Coen

“Theatre near You May be the Only Choice, but at Least its a Good One

Iain W. Reeve, A&E Editor

As I was faced with the task of writing a Best of New West article, I felt a little out of my league. Despite having attended classes here in New West for twe’years, I have seen very little of the town I’ve spent countless hours learning and writing in. So when I started thinking about the things I could deem the best, all that came to mind immediately was naming the cruddy the- atre up on sixth the best theatre by default as it is the only one in town. I even toyed with nam- ing my friend’s house the best place to see movies as a stab at the subpar nature of New West’s only silver screen. But today, as I wan- dered through the town trying to come up with some ideas, something dawned on me.

“A Theatre Near You, a quality first-run the- atre with three screens showing newly released movies and providing an economical alternative to stadium-style theatres.” This is how the web- site describes 15-years-young theatre. Owned by the same company as Dolphin

the

Cinemas on Hastings Street in Burnaby and Hollywood 3 in Surrey, it is one of the last of a dying breed of non megatheatres. In the city, many small theatres are not only alive and well, but thriving. In some cases, such as with the Ridge, they are some of the best theatres in town. But outside the city, smaller theatres have been squeezed out to send the dollars to the Silvercities sprinkled across suburbia. Harris Road in Pitt Meadows closed recently, unable to compete with the new Ciniplex monster nearby. Last year Pinetree Cinemas in Coquitlam was closed to make room for the Best Buy parking lot.

The realization I made as I walked by that familiar spot on 6th was that I hate paying $11 for a movie. I hate the giant theatres. I hate their overpriced snacks, their zombie staff, and their irritating obedience to the Hollywood hit machine. I remembered that while small theatres may not have the comfiest seats, the best sound systems, and the biggest selection of films, what they have is heart and value. Whereas I used to complain about the sticky, slanted floors and the falling apart décor, I realize now that I love that much more than the tacky, overdone space decor of Silvercity. And honestly, doesn’t it come down to seeing a good movie?

When you sit at home a year after seeing a wicked movie, you say, “Hey, remember when that guy did that thing? Man that was wicked.” You don’t go, “Holy crap, were those seats comfy. And that flying saucer in above the con- cession? So cool.” So if you don’t already hit up New West cinemas on a regular basis, I suggest you give them a chance. She ain’t pretty, but she gets you there, and she does it for four bucks on Tuesdays. See you in line.

August 10/2005

Noe ee ee ce ee ere

Go To Hell Harry Potter

Iain W. Reeve, A&E Editor and Level 18 Wizard Killer

|

Many people have told me that I have

know that writing this will proba- bly get me pelted with fruit in the street; however, it must be said.

no tight to bitch about Harry Potter

considering that I have never read a

| Hate Books

Jason Webb, OP Contributor

Albion #1 by Alan Moore, Leah Moore, John Reppion, Shane Oakley, and George Freeman, 18-page colour comic ($4.00)

You would think that with Alan Moore dreaming up the plot, this comic would have the same quality as Watchmen or V for Vendetta. Sadly, the answer is no. I like reviving old superheroes as much as the next guy, especially British super- heroes, but this comic needs some tightening up. The opening pages start slow, and it doesn’t pick up until mid- story. At that point, the story rushes along without any regard for pacing, so the characters simply mash together when they meet, leaving their dialogue sounding sparse and superficial. The Dave Gibbons cover is great, but Oakley’s pencils look rushed and unin- spired. I did notice the classic Alan Moore convention of placing a comic within a comic, and the Janus Stark mini-story was terrific.

Y: The Last Man #35 by Brian K. Vaughan, Goran Sudzuka, and Jose Marzan Jr., 16-page colour comic ($4.00)

Submarines! Saucy, drug-smuggling pirate ladies! A cutlass! This story arc covers the black market in a world where all but one man have died from a mysterious plague. We get to follow the adventures of Yorick, the last man on Earth, as he tries to navigate this

single book, nor seen any of the movies. This would be a perfectly valid point if I were criticizing the content of the stories in any way, shape, or form. But I’m not. What I am criticiz- ing is the popularity Harry Potter has garnered while providing nothing much in the way of original or com- pelling content. What I am criticizing is how ridiculously sensitive people get about the books when you say they are for kids, or that their popularity is all about successful mass marketing. Are they good stories? I’m sure they are. Are they deserving of a modest amount of popularity and praise? Probably. Do they deserve to be the most popular books in the world? Oh my, no.

It’s just one more example of our society favouring the big popular forms of art and entertainment over some of the better things happening all around them. Sure, you could read Harry Potter, or you could go down to

new world accompanied by a scientist and a secret agent. Once again, this comic doesn’t cease to amaze me. Never mind the gorgeous covers, the slick art inside, or the well- rounded, unique characters in this series, you get your money's worth by just reading how the Vaughan, Sudzuka, and Marzan team put together action scenes. Pick the first trade paperback and dive right in, it’s worth the read.

Daredevil Vs. Puinisher: Means and Ends #2 by David Lapham, 18-page colour comic ($4.25)

Yes, I squealed like a frightened piglet when I heard Lapham is writing and illustrating a Daredevil comic, with the Punisher no less. Stray Bullets is a heady read, so seeing how he depicts two of Marvel’s most prolific vigilantes is def- initely squeal-worthy. Seeing Lapham’s work in colour took some getting used to, since Stray Bullets is black and white, but the story keeps me interested. However, Lapham does rely on old mafia-movie clichés (like killing off the traitor at the big “sit-down’’), and some of the characters’ lines fell flat, but the characters remain well-defined throughout. The Punisher is a relent- less killing machine, Daredevil tries to keep’ the . peace, - and... the

www.theotherpress.ca |

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the local book store and pick up some- thing 100 times better by a local writer who really needs the money and would be much more appreciative and deserv- ing of your praise. Same goes for music. Do U2 or Coldplay deserve to be called the best bands in the world? Give me a break. Considering that the jerkass magazine writers who give such ridiculous praise have only heard a fraction of the bands in their country alone, I think calling any band “the best” is very deluded. So why does it happen? Marketing. If you say U2 is the best band in the world enough times, people will believe it. If you keep saying how good Harry Potter is, it will sell like mad.

In the end, I don’t care if you read Harry Potter, but for the love of Pete, don’t just read it alone. There is so much more out there in the world of books to experience. So do yourself a favour and experience it.

Professor/Hammerhead villain duo are convincing “wannabes” trying to work up the criminal food chain.

Flaming Carrot Comics #3 by Bob Burden, 16-page black and white comic ($4.40)

Oh dear God. First, he rescues a baby werewolf. Then, he fights a giant chicken wing. Somewhere along the way, he gets freaky with someone named Dynamite Girl. Welcome back, Mr. Burden. Admittedly, Burden’s line work is not as tight as his earlier Flaming Carrot books, but he keeps the silliness intact and continues dropping comic book references, so readers familiar

with his work will be pleased.

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