Inception

Film Review by Alexander Morales

Since 2000, the name Christopher Nolan immediately makes me go all giddity-giddity inside. Since his first major hit “Momento” to the Oscar-winning “The Dark Knight,” Nolan has delivered a consistent helping of style, substance and something special to the masses. Needless to say, when his name shows up on the trailer, the expectation for high-end cinema is extremely desired.

So for the past year, since filmgoers were first introduced and confused by quick glimpses of mind-bending, M.C. Escher-esque action, the buzz has been almost unbearable. What is “Inception?” became as powerful a question as “What is the Matrix?” was in 1999.

Of course, for most summer movies, the pitch of the excitement rises so fast and at such a rate that when the film is actually delivered, it fails miserably in comparison. Yes, we get one or two blockbusters that hit on all cylinders, but time has told us that under delivering is the most common outcome.

“Inception,” Nolan’s newest present to the world, delivers and exceeds expectation and leaves you wanting more.

But, what is “Inception?”

“Inception” is an idea. It’s a thought. It’s something you have not thought of and that you're trying to make yours. It’s nearly impossible.

Following a team of dream invaders, the film challenges you to follow, keep up and comprehend the complex new world of information espionage. Cobb (an always-on point Leonardo DiCaprio) and Arthur (the Peter Pan-like Joseph Gordon-Levitt) are partners and experts in this medium and after a setback, are asked to do the impossible … yup you guessed it … Inception.

While the concept of dreams is not an entirely original theme for movies and the idea of dream invasion is something that has been toyed with in a variety of films (see 1984’s “Dreamscape” starring Dennis Quaid – a childhood guilty pleasure of mine) Nolan’s approach is extremely original. As I said before, Nolan brings a steady style to everything he does and with this multi-layered story, a less talented person would have failed miserably.

What I appreciate most about this film is that it doesn’t wait for you to catch up. It immediately throws you into the fray and makes a point to award the attentive and confuse the distracted. At the same time, I love it when films make you question what is real. Where do the dreams end and our reality begins? Easily, this could make it a “Vanilla Sky” retread, but thankfully it’s not (Ugh, “Vanilla Sky” what a waste of good music.) This film takes a more philosophical and intellectual approach to the subject with Nolan doing his best to account for every detail of the dreaming and the awake and then blurring them.

Character-wise, the story focuses on the internal drama of Cobb. While the tragedy of the character is very similar to the trauma DiCaprio gave us in “Shutter Island,” it’s refreshing to experience a character that, while both the solution and the problem for the team, is motivated by the raw selfish human emotions to hold on to the most precious and get back to all he has left. Cobb’s sadness is the key source of the struggles that hinder the team and when his subconscious starts invading the mission, everything starts to quickly unravel.

With a cast of all-stars and up-and-comers, this film has talent in spades. Nothing and no one is wasted as every character plays an integral part of the team and each actor finds the right time and the right place to shine. Ken Watanabe (“The Last Samurai,” “Batman Begins”) spews confidence and demands respect throughout the film while Tom Hardy’s (“RocknRolla,” “Bronson”) devilish and devious Eames charms anything and everything he wants from everyone. Cillian Murphy (“Batman Begins,” “28 Days Later”) once again brings a solid performance and proves to be much deeper than the usual “heir to the throne of riches” kind of character.

At the same time, I am thankfully full of praise as to how the female characters are presented. Ellen Page (Juno) as the young and talented Ariadne and Marion Cotillard (Nine) as the lost Mal are as powerful as they are beautiful. Ariadne is just brilliant as Arthur, if not more and Mal is the yin to Cobb’s yang, making the torment even more heartbreaking.

Also, and I’ not sure how many mainstream people actually pay attention to this, but the score in this film is simply amazing. Hans Zimmer, (“True Romance,” “The Lion King,” “Gladiator,” “Sherlock Holmes”) I do not know you but I think I love you. Simply powerful, you can feel the tension rise inside you and I swear I could feel my heart beating in rhythm to the music. I felt this way in my first viewing of the “Dark Knight” (which Zimmer also scored) and I’m telling you, this is award-winning stuff.

Oh and I have to mention the action. While not entirely an action movie, the glimpses I mentioned above are just the beginning of the gravity-defying, heart-stopping scenes within the film. Truly tense and incredibly cool, “Inception” delivers in showing the audience something amazing. In my opinion, what makes it cool is that it’s all based on the story. Not picking up on the gimmicks that have worked for other films, the action has a reason, a purpose and is based on the strange reality of the dreamers. Mesmerizing.

However, with all that being said, the masterpiece of the movie may also be its downfall. Such heady films make most movie munchers leave needing Motrin and this film will be no different. I think for everything I praised it for, some will complain. I’m not saying that I am better or smarter because I enjoyed this film, I’m just saying that sometimes, audiences want to shut off their mind and be entertained and this film needs some solid comprehension skills to get through it, in one piece. I understand the complaints, but completely disagree with them.

Overall, Christopher Nolan has brought the big brain back to the big budget blockbuster in a big way. With a solid running time and content that will blow you away, “Inception” is the quality diamond in the rough of summer films. Pay attention, crunch your popcorn as quietly as you can and just follow the cast down into the tapestry of the dreaming mind. Just try to remember your way back out.

5 out of 5 Totems

Photos by Larry Levenson

Quality Hill Playhouse concludes it’s new One-on-One with the Performers series with an intimate performance featuring delightful actress and soprano Lindsey McKee. Ms. McKee is fresh from her star turn in Souvenir at the Playhouse, a performance that earned her rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. Robert Trussell of The Kansas City Star said she was “hilarious” with a performance that “hits the right notes.” One-on-One will give audiences an opportunity to hear Ms. McKee’s true singing ability (“an exceptionally skilled singer” according to Russ Simmons of The Sun Newspapers), unlike the off-key Florence Foster Jenkins character she portrayed in Souvenir.

She will sing some of her all time favorites – from Puccini to Sondheim and everything in between. A native of Great Britain, Ms. McKee is looking forward to sharing her Royal Wedding stories (she shared a pint of ale with Prince Charles after his wedding rehearsal!) and dishing on royalty. In addition, she and Executive Director J. Kent Barnhart will reminisce their 20-year friendship, both on and off the stage. Barnhart serves as emcee for the special event featuring a talk-show style format with questions from the audience and, of course, lots of great singing.

Get to know the "person behind the personality” in this special engagement. There are only three performances, so seating is limited. Go to the Quality Hill Playhouse web site for more information.

Predators

A Film Review by Alexander Morales

In 1987, a small group of soldiers entered a Central American jungle on a rescue mission. The mission quickly turns to survival when a mysterious creature begins hunting the soldiers down and taking their remains as trophies. Using advanced weaponry, sharpened hunting skills and physical power, the alien creature enters the hearts of film lovers across the world and the name “Predator” becomes a household name.

And I fell in love for the first time.

I was only 9.

Fast-forward 23 years later. Three films (one a true sequel, the other two poor attempts to mash-up with the Alien franchise), an extraordinary short film (“Batman: Dead End” – watch it if you’ve never seen it), video games, action figures, collectibles and a host of comic books have expanded the world of the Predator to monumental proportions. Fanboys and girls have kept the love alive by panting over anything new that shows the hunter in action. Needless to say, when news came out that Robert Rodriquez  (“Sin City,” “Desperado”) was going to be producing a new film in the series, people went wild. Sorry, let me rephrase, I went wild.

Directed by Nimród Antal (“Armored,” “Vacancy”) “Predators” is a modern vision on the classic sport of hunting. The premise: eight “elite” killers find themselves in a mysterious jungle with no memory of how they got there or why they are there. Using their own set of survival skills, the group quickly realizes that something is after them. Let the mayhem ensue.

By now and by the name of the film, we all know what’s hunting them, so let’s get to the nitty gritty. This film is kind of lame. Sorry to say that, but this film suffers from a lot of little things and, as most of us know, it’s the little things that matter most. The primary source of the lameness is due to some unbalanced and (unfortunately) unoriginal choices for the film to focus on.

The best way to describe the film is by saying that it tried really hard to be its cooler big brother - the big brother being the original 1987 film. The setting, wardrobe and weapons all seem to have been chosen to give us a nostalgic, call back to the original and while I found myself enjoying these aspects at first, I quickly realized that this ended up making it more like a CliffsNotes version of something I’ve already seen. 

In my opinion, by making so many clear callbacks to the original, the filmmakers have opened the floodgates for comparisons — a hurdle that was already going to be difficult to overcome.

Take the characters for example. Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger) versus Royce (a bulked up Adrian Brody) or Dillon (Carl Weathers) versus Edwin (Topher Grace) or Billy (Sonny Landham) versus Hanzo (Louis Ozawa Changchien). There is no comparison. Now I’m not talking acting abilities, I’m talking screen presence. I’m talking about who can size up against something like the Predator (see the cast of the soon-to-be released “The Expendables” for examples.) The original cast had this in spades but just like Danny Glover in “Predator 2,” this cast just can’t compare to the creature itself.

Also, I have to ask, who chose these “elite” killers? I get Brody’s character, the token sniper-girl and the two large Russian and African soldiers, but not the rest. While I think Walton Goggins  (“The Shield,” “Justified”) is cool as ice, no way does his death-row inmate character fit into this scenario. Neither does Danny Trejo’s cartel enforcer, Changchien’s Yakuza or Grace’s “doctor.” Unless of course one of the major prerequisites for joining the crew is being able to drop an “f” bomb every time you speak of course.

At the same time, the acting was extremely heavy handed. Brody seems to be in old-school Clint Eastwood mode as he snarls and husks-up every syllable as it exits his mouth. Laurence Fishburne, by comparison, took many red pills and seems to be lost in the “Matrix” (especially since his little hideout looks like a leftover set piece from the Nebuchadnezzar.) Danny Trejo and Topher Grace play Danny Trejo and Topher Grace with nothing new or different to add to the overall movie and everyone else is, well … just everyone else. Nothing outstanding to speak of and nothing very memorable.

What should of have been a jungle action epic becomes more like a slasher film just set in the jungle with characters dying in the same old, same old stereotypical places. From the very beginning, you could almost play your own little sick game of picking out who would die first and how and 8 times out of 10, you would be right.

Of course the real question is how are the Predators? Cool, as usual, but for me, there were way too many of them. This is the same thought I had when I watched “Aliens versus Predators.” One decimated a truly elite group of soldiers in the original film along with a team of Green Berets, a bunch of guerilla enforcers and whatever else it deemed worth of killing. If that’s the case, three, especially three on a world they are familiar with, should just dominate. But they don’t. By adding the multiple Predators, it makes it extremely silly when one bites the dust. Right away, it’s pretty clear which Predator is going to be the big badass of the film. Edit out the rest, give him the limelight and let the hunting begin. The filmmakers do add in a nice element showing a social hierarchy within the Predator race, but still, for a film like this, one would have been just enough.

Overall, I guess I was entertained. The music, sounds and Predator all reminded me of what I originally fell in love with all those years ago. Some good action scenes and a few well-paced moments kept me engaged, but by the end, you just kind of leave the theater with a feeling of “eh.” I don’t think anyone will feel bad for watching it (not like “The Last Airbender” … ugh, I still hate myself for sitting through that one) and it will most definitely gather dust on my DVD shelf next year, but with nothing new to offer, sadly the Predator enthusiasts of the world will just have to wait for something as cool as that 1987 original.

2.5 out 5 “No, run, get to the choppers!”

“Despicable Me” – See it with your favorite minions.

Reviewed by Jason Gregg

They are never going stop, are they?  Kids’ movies, that is.  Hollywood is going to keep churning them out year after year until one day someone stands up to say, “I think we have had just about enough pandering to this market. The jokes have been cut, edited, rehashed, and remixed to fit every possible demographic. We have taken the imagery and 3D format to an all-time high. Let this sleeping dog lie for a while and go focus our efforts elsewhere.” I don’t see it happening any time soon and I only saw a glimpse of the standard kids’ movie formula deviating slightly in “Despicable Me.” 

We are introduced to Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), the film’s protagonist/ antagonist, right after a major landmark goes missing. The audience is supposed to deduce that Gru has a history of being an evil genius. No real example of his evil doings is given until he delivers a speech to his minions.  He makes plans to get back on top after it is reported that another supervillain stole the major landmark. It’s all about ego with these supervillains.    

Gru has a team of hundreds of little, yellow minions who speak in undecipherable chirps.  They work in his laboratory and research facility. He also has a mad scientist, Dr. Nerfario (voiced by Russell Brand) that converts Gru’s orders into actual working devices.  There is a humorous downfall here. Nerfario doesn’t hear the orders so well and the wrong items are developed.  

Gru is soon faced with an obstacle that is not part of the standard formula; he is a super evil power with money issues.  The movie brings up a valid point: where do these guys get their financing?  Out of all the superheroes and super villains in movies, I can’t think of a time where this issue has been addressed.  With the state of the economy being as it is, now is a good time for a movie to bring up money issues. The story breaks character and it’s not about the kids at this point, Mom and Dad are now drawn closer to the story. They think, “Hey that’s right, I just paid $40 to get my family of four into this theater and I had to take out a second mortgage to pay for sodas and popcorn. I totally get what this guy is going through.”  (Sorry for the dose of realism on the situation, but do the math, going to the movies isn’t cheap).

Gru meets with the Mr. Perkins (voiced by Will Arnett), the president of the Bank of Evil, to ask for a loan. At the same time we are introduced to Vector (voiced by Jason Segel), Gru’s soon-to-be arch nemesis. The back and forth quickly begins for power of a shrink ray. Gru needs the shrink ray to apply for his loan and to complete his plan to steal the moon. Vector just needs it to keep the story going. Vector was funny for about five minutes, as far as enemies are concerned, he is five years too late. His catch phrases and body gestures have been done over and over again in similar kiddy flicks. Like chewing bubble gum, the flavor didn’t last for long.    

To keep the story going and to give the kids something to connect with we are introduced to three orphaned girls that Gru incorporates into his plan by adopting them. The orphans unknowingly help Gru break into Vector’s fortress to steal the shrink ray back.  After that plan goes accordingly, Gru tries to ditch them at an amusement park but after a day with the girls, he finds that his tough exterior is slowly being chiseled away by their childish antics and puppy dog eyes.  It’s cute, too cute. Couple that with the adorable mannerisms of the minions and we are talking about some serious charm. On the cuteness scale of 1-10 you can rate this at an 11 or 12.  (These minions will also be great plush toys, which means Mom and Dad’s trip to the movie just tacked on a trip to the toy store and another $30.)

Once Gru takes a liking to these three orphans the conflict between him and Vector climaxes. Mix in the fact that the date of Gru’s evil plan coincides with the dates of the orphans’ dance recital. Lastly add a dash of change-of-heart-syndrome to the final scenes.  Have you heard this one before? I have a feeling you know how it will end.

Should you see this movie? I think you already have. But, see it again for the minions; they do bring a new, fun feel to the story line. Put the kids in the car; fill up on $3 per gallon gas; stop for dinner on the way to the theater, $50; enjoy the movie in 3D, $40; buy the toys, $30; and enjoy the time with the kids because it is all new to them. Priceless.    

SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER PUB CRAWL AT KC LIVE TO SUPPORT THE YOUNG VARIETY

Five KC Live! venues participate in fundraiser to support Young Variety’s Summer Bike Drive

KANSAS CITY, MO – As the summer heats up with the hottest blockbusters hitting the big screen, KC Live! teams up with Allied Integrated Marketing to celebrate with a unique Summer Blockbuster Pub Crawl benefitting the Young Variety Club of Kansas City. On July 9, 2010, Kansas Citians are invited to participate in this tour of the newest summer movies – all inside KC Live! bars and restaurants.

Participants can enjoy drink specials and register for the chance to win prizes. Five KC Live! venues are set to participate in the pub crawl from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., including Johnny’s Tavern, McFadden’s Sports Saloon, Living Room, Tengo Sed Cantina and Pizza Bar.

The entry fee is only $5, and all proceeds will be donated directly to Young Variety for bikes for children with special needs. Participants must be 21+.

Registration begins at 7 p.m. at McFadden’s Sports Saloon.  Participants will receive a Summer Blockbuster ticket and will seek out stamps from each of the participating five venues. Once completed, cards may be entered into a drawing for the opportunity to win prizes. The grand prize winner will receive an Exclusive Screening Pass and prizes, and the second prize winner will receive a Movie prize pack.

The Summer Blockbuster Pub Crawl is the fifth event hosted at KC Live! in a series of monthly pub crawls, held on the second Friday of each month. Each event benefits a different charity and features a new theme. 

EVENT DETAILS

Date:                            Friday, July 9, 2010

Time:                           7 p.m. to 10 p.m.  

Location:                     KC Live! in the Kansas City Power & Light District

Participating venues: Johnny’s Tavern, McFadden’s Sports Saloon, Living Room, Tengo Sed Cantina, Pizza Bar

To Register: Sign up at McFadden’s around 7 p.m. on Friday, June 9

About the Kansas City Power & Light District

The Kansas City Power & Light District is a vibrant, new eight-block neighborhood in the heart of downtown Kansas City that is redefining the City from its skyline to its sidewalks. The combination of entertainment, dining, nightlife and shopping with the District’s imaginative and innovative design, has created an intriguing 24/7 neighborhood.

About the Young Variety

Young Variety is a proactive group of Kansas City area professionals, ages 21-30ish. Young Variety is a dynamic, hardworking group that provides a fresh perspective on strategies and techniques to raise funds and awareness for Variety the Children's Charity of Kansas City and its mission to serve children with physical and mental disabilities in the Greater Kansas City area.

Beauty and The Beast
July 17, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 24 at 7:30 p.m and July 18 & 25 at 2 p.m.
Directed by Mark Swezey
Music Direction by Laura Van Leeuwen
Choreography by Ann McCroskey

With a luscious score by Jewish composer Alan Menken, "Beauty and the Beast" brings this classic fairy tale to life that was popularized by the Disney movie.           

Celebration in Song: The Music of Billy Joel
September 15, 16, 19, 21, 25, 26, 2010
Directed by Mark Swezey
Music direction by Kristi Mitchell

Chicago
November 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 2010
Directed by Mark Swezey
Music direction by Laura Van Leeuwen
Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb           
Based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins

The Fantasticks
February 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 24, 26, 27, 2011
Directed by Mark Swezey
Music direction by Kristi Mitchell
Book by Tom Jones
Music by Harvey Schmidt 
Lyrics by Tom Jones
Based on Les Romanesques by Edmond Rostand

Celebration in Song: The Music of Barbara Streisand
April 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 2011
Directed by Mark Swezey
Music direction by Kristi Mitchell

Driving Miss Daisy
May 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 2011
By Alfred Uhry

Once on This Island
Directed by Mark Swezey
Music direction by Laura Van Leeuwen
Book by Lynn Ahrens
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens 
Based on My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy
July 16-24, 2011
 
 
The Theatre: The Lewis and Shirley White Theatre is a state-of-the-art 500 seat theatre.  A full season of challenging and engaging theatre and concerts, are produced in the theatre, annually, as well as cultural events, with unique artists.
 
The Theatre is located on the campus of The Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, 5801 West 115 St. Overland Park, KS Box Office (913) 327-8054.

The Fundamentals of Clay
July 2nd – July 31st
Opening reception First Friday, July 2nd 6-9pm
 
Featuring Ted Adler and the Wichita State University Graduate students:
Nathan Carris Carnes, Lauren Clay, Todd Hayes, David Hellman and Joe Leonard
 
Ceramics is a tightly knit community. Everyone that has committed to clay has added a thread, joining the network for opportunity and collaboration. The Fundamentals of Clay was generated out of past affiliations between Red Star and this group of young artists that are the current candidates for a Master of Fine Art in Ceramics, as well as their influential professor Ted Adler, at the Wichita State University.