8 - The Michigan Daily - Friday, March 19, 1999 'King and I' cartoon falls flat State Street Project plans semester show,' By Chris Cousino TV/New Media Editor joining the list of this spring's upcom- ing femakes, based-on something films such as "The Mod Squad," "The Out-of- Towners" and "The Mummy," Warner Brothers has decided to enter into the The King and i *I At Briarwood and Showcase an i ma - fight against the mighty "Tarzan"-armed Disney with a new reinvention: the cartoon musical. Based on the Rogers and Hammerstein musical and film of the same name, "The King and I" provides a lyrical gateway to intro- duce children to the wonderful about "Cats: The Cartoon?" While the concept of the animated musical gives a certain freshness to ani- mation and children's films in general, "The King and I" fails to live up to its aspirations. Through uninspired musical numbers, poor direction and weaker ani- mation, this generic retelling falls bor- ingly flat. Set in the late 1800s, "The King and I" begins as British governess Anna (voiced by Miranda Richardson) and her son Louis sail to Siam where she has an appointment to teach the King's chil- dren. An ill-fated, magical attempt by the conniving, maniacal Kralahome, the King's councilor, to prevent their arrival cues the first renowned song, "I Whistle a Happy Tune." The action, though, dur- ing this number is utterly dull as the characters wander aimlessly around the ship's deck. Upon reaching Siam, Anna and the Yul Brenner look-a-like King (Martin Vidnovic) immediately clash with their opposing Western and Eastern world views. The character of the King is rich and interesting, as he is a literati champi- on of the arts and sciences, but at the same time, he displays a fervent arro- gance and an opinionated need to con- trol. Anna matches the King with her grace, intelligence and charm, question- ing such issues as class structure, mar- riage rules and even a visit by the royal children outside palace walls. The basic story of "The King and I" is endearing, as both Anna and the King learn from one another and grow togeth- er as they begin to understand each other. While the animated version never fully develops a love relationship between the two, leaving their bond mostly on the friendship level, this film maintains the premise developed in the original musi- cal and live-action film. That said, this "King and I" pales in comparison to its forefathers. Director Richard Rich, known for such classics as "The Fox and the Hound" and "The Black Cauldron," shoots this film as if it were a live-action musical, with each scene set within the confines of a stage. Even the cartoon actors perform like stage actors, at times looking like they don't know what to do. The animation of the background set- tings look like backdrops as they lack any rich detail. "The King and I" anima- Courtesy of Morgan Creek Productions Anna and the King dance in the animated reproduction of the musical. tors try to reflect the elegant, mystical art of the Far East but it works more as a noticeable distraction than a creative aes- thetic. The musical numbers sound far worse as well, as the recordings of "Getting To Know You" and "Shall We Dance?" come across as weak, unenthusiastic per- formances. So poor in fact, the sound- track producers chose to include Barbra Streisand track not in the film in hopes of increasing sales. While the animated musical is a grand idea, this "King" is no royal tiara. By Adlin Rosli Daily Arts Writer Those looking for something out of the ordinary to do this weekend should go and check out State Street Poetry Project's Spring Show. The event promises to entertain and intrigue through its showcase of local student talent in writing and music. If you're lucky, however, it may be quite an arousing experience as well. "During our first show, one of the readers got naked. She had a poem about nudity and apparently getting naked was part of the poem," said musicals their parents loved and revered. Could a cartoon Julie Andrews be on the way, Burger King playset and all? How State Street Poetry Project East Hall Aud. Tomorrow at 8 p.m. ITHE MAGIC FLUTEI Sarah Flint, co-chair of the State Street Poetry Project and Saturday's show director. Flint also explained that last semester's State Street Poetry Project was a success with the crowd. The organizers worked to stress and work into the show. The two of us pretty much handle almost everything; we decide on the music, select the readers and make sure we have all the equipment and space needed." Jon Hagar and Paul Kowalski also helped Flint and Hand by designing publicity materials. Like previous semester perfor- mances, this semester's show will be another diverse collection of talents. Despite the variety, Flint mentioned.. that there probably will be some - degree of similarity in the perfor- mances. As Flint said, "There are'a lot of different themes but one of the predominant ones seems to be sex and its many different forms." With a history of a nude appear- ances and themes generally relating to sex, one has to wonder why repro duction and its allusions arc such a big thing with a State Street Poetry Project Show. "Well, the crude answer to that is probably because the participants are all college kids, freshmen through seniors. I don't know, it's also probably because sex' is a part of all our lives in one way or another," Flint said. Publicity handouts like flyers and posters for the show have also reflected the predominance of sex as a recurring theme. For Saturday's event the group has released flyers depicting a woman with an expres- sion of pleasure and the phrase "Get off on poetry?" followed with "Yes, yes, oh God yes! Its free." on the bot- tom. "Subtlety isn't our forte,'"com- mented Flint. Something different and entertain- ing awaits those who care to venture to the State Street Poetry Project's Spring Show. All attendees need to bring to the show is an open mind - and the expectation to have fun. 0 0 This ain't your parents. 6, travel agenlCy. ensure rousing performances and visual effects, including creative lighting. "Because we're performing this in a lecture hall, were going to make more effort this semester to decorate the performance space and continue to incorporate visual and audio enhancements where appropriate;' Flint said. A show of this caliber is definitely an immense undertaking and Flint explained that committee members put a lot of care and attention into the planning. "Co-chair Franki Hand has been putting in an equal amount of I With our staff of experienced travelers, a global network of offices, great prices, ticket flexibility and a ton of travel services, we know firsthand what it takes to put together a mind-blowing trip... ...just remember to thank mom for packing your suitcase. 668-8550 1103 S. University Suite 1 ANN ARBOR STA TRAVEL WE'VE BEEN THERE. Why A Banquet??? t To Award the Accomplishments of UMME. U- " Recognize excellence in your peers. " For all you last minute ME people who still need to get a Summer Internship! * Break the ice with your professors. VIdx? TuA m@M Saturday March 20th, 1999 . 5:30 - 7:30pm Michigan Union Anderson Room Students must register by March 12th: $5 Call 3-9395 or mackk@engin.umich.edu Congratulations The following students will be among those recognized during the Honors Convocation program on Sunday, March 21, 1999. These individuals have demonstrated the highest level of undergraduate academic success by achieving seven or more consecutive terms of all A's and earning the designation of Angell Scholar. The University of Michigan congratulates these students on their superior scholastic achievement and wishes them continued success. Seven Term Angell Scholars Aaron Benjamin Wagner David Emery White Omer Hidir Yilmaz Erin Rae Zylstra* College College College College of Engineering of Literature, Science, and the Arts Avik Swapnasish Basu Brian Eric Beal Neil Johnson Beck* Leonard Dennis Cassady Sara Susan Chakel Jennifer L. Cohen Huey Gene Copeland II* Cristine Cunningham Courtney Anne Dwight Angus Ian Fletcher* Jennifer C. Hallgren* Blair Allen Johnston* Gerald Thomas Kangelaris* Jennifer Lynn Laskowski* Aaron Edward Leanhardt Ryan Daniel Lysne* Andrei Toma Nemoianu Theodore Zane Polley Jason Rene Ramos T.," ,T Un ,,na College of Engineering College of Engineering College of Literature, Science, College of Engineering College of Literature, Science, College of Arts and Sciences of Literature, Science, of Literature, Science, and the Arts and the Arts and the Arts and the Arts Eight Term Angell Scholars U-M Flint College of Literature, College of Literature, College of Literature, College of Literature, College of Literature, School of Music College of Literature, Division of Kinesiolol Science, and the Arts Science, and the Arts Science, Science, and the Arts and the Arts Science, and the Arts Science, and the Arts Charitha Felix Amerasinghe* Colle Gregory Harold Benz* Colle Randall Robert DeFauw* Scho U Jesseca Rae Long* Colle Jennifer Ann Meddings* Colle Lukasz Maria Paszek* Schoc Julie Marie Postma* Scho Heather A. Prickett Scho U Christine Erin Schmidt* Colle U Man Chu Anthony Wong* Colle Ten Term Angell Scholars Vi', a Rf Vram-a f'n1iP ge of Literature, Science, and the Arts ge of Engineering ol of Engineering -M Dearborn ge of Literature, Science, and the Arts ge of Literature, Science, and the Arts ol of Business Administration ol of Nursing ol of Management -M Dearborn ge of Arts, Science, and Letters -M Dearborn ge of Engineering lap of Artc! g s~ntpxa~nd T .PttrcI College of Engineering College of Engineering College of Literature, Science, and the Arts College of Literature, Science, and the Arts College of Arts and Sciences U-M Flint C-'nwy o-ltri ~f Arfct, l hrc' 11 r.I.