8
Wednesday, June 10, 1992
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
ALL APPETIZERS 50% OFF IN JUNE Bring in this coupon and get a FREE 16 oz drink
"There's Only One El Matador Cafe"
446 Locust (East of Johnny's Tavern 3 Blocks)
Tues.-Fri. 11:30-2pm
Tues.-Sat. 5-9:30pm
Sunday 4-8pm, Closed Monday
SAC'S SPECIALS & CLOSEOUTS
Video Department
99$ VIDEOS
- Every Tape - Every Day
- Latest New Releases
- Over 2400 Tapes in Stock
COUPON - CLIP - N - SAVE
SAC'S
SPECIALS
& CLOSEouts
Video Department
EXPIRES 7-10-92
Rent 2
Tapes, Get
1 FREE!
25th & Iowa
Lawrence, Ks.
25th and Iowa 842-7810
(Next to Food 4-Less)
Hours: 9-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
10-6 p.m. Sun.
914 Massachusetts 841-6966
"Patriot Games" may disappoint Clancy fans
By David Mitchell Contributing Editor
"Patriot Games" was released this weekend with all the hype of a sequel to a blockbuster hit and the screen adaptation of a best-selling novel with an all-star cast. In fact, high expectations might be the biggest obstacle the film has to overcome.
Equally eerie is the satellite lineup which allows Ryan to watch an assault on a terrorist camp.
Too many experts and moviegoers have been caught up in comparing the new release with its 1900 predecessor, "The Hunt For Red October." That film grossed $200 million. Viewers hoping for more "Hunt"-type entertainment will be vastly disappointed as the two films take different approaches.
The movie ends with a cliffhanger that leaves the audience grooming. Ford has already signed on to depict Ryan again in future films.
Fans of author Tom Clancy will also be upset, as the film is only loosely
Thus, these discrepancies have the movie opening to mixed reviews. Critical compd Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert predictably split over the film.
based on his novel of the same name. Clancy has panned the screenplay's departure from the book.
Those who see the film for its own sake will find it entertaining. And Ford fans will be delighted with his return to action-adventure films after back-to-back dramatic roles.
Ford is the high-minded CIA analyst trying to protect his family from terrorists. Unfortunately, with the exception of Ford, most of the main characters are duly one-dimensional. Sean Bean is easily despised as the terrorist who stalks Ryan, but his character is grossly underdeveloped. James Earl Jones' considerable talents are also squandered in a role unworthy of his ability.
For starters, In "The Hunt For Red October," the audience could not be certain who the good guys were, or what motivated the main characters until the movie was nearly over. Conversely, "Patriot Games" follows a straightforward revenge formula that leaves little doubt about the outcome. Viewers will also have to adapt to Harrison Ford's portrayal of Clancy's hero, Jack Ryan, rather than Alicen Baldwin, who originated the role.
Despite these considerable problems, the film does have a lot to offer. Most notably, Ford is fantastic as Ryan. And though the movie lacks the superb submarine sequences of its predecessor, it offers plenty of suspense.
The concluding scene at Ryan's home takes an interesting approach as the audience sees through the eyes of the terrorists' night-vision goggles.
Whether viewers label this film a hit or a bomb will depend largely on what preconceived notions they take to the theater with them. With some of the big-name bombs that have been released so far this summer, "Sister Act," "Ericino Man," etc., "Patriot Games" is still your best bet.
"Games" director defends film's interpretation of the novel
By David Mitchell Contributing Editor
This summer, "Patriot Games" becomes the second Tom Clancy novel adapted to film. It follows the 1990, $200 million hit, "The Hunt For Red October." The film opened Friday with mixed reviews.
Some have criticized the vast differences between Clancy's book and the
In a telephone interview yesterday
director Phillip Noyce defended the film's interpretation of the novel.
"You have a 500-page novel and your screenplay is going to be 120 pages long." Noyce said. "How are you going to fit it all in?"
"It's difficult to adapt a 500-page book. But I think readers of the book will find enough of the book in the film to make it interesting—along with some good things that aren't in the book."
Most notably, the film's ending has
been scaled down from the dramatic SWAT team shootout to a one-on-one confrontation between Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford) and Sean Miller (Sean Bean).
Though the reviews have been mixed, Noyce was pleased that some well-respected reviewers had praised the film. "All I can say in our defense is that The New York Times and The New Yorker both feel that the adaptation is more than worthy of the book," he said.
”
You have a 500-page novel and your
screenplay is going to be 120-pages long. How are you going to fit it all
Phillip Noyce Director of "Patriot Games"
Saturday, June 13th
KJHK BENEFIT
LOVE
squad
at the
TEE-PEE
Lawrence, KS
50¢ DRAWSI 50¢ DRAWSI
50¢ THE SOUND ALTERNATIVE DRAWS KJHX BENEFIT
Friday, June 12th
the Aspen Times calls em...
"A socially conscious acoustic duo"
JACKOPIERCE from Dallas
at the SCHOOLHOUSE (ICHABODS)
Try Cornucopia Restaurant & Bar Today 1801 Massachusetts 842-9637