The paddle isn’t the only thing missing
Jerry, Dan, and Tom are friends who reunite at the funeral of their adventurous
comrade Billy. Each is searching for a purpose in his life, as well as an excuse
to get away. They find that excuse with the discovery of a map Billy left behind.
The map identifies the location where Billy believed famed hijacker D.B. Cooper
landed in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To check Billy’s theory — but
mostly to go on an adventure — the three friends embark on an ill-advised canoe
trip.
What follows is a series of misadventures involving an amorous grizzly bear,
violent river rapids, gorgeous environmentalists who live in trees, and murderous
marijuana farmers. But the gags devolve from inspired to desperate as the three
characters mug their way through the woods, looking for civilization instead
of the script doctor that could have remedied this stinker.
A brief appearance by Burt Reynolds as a survivalist who gives the boys directions
(and direction) is a welcome treat. Reynolds provides a sense of calm and balance
that the rest of the film lacks. Matthew Lillard, Seth Green, and newcomer Dax
Shepard, as the three friends, all do as well as they can with the broad comedic
scenes they’re given; they only shine during the few introspective moments their
characters are provided. Had the film focused far more on the inner journey
these three were taking as opposed to the hijinks they are forced to endure,
Without a Paddle would have been a trip worth taking.
What other critics are saying. . .
Alien vs. Predator [PG-13] This pairing of 20th Century-Fox alien-creature
franchises has been threatened for years, but there is no direct link to either
series. Lance Henriksen stars as an industrialist who uncovers both races during
an archaeological dig in Antarctica. ShowPlace West, ShowPlace East
Benji: Off the Leash! [PG] The humans are dysfunctional and the animals
are abused.ShowPlace West, ShowPlace East
The Bourne Supremacy [PG-13] The second of the planned trilogy based
on Robert Ludlum’s novels about a CIA agent (Matt Damon) with a secret identity.
ShowPlace West, ShowPlace East, Route 66 Drive In
Collateral [R] Tom Cruise is a hired killer who uses a cab to get from
one hit to another; Jamie Foxx is the cab driver who slowly begins to realize
what is going on. Route 66 Drive In, ShowPlace West, ShowPlace East
De-Lovely [PG-13] Kevin Kline plays celebrated songwriter Cole Porter,
whose turbulent career is anchored by his wife and muse, Linda (Ashley Judd).
Film features original performances of Porter’s songs by Alanis Morissette,
Robbie Williams, Sheryl Crow, and Elvis Costello. White Oaks
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story [PG-13] Vince Vaughn leads a group
of friends to a dodgeball competition in Las Vegas to save their favorite gym.
Ben Stiller leads the corporate team. White Oaks
Exorcist: The Beginning [R] The original movie hinted at a backstory,
and this prequel details the first encounter of Father Merrin (Stellan Skarsgård)
with the demon Pazuzu in Africa after World War II. ShowPlace West, ShowPlace
East
Garden State [R] Zach Braff, star of the TV sitcom Scrubs,
makes his directorial debut and stars in this romantic comedy about a young
man who returns home for his mother’s funeral and experiences many life changes.
Natalie Portman co-stars. Parkway Pointe
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle [R] Kumar convinces his weak-willed
buddy, Harold, to get high. Their late-night quest for munchies turns into an
odyssey of self-discovery. Sort of. White Oaks
I, Robot [PG-13] Set in the year 2035, Chicago police detective Del
Spooner (Will Smith) investigates a murder that may have been committed by a
robot. Parkway Pointe
King Arthur [PG-13] A less mystical, more historical account of King
Arthur, who reigned in Britain as the Roman Empire was collapsing. White Oaks
Little Black Book [PG-13]Woman sneaks into her commitment-phobic
boyfriend’s electronic organizer to get names of his old girlfriends. She interviews
them to find out why his past relationships didn’t work — and to find out if
he’s worth her trust. ShowPlace West
The Manchurian Candidate [R] Director Jonathan Demme remakes and updates
the classic 1960s political thriller about a soldier (Denzel Washington) who
was captured by the enemy in the Korean War (this time it’s the Gulf War) and
brainwashed to be used later as a pawn. Parkway Pointe, Route 66 Drive In
Napoleon Dynamite [PG] The title character is an odd Idaho teenager
whose great loves are dancing and the ways of the ninja. Parkway Pointe
The Notebook [PG-13]Two young lovers from different backgrounds
are separated when the U.S. enters World War II. Seven years later, she is engaged
to a soldier when she discovers the whereabouts of her first true love. Parkway Pointe, ShowPlace East
Open Water [R] Two scuba divers are stranded in shark-infested waters
by their tour boat.ShowPlace West, ShowPlace East
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement [G] Princess Mia (Anne Hathaway)
is primed for an arranged marriage to a English suitor. Parkway Pointe, ShowPlace
East
Shrek 2 [PG] Princess Fiona’s parents invite her and Shrek to dinner
to celebrate her marriage, not realizing that the newlyweds are green ogres.
Route 66 Drive In
Spider-Man 2 [PG-13] Peter Parker still has personal problems, while
Spider-Man is forced to confront Doctor Octopus. Parkway Pointe, Route 66 Drive
In
The Village [PG-13] M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable),
the director who brought intelligence and thought to the horror and science-fiction
genres, is back with a period tale about a tiny village in 1897 Pennsylvania
that is surrounded by a forest hiding a group of mythical beasts. ShowPlace
West
Yu-Gi-Oh! [PG] Yugi, a Japanese anime character, discovers the
secrets of a card game called the Shadow Game. Parkway Pointe, ShowPlace East
This article appears in Aug 19-25, 2004.
