14B' ' e Michiandaily - Weekeid , et. again e Zi ursday.February 2, 1999 0 0 0 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.