MichiganDaily.com

Arts Stories for 4-11-2000

Funny nuances 'Return' comedy to romance flick

It's perhaps easier to make a bad romantic comedy than any other genre of films. So those interested in taking "Return to Me" out on a date should be forewarned before making a move for second base - it's anything but easy.

'Rumble' takes a tumble in theaters

Don't get me wrong, wrestlers command a certain amount of respect for their hillbilly-entertaining antics; just watch "Beyond the Mat," a behind-the-scenes professional wrestling documentary. However, unless you are brainless (or a bona fide frat boy), I hope to high heaven you will find "Rumble" a waste of your hard-earned pennies.

Hanson boys to leave bubblegum under the desk

Hanson is a real boy band - and if that sounds like an insult, then you're starting to understand the challenge facing the pop trio as it mounts a comeback from "Middle of Nowhere."

DJ Dijital spins pure Detroit techno 'Prototype'

Don't expect to find a better collection of the Detroit-based label Direct Beat's style of electro-influenced techno.

Plug assembles 'Lunchbox' of sounds

For this project, Plug Research assembled some of the world's most recognized producers of experimental electronic music such as Ectomorph, Pole, Kit Clayton and John Tejada. What is most interesting about this album is how each of the many producers uses vocals in a totally unique way. Some producers such as Pole use undecipherable vocals in alien languages while others such as Herbert take the more traditional route.

'Heavy' hitters combine forces

Take equal parts sex and violence. Add brand new music from more than a dozen prominent heavy metal bands and a few old favorites. Now animate. What you have are the ingredients for a film guaranteed to cause an uproar among parents, with a legendary soundtrack thrown in for good measure. This formula succeeded with the release of the cult favorite "Heavy Metal" in 1981, and a new group of producers are hoping that the blueprint will work once again in the sequel, "Heavy Metal 2000."

4-11-2000