Illinois Entertainer June 2015 | Page 60

Continued from page 16 behind Monsters, Inc., incidentally) and delving into the mind of an 11-year-old girl will ignite a new decade of exemplary innovation. Next: Whale Rider (2002) Rated PG-13, 101 minutes Director - Niki Caro A year after the buddy-buddy extravaganza Monsters, Inc. was released, this little sleeper from New Zealand explored the quiet, sad, angry life of a 12-year-old Maori girl who fights against ancient tribal traditions and gender restrictions to fulfill her rightful place as a leader. Forbidden from taking the future role of chief because she is female, she enlists the help of her grandmother and the training of her uncle to claim her birthright. But to fully break the tribe’s conventional beliefs, she has to do something impossible: win over her ultra-traditional grandfather. This film burns with the passions of a small society steeped in ancient masculine traditions and the triumphant spirit of a girl who refuses to give in and fights to fulfill her destiny. It's been a difficult road for filmmakers to realize that creating good female roles does not necessarily mean simply taking them out of the kitchen and putting a badass gun in their hands or turning them into some unattainable pixie figure. It's showing women - whether in a kitchen, or at war, or in love, or anywhere else for that matter - as individuals free to be anything they want with the same complexity allowed of men. That includes their flaws, quirks, mistakes, and humor…you know, just like a real person. Whale Rider accomplishes this through a lens of mesmerizing mysticism showing a breathtakingly vulnerable and lively performance from young Keisha Castle-Hughes. Both films are available on DVD. Vintage • Pro Gear • Home Gear 2 Locations "Factory Authorized by all Major Manufacturers" 2911 N. Halsted St. • Chicago, Illinois 60657 773.549.6635 2003 W. 75th St. • Woodridge, Illinois 60517 630.910.6630 WWW.DELTRONICS.COM Open 10am - 6pm Monday-Friday [email protected] 60 illinoisentertainer.com june 2015 Continued from page 20 18 "I'm all over the place", he says of his blues style. "I do a little funk blues, a little soul blues, a little traditional, I grew up on all of it." The $25 admission for CBP's first event included free food (a selection of sliders) a raffle and a show of seasoned performers from 6:30-11:00. Jacob is inspired to supply a different experience than what most clubs offer. "There are a few places where people don't have a good time because the people are so rude, " he said. "I want to create a venue that feels like Lee’s Unleaded, where you'll have fun and not feel like you're being watched by security all of the time." For upcoming events, Jacob is also considering programs that feature blues discussions, book releases and other events. "It doesn't have to be only concerts, there are other events that I could organize. I'd like to do something every few months but I have to see what support is out there." In the meantime, Jacob has already registered for grad school at Loyola in August. He plans to eventually work in college student personnel while still running his blues production company. "Someone needs to break the mold," he insisted. "I'm going to be the young buck that comes in and does it." Check out upcoming CBP events at: http//www.chicagobluesproductions.com