SATURDAY SCOOPS
Hottest movies may be just what you need to cool off
Advertiser Staff
 |
| Gannett News Service |
Not since 1997 have we been able to picnic ourselves goofy on Friday, then spend the next two days rehabilitating our sunburnt skin and overwrought bellies in that cool oasis known as Anywhere but Work.
However you spent your holiday — watching fireworks over Ala Moana Beach or tending the briquettes in the backyard barbie — chances are that today you might appreciate, as the old June Christy song goes, "something cool."
And what better place to lie low than the dark, air-conditioned confines of your nearest multiplex? You might not be ready to bite into another hot dog (although the old hair-of-the-dog logic could very well apply), but if you're into blockbuster summer movies, an $8 movie and $5 Coke might be a good investment in post-Independence Day leisure.
Three potential biggies hit the screens this week: "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde," "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines," and "Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas."
In "Red, White and Blonde," Reese Witherspoon reprises her role as the ultra-effervescent Elle Woods. This time, Ms. Woods goes to Washington with a PETA-like agenda and a closet full of pink.
Arnold Schwarzenegger also dusts off an old role for "Rise of the Machines." The pumped one is baaahck (again) as a slightly saggier T-101 Terminator. His nemesis is something called T-X, a robotic killing machine with a "Species"-like twist — "it" is a "she," and she's hot.
"Sinbad," the latest animated offering from DreamWorks, features the seemingly ubiquitous voices of Brad Pitt and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The roguish title character undertakes a dangerous mission to clear his name and save the life of a friend. According to CinemaScope, "the man who put the 'bad' in Sinbad is about to find out how bad, bad can be." We have no idea what that means.
For a quieter, less-crowded experience, you could check out the opening weekend of a couple of films at the Art House at Restaurant Row. "New Suit" takes a satirical look at Hollywood through the eyes of a young screenwriter. "Under the Skin of the City" is an Iranian film that caused a stir with its treatment of cultural customs and taboos. New at the Varsity is "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not ... " starring Audrey Tautou of "Amelie" fame.
Of course, you could simply stay at home, turn on the fan and bask in the afterglow. See if you can find X's bittersweet song "Fourth of July" on BearShare. Or flip through through Richard Ford's insightful Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "Independence Day."
Or how about another viewing of the 1996 film "Independence Day," starring Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum?
On second thought, maybe it's best to get out of the house.
Fireworks precede 'Stitch' in Waikiki
Missed last night's fireworks displays? Don't despair. A fireworks show is part of the lineup of events of Family Day, celebrating keiki and the armed forces, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. today in Waikiki.
A gay-rights controversy has been resolved by the courts, so the Hawai'i Christian Coalition-sponsored parade is likely to go on at 10 a.m. from Fort DeRussy, along Kalakaua to Kapi'olani Park, featuring kids, floats, the new zoo train, bands, classic cars and more.
A festival — 11 a.m.-6 p.m. — at the park will include kids' games, inflatables, rides, arts and crafts, food booths and entertainment, including performances by Jake Shimabukuro, Jennifer, Jordan Segundo and a preview of the Hawaii International Jazz Festival.
"Sunset on the Beach" kicks in from 4 p.m., with entertainment, food — and fireworks just before the 8 p.m. screening of the Disney hit "Lilo & Stitch" on that 30-foot screen.
"Sunset" continues tomorrow with the sci-fi adventure "Star Wars: Episode 1 — The Phantom Menace."
Admission is free.
Meet the cast of 'To End All Wars' for the inside scoop
What's it like to work on a movie? And what's it like to actually see yourself on the silver screen? These and more questions can be asked at a Q&A session and reception for some of the cast and crew of "To End All Wars," now screening at The Art House at Restaurant Row.
The reception — 5-7 p.m. today at Sunset Grill — is open to the public. There's a no-host bar and free pupu. The Q&A takes place after the 7:30 p.m. screening of the film.
"To End All Wars" was filmed on Kaua'i, Thailand and Scotland in 2001. Among the featured local actors who might be in attendance: James McCarthy, Dennis Ihara, Tracy Anderson, Jeremy Pippin, Clyde Yamashita, Daryl Bonilla, James Larson and Joji Yoshida.
Big guns, big bangs, big fun at BayFest
 |
|
|
Of course, there's entertainment (rock on with Everclear at 9:30 p.m. today, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts at 9 p.m. tomorrow) and carnival rides, military displays and contests, but, in the spirit of Independence Day, each night features a fireworks show. Here are the times: 9:15 p.m. today; 8:30 p.m. tomorrow.
BayFest hours are noon-2 a.m. today, noon-midnight tomorrow. Admission is $5 adults, $3 ages 4-10 from noon to 5 p.m.; $8 adults, $5 ages 4-10 from 5 p.m. to closing. 254-7679, www.bayfesthawaii.com.
Bishop Museum brings out the bots
Robot fans, this is the event you've been waiting for: Hugely discounted admission prices are in effect tomorrow at the Bishop Museum's Family Day, which features patriotic-themed activities and crafts, entertainment, food ... and the "Robotics" traveling exhibit.
Even if you're not really into all those mechanical things, you'll love the entertainment, by Island faves Kapena, Ka'ala Boys and others.
Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; admission is $3 general or $10 for a family of four (kids 4 and younger enter free). Part of the proceeds will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 847-3511.
Men of muscle meet their match
 |
| Viliami Mufi 2001 champion M. Costa |
It's free. 551-6502.
Star gaze tonight at Kahala park party
The telescopes will be out again tonight, skies permitting, after sundown at Kahala Community Park. It's another "Star Party," a free peek at the heavenly bodies, sponsored by those dedicated Star Gazers of Hawaii. 524-2450.
