Yearly Archives: 2008

Ember shows faith in action

Luke Harrington

City of Ember
United States, 2008
Directed By: Gil Kenan
Written By: Caroline Thompson, from the novel by Jeanne Duprau
Starring: Bill Murray, Tim Robbins, Toby Jones, Saoirse Ronin, Harry Treadaway
Running Time: 95 min.
Rated PG for mild peril and some thematic elements
4 out of 5 stars

Like all of the best films to have come from the family-oriented Walden Media (such as Because of Winn-Dixie, the Narnia series, and Holes), City of Ember turns out to be a ponderous, somber meditation on faith. You’ll be forgiven if that doesn’t sound like the sort of film your kids will want to see, and I don’t expect it to do all that well at the box office, but more’s the pity: City of Ember is likely to be one of the best films of the fall season.

Based on the novel by Jeanne Duprau (which won the 2006 Mark Twain Award), City of Ember takes place in the titular city, an underground network of tunnels and apartments that has been humanity’s only hope since the apocalypse (which the film mentions but doesn’t elaborate on). It’s been two centuries since the city was sealed off, and the secret of how to escape has been lost to time. The complacency of the citizens (even as the city crumbles around them) leaves the quest up to a pair of young teens: a girl named Lina Mayfleet (Saoirse Ronin) and a boy named Doon Harrow (Harry Treadaway).

The rest of the film follows their adventures, some of which are more interesting than others. Much of the criticism that has been leveled against the film has been the standard A.D.H.D.-inspired complaints about the plot lagging or failing to generate tension. It’s a point that I can’t really argue with, but in the context of this film it’s hardly relevant. Plot, character, and adventure are all present to one degree or another, but none of them has anything to do with what City of Ember is really about, which is the obsessive creation of a world.

Neither Lina nor Doon is really the main character of the film; the star here is Ember itself. For the production of the film, the underground city was meticulously built in a shipyard (the one where the H.M.S. Titanic was built, appropriately enough), and the cast essentially lived there during the shooting. On screen it comes to life through a mixture of the sets, CGI, and matte paintings, but the effect is seamless: Ember is real. Every inch of this crumbling city tells a story, and every one of them is tragic. Every pavement crack, dilapidated statue, and flickering light echoes with what could have been (and what was).

In the context of the film, Ember becomes a haunting metaphor for the human soul: given nothing to do but survive, it simply rots from the inside out. As the corrupt and ineffective Mayor of Ember, Bill Murray is perfectly cast: Murray the brilliant actor/comedian is still burning within, but the years, I’m sorry to say, have not been kind to him. His body looks like it is literally falling apart. (I’m not sure how much of this was costuming and makeup, but he doesn’t look much better in his other recent films.) Combined with his nuanced acting, his character is painful to watch; he is Ember: the spark of humanity still exists, but it can’t find its way out.

As family films go, City of Ember (like Because of Winn-Dixie and Prince Caspian) is notable primarily for how permeated everything about it is by a deep air of sadness (even with a happy ending, which I’ll admit feels a bit tacked-on). It really couldn’t have been any other way, though: Ember is a film that looks long and hard at questions of faith (yes, a kids’ movie has bested Bill Maher’s Religulous—no surprises there). As their city crumbles around them, most of Ember’s denizens (particularly Lina’s foster mother, who is essentially an aw-shucks Midwestern soccer mom) blindly wait around for “The Builders” to return, singing mindless hymns to Ember (“This is all we know / Ember is forever…When the lights go on / Hope is everlasting”). Faith that leads to complacency is directly juxtaposed with faith that leads to action (that of Lina and Doon). The hope of the crumbling human soul is shown to be in reclaiming its autonomy: it must fight for purpose, not merely existence.
This is all fairly heady stuff that could potentially be lost on kids, but frankly, it’s about time someone gave kids a bit more credit. City of Ember may be a somber film, but with some parental guidance (hence the “PG” rating, folks), kids should have no trouble seeing what it’s really about. Ember is commendable for respecting the intellect of its young audience; sadly, most of its ticket sales will probably be lost to dreck that talks down to them like Beverly Hills Chihuahua.

About the author:

A graduate of the University of Nebraska, Luke Harrington currently resides in Tulsa and works in the aerospace industry–but, at any given moment, would probably rather be reviewing movies and music. In his spare time, he’s off playing blues piano, pretending to be Assistant Editor for MovieZeal.com, or reviewing the many musical events in Northeastern Oklahoma for Tulsa Today.

KVOO’s appreciation

Luke Harrington

There are, in my experience, two kinds of music fans in the U.S.: those who just don’t “get” hip-hop, and those who just don’t “get” country music. I would seem to fall into the latter category, despite being raised in the great state of Nebraska; perhaps it’s because I was born in New England, the apex of cultural snobbery (well—if you ignore New York and L.A., of course, which I do). But regardless of the reason, I never really understood the appeal of a bunch of guys in cowboy hats standing around and singing imitation 70’s rock (yes, modern “country” is roughly 80% Lynyrd Skynyrd and exactly 0% Hank Williams) with silly lyrics about tractors and trucks. Seeing as I’m writing for an Oklahoma publication, I should probably stop there.

And seeing as I’m writing for an Oklahoma publication, I figured I should check out the KVOO listener appreciation party, which took place at Cain’s Ballroom on Saturday night, under the vigilance of the country legends whose pictures line their walls. It was a deal I couldn’t argue with, even if honkytonk isn’t my thing: $9.95 for a program of four acts, each of which played for nearly an hour. It was bound to be a foot-stompin’, knee-slappin’ good time. And it was—but of course I’m getting ahead of myself.

As I walked in, I admit I could tell I was out of my element. There were cowboy hats, flannel shirts, and tight jeans as far as the eye could see. I’m not ashamed to tell you that I’ve probably never worn a cowboy hat in my life, and my be-corduroy’d and be-polo’d self was seriously considering running then and there. But then KVOO (“Today’s Country Variety!”) morning hosts Gary Greenwood and Sunny Leigh took the stage and introduced opening act Justin Moore, whose impassioned acoustic music had me mesmerized immediately and made me forget all about leaving. His voice was decidedly country, but still powerful and soulful, and though he was accompanied by only a pair of acoustic guitars, he easily filled the hall, and set just the right tone for the show. He finished out his set with his hit “Back That Thing Up,” which is about tractors, but not really about tractors—wink, wink (I wonder if he’s ever heard Spinal Tap’s “Sex Farm”—would the irony be lost on him?).

Then things really kicked off when Randy Houser and Jamey Johnson took the stage. Actually, it was supposed to be two separate sets—one by Houser and one by Johnson—but Houser’s band couldn’t make it that night (“I can’t say enough bad things about those son-of-a-bitchin’ airlines today,” he added), so Johnson and his band backed him; in effect, it was one long set with two different frontmen. Despite the lack of his band (and the obvious frustration), Houser—decked out in a Skynyrd t-shirt and a golf cap—seemed perfectly at ease on stage, and played a rocking set, including his first single “Anything Goes” and the hit “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” an ode to posteriors (I’m seeing a pattern here) that he and Johnson cowrote for Trace Adkins (“We can write some dumbass songs, but I don’t think I’ve ever written one as dumb as this one,” Johnson observed). When Johnson took center stage, the music didn’t change much, except for incorporating a few thumping bass and honkytonk piano solos. He went through most of his catalogue, plus the obligatory cover of “Tulsa Time.”

The evening concluded with a performance from Jimmy Wayne, who brought with him a large ensemble and pushed the limits of the amplification system. When they took the stage, it was clear that they were there to rock. Wayne took special care to introduce his fiddler, Jake Clayton, who (he says) could play no fewer than 27 instruments by the time he was 19. Clayton then proceeded to tear up the stage with one of the most intense fiddle solos I’ve ever heard, playing behind his back and breaking dozens of the strings on his bow. (The crowd was enthusiastically chanting “Go Jake, go Jake, go!”) Wayne went on to sing his radio hit “Do You Believe Me Now,” adding afterwards, “Do you know what it’s like to stand on stage and sing a number-one song? I feel like a kid.”

While Wayne was on stage, the crowd started to thin out considerably, and I couldn’t entirely blame them: Wayne and his band were excellent, but four hours of music can be exhausting, even (I assume) if you love country. When one woman in the front row turned to leave, Wayne asked her where she was going.
“I have to go pick up my daughter Dustin,” she said.

Wayne shook her hand and said, “We’ll sing this next song for Dustin.”

Though the room was almost empty by the time the concert ended, I have no doubts that most of the people in attendance had a great time. Even I did, and I had no clue what was going on.

Perhaps I should invest in a cowboy hat.

About the author:

A graduate of the University of Nebraska, Luke Harrington currently resides in Tulsa and works in the aerospace industry–but, at any given moment, would probably rather be reviewing movies and music. In his spare time, he’s off playing blues piano, pretending to be Assistant Editor for MovieZeal.com, or reviewing the many musical events in Northeastern Oklahoma for Tulsa Today.

Carol not that funny

Luke Harrington

An American Carol
United States, 2008
Directed By: David Zucker
Written By: David Zucker, Myrna Sokoloff, Lewis Friedman
Starring: Kevin Farley, Kelsey Grammer, Dennis Hopper, Leslie Nielsen, Jon Voight
Running Time: 83 min.
Rated PG-13 for rude and irreverent content, and for language and brief drug material
1 out of 5 stars

“I hope it’s funny.”
—Michael Moore, when Larry King asked him about An American Carol

Yeah, Michael, I wish.

An American Carol isn’t a “good” film in any sense of the word, but it is entertaining to watch, simply for how astoundingly miscalculated everything about it is. In theory, it sounds like the sort of film that has a built-in audience—a Michael Moore spoof is taught to love America and support the troops—but it blew that, too, by coming out several years after the peak of Moore’s relevance.

At the screening I attended, there were only three other people, and no one laughed (but I guess that doesn’t matter, since David Zucker already has their money). The only question is, what were they thinking?

Plotwise, the film borrows just as liberally as you might expect it to from Charles Dickens: controversial filmmaker Michael Malone (Kevin Farley) has, together with a website called “MooveAlong.org,” begun a campaign to abolish the Fourth of July (strangely, it’s never referred to as “Independence Day,” suggesting, perhaps, that Malone would have the third be directly followed by the fifth). In order to stop him before it’s too late, the spirits of John F. Kennedy (Chriss Anglin), George S. Patton (Kelsey Grammer), and George Washington (Jon Voight) visit him, and show him the American way.

As you’ve probably figured out by now, the truly astounding thing about this film is the level of talent that honestly thought this was a good idea. In addition to everyone previously mentioned, Dennis Hopper, Leslie Nielsen, James Woods, and Robert Davi all make appearances. We also have Fox News pundit Bill O’Reilly, country singer Trace Adkins, former child star Gary Coleman, and the ubiquitous Paris Hilton. Now in all fairness: O’Reilly has never backed away from a conservative idea, no matter how bad it is; Hilton will do anything; Nielsen can’t get work outside of Zucker’s films, and Coleman can’t get work at all. In addition, all of these actors would appear to have conservative leanings—but if they’re really interested in spreading the Gospel of Reagan, is this honestly the best way they can think of to do it?

The main problem here is that none of the film is funny; Zucker has simply lost his touch as he’s aged. He’s attempting to use the same “throw-ten-jokes-against-the-wall-and-hope-one-sticks” method he popularized with Airplane! and The Naked Gun, but he just can’t keep up anymore: he throws about five jokes against the wall in the same amount of time, and none of them actually stick. Even the ones that are funny in theory are badly timed (such as Coleman’s cameo). A sampling of the humor on display: the fact that Michael Moore/Malone/whatever makes documentaries, not features, is mocked mercilessly (it comes up every ten minutes or so), but Zucker never bothers to tell us why that’s funny.

At times, it’s entertaining just to see how shamelessly partisan the film is; we the audience are poor, lost fools for even considering opposing a war, and An American Carol is here to show us the way. In a sense, it’s a refreshing change from the usual War-Is-Bad monotony you get out of Hollywood, but it’s even less thought-provoking, and has even less room for dissent. Zucker can say what he wants about Moore’s films, but at least he presents arguments for his positions (even if his premises are sometimes suspect); An American Carol is content to parrot what the unthinking masses of the Right think they already know back to them. Exactly how many times does this need to be done?

So far this year, we’ve endured Ben Stein’s rallying cry for Intelligent Design proponents (Expelled), Bill Maher’s rallying cry for unbelievers (Religulous), and even Michael Moore’s rallying cry for liberal college students (Slacker Uprising). Now we have David Zucker’s rallying cry for conservatives. Well, enough already. The troops are rallied, okay guys? They’re all standing along their party lines, smugly shaking their differences of opinion in each other’s faces. The only relevant question is, what were you hoping to accomplish with them?

About the author:

A graduate of the University of Nebraska, Luke Harrington currently resides in Tulsa and works in the aerospace industry–but, at any given moment, would probably rather be reviewing movies and music. In his spare time, he’s off playing blues piano, pretending to be Assistant Editor for MovieZeal.com, or reviewing the many musical events in Northeastern Oklahoma for Tulsa Today.

Congressman quizzed by grassroots women

David Arnett

US Congressman John Sullivan (R-OK) spoke Tuesday at the Tulsa County Republican Woman’s Club (RWC) answering strong questions – many with criticism implied, but that was not the only hot exchange as some of the most politically powerful local pundits and area activists gathered.

Sullivan said the race for president is much closer than the national media present and told the crowd, “The differences between the two candidates could not be greater. Barack Obama wants to raise taxes and redistribute wealth – he says he doesn’t, but he does … In the next big issue of Iran, do you want John McCain as our leader or Obama who says he will negotiate without preconditions?”

The crowd answered with applause and shouts of “McCain.”

Sullivan was quizzed on the recent financial bailout. The written questions were harsh and the answers as unclear as the future. He said it was the hardest vote he has taken to date in his many years of service. Sullivan said he voted against the first bill, but was swayed by US Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) to vote for the second.

“Senator Coburn explained it as having a patient in cardiac arrest – first you put the paddles on to jump start the heart and keep them alive, then you figure out and fix the root causes of the problem,” Sullivan said.

Before and during the meeting protesters held a banner identifying themselves as “Former Sullivan Supporters” and demanding the historic “No Taxation without representation.” In fact, this group was comprised of Ron Paul supporters and other Libertarians of the Tulsa County Republican Party.

Asked why at a time when the differences are so extreme between the parties they would protest the official closest to their heartfelt positions, they offered little coherent response beyond saying, “The bailout was wrong” and “it’s bad.”

Sullivan acknowledged that many in the room most likely opposed his vote, but asserted, “The cost of inaction would have been far greater.”

The funny thing about the protesters is that they should know that party functions such as the RWC provide opportunity to make a point or more during conversations with elected officials. Elected officials really do want to hear from constituents on issues of importance. The protesters accomplished disgust in many who attended the meeting, but did not achieve their apparent primary goal of attracting media attention – beyond this report.

KJRH covered the event, but primarily to interview the fringe John Birch Society candidate for Tulsa County Commissioner Sally Bell. Their story is available online (click here for more) and shows, in itself, the disingenuous nature of the Bell effort. Embittered over the loss of an insider contract at Tulsa County’s Expo Square, Bell (formerly of Bells Amusement Park) is running as the “against” Tulsa County candidate. Bell told KJRH her race is not about Bells, but later states she wants to “see some changes made at Expo Square.” Her words suggest changes of revenge more than community service as the purpose for her campaign.

Tulsa Today has covered the Bell effort in a two part interview (click here for Part One and click here for Part Two) and with an analysis of her campaign (click here for “Bell doesn’t ring true”) prior to the primary. Many of her most vocal supporters seek to end Tulsa County government or at least disembowel it in favor of the ward politics of the City of Tulsa. Tulsa Today disagrees editorially as we note Tulsa County accomplishes more with a $60 million annual budget than the City of Tulsa does with an $560 million annual budget.

This writer approached a Sally Bell campaign operative at the meeting and offered, in behalf of Tulsa Today, full publication of a bylined article by Sally Bell to answer any and all criticisms previously published. This is our standard offer. Tulsa Today provides a platform for diverse views and dissenting opinions even if we think they are wrong.

However, Sullivan recognized Sally Bell from the podium saying, “Karen Keith (Bell’s Democrat opponent) wants to get along with people, but Sally Bell wants to stir things up.” By applause, the crowd must have believed his statement to be a recommendation or they were at least polite enough not to hold a mild applause.

Regardless of any other fact in this current election cycle, Republicans have shown themselves to be a diverse group of differing opinions. Beyond that, they show a remarkable optimistic spirit personified by a t-shirt taped to the podium. It featured Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin as a working woman flexing her biceps under the title, “We can do it.”

There was also much talk around the tables about national media and cultural clowns insulting Palin. One RWC member said, “Liberals don’t have a clue that the more they insult a pro-life, honest advocate, working mother, that is more qualified than Obama for public office – the more we know traditional feminism as represented to date has been a fraud. We will fight for Palin all the stronger the more they attack.”

Yes, Republican Women are strength if not a significant backbone for their families, friends, faith, community, and nation. As this group demonstrates each moth, they care about issues. They will work door-to-door to support candidates. They even welcome men as associate members. To reach the Tulsa County Republican Women’s Club e-mail tulsarwc@cox.net.

About the author:

David Arnett began his career in professional journalism in 1985 and has published Tulsa Today online since 1996 – years before Al Gore invented the Internet. He has won two national awards as a First Amendment Publisher. Arnett is a Constitutional Republican, Public Information Specialist and Conservative Media Critic. He is also an associate member of the Tulsa County Republican Women’s Club saying, "I am a conservative bachelor and greatly enjoy talking with very intelligent, attractive, charming, powerful, and successful conservative women."

Thunder crackles over Houston

Dan Hedman

Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Tulsa’s BOK Center delivered on its promise…this is one helluva place to watch a basketball game.

The Oklahoma City Thunder rolled into Tulsa for their first game on Oklahoma soil Monday night; an exhibition game vs. 7’ 6” Chinese gargantuan Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets. The game was also the first victory for the franchise as Thunder superstar Kevin Durant exploded down the stretch to lead the Thunder to an exciting 110-104 victory.

Just over 10,000 fans attended Tulsa’s first NBA game since 5,673 watched the 76ers beat Dallas on October 11, 1996; only the fourth ever NBA game in T-town, the other two having been played way back in 1985. The Thunder will play their first official home game Tuesday night at a sold out Ford Center.

For those who thought it strange that the Thunder were actually the visiting team this close to home, the explanation is fairly simple. The Rockets were originally booked to play the Orlando Magic at the BOK, but after the Seattle Supersonics moved the team to Oklahoma City in July, special arrangements were made with the Magic for the Thunder to play in their stead, giving OKC a chance to play a pre-season game in Tulsa.

This was also the first big time basketball game played in Tulsa’s sparkling new arena. This writer went in looking for the answers to two major questions: First, how will the BOK rate as a big time basketball venue and second, will Tulsa support the Thunder?

Any discussion of the BOK always starts with traffic flow and parking. Other than police directing traffic around some local restaurants, (a concern that must be addressed in future planning), there did not appear to be any major traffic or parking issues outside the BOK. Inside, the foot traffic moved very smoothly, although concession stand lines on the South side seemed a little long, especially considering attendance figures. There were short lines on the North side and on the top level, which is curious. Were people only hungrier on the South side? I believe it is because most foot traffic came in from that side. Perhaps lines will be shorter when people learn about the other available concession areas.

As for the arena itself, there isn’t really a bad seat in the house. The upper level of the BOK is very similar to Gallagher-Iba arena in Stillwater, a very steep pitch with unobstructed view right down to the court. Before the game I went to the very top of the arena and found Clete Straub of Tulsa sitting in a seat on the very top row, doing the same thing I was doing…checking out the view from the top. “This isn’t my actual seat,” said Clete, “I just want to get a look at things from up here. “ His opinion of the view, “I don’t think you could see the names on their jerseys, and maybe not the numbers, but there is still a great view of the court.” Even though they are good seats, at tip-off no one was sitting in the top row and only about 30% of the top level was occupied. The lower level and luxury suites were over 90% full.

As for the aesthetics, the Williams sponsored scoreboard is a spectacular multi-media work of art and there is a high-tech light ring that circles the entire middle level of the arena, flashing messages, scores and upcoming events – very cool. One of the Rockets employees who has been to arenas all over the country, remarked that the BOK is “very impressive”, and that the luxury suites were as nice as he’d ever seen; although he did get lost getting there. This is the most impressive arena I have been in since visiting the old Boston Garden in the late 90’s.

The question as to whether Tulsans will support the Thunder is a split decision. Pete, one of the BOK usher staff, was disappointed in the 10,007 turnout. “If the Ford Center can sell out, then we should sell out,” he said. “It is very disappointing that more people aren’t here.” On the other hand, Brian Facchini, Thunder Director of Basketball Communications, was thrilled with the turnout. “This is more people than we have played in front of so far this year.” (Previous games at Missoula, Sacramento and Oakland.) “We are very glad to be in Tulsa and thrilled at the fan support. We hope to see all of these people at our home games this season.”

Head Coach P.J. Carlesimo agreed with him. “This is a tremendous venue and the crowd was great. They were behind us from the beginning and fed us a lot of energy down the stretch.” The crowd was kind of up and down between passive observers and cheering fans through out the game, but really roared to life in the last 8 minutes when Kevin Durant made his big plays and leading the Thunder to tie and eventually take the lead with a minute left. For a half full arena, it was amazingly loud, which is another sign of a good basketball arena. It reminded this writer a second time of that little noise box to the West of Tulsa, Gallagher-Iba. A full BOK will rock, too bad so many people stayed home Monday night.

When asked if the Thunder will play any more games at the BOK Coach Carlesimo said, “It is obviously up to Clay (owner Clay Bennett) and Sam (GM Sam Presti), but I would love to play some more games up here. We have made it clear from the beginning that we are Oklahoma’s team and Tulsa has been very supportive.” Due to contract obligations with the Ford Center, no regular season games will be played in Tulsa, but it is likely the BOK will see more pre-season games in the future.

As for the game itself, the first impression was just how much room a 7’6” 310 lb Chinese basketball player takes up. Yao Ming is an amazing athlete and he made our little old 6’-10” guys look like a 7th grade player guarding his high school aged brother. The second observation is just how young the Thunder are. Other than Joe Smith (13 years), former OK State star Desmond Mason (8 years), Earl Watson (7 years) and Chris Wilcox (6 years), the Thunder players have less than 4 years NBA experience. It was fun to watch them joking around on the bench, obviously still kids at heart.

The Rockets mascot, Clutch the bear, was also a lot of fun. In a “hidden camera” stunt, the mascot posed very still and then when people walked by he jumped out and scared them. Watching startled people jump is always funny, but the best part was a little girl who came back after being startled and kicked him in the family jewels, which is just plain funny, I don’t care who you are. Clutch also “ate” a cheerleader whole through some kind of trick costume, did a magic trick, and sprayed water on some of the crowd. ImageHe was laugh-out-loud funny and brought a lot of extra energy to the game. Michael Ravina, Thunder Manager of Basketball Communications says there is no word yet from the Thunder as to their new mascot, but whatever it ends of being they have a similar goal of bringing a lot of fun to the games.

The Thunder’s lack of size and experience showed at times throughout the game, especially when Yao was in, and the score showed it with the Rockets leading most of the game. But the Young Thunder kept chipping away until they tied the game with 1:00 to play. The crowd kept getting louder and louder over the past 5 minutes and built to a very impressive crescendo as they watched Kevin Durant score 20 of the last 28 points, block 2 shots, get a couple of rebounds and overcome great efforts by D.J. Strawberry and Brent Barry of the Rockets to take over the game.

This was a truly great basketball experience. I went into the BOK Monday night as a general basketball fan who voted against Vision 2025 (which funded the new arena) and I came out as a fan of the BOK Center and a fan of the OKC Thunder.

About the author:
Dan Hedman is the Founder of Faster Athlete Athletic Development and the Executive Director of Perfect Practice Athletic Center in Tulsa. PPAC provides private, small group and team training with professional coaches in speed, agility, power and skills for all sports ages 5 through professional.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 14 October 2008 )