The Michigan Daily-Thursday, September 17, 1987- Page 9 'Big Easy' : It's not so easy By John Shea The Big Easy, one of the last summer releases of the season, really brings home the sights, sounds, and flavor of New Orleans. But make no mistake about it; it takes time getting used to. And it's quite possible you might prefer another dish. In the opening credits, director James McBride (Woodstock ) assaults us with a "Koyaanisquatsi- esque" aerial shot of the Bay and the city, while Brad Fiedel's musical score - part jazz and part God- knows-what - pounds through our heads. This sequence eventually comes to an end. Then as you nurse your head trying to regain a sense of self, you might think about leaving. Don't do it. The temptation is there, but don't grab your coat because the main course is far better than the appetizer.. Despite all the scenery, the restaurants, and the atmosphere of New Orleans, The Big Easy really cooks with the interaction of stars Dennis Quaid and Ellen Barkin. Quaid plays Lieutenant Remy McSwain, a free-wheeling spirit who isn't afraid to bend the rules a little bit. Well, let's face it; he bends them a lot. Taking protection money from local merchants, being a bit more brutal than he has to be in his arrests, and skimming from the "Women's and Children's Orphan Fund," is all in a day's work. Enter Barkin, who plays Anne Osborne, the beautiful assistant district attorney who makes a living by putting corrupt police officers in jail. Their two paths cross when they both investigate the murder of a gangster, and Barkin learns of Quaid's "unprofessional behavior." Barkin and Quaid's conflicting philosophies on how to conduct business leads to the inevitable: Barkin prosecutes Quaid, and he gets off the hook after a key piece of evidence is "destroyed." But there are more important things to worry about: the death of the gangster is eventually attributed to a big heroin deal, and it seems that someone from within the police department is connected with it. Despite the interesting premise, The Big Easy is not as suspenseful as one might think.We see what is coming. But that's fine, because suspense really takes a back-seat to character development. Barkin and Quaid, who started out as cliches, evolve into caring, feeling beings. As for their physical chemistry; well, their love-making scenes approach the eroticism of 9 1/2 Weeks without being pornographic. And that is no small ac- complishment. Barkin is very appealing as the assistant D.A. Quietly sexy and unassuming, Barkin manages to evoke sympathy for her character. We feel for her and her dilemma as she must prosecute the man she just made love to a night earlier. She proves to have a nice range. But maybe what sums up The Big Easy best is Dennis Quaid's performance. Like the opening sequence, Quaid storms the screen with his exaggerated motions and heavy Southern accent; we laugh at him. We think it's coat-grabbing time. But Quaid grows on us, and then New Orleans, and then the whole darn thing. Re u IAd Ube Dennis Quaid (left) stars as a gutsy, free wheeling detective who gets caught in 'The Big Easy.' i'I Records (continued from Page 8) Koko Taylor and Her Blues Machine Live From Chicago - An Audience With the Queen Alligator Hot. Koko Taylor is at her best live, and this record is no exception. One dedicated lady with one power-packed voice. Eight classic tunes from the Queen of the Blues. -S.F. Clark Pomeroy "'Quality of Mercy" /"Midnight Sun" Stigmata - Pomeroy is lead guitarist for the local band Map of the World. He's put out a solid single that highlights his taut guitar playing and strong melodies which make his tunes very likeable. Pomeroy has a heavy voice which is balanced by his light, chiming guitar touch. -B.F. Sly and Robbie Rhythm Killers Island Sly and Robbie unload a murderous barrage of non-stop, rapid-firing funk that slaughters any notion of motionless. This diverse collection of rap, rock, and reggae is one of the summer's most innovative releases. With help from a host of friends like ex-Parliament funkstar Bootsy Collins, the band combusts through a cover of the Ohio Player's "Fire" that scorches eardrums, burns turntables, and rages uncontrolably throughout the entire disc. Have a bucket of water handy for this one. -B.B. HELP WANTED for Student Publications Building Early morning hours - 15 hrs/week Start Immediately - Work Study welcome Call 764-0550, ask for Nancy UAC / MUSKET presents MASS MEETING IF YOU ORDERED LAST YEAR'S YEARBOOK... 1987 Ensians are still available for pickup at the Student Publications Building, 420 Maynard, M-F, 8-5. Bring some form of ID. THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 8:00 P.M. PENDLETON ROOM 2ND FLOOR MICHIGAN UNION All purchased yearbooks must be claimed by December31, 1987. LNSIAN ALL-CAMPUS YEARBOOK EST 1897 for more info, call 763-1107 -0 -*qq ' ou l e0 -_0 1c a f.. " r ay 7 The Michigan Union Bookstore has the books you need, and much more...thousands of used textbooks...reference books... books for general reading...notebooks and a complete selection of supplies ...Michigan clothing and gifts. The Union...the center of campus life for Michigan students. STORE HOO S!*