French
films flood Union Theatre at UWM
Every winter, the
Union Theatre at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee hosts
a series of films imported from France - offering local
audiences an unparalleled opportunity to partake, as well as
compare and assess the very best jewels of modern French
cinema.
'Collapse:' A haunting,
brilliant hit 'on demand'
The Sundance Film
Festival wrapped up a week ago, closing out an extended
conversation among those in the film world about just what
direction the future of cinema will take.
Jeff
Bridges' role
in 'Crazy Heart' is golden
rior
to the Golden Globes, much of the "best actor" talk
this year revolved around George Clooney for his role in
"Up in the Air," and Colin Firth, for "A Single
Man."
Cinema
still pulses electric
at Union Theatre
Milwaukee's most
integral film institution peaks with the opening weekend of
festivities at the Union Theatre at the University of
Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
'Whip
It' rolls with emotions
About halfway
through "Whip It," we start to realize that
first-time director Drew Barrymore is a little more fearless
than one might initially expect from a newcomer. There are
shots here of characters confronting confused emotions and
wounded hearts - moments that linger in the mind as
Barrymore allows them to extend a few seconds longer than
what feels natural.
Viewers
beware: 'Antichrist' is violent
It is
simultaneously one of the most horrific and intriguing films
I have ever encountered - lost in a sea of barbaric
violence, but also a profound examination of the
psychological horrors that can accompany unfathomable pain.
Avatar's
reign continues despite Hollywood's 3-D failure
There
was a whole lot of buzz last December when "Avatar"
arrived in theaters as one of the most astonishing visual
experiences ever created.
Gibson
makes big return
It's been a long
time since we've seen Mel Gibson on the big screen - almost
seven years to be exact.
'Legion'
pits angels vs. humans
Now it's time for
something completely different: a battle of the angels. War
of the Winged Worlds. Apocalypse, times two.
Icon's
music justifies 'This Is It'
Given all the
sordid details that surrounded the death of Michael Jackson,
viewers might be surprised by the fact that "This Is
It" is in no way about that controversy.
On
a mission for God
In many ways,
"The Book of Eli" parallels last week's zombie
thriller "Daybreakers," wiping away the modern
world in favor of constructing an alternative reality, where
the issues of society, greed and faith can collide in
unprecedented fashion. Both films also have pretty
impressive twist endings - shocking epilogues that I could
never see coming.
'The Hurt Locker' examines trials
of U.S. troops
It's no
coincidence that "The Hurt Locker" hits DVD this
week, just a few days before it very well could win
"Best Picture" at the Golden Globes.
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'Purgatorio'
plays on emotions
"Purgatorio"
is a play by Ariel Dorfman which reflects this playwright's
continuing interest in writing about the ravages of tyranny
and exile, something he experienced living in Argentina and
Chile.
'Blackbird'
boasts intensity
The
lyric in "Blackbird" by the Beatles is mournful:
"Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these
broken wings and learn to fly." Perhaps this is the
reason that David Harrower chose this title for his
wrenching, prize-winning drama about a confrontation between
a young woman and an older man 15 years after their
inappropriate relationship.
'Thief
Lord' falls short
The adaptation
from book to the stage is often a challenging one.
'Mid-Life!'makes
fun of aging
Having
the ability to laugh at things that could just as easily be
the cause of fear and frustration is a healthier alternative
than depression or worry.
UW-Waukesha
hosting
special performance
The University of
Wisconsin-Waukesha, in conjunction with the Waukesha Parks,
Recreation and Forestry Department, will hold performances
of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, "The Little
Mermaid and the Prince."
Conspiracies
abound
It is
easy to be distrustful in an unreliable universe. "Yankee Tavern" by Stephen Dietz, which is
presently playing at The Milwaukee Repertory Theater
explores the intricacies of conspiracy theories, the
complexity of repercussive world events and the cloak of
secrecy that often characterizes governmental operations.
Show
reflects a bygone era
For
those of us who are or have been fans of the Skylight Opera
Theatre, we are thrilled and privileged to witness a
retrospective look at its history via two tour guides with
talent and great affection for this theatre that has
survived for 50 years.
‘Dreamgirls’
energizes full house
at Marcus Center
"Dreamgirls,"
loosely based on black performers in the sixties - the
Supremes, James Brown and other musical groups - opened on
Broadway in 1981 and since then has enjoyed much success in
New York and on national tours.
Theater
arts offered quality in 2009
Ah,
yes, another year has passed, but not without many
significant contributions to our pleasure and enlightenment
via the theater arts in the greater Milwaukee area.
Variety
fuels 'Scrooge in Rouge'
During
the reign of Queen Victoria, music halls provided much of
the entertainment for the common man. They offered skits and
songs, along with a generous sprinkling of bawdy humor and
ale.
'La
Cage aux Folles' rich in tradition
Imagine an
intimate cafe painted pink and bedecked with flamingoes.
Imagine a flashy, electric pianist. Imagine a bevy of brawny
beauties and a star to bedazzle and bewitch us all.
Past
renews in Dickens' story
In a world where peace and
forgiveness are scarce commodities and traditions are seldom
honored, it is comforting to return to the past to be renewed.
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