’ ThisWeek June27,1990. Page M9 CINEMA Improved Gremlins back with new writer GREMLINS 2 THE NEW BATCH (CAPITOL 6/UNIVERSITY CINEMAS) Having trashed the Capra- esque small-town of Kingston Falls in Gremlins, returning director Joe Dante and new writer Charlie Haas move the action to mid-town Manhat- tan and the monstrous Clamp Towers, a fictional behemoth of a building run by a Donald Trump-like developer (John Glover). How the Gremlins Silver Screen By DAVID RYLAND end up knee-deep in this set- ting wont be much of a surprise to anyone familiar with #1, and fans will be pleased with the extravagant effects, numerous cameo ap- pearances, and sly in-jokes carried over from the original. The real treat here though is the Clamp building itself, which Dante has almost given _ a life of its own. time-saving ~ . automated devices abound, but as in Terry Gilliam’s Brazil this merely results in bureaucracy, rigidity, and con- stantly busy repairmen. Of course this is all sub-text designed to be overrun by the Gremlins and their antics, but it does add an amusing diver- sion and helps this New Batch overcome the most common of sequel ailments: a complete lack of new ideas. Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates once again give near in- visible human support, unable to compete with their latex costars. *** (PG) language, some gory violence. BACK TO THE FUTURE 3 (ODEON) Third installment of director Robert Zemeckis’ time trip trilogy recaptures much of the charm of the original as it takes on an Old West setting and features a very pleasing romance between Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) and the town’s new schoolmarm (Mary Steenburgen). The focus of the plot still centers on Michael J. Fox's Marty McFly and his bid to return to 1985 without caus- ing a time paradox that could destroy the universe (worse case scenario), but at least this time the story slows down and gives you time to breathe and get closer to the characters. Things don’t stay calm for long however as Zemeckis wraps up stray storylines and builds to one of his patented frenzied climaxes. It may still be bubble gum cinema to some, but unlike the second episode, this outing doesn’t lose its flavor as soon as you leave the theatre. *** (PG) language. TOTAL RECALL (CAPITOL 6/CAPRICE/UNIVERSITY CINEMAS) Exciting, violent sci-fi adventure from director Paul Verhoeven (RoboCop), set in 2084 and starring Arnold Schwarzeneggar as a con- struction worker whose in- tended vacation memory implant (a future alternative to actual vacations) turns into a nightmare when the proce- dure reveals that his present life is in fact artificially in- duced. Adapted from a Phillip K. Dick short story, Total Recall overflows with great visual ideas, over-the-top gore, and \ GREMLINS WILL GET YA if you don’t watch out. . _ that’s why Billy Zach Gilligan), Kate (Phoebe Cates), and little Gizmo apprehensively watch the approach of the malevolent creatures in Gremlins 2 The New Batch. nifty plot devices, but sadly the script loses steam halfway through, leaving Arnie to simply shoot his way to the conclusion. Still, many fas- cinating flourishes keep this $65 million effort entertaining if not exceptional. *** (R) fre- quent gory violence, language, nudity. ROBOCOP 2 (ODEON) That mechanized hunk of law enfor- cement is back, this time bat- tling the spread of a hyper-addictive new drug called Nuke and its messiah- like purveyor, culminating in a circuit crunching showdown between Robo 1 and the bigger, badder Robo 2. Director Irvin Kershner (Empire Strikes Chec RichDeck 100% ACRYLIC DECK COATING reg. $34.98 ea 2 4 Litre Se SS = =. ra RUSTIC won aus RUSTIC RUSTIC RUSTIC esa LATER SIAN LINSEED ou STAN 3172 5 Douglas : St. (across from Mayfair) 385-8794 RICH DECK ACRYLIC DECK COATING SHE: 518.08 « 4u . SALE $18.99 4L a SUN ROR = wpe BUST WOOD STAIN | Woop staih is ALD OI Re { Woop STAN =, UC LATEX UNSEED Ol > Sears ~ IE Fax: 385-6497