<:• ••:•,` c •X'0, ":•.04`. ;•kko,.,F,S•2• At4:0. • ftea'•U`'''' • V•r: • >I) HYPE /—" from page 96 Anakin's mother, emerges from her limo. She looks so frazzled by the autograph stampede that she appears ready to book the first flight back to her homeland. And this is a minor character, mind you. It's finally time to see the movie. Another walkie-talkie woman checks our names on a typed list as we shuf- fle onto the buses that will take us to the theater. We're like anxious fifth- graders gearing up for the greatest field trip ever. When we arrive at the Union Square multiplex, we, well, arrive. Security people usher us into the the- ater via a special entrance. More fans are swarming outside, pleading for our passes. I step out of line to ask another teenage guy how much he'd pay for my ticket. His eyes widen, and he offers $50 on the spot. I decline, but not without causing a Above: Ray Park (as Darth Maul, the new face of evil) wields ruckus among the critics. Seems that a mean kohtsaber. 20th Century Fox explicitly instruct- ed that the passes are not for sale. to conduct interviews with the stars If Salman Rushdie ever traveled CO (minus Ewan McGregor, who is Iran, I doubt the security measures AWOL for the event). It's while leav- would be as tight as the ones I experi- ing the suite that I hear the Liam ence getting to my seat. Four check- Neeson tea-distress call. points. Two mandatory, individually I'm so preoccupied by the Liam tea numbered passes. Each pass electroni- crisis, I almost don't notice Pat O'Brien, cally scanned to confirm its authentici- host of Access Hollywood and former ty. My hand is stamped. Before the CBS sports anchor, walk film starts, a theater VIP into the elevator. He tells us to look around to explains that the "Close see if anybody has a Door" button in an eleva- video camera because, tor doesn't do anything. "You're one of the first "It's a placebo," he beams. audiences to see this film, But I can't focus; I'm too and we don't want it to blinded by his bright blue end up on the Internet. jogging suit. Did Lucas have this Still, the elevator expe- problem in 1977? rience is minor compared The lights go down, to later that day. Like any George Lucas returns to the music starts and the the director's chair for the good low-paid journalist, audience roars. Two I return to the 18th floor first time since the original hours-plus later, some "Star Wars" to helm for the free continental people are clapping so "Episode I — The lunch. Waiting for the hard, I wonder if they Phantom Menace." elevator, my friend whis- get a cut of the movie's pers, "Nine o'clock." gross. The whooping I turn my head to the left and see reception, however, is likely a wel- a boy and an older woman wearing come relief to Jake Lloyd and coordinating Star Wars T-shirts. How Samuel L. Jackson (who plays Mace ...fashionable. It's not until they're out Windu, a member of the Jedi of sight that that my friend tells me Council) — both of whom watch it's Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker). I the film with us. guess I didn't recognize him in 20th- The night ends early. After all, the century clothing. Lucas press breakfast begins at 8 a.m., By 5:30, the crowd outside has followed by endless round-table inter- grown. One teenage guy in a Miami views with the cast. The junket is Dolphins jersey swears he saw George now in full promotional swing, Lucas eight hours ago, so everyone though I'm convinced nothing could has a pen and memorabilia on perma- ever top this day of hype. nent stand-by. Suddenly, Pernilla Well, I suppose one thing could: August, the Swedish actress who plays Star Wzr3: Episode II. Ll BUY THE FIRST ENTREE AT REGULAR PRICE AND GET Til SECOND ENTREE 25% OFF OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE. Not valid with any other offer. 1 Coupon Per Couple • Expires 5/31/99 AAK AIA ' hi: et• T OPEN 7 DAYS • LUNCH & DINNER featuring AUTHENTIC JAPANESE CUISINE AS YOU LIKE IT! • Elegant Atmosphere • Gracious Warmth • Reasonable Prices * Sushi Bar * Private Japanese Rooms * Cocktails Including 30 Different Kinds of Sake Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11:30-2 p.m. • Dinner: Mon.-Sat. 5:30-10:30 p.m. Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 737-7220 32443 NORTHWESTERN HWY. Fax: 737-7223 Between Middlebelt & 14 Mile Visit us on the web www.hakatasushi.com Excellent Thai Food As You Like It ... Extra Mild, Mild, Medium, Spicy and Extra Spicy • • Rated *** by Detroit News Lunch Specials from $ 4 95 includes soup & rice I I :00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. eatts-Out est.tating divailable • eocktath eetvect Hours: Mon.-Thurs., I I ash.-I 0 p.m., Fri & Sat. I I a.m. I I p.m., Sun. - 12-9 p.m. 635 Orchard Lake Ftoad at Maple • Old Orchard Shopping Center • 626.6313 Detroit Jewish News 5121 1999 99