Not surprisingly, there are many sliding doors in "Sliding Doors," the directing and screenwriting debut of actor Peter Howitt - subway doors, elevator doors, opaque doors, plate glass doors.
In any other film, this metaphor for the temporary openings for opportunity in life, and your perceptions thereof, would spread itself thin rather quickly. But mix in a clever concept, a relentlessly witty script and a sparkling Gwyneth Paltrow and "Sliding Doors" not only spreads on well, it's also the chunkiest of cinematic delicacies.
Luminous Paltrow shines in electric 'Sliding'
The blokes of Monty Python once advised the world, through song, to "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life." In "Sliding Doors," John Hannah tells Gwyneth Paltrow the same. For Peter Howitt, director and screenwriter of "Sliding Doors" and lifelong Monty Python fan, the bright side of his life has never been quite so blinding.'Sliding' opens Hollywood's doors for director Howitt
This past weekend's production of "West Side Story" proved how talented University students are. The department of musical theater shined as all aspects of its aptitude was showcased within the Bernstein/Sondheim/Robbins musical.
The show's major dance numbers were captivating and compelling. The Jets and Sharks sparkled in such dance gems as "The Prologue," "Dance at the Gym," "Cool," "America," and "The Rumble." Robbins' brilliant choreography was given new life and a new touch by visiting Broadway choreographer Mark Esposito.
Sets distract great 'West' performances
When NBC released a "rough cut" of its new miniseries that premieres on Sunday, special effects were only partially finished, painted background mattes of castles had not been added into shots, and a lot of music editing was yet to be done when this tape was recorded.
Magical effects save 'Merlin'
1991 Carroll & Graf Publishers
Book catches 'Game': For Love Of The Game
Full of an audience that consisted mainly of 12-year-olds and their parents, Clutch Cargo's was bursting with action on Saturday evening.
Despite an extremely early door time at 5 p.m. the former church was filled to capacity for NOFX's first appearance in the Detroit area in almost two years. 
Crowd captures NOFXessence
Today, the University will dole out its most prestigious awards for literary achievement: the Hopwoods. Big-money, big-recognition and prizes will reward stellar work, and to add to the occasion, John Barth will speak at the ceremony.Author Barth to discuss fine writing at ceremony
Ever since his impressive debut in "Boyz N The Hood," Ice Cube has made some questionable choices in the roles he chooses to accept. "Friday," a hilarious comedy co-starring Chris Tucker marked one of his better choices.
So when he chose to team up with the same group again for "The Players Club," one might have thought this was a match made in heaven. But because Cube wrote and directed "The Players Club," he has no one to blame but himself for the mess that is his directorial debut.'Players' loses big
On what concert dates will Beck open for Dave Matthews Band? Will Metallica ever record with Madonna? Why does Johnny Quest think Less Than Jake are sellouts? How many ribs does Marilyn Manson really have?
These intriguing questions and many more can be answered on the music extravaganza Web magazine known as SonicNet. A combination of music bios, pictures, sound bites, chat rooms and much more grace the links of this Web page. With a barrage of music information, sound and excitement, SonicNet has some of the most jamming music coverage on the Internet.SonicNet rocks World Wide Web
For those who doubted, Ice Cube is back, with a vengeance. Many thought he fell off after making the classic "Death Certificate," but didn't want to believe the Cube-spearheaded "Westside Connection" was the truth. To those people, Ice Cube gives a big middle finger, he gives them "The Players Club" movie and soundtrack.Ice Cube plays with perfection on 'Club'
What album with a white cruise ship on the cover will not gross millions of dollars of revenue this year? Loudon Wainwright III's "Little Ship." And it's a shame that he won't be able to reap as many rewards as "Titanic," because Wainwright has more talent in his pinkie than "Titanic"'s cast and crew combined.Wainwright's 'Ship' docks at greatness
They hail from the LBC, and aren't a rap group. Straight outta Southern California comes the world's most un-So-Cal sounding punk band, the Humpers.
Their third release for Epitaph, "Euphoria, Confusion, Anger and Remorse" is just like any other Humpers record: loud, aggravating, kick-in-the-head punk rock. This is a band that, like fine wine, only gets better with age. The Humpers achieve 'Euphoria'
Probably experiencing its "Darkest Days," Stabbing Westward has finally released a follow up to "Wither, Blister, Burn and Peel," which featured the hit single, "Shame."
The first single from "Darkest Days," is "Save Yourself." On this track, Stabbing Westward still tries to ride "Shame's" success, since its musical lead-in is almost identical to that of their hit. Aside from a decent beat, which is interrupted by a few useless interludes, the song is devoid of worthwhile lyrics.Darkest 'Days' lie Westward
Apparently, the history books are wrong. Instead of horses, civil war cavalry rode into battle on the backs of large elephants. At least that's the story as told by Clutch on its new CD "The Elephant Riders."
But what hurts Clutch's overall sound on many tracks is Neil Fallon's vocals. Too often, he tries to extend beyond his capacities as a singe, and makes up for this lack of vocal range by simply yelling. However noble this might be, it brings down the overall quality of the songs.Clutch rides 'Elephant'
Have you ever invited a friend to a party and found out half way through that he was more popular with your friends than you? Well, that must be exactly what jazz guitarist John Scofield is thinking right now.
In his recently released album "A Go Go," Scofield is fully eclipsed by his guests, John Medeski, Billy Martin and Chris Wood. In fact, Scofield himself brings down the overall sound of the group and comes out clearly as the ugliest-sounding duckling of this quartet.Scoeld goes blandly 'A Go Go'
What ever happened to the heartfelt emotions expressed in most of the R&B music of the past? Where's the love? If you're looking for the answers to these questions then you're not likely to find them on Mya's self-titled debut album. This CD can be best described in one phrase: OK, but nothing special.Mya introduces same old R&B song on self-titled debut
04-21-98
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