Pearl Jam Twenty
It’s an incredible song, but the chest-beating refrain of “I’m still alive,” speaks as more than just a mere hooky, accessible line that’s easily sung by an arena’s worth of ecstatic fans. It serves as a quip on the grunge band’s post-“Yield” legacy, which is more remarkable for its longevity than the ragged quality of…
Pearl Jam Twenty
It’s an incredible song, but the chest-beating refrain of “I’m still alive,” speaks as more than just a mere hooky, accessible line that’s easily sung by an arena’s worth of ecstatic fans. It serves as a quip on the grunge band’s post-“Yield” legacy, which is more remarkable for its longevity than the ragged quality of…
Downtown Abbey
“Downtown Abbey” begins with a telegraph. It’s April of 1912, and as the family and staff of the palatial mansion called Downton Abbey wake up and start their day, the news travels fast: The Titanic has sunk, and the master of the home, Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham, is suddenly without an heir. Because…
Downtown Abbey
“Downtown Abbey” begins with a telegraph. It’s April of 1912, and as the family and staff of the palatial mansion called Downton Abbey wake up and start their day, the news travels fast: The Titanic has sunk, and the master of the home, Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham, is suddenly without an heir. Because…
Park after dark
But tensions have escalated between city officials and the Occupiers, who have been camped in downtown’s Kerr Park since Oct. 10. Last week, after an alcohol-related disturbance, the city declined to accept the fee for a permit to protest in the park. The following day at an Oklahoma City Council meeting, council members and Mayor…
Park after dark
But tensions have escalated between city officials and the Occupiers, who have been camped in downtown’s Kerr Park since Oct. 10. Last week, after an alcohol-related disturbance, the city declined to accept the fee for a permit to protest in the park. The following day at an Oklahoma City Council meeting, council members and Mayor…
Fashionista 101
While most college students are worrying about making it to class and not waking up in a field after a long night of partying, one University of Oklahoma freshman has different things on her mind. As designer of her own collection of handbags and small accessories, Norman resident Faith Mouse is constantly brainstorming ideas for…
Sink, sank, sunk
We’ll let Oklahoma City’s KFOR-TV Channel 4 take it from here: “Residents in Beckham County near Sayre say a massive sinkhole suddenly appeared overnight. They say it’s so big a small house can fit inside it.” That’s about 40 feet wide and just as many deep, right in the middle of Beckham County resident Jack…
Operation drumstick
The idea began in 2008 when Claude Rappaport, owner of Culinary Kitchen, 7302 N. Western, wanted to put his store’s demo TurboChef oven to good use. Rappaport spoke with Clayton Bahr, a wine representative for Putnam Wines. “Claude realized he could cook a large turkey in less than an hour,” Bahr said. “We wanted to…
Snow job
Nearly two years ago, a Christmas Eve blizzard practically shut down the greater metro area. While most people hunkered down on Christmas Day, Miranda Arana went to work. Not to the University of Oklahoma, where she serves as an adjunct instructor of music, but to the residential streets of Norman, shooting photos of the snow…
Operation drumstick
The idea began in 2008 when Claude Rappaport, owner of Culinary Kitchen, 7302 N. Western, wanted to put his store’s demo TurboChef oven to good use. Rappaport spoke with Clayton Bahr, a wine representative for Putnam Wines. “Claude realized he could cook a large turkey in less than an hour,” Bahr said. “We wanted to…
Sink, sank, sunk
We’ll let Oklahoma City’s KFOR-TV Channel 4 take it from here: “Residents in Beckham County near Sayre say a massive sinkhole suddenly appeared overnight. They say it’s so big a small house can fit inside it.” That’s about 40 feet wide and just as many deep, right in the middle of Beckham County resident Jack…
Snow job
Nearly two years ago, a Christmas Eve blizzard practically shut down the greater metro area. While most people hunkered down on Christmas Day, Miranda Arana went to work. Not to the University of Oklahoma, where she serves as an adjunct instructor of music, but to the residential streets of Norman, shooting photos of the snow…
How bazaar
Large retailers aren’t the only option in town for shoppers wanting an original creation or a distinctive gift that doesn’t cost a fortune. At Saturday’s fourth annual Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar, visitors will find imaginative merchandise created by aboutr 80 local artisans. Expect handmade items ranging from jewelry and clothing, as well as stationery, glassware,…
Yes, you can-can
Every year, people travel thousands of miles to places like Broadway; Branson, Mo.; and Nashville, Tenn.; in search of elaborate holiday productions that capture the whimsy, magic and emotion inherent in the season. Lucky Oklahomans need look no further than Oklahoma City University’s spectacular holiday extravaganza, “Home for the Holidays.” Featuring everything from classic ballet…
45 caliber
Located at 2145 N.E. 36th, the nation’s largest state-operated military museum commemorates the National Guard division, long known as the “Thunderbirds,” with scores of artifacts from the Second World War. Museum curator Michael Gonzales said the exhibits help show visitors how Pearl Harbor catapulted the 45th into the throes of war. “It didn’t take a…
Yes, you can-can
Every year, people travel thousands of miles to places like Broadway; Branson, Mo.; and Nashville, Tenn.; in search of elaborate holiday productions that capture the whimsy, magic and emotion inherent in the season. Lucky Oklahomans need look no further than Oklahoma City University’s spectacular holiday extravaganza, “Home for the Holidays.” Featuring everything from classic ballet…
Brimming with bounty
Since then, hat wearing hasn’t been the same. If you’re a vintage fashion lover, or if you simply adore hats, it’s your season! Cloches, fascinators, berets, fedoras and trilbies will populate headspace this cold-weather season, but as it turns out, the once-staple pieces aren’t easy to locate in Oklahoma City. If you’ve kept your eye…
Camp? In the winter?
Parents, why not send your children off to camp? Art camp, that is. For children ages 5 to 13, City Arts Center offers a number of winter-break youth camps taught by artists and art professors. Kids ages 5 to 7 may attend Patti Morgan’s “Winter Time Sculpting, Sewing and Paper Crafts” class. Participants will build…
Camp? In the winter?
Parents, why not send your children off to camp? Art camp, that is. For children ages 5 to 13, City Arts Center offers a number of winter-break youth camps taught by artists and art professors. Kids ages 5 to 7 may attend Patti Morgan’s “Winter Time Sculpting, Sewing and Paper Crafts” class. Participants will build…
Bite Size: 12-7-11
Drinkin’ In The Moonlight From 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, the Plaza District’s Urban Wine Works, 1749 N.W. 16th, presents its first “Full Moon” party. “We are going to make it where you can go in and out, and each month will have a different theme. The first is ‘Caroling in the Moonlight,’” said Carrie…
Bite Size: 12-7-11
Drinkin’ In The Moonlight From 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, the Plaza District’s Urban Wine Works, 1749 N.W. 16th, presents its first “Full Moon” party. “We are going to make it where you can go in and out, and each month will have a different theme. The first is ‘Caroling in the Moonlight,’” said Carrie…
Smag 7: The Brunch Club
Classen Grill5124 N. Classen Blvd. 842-0428On the roster at this local favorite are grits, pancakes, eggs Benedict and tasty salmon patties. Ask for its delightful taquita, created with sausage, potatoes, onions and tomatoes, wrapped in a cheddar-jalapeno tortilla shell. You won’t want to miss the fresh-squeezed orange juice to wash it all down. On Sundays,…
Smag 7: The Brunch Club
Classen Grill5124 N. Classen Blvd. 842-0428On the roster at this local favorite are grits, pancakes, eggs Benedict and tasty salmon patties. Ask for its delightful taquita, created with sausage, potatoes, onions and tomatoes, wrapped in a cheddar-jalapeno tortilla shell. You won’t want to miss the fresh-squeezed orange juice to wash it all down. On Sundays,…
Thai times two
Koi and her spouse, Clint Strickland, opened the diminutive dining room 10 months ago. Already, they have customers who drop in for lunch or dinner three or four times a week, except Monday when they’re closed. “I started cooking when I was 7. My family lived in Kanchanaburi. You might know that town because it’s…
Thai times two
Koi and her spouse, Clint Strickland, opened the diminutive dining room 10 months ago. Already, they have customers who drop in for lunch or dinner three or four times a week, except Monday when they’re closed. “I started cooking when I was 7. My family lived in Kanchanaburi. You might know that town because it’s…
Off the grid
Scheduled to last an hour, the Dec. 1 event stretched close to double that, as dozens of audience members asked questions and shared ideas. “This is probably the biggest group we’ve ever talked to,” Johnson said. “I’m amazed. I’m overwhelmed.” Johnson and Hagen, married since 1987, reside on acreage northeast of Oklahoma City. They call…
Sugar Free Grammy?
A benefit album featuring a song by the duo is nominated for a 2012 Grammy for Best Children’s Album. The 37-track compilation, “All About Bullies … Big and Small,” raised funds for the National Bullying Prevention Center and included an Allstars tune, “Cooperate.” Grammy winners will be announced Feb. 12. Here’s hoping Kanye West stays…
Agree to disagree
A Nov. 26 story in the paper detailed how the NBA lockout has impacted the Oklahoma City Thunder, but the Gray Lady wasted little time tweaking our town. Illustrating the Thunder’s uniting influence, writer Tom Spousta quoted Oklahoma City resident T.J. Nance: “It’s the only thing we can agree on, other than conservative politics.” Huh?…
Not-so-happy ending
And we mean a massage, not — ahem — a “massage.” It’s the kind in quotes that recently got one place in hot water with the Midwest City police. Officers arrested a female employee at Empress Massage who allegedly tried to perform, for a fee, a sex act on an undercover officer, according to KWTV…
A cut above
Operations such as Artisan’s Pride Quality Meats, 1965 W. Lindsey in Norman, believe they offer not only a better product, but personal service once common in another era. “We provide a lot of advice,” said Daniel Hyden, production manager. “We offer cooking and seasoning tips or what cut of meat to use.” The small shop…
Agree to disagree
A Nov. 26 story in the paper detailed how the NBA lockout has impacted the Oklahoma City Thunder, but the Gray Lady wasted little time tweaking our town. Illustrating the Thunder’s uniting influence, writer Tom Spousta quoted Oklahoma City resident T.J. Nance: “It’s the only thing we can agree on, other than conservative politics.” Huh?…
Off the grid
Scheduled to last an hour, the Dec. 1 event stretched close to double that, as dozens of audience members asked questions and shared ideas. “This is probably the biggest group we’ve ever talked to,” Johnson said. “I’m amazed. I’m overwhelmed.” Johnson and Hagen, married since 1987, reside on acreage northeast of Oklahoma City. They call…
Sugar Free Grammy?
A benefit album featuring a song by the duo is nominated for a 2012 Grammy for Best Children’s Album. The 37-track compilation, “All About Bullies … Big and Small,” raised funds for the National Bullying Prevention Center and included an Allstars tune, “Cooperate.” Grammy winners will be announced Feb. 12. Here’s hoping Kanye West stays…
Not-so-happy ending
And we mean a massage, not — ahem — a “massage.” It’s the kind in quotes that recently got one place in hot water with the Midwest City police. Officers arrested a female employee at Empress Massage who allegedly tried to perform, for a fee, a sex act on an undercover officer, according to KWTV…
A cut above
Operations such as Artisan’s Pride Quality Meats, 1965 W. Lindsey in Norman, believe they offer not only a better product, but personal service once common in another era. “We provide a lot of advice,” said Daniel Hyden, production manager. “We offer cooking and seasoning tips or what cut of meat to use.” The small shop…
Race and joblessness
Statewide, black workers are unemployed at about twice the rate of white workers; they also stay unemployed longer and are more likely to be working part-time because they couldn’t find a full-time job. Much of the gap is driven by exceptionally high unemployment rates among black men, which is about two and half times that…
Race and joblessness
Statewide, black workers are unemployed at about twice the rate of white workers; they also stay unemployed longer and are more likely to be working part-time because they couldn’t find a full-time job. Much of the gap is driven by exceptionally high unemployment rates among black men, which is about two and half times that…
Melancholia
If you want to watch a painting full of sad people and pretty images, controversial director Lars von Trier (“Antichrist”) has your film. Playing Thursday through Sunday at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, “Melancholia” opens with a collection of frightfully slow-moving, albeit captivating images that highlight some of the film’s key events before the…
Just dance
The spotlight clicks on and glares down onto your face, immediately creating sweat beads along your hairline. Your music cues up, and your heart beats in your ears. You take one last breath before that final intro eight-count, and then you’re off. Like you’ve practiced so many times before, your feet move solidly and confidently,…
Come on, Pilgrim
Since it doesn’t matter, let’s all dress up in headdresses and build tepees, then have a group of white people dressed like colonialists come and bash up crap, leaving the land wrecked and ravaged. Sounds like a party, no? Oklahoma City electro-collective Dance Robots, Dance! recently promoted a Nov. 23 “Special Pilgrims & Indians Theme…
Melancholia
If you want to watch a painting full of sad people and pretty images, controversial director Lars von Trier (“Antichrist”) has your film. Playing Thursday through Sunday at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, “Melancholia” opens with a collection of frightfully slow-moving, albeit captivating images that highlight some of the film’s key events before the…
Come on, Pilgrim
Since it doesn’t matter, let’s all dress up in headdresses and build tepees, then have a group of white people dressed like colonialists come and bash up crap, leaving the land wrecked and ravaged. Sounds like a party, no? Oklahoma City electro-collective Dance Robots, Dance! recently promoted a Nov. 23 “Special Pilgrims & Indians Theme…
Time to fly
Jonathan Byrd describes himself as a North Carolina picker and a Texas songwriter. It’s as apt a description as any, as his music unites the narrative influence of Texas country artists like Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt with flat-picked country gone decaf, the slower pace allowing folky melodicism to waft forth. He’s tipped his…
Ryan Parker — In Circles
Parker asks a lot of questions here in his debut, but judging by the crisp vocal harmonies (supplied by Brianna Gaither, Ali McIlroy and Amy Leming), chiming acoustic guitar chords and peppy percussion, he’s optimistic about the answers. “Just Because,” the disc’s shining love song, stands out in this regard. The jug-band bassline and handclaps…
Time to fly
Jonathan Byrd describes himself as a North Carolina picker and a Texas songwriter. It’s as apt a description as any, as his music unites the narrative influence of Texas country artists like Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt with flat-picked country gone decaf, the slower pace allowing folky melodicism to waft forth. He’s tipped his…
Wreck the halls
Few bands enjoy the level of versatility hard-rock vets Staind do. “Roundness is helpful in all aspects of life, I think,” front man Aaron Lewis said. “We could definitely play a game of ‘you throw out the style, and we write a song to fit that.’” Trouble brewed, however, as that game increasingly disregarded the…
Wreck the halls
Few bands enjoy the level of versatility hard-rock vets Staind do. “Roundness is helpful in all aspects of life, I think,” front man Aaron Lewis said. “We could definitely play a game of ‘you throw out the style, and we write a song to fit that.’” Trouble brewed, however, as that game increasingly disregarded the…
Current event
Recording music inside his home in the out-of-the-way Oklahoma town of Amber, Depth & Current singer/ guitarist Chris Harris often heard some bizarre sounds via CV radio that weren’t always necessarily his own. “Living out in the country, I would hit these distortion pedals and hear these crazy preachers and alien conspiracy theorists and government…
Reckless play
Country rock’s Reckless Kelly is already batting a thousand with its upstart label, No Big Deal Records. Its first release — the band’s seventh studio album, “Good Luck & True Love” — is the act’s highest-charting to date. And last week, it earned the group its first Grammy nomination. “That explains why I’m a little…
Current event
Recording music inside his home in the out-of-the-way Oklahoma town of Amber, Depth & Current singer/ guitarist Chris Harris often heard some bizarre sounds via CV radio that weren’t always necessarily his own. “Living out in the country, I would hit these distortion pedals and hear these crazy preachers and alien conspiracy theorists and government…
Reckless play
Country rock’s Reckless Kelly is already batting a thousand with its upstart label, No Big Deal Records. Its first release — the band’s seventh studio album, “Good Luck & True Love” — is the act’s highest-charting to date. And last week, it earned the group its first Grammy nomination. “That explains why I’m a little…
State of shock
David A. Farris may be Oklahoma’s Fox Mulder. Tracking down the Sooner State’s files of the unexplained, he’s compiled his findings into three books, from 1995’s “Mysterious Oklahoma” to 1999’s “Oklahoma Outlaw Tales.” On Sunday at Full Circle Bookstore, he’ll sign copies of his latest, “Oklahoma Outlaws, Spooky Stories and All Around Folklore,” which is…
State of shock
David A. Farris may be Oklahoma’s Fox Mulder. Tracking down the Sooner State’s files of the unexplained, he’s compiled his findings into three books, from 1995’s “Mysterious Oklahoma” to 1999’s “Oklahoma Outlaw Tales.” On Sunday at Full Circle Bookstore, he’ll sign copies of his latest, “Oklahoma Outlaws, Spooky Stories and All Around Folklore,” which is…
Nutrocker
Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Al Pitrelli has been a good boy this year. But for the guy who’s been the prog-rock Santa Claus to more than 8 million concert attendees since 1999, his gifts come in the forms of fan art, charity and the inseparable intertwining with American holiday culture that powers TSO’s merry sleigh of…
Nutrocker
Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Al Pitrelli has been a good boy this year. But for the guy who’s been the prog-rock Santa Claus to more than 8 million concert attendees since 1999, his gifts come in the forms of fan art, charity and the inseparable intertwining with American holiday culture that powers TSO’s merry sleigh of…
PR BS
—“Ready for ITALIALICIOUS?” —“IPC The Hospitalist Company, Inc. to Present at the 2011 Annual Piper Jaffray Health Care Conference” —“National Grange Commits to Support USPS in Reforms” —“Mpact Downhole Motors Surpasses Haynesville Shale Record” —“Tea Party Express Radio Hour starts in 1 hour – we want to hear from you!” —“News release: Wanted: You! Corps…
That’s it … “Nice & Easy” …
For those with “Martinis & Mistletoe” on their wish list, good news: That’s the name of a special Christmas concert scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at FireLake Grand Casino, 777 Grand Casino in Shawnee. Oklahoma City crooner Wade Tower will take center stage to give audience members a night of season music they won’t soon…
Shock and schadenfreude
My first emotion was how impressed and amazed I was at how he endeavored to twist the meaning of a photograph that was mostly dark as an adequate portrayal of what he deems a dark lifestyle (homosexuality). I am dumbfounded by his inability to address the artistic sensibility that the photo he was referencing was…
Elmo A-OK?
My wife emailed OETA to learn what the effect would be if OETA lost all state funding. Since they didn’t reply, I assume this means there would be no effect. Elmo is safe! —Carl Hall Edmond Oklahoma Gazette provides an open forum for the discussion of all points of view in its Letters to the…
What’s the 131?
’Tis the season to give loved ones daily reminders of the beauty of American Indian art. Tribes 131 is hosting its annual Native American Art Calendar signing, which includes two days for customers to meet the 13 creators of the 2012 edition, including Benjamin Harjo Jr. and Harvey Pratt, no strangers to the full-color calendar.…
Bad move, Oklahoma City Council
I would also like to say to Councilman Ed Shadid, in response to his remarks that they will be judged later: Sir, according to God’s word, you have already been judged by the vote you cast. There was no need for this vote. If there is any group in this city or our nation that…
PR BS
—“Ready for ITALIALICIOUS?” —“IPC The Hospitalist Company, Inc. to Present at the 2011 Annual Piper Jaffray Health Care Conference” —“National Grange Commits to Support USPS in Reforms” —“Mpact Downhole Motors Surpasses Haynesville Shale Record” —“Tea Party Express Radio Hour starts in 1 hour – we want to hear from you!” —“News release: Wanted: You! Corps…
Elmo A-OK?
My wife emailed OETA to learn what the effect would be if OETA lost all state funding. Since they didn’t reply, I assume this means there would be no effect. Elmo is safe! —Carl Hall Edmond Oklahoma Gazette provides an open forum for the discussion of all points of view in its Letters to the…
What’s the 131?
’Tis the season to give loved ones daily reminders of the beauty of American Indian art. Tribes 131 is hosting its annual Native American Art Calendar signing, which includes two days for customers to meet the 13 creators of the 2012 edition, including Benjamin Harjo Jr. and Harvey Pratt, no strangers to the full-color calendar.…
Rest, ye merry caregivers
After months, or even years of absorbing a loved one’s pain, the added stress of the holidays can cause the sudden onset of a little-known condition called “compassion fatigue.” Symptoms include irritability, outbursts of anger, difficulty concentrating and exhaustion. The caregiver feels unappreciated and may even have difficulty caring about others. Who is most at…
CFN Headline of the Week
“Olivia Munn’s Nakedness Saved The Elephants” —thesuperficial.com, Nov. 29
Bad move, Oklahoma City Council
I would also like to say to Councilman Ed Shadid, in response to his remarks that they will be judged later: Sir, according to God’s word, you have already been judged by the vote you cast. There was no need for this vote. If there is any group in this city or our nation that…
Shock and schadenfreude
My first emotion was how impressed and amazed I was at how he endeavored to twist the meaning of a photograph that was mostly dark as an adequate portrayal of what he deems a dark lifestyle (homosexuality). I am dumbfounded by his inability to address the artistic sensibility that the photo he was referencing was…
That’s it … “Nice & Easy” …
For those with “Martinis & Mistletoe” on their wish list, good news: That’s the name of a special Christmas concert scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at FireLake Grand Casino, 777 Grand Casino in Shawnee. Oklahoma City crooner Wade Tower will take center stage to give audience members a night of season music they won’t soon…
Rest, ye merry caregivers
After months, or even years of absorbing a loved one’s pain, the added stress of the holidays can cause the sudden onset of a little-known condition called “compassion fatigue.” Symptoms include irritability, outbursts of anger, difficulty concentrating and exhaustion. The caregiver feels unappreciated and may even have difficulty caring about others. Who is most at…
CFN Headline of the Week
“Olivia Munn’s Nakedness Saved The Elephants” —thesuperficial.com, Nov. 29
Collective endeavor
Co-founders Daniel Leeman Smith, Rick Foresee and Robyn Mitchell met while working on Ghostlight Theatre Club’s “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” earlier this year and discovered they shared a similar vision for theater performance and education. “We talked about what was missing in the community and about what theater should be,” said Smith. “We…
Collective endeavor
Co-founders Daniel Leeman Smith, Rick Foresee and Robyn Mitchell met while working on Ghostlight Theatre Club’s “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” earlier this year and discovered they shared a similar vision for theater performance and education. “We talked about what was missing in the community and about what theater should be,” said Smith. “We…
Chrome extension
It’s not multiple personality disorder, exactly. Many of the area’s finest musicians, after all, flit between multiple projects, playing a festival here, helping on a record there. Local pop musician Steven Battles is familiar with the phenomenon, having backed Norman acts like The Nghiems and Jacob Abello. When Battles lends a hand to electro-pop act…
Chrome extension
It’s not multiple personality disorder, exactly. Many of the area’s finest musicians, after all, flit between multiple projects, playing a festival here, helping on a record there. Local pop musician Steven Battles is familiar with the phenomenon, having backed Norman acts like The Nghiems and Jacob Abello. When Battles lends a hand to electro-pop act…
In God’s name
What struck me as jaw-dropping was hearing ministers writing checks in God’s name. Not only is it presumptuous, but futile, as I suspect God will let them bounce. Maybe their actions, rather than “liberal Hollywood,” is the real reason why the number of people identifying themselves as Christian is in a steep decline. —Carl Owen…
In God’s name
What struck me as jaw-dropping was hearing ministers writing checks in God’s name. Not only is it presumptuous, but futile, as I suspect God will let them bounce. Maybe their actions, rather than “liberal Hollywood,” is the real reason why the number of people identifying themselves as Christian is in a steep decline. —Carl Owen…
The Roots — undun
Depicted by the band’s house emcee, Black Thought, Redford Stephens is the narrating character, a composition of many of BT’s family members and people he and fellow Roots founder ?uestlove knew from their hometown of Philadelphia. Listening to “undun” you hear Redford’s hopes, dreams, mistakes and struggles, all told in uncompromising, uncontrived lyricism from Black…
Drake — Take Care
My feelings about this are complicated, although I found the record to be a languorous epic that rewarded dividends upon repeat listens. It’s certainly a winsome, good album — probably even a great one — but for reasons ascribed to Aubrey Drake Graham’s sense as a producer more so than his voice or rapping. The…
Clarence, the Cross-Eyed Lion
As kids’ movies of that era go, it’s unspectacular, but also harmless, charming and agreeable. Let’s put it this way: The phrase “a fine howdya do” is spoken without irony. Marshall Thompson (“It! The Terror from Beyond Space”) is Dr. Tracy, the veterinarian in an African village whose natives fear a lion. But it’s Clarence,…
Clarence, the Cross-Eyed Lion
As kids’ movies of that era go, it’s unspectacular, but also harmless, charming and agreeable. Let’s put it this way: The phrase “a fine howdya do” is spoken without irony. Marshall Thompson (“It! The Terror from Beyond Space”) is Dr. Tracy, the veterinarian in an African village whose natives fear a lion. But it’s Clarence,…
Vampires
This mockumentary follows a vamp family in Belgium who feeds on the blood of humans, despite finding the species to be “minimally sophisticated animals.” They live by an inane “Vampire Code,” like only those with kids can own a house. Our clan has two, including a pouty teen girl who complains to her father, “I…
Vampires
This mockumentary follows a vamp family in Belgium who feeds on the blood of humans, despite finding the species to be “minimally sophisticated animals.” They live by an inane “Vampire Code,” like only those with kids can own a house. Our clan has two, including a pouty teen girl who complains to her father, “I…
The Hangover Part II
Bottom line: While this sequel doesn’t offer the surprise factor of its big brother of two summers ago, I still laughed. A lot. The “wolf pack” reassembles — somewhat reluctantly — for the wedding of mild-mannered dentist Stu (Ed Helms, TV’s “The Office”) to a lovely Asian woman (Jamie Chung, “Sucker Punch”), whose father hates…
The Hangover Part II
Bottom line: While this sequel doesn’t offer the surprise factor of its big brother of two summers ago, I still laughed. A lot. The “wolf pack” reassembles — somewhat reluctantly — for the wedding of mild-mannered dentist Stu (Ed Helms, TV’s “The Office”) to a lovely Asian woman (Jamie Chung, “Sucker Punch”), whose father hates…
Jessicka Rabid
This hateful effort — apologies to the word “effort” — not only gives exploitation film a bad name, but represents a strong argument against DIY movies. Jessicka (Elske McCain, “Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead”) is treated like a dog, literally. Her male captors keep her caged and feed her dog food, and occasionally put…
Jessicka Rabid
This hateful effort — apologies to the word “effort” — not only gives exploitation film a bad name, but represents a strong argument against DIY movies. Jessicka (Elske McCain, “Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead”) is treated like a dog, literally. Her male captors keep her caged and feed her dog food, and occasionally put…
Intruder
Such was the world of “Intruder,” the directorial debut of Scott Spiegel, forever a god among cult filmdom for co-scripting “Evil Dead II.” That sequel, of course, was directed by longtime pal Sam Raimi, who grew up shooting homemade shorts with brother Ted, Spiegel and Bruce Campbell. “Intruder” is a feature-length version of the inventive,…
Intruder
Such was the world of “Intruder,” the directorial debut of Scott Spiegel, forever a god among cult filmdom for co-scripting “Evil Dead II.” That sequel, of course, was directed by longtime pal Sam Raimi, who grew up shooting homemade shorts with brother Ted, Spiegel and Bruce Campbell. “Intruder” is a feature-length version of the inventive,…
Around the World Under the Sea
Now out on MOD DVD from Warner Archive, the waterlogged flick is nothing to write home about, provided you write your parents about such things. It’s double-preposition title is more than three times as complex as its weak story, which has a submerged Bridges and company on a mission to help predict potential mega-disastrous earthquakes.…
Around the World Under the Sea
Now out on MOD DVD from Warner Archive, the waterlogged flick is nothing to write home about, provided you write your parents about such things. It’s double-preposition title is more than three times as complex as its weak story, which has a submerged Bridges and company on a mission to help predict potential mega-disastrous earthquakes.…
Astron-6
While hit-or-miss, this double-disc collection of comedy shorts from a Canadian collective offers some subversively welcome stuff. Most all of the great bits are front-loaded, appearing on disc one, where viewers will find a healthy sampling of shorts — some veering into the half-hour mark — that parody ’80s genres with VHS-appropriate flair. For example, “Cool…
Astron-6
While hit-or-miss, this double-disc collection of comedy shorts from a Canadian collective offers some subversively welcome stuff. Most all of the great bits are front-loaded, appearing on disc one, where viewers will find a healthy sampling of shorts — some veering into the half-hour mark — that parody ’80s genres with VHS-appropriate flair. For example, “Cool…
Riley Jantzen and the Spirits — Feathers
Anybody who knows Jantzen knows that couldn’t be further from the reality, and “Feathers,” his first effort as Riley Jantzen and the Spirits, should dispel his scary-guy image for those who don’t. It’s a wonderfully intimate album lyrically, and musically enriched by his absurd skill as a player. He’s credited as playing all the instruments,…
Chillerama
Four writer/directors each contribute a roughly half-hour segment to form the anthology; although three of them primarily work in horror, this collaboration is an outright comedy. It starts with the funniest, “Wadzilla,” from Adam Rifkin (“Detroit Rock City”). Rifkin himself hilariously takes the lead as a guy whose ultra-low sperm count gets an unexpected boost…
Chillerama
Four writer/directors each contribute a roughly half-hour segment to form the anthology; although three of them primarily work in horror, this collaboration is an outright comedy. It starts with the funniest, “Wadzilla,” from Adam Rifkin (“Detroit Rock City”). Rifkin himself hilariously takes the lead as a guy whose ultra-low sperm count gets an unexpected boost…
Case Histories
That’s right: Even with the solutions known, viewers can enjoy it all over again because of its strong stories, characters and acting, particularly by Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy of the “Harry Potter” franchise) as divorced cop-turned-private detective Jackson Brodie. ‘Tis a joy to see such misery. Each pair of eps adapts one Atkinson book, in…
Case Histories
That’s right: Even with the solutions known, viewers can enjoy it all over again because of its strong stories, characters and acting, particularly by Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy of the “Harry Potter” franchise) as divorced cop-turned-private detective Jackson Brodie. ‘Tis a joy to see such misery. Each pair of eps adapts one Atkinson book, in…
Our Idiot Brother
I think you see where this is going, and if not, here you go: Paul Rudd is not absolutely hilarious opposite Rashida Jones or Elizabeth Banks in “Our Idiot Brother.” He’s only occasionally funny, but given the man’s potential, that’s a disappointment. None of this is his fault, of course; he’s saddled with a script…
Our Idiot Brother
I think you see where this is going, and if not, here you go: Paul Rudd is not absolutely hilarious opposite Rashida Jones or Elizabeth Banks in “Our Idiot Brother.” He’s only occasionally funny, but given the man’s potential, that’s a disappointment. None of this is his fault, of course; he’s saddled with a script…
