6A
Tuesday, January 14, 1997
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Evita impressive but not magical
By Ashlee Roll
Kansan staff writer
The movie born during Madonna's pregnancy has arrived in all its Dolby surround-sound glory. Yes, I'm talking about *Evita*.
In spite of fabulous outfits and toe-tappin' tunes, this movie-musical leaves the viewer feeling empty, with nothing but a ticket stub left to show for almost three hours.
Although it's not saying much, this may be Madonna's finest film to date. She does an outstanding job portraying Argentina's former first lady, Eva Perón
But let's get one thing straight. You will leave the theater humming Don't Cry For Me Argentina.
The movie reminds me of a really long music video like *Thriller* or the one that
R. Kelly did where he is a gangster who falls in love with the boss' woman.
But I disrespect
But I digress.
Evita is entertaining, but the fact that there is no dialogue becomes kind of annoying. The entire script is sung, and halfway through, I just wanted to hear someone talk.
Madonna's *Evita* has a fiery passion that lurks beneath her well-coifed surface. She plays the part with a discipline lacked in past movie ventures.
However, she was outshined by Antonio Banderas, who plays Ché. Banderas delivers much-needed humor and irony.
Unfortunately, every time I saw Banders on the screen, all I could think was, 'I can't believe he married Melanie Griffith.' That is the problem with *Evita*, the movie well don't hold the audience's attention well enough even to notice the
progression
REVIEW
pregnancy throughout the movie.
The simple fact is that I never forgot it was Madonna playing Eva Peron. I was never transferred to that magical place where you forget where you are and really believe that the actors are their characters.
Basically, Madonna looked classy and she sang and danced opposite Melanie Griffith's new husband, on whom it was revealed in the docrumara "Truth or Dare that Madonna used to have a crush.
I am a lifelong Madonna fan. I own the albums and posters, and in junior high I even sported the fake mole on my upper lip.
But the truth is that Evita failed to
evoke the emotions in me that I desired. I expected to cry from the opening credits to the end of the movie. But no tears fell until the final scene, which was very moving.
The beautifully-shot movie was rich in scenery and characters, but it was the story that did not translate well onto the screen.
Director Alan Parker has made a wonderful movie, but don't expect to understand the complicated politics of Argentina and the Peróns.
For the entire saga of Eva Perón to be appreciated, it needs to be seen live. The emotion that it evoked on Broadway in 1979 was minimalized by its move to the big screen.
Do, however, expect to walk away with a new-found respect for the talents of Madonna and Antonio Banderas.
Bulgarian government to allow elections
The Associated Press
SOFIA, Bulgaria — Pressured by mounting street protests and threats of strikes, Bulgaria's ruling former Communists tentatively agreed yesterday to allow early elections that could force them from power. Their foes demanded still concessions.
Opponents staged their seventh day of protests, inspired by the eight weeks of daily anti-government demonstrations in neighboring Serbia.
But unlike Serbia, where workers
mostly have stayed on the sidelines, union leaders said hundreds of thousands of workers were ready to strike to oust the former Communists, who reorganized as Socialists after Communist rule ended in Bulgaria in 1989.
The Socialists insisted that elections shouldn't take place before next year. They also added some conditions: Their candidate for premier, Interior Minister Nikolal Dobrev, was non-negotiable, and Socialists must participate in talks on a program to heal the economy.
Opposition leaders were not impressed. The offer doesn't change anything, said Ivan Kostov, head of the opposition Union of Democratic Forces. Earlier, Kostov rejected an invitation from Parvanov for negotiations.
Kostov said he wanted a clear statement from the Socialist Party's policymaking board that Parvanov had the authority to negotiate on setting early elections.
The opposition wants elections as soon as possible, and it is receiving support on
the streets from citizens fed up with average wages, which equal about $20 a month, inflation that reached 300 percent last year, and Socialist inaction.
The demands for early elections received support from workers.
The two largest trade unions said they would stage a nationwide strike.
resterday, hundreds of workers walked off the job at the main oil refinery in the Black Sea port of Burgas, while dockers at the Black Sea port of Varna staged a one-hour warning strike.
Space station Mir to be stellar gym for U.S. astronaut
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The cosmonauts aboard Russia's space station probably will feel like slugs when Jerry Linenger arrives.
The 41-year-old astronaut is a marathon runner and triathlete who plans to put in hard time on the exercise equipment aboard Mir and will be packing a supply of nutritious Power Bars when he gets to the space station tonight.
"They've got two treadmills, so I should be able to keen busy," he said.
Linenger will spend 4 1/2 months aboard Mir, replacing NASA astronaut John Blaha, who has been in orbit since September. Blaha's two Russian crewmates are five months into a six-month mission.
Linenger will be, by far, the most athletic astronaut ever to spend a long time in space, and doctors can't wait to see how he fares.
Astronauts lose bone and muscle in weightlessness, a problem NASA is trying to overcome, or at least manage, through regular orbital exercise.
Like his three U.S. predecessors on Mir, Linenger will spend two hours a day exercising. He wanted to do more, but Russian doctors urged him to stick to the program.
The Associated Press
Linenger spent his last few days on Earth, before Sunday's launch, doing what he enjoys most.
"I wanted to be an arthing all the way," he said. "Iran a lot, went down to the beach, actually went swimming in the ocean out there. It was a bit chilly, but I said, 'I just want to do that one last time before I take off.'"
Linenger is due back on Earth in late May, one month before his wife, Kathryn, is due to give birth to their second child. The couple have a year-old son.
As for the possibility of missing the birth if his shuttle trip home is delayed, Linenger said: "It's going to be uplifting if I'm up here floating or I'm down on Earth with my wife."
Today's Birthday (Jan. 14)
This year you have a strong desire to succeed. In February, improve your skills to earn more. July is a good time to form a partnership, either in business or love. Travel with an old friend in September. A decision in late November could cause change.
Todav's Birthday (Jan. 14)
HOROSCOPES
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Today is an 8.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Today is a 6.
Avoid an argument that doesn't concern you. If you get involved, you may not meet a deadline you've set.
Solidify travel plans.
Gemini (May 21-June 21)
Today is a 7.
Don't follow your strongest urges tonight because they may be excessive. If you're looking for romance, consider a person who's slightly older or higher in status.
Your social calendar is probably stuffed with possibilities today. Unfortunately, your checkbook isn't quite as full. Don't pass up a job of any kind; you'll need the income.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
than usual. Instead, delegate some Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23 of your chores to a loved one.
This could be a confusing day. Your attention span may be even shorter
Leo (July 23-Aug.22) Today is a 7
If you get the day off, congratulations. It's fine for a long drive or a bike ride. It looks as if you have a big job to finish. Once you get it done, your relationship with a co-worker will improve.
Today is a 7.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Don't race off in three different directions. If you can't tell job to do first, ask your mate or best friend to decide for you. Buy a new gadget for the home, and your job there could get easier.
Although this is a marvelous day for romance, your taxes or some other financial worry gets in the way. Maybe it's just your job.
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21)
Today is an 8.
Don't let a co-worker get you distracted. Your own experience will serve you better. Push for an agreement in romance this morning.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Today is a 6.
It looks like you're in a financial pinch. Slown down a bit. A sports date could lead to something more serious tonight.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan.19) Today is on 8
Somebody at home is not going along with your every whim. This could turn out OK, but a change is necessary. Get the other person to make it.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb.18)
lious. Get out for a little fresh air, and you'll improve your attitude as well as your physical condition.
You may feel restricted by rules and regulations today. That's partly because you're also feeling rebel-
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Today is an 8.
A group activity should go very well, but don't spend too much money on it. Also, make sure your vehicle is in good shape before starting out an adventure.
NOTE Horoscopes have no basis in scientific fact and should be read for entertainment only.
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Welcome back students! Free Bus Service Now Available
KU on Wheels resumes service for free on Jan. 9. Bus passes will be sold and distributed on the 9,10,13,14 in the Kansas Room located on the 6th floor of the Kansas Union.After the 14th passes can be picked up or purchased at the Banking Window in the Kansas Union.
*Bus service will be Free through Jan. 15.*
Top Ten Reasons why you should buy a bus pass
10. Mass Transit conserve energy and will help save the planet.
9. KU on wheels is efficient
8. It's a very reliable service
7. You will never have to deal with parking
5. Riding in a big, green bus is cool
4. Avoid potential for frostbite on those cold days
4. Avoid potential for frostbite on those cold days.
3. Riding a bus is the perfect way to meet people
2. Bus drivers are cool
1. You can wake up 10 minutes before class and still make it on time
If you've never ridden on a bus now is the time, because busses are FREE through Jan. 15th.