2B - The Michig Daily - Weekend, etc. Magazine - Thursday, February 1O, 2000
5From the Vault
Warm up with a classic that's 'more than meets the eye'
0
The Michigan Daily - ekend, etc. Maga
. .. _... _... ._ ) _ _ _. . O
By David Victor
Daily Arts Writer
I won't lie. This article is not a
critical review by anv stretch of the
imagination. "Transformers: The
Movie" (1986) is not merely a film
to me: It is my childhood - rented,
dubbed. watched countless times and
forever ingrained into my memory. I
have come to spread the ospel of
the Autobots and the canon of the
Decepticons. Prepare yourselves to
receive the word.
Those of you who missed the old
"Transformers" TV series (the
recent "Beast Wars" crap doesn't
count) may be at a loss, as this epic
movie opens with little in the way of
character exposition or introduction.
This movie is manna from heaven
for the Transformer devotee, but
mere audience familiarity should not
deter first-time viewers of style and
'daring.
Courtesy of Sony Pictures
Galvatron, the menacingly drawn new leader of the Decepticons unfurling his forearm artillery here, is voiced by Leonard Nimoy.
____
We are first introduced to
Unicron, a massive roving entity that
devours planets for energy. Its latest
attack coincides with a Decepticon
assault on an earth-based Autobot
fortress.
After a fierce battle of epic pro-.
portions, the Autobots barely
emerge' victorious. Optimus Prime,
the steadfast leader of the Autobots.
is mortally wounded in the attack, as
is Megatron, the Decepticon leader.
This signals an imminent change in
both sides' leadership.
The Autobots, as agents of good
are now faced with the task of stop-
ping Unicron without their great
leader. They do, howeer. possess
the Creation Matrix, an artifact that
ensures their victory.
But instead, Unicron takes ad an-
tage of the situation. enslaing the
defeated Decepticons to stop the
Autobots and take the Matrix from
theme. What follows is an adventure
from Earth to the farthest reaches of
the universe, culminating in an epic
battle with the fate of all
Transformers and humanity in the
balance. Gotta love it.
This movie is so good on so many
levels that even us college kids can
have a blast watching it. Perhaps the
voice talent provides the stronest
reason to rent this classic. Voices
from several generations collaborat-
ed to make this movie a memorable
experience of '8Os nostalgia. In
alphabetical order, here is a stagger-
ing list of talent found in this fine,
fine film.
Scatman Crothers, the talented
chef in "The Shining" and unforget-
table voice behind several classic
cartoon characters (Hong Kong
Phooev comes to mind), plays Jazz
the stylish Autobot. Eric Idle of
"Mont Python" fame is the voice of
Wreck-Gar.
Casey "Scoobv Doo" Kasem voic-
es Cliffjumper. At the peak of his
fame, Judd Nelson ("Suddenly
Susan") plays both eerone's
favorite hothead, Hot Rod, and later
in the film, the kick-ass Rodimus
Prime
Attention, Trekkies: Everyone's
favorite Vulcan plays a starring role
in "Transformers." That's right,
Leonard Nimoy is the voice of the
new Decepticon leader, Galvatron,
whose creation and rise to power
never fails to thrill. Even "Unsolved
Mysteries" fans have their day in the
sun as Robert Stack plays the
Autobot second-in-command, Ultra
Magnus.
However, this movie will go down
in cinematic history for featuring the
final performance of Orson Welles.
That's right, Citizen Kane himself is
the voice of the destructive, god-like
Unicron.
Never mind that he died in the
middle of the voice recbrding and
Nimoy had to take over; Welles'
work in "Transformers" stands as a
testament to all that is great in the
art of filmmaking. Never before
See TRANSFORMERS, age 98
The Grim Reaper (1962) This is the
first film of famous director Bernardo
Bertolucci. A murder investigation
shot in a unique style- dash me, I
must have meant many unique styles,
one for each version of the story. Not
influenced by "Rashormon" in any way.
Mihgan Theater, 603 E. Liberty. 5
p.m. E5.50.g
Ugetsu Monogatari (1353) Classic
about two Japanese peasants who
leave their wives to seek their for-
tunes, but encountered a ravaged
land and ambiguous destinies. Nat.
Sci. Auditorium. 7 p.m. $4.
MUSIC
Anne-Sophie Mutter Touring from
Germany, Mutter is a world-renowned
violinist. Tickling the ivories'with her
will be pianist Lambert Orkis. Various
20th century works will be highlight-
ed throughout the night. Hill
Auditorium, 825 N. University. 8 p.m.
$20-55. 764-8350.
Bonk I don't know a thing about
these guys. But I just wanna be able
to tell people I was busy bonking
Saturday night. Cross Street, 511 W.
Cross St, Ypsilanti. 10:30 p.m. $3.
485-5050.
Bugs Beddow Band Straight outta
Detroit, Bugs and the gang are hit-
ting the Cavern Club for a horn-bloW-
ing good time. Cavern Club, 210 S.
First St. 10 p.m $6. 332-9900.
Blue Tango These guys play a little
bit of blues-rock, folk rock and alter-
native rock. So there's no excuse not
to go. Gypsy Cafe. 214 N. Fourth St.
8:30 p.m. Prices vary. 994-3940.
THEA TER
Colored People's Time See Thursday.
8 p.m.
No Exit See Fri. 8 p.m.
Call for times.
ALTERNA TIVES
Sa B Zettel Local sci-fi author intro-
duces her new book -Quiet Invasion."
Nicola's Books Traver Village, 2607
Plymouth Rd. 3 p.m. Free. 662-6150.
Victorian Valentine's Day Kick your
Valentine's Day really old-school, with
very small sandwiches, scones with
clotted cream and extremely fragile
decorations. Kempf House. 312 S.
Division. 1:30 & 3:30 p,m. $15. 994-
489r8.
Valentine's Ragtime Trot All levels of
ragtime/jazz dance expertise wel-
come, including "none," 'cause
there's a workshop at 12:30 p.m.
Food and live band provided; vintage
clothes suggested. Pittsfield Grange
Hall, 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. 8
p.m. $40/couple. 429-0014.
Sunday
CAMPUS CINEMA
Ann Arbor Silent Film Society Silent
shorts with a romantic Valentine's
Day theme. The amazing long-dead
star. Harold Lloyd does his own stunts
before it was cool. Michigan Theater,
603 E. Liberty. 3 pjn. $4.
All About My Mother (1999) See
Thurs. 3:30, 5:45, & 8 p.m. $5.50.
American Movie (1999) A documen-
tary about a struggling director trying
to get his B horror movie made. Word
on the street is this film is what
trained film experts like me refer to
as "really good," so go see it and
that's an order. Michgan Theater,
603 E. Liberty. 6 & 8:15 p.m. $5.50.
'MUSIC
Dusa, Fish, Stas, and Vi See Thurs.
The Most Famnus Person in the World (ai
The Limeliters These multi-instrumen-
tal guys were huge in the '60s. If you
missed them back then, don't lose this
opportunity to catch them at a small
venue before they dart off on their gru-
eling international tour. The Ark, 316
S. Main St. 7:30 p.m. $17.50. 761-
1451.
Paul Finkbeiner's Jazz Jam Session
Finkbeiner likes to really dress up for
Sunday nights. Last time I sawe himt he
was in a t-shirt and cut-offs. But it's
still jazz. And jazz is great. Bird of
Paradise, 207 S. Ashley. 9 p.m. Free.
662-8310.
U-li Symphony Band and Gospel Choir
Under-appreciated in the North; the
gospel choir is a foundation for many
Southerners. Sure, it doesn't make up
for the crappy weather, but a litt!e
taste of warmer times is always nice.
Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University. 4
p.m Free. 764-8350.
THEATER
Colored People's Time See Thurs. 2
p.m.
ALTERNATIVES
Victorian Valentine's Day See Sat.
1:30 & 3:30 p.m. $15. 994-4898.
Orchid Pavilion Gathering See Thurs.
Museum of Art. 2 p.m. Free.
Monday
CAMPUS CINEMA
All About My Mother (1999) See
Thurs. 6:45 & 9 p.m. $5.50.
American Movie (1999) See Sun.
9:20 p.m. $5.50.
Before the Revolution (1964)
Another film in the Michigan
Theater's Bertolucci retrospective.
The temptations of incest, political
resistance and subtitles confront a
young scamp. Michigan Theater, 603
E. Liberty. $5.50.
MUSIC
Bird of Paradise Orchestra It's big-
band jazz night. The Bird is always a
nd if you don't know him, count you
nice, romantic spot where you
your scotch and share an intim
moment with that special some
Bird of Paradise, 207 S. Ashley
p.m. $5. 662-8310.
Acoustic Open Mic What a grea
to celebrate V-day! Dust off tha
guitar, or a banjo will do and si
your lonely woes to an even Ior
crowd. If you're lucky, they'll bE
least one couple making out in
corner. Tap Room, 201 W. Mich
Ave, Ypsilanti. 9:30 p.m. Free.
5320.
Tuba Recital: Kelly O'Bryant Or
fool would miss this incredible
tunity to hear a romantic tuba r
on Valentine's Day Nothing say
like a tuba ... or Barry White fc
matter. Britton Recital Hall, Sc
Music, North Campus. 8 p.m. F
ALTERNATIVES
Robert Olen Butler The author r
from his latest novel "Mister
Spaceman," an observation of I
human condition through the ey
an extraterrestrial. Borders Boo
Music, 612 E. Liberty. 7 p.m. F
668-7652.
Guild House Writers Series Eve
ond and fourth Monday, tonighi
turing "A Night of Eclectic Crea
with Mike Webster and Steve F
Smith," followed by open mic a
cussion. Guild House, 802 Mon
p.m. Free. 995-1956.
Tuesday
CAMPUS CINEMA
Troika (1998) Projectorhead p
sents this documentary about
bians in Russia. Come for the r
stay for a Q&A with director Je
Montgomery. Michigan Theater
E. Liberty. 2:00 p.m. $5.50.
MUSIC
Triakel Rarely does a Swedish
group hop into A2 for a night. h
time maybe they'll bring their
Team with them. The Ark, 316
Main St. 8p.m. $13.50. 761-1
Blind Pig Showcase Night Comi
frworite entree from our fomous mew. It's
just our way of sving
. 1 ~ Congratulations
Chai e' mid thanks for
celebrating withI us.
1140 S. University at Church # 668-8-411
(734) 995-1786
116 S.Main St.
carryout and
reservations accepted.
Szechwan
styl
Exoirnsdishes
-Th 11-10 Fri-Sat 11-11 Sun 12-10
Mon
HEY!
CHECK OUT OUR NEW
75( WEEKEND BAR SPECIALS
~31 0 AYAR 9-000~
Courtesy of Car Records
Junior Brown will play blues at the Ark Wednesday and give locab a look at the real
Nashville, the one without leather-fringed hot pants of win People's Choice Awards.