Disney invades Grinnell!

bradley iverson-long and jeremy blodgett

cheap two-hour thrills

Bradley: The beginning of a new semester is a sad thought for most. Next time you’re bummed about a killer Chem Lab, remember that at least Films Chair Tony O. Pham will be bringing you three fine films from around the world this weekend.

Jeremy: Brad’s right, every movie this weekend is worth checking out, especially when you can see them for free!

Lilo & Stitch (PG)

B: Tonight, Grinnell has a reprieve from the cold, depressing winter with this colorful comic Disney movie. Lilo is a socially inept Hawaiian orphan, and Stitch is a blue alien criminal genetically engineered to destroy civilization. With their powers combined, they will either end life as we know it, or create a happy, well-functioning family.

J: And crazy action like that is definitely not a good thing for Lilo’s older sister, who struggles to take care of and provide for Lilo, especially when a social worker is lurking.

B: And what a terrible social worker he is! Mr. Bubbles, the home-wrecking social worker who’s the closest thing to a villain in this movie, offended both of my social worker parents. For the record, my parents would like to say that social workers make families happy and fun. Despite that, my family found this movie about families very enjoyable and family friendly.

J: The movie succeeds by being just plain fun. Of course, there are touches of heartwarming family and friend moments and a few lessons to be learned, but the final product escapes Disney’s recent overwhelmingly lame streak. Nothing in this movie takes itself too seriously and the best way to enjoy it is to do the same. Lilo & Stitch never reaches the level of the great Disney animated classics, but it is a solid, enjoyable picture.

B: This movie works well because the characters are quite flawed. Lilo is an obnoxious brat, and you can almost understand why Mr. Bubbles wants to take her away from her volatile sister. Still, there is genuine, believable love between the sisters, at least when they aren’t fighting each other.

Jeremy’s Last Word: Aliens and Elvis, sun and fun. A welcome alternative to the cold outside.

Brad’s Last Gasp: Hawaii sure looks pretty right about now.

Brother (R)

B: Actor/writer/director “Beat” Takeshi Kitano is Japan’s foremost chronicler of the Yakuza gangs. Basically, he’s the Japanese equivalent of Martin Scorsese. Brother is his first English-language film, but stays with the Yakuza theme. Yamamoto (Takeshi), a Yakuza member, is exiled to America. Culturally isolated, he seeks out his half-brother, and starts up a new gang, featuring the handsome Omar Epps. Much violence ensues.

J: Much violence. Yamamoto, or Aniki (Big Brother), takes his brother from dealing drugs under bridges and leads the group to total power in their area of L.A. But getting power is one thing, keeping power another. Aniki’s luck can only hold out so long.

B: Did my last comment make it seem like I saw this movie? Because I totally haven’t! Anyway, here’s Jeremy with some informed commentary.

J: Brother is an interesting revision of the typical American action movie. Aniki is radically different than most action movie heroes. He rarely speaks and is often found sitting and watching rather than taking charge. But, at the same time, he has a powerful presence. He is, perhaps, the anti-Jackie Chan; his violence is subtle and powerful, he is suave and always in control. What most struck me, however, is his apparent lack of motivation for any of his actions. He takes power because it is there to be taken, not because he derives pleasure or profit. And in the end, when the tide turns, the existentialism underlying the action refuses any more resolution than “this is just the way things are.”

Brad’s Last Gasp: Guns ‘n Drugs—always a fun time at Harris.

Jeremy’s Last Word: Not an incredibly substantial movie and the ideas take some seeking, but I enjoyed it.

24 Hour Party People (R)

B: This music-filled biopic comedy detailed the Manchester music scene, which launched bands including The Sex Pistols, New Order, Stone Roses, and Happy Mondays, through the eyes of Tony Wilson, a journalist turned club owner and record producer. Steve Coogan, Britain’s foremost young comic, plays the witty Wilson. People who like music probably will like this movie.

Derrida (NR)

B: A documentary following a French philosopher (Jacques Derrida) in his daily routine. Sweet! We can see whether his breakfast cereal of choice is Cap’n Crunch or Frosted Mini Wheats!