14B' ' e Michiandaily - Weekeid , et. again e Zi ursday.February 2, 1999
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The Michigan Daily -' Wekend, etc.
A weekly guide to who's Thursday, Feb. 25
why Ihatisehap edMing and through
why you need to ' there... Wednesday, March 3
FRIES OR S LAW?
Area greasy spoons offer more than ju
Films opening
8MM ** Nicolas Cage stars in this psychological thriller about a detec-
tive in search of the creators of a snuff film. At Briarwood: 1:30, 4:40,
7:30, 10:10. At Showcase: 1:15, 1:45, 4, 4:30, 7:15, 7:45, 9:50, 10:20,
12:20, 12:40.
200 Cigarettes I A comedy set on New Year's Eve 1981 follows the
young and beautiful through their romantic entanglements and through
NYC. At Showcase: 12:30, 3:05, 5:25, 7:40, 9:55, 12.
Analyze This A sneak preview of a Robert DeNiro/Billy Chr ystal film about
a gangster and his psychiatrist. At Showcase: (Sat. only) 7:30.
The Other Sister Juliette Lewis returns as a mentally challenge young
woman who falls in love causing friction with her mother. At Showcase:
1:10, 4:15, 7, 9:45, 12:25.
A-
Films holding
***** A Classic
****GExcellent
*** Good
** Fair .
* Not Worth Your Time, or Your Money
Blast From The Past ** A good
concept gives way to a mediocre
romantic comedy about a man who
emerges from a bomb shelter to
find a mate. At Showcase: 12,
2:15, 4:35, 6:55, 9:10, 11:35.
Central Station ***i One of the
best films of 1998 and an Oscar
nominee for Best Foreign Language
Film, this is the story of a retired
teacher and azyoungsboy who travel
through Brazil in search of the
boy's father. At State: 1:30 (Sat. &
Sun.), 9:15 (Fri., Mon.-Thurs.).
Elizabeth *** An Oscar nominee
for BestPicture, this is a recount-
ing of the early life of the Virgin
Queen. At State: 9:15 (Sat. &
Sun.), 11:45 (Fri. & Sat.)
The Faculty ** A teen horror
movie from the writer of "Scream"
arid the director of "From Dusk Til
Dawn." At Showcase: 9:40 (Sun.-
Thurs. only), 11:15 (Fri. & Sat.
only).
Jawbreaker ** A half-baked
retread of "Heathers." No, Winona
Ryder does not star. Is she still the
sex symbol for our generation?
Apparently she was the month after
"RealitysBites"hit theaters. At
Showcase: 12:50, 2:40, 4:40,
6:30, 8:15, 12:10.
Life Is Beautiful **** One of
1998's best films recounts a
father's desire to protect his son
from the horrors of the Holocaust.
At Ann Arbor 1&2: 12:15 (Sat.,
Sun., Tues.), 2:30 (Sat., Sun.,
Tues.), 4:45, 7, 9:15. At Showcase:
5, 7:35, 10, 12:15.
Message in A Bottle ** Kevin
Costner romances Robin Wright
Penn in a film about true love and
other such sappy topics. At
Briarwood: 1:40, 4:30, 7:10, 9:50.
At' Showcase: 1:25, 4:10, 6:50
(except Sat.), 9:30, 12:05.
My Favorite Martian A kids film no
one can love. At Briarwood: 12:30,
2:40, 4:50, 7, 9:30. At Showcase:
12:35, 2:45, 4:55, 7:10, 9:15.
October Sky **I A schmaltzy
based on a true story .account of a
coal miner's son who aspires to be
an astronaut. At Briarwood: 1:20,
4:10, 6:50, 9:20. At Showcase:
12:02, 2:25, 4:45, 7:05, 9:25,
11:45.
Office Space ***I The funniest
movie released in a long while
explores disgruntled cubicle work-
ers. At Briarwood: 1, 3:10, 5:20,
7:45, 10. At Showcase: 1:20, 3:20,
5:20, 7:20, 9:20, 11:20.
Payback ** Mel Gibson helps to
drag down what could have been an
intriguing thriller about aA man out
for revenge and money. At
Briarwood: 1:10, 4, 7:20, 9:40. At
Showcase: 12:45, 3, 5:10, 7:25,
9:35, 10:05, 11:40.
Prince Of Egypt ** Holy Mosesl
An animated film of Biblical propor-
tions. At Showcase: 12.
Rushmore **** This inventive
and unique comedy explores the
conflict between a 15-year old and
his multimillionaire friend for the
affections of a first grade teacher.
At Ann Arbor 1&2: 1 (Sat., Sun.,
Tues.), 3 (Sat., Sun., Tues.), 5,
7:20, 9:30. At Showcase: 12:10,
2:20, 4:25, 6:45, 9, 11.
Saving Private Ryan ****
Appearing for the second time in
theaters, 1998's best film presents
a very human look at WWII. At
Showcase: 12:25, 4:20, 8, 11:25.
Shakespeare In Love **** With
a high 13 Oscar nominations, this
romantic comedy chronicles Will
finding his muse. At State: 1:30
(Sat. & Sun.), 4 (Sat. & Sun.), 7,
9:30, - 11:45 (Fri. & Sat.). At
Showcase: 12:20, 2:50, 5:15,
7:50, 10:15, 12:30.
She's All That ***I Pygmalion in
high school resurrects the teen
films of the '80s with flair and
style. At Briarwood: 12:50, 3, 5:15,
7:40, 9:45. At Showcase: 12:40,
2:55, 5:05, 7:30, 9:40, 11:50.
Waking Ned Devine ***I A
charming Irish comedy about a win-
ning lottery ticket and a dead win-
ner. It's really, really funny. At
State: 4 (Sat. & Sun.), 715.
Thursday
CAMPUS CINEMA
Hilary And Jackie (1998) Anand
Tucker tells the story of two talent-
ed musicians and sisters who com-
pete romantically and professionally.
Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St.
7 & 9:30 p.m. $5.50.
MUSIC
Al Hill & the Love Butlers Al "The
Thrill" Hill keeps the cool melodies
coming. Arbor Brewing Co., 114 E.
Washington St., 213-1393. 9 p.m.
Free.
Big Dave & the Ultrasonics Large
and in charge, Big Dave owns the
stage like Shaq Diesel owns the
paint. Cavern Club, 210 S. 1st St.,
332-9900. 8 p.m. $5.
Blake Clark Is Blake a fake? Will he
make or break? Or would you just
like some onions with your steak?
Mainstreet Comedy Showcase, 314
E. Liberty St., 996-9080. 8:30 p.m.
$10.
The Element Dodgy Blokes opens
for this show that usually is worth
attending. Remember, you can't
attend if you're not 21 yearsold or
older. Touchdown Cafe, 1220 S.
University Ave., 665-7777. 8 p.m.,
$3.
Open Mic Music & Poetry Flex your
chords and let the melodies flow out
of your mind. Espresso Royale Caffe,
214 S. Main St., 668-1838. 8:30
p.m. Free.
Sun Messengers Message from the
sun: Cubs win. Cubs win. Karl's,
9779FGotfredson, 455-8450. 9:30
p.m. Free.
THEATER
Kismet With hits such as "Stranger
in Paradise," and "Baubles, Bangles
and Beads," this show is one of the
most musically sophisticated as well
as melodically rich shows ever writ-
ten. Mendelssohn Theatre, 911
North University Ave. 973-3264. 8
p.m. $16, $7 for students.
The Hole The Purple Rose Theatre
Company performs this play about a
couple in the American West. Purple
Rose Theatre, 137 Park St.,
Chelsea., (734) 475-7902. 8 p.m.
$15-25.
Private Eyes The characters prac-
tice deception in this play, directed
by Malcolm Tulip, exploring infidell-
ty. Performance Network, 408 W.
Washington St., 663-0681. 8 p.m.
$12-15.
Harvey Orpheus Productions deals with
phantom six-foot rabbits and social prob-
lems in a wacky comedy. Riverside Arts
Center, 76 N. Huron, Ypsilanti, 971-
5545.8 p.m. $12, Special student pric-
ing on opening night.
Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare's
story of two lovers torn between
their feuding famiies is set in its
original setting and time period. Ann
Arbor Civic Theatre, 2275 Platt
Road, 971-2228. 8 p.m. $18,
Students $16.
A LTERNA TIVES
ArtVideos "Life is Short" examines
the debate over the longevity of art
By Daniel Wolfman
Daily Arts Writer
"This better be salt," a customer at
Fleetwood Diner on East Liberty Street
chuckled, proceeding then to pour the
white substance all over his fries.
In an era of monolithic fast food
chains that are peopled with throngs of
anonymous customers who eat and run,
places like Fleetwood, marked by
weathered menus, easy ambiances and
kitchens behind counters, exist as con-
spicuous and cherished contrasts.
Open 24-hours every day, Fleetwood
heats up late at night, when groups of
regular customers come to eat for next-
to-nothing, talk to other customers
(mank of whom they know only by
face) and to smoke. In no hurry at all,
customers feel comfortable sitting back
against walls and surveying the small
restaurant as they nurse cups of coffee
and talk.
The sizzling of fried foods being
cooked and the sounds of campus sta-
tion WCBN pop in the background and
the floor is checkered with well-worn
black and white tiles. When outside on
the street a cab honks its horn, once,
then twice, a man sitting at the counter
lumbers out to see who wants him, say-
ing, "I hear you."
Once known as the Dagwood, now as
Fleetwood - "I don't know why it's
called Fleetwood - nobody knows,""
said the waitress Angela, who didn't
want her real named published - the
Singapore reports that during the sum-
mer when he's home, the only Ann
Arbor delicacy he misses are the
cheese-fries at Fleetwood.
Engineering senior Tony Wisnieski
readily agreed. "The fries are the best in
Ann Arbor. And (they have) adequate
coffee for a good caffeine fix."
On Maynard Street is another long-
time dining fixture, Frank's. Originally
known as the Right Spot, Frank's has
been offering the same food and atmos-
phere for very little money for three
decades. Indeed, the old broken ciga-
rette dispenser seems ancient, and the
plastic Coca-Cola and Kellog's signs
don't appear to have been moved since
the '70s.
Moreover, the menu and recipes have
remained the same. Pete the cook (who
didn't want his last name used) has been
associated with Frank's for 30 years,
and he explained the culinary philoso-
phy of the restaurant: "An egg is an egg,
a burger is a burger. Sometimes you
look at some menus, and you don't
know what you're getting:' Pete then
motioned towards the area behind the
counter. "This is the same kitchen that's
always been here."
Each day, Mabel Lintang, who has
owned Frank's for 11 years, can be
found waitressing and talking to cus-
tomers. She said the people who get
accustomed to Frank's often find that
they can't be away for too long. "People
go away from Ann Arbor, they come
back and the say,
'I couldn't drink
the coffee any-
where else."'
Then, pointing to
ig has the same earth-
toned countertop
that has been in
Frank's since she
,- Pete can remember, she
Frank's employee elaborated.
Courtesy of New Line Cinema
Former "Clueless" babe Alicia Silverstone stars in the dopey romantic comedy "Blast
From the Past" with Mr. Encino Man himself Brendon Fraser.
created from substances that don't
last. University Museum of Art
Media Room, 525 S. State St., 764-
0395. 7:30 p.m.
Blake Clark This comedian, who's
starred in "Home Improvement,"
"The Drew Carey Show" and two
HBO Comedy Specials will entertain
us with biting edge comedy.
Mainstreet Comedy Showcase, 314
E. Liberty, 996-9080. 8:30 p.m. $10.
Brian Greene Physicist and author
of "The Elegant Universe" will dis-
cuss and sign copies of his book.
Note: This is decidedly not the
young man who quarterbacked the
football Wolverines to Rose Bowl
glory and national prominence last
season. Their names are similar,
though. Borders, 612 E. Liberty,
668-7652. 7 p.m.
Frederick Reuss The author will
read selections form his first novel
"Horace Afoot." Shaman Drum, 315
S. State, 662-7407. 8 p.m.
Friday
CAMPUS CINEMA
Hilary And Jackie See Thurs. 7 &
9:30 p.m.
MUSIC
13th Annual Storytelling Festival If
the first 12 are any indication of
things to come at lucky 13, then
those who attend will be in for a real
treat. The Ark, 316 S. Main St.,
761-1451. 8 p.m. $12.50.
Blake Clark Shake and bake with
Blake. Mainstreet Comedy
Showcase, 314 E. Liberty St., 996-
9080. 8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. $12.
Fully Loaded Cocked, locked and ready
to rock for your listening pleasure - and
the listening pleasure of all your friends.
Come check it out - if you're still in
town. Elbow Room, 6 S. Washington St,'
Ypsilanti, 483-6374. Free.
Funktelligence You can be intelli-
gent or you can be funktelligent, but
you cannot be both. Cross Street,
511 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti, 485-
5050. 10:30 p.m. $4.
George Bedard & the Kingpins
Come find out why GB and the
Kingpins go together like Sheryl
Lynn and plastic horses. Tap Room,
201 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti,
482-5320. 9:30 p.m.
Ginka Ortega Trio The three point
shot revolutionized the game of bas-
ketball, can this trio do the same for
music? Come find out. Espresso
Royale Caffe, 214 S. Main St., 668-
1838. 9 p.m. Free.
Mudhoney Ever try the two of these
together on a warm hamburger bun?
Rumor has it, they're one swagger
away from being as big as Mick and
the mates. They may end up selling
out the Palace of Auburn Hills one
day very soon. Blind Pig, 208 1st
St., 996-8555. 10 p.m. $12.
Starlight Drifters A flash of light,
and suddenly the five of spades is
slammed on the table. Applause fol-
lows -- a legend is born. Cavern
Club, 210 S. 1st St., 332-9900. 10
p.m. $5.
University of Michigan Jazz Ensemble
With trumpet virtuoso Bryon
Stripling as guest artist, the
Ensemble will play in the University
Jazz Festival. Power Center, 121
Fletcher Street, 763-TKTS. 7:30 p.m.
$10, Students $5.
THEATER
Kismet See Thursday. 8 p.m.
The Hole See Thursday. 8 p.m.
Private Eyes See Thursday. 8 p.m.
Harvey See Thursday. 8 p.m. $12,
Students $10.
"Romeo and Juliet See Thursday:;8 p.m.
Pete, a cook at Frank's Restaurant on Maynard Street, gets another basi
employee for about 30 years, says life at Frank's hasn't changed much at
diner has been
around in some
form since World
War II, and a pub-
lic fascination sur-
rounding the joint
has developed
along with it.
"Every beginning
photo student has
to come here and
take pictures,"said
"Frank's,
traditionti
... Nothimi
changed.
This reminds them of that,'he said.
Customers walked in and out, greet-
ing each other. Stephen Rassi has been
coming to Frank's since 1993 on a
weekly basis. He recalled the first time
he came into Frank's one afternoon for
lunch. "It was really busy. There was no
place to sit down. One of my first
impressions was of Mabel, who was
talking to all the customers. There was
no distance (between Mabel and the
customers and) much personal atten-
tion." Sitting in the brown booth that
has been in the restaurant for decades,
Rassi added, "Everything in your life
could be changing. You could be mov-
ing, changing jobs, but Frank's would
stay the same. Some things do stay the
same. It feels like home. They treat peo-
ple wonderfully here, like family. It's
homey, simple," he said.
The idea that Frank's seems more like
a family than a business is a sentiment
that others agreed with. Pete has
watched people more or less grow up
over the years, witnessing lines of
fathers leading to sons, and students
becoming graduate students, and final-
ly professionals. "It is like a home," he
said.
Reminiscing about vari
who had eaten at Frank's -
mayors, professors - Pete i
he dislikes to single people
identify specific patrons
others because all, in his c
equal. "We serve you like w
selves;" he explained.
Along South University
another friendly, intimate
Steve's Lunch. On first gL
clues seem to indicate that
clean, unaffected restaurant
key atmosphere. One long c
the length of the restaurant,
zles, people hunch over
there are advertisements for
But, scrolling the menu,
that there is a basic, importan
of food genres offered: simp]
dishes (hamburgers, breakfa
sandwiches, etc.), and, at lcast
20 years, Korean food. Thu
waitress brings a dish of J
division implied by the quest
chopsticks?" seems fitting.
Along a wall, framed ac
the past proclaim Steve':
Korean food in Ann Arbor.
available, in combination wi
Angela. Though she claimed not to
understand the interest in Fleetwood,
she later conceded that there was some-
thing alluring about the atmosphere.
Self-described as "jaded," Angela,
tattooed and heavily ear-ringed, looked
around the room and said, "Yeah, most
of the people here I know - about 99
percent of the people." Moments later,
Angela was sitting at a table and dis-
cussing a book she was reading with
one of the regulars.
The food itself is unabashedly greasy,
but full of taste. One student from
"Wherever (else)
they go, the counter is different. It's not
the same counter as this one. It's a dif-
ferent chair (elsewhere). This place
stays the same."
Pete added, "Frank's is a traditional
place ... Nothing has changed. Still just
a diner. And people know each other,
the students, the faculty. The French
toast, it's been known to everybody.
The world's best French toast. It's not a
restaurant but an institution. (It's)
always here, you can always depend on
that ... Some (people) come from
places where they are used to diners.
irbe Lirbi~wn tig
Weekend
Magazine
Editors: Aaron Rich, Will Weissert
Writers: Cortney Dueweke, Laura Flyer, Sasha Higgins, Elena Lipson,
Wolf man.
Photo Editor: Adriana Yugovich
Photographers: Chris Campernel, Jessica Johnson, David Rochkind, Na
Cover: A cook at the Fleetwood diner minds the hash browns on the resta
many other sinful treats at all hours of the day and night. Photo by Jessica
Arts Editors: Jessica Eaton and Christopher Tkaczyk
Editor in Chief: Heather Kamins
Phone Numbers: Ann Arbor 1 & 2: 761-9700; Briar wood: 480-4555; Fox Village;
994-8080; Michigan Theater: 668-8397; Showcase: 973-8380; State: 761-8667.
Showtimes are effective Friday through Thursday. Late shows at Ann Arbor 1 & 2
and State are for Friday and Saturday only. Noon and mid-day matinees at Ann
Arbor 1 & 2 are for Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday only; matinees at State are for
Saturday and Sunday only.