‘Splendor’ is refreshing, ‘Medallion’ follows the mold

JOHN DEPKO

‘American Splendor’ is a splendid experience

How is it that this year’s best movie is playing at only one

Orange County theater, while Freddy and Jason are spewing guts at

every theater near my block? Even Ashton Kutcher’s new movie is

playing in more locations!

Anyway, if you haven’t already heard, “American Splendor” is the

real deal, a definite contender for best movie of the year. I

happened to catch a 12:30 p.m. showing of it at the Edwards South

Coast Village 3, where I was greeted not by a hoard of comic nerds or

indie geeks, but by senior citizens looking to exploit their

seniority for a discount ($6.50 regular admission, $6.00 for those on

Medicare).

All jokes aside, the audience and I were captivated by

“Splendor’s” creative brilliance from the opening credits. None of us

were sure what to expect, whether we were watching a comedic

documentary about the main character, Harvey Pekar, or a

hyper-realistic Hollywood version of his life.

In a nutshell, Harvey is a pathetic file clerk who collects old

jazz records and comic books. We see from the beginning of the film a

balding, lumpy, morose fellow whose failed marriage catapults him

into a restless state of compulsion and cynicism.

And although it may sound depressing, Harvey’s manic state is

wonderfully refreshing and hilarious. In pointing out all the utter

despairs of his day, such as waiting in line behind a Jewish lady at

a checkout aisle, we sympathize with him as our anti-hero -- someone

we root and cheer for, although he looks nothing like Superman.

But it is this precise quality about Harvey that makes his life

and personality so compelling: he doesn’t pretend to be somebody he

is not; thus, we are all able to relate to those feelings of

frustration and loneliness he reveals.

Indeed, “Splendor’s” strongest suit is playing off our immediate

attachment to Harvey. Switching between the real Harvey Pekar and the

talented actor playing him, Paul Giamatti, we are left exploring our

fascination with both characters -- whether one of them is indeed

real or imagined.

Despite the damning heat that day, I couldn’t have been more

pleasantly satisfied with “American Splendor.” You’ll definitely find

it amusing too, and I’m sure you’ll be curious about the real comic

book afterward.

* ANDREW NGUYEN is a freelance writer and a Costa Mesa resident.

‘Medallion’ is Chan doing what he does best

Jackie Chan’s films provide a wild mix of martial arts, action and

comedy that are really a movie genre of their own. Never to be taken

seriously, they center on the unbelievable gymnastic ability and

fantastic stunts that only the amazing Jackie can pull off without

stunt doubles.

“The Medallion” is no exception, but this time, his wonderful, if

aging skills are enhanced with a little computer simulation. Call it

“Crouching Gangster, Hidden Hero,” as special effects we’ve seen

before are brought into play with a sly smile and raucous sense of

humor.

The plot centers on the possession of a powerful medallion by a

young boy monk in China with mystical training. This amulet gives him

control over life, death and even immortality under certain

circumstances. The evil villain, Snakehead, has designs on this

medallion and has a host of minions to help him obtain it. He is

opposed by Chan’s crack Interpol team.

Of course, this conflict results in several knock-down, drag-out

fist fights with impossible aerobatics resulting in embarrassing

defeats for the villains. Jackie is astounding, as always, in these

remarkable scenes.

It’s all good-natured and very disposable fun that ranks as a

mildly amusing summer diversion at the movies.

The only drawback is the totally asinine performance of Lee Evans

as the dumbest secret agent in history. His mannerisms and dialogue

are so beyond stupid that when he is on camera it seems that writers

for old Three Stooges films have taken over an otherwise worthwhile

screenplay.

If you overlook the preposterous silliness of his few minutes on

screen, you can smile happily at what remains, and hope that his

character is quickly eliminated in any possible sequel.

* JOHN DEPKO is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator

for the Orange County public defender’s office.