HERO

by S. LIVINGSTONE

Starring Geena Davis & Dustin Hoffman

cinematic experiences that is destined to be shared with

others but one that takes on that had-to-be-there quality. With this I will attempt to share my experience with you and at the same time make it interesting enough so that you won’ trip this publication to shreds to avoid the cruel monotony one of these reviews can hazard.

S eeing this long awaited film Sunday was one of those

Upon arriving at the cineplex, we were faced with a lobby virtually devoid of moviegoers. Being able to actually see the floor of this area was amomentof its own. This vast escarpment is usually jam packed with University students. This was, however, a Sunday night as previously mentioned, so any budget- wise student would normally wait until the cheap nights during the week to catch amovie. This night was special though, for my fellow UPEI student and I were graced with the presence of a Mt. Allison student for the evening, so nothing was too good.

We purchased our tickets without being asked for identification which forced me to conclude that I either looked twenty rather than the usual seventeen during this rare occasion or that the cashier was simply without motivation. With tickets in hand we moved on with intentions of seeing ‘‘Hero’’.

We walked into cinema number three discussing the fact that the film was being shown in the choice theatre and motioned towards finding a seat. The previews had started without us so needless to say it was quite dark. As we stumbled about the aisles searching fora place to sit, one of my friends ina moment of sudden and unexpected realization calls out ‘‘Is this PAS- SENGER 57?’’. As her question was answered with numerous yes’s from the dark, we ran from Theatre #3 loudly commenting on our theatric faux pas with complete disregard for those trying to watch the Canada Post History vignettes.

We eventually made our way to the correct theatre and settled in comfortably with all seven other people in attendance. Five minutes later the curtain went up and for the next two hours we were entertained by the fine acting abilities of Geena Davis,

iin

Dustin Hoffman, Chevy Chase, and Andy Garcia.

Geena Davis plays a well-known journalist who, ona fateful return trip from New York City, is involved in a plane crash. Dustin Hoffman’s character Bernie LaPlante happens to be at the scene and inadvertently rescues, with reluctance, all fifty four people on board. Because of LaPlante’s sudden disappear- ance after his heroic actions (he is in jail) he fails to collect the one million dollar reward offered to the ‘‘angel of flight 104’’. The reward is given to a fake.

This film is very humorous in its satirical and witty description of the media as it makes a complete farce of the entire industry not to mention the ideas behind truth and human compassion. This is not, however, a typical comedy as it demonstrates that a monetary value cannot be placed on heroism. Italso shows the darker side of truth in that people believe what they want when they want. Italso makes us look at the world in a more cynical manner as a story develops around the superficiality and fa- cades of society that are faced every day. The search for truth and honesty is the main theme of this film and this theme is dealt with in an interesting manner. Watching this film created for me the same feeling evoked by ‘‘The Fisher King’’. (****). It challenges the movie goer to adopta social consciousness but at the same time allows for laughter with the sheer wit and sarcasm included throughout. If you don’t want to be left in the dark Oscar night, don’t let ‘‘Hero’’ pass by you.

Rating ****