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4 Ifirnin'o Not to us! We're going straight ahead for treatments and cures for 40 neuromuscular diseases. Mm Muscular Dystrophy Association 1-800-572-1717 People help MDA... because MDA helps people. I rr? viiijiii o MATT CHEVEHTOH Staff Writer Maybe being in a band is nc to be. Imagine the scenario: the USA since August, si coast and working your wa until you arrive in Sout October. When you take to the stage yo notice a sparce and seemingly unenthu most of those present more interested in fi of pool and hardly noticing as you crash in of the set. This was the situation facing Pluto, from Vancouver, Canada when they playec Oct. 18. But rather than just going throug played an explosive 11 song set that, at t transform the lackluster crowd into life. Formed in 1993, Pluto, made up of vocals), John Ounpuu (bass, vocals), Rolf B and Justin Leigh (drums), showcased m their self-titled major label debut album < the gig. The album, which was released a co Hanks' film LIGHTS! CAMERA! REACTION! DANIEL BROWN Staff Writer THAT THING YOU DO kkk (out of four stars) When we look back at the early days of rock V roll, some big names stick out in our minds: The Beatles, The Doors, The Rolling Stones...The Wonders? Okay, maybe The Wonders weren't a rtf ik a rrvAA^n kiif in taw t-t awl a' uiic ui Liic gicato, uui in x uixx xxanno ("Forrest Gump,") directorial debut, he brings us the compelling story of how this band turned into an overnight success with its hit song, "That Thing You Do." Hanks' plot revolves around Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott?ABC's "Grace Under Fire"), a young dreamer who worked in his father's appliance store by day and withdraws to a set of drums and jazz records at night. When a local band's percussionist accidentally breaks his arm, Guy is recruited to take his place, and The Wonders are born. Guy brings not only his talent, but also a passion for music that energizes the band's tired tunes and instantly boosts them to stardom. The core of the movie ultimately comes to deal with each of the four musicians' positive and negative reactions to their fame. ROAD CLOSED Pluto n with Virgin records past has worked w )t all ifs cracked up These two new reference points fo you've been touring they manage to cm tarting on the west distinctive soui ly across the country borrowing heavily ft h Carolina in mid Nor do they try an u look around and admiration for tl Biastic crowd, with unashamedly pla; nishing their games Undertones covi ito the opening song through their set. Indeed, most of a four person band are tight three mini 1 at the Elbow Room songs. If you're 1 jh the motions, they extravagant self ind imes, threatened to solos and eight minul not going to find it 1 Ian J ones (guitar, a Phish concert ins [etherington (guitar) Pluto does not i any of the songs on angst ridden lyrics < luring the course of is a welcome relief. "For us music is uple of months ago more like a release not a 'one-1 The chemistry of the film's cast well-constructed screenplay am The chemistry of the film's cast brilliantly accentuates Hanks' wellconstructed screenplay and brings each character to life. The front man of the band, Jimmy (Johnathsn Schaech? "How To Make An American Quilt"), is a serious-minded musician whose inflexibility often creates agitation within the band. Opposite Jimmy, on guitar, is Lenny (Steve Zahn?"Reality Bites")the comedian of the group who plays to the groupies. Ethan Embry ("Empire Records") simply plays The Bass Player, a character whose Charlie Chaplin-esque, physical comedy provides a light background to the film. The greatest performance of the film, however, comes from Tom Everett Scott. rioanito all ftf tKo TTmciriana' twieta anr) turns, Scotf s character is the only one that stays true to his music and retains the vitality that brought the group together. His journey represents the peaks and pitfalls of fame. Hanks deverly portrays the character of Mr. White, a career-oriented record executive who signs The Wonders to PlayTone Records. He abandons his "niceKaplan can help. If you're interested in taking that next step to success, come to Kaplan. We'll walk you through the admissions process and help you get a great test score on the LSAT. Last chance for 1997! The Kaplan course for the December exam n.t OC ? 11 aidiia wuL^D.V/dii luudyi the leader in test prep and admissions counseling. 1 -800-KAP-TEST Having trouble renting out your apartment or house? Carolina students turn to the Gamecock's Classified section every day to find out about the latest housing opportunities. Is your apartment, house or condo listed there. If not, you are missing a cost-effective way to reach the Carolina Community. "I? ET takes So 5, was produced bv Neill King who in the 1 ith the Undertones and the Buzzcocks. wave bands of the late '70's are obvious j * Piut0' ite their own Wr W x>m the past. r m't about wallowing in the negative. Its s - something that goes beyond all that," ] iit-wonder' brilliantly accentuates Hanks' d brings each character to life. guy" character of "Splash" and "Sleepless in Seattle" to become a hard-edged businessman. Hanks' style of direction compliments the film's rapid motion with blurred transitions between scenes, fade to white camera shots and superimposed glimpses of Billboard Magazine charts. This technique mixes with the movie's dazzling musical score to disorient the audience while getting them caught up in the momentum of the band. Hie one failing point in the film comes from Liv Tyler's ("Empire Records") character Faye. As the movie progresses, Columbia, sc zszuz (803) 771-7886 IMPROVE YOUR NIGI Too many accidents are caused by car c That's why reflective vests, bright clothii important. They help you be seen. And road can keep your evening from being r * Faye becomes more and more of a vital piece of the plot. However, her character is no more than an empty spot on a puzzle that keeps being eternally unfinished. Tyler's underdeveloped character is not a failing in her acting abilities because she does the best possible with the meager lines given to her; it is a failure in Hanks' writing. Otherwise, it would have been an excellent screenplay. Knowing that her character would have an intricate | part in the film, Hanks should have given her a larger part in his script. On average, this was a wonderful Benson Theater "We're Not Your Mother Players" (improv comedy), Nov. 26,11:15 p.m. $5 general admission, $3 with student I.D. McKissick Museum Muses Night Out, Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and at 10 p.m. These cultural arts Hasn't Dracula gottei Instead.... Cinderella, 1 a Mermaid, or In; Choose from ovc Costume Makeup 1 Hurry Up and Res< 1800 Huger St A>lefo c. mth Povnlin PUUI uciiumi Dassist/vocalist John Ounpuu said. The lyrics on songs like "Expelled" are testament to this featuring lines such as, "you're taking up space/you're taking my place/kicked out of heaven/in I the eight grade," and insane I rhyming like, "I'm digging ^HpHHL ditches/you're pulling stitches," WLek Jill followed by a gleeful chorus W Jilll -stating, "Tm going nowhere...fast" ^ f j/Btm ^ne early highlights of Sljjj^y the show is, "When she was happy" which is also the bands single. Its tongue in cheek lyrics I and upbeat tempo are fairly Phi -"?? - ^4- typical of the bands sound. Bassist k John Ounpuu bounces up and H W' down with a childlike enthusiasm, sj I while guitarist Rolf Hetherington manages to look both geeky and H cool at the same time with his throwback Elvis Costello look. Ian Jones, who also plays guitar and shares singing duties with Ounpuu, displays all the mannerisms of a modern day punk rocker. He continually tries to liven up the crowd with I f .j I Ac it ' ' 'T* ,'^ "jlf /'Jf ^ J Ljjfl P^F P&A1 Steve Zahn (Lenny), Johnathon Schaech (Jimmy), T Embry (The Bass Player) react when they learn that' attempt for a first-time director and his Do" will leave au troupe of fresh talent. "That Thing You fulfilled with its defy programs are free and include light Draytc refreshments. "A Taste of Hone 8 p.m. Tickets a Roger Center Longstreet Theate: "Grease," Oct 26-27,8 p.m. (Saturday) J rr.orv /r* j \ nrv i__a Tion o_i aiaiiuiug uui un a uai rv, li uwucu \m / OHO OC uined. MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FOUNDATION^ | OUO-ZO anu /;ou p.m. i,ounaay/. noteis are uao ocntx $30 and $28. Faculty artist s< "Maine," Nov. 7,7:30 p.m. Tickets tuba, Oct. 28,7:30 p are $28 and $30. Recital Hall. cHow f#JB8 01mes 'Have SpB>P ^5u Seen nTfiis Gu? 15ur l (Ha[lo\vcen ^ i a little predictable? rhe Riddler, -p* spector Clouseau! JL)C( >r 800 Costumes AI Rentals Lccessories arrrn Vnnra I L/l V Vy AVilt ? W llO INC( ?. Hemophi 330 West Main St patients a Lexington, SC 29072 plasma oi (803) 957-RENT ,Eama, Professi 1^1 Certifie HT LIFE. W Quality 1 BE A PL JM LIFE IS Irivers who didn't see the motorcyclists. ng, and reflectorized tape are so \ o ) of' ? ? db / Pleas r Friday, October 25,199? a premiere his aggressive playing style and regular quips but for the f main part fails to do so. The songs come fast and furious in the first half of the JIL _ _.i:i _i if" :i in r :J: snow wun a solitary slower sen uesu iueu pop song proviuuig respite. It would be great to see the band in a packed venue, but as this is their first visit to South Carolina I suppose it was unrealistic to expect this. Many of the later songs are by contrast a little less frenetic, but are perhaps more memorable than those that went before for their great melodies. The band are at their best on the superbly crafted "failure" with Ian singing the verses and John the chorus. The guitar riff running throughout is simple yet stunningly effective and i was still humming the song ' hours after the band had finished their set. Pluto closed the gig with Taste" a slightly harder edged song somewhat reminiscent of the Pixies, who the band admire. The bass line is among the the best that John Ounpuu has written and the explosive ending provides a fitting climax to a great set. In the circumstances then, a good show and perhaps a band to look out for in the near future. One of the audience members, A1 Pinge, summed up the night perfectly: "A kick ass rock 'n' roll band. They deserved a whole lot better from the Columbia public." 1 111 UlMilHtfiinfflHKIJ Ill H ' i Special to The Gamecock om Everett Scott (Guy), Live Tyler (Faye) and Ethan their song Is rising to the top of the charts. diences pleasantly and assure that Hanks' direction debut fitful, witty moments will not be a "one-hit-wonder." >n Hall Faculty artist series?Jerry Curry, y," Oct. 31-Nov.lO, harpsichord, Nov. 3,3 p.m., School of ivailable at the Music Recital Hall, r box office. Call 777-4280 for more details about >1 of Music the Faculty artist series. snes?Kon JJavis, m., School of Music ?omp k^VlllV lasma Donor. ids Plasma? liacs, bum victims, transplant and cardiovascular ire people who receive products made from the f donors like you. t least $ 150 per month ional medical facility and staff for your safety. d by the American Blood Resources Association's Plasma Program. ASMA DONOR...BECAUSE X |WT)T EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS lN/VJtSl <8> The Ojatty Sa/ce e c^' BioMedical Center 4-2280 1620 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201 ij* A