4B
Entertainment
Monday, November 11, 1996
As good as advertised, Ransom worth the price
Mel Gibson turns tables on kidnappers
By Jeff Ruby
Kansan staff writer
Anyone who has been within earshot of a television in the last few weeks has at some point heard Mel Gibson screaming, "Give me back my son!" in what may be the loudest, most intense movie preview ever, for Ron Howard's Ransom.
Too often, movies shrivel when compared to the 30-second advertisements. This film actually delivers on the trailer's stirring promise. Ransom is a noisy, spiraling, action-packed saga loaded with plot twists, desperate characters and bloody violence, just as the commercial suggests. What a novel idea.
In Howard's latest blockbuster, Gibson plays Tom Mullen, a high-profile business executive whose too-cute-for-words son (played by Brawley Nolte) is kidnapped in Central Park and held for — surprise — ransom by moronic thugs and a crooked police detective who want to squeeze $2 million out of Mullen's bulky checkbook.
REVIEW
After a botched attempt to
exchange the money for his son, Mullen begins to believe that the kidnappers have no intention of returning the boy alive. Going against the wishes the FBI and his wife, played by Rene Russo, he turns the tables by offering the $2 million as a reward for anyone who finds his son. In this aspect, the preview was too good — it gave away the intriguing plot tilt.
With Mullen seemingly gambling with his son's life, the viewer isn't sure whether to sympathetic with his situation or hate him for his uncompromising hardball techniques. Like all good movies, we are put in the characters' shoes and are left wondering how we would react if we had such a dilemma.
The sharp movie plays out as a power struggle between two stubborn, forceful characters: Gibson's unpredictable Mullen and Jimmy Shaker (played by Forrest Gump's Gary Sinise), the corrupt cop who masterminds the ransom scheme.
The tension between husband and wife is sketched out exceptionally by Russo and Gibson, and Get Shorty's Delroy Lindo is sensational as the FBI agent who specializes in retrieving abducted children.
turned in by Sinise. The actor's chilling portrayal of Jimmy Shaker — a villain so ruthless that he makes Cape Fear's Max Cady look like
But the film's best performance is
Thisfilm... is a
noisy, spiraling action-packed saga loaded with plot twists...just as the commercial
suggests.
Shirley Temple — keeps the heavy film from becoming unbearable.
In the film's most intense scenes, the viewer gets periodic peeks into the lives of abductors. Howard's tight presentation of the criminals' motives makes an already-tense movie even more anxious and suspenseful.
Every second is gripping, each scene is crucial and there is no let-down for two hours. *Ransom* is a straightforward, emotional action film that succeeds on all levels.
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) Today is a 9.
Your power is beginning to wane slightly. Seize this opportunity to wrap up as many deals as possible. Don't start new enterprises now, wait until later in the week. Sell instead of buy. Clean out your closets and get rid of stuff you've outgrown.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Todav is a 7.
Obligations weigh heavy on your shoulders this morning. A private consultation helps you understand what's been happening behind the scenes. Make choices carefully; there may be hidden consequences. Meditate on recent developments this evening and relax.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Today is a 7.
HOROSCOPES
Wrap up a project you've been working on with friends. People will be in a decisive mood, so it's easier to go through the material. Either do each job, reschedule it or scratch it off your list. There's no more time to think it over.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb.18)
Today is a 6.
An older person's attempt to dominate you could be blatant. If you share a common goal, go along quietly. If the other person is headed in the wrong direction, employ a diversionary tactic. Reinforcements arrive tonight.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is an 8.
Fill your day with fun, games and travel. Succumb to the beckoning of far-away places. Investigate a mystery you've long wondered about. Whatever happened to so-and-so? Today, with a friend at your side, you can try to find out.
Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is a 5.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Today is an 8
If you need to ask for money this morning, be respectful. Make sure your boots are polished and you have all the facts at your fingertips. An expedition this afternoon or evening leads to startling new information.
Acquiesce gracefully to your partner's demands. There's no use arguing, but a subtle ploy might work. Try not to spend too much of the household money. If your partner wants something expensive, suggest that he or she chip in extra for it.
Gemini (May 21-June 21)
Today is a 6.
Concentrate on your work this morning. Old business must be completed before the day's over. Entrice yourself to greater efficiency by promising an evening of fun and frolic. Your most outrageous partner would love to play.
Smoldering embers may rekindle today. Watch out, if you're anywhere near an old flame. Don't
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Today is an 8.
make any plans for tonight; you're going to be too busy. A job you've already promised, plus some new assignments, will take up more time than you have.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Today is a 6.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Today is an 8.
You may be stuck in the mud for most of the day. Struggling will only make it worse. To win this game, you're going to have to outsmart the opposition. Tonight, stop talking trivia. Your sweet-heart has something significant to discuss.
Cram your head full of knowledge this morning. You'll need as much as you can gather to solve a domestic problem tonight. The challenge that presents itself is almost like a whodunit. You'll have to figure out the clues to get the right answer.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
Today is a 5.
No need to panic if money's tight.
There's lots of it out there. Discuss
the matter in private with a wealthier
person. Look for another
source of income, not another
loan. A secret revealed tonight will
steer you in the right direction.
Note: Horoscopes have no basis in scientific fact and should be read for entertainment only.
THE ORIENTE
VIETNAMESE CUISINE
Daily Lunch and Dinner Specials
Carry Our Available
1006 Mass 843-0561
In Old Drake's Snack Shop
FINE LINE TATTOO, INC
BODY PIERCING
"We Go Under Your Skin"
• Quality work
• Reasonably priced
• Hospital Sterilization
• Thousands of designs
and custom work
• Family owned and operated
• 25 years of experience
29th & Mass. Topaka
(913) 233-828 Mon-Sat 12-8
PLEASE JOIN US ON NOVEMBER 12 AT 7:00PM, IN THE INTERNATIONAL ROOM OF THE KANSAS UNION AS
ALL HOUSE MARGARITAS
DINNER SPECIAL:
$5.25 HOMBRE BURRITO
THE JAYHAWK ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONALS PRESENTS:
FOR A DISCUSSION OF CAREERS IN WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTALLY RELATED EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR
Fall Fitness Sale
Fred Pinkney, Water resources specialist with Burns and McDonnell
Sale Lasts Through November Values on Athletic Shoes up to 40% Off Shop Early for Best Selection Try Our Web Site: members.aol.com/sneakrs96/page.htm
1 out of 4 of your classmates will get an STD.
1 out of 4 people in the U.S. will contract an STD in their lifetime. Be Safe. Be prepared.
1420 Kasold Drive, Suite C, Lawrence, KS
Planned Parenthood provides confidential & affordable health care including testing and treatment of STDs and HIV testing.
(913) 832-0281
When you need us:
WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!
Planned Parenthood of Mid-Missouri and Eastern Kansas
is building a playhouse in front of Stauffer-Flint Hall November 11-15 to be raffled at a later date Come Help!
Habitat for Humanity
ACTION WITH VISION CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.
JOEI BARKER "THE POWER OF VISION"
Kansan Classified
100s Announcements
105 Personals
110 Business Personals
110 Announcements
130 Entertainment
140 Lost and Found
200s Employment
ces
235 Typing Services
205 Help Wanted
225 Professional Servi-
300s
Merchandise
305 For Sale
340 Auto Sales
360 Miscellaneous
370 Want to Buy
400s Real Estate
405 Real Estate
430 Roommate Wanted
... KANSAN CLASSIFIEDS:
864-4358
100s Announcements
105 Personals
24 open 8rs everyday. Clean and air conditioned
Commerce Plaza laudunard. 3028 Iowa St.
Wanted 52 people. New metabolism break-
out. Free gift. Call 800-776-5000.
Free Gift. Call 800-776-5000.
Do you have a date tonight?
Order your copy of, Strategies: How to Greet
People with Good Morning.
and Meet interesting People. A step by step guide on how to approach and con-
A step by step guide on how to approach and converse with anyone.
Send $10.00 plus 2.00 for SKIH to: NUKEP, POKE
Rog 147 Jan Gatriel, Gaibriel, A91778
Name:___
Address:___
City, State, Zip:___
110 Business Personals
BC Auto & Cycle now reaping Asian and Euro-
nicum North 61st, north Lawrence. B4-895-665
North 61st, north Lawrence. B4-895-665
"Did You Get Stuck With A Aunch Problem?"
Affordable technology delivers the result you want. Safe for children, pets, and electronics.
Personal Technologies
Hours
Monday-Friday 8-8
Saturday 8-4:30
Sunday 12:30-4:30
864-9500
Kansan Ads Pay
Classified Policy
The Kansan will not knowingly accept any advertisement for housing or employment that discriminates against race, color, sex, age, creed, religion, sexual orientation, nationality or disability. Further, the Kansan will not knowingly accept advertising that is in violation of University of Kansas regulations.
All real estate advertising in this newspaper is submitted to the Federal Fair Law of 1968 which makes it liable to advertise any "prey requirement" or discrimination on face, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial or institutional or military or misuse to make such an such preference, limitation or discrimination.
Our readers are hereby informed that all jobs and housing advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.
120 Announcements
Attention All Students!
Attendance Annuities
Agricultural Bank of New York
Grants available from
sponsors! No payment ever. $$$ for col-
lection. May be paid by bank or check.
MEN AND WOMEN NEEDED Headquarters Counseling Center needs volunteers. Training Provided. Interested? Info, Meetings.
Mon. Nov. 18, 7pm at Library, 707 Vermont
Tues. Nov. 19, 7pm at ECM, 1204 Oread
Questions? 811-2435
Ski Winter Park, CO!!
Discounted lodging & lift pkgs,
Alpine Vacations
1-800-551-9943
HEADQUARTERS Counseling Center
841-2345 • 1419 Mass.
24 hrs. Free
Classified Ads Get Results. Fast!
1