University of South Carolina Libraries
Schwarzent UGHTSCAfyjEHAREACnON STEPHEN BROWN Staff Writer JUNIOR -A A L. I^.A k k k \uui vi ivaji diaib; When Jenner injected himself with smallpox to test his vaccine, he probably did not realize he was setting a precedent that would inspire Arnold Swarzenegger's character to become pregnant in the name of science. Ivan Reitman (director of "Twins," "Dave" and "Ghostbusters,") presents this odd scenario in his high-concept comedy "Junior." It is an involving film which supplies consistent laughter in its fresh look at a modern-day miracle of childbirth. Schwarzenegger ("True Lies") and Danny DeVito ("Renaissance Man") play Alex and Lany, research partners working on a fertility drug. Because they are favVvi rlrl Ar\ Irv t-\r*v?-Pai?w\ Vmm iui iu ^ciiuiih Human CApcii" mentation on others, Alex volunteers to be the human subject. When Dr. Diana Redden, played by the delightful Emma Thompson ("Much Ado About Nothing") arrives to work in their lab, she literally falls into Alex's arms. Toting a collection of ciyogenically frozen female eggs for her study of reproductive systems, she unintentionally supplies Larry and Alex with the other half of their genetic mixture. Larry steals an egg, and after working some scientific magic, injects Alex with their new wonder drug as well as a large dosage of estrogen. Once the two have proven the drug works, Alex still insists on going the whole nine months. Meanwhile the university's head of biotechnology research, Noah Banes (Frank Langella of "Dave") snoops around to discover what the scientists are la bonng over. Written by Kevin Wade and Chris Conrad, "Junior'' is a clever comedy because it turns the tables on gender roles and features inspired casting for the primary characters. Swarzenegger becomes a bigger actor than ever through his body suits and his comic timing is more advanced than usual. He and director Reitman previously collaborated on the comedies "Twins" and "Kindergarten Cop," and Reitman once again helps transform Swarzenegger's deadpan delivery, into brilliant comedy. Watching Swarzenegger's Alex get cramps, pig out on ribs and pasta, undergo mood swings, read "Modern Maternity" and lose control of his body is a sight to behold. I N icolas CAGE 1 Pi H mm in; nn i PO l3~?WjHI OPENS DECE igger delivers 0 ^ ^ fM H Buppp* Danny DeVito, Arnold Schwarznegge Reitman's "Junior." Some priceless moments involve Alex's impromptu group discussion of sensitive nipples and an explanation to Diana that he is experiencing disibilitating fatness because of a disorder all the boys from his Austin an village must face. When Alex dresses in drag to enter a health resort for pregnant women and tells the women about the horroible effects steroids had on him when he was a young sportswoman, he reaches a comic high point. The Oscar-winning dramatic actress Emma Thompson, who started her career in comedy troupes, is positively radiant in her role as an absent-bodied professor with klutzy tendencies. Thompson is a natural at slapstick, juxtaposing her proper English accent with a disoriented spaciness. Explaining how men have a pathetic intolerance for pain and expounding on the importance of shared parental responsibilities, she asserts her stalwart defiance against the bumbling men with which she works. But as she loses a contact during a romantic interlude and presents a mu? Jon \ LOVITZ ( ShOBib ^^KPj 2 ?8Kp ^PJ^E 1 nmp% ihb ^^jibbp Story of a Town that Gave So Mi Tl /^ /-i <<i m 1 A .n inese uuys Louldnt iaKC any [rapped i \nm ElliCEIIilta. JiDlM/UHw. iBEE iiiHff jhii bnick mm i in ?Jinm? ami "Jim EMBER 2nd AT A THEATF The Gamecock ^ A'R0;1 in 'Junior' i?25a Universal Pictures r and Emma Thompson star in Ivan tated birthday cake she baked for Alex, she demonstrates she is not perfect either. She also feels a deepening sense of concern for Alex. Her most hilarious sequence involves her attempt to shake off a piece of toilet paper stuck to her shoe during a dance with Alex. As she desperately tries to lose it, Alex thinks she is teaching him some new moves. As events unfold and Alex comes to love the joy and connection being a mother provides him, he faces the hormonal side effects on his changing body while dodging the watchful eye of Banes who wants to take credit for the world's first pregnant man. It is funny to see evolving maternal instinct of "The Terminator" who now encourages people around him to pause and hear the melody of life. Added comic touches such as the theme song "I've Got You Under My Skin" and Alex's chanting "My body! My choice!" help make "Junior" a labor of love for its creators and a funny new arrival for moviegoers. \)a/?a HARVEY Bgw. n i"n )ih Ik IIS Will ?IE1!1UR .Hill ESUIMI sar MM I9W T.'cCMTf THCEWTURY FOX iSSfcBfc IE NEAR YOU. SNA! Friday, December 2, 1994 WHAT . . ^. ______ 'mRRRmMiWKEm?MMBtM-'WUKtBRZ . ' 5 :-. .'. . .V v :,'.' 1.:.... .. * V.: ":I.[.:il::: J ;i| '" "'' . & : :&: ^ ' *: >. :;:>;:::;4:i::?:%:i?::;&::&^^ . :'?:?:j:j& !->5i?^Sj<?5>$'*" .* . . .V ;. . Max C Alnha Things Autogi Friday, D< 12:30 ci 803/71 THE RUSSELL HOUSE 1400 GREE 'g mrl COCK? . ^B^F:'V JOPP- BR:' i WffT' M Mtm 9 '0:W: is a Week. I Presses. RLCj hilders Omega Undone raphing ecember 2 - 2:00 aitoiy i 77-4160 ^NE STREET COLUMBIA SC 29208