HOW-TO PAGE 2B. FILM NOTEBOOK PAGE 3B. B THE MICHIGAN DAILY THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2007 The movie theaters ofA2 Here at Daily Arts, we constantly tell you what films to see or not see. But where's the best place to find them? Look no further. We can start with the little ones, which despite their small stature are big in value. The Michigan and the State the- aters are often underappreci- ated luxuries in Ann Arbor, PAUL and you should TASSI attend some sort of event at both during your college career. It just feels classy walking down State Street to either establishment to see a film, and if you can get over the cramped seat- ing arrangements, you'll have a good time. often the movies shown are independent films you won't be able to find in a mainstream the- ater, so it might be a good chance to see something that doesn't star Cameron Diaz or involve Michael Bay. The Briarwood Dollar Theater should be mentioned here, because if you're the kind of person who still hasn't seen "Superman Returns," chances are its still playing there. It's cheap - real cheap. It's at the Briarwood mall and the bus will drop you right at the door. The fun part is seeing if the bus is there when your movie gets out at 2 a.m. The money you save on tickets will be most likely converted to cab fare unless you feel like camping out in the empty mall. And now, Showcase Cinema Ann Arbor, one of the area's two multiplexes. Here's a reenactment of the one and only time I paid for a ticket at there. My friends and I approached the nearly empty ticket queue at 7 p.m. on a Friday fresh- man year. "Hi, can I get one for 'Bourne Supremacy' at 7:20?" "Sure, that'll be $9.75." "Wow, that's a lot, I'm glad I'm a student." I flashed my M-Card. "We don't do student discounts here." I froze. "What? Are you serious?" "Yes, I'm sorry." She wasn't sorry. "But this is Ann Arbor!" "No, this is Ypsilanti." "Fuck!" So after my five friends and I collectively dropped damn near $100 on tickets, food and drinks, we all swore we'd never go back to Showcase again. No wonder no one is ever there. I mean seriously: You're one of two major theaters in a college-town area, and you don't offer a student rate? That's like not having a senior citizen discount at Bob Evans. They do have some movies in 3-D and IMAX which is cool, but not cool enough to add another $2 to an already ridiculous ticket price. If you don't know where Showcase is, I'm not even going to tell you. Just don't ever go there and maybe they'll go out of business. Why they haven't already is a mystery to me. So where should you go to not get jacked? That $10 could eas- ily buy a case of Natty Light or a box of Franzia, so save $4.50 of it by going to the (relatively) best theater around. Quality 16 is well, quality. It's nothing spectacular, but it's your best bet for most all new releases in the Ann Arbor area. In addition to offering a severely discounted student rate of $6.50, Quality also makes for a good time because it's just hilari- ous (and the awesome $5 tickets See TASSI, page 2B ELIST Jan. 18 to 21 The Daily Arts guide to the best upcom- ing events - it's everywhere you should be this week and why. A walk through Cobo By PAUL TASSI stranglehold around domestic produc- Its sweeping lines and protruding tail- DailyArts Writer ers' necks, this year's North American lamps give it the impression it's flying International Auto Show (NAIAS) is even when standing still. Don't let the Look, I know that in Ann Arbor, more relevant than it's ever been. Here odd name fool you: This is a thinly cars are little more to you than those are some of its highlights and lowlights veiled concept aimed at testing the big shiny things that almost hit you according to me, your objective guide: waters for the next Supra. Then next as you blindly cross the street on the time you'll see it will most likely be way to class. But in Michigan, the auto Best Concept: Toyota FT-HS - with Paul Walker behind the wheel in industry is massively important to the The designers call it "perfectly imbal- "The Fast and the Furious 4" in 2009. FOREST CASEY/Daily economic future of the state, and with anced." Despite the tagline not making Lamborghinis and beautiful women - what failing auto industry? foreign automakers tightening their sense, the car is absolutely gorgeous. See AUTO SHOW, page 4B ON STAGE There's nothing like a little indie rock and tinnitus at The Blind Pig to kick off another frozen week- end. Ann Arborites Mason Proper, Detroit natives The Satin Peaches and The Pop Project will each per- formtheir own brand ofindie tonight at the Pig. Expect everything from upbeat rock-outs to way-out jams and everything in between. Doors at 9:30 p.m. Cover is $6 or $9 for those under 21. Sekou Sundiata, the Grammy- nominated New York City poet, will perform his acclaimed work this Saturday at the Power Center. "The 51st (Dream) State" combines poetry, modern dance, video and live Indian and R&B music to form a stirring reflection on post-Sept. 11 America. The show will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $14-$34 in advance or at the door if available. Call 734- 764-2538 for info. The University's Museum of Art's new off-site exhibit, "Embrac- ing Eatonville," will open Saturday. Eatonville, Florida is the oldest his- torically black town in the country. Photographers Lonnie Graham, Car- rie Mae Weems and Deborah Willis each contributed new work to the exhibit. Open Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednes- day, Thursday and Friday 11a.m. to 10 p.m. Free admission. ON SCREEN The State Theater gives a nod to Ethan and Joel Coen and their quirky films this month with its Midnight Movie series, which con- tinues Saturday with the presenta- tion of "Raising Arizona," the 1987 flick starring Nicholas Cage and Holly Hunter. Stay tuned next week for cult-hit "The Big Lebowski." Tickets, as always, are $6.75 for students and $8.50 for the general public.