Smart People, Dumb Movie
Plus: Harold and Kumar’s second outing kills the buzz
(May 1, 2008) EXPELLED, NO INTELLIGENCE ALLOWED.Documentary on academic professionals blacklisted for their theories disagreeing with Darwinism. Rated PG. 97 m. At the Broadway.
IRON MAN.Action/adventure flick based on Marvel’s iconic, comic book super hero. Rated PG-13. 126 m. At the Broadway, Mill Creek, the Minor and Fortuna.
MADE OF HONOR.Man realizes his love for his best friend when she becomes engaged to another. Rated PG-13. 101 m. At the Broadway, Mill Creek and Fortuna.
QUEEN AND DEEP PURPLE CONCERT.Legendary rock bands in concert on the big screen. Plays May 2 at Fortuna.
Reviews
HAROLD AND KUMAR ESCAPE FROM GUANTANAMO BAY.Can a stupid stoner comedy also be trenchant social satire? Harold and Kumar Go To White Castlewas a patchwork mix of lowbrow humor and potshots at racial and ethnic stereotypes that relied heavily on the amiable camaraderie of its two lead actors. It was more daring than funny. This slackly paced sequel tries hard to up the ante, but doesn’t deliver the goods. In most ways it’s weaker than it’s predecessor.
The film begins as Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) plan to fly to Amsterdam to chase after Harold’s unrequited crush Maria, who he barely knows. (In real life this is known as stalker behavior.)
Stoner that he is, Kumar smuggles a smokeless bong on board. Predictably, it’s mistaken for a bomb, and they’re mistaken by the hysterical passengers for terrorists and are summarily shipped to prison in Guantanamo Bay by a fanatical Homeland Security officer (Rob Corddry), who literally wipes his butt with the 5th Amendment. It’s an early indicator of the obvious level of satire this film aims for.
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Today
Open Celtic Music Session
music / 3 p.m. Cafe Veritas/Mosgo's, 180 Westwood Center, Arcata. Informal monthly gathering of musicians playing Irish and other Celtic music. Hosted by Seabury Gould. seaburygould.com. 845-8167.
Nonviolence Action Camp
etc. / 10 a.m. Chinmaya Mission near Piercy. Weekend-long direct action orientation features workshops, role playing, seminars, ceremonies and field trips. Bring food, bedding, warm clothes, signs, banners, bikes, drums, acoustic instruments. Pre-register. saverichardsongrove.org. 932-5898.
Audubon Society Field Trip
outdoors / 9 a.m. Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 1020 Ranch Road, Loleta. Meet at Refuge Visitor Center off Hookton Road. Leisurely, two- to three-hour trip intended for people wanting to learn birds of Humboldt Bay area. 822-3613.
Look Back in Anger Matinee
theater / 2 p.m. Ferndale Repertory Theatre, 447 Main Street. John Osborne’s sharply funny, fiercely honest exploration of political disillusionment and basic human yearning. Directed by John Heckel. $15/$13 students and seniors. ferndale-rep.org. 800-838-3006.
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