C. Robert Cargill,
Jul 19, 2007
Once again, it’s a weekend battle of head-to-head stars. In this corner, we have the cross-dressing wonder that is John Travolta. And if that weren't gender bending enough, in this corner we have the totally straight but married to a dude comic stylings of Adam Sandler. You know the rules. Let’s drop the cage. Two men enter! One man leaves!
In the box office this weekend: Winner = Sandler
This one's actually tough. For the first time this summer we actually have a knock-down-drag-out fight rather than a definitive whooping. But something tells me that the attraction of a smart looking Adam Sandler comedy is going to outweigh the curiosity most folks have about John Travolta in drag. Besides, while musicals tend to get all the Oscar attention, it’s the comedies that pay the bills and keep the lights on for the studios. I'm calling this race for I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.
In the critical arena: Winner = Travolta
While the comedy of Chuck and Larry might bring in bigger crowds, all of the critics who are dreading Travolta's performance will most likely be bowled over by Hairspray, especially his. What's really creepy is that after a while you tend to forget that Travolta is really a man under all that makeup. Even if they hate it, critics are gonna have to give it up to ole Sweathog.
In their careers: Winner = Travolta
Come on, the man's career is now in its fourth decade. He's been in a number of films that are ingrained into this country's very DNA. Go ahead, play a disco song without someone imitating Saturday Night Fever. Sandler on the other hand is one of those comedians who was on top of the world for a few years then moved into the same holding pattern as many SNL veterans. I certainly think Sandler still has a solid career ahead of him, but when history looks back, Travolta will emerge as one of the giants of entertainment.
In a fight: Winner = Travolta
I can't in good conscience give this category to someone who I've seen get his ass handed to him by Bob Barker. Even though Sandler has age and energy on his side, I've found it the smart choice to bet on the guy in the dress. Doubt it? Just look at Wesley Snipes, Guy Pierce, Hugo Weaving, Patrick Swayze, Terrence Stamp and Chiwetel Ejiofor. You can add Travolta's name to that list.
Winner = Travolta
The word Oscar might get tossed around, even if it is snickered at by some. But box office be damned, Travolta's the one everyone is going to be talking about after this weekend.
C. Robert Cargill - - -
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Austin-based Cargill, who
not only loves but owns The Cutting Edge, writes on movies and DVD five times a week.
