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^Etc^ M presents j LIGHTS! CAMERA! REACTION! ROUNDERS out of five stars "Rounders" begins with Mike McDermott (Matt Damon), an avid card shark or "rounder," swearing off the game and working a real job to pay his law school tuition. When his old poker buddy gets out of prison with old debts to pay, Mike finds himself again caught in the game. Starring Matt Damon, Edward Norton, and John Malkovich. Written by David Levien and Prion ITnnnnlmon Kr; i-fL mil JL/U^VbVU J John Dahl. guest critic BECKY MCCLELLAN irickir OK, IH be the first to admit that I was a little biased going in to see this flick because it starred Matt Damon, but as it turned out, "Rounders" was one of the best movies that I've seen in a long time. The basic plot of the movie follows Mike McDermott (Damon), a card shark whose dream is to make it to the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. He loses his law school tuition in one sitting1 to Teddy KGB (John Malkovich), a Russian rounder. He vows to quit gambling until SOUND ADVICE staff writer BRIAN MARTIN WONDERFUL BEEF Tain "kifkii (out of five stars) What would you have if Gree and The Mighty Mighty Bosston< a baby? Pain. Wonderful Beef is the secom length album from the Alal ska/punk ensemble Pain, and lil album's namesake, is quite a The first track on the albui 25-second bouncy, kazoo-fille strumental" piece that might ir person think he had accidentally ] up a copy of Saturday Morning'si est Hits Volume Two. A majority album is filled with an intere brassy punk sound. Songs like Band" are fast paced and fillec horns and guitars but are surpi ly filled with lyrics with whic might even sing along after a ft tens. Less 1AI AL Put that college degree t< Training School. Upon sue School, you will become earned respect and bene AIM HIGH ?FORCE^^ www.airforce.com i l tt? (jp UIHTCIMI^ Ull 111 Meets Sunday A diverse, welcoming, non U the inherent worth and dignity o! Rev. Patrick D. Price, Minister, Revpdpri UU Fellowship of Columbia, Sunday woi and religious education, 11:00 AM St. I h( Sat. 3:3043 v, ^ PALM( Partnership Body & PftOm Fellowship, 'Tending the Gan i | Dr. Br \4t Scb Sunday Worst T' PALM Cel BUCK 1 . I his friend Worm cons Mike into getting back into the game. The plot has several unexpected twists, so it keeps you engrossed for the entire two hours. The characters are well devel. oped and believable. John Malkovich makes for one mean pool shark, especially when he hurls Oreos across a pool hall. Matt Damon plays his part well, showing the true emotions of a man forced to help his best friend out of trouble at all costs. The film is narrated by Damon's character, Mike McDermott, which gives the film a personal quality. It has great camera angles showing the dealing of the cards and the placing of chips on the table. If you don't play cards, you still should see the movie for its good acting and great plot. It's worth your $4.75. gamecock critic ROB UNDSEY 2 With such an amazing cast, "Rounders" should have been the best film of the year. As it stands, however, it is merely a watchable character study, slogging slowly through the lives of two marginally interesting poker players. Both Matt Damon and Edward Norton turn in good performances (along with John Malkovich, whose Teddy KGB Other songs, such as "r drome," contain lines that can't help laughing at ("Pe ning everywhere, running li itated chickens in the rain. N the poultry, I'd rather stay a n Day Pain manages to slip laughs ?s had into just about every song < bum. i full- However, too much of a g 3 a m a isn't always best. At times P te the it on so much that the songs feast, across as being goofy rather ii is a ny. Regardless, the CD is si d "in- tionally funny. take a Wonderful Beef is at its 1 picked ever, when Pain abandons Great- stylings and performs ball of the OK, so maybe they don't b ssting aside the punk, but some of "In a actually tell stories-funny i 1 with course. ising- The most memorable of h one lads is "The Song of the Se ;w lis- Cowboy." This song tells th a man who was manipulated tons That ill Last ifetime. 3 use by enrolling into the Air Force Off ;cessful completion of the OfficerTraini a commissioned Air Force officer with fits like - great starting pay, medical ai dental care, management and trave opportunities. For more on how to qu; and get your career soaring with the Air Force Officer Training School, cal 1-800-423-USAF, or visit our website www.airforce.com itarian Universalists (U3) s 7pm, Russell House room 304 -creedal religion, affirming and promoting f every person and our common interdepender ce@aol.com 2701 Heyward Street, Columbia ship (803)799-0845 Events (803) 79 http://akamail.com/uucolumbia )mas More Catholic Ce tss Sunday 11:30 am, 6pm; Saturday 5pm ssion Newman t_i Opm or by appt. After 6pm Mass Rev. Tim Lijewski, Chaplain lienne Guy OSU, Director of Christian Formatioi 5^^^acros^fmn^h^Schoo^^hjr :ampus ministry Among Lutherans and Methodists Sou! Wednesday 5:30 pm singing, supper and program: Jen: Christians and the Enviroment" uce Coull, Dean of USC ool of the Environment tip (followed by supper) 5:30 pm .L ARE WELCOME iter ?728 Pickens Street 799-4993 itvjp! En is absolutely enthralling). It would have been easy for \ Norton to pick up where Ben Affleck's character in "Good Will f 1 Hunting" left off as Damon's screwball best friend, but he I doesn't fall into those trappings. Both Damon and Norton play I their characters?two life long Rj gamblers?with the proper mix of stoic disinterest and sweatypalmed anxiety. The biggest problem with the film is this: poker is boring to ttrli r? nn14" H ! at , SC. 29205 >9-1746 lub Sunday i Sing) fe *4?.rt(l<^ I Summer Lei Leader's Class I more info or McCulloh at MARINE uiuac wnu uun t uiiucistaiiu it. The screenwriters, who don't even attempt adequately to explain the actual game, leave the audience with a bunch of po tentially interesting characters engaging in an activity to which more than half of the audience cannot relate. This kills, with a few ex- m ceptions, any chance for tension to develop. Perhaps, had a more skilled ^ writer told the story, the film would have given the audience P more of an idea what these al- u most-interesting characters are doing. J gamecock critic EMIUE GREENE ^ L S With a cast which includes John Malkovich, John Turtur- ^ ro, Martin Landau, and Edward Norton, I knew that at least the acting in "Rounders" ^ would be good. I was right. rhimble- scientist and made seve one just This song serves as the c ople run- the album. Performed ke decap- western style, "Cowboy" evermind tener a break between pi t home."). The song is also one of tl ible lyrics album with an identifiabl 3n the al- pie need to accept who th< that message makes lisl rood thing CD good for more than ain pours Just when you think just come is almost over, the instri than fun- "Umbrella" recaptures t till excep- nival feeling of the oper nally, Wonderful Beef en )est, how- Out," the song that con its punk a soft melody, but even i tads. OK, ing a punk song, otally set Overall, Wonderful E the songs fun album. Sure, ther 3tories, of thought-provoking, mea or any sweet, gentle mela these bal- just aren't what the iven Inch Pain are trying to achieve e story of shooting for is pure crazii I by a mad hit the nail on the head ~i r gg icer ng id ***** j i alify cc ' M att Damon and Edward Norl Unfortunately, the movie id not quite live up to its cast, latt Damon is, of course, the rotagonist, and he is convinclg enough if not outstanding. Once again Norton demontrates that he is one of the nest young actors in Hollyood, and his performances in Primal Fear," "The People vs. arry Flynt," and "Everybody ays I Love You" prove that, nlike most of his peers, he as true range and legitimate ilent. The only problem with forton in "Rounders" is that n inches tall. X TT "1 :enterpiece of I?I I in a twangy J gives the lismk rantings. staff writer fi he few on the le theme: peo- At Colur sy are. I guess the Bubba tening to this Greek for a just a laugh. "Onceyo the madness become Gre mentation of church secre M Orthodox c: "ngson*Fiis with Easy f. les closest to 0 it ends up be- aSa"1 P^a-V ^ dancing, Gi kef is a great, Greek food, e aren't any elude profess ningful songs church toui dies, but those thodoxfaitl members of y0Ucanhai . Whattheyre Thjs j , less, and they at,hefesti. has the rou v-' Jp 9K Marines The Few. The Proud. idership Internships throu< Program. Don't wait, secui i Aviation or Law guarante< 256-9015 or visit us at 110 OFFICER. THE FEW. TH m WB&. SI ,:$\t3& "i -I-A"'{ ?" yM % " aa ^wf1 * siMI I - Mil - A??A '*?? : *lfe iat M : ^Hfir ^ iSiilL :on star in 'Rounders,' now pL he is not the main character, though he should be, and he overshadows Damon in every one of their shared scenes. Norton, Malkovich, and Turturro are by far the most compelling actors in the film, but their characters are not adequately explored or developed. Instead, more time is spent on the weakest link in the film - Matt Damon's love interest, played by Gretchen Mol. The conflict between Damon and Mol is uninteresting and unconvincing, and I would have much rather seen that y Trinity 1 IARTHA WRIGHT corp nbia's Greek Festival, even over i-est of Bubbas can be 1 day. bus) iu step on the property, you outd ek," said Patricia Nadden, mer itaiy at Holy Trinity Greek dan< hurch. mor' . 17-20, Holy Trinity, home ml for 12 years, will once ost to connoisseurs of Greek ^ eek history and of course, Attractions this year insional dancers from Atlanta, to a1 rs and lectures on the or- < i, and all the spanikopita q<ha idle. said only Nadden's third year ] val, but it seems that she crov tine down pat. and " t M Bi ar v\ M|BH Si i a E gh the Platoon re yours now! For ss call Captain 1 D Harden St. > w IE PROUD. ! > Bi i ( c k I c 4 \ g I i SPECIAL TO THE GAMECOCK lying at area theaters. screen time devoted to one of the true talents in the cast. ' On the whole, the movie is a. i. I r_:_i _ll 7 entertaining anu lairiy wen- i written. f It was not too transparent < or predictable, which I appre- g date, but it was not as power- i ful as it had the potential to j be. ( The end could be extreme- ? ly climactic, and while it is ( satisfying, it is not really mov- ? ing. J It is the impressive sup- ( porting cast that really makes , this movie worthwhile. host to Gr? You just walk in, and you're inorated in this massive stimulus the load," she said. gro rhere's enough to keep the crowd 0rtl < both inside and outside. There are ebr ioor vendors, clothing and jewelry chants and whirling circles of veg :ers who always have space for one ge^ e. [he Greek Festival's appeal draws iwd of all ages. For the college crowd, ^ e's plenty to eat and drink. .,, 2hris Porter, a USC sophomore, 1 8 a't been to the Greek Festival in 1 8 e years. This year, he said, he'd like ttend for one specific reason. They have a lot of good food there, t's the best thing about it," Porter Su Pn Madden said that a majority of the da] irH ia drawn in firat hv t.VlP arpnt.S is f then by the sights. 67{ WESTSI WOMEN'S SE BOARD CERTIFIED OB PERSONALIZED CONFIDENTIAL CA Abortion Services & Gynecology Pregnancy Testing Ultra Sound Professional Counseling Birth Cc STD Testing Abortions Up To 12 ?1-800-922-372 1-803-798-9299 8 Diamond Lane, Columbia. e you ready to look RADIANT 1 Precision cuts Waxing Custom colorinj techniques) Your "Up-Doo's' udent Discounts: Ion., 1\ies., Thurs., Fri , ring in one person id receive a FREE shampoo/ set 'ed. shampoo/ set is $12.50 it. ring in 2 people and receive any hairstyle " your choice FREE! (except weaves) Hp * 'nc'1 Celt AdiJ jl extr 9 Plus I and | Q [tkw?^B pro< miilttSU id "A- (Excellent!" by A.M. Beet Company available In all states 195 Celtic Life Insurance Company, A Celtic Grou Artifact I.D., 2 - 4 p.m., Sept. 20, South Carolina State Museum. Admission fee required. For more in brmation, call (803) 898-4921. NatureSpace, throughout Sept., Jouth Carolina State Museum. Admission fee required. For more inormation call (803) 898-4921. Come On Thunderchild, 12 p.m., >ept. 17, Elbow Room. Ellis Paul, Sept. 17, The Coffee Unlerground (Greenville, SC). USC September Series (Music of 5ozza, Franck, Ravel, Stein and Vivaldi), 3 p.m., Sept. 20, School of Muiic. For ticket information, call (803) >51-2222. Southern Circuit: "Dear Jesse," 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sept. 17, McKissick Museum. Fee required. For more in'ormation call (803) 777-7251. "Beach Sweep/River Sweep," Conjaree Swamp National Monument s looking for volunteers, 9 a.m. -12 ).m., Sept. 19. For more information :all 776-4396 ext. 304. Fall Fun Fest (to benefit services )f the Alzheimer's Association), 8 i.m. - 3 p.m., Sept. 19, Central Carolina Health & Rehab Center. "West Side Story," through Oct. ), Town Theatre. Call (803) 799-2510 or ticket or additional information. :k culture If you want to take a break from all hoopla and oom-pah, join a tour up of the church sanctuary. If s from tiodox church traditions that the celation originates. The public is invited to witness a ipers service in the sanctuary on )t. 19 at 6 p.m. "When all the dancing and food is d and done, the faith is the imporit part behind it," said Nadden. %ut not onlv the faith-the spiritual part just the joy of being Greek." The four-day Columbia Greek Fesal will begin Thursday at Holy TrinGreek Orthodox Church, 1931 mter Street. Hours are 10 a.m. -10 a. Thursday through Saturday. Sun/ hours are noon to 6 p.m. Admission ree. For more information call 25258. DE "W iRVICES /GYN STAFF RE IN A PRIVATE OFFICE INTERSECTION CENTER ,ntrri, ? DIAMOND LANE jntrol NEAR DUTCH SQUARE MALL WltS. broad river road io l rar o Intersection center I t diamond lane SC 1-26 ? We are ready for YOU!) I Weaves (rubber band and latest I and braid specialists Walk-Ins or Appointments RADIANT STYLES I Next to Waverly's Near 5 pts. 7 9 9 - 6 2 0 0 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30-Until Sat. 7:30-Until tic Adults? jdes supplemental dent and FREE :ic Rx Discount Card ilts PPO Option for a savings ; optional well care, healthy lifestyle iram - DAI / TODAY! Chris Austin 803)750-5781 ext. 105 ymtnuX emy day p (235Q3