September 7, 2000

Cover Story
Paddle power
Want to smell salt air instead of gasoline, hear the waves lap instead of an engine's roar, see a dolphin up close instead of fleeing in the opposite direction? Try a kayak.

Film
'Betty' bounces from love to bullets
A romance-addled soap opera fan meets a couple of cold hit men, and surprises ensue.

Guns 'n gross-outs
The directorial debut of the screenwriter of The Usual Suspects is full of unsympathetic characters and gore.

Family Movie Guide
The Family Movie Guide should be used along with the Motion Picture Association of America rating system for selecting movies suitable for children. Only films rated G, PG or PG-13 are included in this weekly listing, along with occasional R-rated films that may have entertainment or educational value for older children with parental guidance. Films are categorized as "recommended" for family viewing, "recommended with reservations" and "not recommended" for family viewing, with a description of content that led to that categorization. Compiled by St. Petersburg Times film critic Steve Persall.

Simmering plot is a refreshing change
Victor Kelly, an ex-con and struggling auto mechanic portrayed compellingly by Christopher Walken in The Opportunists, is sorely tempted to pursue one last, big score, even at the risk of another prison stint. And the pressures to cave in are mounting every day for the troubled resident of Sunnyside, Queens, a shaggy neighborhood neatly captured by first-time feature director Myles Connell.

Persall's Top Five
Recent releases recommended by Times film critic Steve Persall

Rap's one-two punch
The gritty drama Turn It Up and documentary Backstage give rap the Hollywood treatment.

Video
'Men in Black' DVD packages contain cool extras
Be reminded of what Times reviewers thought of this week's new video releases back when they were released on the big screen. Second thoughts include hindsight about the movies, what they'll be like on video and suggestions about who might want to rent them.

Pop
Pop: Hot Ticket
Heavy guitars, heavy lyrics

Pop: Ticket Window
Slipknot, Sept. 30, Florida State Fairgrounds Entertainment Hall. Tickets (prices not yet available) on sale Friday 4 p.m. through Ticketmaster.

Team Pop Trivia
This week's winner: The winner of this week's Team Pop Trivia is Rick Kwapien of St. Petersburg. Kwapien knew that the Genius who made musical strides in R&B, country, gospel, pop, jazz and was recently awarded the Blues Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award is none other than Ray Charles. Rock on, Rick, in your rad Times T-shirt.

Jazz soothes the soul
After a high-profile rock career, guitarist Jeff Golub returns to his true love, jazz. For him, the tour is a chance to perform with other talented musicians.

Night Life
Night Life: Check these out
Some other bars/restaurants near Sushi on Seventh to check out.

Night Life: Hot Ticket
Comedy night in Tampa

Dine
Lots of yums at Tum Rub Thai
Thai salads, called yums, are a wonderful blend of tastes and textures, perfect for hot summer days. Tum Rub Thai offers yums and much more in Palm Harbor.

Dine: On the side
New in town: Up county goes uptown at Rockwaters Grill & Bar, 38954 U.S. 19 N, Tarpon Springs; (727) 945-0777. Interior is cool and the menu of lobster, foccacia, Asian beef and pastas is hot; entrees $11.95 to $29.95 . . . Hip lunches go (sub)urban too at a new Mecca for coffees, panini, salads and fusion foods including Asian noodles and duck or shrimp. Behind Mecca, 3235 Suite 105 B Tampa Rd., Palm Harbor, (727) 773-8839, are Blue Heron partner Robert Stea and Chicago restaurateur Louis Venne. Prices $6 to $9 . . . Curry-hungry south Pinellas now has Ajanta Indian Cuisine inside Best Western Mirage Motel, at 5005 34th St. N, St. Petersburg; (727) 525-1181. Dinner-only ($8 to $12) menu includes rogan josh lamb, dal, biryani plus chicken and breads from a tandoor clay oven ($7.99 to $11.99).

Kampai (cheers)!
Japanese sake has become a hot drink in more ways than the traditional.

Cheap Thrills
When you want good food at bargain prices, you don't worry about fancy service or atmosphere. Chris Sherman designates Nibbler favorites where you can eat happily for $10 or less as Cheap Thrills.

Art
Art of no expression
The comedian has a new look, a new wife and new material, but he's still Emo Philips with that nasal voice. And don't count on seeing him break into a smile.

Galleries want to get you walking
Galleries in downtown St. Petersburg open their doors to the public Saturday for a monthly self-guided gallery walk. Hours at most galleries are 5:30-9 p.m. The event is free; many galleries will be serving refreshments. Special shows are noted; all participants are listed.

Art: Hot Ticket
Remembering the work of a teacher and artist

Art: Best bet
Art critic Mary Ann Marger's recommendations for this weekend. Please refer to the Art Calendar for details. E-mail: marger@sptimes.com

Stage

Gorilla's got a mind of its own
The independent theater has a promising season ahead, starting with two plays by George Bernard Shaw.

Stage: On the horizon
Duo -- Carolyn Stuart, violin, and Svetozar Ivanov, piano, are known for adventurous programs. They perform Sept. 18 at USF in Tampa. Tickets: $4 and $6. (813) 974-2323.

Stage: Hot Ticket
Of relationships and roots

Get Away
Racing museum will rev fans' engines
After 40 years of breaking drag racing records, Don "Big Daddy" Garlits displays his cars and memorabilia at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing near Ocala.

Get Away: On the horizon
Florida Coastal Cleanup (Sept. 16) Events scheduled in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.

Get Away: Hot Ticket
Big fun (that's with a capital B)

Aiming for a howling success
Standing under bright lights with thousands of eyes focused on you is a far-fetched scenario for many. But for one 61/2-year-old St. Petersburg resident, it will become reality.