit/www.awarestore.com V VISI ELLITE CALL CENTER POSITIONS AVAILABLE Our Reps Avg. more than $20/HR ri • Easy in-bound sales • Clean call center environment Bonuses based on performance • NO COLD CALLING! |