Month: August 1998

Sound tracking

Jae-Ha Kim

Movie soundtracks have become music to record companies’ ears. Once studios discovered that popular music from such artists as Simon and Garfunkel and the BeeGees could help sell a film, the lush orchestral scores that were the high-water mark of the ’50s all but disappeared. These days, soundtracks have become far more than promotional tools for hyping a movie. They are thriving independently of the films that spawn them to become a force on the album charts – with some even outliving their big screen brethren.

“Dead Man On Campus” is `Dead’ on arrival

Jae-Ha Kim

There was one scene in “Dead Man on Campus” that elicited a really good laugh. But I’m not sure whether it truly was funny, or if I was just so bored that it seemed funny at the time. The premise of the “comedy”: A couple of irresponsible college freshmen slack off all semester and freak out when they realize they are about to flunk out of school. So instead of hitting the books and getting tutors, they do what all 18-year-olds do in that situation: They try to find a suicidal third roommate.

`Boy’ of summer: Brandy, Monica heat up charts with atypical hit

Jae-Ha Kim

What’s wrong with this picture? The reigning single this summer is “The Boy is Mine,” a sultry duet by teen divas Brandy and Monica fighting over a slick, two-timing beau. The tune is catchy enough. But its comparatively moody lyrics and subtle delivery are a far cry from the season’s usual sunny songs.

It’s Gallo’s time: `Buffalo’ ride got bumpy for director

Jae-Ha Kim

Vincent Gallo wrote, directed and starred in “Buffalo ’66.” But ask him which of his talents he’s proudest of and Gallo will answer, “Well, I’ve acted in 18 movies, but I would never call myself an actor. I’m not Steve McQueen. More than anything else, I’m probably best as a stylist.” This is the enfant terrible described by some as a “loose cannon”? “I am a bit vindictive and unforgiving to people who behave inappropriately against me,” Gallo said softly in an interview from his Los Angeles home. “But I’m not really mean to anybody.”

Backstreet Boys at New World Music Theatre

Jae-Ha Kim

Here are a few factoids I picked up at the Backstreet Boys concert Saturday night at the New World Music Theatre in Tinley Park: Nick Carter, the youngest (18), tallest (6-foot-1) and blondest of the five Boys, is the most popular. The Backstreet Boys say “Wassup?!” a lot. They are the male equivalent of the Spice Girls: young, good-looking and blandly appealing as singers.

Hanson charms young fans

Jae-Ha Kim

There were three rules for the 250 or so Hanson fans who finagled their way inside Planet Hollywood Friday afternoon for the popular pop trio’s press conference. No screaming. No standing. No flash photography. All three rules were broken quicker than you could say “MMMBop” when 15-year-old Taylor Hanson announced that his secret, unfulfilled fantasy was “to meet every single person here.”