Skin Of The Teeth

By a weird coincidence, after posting about the NON SHOWING of Idlewild in Utah, it appeared at ONE theater for a short two day run...

On Tuesday morning I happened upon the Moviefone website, typed in Idlewild, and saw that it would be replacing World Trade Center for 2 matinée performances, and 2 evening showings, on Tuesday and Wednesday. I rushed over and got my ticket for the 4pm matinée, and when I showed up, I was not suprised to be greeted with World Trade Center.

After the HeyouzgotzthuhwrongfilmAplayin dance, It was explained to me that the movie had arrived, but had yet to "built" (the film comes on 3 reels, and must be put together on one reel), and was awarded two free passes for any of the upcomming showings... plus, I could stay and watch World Trade Center(which I may discuss in future political postings)...

I opted to come back the following evening, and see the very last showing of Idlewild. I was disappointed for several reasons:

It was the closed caption version, for the hearing impared. Which means that there were these yellowish english subtitles through out the film, and not only did they distract me from the performances, they were barely readable at times... If I was hearing impared I would have been pissed... had I not been the ONLY person in the theater, I would have commizerated with someone on this fact...

Then, the sound was not THX, or even dolby... the auditorium I was in, was equiped the latest digital technology, speakers all around the room... Idlewild, a musical, was playing through the two front speakers only, and not very loudly... I must say the impact of Outkasts music was greatly deminished, like listening to Pink Floyd's The Wall on a scratchy AM radio station... You can't turn away, but you have to grit your teeth to make it to the last number...

Maybe they figure the deaf need no THX...

Though Idlewild did make a momentary appearence in Utah County, I must say it was made to feel most unwelcome. I got "lucky" in even discovering it's arrival... There was no promotion, save the Moviefone website, and the recording on the phone at the theater... when I bought my ticket the first day, the girl at the window had no idea what I was talking about, and I got the same look from the guy who tears the tickets... both had to check a sheet to find that the movie was even in the house. That is seriously insulting to the makers of the film. Most folks look in the paper for showtimes, and it was not listed... again, I was alone both times I was there to watch Idlewild... Carmike theaters get a D-, in race relations...

As for the movie I will attempt to grade as if I had seen it in it's glory...

This is very creative film. It has never been done. The story about two child hood friends, who grow up to be performers, while not entirely unique (33 possible plot lines available for script writters), was made original thru the sub plots. I hate those guys that tell the entire story of a movie in review... after reading it, you don't need to go to the movie cuz you know the ending... I don't do that here at GROOVE DAMAGE. I am not a critic. Just someone who tries to promote what is noble, lovely, and pure... as pure as anything media can be in this corrupt hayride called life.

I would encourage you to see this film, even if it must be on DVD. The animation sequences were less 'spectacular spectacular' then Moulon Rouge... but the story is less grandious too... this is a bittersweet tale, that is told in a very entertaiining and creative way. If I had one critique, it would be from the perspective a writer... the lyrics to some of the songs were out of place for a film set in 1935. Luther Vandross was mentioned, also R-O-L-A-I-D-S... maybe they had rolaids in '35, but I see the Luther reference as small tribute, which is cool, but slightly out of place. Beyond that, Idlewild was masterfully transportive to that time and place.

I know that some could say that here's a movie, that has an all black cast, and there had to be whores, and gangsters, and shootings... I would say, okay... there ARE juke joint characters in this film. But the pay off is the Spirituality that is inherent. The hand of Providence is shown in this film, and that is so amazing, I can't help but to cry. BB King will tell you why he sings the blues, and he's right... But Outkast, in very subtle yet powerful way, will tell you why they praise...








La Vie Boheme