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Entertainment
The Real McCoy
hy Amy Cash ''
A beautiful female bank-robber. A dim-witted, hand
some man. The general villains, typecast as usual. Eighteen-
million dollars and gratuitous violence scenes. What more could
a person want from a movie, except some true artistic talent?
The Real McCoy starring Kim Basinger and Val Kilmer
is not a film for true art lovers, although it will entertain large
crowds. This is a mediocre film whose saving aspects are the
emotional ties between characters. The most touching scenes
occur when McCoy (Basinger) relates to her son on a personal
level, even though he believes his true mother is dead. It is heart-
wrenching to watch Basinger struggle for control of her emotions
and examine the propriety of her actions.
The movie touches upon important social themes such
as sexual harassment, yet it dismisses these subjects as easily as it
portrays them. This movie could be amazing, depicting the plight
of a female criminal who attempts to re-enter society upon her
parole. Instead, it wastes its talents to become a regular action-
thriller, in the fashion of another Kindergarten Cop. Val Kilmer
and Kim Basinger portray their characters admirably, although
another vehicle would have done their talents more justice.
One good thing about this movie is its portrayal of
McCoy as a strong, intelligent woman. McCoy is not oiUy calcu
lating and shrewd, she has scientific knowledge as well. Holly
wood has produced one female who is not afraid to fight any
manoeither physically or mentally. As strong female characters
go, McCoy is one of the betteroneither domineering nor the
typical family matriarch. Instead, she is more a runeties' woman,
whose career just happens to be robbing banks.
Despite its faults. The Real McCoy is a pleasant way to
spend an afternoon. Full of the usual humorous lines, it amuses
its audiences. The movie does contain violence, yet not enough to
mar its PG-13 rating. It is an accurate portrayal of what can
happen to ex-convicts upon release from prison. Having no other
choice, they often resort to criminal activities. Although the
circumstances are different in the movie than are usually true of
real life, the message remains the same.
El Rodeo
905 W. Main St., Durham NC
(919)683-2417
hy Brad Oaks
The best part of my dining experiences is most always
the company, but the restaurant does have some influence on the
event.
Last year I began going to El Rodeo and have returned
many times. The restaurant is located in Bright Leaf Square which
maintains the tobacco-warehouse architecture of its past. Some
one has tried to make the style more like that of our southern
border; colorful ponchos, as well as 'Three Amigo’-like hats,
adorn the interior. The atmosphere is complimented by the
waiters' poor knowledge of our language.
There are nacho chips and salsa on the tables—not
particularly great ones, but they don't cost extra. When it comes
time to order, the prices and portions are reasonable for a student's
budget. The food which I have purchased has been excellent;
however, one or two of my friends have wimpily complained
about the food being too hot. My previous residence in New
Mexico started my strong affinity for the recipes which have come
to us from the Mexican people.
While I'm at NCSSM, El Rodeo often serves as the cure
for my gustatory longings. (Even though I don't have yearnings
for bad Mexican music, they also would be quenched at El Rodeo
... if such desires existed.) For desert I often have "fried ice
cream." Those of you who've not eaten this before should do so.
Besides the vanilla ice cream being rolled in something like corn
flakes and then fried, it is served with whipped cream and a small
amovmt of chocolate sauce on a crisp tortilla.
There is a pronunciation guide on the back of the menu
if you want to TRY to sound Mexican. Personally I abstain from
pronouncing the ones I haven't learned from exposure. The
names aren't that difficult to say, but pointing also works. When
the meal comes, the waiter rattles off something between English
and his native tongue, and he seems emphatic. He's telling you
that the dishes are hot. Try not to bum yourself on the first trip.
The Connells’ fifth album has a familiar Ring to it
Every college band hopes that the future holds hit
albums and screaming fans, but very few "local band turned hit"
dreams come true. The Connells, who originated in the Raleigh-
Durham area, are on the verge of making their dreams come true.
With five albums in the stores. Darker Days, Boylan Heights, Fun
and Games, One Simple Word, and, their newest addition. Ring, the
Connells have built a decent following of fans. Although, to date,
the Connells have not been considered a formidable power in the
music world. Ring could prove to be the album that propells them
into mainstream American music.
Since their debut album. Darker Days, the Connells
haven't changed their style of music. Their sound could be
defined as a melodic, preppy, college sound. There are no
gripping solos, no "flip-out" vocals, and no complicated chord
progressions, yet the Connells music is like a fresh, frothy glass of
root beer. (Don't ask me what that means.) It combines a mixture
of rythmic melodies and introspective vocals. One of the Connell's
most popular songs, "Over There," actually features a trumpet.
Other well-known Connells songs are: "Stone Cold Yesterday,"
and "Sal." Ring conforms to the Cormells traditional musical
style. It provides a mix of "tum-up-able" electric jams, such as
"Slackjawed," and
soothing acoustic songs,
such as "Spiral." Over
all, Ring is the Cormell's
best showing yet, sur
passing all of their pre
vious albums in style,
diversity, and lyrics.
With this album, the
Cormells have the po
tential to finally become
a "well-known" band
outside of the Raleigh
area.