Thursday, April 4, 1996 Not another vampire story by Adria Kovaly Collegian Sire They live for the darkness, waging a war in a city that doesn't even know they exist. Creatures of the night, they come to life when the sun goes down. They are Gargoyles! Wait, no, sorry. Wrong series. The creatures of the night I'm referring to belong on the new Fox 66 series, "Kindred: The Embraced," which airs Wednesdays from 9 to 10 p.m. The pilot show aired Tuesday, introducing us to the dark and complex world of the Kindred, vampires existing in and controlling the world today. Fans of the games Vampire: The Masquerade or Jyhad will really w ant to catch this show, since many aspects of the games are brought to life. Even if you're a non-player, the complex "Cafe Au Lait" plays at Behrend by Michelle McKean CastribiosiWrkir The film "Cafe Au Lair is "a grab-bag of sassy sexuality. free form cinematography. bouncy *k*****************************************4 * **** * f, tf 0 * * t t Zi4 : EARN EXTRA MONEY/EXTRA CREDIT! * t lia * Plan now to work at WPSE Radio this summer . t :Available: Work/Study, Commu 003 Internships) ) t * * * * * * * * * * * For more information call Ron at 898-6052 * * * t * i * plot alone is enough to draw you in. Set in San Francisco, "Kindred" revolves around the night-to-night war among the five clans of vampires for control of the city, which is currently under the control of Julian Luna (Mark Frankel). Each clan has their own unique traits, part of which sparks their constant feuds. The Venture (to whom Julian belongs) are generally sophisticated and business-like; the Gangrel are punkish and free spirited; the Torreadors are primarily artistic; the Brujah resemble modern-day mobsters; and the Nosferatu, who have the characteristics of the traditional vampire (although their appearance tends to be shocking). These differences cause constant tension between the clans, especially when it involves power-plays. These rivalries music and sly social commentary," according to Bob Campbell of the New Jersey Star. There is a love triangle here between Felix, Jamal and Lola. Felix, played by director and often become violent, and the Kindred have no qualms about killing one another off if it suits their purpose. But don't think they just get away with their actions all the time. Keeping tabs on them, especially on Julian, is Frank, a human cop (C. Thomas Howell) who, in the premier, was involved with one of the Kindred. Thanks to her, he knows in part what he's up against, but as of yet doesn't have the means to stop what's going on. Later plots have Julian becoming involved with a human reporter (Kelly Rutherford), as well as members of the Kindred using Frank as a pawn to get at Julian and the other Kindred (as revealed at the end of the pilot). Being a player of both Vampire and Jyhad, I really enjoyed "Kindred," particularly for its attention to details found in the writer Mathieu Kassovitz is Jewish, a bicycle messenger and heavily into drugs. Jamal, played by Hubert Kounde, is Muslim, black, moneyed and a law student. What could these two possibly have in common, they love the same woman. Lola, the lover of both men, has been sleeping around and has a bit of a dilemma. The two men are unaware of their shared love interest until Lola, played by Julie Maudeuch, informs them that she is pregnant and does not know which of them is the father. The following months lend splendid entertainment as both men take on the role of prospective father until delivery day. The situations and dialogue are explosively funny but filled with the realism of what is happening. The film was written and directed by twenty-five year old Mathieu Kassovitz who wants to examine a deeper message in this story-racial/class issues. The goal of Kassovitz is to reverse cultural stereotypes of race and ment game, but also because it captured the essence of the games and brought it to life. As I said, though, you don't have to play to like the show, since the drama and (often shocking) action are enough to keep you watching. I also enjoyed the special effects employed by "Kindred," which, while simple in nature, have a great impact on the show. So, again, if you like drama, action, or just like vampires, check out "Kindred: The Embraced" on Fox 66, WedneF days at 9 p.m. Myself, I've got to go--the sun is to timing up, Kindred notes: C. Thomas Howell starred in 'Bo's hits, "Red Dawn" and "Soul Man." "Kindred" follows the line of fantasy/sci-fi hitt that has made Fox famous. Others are "The X- Flles," "Sliders," and soon-to-be released, "Prophet." class proving that essentially we are all just human. Kassovitz received a French Caesar Award nomination for Best First Film and Most Promising Young Actor. This film will be shown only once and there is no charge for admission. "Cafe Au Lait" will be shown April 16, 1996, 7:00 pm in the Reed Lecture Hall at Penn State-Behrend campus.
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