John Fischer's Philadelphia
Vol. 1 - Number 40 - 08/30/99
We have had many films made in Philadelphia in recent years, but not in many years have we had a truly great film made in the city and one in which the city plays a major role.
Written and directed by N. Night Shyamalan, a native of the city and still a resident of Philadelphia, The Sixth Sense, starring Bruce Willis and the amazing young actor Haley Joel Osment, grabs you hard, keeps you on the edge of your seat and then knocks your socks off with an ending that, I am proud to say, most movie goers have kept very secret.
Dr. Malcomb Crowe is a child psychologist who deals with everyday problems. When he is introduced to Cole Sear, however, he discovers his terrified eight-year-old client is no ordinary case. Cole has the ability to channel spirits. Now Crowe and Cole must come face to face with the demons haunting him in an attempt to free him from the burden of his extra-sensory "gift." (Synopsis by Moviefone.com).
Sunday's Philadelphia Inquirer had an article entitled "Sense sells city" that details how significant this film is for the future of film-making in Philadelphia. The film so wonderfully shows off our city that many film-makers are considering using the city as the backdrop to their future projects.
All I'll say about this film is that it is my choice for best film of the summer, by far. If you want to read a review that's right on target, I recommend Roger Ebert's review in the Chicago Sun Times.
While we're talking about something that knocks your socks off, did you all see that Penn State-Arizona college football game on Saturday? In what was billed as a match-up of the number three and number four teams in the nation, Penn State totally demolished the University of Arizona 41-7.
This was one of those games where you figure that if Joe Paterno were not the gentleman that he is, he could have named his final score.
This Penn State team may have the best defense that Paterno has ever amassed. Who can look at LaVar Arrington and not think of Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor.
It's early in the season and there are many games yet to be played including a key away game against the University of Miami in Miami, but hopes are high for another national championship in Happy Valley.
Well, that's my spin on things. I hope that you all had a great weekend. You can join me in our chat room almost every evening - Philly Chat - or drop me a note at philadelphia.guide@about.com. Also, be sure to check out our new Philadelphia Forum where you can share your comments and feelings, ask questions, post classifieds and much more
If you missed any of our recent columns you can still catch them:
John Fischer's Philadelphia 08/16/99
John Fischer's Philadelphia 08/18/99
John Fischer's Philadelphia 08/20/99
John Fischer's Philadelphia 08/23/99
John Fischer's Philadelphia 08/27/99