| OCR Text |
Show 'Just Friends' just stupid Even though this film is only an hour and a is so painful that the actors look like they are half long, I felt like I was sitting in the theater trying to get homework done when it's time for them to be serious. for about three days. In that Comedy films are a wonderkind of situation, the results can ful thing, but they aren't very be either wonderful or horrible Casey T. Allen memorable — or well done — for film viewers. Can you guess when they are just filled with what kind of result this film comedy, "just Friends" tries to had? make up for its lack of heart We're all tenderly aware of with a rushed- ending and a the term "just friends," espefew bits of romance which cially when we want to be more don't even last long enough to than friends with a special some"Just Friends" be enjoyed by the audience. one. This film is about one such Rated PG-f3, Grade® Reynolds does well, again, man, Chris (Ryan Reynolds, as a self-absorbed, sarcastic "Waiting..."), who's trapped businessman and Smart clearin the "friend zone," pronibited from expressing true love to his unassum- ly puts in the biggest effort with the emotional ing soul mate, Jamie (Amy Smart, "Starsky & drama. The greatest source of comedy, howHutch"). Once you are deemed as a friend ever, actually comes from the two supporting by someone, there is no hope of potentially characters wno continually foil Chris' romantic becoming lovers with them. After this predica- endeavors. Anna Faris ("Scary Movie") as the ment has been established during the opening naughty pop singer and Chris Klein ("American high school scene of the film, the rest of the sto- Pie") as trie sweetheart paramedic both contribryline devotes itself to the thousands of attempts ute fun performances that help make this film a Chris makes to prove his love. These attempts little bit better. involve athletic prowess on a children's hockey Directed by Roger Kumble ("The Sweetest team and watching "The Notebook" with teary Thing"), "Just Friends" is right up his alley. But eyes. this is definitely not his best work. Filled with With the rising comic firecracker Reynolds as predictable physical comedy and sexual humor, the leading man, this juvenile romantic comedy "Just Friends" doesn't make you think very hard touches on such humorous subjects as high but could probably provide some laughs for school crushes, bouncing breasts, wounded anyone if you happen to be awake at 3 o'cfqck crotches and masturbation. For those of you in the morning. Since the story gets carried who enjoy this type of humor, "Just Friends'' will away with a string of awkward situations, the have you consistently bursting with laughter. plot (with characters included) doesn't even go Sadly, this film isn't able to offer anything more through that much development, making "Just than that. So much time is spent on slapstick Friends" just plain stupid. comedy that the scenes which are supposed to Casey T. Allen is a film critic for the Utah be realistic and serious are in fact jumbled and Statesman. Comments can be sent to awkward. This imbalance of humor and drama caseyal@cc. usu. edu. Reel eviews 272 S Main, Salt Lake City, Dec. 2-3, 9-10,16-17,23-34, 7:30 p.m. $6-$8. Dec. 2-8 •independent Music Club presents Airliner, White Rose Resistance and The Eden Express. Friday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m., $2, TSC Auditorium. •Last Gallery Walk of 2005, Friday, Dec. 2, 6-9 p.m. Over 30 local artist will be displaying their work. Maps are available at the Alliance for the Varied Arts Gallery. •Laughing Stock Improv Troupe, Off Broadway Theatre, •"Harvey," StageRight Theater, 5001 SOuth Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Dec.2-3, 9-10 and 16-17, 7:30 p.m. Salt Lake City. • Breakfast with Sant at the Hogle Zoo, Dec. 4,10-11,1718 and 23, 8:30 a.m., crafts, breakfast arid photo opporunities with Santa. Call (801) 584-1769 for more details. • Sunhouse Healers, Friday, Dec. 2, 9 p.m., Brewskis, 25th Street, Ogden. •Utah's Largest Country Dance, Trolley Square, Tuesday Dec. 6, 9 p.m. $4-$6. •Naked Aggression playing at Lo-Fi Cafe, 165 S, West Temple, Salt Lake City, Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m., $10. Tickets available at Smith Tix. •Sinead O'Connor and Sly & Robbie will be performing live on National Public Radio, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. MST For more information, visit www.NPR.org/music. •Cave In and Doomriders, Lo-Fi Cafe, Saturday, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m., $8. • Peter Breinholt, Saturday Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m., Kingsbury Hall, 1395 E Presidents Circle, •Dave Aude performing at In the Venue, 219 S 600 West, Salt Lake City Thursday, Dec. 8, 9:30 p.m., $10 in advance, $12 day of. 'WALK THE LINE1 REVIEW From page 2 riage, drugs and his career. Joaquin Phoenix ("Gladiator" and "The Village") is undeniably remarkable as the adult Johnny Cash. Reportedly Cash's personal pick as the actor to play himself, Phoenix nails this tough performance. His crooked drawl, stoic showmanship and singing voice are all unique and a joy to watch. That's right - his singing voice. In contrast to last year's biopic hit "Ray," "Line" ups the ante as Phoenix and Witherspoon sing all of the songs. His full, low voice is a tribute to Cash, and I found myself debating whether to buy the soundtrack or a real Johnny Cash CD. Reese Witherspoon {"Just Like Heaven") also rises to the challenge of playing Cash's heartthrob, June Carter. Witherspoon again plays a spunky, sassy, southern belle, but shows range (previously void in her work) with a serious side. Phoenix and Witherspoon are now serious contenders for acting Oscars. But Witherspoon's spunk is a light in the darkness, as this is a story about a man and the inner demons worn on his black sleeve. Director James Mangold ("Kate & Leopold") paints a dark picture, telling of a near anti-hero whose emotional outlet was beautifully inspirational to the downtrodden and lost. If country music really is the white man's blues, then Cash was a founding father. Yet despite Cash's troubled life, it seemed to end happily, as he became a practicing Christian, exemplified by his famous Folsom Prison concert for its inmates. All in all, this is one of those films that fosters selfexamination. "Line" is about a man who struggled with irresponsibility, but found his talent and ran with it. His talent was storytelling via music. What's your talent? Will finding and using it make the world a better place? This film prods at these worthwhile questions and taps your feet in the meantime. Chris Blakesley is a film critic for the Utah Statesman. Comments can be sent to him at. cblakes@cc. usu. edu. IN THE VENUE: IN TOYLAND' Where: Ellen Eccles Theatre When: Tuesday Dec.-6,7:30 p.m. How Much: $20-$35. Students get a 25% discount with ID. ticket Office: 43 S Main, (435) 752^0026.. |
