Pina 3D !

Not your mothers dance movie! This rendition is vibrant, true to its subject and its source - the troupe who encouraged director Wim Wenders to follow through even after the death of their spiritual and artistic leader, Pina. Excellent movie for the newly renovated Seattle Cinerama who have graduated from the rehash of old cinerama movies - which actually were quite a treat!
Bravo!
[FYI, Pina 3D can now be viewed at SIFF theaters at Uptown at the base of Queen Anne hill. Speaking of worthwhile renovated theater spaces!! Good to patronize such projects who bring life back into city cinema, I should think.]

Red Tails

Heck of a ride! Wonderful aerial battle scenes highlight the adventures and personal drama of the highly touted (today, not so much back in their day) Tuskegee Airmen. With the solid acting of Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr. supported with the younger cast, and serviceable writing and direction, My two hours (yikes, it feels a tad long) were well spent. And, it sent me home wanting to know more. Any film that sends its young audience home to ask questions, to the local library to do research, ... it's a good thing, yes?!
Worth going to? Definitely.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Gary Oldman is the perfect one for this. And it's a faithfully rendered Le Carre' ...
If you're up for that: you'll enjoy.
It's a bit dense but would you have it any other way?
It's its own period piece. It's of a certain genre. And still, it's good that it was made - now.
Recommended.

My Week with Marilyn

More than Marilyn - and the outstanding performance of Michele Williams, believe it or not.
Do not miss this film. It's one of the best of the year. Surefire statue nods all around - a truly good cast. Kenneth Brannagh almost pulls off Sir Laurence, not an easy task for him. Julie Ormond as Vivien Leigh is spot on, a delight. And some discoveries to be made.
Good writing! What do you expect. The protagonist became a good writer but this is from his nascent days in the film industry ( perhaps a good complement to The Artist in a way).
No two ways about it: this is good film-making for film-goers.
It's got what you go to the movies for: See it.

Sherlock Holmes: Shadows afoot

Sherlock is upgrading. On TV too! So Robert Downey Jr. - always fun to watch with his uniquely creative approach to almost every role that rolls his way - and Jude Law continue the chemistry, and the martial arts routines, and the explosives, and yes - the intrigue! Some old farts who prefer it the old fashioned way may complain: but I'm impressed I actually like a Guy Ritchie film. He uses his trademark fashion to good effect and what the heck! It's a fun ride.

Moneyball

The title says it more than the topic, which may be offputting, baseball. It's more a story of the man whose approach to managing the finances and personnel of a team makes him a loner in more ways than one. He's known by baseball fans, if not sports fans. And, for Brad Pitt and the ensemble, it's a fun go. Women will like it for more than the obvious reason. Men, sure. It's a study on how to compete for space in a world where that is becoming more and more less and less. Moneyball. It's a sure thing!

The Descendants

Ample room to give the popular George Clooney his due. It's good but not that good!

The Sitter

Josh at his ever lovin' best! Rocks and rolls with raunch adventure - as in 'Adventures in Baby Sitting'' meets 'The Hangover' ... Good supporting cast adds to the mix.
Can't go wrong unless this type of humour and situations on the edge push you over.
Recommended with some reserve ...

The Help

Wow!
So many great performances, a good script, restrained but firm directing.
And a great story! yes, the modern perspective is there but so is the truth, the humanity and a wonderful film.
Perhaps the best of the year. Emma Stone surprises by her maturity, strength and access to the real central character: played with aplomb, range and confidence, Viola Davis' character is the heart and soul at center. For her award recognition should be certain. For Octavio Spencer, who has risen to another level, and whose character adorns this film. For Howard's daughter, a solid performance.
Will the sparkling role of Chastain be overlooked? It screams authenticity every bit as electric as her all but over the top performance! (In a year where she distinguishes in two other entirely different films with entirely unique performances, nonetheless. She is announced.)
Strong film.
Highly recommended.

Tower Heist

There are some good moments in Brett Ratner's Tower Heist but rarely do they occur often enough to warrant an elevated experience. Five writers Tedd Griffin and rewrite specialist Jeff Nathanson can't really help a good premise with good performances - especially from Eddie Murphy and Alan Alda. Ben Stiller is Ben Stiller - still pedantic. The Stiller vehicle meets Oceans Eleven meets Bernie Madoff and the financial crumble of 2008, our own reality show. Hard to recommend but you'll see much worse.

Anonymous

A brilliant conception scriptwise, while the acting is good, and it moves along like Shakespeare in Love meets some historical drama on TLC or the History Channel, it breaks down as the action comes together in a flood of conclusion. Doing some research on the open questions of authorship, as well as the time period, would be an immense help to enhance enjoyment!
Local to Seattle the timing of the release coincides well with a recent ACT! Theater production of Mary Stuart, launched most forcefully via the adept translation of Friedrich Schiller’s play by Peter Oswald and the tour de force performances of its leads - Anne Allgood as Mary and Suzanne Bouchard as Elizabeth.
The cinematography is chalky sepia tones - and it works with the design.
Well to Highly recommended for those with a keen interest in late a 1500s period piece, language, literature and political drama.

Length: 2:10
Standout Stars: Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave and David Thewlis.
Ably Directed by: Roland Emmerich
Award-Worthy Writing: John Orloff

- C A M P O ' S L I F E -

Film Reviews & News -- If not Latest, then Greatest

Crazy Heart & Leap Year bracket new offerings
by Tom Smeeth ... Jeff Bridges strums up awards circuit; Amy Adams romps control freak in new Rom-Com. Two distinctly different 'road' films - one heralds the heart of old-style country western inner journey with easy mastery of Bridges at his career best with Maggie Gyllenhaal sparking an at-odds November-June romance, the other features breezy Adams 'working it' as a take-charge modern woman on an oddball roadtrip across Ireland to propose to her equally stiff shirted boyfriend with laconic Matthew Goode the reluctant local boy as road companion.
... In Leap you get attractive Celtic scenery in formulaic effort with spots of humor and romance. With Crazy you get heart - an intimate cinematic investigation of the human landscape with backing heavies like T Bone Burnett, Stephen Bruton, among many others (EG, strong supporting roles Robert Duvall, and subdued Colin Farrell) - the film quietly hits all notes that haunt you. Adams, Goode & Co strike some laughs and surprises but it's candy that won't last.
... That's the outline of several new flicks to hit local screens - trying to wrest attention from Avatar, who have already made their money back (more than $350 M USA, $1.2 B global). Click Crazy Heart, or Leap Year - for link film sites & previews.

- N O T E - Turn your clocks!! Last Sunday 2 AM

Welcome Fall Back!
... Fall is here now, REALLY HERE.
... It's next to Winter Quarter - So,
,,, ,,,, how do you plan to Thanks Give?

- C A M P O ' S L I F E -

Unwrapping Christmas release, It’s Complicated
By Tom Smeeth... Get the DVD.
Deliciously decadent. Sleekly seductive: Streep is stupendous, Baldwin ballsy.
... There you have it – suitable for printing. However, be forewarned: All superlatives are apt descriptions for the new Streep-Meyers vehicle, an entertainment experience that will have you laughing in the new Christmas Day film, It’s Complicated. You may struggle with some ethical choices the characters make – but they provide for the ride. It’s a fun romp to enjoy vicariously! See it in a full theater audience roller coaster ride.
... By final credits, everyone gets taken through the ringer. Meryl Streep lets loose, lets it fly, and watch out! Alec Baldwin holds his own throughout the movie, which is pretty darn good. Martin and Kraskinski score big, too. ... While in the end, it’s not really all that complex, Complicated is definitely fun. ... For full review, see comment.... www.itscomplicatedmovie.com...

- A C A D E M I C S - G R A D E S

... Grades are in... ... not all students are happy with what Santa brought. This reporter experienced it first hand in my Acting 121 class with Dawson Nichols. After attempting to clear the matter with Dawson I find myself in the awkward position of having to petition the Dean to review my grade. In an email I received from Dawson today, he threatens that I should not attempt to revisit my grade or he may lower the grade further. Here is his text from the email. . .

"If you’d like to talk about your grade next quarter I’d be happy to do so. I would caution you against it, however. I feel that I have been lenient with you and extremely generous with this grade. If you would like me to revisit it I reserve the right to adjust it down as well."

... I find the implied threat offensive and unprofessional. I will be meeting with the department head on Monday and will let everyone know what happens. . .
... ... - Matt Harrison, Editorial board

- N E W S - SAC Leader Steps Down

Received by THE POLARIS, addressed to North Students -

For personal reasons, I have decided to resign from my position as director of the student administrative council. My time here has been a great learning experience which I value very much. I am proud of my team here and have complete confidence that they will continue their great work after I leave. We are currently making plans to fill the position and will have a new Director in place at the beginning of winter quarter. Please know that I appreciate all of your support that you have given myself and SAC and I hope you all have a happy holiday!

Sincerely, Alexis Baranov

- N E W S - C R I M E

Richard Blake was the NSCC gunman who fired off AK-47 rounds on August 28th 2009, prompting a three hour closure of I-5 from 130th ave to Lake City Way. Here is a video with some of his My Space photos on it. - Matt Harrison, Polaris staff

On December 2nd, 2009, The Seattle Times reported that Blake entered a guilty plea in U.S. District Court.

- F E A T U R E S -

Fire Rips Taproot, Land at Stage One through end of year
By Tom Smeeth
... Nothing parallels the story of the classic American move, It’s A Wonderful Life, quite like the nightmare lived by those who steer the local Taproot Theatre Company who faced devastation in a fire that swept their premises October 23 last year.
... How fitting that the resilient company of thespians were able to take over Stage 1 to mount this classic tale of human triumph over trial and tribulation. It's as special a story s to how Taproot was taken in by North’s own Stage One Theatre. It is after all a story of spiritual renewal through family, community and the values that withstand the test of time – and of inexplicable tragedy that might otherwise bring any of us to the brink. For the full overview, see Comments.
Visit Taproot's website.

- N E W S -

Student center funding denied
By Michele Thompson & Brendan Baker, staff writers
... Do students want the proposed Student Center? The vote is in, and it's a resounding "NO"! Out of approximately 8,000 students on North's campus, 1,619 submitted their vote electronically. You might be thinking that's only 20 percent, but it should be noted the Student Administrative Council is pleased by this number, which quadruples the average voter turnout of five. By November 20, a whopping 1,231 votes, or 76 percent, turned down the facility.
The leading reasons? The cost is too high and the timing is wrong for such a project.
-> For Full Story click Comment 1.

Fix It! Fixed!
By Tom Smeeth
... Two issues in previous issue were addressed by appropriate NSCC departments:
... - Tipped & damaged art structures were taken down, pending re-design.
... - Handicapped stall in Wellness Center men’s locker is now operational.
In further developments, this column will be given over to North sophomore Christopher Murdock, a business major working toward transfer. Murdock fields all inquiries to NowPolaris@gmail.com. Without a school ombudsperson, questions regarding school & community resources, it is hoped this column, in whatever form it continues, will be of service to address needs & queries.
... So, Dear Chris ...

- S P O R T S -

Titans take down Storm, 74-60
by Tom Smeeth
Saturday Dec 12th was a double-check game for the Storm men, who have begun to show demonstrable, and encouraging, improvement building on last year.
The good news on this night was that Seattle hung in against a very strong Tacoma team, check; the bad ... See Comment 1 (below) for full story and game details.
The Storm website.