December 1999 Volume 80 Number 12 "serving the protectors"
By Mike Horsfall

AT THE CINEMA

THE BONE COLLECTOR

If the cinema release of The Bone Collector delivers anywhere near the thrill and suspense of the book then it’s bound to be a success.

Amelia Donaghy (Angelina Jolie) is a policewoman faced with a gruesome murder. Assigned the task of solving the crime, she is forced to team up with the brilliant forensic expert Lincoln Rhymes (Denzel Washington). But Lincoln has been confined to his bed since a near fatal injury on a previous investigation.

Under his direction, Donaghy becomes his eyes and legs as the two investigators join their talents in a race to track the killer before he strikes again.

BICENTENNIAL MAN

Timed for the holiday period is another new film from the producers of Mrs Doubtfire. Again starring Robin Williams, Bicentennial Man is based on the novella, The Bicentennial Man and the novel, The Positronic Man by Isaac Asimov.

Set in the near future, the Martin family has its own android to perform menial tasks around the house. Andrew (Robin Williams) is a functional being only.

No one could have foreseen the “specialness” that Andrew develops through his association with humans. He begins to display emotions, individual creativity and curiosity about the intricacies of life - not exactly your typical android behaviour.

In a hilarious and heart-warming tale, Andrew and the Martin family all come to realize this android’s unique destiny is to become human.

For the opportunity to receive one of 10 double passes to either of these films, put your details on the back of a used envelope and address it to Mike Horsfall, Sturt Police Station (12) The Bone Collector or Bicentennial Man.

ON VIDEO

TO RENT

Forces of Nature - Its success at the Australian box office would have to make Forces of Nature worthy of hire. Released towards the end of the month, it tells the tale of Ben (Ben Affleck) who finds himself stranded in New York only two days before his wedding. Against his better judgement he hitches a ride with Sarah (Sandra Bullock) and takes off on what turns out to be a riotous road trip.

TO BUY

The Truman Show - Reviewed earlier this year when available for rent, this movie proved to be better than expected. Although very popular, the principal actor, Jim Carey, has some interesting - or annoying - character traits. Nonetheless, in this movie he really is quite good, and so is the film.

ON CD

ONLY YAZOO -THE BEST OF

Back in the early ’80s, music was just a little different from what it is today. There certainly wasn’t the wild extremes we experience now. In 1982, Depeche Mode songwriter, Vince Clarke, teamed up with Alison Moyet to form Yazoo. Their first release, Only You, hit the shops in May 1982 and was followed by Don’t Go two months later.

Both songs became huge hits, as did the album that followed. Things didn’t work out well between the two and sadly they split only 12 months later. Now Mushroom Records has released a new best-of album. It features the great ’80s songs and a number of 1999 remixes. At only $19.95 it’s well worth a listen.

1968 BBC FAREWELL CONCERT - THE SEEKERS

Well before the days of Yazoo, Judith Durham, Athol Guy, Keith Potger and Bruce Woodley formed The Seekers. They were an Australian folk group who sang purely for the love of it. Within a few years, they became one of the most popular singing groups in the world, with such hits as I’ll Never Find Another You, Morning Town Ride and The Carnival is Over.

The Seekers performed their final concert on Sunday July 7, 1968. It was broadcast live to over 10 million people. The remarkable farewell performance was unseen and unheard for more than 30 years. It is available now for $19.95 from Mushroom Records, as one of the “10 of the best” range.

VIVA WISCONSIN - VIOLENT FEMMES

Another release in the “10 of the best” range, music in this CD isn’t really a true reflection of the group’s name. The music of Violent Femmes certainly isn’t sweet and melodious, but it does have a very unique attraction. It’s been said that: “attending a Femmes concert is like riding a whirling dervish of sound, sight and frenetic fan participation”. After listening to Viva Wisconsin - their first live album - it’s easy to understand why.

If you’re sick of noise for the sake of noise, or music without any insight, then Viva Wisconsin might just be for you. It’s available now for $19.95.

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