BARBER'S BEST BETS: Travolta goes CIA

By JOE BARBER

For the News & Messenger

MOVIES:

In theatres now:

Fast paced, violent but darkly comic, "From Paris, With Love" is a flat-out action hoot. Though its story doesn't always quite hang together, John Travolta's free-wheeling portrayal of a loose cannon C.I.A. operative breaking in a desk bound younger assistant to the U. S. Ambassador to France (Jonathan Rhys-Myers of cable's "The Tudors" series) gives the film its off-the-hook, over-the-edge energy.

Faced with only 48 hours to stop an attack on Paris by terrorists, the Agency brings in Travolta's Charlie Wax, a lone eagle who shoots first and barely bothers to ask questions anytime. Paired with the mild-mannered Paul (Rhys-Myers,) the two are always just one wrong turn -- or misfired bullet -- away from disaster. Can Charlie's kooky, two-fisted approach and Paul's bewildered restraint keep them on track and alive?

Sporting a shaved head and a goatee, Travolta attacks the part of Charlie with gusto, never taking the char-acter -- or himself -- too seriously. Myers air of unflappable calm is an easy and funny foil for Tra-volta's off-the-cuff style.

As he did in "Taken," director Pierre Morrel keeps things flowing from gritty, two-fisted action to laughs and back again. The script has an endearing self-mocking tone in spots (watch for the "Pulp Fiction" jokes) that fits well. Though the pacing breezes through some major plot holes that will leave you with questions after you've left the theater, there's enough good stuff here to make it worth watching.

Not quite a perfect cinematic gift, "From Paris, With Love" is certainly one you can mostly enjoy. Vie la difference! MPAA Rating: R for pervasive profanity, violence and sensuality. Joe's Rating: Two and One-Half (** ½) Stars.

THEATRE:

Olney Theatre Center in Olney, Md., presents a revival of the classic American drama "Bus Stop." There'll be a "pay-what-you-can" preview Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. The play runs at Olney through Mar. 14.

Rep Stage, based at Howard Community College in Columbia, Md., offers "pay-what-you-can" performances of Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie" every Wednesday evening throughout the month. The play continues at Rep Stage through Mar. 14.

CLUBS & CONCERTS:

The Barns at Wolf Trap plays host to some great vocalists, as Shemikia Copeland performs on Feb. 11 and singer/songwriter Paula Cole takes the stage on the 16th. Rock and blues get a taste of France with Geno Deltas and French Rockin' Boogie on Feb. 17. The Birchmere is pretty active as the veteran '60s rockers The Association perform on the 13th, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers headline on Feb. 16 and Poco & Pure Prairie League share the stage on the 17th. The Patriot Center welcomes the new band Further, featuring ex-Grateful Dead members Phil Lesh and Bob Weir on Feb. 13. The State Theatre in Falls Church welcomes Pinetop Perkins and special guest Willie Smith on the 12th and lets the good times roll with the Party DC Mardi Gras Madness Party on Feb. 13

The DC Improv club welcomes comic Tony Rock (Chris' brother)for four nights from Feb. 11 to 14. Blues Alley in Georgetown celebrates the lover's holiday with the annual series of shows by legen-dary crooner Jerry "the Iceman" Butler. He performs from Feb. 11 through the 14th. Constitu-tion Hall hosts blues masters B.B. King and Buddy Guy on Feb. 11. Al Green brings plenty of "Love and Happiness" to the Hall on Feb. 12 and 13. Lalah Hathaway is in the spotlight on the 14th.

The Warner Theatre presents smooth jazz favorite Michael Franks for a pre-Valentine's show on Feb. 13. The Yes concert that was scheduled for Feb. 6 and was postponed due to snow will take place on the 15th. (Feb. 6 tickets will be honored.) Fans of movie music can revel in "And The Winner Is," a series of N.S.O. Pops concerts featuring Oscar winning and nominated tunes. Bill Conti, com-poser of the Rocky theme and other great film compositions, will conduct for three nights, Feb. 11 to 13. at the Kennedy Center.

The Music Center at Strathmore Hall presents Pictures of Music. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is joined by Dave and Chris Brubeck and other guest musicians on Feb. 11. Suzanne Vega of Luka and Tom's Diner fame is joined by singer/songwriter Marc ("Walking in Memphis") Cohn on the 12th. Enjoy!

Joe Barber covers entertainment in the DC area for the News & Messenger and can be heard regularly on WTOP-FM Radio.