Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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MOVIE REVIEW “Cursed” Starring Christina Ricci, Jesse Eisenberg ★ out of ☆☆☆☆☆ By MARJORIE RIDDLE THE GAMECOCK Horror mastermind, director Wes Craven, and ’90s teen angst king, screenwriter Kevin Williamson, bring “Cursed” to the big screen with a weak storyline full of expected plot twists and lacking characterizations. The dynamic duo teamed up for “Scream” and produced a revolutionary adaptation for the horror genre. “Scream” paved the way for all subsequent horror flicks — balancing corniness and cleverness in a way that entertained and actually frightened audiences. While this formula was obviously the aim for “Cursed,” Craven and Williamson fail miserably. “Cursed” begins with two girls at a carnival who go to see a gypsy so she can read their fortunes. The gypsy tells the girls they are in grave danger and that she sees an imminent, bloody death in their futures. The girls dismiss the gypsy’s prediction, but the fortune turns to prophecy as one of the girls is in a car accident and dies a grisly death at the hands of an unknown beast. Also involved in the accident were siblings Ellie and Jimmy, played respectively by Christina Ricci and Jesse Eisenberg. Ellie and Jimmy narrowly escape being mauled and are both wounded by the animal. Viewers learn that Ellie and Jimmy are orphans, having lost their parents in an unexplained accident some years before. The 20-something Ellie is the sole caregiver for her teenage brother. Ellies only semblance of a normal life is shown in her executive job on “The Late, Late Show with Craig Kilborn.” Jimmy begins researching various beasts to figure out what elusive animal attacked them in the bizarre accident and pieces together evidence that points to a werewolf as the creature responsible. He also realizes he is showing signs of becoming a werewolf himself, caused by the wounds he sustained. Ellie denies her brother’s foolishness but enacts subtle changes in her own lifestyle as well. Not only does she begin dressing differendy but also has a PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE GAMECOCK Christina Ricci plays Ellie, an orphan who is attacked by a werewolf, in Wes Craven's latest horror flick “Cursed." peculiar fondness for blood and meat. Enter onto the scene the wide range of supporting characters - Scott Baio as himself, Craig Kilborn as himself, Milo Ventimiglia as Jimmy’s bully Bo, Joshua Jackson as Ellie’s strange boyfriend Jake, Judy Greer as Ellie’s bitchy coworker Joanie and Michael Rosenbaum as Ellie’s overly friendly coworker Kyle. These characters draw suspicions they might be involved with the hairy happenings of the werewolf fiend. Elbe and Jimmy have to solve the mystery • involving the werewolf, all the while not knowing whom among their acquaintances they can trust. The ending will not surprise viewers — it is downright unoriginal. Filmgoers can start guessing the conclusion from the first few scenes of the movie. The only reason anyone will want to see this film is the pathetic reunion of mostly washed-up TV stars — alums and celebrities from shows such as “Happy Days,” “Dawson’s Creek,” “Gilmore Girls” and , “Smallville.” The performances are less than mediocre at best. Scott Baio playing himself pitifully satirizes the unfunny decline of his once-promising career. The elements of surprise and mystery are diminished in every capacity because, while the actual person behind the werewolf s mask is unknown, the werewolf itself is shown in virtually every other scene. The audience says to itself, “Yeah, yeah, we know he’s big, hairy and scary - get on with the drawn-out melodramatic plot, please.” While “Scream” was smart and edgy, Craven and Williamson appear daft and worn-out in their presentation of “Cursed.” If viewers dare to see this film, they, too, will feel that a curse has been placed upon them — a curse for actually paying to see such an overly cheesy slasher flick. Comments on this story? E-mail gamecockfeatures@gwm.sc. edu ■ PARTICLE Continued from page 5 tour to Headliners in the Vista along with world-music percussion giant Cyro Baptista and Beat the Donkey. Beat the Donkey is Baptista’s own project in which he draws from his vast talent to make the music he wants without criticisms from collaborators. The group contains a varied selection of instruments ranging from every corner of the globe as well as a lively stage presence in which random interpretive dance is not too uncommon. The show is 9 p.m. Tuesday. Tickets are $12 in advance. Call Headliners at 806-8250 for more information. Comments an this story? E-mail gamecockfeatures@gwm.sc. edu BE A LEADER AMONG LEADERS ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Every Soldier in the U.S. Army learns how to become a leader - AN ARMY OF ONE. With your bachelor’s degree, you can become an Army Officer and be a leader among leaders. In Officer Candidate School (OCS), you’ll learn management and leadership techniques. Apply now. Openings are limited. >> Call Sgt 1st Class Greene at 777-4812 to find out about college loan repayment and more Army benefits. Or talk to a Recruiter at the Lagare College RS, 902 Sumter Street in cell phone 315-7588, MON-FRI9 AM - 5 PM. gOimy.com 02001. P»«J for by U S. Amy All nftits reMrwd AH ARMY OF ONE C he Oscar goes to... 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