Mission: Discuss Mission Impossible 2

by Brian B. Niemiec

Objective: Figure out if Mission: Impossible 2 is a John Woo film or a Tom Cruise vehicle. Also, discuss if sequels give people what they want or indicate Hollywood is running out of ideas.

Debrief: I must admit that I was pretty nervous. I called Liz Wiener earlier in the afternoon and rambled on and on until I finally mentioned something about bringing membership forms. It probably took her all afternoon to decipher my incoherent message. To distract myself and calm down, I made potato salad.

On television, there was a special report about a fire in the Metro tunnel between Dupont Circle and Woodley Park. Angry passengers were being bussed to the Van Ness station. Additionally, the weather report was calling for strong evening thunderstorms. I began to worry that all of this activity would interfere with attendance. I made more potato salad.

When I arrived at Borders Books in Friendship Heights, I was greeted by Georgeann Smale, the Community Relations Coordinator. I began to feel better as she showed me the table she set up in the Espresso Café for the discussion group. There was a neatly made sign that advertised The Cinema Lounge along with the topic for discussion. Next to that was the soundtrack to M: I2 on CD (which I bought afterwards). Then she showed me a permanent spot on the wall in which she will bolt up a film slate to advertise the discussion group and list the discussion topic for the month. Very cool.

Despite the adverse conditions outside, people began to gather at about 7:25 p.m. By 7:40, when I finally began, a total of 14 people had arrived. Some were DC Film Society members and others were not. For the next hour and a half, we had a lively discussion of Mission: Impossible 2 and sequels. We had an animated conversation about John Woo, super villains, Tom Cruise, religious symbolism, martyrdom, the lack of new ideas in Hollywood, sequels that were better than the original, remakes of old movies, adaptations and more. I was excited to meet people with whom I shared a similar interest and even more excited to be able to partake in an intelligent, thought-provoking conversation with them.

Overall, the first meeting of The Cinema Lounge was a smashing success. I would like to thank Borders Books, Georgeann Smale, Liz Wiener, Michael Kyrioglou, Adam Spector and James Shippey. I can hardly wait for our next discussion on July 10th when we talk about the independent films of summer.

Plan on joining us then. By the way, I have potato salad on sale. $1 per pound.

Animation Festival Showcase

ASIFA Washington, the local chapter of the international animated film association, will screen the winners of the ASIFA East (New York) Animation Festival on Wednesday, July 12 at 7 p.m. at Borders Books (5333 Wisconsin Ave. NW). The festival includes winning films from students, professionals, and independent animators. The program includes new films from Academy Award nomimated and winning animators. Last year’s screening played to an enthusiastic and overflowing crowd. For more information contact Tom Krawczewicz at 301-681-7122. This FREE event is sponsored by ASIFA Washington and Border’s.

ASIFA Washington is the local chapter of an international organization founded in 1960 in France and chartered by the U.N. Its membership is devoted to the encouragement and dissemination of film animation as an art and communication form. For more information call 301-681-7122.

Bill Henry and Joe Barber at Borders Books

Borders Books is a hotbed of film events. In addition to The Cinema Lounge at the Wisconsin Ave. Borders (see strory above), Bill Henry and Joe Barber lead a film discussion group at the 18th and L Street, NW Borders. This dynamic duo will appear on July 20 at 7 p.m. The scheduled topic is movie comedy and specifically the recently-released AFI list. But of course this is just a jumping–off point; the audience is encouraged to ask questions and take part. Bill and Joe are scheduled for the third Thursday of each month through the summer.

Borders Books in Columbia, MD
Joe and Bill are also at the Borders in Columbia on the fourth Thursday of each month.