Chicago Tribune from Chicago, Illinois • Page 97

Chicago Tribune, Thursday, November 27, 1997 Section 5 9 Tempo A more-open 'Bent' Film loses play's claustrophobia but none of its power i By Achy Obejas St i'AjV i i 'J i I i The muscular Jax (Lynn Red Williams) battles Cyrax (J.J. Perry) in "Mortal Kombat Annihilation," which adds little to the development of the "Mortal Kombat" saga. 'Mortal Kombat Annihilation' has little to offer except fights Tribune Staff Writer When "Bent" opened on Broadway 17 years ago, its power rested on a taut, wrenching scene in which Max (played by a young Richard Gere) and Horst, two inmates in a Nazi concentration camp, made love to each other by talking, all the while standing perfectly still. The moment relied on the vulnerability of the actors, intimately describing the rawest, most delicate passions. Martin Sherman's theatrical version of "Bent" didn't get universal praise, but it was widely admired for its authentic emotion and the history it taught Here, for the first time, was a story about the Nazi persecution of homosexuals.

Here, for the first time in mainstream culture, the pink triangle was unveiled. (Ironically, the pink triangle, inverted, later became a symbol for activism around AIDS, a disease in its viral infancy just as "Bent" made its stage debut.) For the stage-bound "Bent," claustrophobia was also a vital ingredient. The theatrical piece split the story in two: The first act followed Max around in his hedonistic Berlin life; the second focused on the budding intensity between him and Horst. If it was hard to breathe because there were too many bodies in the first act, it was equally hard because of the loneliness in the second. How then to translate this drama to celluloid? Director Sean Mathias, making his film debut, was very familiar with Sherman's story, having staged it several times.

And what he has done on film is open the story up, creating a panorama of emptiness in the wasteland of the labor camp where Max, a Jew wearing a yellow star, and Horst, a homosexual with a pink triangle, are imprisoned. Here there is nothing but endless snow, endless heat, endless space. And that has its own hellish qualities. Mathias' "Bent" also enjoys the participation of two charismatic leads, neither of whom fits current stereotypes of the gay pretty boy. French Canadian actor minotaur Motaro (Deron McBee) and the four-armed Sheeva (Marjean Holden).

It's hard to believe that the writers couldn't have come up with some sort of genuine storyline to accompany all the cinematic bells and whistles, but they most likely thought it wouldn't matter, figuring their target audience was simply looking for fights, fights and more fights. "Mortal Kombat Annihilation" has all the requisite lines and maxims about "working as a team," "acting like a family" and "being pure of mind and spirit." But for all its talk about goodness and bravery, the majority of the film is just a series of computer-generated battles between a gaggle of sweaty youngsters and cackling bad guys. A few of the special effects rate a slight nod, as do a couple of the extended battle sequences, but for the most part, "Mortal Kombat Annihilation" is a pretty uninspired attempt to cash in on the video game's popularity. Skip the movie; just play the game. By John Petrakis Special to the Tribune A wise old soothsayer, who doubled as a gyros salesman, once warned me tO "beware Of movies hacoH nn virion oamac games, and Mortal Kombat Annihlla- -tion" does little to Drove that llirn uues mile tu piuve llldl wizened seer wrong.

The first sequel to 1995's highly successful "Mortal Kombat" where mere mortals were forced to do battle with powerful creatures from the JOutWOrld tO Save the Earth "Mortal Kombat Annihilation" adds little to the development of the saga except for a truckload of martial arts sequences and a i whole mess of bigger and louder special effects. Robin Shou (who played Chris -Farley's hard-working brother in Hills returns as Liu Kang, the pumped-up leader of the pack, who is constantly being challenged by one interga- 'lactic tough guy or another to j. prove his martial arts manhood. Joining him in his rock em sock 'em quest are his team of well- ill- x4 Movie review "Mortal Kombat Annihilation" Directed by John R. Leonettl; written by Brent V.

Friedman and Bryce Zabel; based on the video game by Ed Boon and John Tobias; photographed by Matthew F. Leonettl; production designed by Charles Wood; by Peck A New Un0 release. Running time: 1:33. MPAA rating: PG-13. violence.

the cast tSZSxx StlE "a jamesRemar Blade. w8j Shaoiahn Brian Thompson toned buddies, including the lovely Princess Kitana (Talisa Soto), a refugee from the Out- world; the athletic Sonya Blade (Sandra Hess); the muscular Jax (Lynn Red Williams), whose large arms have been mechanically enhanced. They are led by Ray- den former god of lightning and thunder, played by James Remar in a long, Jonathon Winters-style wig. Their enemies include the mega- evil Shao-Kahn (Brian Thompson) and his minions, including the Family movie guide Albert Brooks is the institution's greedy alcoholic chief resident who doesn't want to treat anyone without health insurance. The film has a chilling message: that hospitals are in the business of collecting insurance and to maximize profits they will mechanically prolong the lives of suffering patients.

"Devll't Advocate" (R) Al Paclno Is Satan himself in the form of the head of an all-powerful, many-tentacled law firm. Lurid yet sleek, this variation on "Rosemary's Baby" casts Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron as a madly romantic Florida couple whose marriage is put to the test by Manhattan's temptations, which Pacino proffers with wicked glee. "Fairy Tale: A True Story" (PG) This charming if rather perplexing British film deals with two English girls who sneaked into a garden in 1917 and emerged with photos that seemed to prove the existence of fairies. For those who delight in wee folk, this has appeal. Others, especially young boys, may wish they could fly away like the fairies.

The PG rating for brief, mild language seems excessive. "Fast, Cheap and Out of Control" (PG) Director Errol Morris interweaves the work of four inspired eccentrics a lion tamer, a topiary gardener, a scientist studying social behavior of the naked mole-rat, and a robot designer into a haunting and poetic exploration of creative imagination. Morris brings wisdom, wit, quirkiness and a metaphysical overview to this eerily beautiful meditation. "Gattaca" (PG-13) This isn't the sci-fi most kids are used to, with aliens and Brian Webber (left) and Clive Owen torn apart by the Nazis in "Bent." Movie review "Bent" l2 Directed by Sean Mathias: adapted by Martin Sherman from his owm play; production designed by Stephen Bnmson Lewis; music by Philip Glass; produced by Michael Solinger and Dixie Under; executive produced by Sarah Radclyffe and Hlsami Kuroiwa. A Goldwyn Entertainment Co.

release: opened Wednesday. Running 104 minutes. MPAA rating: NC-17. THE CAST Horst Lothaire Bluteau Max Clive Owen Rudy Brian Webber Uncle Freddie Ian McKellen Greta Mick Jagger Lothaire Bluteau, with his small features slightly askew, plays the sensible Horst, and handsome but skinny Clive Owen plays the confused Max. That they don't physically fit together Bluteau is considerably smaller; eyen his head seems dwarfed by the larger, edgier Owen makes their relationship both more real and more poignant.

"Bent" opens with Max enjoying a bacchanal at a drag club where his live-in lover, Rudy (played by South African actor Brian Webber), is performing. The club is owned by a cynical, opportunistic drag queen named Greta, played deliciously by Mick Jagger. It's the "Night of the Long Knives," when Adolf Hitler's Gestapo con situations. "Mondo" (Unrated, but contains PG elements) This tale of a 10-year-old gypsy boy who brings joy to the slums of Nice has strong, mystical charm. But the locale's harshness is definitely not glossed over.

"Most Wanted" (R) Sharpshooter Marine Sgt. James Dunn (Keenen Ivory Way-ans) is awaiting death in a military prison for killing a superior officer during the Gulf War. Lt. Col. Grant Casey (Jon Voight), the leader of an elite assassination squad, offers to get Dunn out of prison in exchange for his help in killing an industrialist.

But the coven operation goes wrong, the first lady ends up getting killed, and Dunn is the fall guy. Language, bloody violence. "Pippi Longstocking" (G) Adults won't be able to sit through this cartoon version of the Swedish kiddie classic. Little kids may like some of the slapstick action, but since they won't be able to make any sense of the weak plot, they will probably tune out as well. "Red Corner" (R) Richard Gere, In one of his more forceful recent performances, stars as a middle-aged American who is outraged by the Chinese government's repressive tactics.

This courtroom drama relies as heavily on standard movie melodrama as on its harshly critical vision of China. "Rocket Man" (PG) This Disney flick aims at viewers 3 feet high. The silly comedy may send its goofball hero to Mars, but its jokes are strictly Earth-y. The premise is ridiculous, the howlers lowbrow and the acting hammy, but at least the space chimp is treated with respect. The rating comes from language and base humor.

"Seven Years in Tibet" (PG-13) Young viewers interested in world politics and exotic locales, as well as Brad Pitt fans; will respond to this saga of a despicable Nazi who finds redemption through the young Dalai Lama. But younger viewers may think it seems like the titular seven years. "Soul Food" (R) Three sisters (Vanessa Murray's 'Man Who Knew Too Little' pulls up lame play live-in lovers whose lives are ducted a notorious series of raids, and the unwitting Max picks up an SS officer and takes him home for a tumble. In the process, however, he exposes himself, Rudy and even Greta to the Nazi authorities. Greta is no fool, however, quickly collaborating to save his own skin and burning any and all evidence of his gay life.

Because he refuses to help Max and Rudy, the two men are forced underground. Max later tracks down his effete Uncle Freddie (a jumpy Ian McKellen, for whom Sherman actually wrote "Bent," and who starred in the script's first production in London), who manages to get papers for Max. But Max feels an obligation to Rudy, and while waiting and trying to force Uncle Freddie to come up with another set, they get caught by the Gestapo and loaded onto a train to a concentration camp. Up to this point, Mathias' film is realistic and intense. But from here on, as Max is assigned.to move rocks endlessly from one pile to another pile to another, the film takes on a hypnotic, more metaphorical tone.

The sex and the torture are both symbolic and real. By the time the film comes to its conclusion, however predictable, it has built up enough power for a surprisingly charged finale. Williams, Vivica Fox, Nia Long) learn how to keep a family together when a crisis erupts involving their mother (Irma P. Hall). AJide from adult issues (infidelity, job loss, there is an abundance of adult language ind graphic sex scenes.

"Starship Troopers" (R) An intergajac-ttc war between the Earth and a planet populated by gigantic insects escalates to a point where Earth sends young recruits to fight for freedom. Extreme violence and lots of gore. "Switchback" (R) The story begins with a mysterious murder and kidnapping, then switches to Texas, where two bloody bodies are discovered in a motel. These events set the stage for a hunt by FBI agent Frank LaCrosse (Dennis Quaid) for the serial killer he believes is responsible. Adult language and scenes of bloody violence are among the elements that make this film for mature audiences only.

"Telling Lie in America" (PG-13) Teens should enjoy this coming-of-age tale, mostly because of star Brad Renfro. And even though the film is set in the '60s, the lessons about growing up are universal and the rock 'n' roll is still good stuff. "A Thousand Acres" (R) Jessica Lange and Michelle Pfeiffer play sisters who inherit their father's (Jason Robards) farm and then are faced with his accusations that they tried to steal it from him. The dissension and betrayal of family members reveals incest, abuse, alcoholism and adultery. i "U-Turn" (R) A black comedy in which Sean Penn is a small-time gambler headed for Las Vegas.

When his car breaks down. Ah an Arizona desert town, he encounters strange mechanic (Billy Bob Thornton) and other unusual characters who wreak havoc on his life. Adult language, bloody violence, sexual situations and killing. I "Washington Square" (PG) Some oloV teens might relate to this tale of a shy and awkward heiress, her oppressive father and her handsome suitor, who may' not be as sincere as she hopes. i 3 Stereo Side 1 Entertainment Center 26" TV Cabinet Located at: Sutton Square Plaza Route 59 Batavia Road Warrenville (630) 393-4477 i Ml spaceships.

But for those into the more intelligent aspects of futuristic visions, this effort will amuse them, especially with the added bonus of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman. "Grizzly Mountain" (G) Kids who see this film will probably feel as if they're visiting a favorite uncle (Dan Haggerty), who happens to live in one of the country's most picturesque places. Most kids will enjoy the buffoonish bad guys, the snarling bad woman and the broad jokes about how the 1870 gentry respond to high-tech toys. "The Ice Storm" (R) Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver star In this elegant and deeply disquieting story of two suburban families whose lives change irrevocably during the title event, which takes on mystical force not often seen in films about wayward weather. "In Out" (PG-13) This movie should increase teen tolerance of gay lifestyles, although preeen audiences might be bored.

The film contains sexuality and saucy dialogue, but its overall tone celebrates humanity. And everyone should enjoy Kevin Kline's performance. "Kiss the Girls" (R) Morgan Freeman is a forensic psychologist called to North Carolina after his niece disappears and is feared to be the eighth victim of a serial killer. Violence, language and sex-themed dialogue make this movie about women being kidnapped, abused and murdered best for adults. "A Life Lest Ordinary" (R) Ewan McGregor is a janitor in a big company who dreams of writing a novel and Cameron Diaz is the pampered daughter of the wealthy businessman who owns the company.

McGregor kidnaps her, and the two collaborate to get ransom money from her father while celestial cops Delroy Undo and Holly Hunter are given a tough assignment by the angel Gabriel: make these two unlikely people fall in rove. The film suffers from offensive language, violence and a ridiculous plot. "The Little Mermaid" (G) This is the reissue of Disney's 1989 animated musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen story about a young mermaid named Ariel (voice of Jodi Benson). Going against the wishes of' her father and her guardian crab Sebastian, Ariel strikes a bargain with a sea witch named Ursula (voice of Pat Carroll) to trade her voice and fins for a pair of legs so she can marry a handsome human, Prince Eric (voice of Christopher Daniel Barnes). "Mad City" (PG-13) This tale of a simple security guard who, basically through an accident, winds up taking a group of schoolkids hostage, won't scare young viewers as much as it will bore them.

"The Matchmaker" (R) An old-fashioned love story full of modern-day charm and romance in which Janeane Garofalo travels to Ireland to locate information about Irish relatives for the senator who is her boss, in hopes that it will help him win votes. She arrives in town at the same time the local matchmaker is holding a festival for singles, and finds a match of her own. "Masterminds" (PG-13) Whiz kid comes to the rescue when a security expert holds a school full of students hostage. It might be fun for some kids to watch a teenager outwit dopey grownups, but the movie is basically just another lame action exercise. The rating is for language and suggested endangerment of children.

"Money Talks" (R) A con man gets caught in the act by a TV newsman and is sent to prison. When the bus transporting him blows up, he escapes, turning to the newsman for protection. Adult 'humor and This feature is intended to help parents learn about movies their children are seeing or might want Zto see. ill Murray's cartoonish behavior aside, his brand of humor is a bit too subtle for most kids to pick up on. But then, in the lame comic thriller "The Man Knew Too Little," the humor 1 might be too subtle for anyone to get.

Murray, as a London tourist, gets mixed up unwittingly in a plot that he foils sin-glehandedly. "Bean" (PG-13) Kids will probably like Rowan Atkinson's disturbing Mr. Bean acter as much as, if not more than, adults. "Bean is pure cartoon, from his odd personal-hygiene habits to his inability to succeed at even the slightest of tasks (including standing still and not touching anything). While the -grownups start getting bored halfway the kids will probably be more for-, giving as they await Mr.

Bean's next disastrous move. "Boogie Nights" (R) Mark Wahlberg and Burt Reynolds are inhabitants of the Sleazy, druggy universe of the 1970s porn "industry. I "Critical Care" (R) James Spader is a cynical young doctor who gets caught in a Jawsuit between two sisters whose father in a "persistent vegetative state" while (the hospital drains off his life savings, and patient The Right Prescription Managed Health Care QUALITY OAK FURNITURE ATI VERY REASONABLE PRICES! Stop and See Our Complete Selection of Solid Oak Entertainment Centers and Wall Units. Now Yourjqwn 4OCIAT10N Adess; HK3HLANP i a St j- fiTi 2 Piece Corner Entertainment Center TV Stand wVCR Hole Swivel Top Hours: IFlWWM'l lih I Vantage Three Piere Entertainment Center CD Tape Towers 'J'Q fcLf1 TV Side 1 Tall Stereo Entertainment Cabinet Center CARE ASf HEALin I "Jf1 Mon-Fri. 10-8 Sat.

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