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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (March 22, 1999)
-4 ‘EDtv’ lacks depth, plot By Sam McKewon Senior editor Inevitably, there will be comparisons between “EDtv,” the new Ron Howlard movie, and “The Truman Show,” the brilliant, Academy-snubbed film with Jim Carrey. Both are about men whose lives are on television, so the premise, ultimately, is the same. But that’s where similarities end - especially the brilliant part. “EDtv” is about Ed Pekumy (Matthew McConaughey), who lives in modern-day San Francisco. Ed is picked by a fictional network, headed by Whitaker (Rob Reiner) to be filmed 16 hours a day (minus 8 hours for sleeping) all the time, everywhere, save the bathroom. This is the brainchild of Cynthia (Ellen DeGeneres), a programmer at the network. It is a show. Why do they pick Ed? Who knows. He’s a boring video store clerk. He has nothing to say. He’s not profound. Neither is his family nor any of his friends. Maybe Howard or the screenwriters, Babaloo Mandel and Lowell Ganz, thought it’d be funny for a loser to be on TV Ana, tor awmle, it is. McConaugney s ha is a shiftless but likable guy who wears hilar ious Wonder Bread shirts, and his brother, Ray (Woody Harrelson) is a stupid scheme artist with a nice girlfriend, Shari (Jenna Elfinan). Ed’s parents have their problems, as does his sister. But what made Howard think this drama could last two hours? Apparently, not even Howard did, as we get numerous, lengthy shots of people around America watching the show. Are we supposed to get a thrill out of this? When Cynthia gets the biggest laughs simply because she played by DeGeneres, there’s a big problem. Eventually, Shari, who looks as though she’s about to cry in every scene she’s in, breaks up with Ray and goes with Ed. Then, she breaks up with Ed because he’s on televi sion all the time. She moves away. Maybe they’ll get back together, maybe not. What’s a real shame is that to move this movie along, pointless plot elements are thrown in. Ed’s real father (Dennis Hopper) comes back. The truth about Ed’s mother (Sally Kirkland) is revealed. Ed shacks up with a gold-digger (Elizabeth Hurley). Some of it’s funny, some of it isn’t. Some of it’s^just sad; you feel like these characters didn’t deserve to be such nasty, cynical folks. And that’s all “EDtv” seems to be going for: laughs. It has a point, sure - that America is in love with fame, that we love to invade privacy. But we know that already. MTV’s “The Real World” is all about that. Imagine making a movie about such a show and how the person who was being filmed felt about it and the people who were making the show and what they felt This is “EDtv.” And definition of irony: that Reiner’s character pitches the show as uncut and not like a “Real World” show that’s edited to eliminate boring content. But the movie’s edited in just the same fashion. Think about it, while Ed’s at the video store for eight hours, are you going to watch? Would anyone? The idea of a show such as this would not fly. “The Truman Show” would because it’s made up, events can be manipulated. Here, that can’t happen. The acting, besides DeGeneres, doesn’t help. The whole Pekumy family’s a bunch of boobs. Only Harrelson pulls it off well. McConaughey does not have a natural pen chant for comedy. Elfman’s pretty, but little more. And she’s certainly not funny. How can she be if she cries half the movie? Title: “EDtv” Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Jenna Elfmann, Woody Harrelson Director: Ron Howard Rating: PG-13 (adult language) Grade: C Five Words: “EDtv” hit and miss comedy The end is a little more far-fetched than the rest of the movie. Reiner’s character becomes a little like Ed Harris’ Christof in “Truman,” and instead of being haunting, it’s just really annoying. Reiner can be like that The killer is all those shots of America watching. Howard pounds this thought into the ground. He shows the same folks over and over again. Eventually, “EDtv” winds up just about how you think it will. And what’s there to say at the end of the TV day? That a partly funny movie needs a little more than one running gag to pull it through. That gag runs as hard as it can in this movie, but it won’t ever finish a race. Courtesy Photo MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY and Woody Harrelson play the Pericumy brothers - Ed and Ray - in the new Ron Howard comedy centered on media invasion. ) Kenny Chesney “Everywhere We Go” BNA Records Grade: B Evidently, Kenny Chesney doesn’t see any reason to change his formula for success. His country chart-toppers have always been love bal lads, and his latest album, “Everywhere We Go,” is chock full of them. m Contrary to the first released single and the album’s most up-tempo song, “How Forever Feels,” Chesney pre sents six ballads, live ol which have some kind of love theme. That’s half the tracks. His only mistake comes in the one ballad that doesn’t have <o do with leaving a woman, staying with a woman, or coming back to a woman. It’s a duet with Randy Travis. Whoops. What prompts a relatively young country artist - who makes his living singing love ballads - to record a duet with Travis, the hands-down king of all country love bal lads? It may seem like a good idea in theory, but once Travis’ low, perfectly defined voice belts into the second verse of “Baptism,” it’s pretty much all over for Chesney. By the end of the verse, one realizes that it may not be a bad idea for Chesney to stick to singing harmony. Aside from “Baptism,” Chesney offers a couple of solid love-ballad efforts along with a couple of love bal lads that just kind of seem to blend in with the rest of them - you can’t quite remember what they’re about or how they go. “You Had Me From Hello,” co-written by Chesney, begins in typical Chesney fashion - with a piano intro. Lyrically, it is possibly the best song on the album, with the catch phrase coming from the movie “Jerry Maguire.” Other love ballads, such as “Life is Good” and “Everywhere We Go,” lack the lyrics and distinctive melodies to make them memorable after the music stops. “How Forever Feels,” on the other hand, boasts dis tinctly rhythmic verses and a catchy chorus, despite pretty stupid lyrics. But sometimes stupid lyrics make the best country songs. Chesney tries his hand at stupid lyrics with “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy,” another up-tempo track. For the most part, though, Kenny Chesney’s fifth album - that’s right, fifth - blends with the rest of his albums into one big lovey-dovey ballad-lover’s delight. His formula has been successful so far, but withl “Everywhere We Go,” Chesney may have taken this love! ballad tripe a little too far. j - David Wilson 200s hinto Cycle Works Spring is here, so why not put winter behind us and ride a bike. Great deals in ail bicycles including Cycle Works' best seller- The Trek A20, on sale $249. Down the street from campus, 27th & Vine 475-2453. NATALIE MERCHANT! April 11, Row 1-3. Call 477-3821. 30ft$«nfeas ATHLETES Be your best. Find out why our products are freely en dorsed by so many professional and Olympic coaches and athletes. Awesome performance from awesome products. Get serious now. Call 441 -9685. LOSE WEIGHT FEEL GREAT 100% natural, 100% guaranteed. Good nutrition and removing toxins from your body are keys to healthy weight loss and better health. Find out what many pro fessional and Olympic athletes already know. Call today 441-9685. Auto Accidents & DWI Other criminal matters, call Sanford Pollack 476-7474. Cycle Works Beat the summer rush and treat your bike to a Spring tune-up. Starting at $29.99, tune up will do wonders for you and your bike. Great mechanics that will get your bike working by the next day. Close to campus. 27th & Vine 475-2453. Free Pregnancy Test Birthright is a confidential helping hand. Please call for appointment or more information, 483-2609. Check out our website www.birthright.org. Academic Expressions Resumes, curriculum vitae, theses, dissertations, newsletters. Academic editing. MLA/APA/AP/Chicago Manual. 402-628-2221. ironclad9navix.net. Word Processing/Typewriter service. Applications, re sumes, transcriptions, etc. Kathy's Keystrokes, 464- 7227. By appt., M-Sat. 4oos mam 1 roommate needed in a 5 bedroom house located in the Capital Beach area. Five minutes away from campus 475-5305. 1 -3 non-smoking females to share 5 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 kitchen house, SE of UNL, central air, appliances, utilities paid, $265. 438-0239 or 477-9875, leave mes sage. Female roommate needed to share two bedroom house. 435-3154. Ask for Victoria. Find a place to live at the Housing Fair Wednesday in the l Nebraska Union 10:30-2:30 ♦ Speakers ♦ Visit Landlords ♦ Free Refreshments sponsored by the Deify Nebraskan Male/female wanted by 4/99. 3 bedroom house, Northeast Lincoln, $245/month+ utilities. Call 465- 9175, leave message. Roommate needed. Nice two bedroom apartment by the capitol. Wood floors, lots of space, cheap rent. Call 435-7838 3 bedrooms to rent in a 4 bedroom house. Close to campus, reasonable, washer/dryer. (402)786-3638. 2533 Washington. Furnished living room and bedroom, refrigerator, nonsmoking/nondrinking gentleman. $150, utilities paid. 477-5032.__ Sleeping/study room. Non-smoking female only. Cable, utilities paid, free laundry, own phone line. $160/month plus $100 deposit. 432-5573. 4 and 5 bedroom houses. Available for August, near campus. Call and reserve yours now. 432-0644. 1 Find a place to live at the Housing Fair Wednesday in the Nebraska Union 10:30-2:30 ♦ Speakers ♦ Visit Landlords ♦ Free Refreshments sponsored by the Daily Nebraskan Great 3,4, 5, and 6 bedroom homes near campus. Re serve now for summer, fall or both now, and relaxl All appliances provided. 423-1535. Nice houses near campus available in May 1237 Court, 3 BR, 1&1/2 baths,garage $650 1140 N 29th, very large 4 BR 2 baths, parking, $850 726 Y St, 3 BR 1 &1/2 baths, $650. 1531 N 22nd, 4 BR 2 baths, $775 Call 432-0644. Summer, fall, yearly leases. 3, 4 5, bedroom houses. Pets OK, 432-6644. Two story, three large bedrooms close to campus. Near bus line, basement, washer/dryer, newly remod eled, $780/month. 730-3367 Brand new 3 bedroom, 2 bath, fireplace, family room, A/C, 2 garages. $875+, available May 10. RESERVE YOURS NOW!! 432-0415. Just built- five bedroom, two bath, two car garage, lawn service, $1200+ utilities. Available May. 4315 Or chard. Call for showing, 402-598-8823. Large 1 & 3 bedroom duplexes, 4 bedroom house near both campuses. 489-5168. NEWER 3BR 3baths, double attached garage, all appliances, wash/dry, dishwasher. Campus close. Reduced to $795. HIP • 465-8911. Newer near campus, new 3 bedroom, 2 baths, garage. Washer/dryer. $700.438-3393. !! SUNNY & CHEERFUL!! !! SMOKE FREE!! 1 BR 2000 J St, Clean $295 1 BEDROOM APTS In Unique Complex between campuses, super clean, 3-month leases, newer decor, stove/fridge/dishwasher/disposal/blinds, parking, cen tral heat/air, laundry, gas/water/garbage paid, enclosed patios, big closets, breakfast bar, $345, 489-4857. 640 S. 20th- Efficiency $299, 1BR $349, 2BR $419 andup. 2301 A St.- 1BR $329. Jones Properties 475-7262 1120 E St., 1 bedroom just remodeled. Heat paid, no pets, $300.474-5327. 1660 G, 1 bedroom, C/A, storage, parking, dishwasher, disposer, remodeled, $330. Larger w/balcony, $350. 423-7892. 2910 N. 42nd. Brand new 4-bedroom, 2-baths, deluxe" unit with all appliances, including W/D, C/A, garage available, no pets. $950-$995. Taking reservations for spring and summer. 474-5327. 3533 Baldwin Ave. Nice 2 bedroom'with fire place. Available April or May. 325-0320. AUGUST LEASE-2 BR 36th and Huntington. East Campus/Wesleyan area, fire place, central air, laundry, parking. No pets. 489-9916. Better dollar value studio and one bedroom in well maintained vintage building. $295-330.432-2288. CATS WELCOME! MARCH FREE!! 1BR, wood floors, sun room, summer leas available, $375. 939 S. 11th, 476-6028. Claremont Park Apts. Better than dorm living: cheaper, bigger, more privacy, and lots of fun. May and August leases available. Call today 474-7275.9th & Claremont. Clean 0,1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments. Rents $225 - $410 plus electricity. For more information call Pat or Melody 402-434-2610 or Hearing impaired/TDD 402-434-2613. Colonial Heights Apartments 2815 Tierra Drive - 421-3070 !!! RENT SPECIALS!!! • 6 month lease to receive half month free or a 12 month lease to receive a month free. Certain restrictions apply. • Indoor/outdoor pool, sauna and spa • Elevators, tanning bed and weight room • 3 month leases available Efficiency in nice area close to campus. Free heat. $270/month plus deposit. Non-smoker only. Air condi tioned. 432-5573. Large 2 bedroom, microwave, dishwasher, laundry, disposal, $49S/month, 2501 E St. 432-6476. N/S, N/P. Large 3 bedroom, 2 baths, all utilities paid, dishwasher, central air, 938 S. 12th, $795. Will hold until May 435-2552. Like the feeling of new? 2 bedroom 1-3/4 bath. New carpet, cabinets, appli ances, paint, mini blinds, washer and dryer hook-ups, and storage closet for bike, etc. Close to East Campus and bus stop. Available April 1. $475. (800) 977-4253. Next to Campus 1932 R St. Available now. Also fee for summer and fall. 2bedrooms, 1 bathroom, parking, dishwasher, wash er/dryer hookups, clean and quiet. Lease + deposit. 475-3111. _ -_ MANAGEMENT ONE Now leasing for summer and fall, 3 year rent freeze. Call for locations and prices, 477-2600 or www.mgmtone.com One bedroom, utilities paid, washer/dryer, 45th & L area. Available April 15. $395.327-8289. leave message. —Summer & Fall Term Leases Now being accepted. Sign-up today to reserve an apartment for the summer or tall term. Our concrete construction makes you home a quiet environment. Surf’s Up!!.as soon as the pool opens. Study indoors or out, bike or walk to campus. Jones Properties 475-7262 Two bedroom apt., large kitchen, fireplace, off-street parking, newly renovated, laundry room on premises. 901 N. 25th. $375/month. Convienent location, great price. Call Garron at 438-6246 or Doc at 553-5901. Unique Two Bedroom Condo Newly remodeled condo for rent in historic Hayward Place. 891 square feet with raised living room and sep arate dining area. Within walking distance from down town UNL campus. All appliances, secure building, 12’ ceilings, parking and on site laundry. Available April 1st, 1999. Call 421-2316. Leave message. <^K> Century \Wtfy UUS AND MANAGEMENT COi We provide: * Locations throughout Lincoln * 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance * Professional & Personable Leasing Staff ' Call us today! 402-437-8300 Willowhaven Apartments 1800 Knox 'FIREPLACE 'Swimming Pool 'Minutes form downtown '1 BR^start at $349 *2 BR’s start at $459 'Clean & updated 'Friendly service Century and Sales Management 437-8322 or 437-8300 On Campus Summer Hoi&ing 31 spacious, furnished, on campus double or single rooms at Triangle Fraternity. Clean, coed. A/C, wash er/dryer, mail service. Call Nick Bernard 436-0132 for info and tour. ..