Tomorrow, at 7:30 pm at the Michigan Theater, there is a sneak preview of the new movie “Answer This.” It’s a locally produced film by Christopher and Michael Farah, and features our very own Ralph Williams, along with Christopher Gorham, Arielle Kebbel, Nelson Franklin, and Chris Parnell. It’s the story of a thirty-year-old University of Michigan graduate finally coming of age through his experience with the First Annual Ann Arbor Trivia Tournament. It should be a good time, and not just because we’ll see some familiar faces! As a senior myself, I’m looking forward to watching a story about someone coming to terms with their graduation from U of M – it’s hard to imagine leaving.
Given the excitement over this film, the 7:30 showing is sold out…but there was a second screening added! Same night, 10 pm. If you’re interested, here’s more info!
Usually I’m running ten minutes late and only hoping to find a seat before the film starts – trying to find a red velvety chair rather than the lap of a stranger. Thursday night at the Michigan Theater, however, was an event. There are 1700 seats in the main theater because film going used to be an event – a night out at the cinema. Unfortunately, Ann Arbor rarely packs the Michigan Theater full these days (recent sell outs have included Michael Moore’s Slacker Uprising and Fahrenheit 9/11 as well as a Lord of the Rings showing). Thursday night held a sold out crowd, full of excitement.
Honored to be a part of the Sundance USA inaugural series, the crowd cheered Michigan Theater Executive Director, Russ Collins, announcement that we were making history as well as the pre-taped thank you message from Robert Redford. Unfortunately, once the film started, the crowd’s energy quickly faded.
‘Cyrus’, a new movie from the Duplass Brothers (The Puffy Chair, Baghead), tells the story of Cyrus (Jonah Hill- Superbad, Funny People), Molly (Marisa Tomei- My Cousin Vinny, The Wrestler), and John (John C. Reilly- Chicago, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story). Cyrus is the 21-year-old son and life partner of Molly while John is Molly’s first boyfriend since Cyrus was born. ‘Cyrus’ tells the struggles of this love triangle. It is only about this relationship as it takes place. We never receive information about Molly’s past or Cyrus’ childhood- we never even know what city we are in, just a generic American suburb. ‘Cyrus’ is, at its core, an in-depth analysis of the power struggles between the three. It makes us question the Oedipal suggestions of Cyrus and Molly’s relationship, the honesty of a divorced and depressed John, and the nature of innocence. The movie, however, is about a power struggle that has been played out and examined in culture too many times to count.
The Duplass Brothers did not want to make another crass, vulgar humor movie – Jonah Hill’s specialty. In the mostly-failed attempt to appeal to a wider, more mature audience, the opportunities to laugh with the whole theater were few. Instead of full on laughs, the movie tried to feed us awkward chuckles. When the movie finally finished, I felt drenched in the soppy relationship humor that plagued the movie.
Jonah Hill saved himself a few points when he came on stage wearing the traditional, maize & blue, block M fitted cap. His girlfriend, a Michigan student, gave it to him- he told the curious crowd. The Duplass Brothers saved themselves a few points as they introduced their editor and friend, Jay Doobie- a Northville native. Sundance USA, the idea, seemed to thrive in the Michigan Theater setting- ‘Cyrus’, the movie, failed to match the hype.
A ridiculous week of arts events awaits us- The Bad Plus on Thursday night, University Dance Company’s (Re)Visionary Dance on Friday Night, and Só Percussion on Saturday Night. That is truly absurd.
When will I do econ, Bennett
Actually, there will probably be no stomping. Probably some clapping. Maybe some hoots and hollers. Our favorite Hollywood stud won’t be there either. He’s also not the dude you remember from ‘Out of Africa’. At 73, Robert Redford, the actor turned environmentalist and Sundance Film Festival creator, has decided to take his baby to the people. On Thursday night, from a prerecorded video, Redford will address the 1700 seat, sold-out crowd at the Michigan Theater. For the first time in its history, Redford will introduce Sundance to the rest of the country. As part of the new Sundance USA program, Sundance will leave its lush quarters in Park City, Utah and present films across the country. On Thursday, Ann Arbor will join the ranks of Boston, New York, Chicago, L.A., San Francisco, Madison, and Nasheville in welcoming a film from this year’s Sundance Film Festival- along with the film’s directors.
Thursday’s film is “Cyrus”, a new comedy from brothers Jay and Mark Duplass. Sundance tells us to expect to feel “a tingling, irresistible experience of utter discomfort”. This discomfort with the discomfort of trying to decide who gets the armrests in a sold-out theater only sounds comforting to me.
Thursday, January 28. 7:30 pm. More info here: http://www.michtheater.org/sffusa. Tickets are sold out but, like anything in this fair town, you can find a way to get in. Check the box office day of, talk to craigslist, do what you gotta do. Sold out movie theaters are too fun. Until then, Bennett
If you dig percusion or love music similar to that of STOMP(who by the way get my vote for being one of the most creative and are great!) , then this show by GROOVE is for you!
“GROOVE” is University of Michigan’s very own high energy percussion group that combines use of traditional as well as non-traditional instruments (like garbage cans, poles, toothbrushes (really? )) to bring out their own unique brand of music.
GROOVE in action!
I watched their Polynesian Warriors on youtube. You might say that it is not an entirely original act as this has been done before (oh yeah, they say that are inspired by STOMP and use some ideas from them- especially the act with the poles, trash cans, et al). BUT, I guess the way they meld their different sounds, the rhythmic arrangement and the choreography makes it different and refreshing. They do provide good entertainment!
When I think of percussion groups, the traditional Japanese Kodo (these drummers are just so so fabulous!) and Safri Duo (love their “Samb Adagio”) are my personal favorites . More recently, I watched the unique Keith Terry and the slammin’ all-body band and thought they were pretty good. Alas, I did not get to see ” The Blue Man Group” live when I was in Vegas.
What I luuuuuuuv about percussion groups is that they are always so full of life and their enthusiasm just gets to you. You just can’t escape the rhythm and it leaves you with a feeling similar to a runner’s high! I have huge respect for percussion groups. Nothing like attending one of those shows to get a quick dose of energy.
So getting back to the point, GROOVE will be performing one such great show on Friday, Dec 11th at the Michigan Theater @ 7 pm. Tickets are $5 and it is general admission.
Nothing like the some great drumming to beat away your winter blues, huh? Get your GROOVE ON!
Krithika, for [art]seen
Krithika is not practicing on her drum set only out of pure concern for the well-being of her neighbors’ ears and for the minor fact that she doesn’t own one! 😉
For the first time in its history, Redford will introduce Sundance to the rest of the country. As part of the new 
