Cobb

Cobb
a kate west review
by Lee Blessing
directed by Joe Brancato
Trigger Street Productions
at the Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank 91505
runs September 10 - October 6
contact (818) 955-8101 or www.falcontheatre.com






Lee Blessing (author of "A Walk in the Woods") presents "Cobb", a fictional account of a real legendary baseball player, Ty Cobb, who passed away in 1961. Surrounded by a storm of controversy for most of his life, the irascible Cobb was impossible from Day One. With Kevin Spacey's help (famed actor and head of Trigger Street Productions), Blessing brings his Off-Broadway work to Burbank. With "Cobb", Blessing attempts to inject regret into the way Cobb lived his life, by creating three versions of Cobb, the old, the prime and the young. Played by three different actors, they all interact and try to gain insight into the life of one man. Thrown into the mix is Oscar Charleston, a Homestead Gray player, from the start of the Negro Leagues.

Michael Cullen, Matthew Mabe and Michael Sabation play the three Cobbs, with Cullen being the primary focus, as the oldest most reflective Cobb. Richard Brooks ("Law and Order") is Oscar Charleston, the "black Ty Cobb" who challenges old Cobb in one of his visions, suggesting that had they lived in integrated times, he would have whopped him in any contest. Cobb's realizations about himself center on his realizations that given the chance, he might have done things differently. And of course, the two younger Cobbs pay no attention to the rantings of an old man.

The actors are all strong and Joe Brancato directs with a sure hand. Blessing's writing is good, although some parts drag. Scenic Designer Matthew Maraffi and Costume Designer Daryl A. Stone create a nostalgic atmosphere with projected images of Cobb on the walls and historical baseball uniforms. All in all, "Cobb" is a contemplative piece and fairly interesting, especially if you're a baseball fan. It is rather sad to think that someone so vilified ended up in the Baseball Hall of Fame, friendless and full of regrets. Too little, too late, after such a violent life full of anger and resentment. Not as sharply political and poetically lyrical as "A Walk in the Woods", "Cobb" has some nice moments, though it's not particularly ground breaking.















(left to right: Michael Cullen, Matthew Mabe, Michael Sabatino; photo courtesy Wesley Horton)



















(left to right: Michael Cullen, Richard Brooks; photo courtesy Wesley Horton)











(Charles M. Conlon's famous picture of Cobb stealing third during the 1909 season.) Read more!

Spirited Away

a kate west favorite














Hayao Miyazaki is a brilliant Japanese filmmaker. Unknown in the States until the release of "Princess Mononoke", his other greats such as "Kiki's Delivery Service" and "Howl's Moving Castle" gained acclaim as well. Combining hand-drawn artistry with computer animation, his films have garnered several prestigious awards, including the 2002 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for "Spirited Away". This film in particular is most known in America.

It revolves around a little girl who must travel to the spirit world to rescue her family. The breathtaking finesse of imagery that serves as the background to this amazingly imaginative story will never leave you. The films are not simple, but rather illustrated with mysticism, symbolism and heavy magic. There are often social messages as well, such as a profound nod to environmentalism. One cannot fully explain how special these movies are in words alone as it is a truly visual art.

Thank God for DVDs, although you really need to try and catch one of these masterpieces in a real movie palace.

Directed by:
Hayao Miyazaki
Kirk Wise (co-director) (English version)

Writing Credits:
Hayao Miyazaki (story)
Hayao Miyazaki (screenplay)
Cindy Davis Hewitt (adaptation: English version) and
Donald H. Hewitt (adaptation: English version) and
Linda Hoaglund (adaptation: English version) and
Jim Hubbert (adaptation: English version)

Cast:
Rumi Hîragi ... Chihiro / Sen (voice: Japanese version)
Miyu Irino ... Haku (voice: Japanese version)
Mari Natsuki ... Yubaba / Zeniba (voice: Japanese version)
Takashi Naitô ... Chihiro's Father (voice: Japanese version)
Yasuko Sawaguchi ... Chihiro's Mother (voice: Japanese version)
Tatsuya Gashuin ... Aogaeru, Assistant Manager (voice: Japanese version)
Ryunosuke Kamiki ... Bôh (voice: Japanese version)
Yumi Tamai ... Lin (voice: Japanese version)
Yo Oizumi ... Bandai-gaeru (voice: Japanese version)
Koba Hayashi ... Kawa no Kami (voice: Japanese version)
Tsunehiko Kamijô ... Chichiyaku (voice: Japanese version)
Takehiko Ono ... Aniyaku (voice: Japanese version)
Bunta Sugawara ... Kamajii (voice: Japanese version)


To Watch It:
Spirited Away Read more!

Walt Disney and Disneyland

Disneyland
a kate west reflection







When I first moved to Los Angeles, the first thing I did was visit Disneyland to see if it was every bit as magically wonderful as I remembered from my teenage years. It helped that I actually worked for Disney and could get into the park free. My brother and I used to visit my Aunt down here every Spring when we lived in the Bay Area and we usually took that mandatory trip to the Magic Kingdom so I couldn't wait to go every chance I had. And it was even better than I thought it'd be.

First of all, if you work for Disney, you get to start work at the Disney University in the studio lot during orientation (and all you jaded cynics can stop reading here). Yes it's cheesy (was that a mouse joke?), but if you're a Disney fan, it's also delightful. I know people refer to Disney as "Mauswitz" and worse, but at the time, I really bought into it and it's easy to do since you're surrounded daily by like-minded people. True, Disney can be intimidatingly strict, but they have a mighty product to protect and their legal department is fiercely loyal to that cause. As they should be. Besides, what other corporation has a department called Imagineering (where they plan and build for the theme parks)?

Secondly, you really get to know the inner workings of Disney and all about Walt's history, etc. And it's all fascinating. From the first Oscar-winning Animated film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" to the "Lion King", they've consistently been the best in their genre. Their success in animation eventually led to launching a theme park, something radically different from a boardwalk amusement locale. Whatever you may think of him today, Walt was a true visionary and wanted Disneyland to be something special and you can't deny that in that respect, he succeeded beyond expectation. You can't tell me our generation wasn't riveted by "The Mickey Mouse Club" or "The Wonderful World of Disney" on television every week.

Every ride is practically a cinematic experience and although the park has been through a lot of for-better-or-worse changes (like the ludicrous political correct attempt at messing with the Pirates of the Caribbean), it's still one of the most visited places in the entire world and children are still drawn to it like little consumer magnets. If you have any remote memories of liking Disney, you will thrive there, whether during a delightful stroll down Main Street USA or passing through the gates of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Your imagination will spark and there is room for every age, from Fantasyland's gentle rides for the very young to Tomorrowland's speedy rides for the braver and older kids. Adults will be happy everywhere (except maybe colorfully noisy Toon Town - that's a ten minute visit, tops). If you have only a short time, don't miss Indiana Jones, the Pirates, the Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain and maybe a few smaller rides. Don't bother with California Adventure since a mere few miles away you can see the real thing. But Downtown Disney is fairly diverting.

Nothing beats the original park though (or the even more developed Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida) and during the summer you get some pretty spectacular shows that may have you believing in Pixie Dust again. Work with me, you have to WANT to believe in it, which is the key to any happiness in life, right?

Backstage at the Park:
Walt Disney Treasures - Disneyland - Secrets, Stories & Magic

The Whole Alphabet:
Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia (Third Edition)

The Nine Old Men:
Walt Disney's Nine Old Men and the Art of Animation Read more!

Star Trek:Voyager

Star Trek: Voyager
a kate west favorite




(Jeri Ryan as Borg refugee Seven of Nine)

The Star Trek phenomenon is like no other. Before I started reading Issac Asimov, my introduction to science fiction consisted of me being mesmerized by reruns of the original and retro-heroic 1960's "Star Trek". I had a crush on Spock (Leonard Nimoy), my first cold intellectual. And then William Shatner was a nicely virile and quite hammy Captain Kirk, of course. I loved that show so much. James Doohan and his dire technological predictions as Scotty. George Takei as Sulu and Walter Koenig as Chekov and DeForest Kelley as "He's dead, Jim" Bones. And Nichelle Nichols as Lieutenant Uhura - a woman on the bridge of a starship! (Ask me if I know someone who looks like her). I saw every episode a hundred times and wished there were more. Wouldn't it be great to attend Starfleet Academy? I just couldn't get into "Next Generation" really. It didn't speak to me. I discovered "Deep Space Nine" well after it aired, but before that:

Came "Star Trek: Voyager". With a woman captain! And a female head engineer! And a converted Borg drone who becomes an essential member of the crew. Plus heartfelt story lines, emotional character development and lots of action. The Borg, introduced in "Next Generation" are featured prominently, once again threatening to assimilate inferior species ("Resistance is futile"). Lots of characters and lots of aliens, even a surprise visit from the annoying Q (John de Lancie).

Captain Janeway (the Katherine Hepburnesque Kate Mulgrew) has to lead her crew back to Earth in the Alpha Quadrant after getting lost in the Delta Quadrant, which is so far away, I can't even show you the map. Everyone is likeable and interesting, like Ethan Phillips as the Talaxian Neelix and Robert Picardo as the holographic doctor who learns what it means to be human. Roxann Dawson is the hot-blooded, half-Klingon, afore-mentioned Engineer B'Elanna Torres. She butts heads with anyone and everyone, until she learns to control that temper (sort of). They even have a Native American, First Officer Chakotay (Robert Beltran), complete with facial tattoos. Head of the rebel Maquis, he has to make some compromises in order to work with the Federation. Robert Duncan McNeill is the cavalier Tom Paris, best pilot in the quadrant and his buddy Harry Kim (Garrett Wong) helps him create black and white holonovels. And yes, they have their own Vulcan too, Tuvok (Tim Russ).

There's lots more and it's all fascinating. Totally fun in reruns. Look it up. Or rent it. It wasn't as popular as the other new Star Treks unfortunately (and I never could get into "Battlestar Galactica", sorry). But it did run for seven seasons. And I loved it. I know. I'm a dork. Live long and prosper.

Series Directed by:
David Livingston (29 episodes, 1995-2001)
Winrich Kolbe (19 episodes, 1995-2000)
Allan Kroeker (14 episodes, 1997-2001)
Michael Vejar (13 episodes, 1997-2001)
Terry Windell (11 episodes, 1999-2001)
Cliff Bole (10 episodes, 1995-1999)
Alexander Singer (10 episodes, 1995-1998)
Les Landau (9 episodes, 1995-2000)
LeVar Burton (8 episodes, 1995-2001)
JesúsSalvadorTreviño(5 episodes, 1997-1998)
James L. Conway (4 episodes, 1995-1996)
Kim Friedman (4 episodes, 1995)
RobertDuncanMcNeill(4 episodes, 1996-2000)
Anson Williams (4 episodes, 1997-1999)
Jonathan Frakes (3 episodes, 1995-1996)
Robert Scheerer (2 episodes, 1995-1997)
Marvin V. Rush (2 episodes, 1996-1997)
Robert Picardo (2 episodes, 1997-1999)
Kenneth Biller (2 episodes, 1997-1998)
Nancy Malone (2 episodes, 1997-1998)
Andrew Robinson (2 episodes, 1997-1998)
Allan Eastman (2 episodes, 1998-1999)
John T. Kretchmer (2 episodes, 1998-1999)
Victor Lobl (2 episodes, 1998)
Roxann Dawson (2 episodes, 1999-2001)
John Bruno (2 episodes, 1999-2000)

Series Writing Credits:
Brannon Braga (50 episodes, 1995-2001)
Joe Menosky (37 episodes, 1995-2000)
Kenneth Biller (35 episodes, 1995-2001)
Bryan Fuller (21 episodes, 1997-2001)
Michael Taylor (20 episodes, 1998-2001)
Jeri Taylor (19 episodes, 1995-1998)
Michael Piller (14 episodes, 1995-1998)
Robert Doherty (14 episodes, 1998-2001)
Rick Berman (13 episodes, 1995-2001)
Lisa Klink (13 episodes, 1995-1998)
Mike Sussman (11 episodes, 1996-2001)
Raf Green (8 episodes, 2000-2001)
André Bormanis (7 episodes, 1997-2001)
Jimmy Diggs (6 episodes, 1995-1999)
Gene Roddenberry (5 episodes, 1995-1998)
Mark Gaberman (5 episodes, 1996-2001)
Andrew Price (5 episodes, 1996-2001)
Nick Sagan (5 episodes, 1998-1999)
Harry 'Doc' Kloor (4 episodes, 1997-1998)
James Kahn (4 episodes, 2000-2001)
Phyllis Strong (4 episodes, 2000-2001)
Ronald Wilkerson (3 episodes, 1995-2000)
Robin Bernheim (3 episodes, 2000)
Greg Elliot (2 episodes, 1995-1998)
Steve J. Kay (2 episodes, 1995-1998)
Michael Perricone (2 episodes, 1995-1998)
Jean Louise Matthias (2 episodes, 1995-1997)
Anthony Williams (2 episodes, 1995-1996)
Thomas E. Szollosi (2 episodes, 1995)
Shawn Piller (2 episodes, 1996)
James Swallow (2 episodes, 1998-2000)
Ronald D. Moore (2 episodes, 1999)


Series Cast:
Kate Mulgrew ... Captain Kathryn Janeway / ... (172 episodes, 1995-2001)
Robert Beltran ... Chakotay / ... (172 episodes, 1995-2001
Roxann Dawson ... B'Elanna Torres / ... (172 episodes, 1995-2001)
Robert Duncan McNeill ... Tom Paris / ... (172 episodes, 1995-2001)
Ethan Phillips ... Neelix (172 episodes, 1995-2001)
Robert Picardo ... The Doctor (172 episodes, 1995-2001)
Tim Russ ... Tuvok / ... (172 episodes, 1995-2001)
Garrett Wang ... Harry Kim / ... (172 episodes, 1995-2001)
Tarik Ergin ... Lieutenant Ayala / ... (116 episodes, 1995-2001)
Jeri Ryan ... Seven of Nine (104 episodes, 1997-2001)
Jennifer Lien ... Kes (71 episodes, 1995-2000)
Majel Barrett ... Computer Voice / ... (70 episodes, 1995-2001)
Stephen Pisani ... Starfleet Crew Member / ... (21 episodes, 2000-2001)
Scarlett Pomers ... Naomi Wildman (17 episodes, 1998-2001)

Old School:
(and my first love)


Starting Out New:
Star Trek Voyager - The Complete First Season Read more!

The Women

The Women
a kate west review
written by Clare Boothe Luce
directed by Scott Elliott
at American Airlines Theatre
227 West 42nd Street, New York
running Tuesday-Saturday at 8 PM
Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 PM.
contact Roundabout Theatre Company
(212) 719-1300


"The Women" is a story told in countless variations (several films, a play, a musical) and the latest version is now on Broadway. Originally written by Clare Booth Luce, the (sort of) updated "Women" stars Cynthia Nixon ("Sex and the City's" Miranda) as Mrs. Stephen Haines, the wronged woman whose husband wants to leave her for sexpot Crystal (Jennifer Tilly).

With a cast of popular female iconettes, from Jennifer Coolidge ("Legally Blonde", "American Pie") and Kristen Johnson ("3rd Rock from the Sun") to Rue McClanahan ("The Golden Girls"), this piece is meant to celebrate the power of women, but from the point of view of a different era. Haines is initially devastated by her husband's philandering, but she then empowers herself by winning him back instead of striking out on her own, as we might expect in this day and age.

So viewed in this light, forget modern self-fulfillment, just appreciate the characters as depicted, especially in their wildly fun Issac Mizrahi couture. The posh sets by Derek McLane delight as well. Not so much fun is Hallie Kate Eisenberg as Haines' daughter, smirking her way through her tedious scenes. The rest of the cast is fun though, especially seeing old gal Rue McClanahan breeze in to delighted applause. Jennifer Coolidge is amusing as the perpetually pregnant Edith as well.

All and all it's about as visually fun as the movie versions (especially Jennifer Tilly's fun bubble bath scene as the perkily evil Crystal). So don't go looking for über feminism here, just enjoy the frothy cattiness of decades of women. Back then women defined themselves by the men they were with, but we know better now. Right?

The 1930's Film:
The Women (Keepcase)

More Good 'ole Female Bonding:
Stage Door

Read more!

Scrubs

a kate west favorite







One of the more original and quirky comedy television shows (along the lines of the sadly missed "Arrested Development") is "Scrubs", the hilariously witty, yet goofy take on medical interns and residents. The first notably appealing thing about the show is the refreshing lack of a laugh track, from either a canned or studio audience. We can decide for ourselves whether we think it's funny or not (and trust me, it is hysterical).

Main character J.D. (Zach Braff) evolves from a bambiesque medical intern into a competent doctor as he daydreams and fantasizes his way throughout his career at Sacred Heart Hospital. We hear his internal monologue and see the world through his quirky viewpoint. The rest of the cast (Sarah Chalke, Donald Faison, Neil Flynn, Ken Jenkins, John C. McGinley and Judy Reyes) match his comedic flair, stride for stride. It's not all slapstick however. There are many poignant moments, some musical numbers and the occasional serious subject matter (especially regarding death). There is also love, lust, longing and hope and the cast seems to have a ball together. Likeable characters and life lessons abound, not to mention the directing and writing is quite clever and fun and miles above the usual routine sitcom fare.

Definietely addicting. Great use of music too (see below).


Created by
Bill Lawrence

Starring
Zach Braff
Sarah Chalke
Donald Faison
Neil Flynn
Ken Jenkins
John C. McGinley
Judy Reyes

Colin Hay's "Waiting for my Real Life to Begin"


Start collecting now:
Scrubs- Seasons 1-6 Read more!

Maus

Maus -
A Survivor's Tale
by Art Spiegelman
a kate west recommendation








Art Spiegelman's 1992 Pulitzer Prize winning graphic novel "Maus" covers his father Vladek's tragic history during the Holocaust. It's uniqueness lies not only in the fact that the Third Reich is depicted in cartoons, but also that everyone is represented as animals. The Jews are mice, the Germans are cats, the Americans are dogs, the French are frogs, the Swedes are reindeer, the British are fish and Gypsies are exotic moths. This device classifies everyone into a highly specific group, just as the Nazis saw them.

Vladek Spiegelman and his wife Anja lived in Poland with their son Richieu. When the Nazis began persecuting people, they sent their child to live with his Aunt Tosha in another Polish ghetto they deemed safer. Unfortunately, she did not feel the same way and poisoned herself and all of her charges, including poor Richieu. Art was born in New York and suffered from living up to the image of a dead brother, even to the point of staying in a mental hospital. When he was released, his mother committed suicide and his father remarried another Holocaust survivor, Mala. "Maus" was the perfect way to deal with these travesties, by simultaneously removing and retaining the human element. The depiction of animals meant they weren't like us, but the action and dialogue said otherwise.

It is a brilliantly poignant portrayal of World War II from the Jewish perspective and how it affects the survivors, even worlds away. Art's father was prejudiced against blacks, even though he was a victim of anti-semitism. Art married Françoise Mouly, a French artist, co-founding Raw Magazine with her (she is a mouse with a French scarf in the cartoon). Never one to back down from a fight, just like his father, Spiegelman spoke out about the recent war on Iraq and greatly lamented September 11 (see below). Vladek's new wife, Mala, suffers from his stubbornness and frugality, left over from the War. The fact that Vladek survived Auschwitz without going completely mad is testament to this resiliency. But he drives Art crazy. The depictions of both ordinary and camp life are truly extraordinarily detailed and the images will stay with you forever. Spiegelman's cutting humor makes it all the more real and accessible, and that much more frightening.

It's an excellent addition to any other historically acclaimed book on the subject. It also raises graphic novelization to a new level. Be sure to read both volumes:

Volume I: My Father Bleeds History
Volume II: And Here Comes Trouble Began



















(Spiegelman's New Yorker cover after the September 11 attacks,
right before he resigned in protest of media hypocrisy.)

The Works:
Maus I & II 2 Volumes Boxed Set Read more!

Life and Online Dating

a kate west reflection

You never know who's going to end up together. It's not something you have any business sorting out, either. Chemistry and timing play a part, as well as a general outlook on life, love and dating. Life is unexpected. And love can change. Who knew?

The year 2001 changed my entire life, in so many ways. September 11 happened and then the whole world changed, so what did my small life have to do with anything? Well, I still had to live it, when all was said and done. After our national shock, we all had to get back to living our lives. Comedians started being funny again and Hollywood celebrities came out of hiding. And I started online dating. And perceptions and perspectives got small again.

On to major trivialities. Can I work out my own insecurities, while still caring about the state of the planet? Like I said, I had to start living my life again and if the whole country could do it, so could I. It all ties in - for me, at least. O.K. so forgive me. Please. Moment of self-indulgence. But who knows, maybe we'll all learn something together.

Here's the thing about online dating. Profiles don't match. Guys, it's not your fault - I don't match my profile either. Everything on there is true, but you're right this moment building a fantasy in your head, which I just can't live up to - no one can. And I'm doing the same to you. Cyber reality isn't reality at all - it's what we want to have happen and then we're disappointed when it doesn't come true. So I've given up online dating. I know, I know, a lot of you married people you met online, but it's pretty unusual to meet someone perfect from a photo gallery of strangers. What are the odds? And if you've been out of circulation, for oh, say decades, the rules may have changed and it's kind of like starting out all over again. But straight from high school. And who wants to do that? Ugh. Better for real friendships to develop into something else. But who has the time for that in this day and age?

There must be a better way. So we join fun organizations and fitness clubs and try to stick with people we have something in common with. Maybe. The old fashioned way. It may take a longer, but it's a lot less stressful. And all of those how-to dating books don't really help either. It either happens or it doesn't. When we try to force nature, it backfires. Hence, global warming. And bad dates.

So back to the drawing board! And better perceptions and perspectives. And a more serious version of life. Like joining the Peace Corps. Anything to help others and get out of your own head at the same time. Because without a peaceful world, how can we find happiness with each other?

p.s. Firemen are still the best superheroes, in my book (and totally datable). We haven't forgotten you. Believe me. Peace.

www.peacecorps.gov/

MORE Magazine: www.more.com Read more!

Mandell

Mandell - An Artist
a kate west recommendation








Mandell is a true original, an artist who employs geometry and cubism in his work, while still evoking passionate dignity. His paintings are extraordinary, especially his series of jazz paintings that swirl human forms with exotic instruments in sophisticated backgrounds you can't keep your eyes off of.















A native of Detriot and originally a student of architecture, Mandell now resides in California and his work has been exhibited all over Los Angeles. Artistic influences include Juan Gris, Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp and Fernande Leger. Fabulous.





www.mandellart.com



Read more!

The X-Files

The X-Files
a kate west favorite





"The X-Files" is my all time favorite show. I own every DVD and can watch any episode over and over. It's just one of those inexplicable cult phenomenon I guess, because the acting is pretty wooden, especially in the early shows, and the writing doesn't always make sense. But something about it - the sincerity of the creator maybe - touches the soul of a true sci-fi nerd. Although each season did get better and better, both in plot lines and acting - except for the final season (ninth) which was pretty much a viewer let down, so let's not even mention it.

David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are F.B.I. Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully (pictured above). Mulder believes in the supernatural, and indeed has first hand knowledge of it in the weird cases he investigates. Initially hired to discredit Mulder, the scientific Scully comes to believe more and more in Mulder's take on things. Extraterrestrials, vampires, ghosts and demons are the norm in the world of the X-Files. Aided by solid Assistant Director Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) and the rebellious Lone Gunmen, Melvin Frohike, John Byers and Ringo Langly (Tom Braidwood, Bruce Harwood and Dean Haglund), the steadfast duo try to solve the unsolvable.

Some cases remain a mystery and some answers are finally revealed, as the years wore on. There was even a feature film at one point ("X-Files - Fight the Future") that shed some light on certain back-stories. All in all, it was a pretty satisfactory run for X-fanatics and spanned multiple cult followings, not to mention enhancing many a sci-fi convention. I miss it from time to time, but all I have to do is pop in an episode and everything becomes clear.

"The truth is out there." Cue creepy theme music by Mark Snow.

Series Directed by:
Kim Manners (52 episodes, 1995-2002)
Rob Bowman (33 episodes, 1994-2000)
David Nutter (15 episodes, 1993-1995)
Ron Reedy (11 episodes, 1995-1996)
Chris Carter (10 episodes, 1994-2002)
R.W. Goodwin (9 episodes, 1994-1998)
Tony Wharmby (7 episodes, 2000-2002)
Michael W. Watkins (6 episodes, 1998-2000)
Daniel Sackheim (5 episodes, 1993-1999)
Michael Lange (4 episodes, 1994-1997)
Jim Charleston (4 episodes, 1996-1997)
Cliff Bole (4 episodes, 1997-2002)
William A. Graham (3 episodes, 1993-1998)
Peter Markle (3 episodes, 1997-2000)
David Duchovny (3 episodes, 1999-2002)
Thomas J. Wright (3 episodes, 1999-2000)
Rod Hardy (3 episodes, 2000-2001)
Jerrold Freedman (2 episodes, 1993-1994)
Joe Napolitano (2 episodes, 1993-1994)
Larry Shaw (2 episodes, 1993)
Tucker Gates (2 episodes, 1996-1997)
Vince Gilligan (2 episodes, 2000-2002)
Richard Compton (2 episodes, 2000-2001)
Frank Spotnitz (2 episodes, 2001)

Series Writing Credits:
Chris Carter (85 episodes, 1993-2002)
Frank Spotnitz (48 episodes, 1995-2002)
Vince Gilligan (30 episodes, 1995-2002)
John Shiban (24 episodes, 1995-2002)
Howard Gordon (20 episodes, 1993-1997)
Glen Morgan (15 episodes, 1993-1997)
James Wong (15 episodes, 1993-1997)
David Duchovny (8 episodes, 1995-2002)
David Amann (7 episodes, 1999-2002)
Alex Gansa (6 episodes, 1993-1995)
Darin Morgan (5 episodes, 1994-1996)
Jeffrey Bell (5 episodes, 1999-2001)
Steven Maeda (5 episodes, 2000-2002)
Greg Walker (3 episodes, 2000-2001)
Paul Brown (2 episodes, 1994)
Chris Ruppenthal (2 episodes, 1994)
Kim Newton (2 episodes, 1995-1996)
Jeff Vlaming (2 episodes, 1995-1996)
Sara B. Charno (2 episodes, 1995)
William Gibson (2 episodes, 1998-2000)
Tom Maddox (2 episodes, 1998-2000)
Tim Minear (2 episodes, 1998)
Daniel Arkin (2 episodes, 1999-2000)
Thomas Schnauz (2 episodes, 2001-2002)
Valerie Mayhew (1 episode, 1996)
Vivian Mayhew (1 episode, 1996)


Series Cast:
Gillian Anderson ... Dana Scully / ... (196 episodes, 1993-2002)
David Duchovny ... Fox Mulder (175 episodes, 1993-2002)

Mitch Pileggi ... Walter Skinner / ... (82 episodes, 1994-2002)
Robert Patrick ... John Doggett / ... (40 episodes, 2000-2002)
Tom Braidwood ... Melvin Frohike (39 episodes, 1994-2002)
William B. Davis ... CGB Spender / ... (37 episodes, 1993-2002)
Bruce Harwood ... John Fitzgerald Byers (36 episodes, 1994-2002)
Dean Haglund ... Richard 'Ringo' Langly / ... (35 episodes, 1994-2002)
Nicholas Lea ... Alex Krycek / ... (24 episodes, 1994-2002)
Annabeth Gish ... Monica Reyes / ... (23 episodes, 2001-2002)
James Pickens Jr. ... FBI Deputy Director Alvin Kersh / ... (19 episodes, 1998-2002)
Sheila Larken ... Margaret Scully (16 episodes, 1994-2002)
Don S. Williams ... Elder #1 / ... (14 episodes, 1995-1999)
Steven Williams ... Mr. X (14 episodes, 1994-2002)
Chris Owens ... FBI Special Agent Jeffrey Spender / ... (13 episodes, 1996-2002)
Jerry Hardin ... Deep Throat (11 episodes, 1993-1999)
Rebecca Toolan ... Mrs. Teena Mulder (10 episodes, 1995-2000)
Laurie Holden ... Marita Covarrubias (10 episodes, 1996-2002)
Arlene Warren ... Skinner's Assistant / ... (10 episodes, 1998-2002)
Brendan Beiser ... Agent Pendrell (9 episodes, 1995-1997)
Brian Thompson ... Alien Bounty Hunter (9 episodes, 1995-2000)
John Neville ... The Well-Manicured Man (8 episodes, 1995-1998)
Bill Dow ... Dr. Charles Burks / ... (8 episodes, 1993-2001)
John Moore ... Elder #3 / ... (8 episodes, 1995-1999)
James Riker ... Baby William / ... (8 episodes, 2001-2002)
Travis Riker ... Baby William / ... (8 episodes, 2001-2002)
Mimi Rogers ... Agent Diana Fowley (7 episodes, 1998-1999)
Peter Donat ... William Mulder (6 episodes, 1995-1999)
Morris Panych ... The Grey-Haired Man / ... (6 episodes, 1995-1997)
Cary Elwes ... FBI Assistant Director Brad Follmer (6 episodes, 2001-2002)

Start Now:
The X-Files - The Complete First Season (Slim Set) Read more!

The Weir

The Weir
a kate west review
by Conor McPherson
directed by Randall Arney
at The Geffen Playhouse
10886 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles 90024
running January 30 - March 18
Call (310) 208-5454

Set in rural Ireland, "The Weir" portrays five characters tangled up in each other's lives. The landscape is an integral part of Irish mythology and lore, matching everyone's emotions, which are as turbulent as a raging stream against a dam, or weir.

Inside a traditional Irish pub (nicely captured by Scene Designer Karyl Newman), five people tell ghost stories. There is no real plot except for a young woman moving to their small village from Dublin and everything revolves from there. Outside of the novelty of casting television's John Mahoney in the lead, it is a fairly innocuous piece. The rest of the cast (Ian Barford, Paul Vincent O'Connor, Francis Guinan and Lindsay Crouse) are more or less fine, as are the production values for the most part (such as Costumer Mary Quigly, etc.)

However, overall it is not all that memorable and Mahoney really pushes himself. Apparently used to a different medium for so long, he strains to fill the space, which can get grating. Perhaps this smaller play would to better in a less cavernous spot. Read more!

Buffy and Angel

BUFFY AND ANGEL
a kate west favorite

It's a tumultuous relationship and why wouldn't it be? A Vampire Slayer and a Vampire? They're natural enemies. In Joss Whedon's popular television shows, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and its spin-off "Angel", Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Angel (David Boreanaz) find true love with each other but are destined not to hold on to it. And we get a lot of supernatural fun and magic throughout. Demons, witches, vampires and all sorts of dark beings inhabit these worlds and we enjoy it all the more through the sharp dialogue and imaginative perspective of Joss Whedon. Sci-fi fans can rejoice that Whedon cleverly expanded the original movie with Kristy Swanson into a fascinating successful television franchise.

One example is the BUFFY episode "Once More, with Feeling" - an entire mini-musical in which the characters are compelled to express their innermost thoughts through song and dance. Well, that's what happens when you accidentally summon a musical demon. It has since become a cult phenomenon and often performed in local theaters throughout the country.

In both shows, many of the main characters come into their own, like the adorable Willow the witch (Alyson Hannigan) in BUFFY and the adorable Winifred Burkle (Amy Acker) in ANGEL. By far, the most remarkable transformation is that of Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter), who starts out as a spoiled rich high schooler in BUFFY and becomes an impressive, fearless and strong-hearted warrior in ANGEL. Great writing. ANGEL is BUFFY Part Two and quite a dignified sequel and natural character progression. Be warned though, Whedon is not afraid to kill off favorite characters and defy expectations in either show. The real fun is in the way he humanizes the inhuman. Every character has depth no matter what dimension he/she comes from. (Oh and the men? Just keep getting sexier and sexier every season. I'm looking at you British, undead especially ....)

And it's so realistic. Not the monster bit, no. But the character bit. In fact, William Goldman, award-winning screenwriter, said it best when he claimed "Bambi" was more realistic than "Deer Hunter" because in one movie the mother died and in the other there was all this coincidence about Russian Roulette. So which one was more true to life? The same can be said for our Vampire Slayers being more real than Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha in "Sex and the City". Who lives that kind of lifestyle? Michael Patrick King addressed relationships sure, but spent much less time on the everywoman. Miranda was the only character who dealt with an obvious parent, for instance, and how many single women never have to explain themselves to their mothers on a weekly basis? In BUFFY/ANGEL, the characters have deep family histories and complex growth patterns.

But really, the best way to explain these shows is for you to see for yourself. Best part is, if you can't buy/rent, you can see the rerun cycles on TNT and FX, over and over. Enjoy!

BUFFY
Series Directed by
Joss Whedon (22 episodes, 1997-2003)
James A. Contner (20 episodes, 1998-2003)
David Solomon (19 episodes, 1997-2003)
David Grossman (13 episodes, 1999-2003)
Michael Gershman (10 episodes, 1998-2003)
Bruce Seth Green (8 episodes, 1997-1998)
Nick Marck (7 episodes, 1999-2002)
James Whitmore Jr. (5 episodes, 1998-1999)
David Greenwalt (4 episodes, 1997-1998)
David Semel (4 episodes, 1997-1998)
Michael Lange (4 episodes, 1998-1999)
Douglas Petrie (3 episodes, 2001-2003)
John T. Kretchmer (2 episodes, 1997)
Ellen S. Pressman (2 episodes, 1997)
Daniel Attias (2 episodes, 2000-2001)
Marti Noxon (2 episodes, 2000-2001)
David Fury (2 episodes, 2002-2003)
Rick Rosenthal (2 episodes, 2002)
Marita Grabiak (2 episodes, 2003)

Series Writing credits
Joss Whedon (145 episodes, 1997-2003)
Marti Noxon (25 episodes, 1997-2003)
Jane Espenson (23 episodes, 1998-2003)
David Fury (17 episodes, 1998-2003)
Douglas Petrie (17 episodes, 1998-2003)
David Greenwalt (8 episodes, 1997-1998)
Rebecca Kirshner (8 episodes, 2000-2003)
Drew Z. Greenberg (6 episodes, 2001-2003)
Dean Batali (5 episodes, 1997-1998)
Rob Des Hotel (5 episodes, 1997-1998)
Steven S. DeKnight (5 episodes, 2001-2002)
Drew Goddard (5 episodes, 2002-2003)
Tracey Forbes (3 episodes, 1999-2000)
David Tyron King (2 episodes, 1997-1998)
Ashley Gable (2 episodes, 1997)
Matt Kiene (2 episodes, 1997)
Joe Reinkemeyer (2 episodes, 1997)
Thomas A. Swyden (2 episodes, 1997)
Dan Vebber (2 episodes, 1998-1999)

Series Cast

Sarah Michelle Gellar ... Buffy Summers / ... (145 episodes, 1997-2003)
Nicholas Brendon ... Xander Harris (145 episodes, 1997-2003)
Alyson Hannigan ... Willow Rosenberg / ... (144 episodes, 1997-2003)
Anthony Head ... Rupert Giles (122 episodes, 1997-2003)
James Marsters ... Spike (97 episodes, 1997-2003)
Emma Caulfield ... Anya / ... (85 episodes, 1998-2003)
Michelle Trachtenberg ... Dawn Summers (66 episodes, 2000-2003)
Kristine Sutherland ... Joyce Summers (58 episodes, 1997-2002)
Charisma Carpenter ... Cordelia Chase (57 episodes, 1997-1999)
David Boreanaz ... Angel / ... (57 episodes, 1997-2003)
Amber Benson ... Tara Maclay (46 episodes, 1999-2002)
Seth Green ... Oz (40 episodes, 1997-2000)
Marc Blucas ... Riley Finn (31 episodes, 1999-2002)
Danny Strong ... Jonathan Levinson (29 episodes, 1997-2003)
Tom Lenk ... Andrew Wells / ... (27 episodes, 2000-2003)
Eliza Dushku ... Faith / ... (20 episodes, 1998-2003)
Armin Shimerman ... Principal Snyder (19 episodes, 1997-2000)
Juliet Landau ... Drusilla (17 episodes, 1997-2003)
Mercedes McNab ... Harmony Kendall (16 episodes, 1997-2001)
Adam Busch ... Warren Meers (16 episodes, 2001-2003)
Robia LaMorte ... Jenny Calendar (14 episodes, 1997-1998)
Charlie Weber ... Ben (14 episodes, 2000-2001)
Harry Groener ... Mayor Richard Wilkins (14 episodes, 1998-2003)
D.B. Woodside ... Principal Robin Wood (14 episodes, 2002-2003)
Clare Kramer ... Glory (13 episodes, 2000-2002)
Bailey Chase ... Graham Miller (13 episodes, 1999-2000)
Iyari Limon ... Kennedy (13 episodes, 2002-2003)
Leonard Roberts ... Forrest Gates (12 episodes, 1999-2000)
Sarah Hagan ... Amanda (10 episodes, 2002-2003)
Alexis Denisof ... Wesley Wyndam-Pryce (9 episodes, 1999)

ANGEL:
Series Directed by
James A. Contner (13 episodes, 1999-2004)
Joss Whedon (7 episodes, 1999-2004)
David Greenwalt (7 episodes, 2000-2004)
Tim Minear (7 episodes, 2000-2003)
Bill L. Norton (6 episodes, 2001-2003)
Terrence O'Hara (6 episodes, 2002-2004)
Skip Schoolnik (5 episodes, 2001-2004)
Marita Grabiak (5 episodes, 2001-2003)
Vern Gillum (4 episodes, 1999-2004)
David Grossman (4 episodes, 1999-2002)
Michael Grossman (4 episodes, 2001-2003)
Frederick King Keller (4 episodes, 2001)
Jefferson Kibbee (4 episodes, 2003-2004)
David Straiton (3 episodes, 1999-2003)
Bruce Seth Green (3 episodes, 1999-2000)
Turi Meyer (3 episodes, 2001-2002)
Jeffrey Bell (3 episodes, 2003-2004)
Steven S. DeKnight (3 episodes, 2003-2004)
Scott McGinnis (2 episodes, 1999-2001)
R.D. Price (2 episodes, 2000-2001)
Thomas J. Wright (2 episodes, 2000-2001)
Michael Lange (2 episodes, 2000)
David Semel (2 episodes, 2000)

Series Writing credits
David Greenwalt (111 episodes, 1999-2004)
Joss Whedon (111 episodes, 1999-2004)
Tim Minear (18 episodes, 1999-2003)
Jeffrey Bell (13 episodes, 2001-2004)
David Fury (12 episodes, 1999-2004)
Steven S. DeKnight (12 episodes, 2002-2004)
Mere Smith (11 episodes, 2000-2003)
Elizabeth Craft (8 episodes, 2002-2004)
Sarah Fain (8 episodes, 2002-2004)
Shawn Ryan (5 episodes, 2000-2001)
Ben Edlund (5 episodes, 2003-2004)
Drew Goddard (5 episodes, 2003-2004)
Jeannine Renshaw (4 episodes, 1999-2000)
Howard Gordon (3 episodes, 1999-2000)
Jim Kouf (3 episodes, 2000-2001)
Jane Espenson (2 episodes, 1999-2000)
Douglas Petrie (2 episodes, 1999-2000)
Tracey Stern (2 episodes, 1999-2000)
David H. Goodman (2 episodes, 2001-2002)
Scott Murphy (2 episodes, 2001-2002)

Series Cast

David Boreanaz ... Angel / ... (111 episodes, 1999-2004)
Alexis Denisof ... Wesley Wyndam-Pryce (101 episodes, 1999-2004)
J. August Richards ... Charles Gunn (91 episodes, 2000-2004)
Charisma Carpenter ... Cordelia Chase (90 episodes, 1999-2004)
Andy Hallett ... Lorne (76 episodes, 2000-2004)
Amy Acker ... Winifred 'Fred' Burkle / ... (70 episodes, 2001-2004)
Stephanie Romanov ... Lilah Morgan (35 episodes, 2000-2003)
Vincent Kartheiser ... Connor (28 episodes, 2002-2004)
James Marsters ... Spike (24 episodes, 1999-2004)
Christian Kane ... Lindsey McDonald (21 episodes, 1999-2004)
Julie Benz ... Darla (20 episodes, 2000-2004)
Mercedes McNab ... Harmony Kendall (18 episodes, 2001-2004)
Elisabeth Röhm ... Detective Kate Lockley (15 episodes, 1999-2001)
Daniel Dae Kim ... Gavin Park (12 episodes, 2001-2003)
Glenn Quinn ... Allen Doyle (11 episodes, 1999)
Keith Szarabajka ... Daniel Holtz (11 episodes, 2001-2002)
Sarah Thompson ... Eve (10 episodes, 2003-2004)
Mark Lutz ... The Groosalugg (9 episodes, 2001-2002)
Laurel Holloman ... Justine Cooper (8 episodes, 2001-2002)
Jack Conley ... Sahjhan (8 episodes, 2001-2004)
Vladimir Kulich ... The Beast (8 episodes, 2002-2003)
Sam Anderson ... Holland Manners (8 episodes, 2000-2001)
Jonathan M. Woodward ... Knox (7 episodes, 2003-2004)
Juliet Landau ... Drusilla (7 episodes, 2000-2004)
John Rubinstein ... Linwood Murrow (6 episodes, 2001-2002)
Eliza Dushku ... Faith (6 episodes, 2000-2003)
Matthew James ... Merl (6 episodes, 2000-2001)
Gina Torres ... Jasmine (5 episodes, 2003)
Adam Baldwin ... Marcus Hamilton (5 episodes, 2004)
Thomas Burr ... Lee Mercer (4 episodes, 1999-2000)
David Denman ... Skip (4 episodes, 2001-2003)
Jennifer Griffin ... Trish Burkle (4 episodes, 2001-2004)
Brigid Brannagh ... Virginia Bryce (4 episodes, 2000-2001)
Carey Cannon ... Female Oracle (3 episodes, 1999-2000)
Randall Slavin ... Male Oracle (3 episodes, 1999-2000)
Alexa Davalos ... Gwen Raiden (3 episodes, 2002-2003)
Sven Holmberg ... Delivery Guy / ... (3 episodes, 2000-2002)
Sarah Michelle Gellar ... Buffy Summers (3 episodes, 1999-2000)
David Herman ... David Nabbit (3 episodes, 2000)
Gary Grubbs ... Roger Burkle (3 episodes, 2001-2004)
Jarrod Crawford ... Rondell (3 episodes, 2001)
Ryan Alvarez ... Demon Slave (3 episodes, 2003-2004)
T.J. Thyne ... Lawyer / ... (3 episodes, 2003-2004)
Mark Colson ... Izzy (3 episodes, 2004)
David Fury ... First Worshipper / ... (3 episodes, 2001-2004)
Julia Lee ... Anne Steele (3 episodes, 2001-2004)
Alyson Hannigan ... Willow Rosenberg (3 episodes, 2001-2003)
Gerry Becker ... Nathan Reed (3 episodes, 2001)
Jackson Bolt ... Pylea Demon / ... (3 episodes, 2001)


Find Both at:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete First Season

Angel - Season One (Slim Set)

The Original Musical:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Once More, with Feeling

More Whedon (and vastly underrated show):
Firefly - The Complete Series

The Next Obsession:
Lost - The Complete First Season Read more!

The Thomas Crown Affair

The Thomas Crown Affair
a kate west favorite






Top action Director John McTiernan remade the 1968 Norman Jewison film, (originally starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway), with Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo in 1999. Suavely directed, suave Thomas Crown (Brosnan) suavely steals famous pieces of art straight from museums (unlike the bank robbing original character) and suavely romances Insurance Investigator Catherine Banning (Russo). Dennis Leary is the not so suave Detective in charge of catching billionaire Crown who obviously doesn't need to steal; he just does it for the fun of it. Banning is completely captivated by Crown, matching his style and witticism, stride for stride.

Brosnan and Russo are great together and how the movie compares to its predecessor is almost irrelevant, as it stands fully on its own in style. Sure it has flaws (unfortunate weak ending as well as a few minor plot "surprises"), but it is so smoothly directed, that it's entertainment value is well worth it. Plus, sultry singer Nina Simone provides a great rendition of "Sinnerman" in a cleverly executed and deftly choreographed final museum scene in which the dapper Thomas Crown eludes capture. Oh, and an added bonus: featured paintings by Monet, Renoir and Magritte. Scrumptious.

Directed by
John McTiernan

Produced by
Michael Tadross
Pierce Brosnan
Beau St. Clair

Written by
Alan Trustman
Leslie Dixon
Kurt Wimmer

Starring
Pierce Brosnan (Thomas Crown)
Rene Russo (Catherine Banning)
Denis Leary (Michael McCann)
Faye Dunaway (Psychiatrist)
Fritz Weaver (John Reynolds)
Frankie Faison (Detective Paretti)
Ben Gazzara (Andrew Wallace)
Mark Margolis (Heinrich Knutzhorn)
Esther Cañadas (Anna Knutzhorn)

Music by
Bill Conti

Cinematography by
Tom Priestly

DVD:
The Thomas Crown Affair

Soundtrack:
The Thomas Crown Affair: Music From The MGM Motion Picture

Classic Steve McQueen:
The Steve McQueen Collection (The Great Escape / Junior Bonner / The Magnificent Seven / The Thomas Crown Affair) Read more!

Lonesome Dove

Lonesome Dove
by Larry McMurty
a kate west favorite














"Lonesome Dove" is a good old-fashioned heartfelt western. Larry McMurty is well known for this series of amazingly endearing books recounting tales of Cowboys and Texas Rangers like Augustus McCrae and W. F. Call. Impossibly ornery, yet fiercely loyal to each other, the two of them drive a cattle herd all the way from Texas up to Montana. Of course there's a lot of trouble on the way, and heartache too.

Stereotypes abound in this virile masculine world, including Lorena, the whore with a heart of gold, the renegade Native American Blue Duck, the illegitimate son Newt, the earnestly stalwart ranch woman Clara and lots of simple-minded cowboys. And it all works quite well. The characters are strongly believable and you care deeply about each of them, hoping they find the right path, though many of them do not. Regardless, they are all profoundly human and you will want to read every book you can regarding their heroically flawed exploits.

Oh and there is also a television mini series starring Robert Duvall (Gus), Tommy Lee Jones (Call), Danny Glover (Deets), Anjelica Huston (Clara), Diane Lane (Lorena), Rick Schroder (Newt), Frederic Forrest (Blue Duck), Robert Ulrich (Jake), Chris Cooper (July Johnson), D.B. Sweeney (Dish) and Glenne Headly (Elmira). It's not the Pulitzer Prize winning book, but it's fairly good television, so by all means, check it out. But please read the extraordinary novels first - you won't be able to put any of them down.

Are those retro Time Life Old West books still in print?

Read It:
Lonesome Dove

See It:
Lonesome Dove Read more!

Galaxy Quest

Galaxy Quest
(a love letter to Sci-Fi fans and Trekkies everywhere)
a kate west recommendation






"Galaxy Quest" is a fictional science-fiction television show supposedly running from 1978-1982, wildly popular with fans and in fact resulted in creating a whole conventional cult world which the current over-the-hill actors attend religiously. Sound familiar? Yes, they're parodying the classic Mothership science-fiction show of them all, "Star Trek". "Galaxy Quest" the movie is the story of these brave actors confronted with real life aliens in real life troubles and they all have to rise above their own egos and help to save the world. For real.

Tim Allen is the actor Jason Nesmith who plays Captain Taggart of the NSEA Protector (as in NOT the Starship Enterprise). He loves being the center of attention and loves being the ruler of every sci-fi convention. The rest of the cast barely tolerate his William- Shatner-like ego, although at heart he's really a good guy. Shaking him out of his up-and-down moodiness with his career are the Thermians, aliens from another galaxy who've apparently been picking up broadcasts of the television show and interpreting them as historical documents. They've actually adopted them as the founding basis of their own society, living by the moral standards of conduct learned in the show (hmmm, sounds like a "Star Trek" episode).

Eventually, the entire crew ends up in space trying to save their new friends from the fierce enemy Sarris (Robin Sachs) demanding they turn over a weapon called the Omega 13 (similar to the "Star Trek Wrath of Kahn" mysterious find). Among the many other Star Trek similarities are food synthesizers instead of replicators and digital conveyors instead of transporters. Communicators flip down instead of up, etc. Although it is marketed as a parody, it maintains the humanity and charm of the older shows. Hard core fans will love the obvious character shout-outs.

Discovering their true selves for the first time, the actors fight real battles and come to appreciate each other in the process. Gwen DeMarco who plays Tawny Madison (Sigourney Weaver) tosses her blond hair, repeats the computer and admits her love for Jason. Shakespearean actor Alexander Dane laments his stereotypical coldly intellectual alien Dr. Lazarus (Alan Rickman), but embraces him in the end (Nimoy's Spock, anyone?) The always brilliant Tony Shalhoub plays Fred Kwan as Tech Sargeant Chen and Sam Rockwell is the unnamed crewman number six, in danger of being one of the infamous red shirt crew members always getting killed on away missions. Daryl Mitchell is funny as Tommy Weber trying to live up to his child character Laredo. The aliens are ultra sympathetic and are the ones who teach true humanity to the crew, from the fearless leader Mathesar (Enrico Colantoni) to Patrick Breen's wide-eyed Quellek, inspired by Dr. Lazaras. Justin Long helps them save the day as the devoted fan Brandon who understands the show much better than any of the actual actors.

It's so much fun to see these "older" actors goofing it up and looking like they're having the time of their lives in a hilarious riff on a beloved franchise. And it is a most endearing homage to loyal fans, who know the show backwards and forwards, so much better than anyone actually ON the show. Now that's a success. Good writing, good comedy and good camaraderie makes for an endearing flick you'll want to watch many times, especially when you need a good laugh. Gene Roddenberry would be right proud.


Directed by:
Dean Parisot

Writing Credits:
David Howard (story)
David Howard (screenplay)
Robert Gordon (screenplay)

Cast:
Tim Allen ... Jason Nesmith (Captain Peter Quincy Taggart)
Sigourney Weaver ... Gwen DeMarco (Lt. Tawny Madison)
Alan Rickman ... Alexander Dane (Dr. Lazarus)
Tony Shalhoub ... Fred Kwan (Tech Sargeant Chen)
Sam Rockwell ... Guy Fleegman (Crewman #6)
Daryl Mitchell ... Tommy Webber (Lieutenant Laredo)
Enrico Colantoni ... Mathesar
Robin Sachs ... Sarris
Patrick Breen ... Quellek
Missi Pyle ... Laliari
Jed Rees ... Teb
Rainn Wilson ... Lahnk
Justin Long ... Brandon
Jeremy Howard ... Kyle
Kaitlin Cullum ... Katelyn
Jonathan Feyer ... Hollister
Corbin Bleu ... Young Tommy
Heidi Swedberg ... Brandon's Mother

Watch It Now:
Galaxy Quest Read more!

The Shipping News

The Shipping News
by Annie Proulx
a kate west favorite










"The Shipping News" by Annie Proulx is an incredible life-affirming novel. Full of nautical terms and rope tying, each chapter is another richly symbolic knot in the lives of the weathered and dimensional characters. Despite darkness and sometimes even death, there is an end light for most of them, leading them into calm serenity. And it all starts with a man named Quoyle.

Born in Brooklyn of humble origins, Quoyle surprises himself by finding his way back to his family's roots in Newfoundland with his old aunt, two kids and a dog. A great, bumbling oaf of a man, he somehow stumbles into newspaper writing, marries a tiny woman named Petal Bear who gives him a child named Bunny and another named Sunshine, who then tries to take them from him but then dies tragically. The remaining family ultimately finds their own way and finally a true home. Quoyle gets a job reporting on the local shipping news for a local rag called The Gammy Bird, meets a mysterious tall woman named Wavey and even learns how to swim. Steering that life course, they all learn about the land, about the people and about each other.

It is beautifully written and quite poetic. And you'll most likely want to visit the ocean right away. The Hollywood movie directed by Lasse Hallstrom and starring Kevin Spacey, Julianne Moore, Scott Glenn and Cate Blanchet isn't bad, but not at all at the level of the book, so you might not want to bother. Stick with the Pulitzer Prize winning novel and it will satisfy your need for a little lyricism in your life.

Read It:
The Shipping News Read more!

Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake

Swan Lake
Adventures in Motion Pictures
a kate west favorite
music by Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky
directed and choreographed by
Matthew Bourne
Tour: www.swanlaketour.com

Matthew Bourne has a great eye for cinema, which is one reason his production company is called Adventures in Motion Pictures. Primarily a brilliant Choreographer, he sees dance as bodies in motion, visualizing the stage in a big picture way. As a result, his productions are luscious feats for the eye and passionate elixirs for the soul. "Swan Lake" is his third and best ballet to date, and by far his most popular.

Deviating from the lovely but tried-and-true productions like the classic Petipa and Ivanov version, Bourne contemporizes famed Russian composer Tchaikovsky's epic vision. Instead of a young girl, he casts a young prince, aching to follow his dreams and escape tedious royal life. The biggest and perhaps most controversial change is that the swans are all strong and fierce men, rather than delicate, slender women. Adam Cooper is the magnificent lead swan, who seduces both versions of the Prince (Andrew Walkinshaw as the younger, and Scott Ambler as the older). Fiona Chadwick is the icy, sterile Queen, taking any lover she can and oppressing her wayward son. Many claim that Bourne's productions have a specifically gay artistic perspective and while it is true that the male presence is quite strong, especially in "Swan", it works. It's an aesthetic choice that still conveys the universality of passion and truth.

Along with the richly beautiful and sublime musical score, this production offers beautiful and sublime dance. The sets and costumes are modern bliss and the characters cavort as paparazzi, Soho club members, East End gangsters and even cold and heartless doctors and nurses. The dancers are all consummate professionals, of course.



Your imagination will be profoundly touched and you won't want it to be over. It's one of the very few original productions that truly deserves a standing ovation. If you missed it in Los Angeles, you can still try and catch the tour or at the very least check out the DVD of the acclaimed production (winner of the Olivier Award).

Also recommended: Bourne's "Cinderella", "Nutcracker!" and "Edward Scissorhands". You can skip "Carman" (Bourne's auto mechanical take on Bizet's "Carmen").

See It Now:
Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake (Matthew Bourne) Read more!