The Kerrville Times from Kerrville, Texas • Page 15

Thursday, June 30, 1994 Kerrville Daily Times Page 3B what's showing PLAZA HI 110 Men Drive, KerrvNIe TH1IUON KING, Animated Dig- my film. Rated O. WYATT BARPt Starts Friday. Starring Kevin Costner and Dannie Quaid. Rated PO-13.

CITY SLICKERS lit Stars Billy Crystal and Jack Palance. Rated PO-13. THIATftl 14t I. Mem, Predertekebura The Mighty Ducka II: Rated Movie short takes Service JoeMeyere Thomson News BEVERLY HILLS COP III (R too profane, violent for kids): Truly wretched sequel which should speed up Eddie Murphy's seemingly unstoppable downward spiral. It's really sad to watch a desperate star lend his talents to this witless and ugly action "comedy" which is set largely in a tacky-looking theme park.

Even by the debased standards of Hollywood sequels, the John Landis-directed picture is an embarrassment. CITY SLICKERS II (PG-13 fine for teens): Above average sequel that follows the dude ranchers from "City Slickers" on a quest for lost treasure. Billy Crystal continues to grow as a comic actor and he has written some of the funniest dialogue of the year with his two screenwriting partners (Babaloo Mandel and Lowell Ganz). Movie western icon Jack Palance was killed off in the first picture, but the filmmakers have come up with a credible way to bring him back, and the result is another strong comedy performance. Parents should be warned, however, that there is more sexual innuendo in the sequel than in the original film.

THE COWBOY WAY (PG-13 fine for teens). Woody Harrelson and Kiefer Sutherland make a lackluster buddy movie couple in this comedy-drama about two cowboys who come to New York to help a friend in distress. The concept owes a lot to say the least to "Crocodile Dundee," but the fish-out-of-water gags here are stale. That good actor Dylan McDermott (Eastwood's sidekick in "In the Line of is completely wasted as the movie's ridiculous villain. THE FLINTSTONES (PG fine for all ages): Kids should get a big kick out of this elaborate live-action recreation of the '60s TV cartoon series about life in the prehistoric suburban community of Bedrock.

John Goodman, Elizabeth Perkins and and the rest of the cast bring a lot of zest to their (intentionally) one-dimensional roles. Some parents might resent the enormous marketing push aimed squarely at the under-12 movie often looks like a toy home shopping channel but the film is undeniably well executed. FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL (R fine for teens): The best romantic comedy since "Sleepless in Seattle" follows a carefree British bachelor (Hugh Grant) who falls for a sexy American visitor (Andie MacDowell) in the course of attending the five social functions in the title. Those who are looking for gritty realism at the movies won't enjoy this throwback to the slightly far-fetched '30s and '40s romances that paired off Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn by the end of a whirlwind farcical plot. THE LION KING (G might scare very young kids): The beautiful animation we've come to expect from Walt Disney Studios isn't enough to overcome a weak storyline and mediocre song score by Elton John and Tim Rice.

Kids will probably enjoy the tale of a young lion cub and his female sidekick. But the 88-minute cartoon lacks the sharp wit of "Aladdin" and the Broadway musical kick of "Beauty and the Beast" so there's not much here for adults without children. Parents should note that there's a killing of a major character about a third of the way in it might upset sensitive children. LITTLE BUDDHA (PG fine for all ages): In this ambitious spiritual drama, director Bernardo Bertolucci contrasts the early life of Buddha with the adventures of a contemporary Seattle boy who may or may not be the reincarnation of a Buddhist priest. The modern day story is marred by some flat acting the use of singer Chris Isaak in a major role is a near disaster but the historical scenes are wonderful.

Working once again with the great cameraman Vittorio Storaro, Bertolucci delivers some of the most ravishing images in recent move history. fine for all ages): Considering all of the talent involved, this comic western should be a lot better than it is. Mel Gibson dominates with his zany anything-for-a-laugh style, leaving co-stars Jodie Foster and James Garner with little to do. Gibson and director Richard Donner worked together on the three "Lethal Weapon" movies and the new film often looks like "Lethal 4" in western drag. RENAISSANCE MAN (PG-13 fine for all ages): Danny DeVito finally gets a suitable starring role in this entertaining comedy- drama about an out-of-work ad man who is given a job teaching English on an Army base.

The movie shows us how the reluctant teacher brings new hope to the lives of his students. If you thought "Dead Poets Society" and "Stand and Deliver" were too sentimental you'll probably feel the same way about the new Penny Marshall- directed tear-jerker. But in this case the tears seem well-earned. violent for children): Just when it seemed that the last bit of novelty had been drained out of the standard Hollywood action movie, this aptly named bomb-on-a-bus thriller arrives to jump-start the whole genre. A new De Bont and a fresh new action movie Reeves have joined forces to give us a relentlessly exciting movie that delivers thrills without indulging in the extreme gore and sexism that so often ruin this type of picture.

It's hard to imagine a better summer night's entertainment. WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN (R too profane, disturbing for kids): The story of a marriage torn apart by alcoholism might sound like made-for-TV fodder, but fine writing and excellent performances by Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia combine to create a solid "90s update of "Days of Wine and Roses." All of the production elements are above average, but Ryan is the key to the film's success. One of the most sheerly likable performers in contemporary film, Ryan brings out all of the humanity in a woman who could have been unbearable to watch if a leaser actress played the part. Private Lives' go public at the Point By Cllubtth Green Staff Writer Very few could have ponnibly made it thus far without having seen or at least heard of the Noel Coward play "Private Lives." If you haven't or even if you have a perfect opportunity exists until July 9 to see the play performed by some of the arca'H favorite actors at the Smith-Ritch Point Theatre in Ingram. Surrounded by gorgeous sets and wearing fabulous 1930s- era clothes, the four main actors A TIMES REVIEW in the play Ann Reynolds and Ross Robinson as Sibyl and Elyot Chase and John Ruth and Linda Messina as Victor and Amanda Prynne unfold a plot of love and war, er, marriage.

The play involves the recent marriages of the respective couples, Elyot and Amanda having been previously married. When the two couples end up in adjoining hotel rooms in France, things begin to fall apart, again. Running off together, the two go through a series of feelings, from ecstacy to guilt to dislike and back again. While the play is something less than the rip-roaring, don't-hold-backness of "Nunsense," which opened the summer season, it is still always a joy to see a play unfold in front of your eyes, especially by the banks of the Guadalupe River at the wonderful outdoor Point Theatre. With strong points and some rather numerous scenes largely with the hilarious Mar- garet Reynolds as Amanda Chase's maid Louise (the French and the unique sneezes are the funniest part of the play) the acting seemed a little stiff the first Saturday evening of the play's run.

But, all in all, the play made for a good night out. Most audience members seemed to go away happy. For ticket information about "Private Lives" or the other plays in the summer season, call the box office at the Point at 367-5122. Kevin Costner on target in 'Wyatt Earp' By Joe Meyers Thomson News Service Kevin Costner took some real risks with the often unsympathetic criminal character he played in "A Perfect World" last winter, but his dark, angry performance in the new Western epic "Wyatt Earp" should prove to be an even bigger test of his popularity. It's not often that film stars at the height of their fame tackle two downbeat, image- twisting roles in a row.

A few years back, Costner appeared to be heading in the same safe direction as superstar Mel Gibson, with lightweight fare such as "The Bodyguard" (1992) and "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" (1991). So, if you were a fan of his much more interesting early work in "No Way Out" (1987) and "Bull Durham" (1988), you'll probably share my enthusiasm for the star's return to real acting. As much as I enjoyed "Wyatt Earp" and Costner's performance in the title role, this often depressing three-hour- 10-minute Western should prove to be one of the year's toughest marketing challenges. Director-writer Lawrence Kasdan has made few compromises in his portrait of how misguided family loyalty and a rigid adherence to "law and or- i-mutuel racing slated in FREDERICKSBURG Celebrate the Fourth of July weekend at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds in Fredericksburg when pari-mutuel racing returns for three days of action July 2-4. A full slate of quarter bourse and throughbred races will be run each day at the Class III facility, located two miles south of downtown Fredericksburg on Texas Highway 16.

Full pari- mutuel wagering is offered all three days. Gates open at 11 a.m. each day and post time is 1 p.m. Sponsored by the Gillespie County Fair and Festivals Association the three-day Fourth of July Racing Festival is the second meet of the 1994 season at the fairgrounds. In addition to the races, a dance faturing the music of "People's Choice" will be held on the outdoor dance pavilion on Saturday night from 9 p.m.

to 1 a.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $1 for children 6-12 years of age, and free for children under six. Admission for the dance is $5 after 6:30 p.m. The following it a calendar of live music in the Hill Country. THIS WIIK Cross Creek Roadhouse, 1701 Junction Highway, Kerrville Carolyn Steele and Southern Fever, Friday and Sa- turday.

July 6 through July 9, Shameless. Executive Club, 735 Hill Country Drive, Kerrville Live music, Friday. The Hunt Store, in Hunt Acoustic jam session, 7-10 p.m. Thursday Inn of the Hills River Resort, 1001 Junction Highway, Kerrville Drugstore Cowboy, through Saturday; open mic every Monday. Leon Springe Cafe, Interstate 10, Leon Springs Alyn, Friday; Ken Gaines, Saturday; Mark Waldrop's Jammers, each Thursday; Bluegrass music, 2nd and 4th Sunday afternoons.

Lopes Club, Bandera Highway, Kerrville Live music weekly. Luokenbaoh Country Rocker, Tommy Alverson with Geronimo Trevino, 8 p.m. Saturday. Too Strange for Stater- dale, 8pm. Sunday.

Pat's Lounge, 2460 Junction Highway, Kerrville live music on weekends. Encore! in on the hunt for livt music ntws. l-'eel free lu mail information OH live music bookings lo P.O. BOA 1428. Kerrville.

Texas 7802V-1428. or fax injormanon 10 8V6-II50. Photos also may be mailed for inclusion in MOVIE REVIEW der" came close to destroying the whole Earp family. I couldn't help but think of "The Godfather, Part II" (1974) as I watched Wyatt putting his family above all else and yet setting in motion the very forces that would pull it apart. Costner's emotionally frozen Wyatt who pushes everyone except his immediate family away reminded me of Al Pacino's classic portrayal of Michael Corleone in the "Godfather" sequel.

Both men cut themselves off from all forms of love that are not familial. Kasdan uses the 190-minute running time to detail the experiences that shaped Wyatt from his early youth through retirement. More than most Westerns, "Wyatt Earp" qualifies for the "epic" tag we witness more than 30 years in the life of the legendary law man and the taming of the "wild" West in the years following the Civil War. The film opens in Iowa at the close of the war between the states. The teen-age Wyatt is in awe of his stern lawyer father Nicholas Earp (Gene Hackman), who preaches the paramount importance of family ties at the dinner table.

Earp's sons and daughters-in-law joke that KEVIN COSTNER they've heard the old man's lecture on the value of "blood" thousands of times, but we see that they are an unusually close-knit family. Nicholas believes that anyone beyond the family circle are "just strangers" and young Wyatt takes this message to heart. His dynamo father is so successful and so powerful that Wyatt believes his family will always prevail. Like so many other pioneers, Nicholas gets itchy when he stays in the same town for more than a few years and the longsuffering Mrs. Earp Virginia (Betty Buckley) sees that there is no point in opposing the patriarch's plan to move his whole brood west to California.

The first hour of "Wyatt Earp" traces the title character's difficult passage to manhood After getting a bitter taste of the lawlessness of the West, a 20ish Wyatt decides to settle in Missouri with a young woman he has known since childhood. Wyatt assumes hell become a lawyer and then perhaps a judge just as his father and grandfather did. Wyatt and Urilla (Annabeth Gish) are anxiously awaiting the birth of their first child when tragedy strikes. Urilla comes down with typhoid fever and quickly dies. The sunny, affectionate tone of "Wyatt Earp" changes just as quickly as the title character's life does.

Shattered by the senseless tragedy, Wyatt turns into a homeless drunk, wandering the West. He appears likely to turn to a life of crime when he comes to the defense of a sheriff in a dangerous barroom situation, and before he knows it Wyatt is a Western law man. I mall Ads! You Jurt Did HURRY IN GUYS, DO A DOUBLE TAKE. BUY 2 AND SAVE! 2roR 24 reg. 16.00 each reg.

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