Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera (143 minutes)
My alternative title would be: Love at First Fright

SUPER MOVIE FAN'S RECOMMENDATION: 3, SEE IT

Who is in it?:
GERARD BUTLER, EMMY ROSSUM, MINNIE DRIVER, AMANDA RICHARDSON, PATRICK WILSON

What is it about?
This is the classic Broadway musical on the big screen with a grand, larger-than-life production. Erik (GERARD BUTLER) haunts the underground in Paris in 1870, and is a main focus under the Opera House. He tutors a young soprano, Christine (EMMY ROSSUM), who becomes a real star. The Phantom becomes violently jealous when a childhood sweetheart of Christine, Raoul (PATRICK WILSON), enters the picture as a patron of the Opera House.

When and Where does this movie take place?
In Andrew Lloyd Webber's imaginary world of Paris of 1870—and in later years as the Opera House is vacant.

Why see it? If you enjoyed the musical you will LOVE this movie. If you haven't seen the play or didn't like it, I think you'll find some of the music simplistic and the lead character of GERARD BUTLER less than satisfying in his singing talent. I really liked the play and the movie is enchanting but also a bit disturbing. We learn the true reason the Phantom was abandoned by his mother and the horrible torture he endured as a boy in a freak show. AMANDA RICHARDSON is great in a role as a matron of the company. I recommend this movie, Wayne, for its passion—even if flawed. But I am also troubled a bit by all the horrible things and the manipulation represented in it. Hey, see it for the music and for the exciting future of EMMY ROSSUM. She is great.

How about the kids?
PG-13 for brief violent images. Some of the movie is very violent in tone. I am not sure kids will enjoy this at all. I'd leave them home.

Video Pick of the Week
Cellular, KIM BASINGER is Jessica, taken prisoner in her own home by bad guys who want something from her husband, something that she knows nothing about. Because the bad guys have allowed her to see them, Jessica realizes they will likely kill her. They are also looking to kidnap her son at his school. Locked in an attic, Jessica (a science teacher by trade) rigs a smashed phone to make a random call. There she happens to connect to a young man named Ryan (CHIRS EVANS). She convinces Ryan that something bad is happening and gradually he escalates a frantic search and chase for Jessica.

Next week, we'll review CLINT EASTWOOD'S story of a woman who wants to box her way out of a desperate life, Million Dollar Baby. HILARY SWANK is nominated for an Oscar for this role. I'll tell you if she is my favorite to win it.

John Fischetti can be heard Friday's on the Wayne Perkey show on Oldies 103, WRKA and can be reached at fischettij@uncw.edu



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