Kevin Spacey

Main Event: Good-Fella Charm
Being the director of the eclectic Bobby Darin bio-drama BEYOND THE SEA as well as its star, producer and co-writer means Kevin Spacey gets all the flashy goods necessary to play it cool -- slick suits, sleek cars and a luxurious Los Angeles home. But those are just tools at his disposal to create the right retro look as Darin, the 1950s teen Rock idol who married and divorced actress Sandra Dee, became a minor movie star in the 1960s and refashioned himself as a socially conscious Folk singer before dying prematurely in 1973 at age 37.

What qualifies Spacey's performance as show-stopping transformation instead of simple impersonation is his confident swagger, egoistic charisma and, finally, a competent singing voice. He pivots his shoulders just so during the film's numerous musical numbers and gazes at women in his nightclub audiences like they're all that matter.

Spacey might not look like Darin, but he's every bit the showman. (Spacey has had a fascination for Darin since childhood and has been working on this film for years.) His own spiritual pizzazz -- what he reaches to in every scene -- makes Beyond the Sea a high-spirited romp instead of an overblown vanity project.

Beyond the Sea is as quirky as the recent Cole Porter bio-drama, De-Lovely, as upbeat in its portrayal as Taylor Hackford's recent Ray Charles bio, Ray, and as edgy as the Dennis Potter musical, The Singing Detective, which is key to its out-of-the-box charms.

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

Pretty Kate Bosworth is a dead ringer for the perpetually lip-glossed Dee. Bob Hoskins fills every one of his scenes with his trademark raspy voice and bulldog personality as Darin's protective uncle. John Goodman puts his bearish bulk and bullhorn voice to good use as Darin's aggressive manager. Brenda Blethyn is appropriately chirpy as Darin's encouraging mother. Yet, all the supporting players serve to boost Spacey's boisterous scene stealing.

Sentimental goo frequently stops Spacey dead in his tracks, and the Darin/Dee romance often swerves into soap-opera territory. But whenever Beyond the Sea looks to lose focus, Spacey's good-fella charm -- the film's best scene is Darin's debut Copacabana sequence -- chugs along at full gusto and makes everything right again. (See Film.) -- STEVE RAMOS

WEDNESDAY 29
As UC snacks on another multi-pack of cupcakes in its pre-conference schedule, a team with a similar taste for sweets is back Wednesday night: The HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS make their annual trek to the Tristate in a battle, er, match-up against the New York Nationals. While the roster lacks the likes of a "Meadowlark" Lemon or a "Curly" Neal, the 'Trotters still have plenty of uniquely talented players, including massive center Ron "Steamboat" Rollerson, a former Temple standout who packs 320 pounds on his 6-foot-10-inch frame. As usual -- the team has entertained audiences for 79 years now -- expect plenty of fan-friendly antics amid the actual, uh, game. $8-$100. 7 p.m. at U.S. Bank Arena, Downtown. (See Sports.) 513-562-4949. -- JASON GARGANO

EKOOSTIK HOOKAH

WEDNESDAY 29
It's an organic, psychedelic, post-holiday present for local Jam band fans as Central Ohio's EKOOSTIK HOOKAH swoops into the Southgate House on Wednesday for a little pre-New Year's noodling. Hookah has been at it since before the grassroots Jam network was fully set up across the country, forming in 1991, hitting the road and never looking back. Since then, they've become one of the guiding forces of the Midwestern scene, releasing eight albums, playing an endless stream of road dates and organizing Hookahville, a biannual, multi-act event that has become the premier Jam fest in the region, drawing legends like Arlo Guthrie and David Crosby and rising stars like Leftover Salmon and the Jazz Mandolin Project. The band's spring and fall Hookahville shows are already in the works, and they're offering a special "season pass" on their Web site (ekoostik.com) that gets fans into both 2005 fests at a discounted rate (but put down the hookah and act now: The sale ends Friday). Area Bluegrass group the Kenton Country Regulators opens. 859-431-2201. (See Music.) -- MIKE BREEN

WEDNESDAY 29
Boys and girls, art students of all ages, now is the time to submit your latest investigation surrounding the classifications of human gender to Gender, Engendered, a juried exhibition of student artwork. The exhibition is seeking all media, including (but not limited to) drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography and design. The postmark deadline for entry is Jan. 3. So kids, grab your best slides, and send them off to the newly formed MANIFEST GALLERY (2727 Woodburn Ave., Walnut Hills). For detailed information about this and future exhibitions, the mission statement and other swell information, go to www.manifestgallery.org. (See Get Involved.) -- JACQUELYN VAUGHN

FRIDAY 31
I've never heard anyone say they were bored by a visit to Shadowbox Cabaret at Newport on the Levee. Combine the high-energy entertainment of the comedy and Rock & Roll ensemble with their once-a-year New Year's Eve blowout, THE SHADOWBOX SHINDIG, and it's likely to lift the roof right off the place. Things get rolling at 9 p.m. with a buffet and cash bar. At 10:15 the house band, BillWho? launches into a two-hour concert of tunes from Prince, Aretha Franklin, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, INXS and more. Shadowbox's staff will mingle with the crowd, leading everyone in the countdown to midnight and a champagne toast. Ever willing to be of service, the performers promise that, if you're lacking a sweetheart for that good-luck smooch when the clock strikes twelve, they'll step right up and fill the void. 859-581-7625. (See Events.)

-- RICK PENDER

Shadowbox Shindig

FRIDAY 31
Wanna ring in the fast-approaching New Year in the style of years gone by? Check out SWINGALLERY'S NEW YEAR'S EVE swing dance party at College Hill Town Hall from 9 p.m. till whenever -- possibly until the last dancer drops, knowing this energetic crowd. For $20, all ages can enjoy hot and cold food, beverages and, most importantly, dancing to tunes played live by the Monday Night Big Band. The 17-piece group faithfully re-creates the traditional sounds of that golden era including Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller. Semi-formal attire is requested, but not required; don't be afraid to break out some vintage duds for the occasion. No partner? No problem -- this is a friendly bunch. Come swing in the New Year! www.swingallery.com (See Events.) -- JULIE MULLINS

SATURDAY 01
If the thought of an actual pig's head on a platter doesn't reel you right in, you might want to go for the actual program. In its 65th year, Christ Church Cathedral's BOAR'S HEAD AND YULE LOG FESTIVAL, a Christmas celebration of good conquering evil, features holiday traditions dating back to 14th-century England. It's separated into two parts: first, the procession into the church, then the story of the Nativity. The cast of around 150 includes the ultimate role players -- lords, ladies, knights, hunters, torchbearers, pages, pilgrims, shepherds, wise men and more -- all bedecked in authentic Gothic attire. And the Yule log, plum pudding and mince pie are just as much characters as the minstrels. Although (free) tickets were distributed Dec. 11, they say no one will be turned away. 5 p.m. Saturday; 2:30 and 5 p.m. Sunday. 513-621-BOAR. (See Holiday.) -- JESSICA TURNER