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Show Signpost Friday, January 7, 1983 A7 Showdown : Films from the holiday season By Michael Knowlton The Dark Crystal Many people are astounded when they hear that a Muppet movie is now showing which cost $26 million to make and " doesn't even star Kermit the Frog. However, Muppet creator Jim Henson teamed up with Frank Oz (Muppet voice-master) and producer Gary Kurtz (Star Wars) to bring a wide-screen Muppet-world fantasy to life. I Basically, the events take place in "another world, another time, in the Age of Wonder," where a race of evil vulture-like creatures are in control of the magical Dark Crystal. The creatures have slaughtered all but two members of their opposition. The survivors are Jen and Kira, a boy and girl of a race of elfin people call ed gelflings. Reminiscent of J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings," Jen must undertake, a quest to find and replace a shard from the crystal in order to bring its powers back into focus and set the world aright. "The Dark Crystal" is quite intriguing in its visual texture and special effects. It abounds with bizarre and fantastic Muppet creations based on the work of artist Brian Froud. But although some people may find the film enchanting, losing themselves in Henson's beautifully weird creations, I found the film grew tedious due to the shallow plot--the extravagant showcase of Muppetry losing its wonder and magic as the film wound down to the end. I would say "The Dark Crystal" is a competent fantasy, but I would recommend it for children (its PG rating is undeserved) or cult audiences fond of the fantasy genre. Best Friends As . everyone knows by now, the "Best Friends" in theaters this season are Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn, a combination that can't miss. Well, at least not by much, Burt and Goldie play Richard Babson and Paula McCullen, two writers who have been living together for several years, but who get married at Richard's insistence that they need commitment, and that it can only strengthen their relationship. But of course, being married should involve one's inlaws, and so, after taking their vows, Richard and Paula are off to visit her parents in Buffalo and his Terra Nova' seeks cast Auditions for the Pioneer State Theater Foundation's annual touring production, "Terra Nova" by Ted Tally, will be held on Friday, January 14 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. in room 217 at Pioneer Memorial Theater. Callbacks will be held Saturday, January 15. William Glover will be the guest director. Parts are available for six men and one woman. The rehearsal and production schedule will be from February 28 through April 30. The performance dates at Weber State College are March 28 through April 2. All auditioners must sign for a time slot on the call-board located next to room 110 of Pioneer Memorial Theater. Additional audition information will be available on the call-board. All actors are asked to bring a photo and resume. Auditions are open to all students, faculty and staff of universities and colleges in Utah and to members of the Actor's Equity Association. in Virginia. During their sojourn, however,-the couple discover that marriage might not be all it's cracked up to be. The movie has a light-hearted comic touch to it with credible acting by Jessica Tandy and Barnard Hughes as Paula's eccentric parents. (He's still trying to seduce their maids, she thinks it's good that he can still make the effort.) Veteran actors Keenan Wynn and Audra Lindley (Mrs. Roper on Three's Company) also star as Richard's parents. But while the movie has occasional good humor -. V ' ' . a -4,;' x ?' ? v I under Norman Jewison's (Rollerball, Jesus Christ Superstar) directon, it's never really made clear why Richard and Paula's, relationship gradually starts deteriorating after their marriage. Perhaps the fact that each of them finds the other's in-laws to Photo courtesy Warner Bros. be annoying and irritating has something to do with it, although this is never made clear. Despite its drawbacks, however, this movie is recommended for those who like light romantic comedy-and for fans of Burt and Goldie. tyl ly 'ortrait Haircut. Styling. Portrait Sitting and Color Print, all -for only $"l"7 and just in time for Valentine's Day. Professional make-up is available for only $5 extra. Don't Miss This One Day Special on Saturday, January M Call for an appointment today P i 4 I -WEILS ME BASK VTODEWTS |