0 8B - The Michigan Daily - Weekend Magazine - Thursday, April 3, 2003 Berry Gordy's 'The Last Dragon''is still a gem The Michigan Daily - eekend I By Ryan Lewis Ealy Film Editor Motown Records has been by far one of the most influential record labels in music history. Berry Gordy produced more No. 1 hits than many of the most famous groups combined, including Elvis and the Beatles. In 1985, Gordy decided to take a short-lived stint in the film business, creating one influential yet rarely remembered film that characterizes the emptiness that was the 1980s. "The Last Dragon" is, in many ways, a reflection of trends and insipid- ness from a time that is often looked upon as the most unimportant decade of the twentieth century. Directed by prolific television film- maker Michael Schultz ("Boston Public" "Ally McBeal"), "The Last Dragon" is an early precursor to many of today's emergent rap/karate films. 'Akin to recent cinema with crossover pop-singer stars, much of the film serves as a platform to showcase popu- lar music. Most notably, slated in the film as Laura Charles, the once cover girl-turned-church girl Vanity flaunts her comely figure by performing some of her songs as a momentary escape from the rather empty script. The film takes place in the heart of Harlem, a touching story of Leroy Green (played un-notably by real Kung Fu master Taimok), a Kung Fu student hoping to find "the glow." In order to do so, he must first find the Master. His journey, however, hardly seems wel- comed by Sho'nuff, the self-proclaimed "meanest, baddest, low-down round this town" of Harlem. Of course, in order to prove so, he must defeat Leroy, affec- tionately donned "Bruce Leroy," the only man who stands in his way. Local arcade guru Eddie Arcadian Cm(Christopher From Murney, "Barton the Fink") and Laura Vault Charles become mixed in the fray as Eddie wants his girl- friend's video played on Laura's show, and he'll use any means necessary to have his way. Good guy Leroy oft finds himself protecting her from the vicious goons sent to influence her. The natural love triangle ensues between Laura, Leroy and his brother Ritchie, and the quest for the Master finds incessant interruption from Sho'nuff. Certainly this film is no more than B- movie acting with a poorer than made- for-television plot, but it serves its pur- pose by rendering the essence of the era. With break dancing, R & B and music videos at the film's core, it centers on the time's fads rather than any important character development. "The Last Dragon's" seeds can still be unearthed in today's martial arts superstar/hip-hop duo films including Steven Seagal's recent stints with DMX and Ja Rule. Regardless of the rather dismal sur- face quality of the film, much can be said about the reflection of society and entertaining fight choreography. For many, the '80s passed as a transition era after a turbulent time in society. Wacky subcultures came to prominence and cult followings in entertainment began to rise alongside computers and videogames. Above all else, however, culture seemed to lack a unifying, overlying direction, and this idea comes full circle in the film. It's a facade, a window shopping of numerous popular foci, which becomes abundantly evident in Eddie Arcadian's arcade entrepreneur dominance. His profession rose to a multi-million dollar industry as the decade progressed. Social implications aside, viewers. must find appreciation in the sheer ridiculousness of the film. Cheesy -dia- logue accompanied by over-the-top characters -including what many con- sider the antecedent to Busta Rhymes (or at least his main influence) in the Sho'nuff character - provide the appropriate mindset for the once "cool," now unimpressive fighting. "The Last Dragon" is more of a throwback than anything for lovers of the What Were They Thinking? milieu that included Hypercolor and slap bracelets. And, of FRESHMEN Continued from Page 31B housing situation is definitely one that should be addressed to a greater degree during orientation. Orientation, that two-and-a-half day trip that poses as a way for freshman to get a feel of college life, "It's not accu- rate at all. It is a quick"glimpse of col- lege life, but has nothing to do with academics at all," said LSA freshman Chase Howland. "I definitely did not know what to expect, but it is not easier than I thought," stated Beckett as he discussed how he perceived college courses would be after attending orientation. Despite the fact that most freshmen admitted to getting stressed out over classes, many still claimed to sleep through a majority of those classes, either in their own beds or in the lecture halls themselves. Apart from "This one kid the stresses of adjusting to even walk into roommates and his shower sho college classes, off in the hail." one of the biggest concerns - among freshman seems to be the dorm food. "First semester was a tease, the food has gotten way worse," said Cooley. When asked if he liked eating in the dorm, Howland replied "I don't enjoy the food, but I enjoy eating with the boys." This ongoing battle with the University may be one students never win, along with the struggle to feel comfortable using the communal bath- rooms. "This one kid on my hall won't even walk into his room wearing his shower shoes. He takes them off in the hall," said Tobin. Yet, another freshman, who shall remain anonymous, claimed that he would have no problem using his toothbrush if it fell on the bathroom floor, just as long as it didn't land bris- tle side down. While freshman may differ on the rules of hygiene, there seems to be no debate on the video front. Walk into any dorm room on this college cam- pus and you're about 99 percent (please note that this statistic may not have been accurately computed) guaranteed to find a copy of at least one or all of the following: "Zoolander" (which LSA freshman Sarah Kramer admits she doesn't own, but did steal from someone else.), "The Usual Suspects," "The Shawshank Redemption" and "Fight Club" (because even when beaten to a NICOLE TERWILLIGER/Daily Freshmen Kevin Orr and Nick Simone fight over dessert in Markley cafeteria. course, it was just one badass movie that is too often overlooked in the staggering number of articles covering the influ- ence of the film medium. on my hall won't his room wearing es. He takes them Rebecca Tobin LSA Freshman which for Beckett, bloody pulp, Brad Pitt still looks good). And would a late night showing of one of these be complete with- out your favorite late night treat, Cooley and LSA everything in your tiny room that over the past months has taken on a whole new meaning of home, and not to men- tion a whole new odor (probably from that piece of pepperoni that fell in the, crack between your desk and your dresser that was always just a little bit to far to reach). You'll say goodbye to your room- mate - that is if you are still speaking at this point - and then you'll be back on your way home. But don't worry, you will be back next fall (even if you're failing, because the University is cool enough to give you a stab at three semesters before they kick you out). HAVE ANY DEEP THOUGHTS? BE A WEEKEND COLUMNIST. 'TEND TWO800WOD suBMISSIONS WT) WUKENDZK3~ @MCE( freshman Brian Harrington is Jimmy John's. It has been a long time since that moment when your parents drove away and you were left standing on your own. Looking back, Gastwirth says that she and the girls on her hall in Markley have "All grown up together." Soon it will be time to pack up My name is Jesse and I'm a student at U-M. j $12.49.X @ $ ii '? -( Any Two Dinner Combinations Must Mention Coupon When Ordering OsuCoupons May Not Be Combined With Any Other Offer. Expires 4/30/03 625S. .i See "Run for Your Life!" A 3K Race for Human Rights, Corporate Decency, and the 500,000 Victims of the Bhopal Disaster 20,000 people have died to date because of the 1984 chemical leak in Bhopal, India. On April 6, Justice for Bhopal recreates the accident here in Ann Arbor. The route, extending from the Dow Laboratory to the University Hospitals, is meant to dramatize both Dow's ongoing liability for the accident and its association with the University of Michigan. Much of the race will be run through the scenic Nichols Arboretum. I - nrui Alcohol lowvers Inhibitions "E around sexual desires, but heavy drinking dulls sensation and the ability to reach orgasm. Better sex is achieved through knowing what your body likes and Run from a "gas explosion" Dash for a treatment facility Gulp "Bhopal water" Sunday, April 6, 1:30 PM our Dow Laboratory, wan Central Campus, Diag Side Free (Donations accepted) Escape the Grim Reaper Race through a "Hot Zone" Come as you are! Wear your pajamas! More Info: http:l/www.umich.edu/-bhopallrun.htm