The Bowdoin Orient

April 6, 2001
Volume CXXXII, Number 20

Film Society superheroes

by JIM FLANAGAN - COLUMNIST

This week, the Film Society brings you a trio of films all about Superheroes. All these characters got their start in comic books, but have each been expertly brought to the screen. There is a lot of action, crazy costumes, and great one-liners. And even though there are no "Pow! Bam! Zonk!" numbers, you can still have a good time. As always, the films will be shown free of charge in Smith Auditorium, Sills Hall and are open to everyone.

Friday at 7pm
X-Men (2000)
Directed by: Bryan Singer
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan,
             Famke Jansen, James Marsden, Halle Berry,
            Anna Paquin, Tyler Mane, Ray Park,
             Rebecca Romijn-Stamos
   Last summer's blockbuster film is really enjoyable. For those who just want to see a good movie, there's action and comedy; but for comic fans that know the X-Men, there are some great things inserted into the film for fans "in the know." What else would you expect from Bryan Singer, the director of The Usual Suspects? The film's storyline concerns a group of mutants-a new species that is the next step in human evolution.
   These mutants have special powers that make them feared by the general populace. As the government is trying to rid the world of them, Professor Charles Xavier is training his mutant students to combat evil and show that mutants are beneficial to society. To do this, they must face off against a group of renegade mutants, who think the best way to stop their persecution is to prove that they are better and stronger than humans are.
Rated PG-13

Friday at 9pm
The Phantom (1996)
Directed by: Simon Wincer
Starring: Billy Zane, Kristy Swanson, Catherine Zeta-Jones,
             Treat Williams, James Remar, Patrick McGoohan
   If you ask around, you'll probably hear that this movie is awful. Don't listen to those lies! This movie is great. It is right up there with Deep Blue Sea as one of those movies that was made to be serious, but when viewed as a comedy, it's top-notch. Some of the lines in this movie are genuine classics. "Who are you?" "I'm Kit Walker." "And who's Kit Walker?" "I am." It is so absurd and over-the-top; you can't help but laugh. The performances in this film can't be beat. You have Billy Zane (of Titanic fame), Kristy "I'm the real Buffy" Swanson, a before-she-was famous Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Treat Williams in one of the greatest performances as a villain ever.
   The story involves a family of crime-fighters without super powers (except for a magic ring). Every son in this family takes on the role of the Phantom, so that it appears he never dies (hence his title "The Ghost Who Walks"). In this story, The Phantom goes up against evil tycoon Xander Drax, who is completely original and wants to rule the world. In all actuality, the plot really doesn't matter. This movie is just fun and silly, and everyone should see it.
Rated PG

Saturday at 7pm
Batman (1989)
Directed by: Tim Burton
Starring: Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger,
             Robert Whul, Pat Hingle, Billy Dee Williams,
             Michael Gough, Jack Palance
   This is the first and best entry in the modern Batman franchise (we all know that it can't compare to the original, 1960's Batman, but what can?). Tim Burton does a perfect job bringing the dark world of Gotham to the big screen, and Jack Nicholson gives one of his finest performances. Michael Keaton does great in a dramatic role, even though I do prefer the Johnny Dangerously-era comedic Keaton. There are also great supporting roles, especially Robert Whul and Billy Dee, who was able to take time off from his heavy Colt 45 schedule to make this film as a personal favor to Tim Burton. This movie is really great, and deserves a repeated viewing by everyone. And if you've never seen it, you owe it to yourself to watch it.
Rated PG-13