0 8A - The Michigan Daily - Monday, January 13, 2003 ART S Vows tested byMrphy, Kutcher in Just Married' By John Laughlin Daily Arts Writer "Cockroach!" cries out Brittany Murphy alongside co-star Ashton Kutcher in "Just Mar- ried." Lying in bed in a cheap motel in Venice, Italy, the two try and grab some sleep while on their honeymoon. The film begins, however, in media res: the newlyweds feuding all throughout the trip and then at the airport back home upon their return from what can only be dubbed "the honeymoon from hell." "Just Married," unlike the story it tells, is not hell and contains some of the best on-screen chemistry in a romantic comedy seen for quite some time. Conceivably the most important attribute for a romantic comedy, Kutcher and Murphy's performanc- a es foster a relationship that is both endearing and entertaining. * Kutcher plays Tom Leezak, an aspiring radio personality with a JUST M love for America and sports. While At ShoN playing football on the beach, he Qua meets Sarah McNerney (Murphy), 20th C who comes from money and high society. Moving from the beach to the bar to a passionate tryst, the two find them- selves deeply in love with one another and decide to get married despite their youth and conflicting worlds. Their love is true, but each has a lie in their past that will inevitably come back to test the strength of their bond. The "third wheel" figure in this film is played I may not be standing, but I'm still strong. 'Fisher': Breakout for Luke Oh, so that's where we put the Continuum Transfunctioner. ti !. E by Peter Prentis (Christian Kane, "EdTV"), the secret Sarah keeps locked away. Peter arrives in Venice just in time to really stir up the heat, and his wooing of Sarah on her own honeymoon is countered with Tom's naivety in taking a girl back * t to his suite. The only lag in the film is contained in these parallel, 4ARRIED "cheating" scenes. While somewhat wcase and necessary for plot, the film spends lity 16 too much time developing this entury Fox bomb that, unfortunately, slows down the pace of the story. This film is not the stereotypical "teen sex romp" its trailer makes it out to be. "Just Married" stays on the cusp of copulation without consummation, and this is what adds to some memorable scenes, such as in an airplane lavatory and in a Euro-compact car embedded in snow. Kutcher and Murphy have an engaging quality By Ryan Lewis Daily Arts Writer Life is drama. The best conflicts be plucked from personal stories and movies always seem a little more ter- rific when they really happen. After years of gripping performances earn- ing him two Academy Awards, tremendous recognition and a spot amongst Hollywood's acting elite, Denzel Washington, in the new role of director, tackles the true story of Navy sailor Antwone Fisher. Antwone's life - so filled with horrible events that just living to tell the story has enough poignancy to draw tears - takes Courtesy of 20th Century Fox Damnit Kelso, put some clothes on. about them. Kutcher retains some of the amus- ing qualities from his former role in "Dude, Where's My Car?" and Murphy still has some of the likable spunk she conveyed in "Clueless." shape through a well crafted film with heart- felt performances. Equally compelling himself, newcomer Derek Luke blossoms in his portrayal of Fisher. Prone to outbursts of anger leading to an assault on a superior offi- cer, Fisher finds himself under psychiatric evalua- ANTW FisH At Showc Qualit Fox Sear friend (Joy Bryant, "Showtime") and how he later acts around her on his first date. These moments of cringing intensity and tear-jerking emotion make "Antwone Fisher" a perfect tes- tament to the talents of the actors. The film's passion and potency arise through the relationships. As another relatively new face, Bryant brings an enjoyable air of warmth and compas- sion to Fisher's girlfriend. Denzel's character, although in a supporting role, is well acted as always. With a compelling lead performance, Luke makes a name for himself, putting in a winning first attempt and providing the most notable aspect of the film. While both interest- ing and entertaining, "Antwone Fisher" fal- ters in emotional fod- der. The film is also VONE laden with sappy sym- IER bolism and other case and devices that become ty 16 more overkill than effective background. chlight At points, the film also moves much too slowly for the established pacing. Superflu- ous storylines and rambling dialogue sometimes distract from the plot, but Washington still manages to pull it all together in the end, maintaining the level of quality to which audiences have become accustomed. Certainly worthy and wonderfully acted, "Antwone Fisher" aagain proves Denzel Washington to be one of the most skilled personalities in film. What he lacks in story, he makes up for by evoking winning performances from his young actors. "Fisher" is exactly what should be expected in two such highly antici- pated debut efforts. Benigni s Pinocchio' lacks Disney wonder #I V By John Laughlin Daily Arts Writer the donkeys). This creates some con- fusion as to whether or not characters such as the Fox and the Cat should be Forever Land. While on his journey, Pinocchio is visited by the Blue Fairy, who guides him in his quest to "Pinnochio's" set designs and cine- matography are up to Italian director Roberto Benigni's standards, but he foolishly opted for dubbed voices instead of subtitles for the U.S. release. The decision was likely due to the pro- jected fan base being composed of mostly children, yet a dark tone makes this film all but for the kids. Benigni stays true to the original story, but innovates in his choice to use real actors to play both the humans and the animals (except for seen as members of society, or rather charac- S ters that simply operate due to the magic of the story and film.P Benigni plays Pinoc- chio with a great enthu- At siasm. Prey to any that take advantage of his naivety along the way, Pinocchio eventually meets a friend named Leonardo will lead him to the infamous ** PINOCCHIO Showcase and Quality 16 M iramax become a real boy. Pinocchio's nose grows for telling lies, and he fails to show up at the party where the Blue Fairy has promised to turn him into a real boy. The film's saving graces are in its admirable cinematic elements. His direction tion by Dr. Davenport (Washington). Fisher resists at first but finally gives in to Davenport's sternness and opens up his heart-wrenching past. His father died before his birth, his mother gave birth in jail and, upon release, never came back for him. His foster mother had a crass brutality and harsh manner courtesy of Miramax that would have made the Menendez Yeah, sure, we'll get a ride In a tank. brothers cry for help. Nobody has ever helped him, and ever, the film maintains a slightly together with Davenport, they provide dark feeling running through it. It the strength for each other to move on. would seem that with this film Benig- Some of the lighter and most enjoy- ni is perhaps exploring the darker side able scenes happen in the banter to sucha fairy. This is definixely not.;,betweenTisher and Davenport, espe- film that children should explore. cially when Fisher discusses his girl-, who _is, and he.,,Aes.succeed in- Fun creating a storybook-like feel. How- ,4 ' %AAAAJ Iihclinri imrnm (,.m l 1 1 k -)V Vwtwr1 1IlI lI t