How to resolve AdBlock issue? Arts & Life
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- Written by: Tim Riley
‘DESPICABLE ME 4’ RATED PG
As summer slips away, there seems to have been too few movies that are geared to a family-friendly audience.
“Inside Out 2” expertly filled the bill, and maybe there was another Disney release I don’t remember. Whatever the case, not much out there for kids.
It’s time to take a look at “Despicable Me 4,” the newest installment in a franchise that delights youngsters not only with the erstwhile criminal Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) but also the adorably mischievous yellow Minions, babbling their usual incomprehensible gibberish.
Somewhere, Gru has turned the corner from supervillain to a family man married to Lily (Kristen Wiig) with a trio of adopted daughters, Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), and Agnes (Madison Polan).
While Gru’s relationship with his wife and the girls has never been stronger, the arrival of the newest member of the family with Gru Jr. has proved to be challenging, as the baby is determined to torment his father.
The family dynamic is upended not just with the arrival of a new baby, but Gru is now a dedicated Anti-Villain League (AVL) agent working undercover in an organization run by Silas Ramsbottom (Steve Coogan).
Work takes Gru on an assignment to a high school reunion for the purpose of arresting his former classmate and old rival Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), who has turned himself into a hybrid creature like Jeff Goldblum’s in “The Fly.”
Vowing revenge for his arrest and getting locked up, his subsequent prison escape that is aided and abetted by his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina (Sofia Vergara) and a platoon of cockroaches poses peril for the AVL agent.
The palpable threat to Gru results in having his entire family being put into witness protection in an upscale suburban community where Gru feels out of place and unable to connect with snooty neighbor Perry (Stephen Colbert).
Going incognito, Gru assumes the identity of Chet Cunningham, a solar panel salesman. He’s turned into a boring, somewhat nerd to keep his family safe. Maybe Gru is not so despicable anymore, losing a part of his personality that carried him in previous chapters.
With his new identity not working out that well for him, Gru finds himself blackmailed by his aloof neighbor’s teenage daughter Poppy (Joey King), who insists on his guidance to pull off a heist worthy of entrée into the ranks of supervillains.
Humor is predictable but for the most part enjoyable. Amusingly, Gru grumbles about many different types of milk like “almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, goat milk, chocolate milk, half and half, powdered, and milk of magnesia.”
Lucy asks, “What about regular milk?” to which Gru replies, “They don’t make it anymore.” He may have left out other plant-based products like coconut or rice milk, but the absurdity of all these varieties induces at least a chuckle maybe lost on the younger viewers.
For comic relief, the small, yellow pill-shaped creatures known as the Minions are dependable for some laughs even if their schtick has become overly familiar. But kids still love them, and at a family cinematic outing that’s really all that matters.
‘WE WILL DANCE AGAIN’ ON PARAMOUNT+
Paramount+ announced the award-winning film “We Will Dance Again,” a shocking documentary about the October 7th Hamas terror attack on the international Nova Music Festival, will have a two-day theatrical run nationwide before running on its streaming platform.
The Nova Music Festival was supposed to be a celebration of life, love and music for thousands of young people but became one of the first targets when Hamas launched the deadliest terror attack in Israel’s history.
In “We Will Dance Again” more than a dozen young festival-goers tell gripping stories of how each of them managed to survive from one minute to the next. The eyewitness accounts are weaved together with footage they filmed themselves and footage recovered from cameras worn by Hamas.
The film will open in Los Angeles for a week-long Oscar qualifying run beginning on August 23rd, ahead of the advanced event screenings on Friday, August 29th and Sunday, September 1st in select theaters across the country.
The president of the studio releasing the film notes that the “human cost of the Hamas attack in Israel and the war that followed in Gaza has been catastrophic for both Israelis and Palestinians,” and it is a “painful story of unfathomable tragedy, but also of bravery, sacrifice, and heroism.”
Aside from the documentary, the traveling “Nova Exhibition” is coming to Los Angeles, after first a 10-week run in Tel Aviv, followed by two months on display in New York City.
The exhibit features items salvaged from the festival grounds, including scorched cars, bullet-riddled bathroom stalls, and personal belongings such as tents and lawn chairs left behind.
Visitors will be invited to join a plea for the safe return of the hostages who are still held in captivity by Hamas terrorists. Nova survivors of the brutal attack will be attending as witnesses to the tragedy they experienced on that day.
Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.
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- Written by: Debra Fredrickson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Symphony Chamber Concert is scheduled for one performance only at 2 p.m., Aug. 18, at the Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport.
There will be no discounted rehearsal performance for this concert.
LCSA Musical Director John Parkinson will conduct several pieces by featured composers Jean-Joseph Mouret, George Frederick Handel, Luigi Boccherini, William Boyce and Antonio Vivaldi.
Starting off the concert is French composer Jean-Joseph Mouret’s “Rondeau” from his “Symphonie de Fanfares.”
Mouret (1682-1738) was one of the leading figures of Baroque music in France during his lifetime. These days most of his works are rarely performed, but many will recognize this piece as the signature tune of PBS’ Masterpiece Theatre.
Next is “Entrance of the Queen of Sheba” from the “Solomon” oratorio by George Frederick Handel (1685-1759). It contains a short and lively passage for two oboes and strings in Act Three, known as the “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba.” This section was played at the 2012 London Olympics and became famous outside of the complete work.
Italian composer/cellist of the Classical Era, Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805) is featured next with his “Overture in D Major.”
Boccherini wrote a large amount of chamber music, including over 100 string quintets which featured cellos along with violins and violas and several guitar quintets. Boccherini’s orchestral music includes about 30 symphonies and 12 virtuoso cello concertos.
The next piece is “Symphony No. 5” by English composer and organist, William Boyce (1711-1789). Boyce (like Beethoven) became deaf during his life but continued to compose music.
Music by Vivaldi (1678-1741) comes next. “Concerto for Two Trumpets” is the only known Vivaldi concerto for trumpet and requires players with a high level of proficiency.
It shouldn’t be a problem for Gary Miller and John Smiraglia, two music pros who have about 100 years of experience between them. The pair can also handle the more difficult “piccolo” trumpet featured in this piece. The piccolo trumpet is about half the size of a regular trumpet and has a pitch that is an octave higher. “It also has four valves instead of the usual three,” adds Smiraglia, “so it’s definitely more complicated.”
Next in the program is Handel’s “Water Music” (Concerto Grosso No. 25) a collection of orchestral movements, often published as three suites.
It premiered on July 17, 1717, in response to King George I’s request for a concert on the River Thames. Handel's Water Music was performed more than three times on the River Thames for King George I and his guests.
It is said the compositions spurred reconciliation between Handel and the king, supposedly annoyed by the composer's abandonment of his Hanover post several years earlier.
There is no charge, as usual, for those age 18 and under to attend this concert. All other seats are $15 — LCSA member discounts will not apply.
Tickets may be purchased online at the Soper Reese website and will also be available 30 minutes prior to the performance at the Soper Reese box office at 275 S. Main St. in Lakeport.
This concert is part of the Symphony Season Ticket Package. However, please note this is an open seating event.
Debra Fredrickson writes for the Lake County Symphony Association.
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- Written by: Tim Riley
‘DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE’ RATED R
“Make Superhero Movies Fun Again” could be the mantra for “Deadpool & Wolverine,” an R-rated action comedy that leans heavily into the rivalry of two superheroes and their unabashed proclivity for bloody fights and hurling profanity-laced insults.
The long-awaited return of a “Deadpool” film is a saving grace for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has received disappointing box office numbers for recent films, including the overly hyped “Captain Marvel.”
But just when it feels like the superhero genre has been exhausted, along comes Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman to deliver a wallop of crowd-pleasing excitement filled with giddy, humorous irreverence and blockbuster action.
Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), wearing a really bad toupee, has hung up his Deadpool costume to sell used cars. His trademark red ensemble has been retired since he failed to be accepted into the Avengers.
Wade’s ordinary civilian life takes a wild turn when the Time Variance Authority, under the leadership of the officious Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen), sucks him into a mission. Deadpool’s universe faces extinction, so it is time to suit up again.
An existential threat looms over Deadpool and his friends, including estranged girlfriend Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) and his unsighted roommate Blind Al (Leslie Uggams). This is all the more reason for Deadpool to trade hawking autos to packing his swords once more.
There is not much point in trying to explain the apocalyptic threat that kills timelines. Just know that a place known as The Void, set in a barren landscape reminiscent of “Mad Max,” is run by the villainous Cassandra (Emma Corwin), who looks like an emaciated model minus the hair.
While Wade may not be that thrilled to enter the superhero arena, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), deep-sixed in “Logan,” is resurrected, so to speak, and still much in need of anger management.
Seemingly endless fight scenes between Deadpool and Wolverine are obligatory until they finally team up against a common adversary. A priceless line is when Deadpool says that Disney is going to make Wolverine do this role until he’s ninety.
At least for now, Deadpool and Wolverine are such a great combo that bringing them back for another superhero adventure would be more welcome than retooling other Marvel films.
At times, the plot gets a little messy or a bit convoluted, but the comical mischief comes so fast and furious that it would not be surprising that one would want a repeat viewing just to soak in all the wackiness.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” is the best blockbuster movie to come along in a long time. The wisecracks and comic banter are supreme, thanks to great delivery. The action sequences pack a real punch.
The chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman is first-rate, as they know exactly what works best for their respective roles. On top of that, Reynolds is brilliant for breaking the fourth wall when his quips are directed at the audience.
Keep in mind the excess of profanity, so this is not a family film. That said, “Deadpool & Wolverine” it’s awfully damn funny even if the dialogue is not for everyone. Considering Reynolds’ shtick in the two previous franchise installments, all that can be said is what did you expect?
US OPEN TENNIS TOURNAMENT FAN WEEK
While the actual tennis matches for the US Open Tennis Tournament get underway on Monday, Aug. 26, fans get to enjoy a host of free admission events on the grounds beginning the week before.
Beginning on Monday, Aug. 19, both the main venue of Arthur Ashe Stadium and the Grandstand offer the opportunity to watch favorite players and biggest stars practice throughout Fan Week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as they gear up for the Main Draw.
On Courts 4 to 17, the US Open Qualifying Tournament will feature 128 men and 128 women competing for a spot in the Main Draw. Witness top tennis players in the world battle for a place in the Main Draw.
Wednesday night, Aug. 21, a ticket will be required for the “Stars of the Open” at Arthur Ashe Stadium. This tennis exhibition will feature an all-star lineup of top players and US Open legends.
The event is expected to showcase the talents of Novak Djokovic, John McEnroe, Carlos Alcaraz, Andre Agassi, Venus Williams, Gabriela Wozniacki, Andy Roddick, Frances Tiafoe, and more. Participants are subject to change.
All day and every day, you can enjoy the variety of delicious food offerings from numerous restaurants that surpass anything you would ever find at traditional sports venues like football stadiums, baseball parks and hockey arenas.
The US Open American Express Fan Experience offers an array of thrilling activities for fans of all ages. Be sure to visit sponsor booths on the grounds for fun games and giveaways.
There is so much more to learn about what to expect during Fan Week that it would be best to search for “US Open Tennis Fan Week 2024” on your browser, and then look into the Fan Access Pass Experience.
Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.
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- Written by: Tim Riley
‘TWISTERS’ RATED PG-13
The premise of a disaster movie with an adrenaline-pumping thrill ride of storm chasers bravely venturing into the eye of a tornado turned 1996’s “Twister” into a spectacle of special effects.
“Twisters” basically follows the same path across the Oklahoma plains. In the original, Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt are two storm chasers on the brink of divorce. Now we get Daisy Edgar-Jones’ Kate Carter, a former chaser, and Glen Powell’s reckless adventure-seeking cowboy Tyler Owens.
Her storm-chasing days behind her after a devastating encounter with a tornado during her college years resulted in the death of friends, Kate now she studies storm patterns on computer screens in the safe confines of a weather service in New York City.
Kate is lured back to Oklahoma by her surviving friend Javi (Anthony Ramos) to test a groundbreaking new portable radar system that can better study how tornadoes form and allow for the release of polymers into the funnel’s eye to diminish its power.
Kate must also overcome her reluctance to return home where her mother Cathy (Maura Tierney) still lives on the family’s rural homestead, a place that holds painful memories of lost loved ones.
While Javi’s enterprise is funded in part by a dubious real estate developer with his eye of snatching up distressed properties, he’s not alone in the business of chasing storms for fame or profit.
Tyler Owens, a social media star who calls himself a “tornado wrangler,” has a huge following if for no better reason that he’s a charming hustler and reckless thrill-seeker who once got his kicks as a rodeo cowboy.
As the story moves along, it seems hardly a day goes by before another tornado touches down to disrupt a street festival, a rodeo, an oil refinery, and an entire town, with explosive results and widespread destruction.
The storm chasers are evidently fearless in the face of extreme danger. Tyler’s ride-along nervous British journalist Ben (Harry Hadden-Paton) would appear to be the surrogate who represents the audience’s vicarious fear of the monster in the sky.
Above all, “Twisters” is truly a wondrous exploration of a wild subculture of exhilarating storm-chasing, populated by a mix of professional meteorologists, hardcore weather enthusiasts and thrill-seeking adventurers.
For most of us, living outside of America’s “tornado alley” means that a film like “Twisters,” as awesome it is with its rousing depiction of a tornado’s destructive power, is as close as we want to get to the terrifying action.
‘MY SPY: THE ETERNAL CITY’ RATED PG-13
Only four years ago, “My Spy” featured the burly Dave Bautista, former professional wrestler, in the role of hardened CIA operative JJ tangling with a precocious ten-year-old girl during his undercover role of surveilling her family.
Now along comes the sequel, “My Spy: The Eternal City,” streaming on Prime Video, and JJ remains at the mercy of the now-young teen Sophie (Chloe Coleman) during a trip of her high school peers to Italy.
But first, the film opens with a scene that emulates the prologue to either a “Mission Impossible” or “James Bond” film. Bodyguard to teen idol Ryan (Bill Barratt) on a private, JJ is attacked by a flight attendant before a bomb blows out a window and everyone falls from the sky.
Sophie comes to the rescue in a jetpack with parachute, or this just a dream? Whatever the case, now married to Sophie’s mom, JJ is a desk jockey at the CIA and filling in as the spouse who bakes scones, forsaking field duty, much to the chagrin of his agency boss David Kim (Ken Jeong).
In his stepdad role, JJ presses Sophie to keep up her physical training so that she can become an agent, which may have been her dream at one time, but she also claims wanting once to be Dora the Explorer.
As part of his domestication and hoping to bond with s disgruntled stepdaughter, JJ volunteers for chaperone duty for Sophie’s high school choir’s trip that includes performing for the Pope at the Vatican during a G7 summit.
Of course, there’s more to the trip than wrangling juveniles who want nothing more than to break loose from the nightly curfew. For one thing, Sophie is now more interested in boys, while oblivious to her friend Collin (Taeho K) being smitten.
Some bad guys, most notably the requisite villain Crane (Flula Borg), have a nefarious plan to blow up the Vatican with nuclear weapons unless the G7 nations pony up millions in ransom, which seems reminiscent of the nuclear extortion plot in the James Bond film “Thunderball.”
While serviceable in some regards as a weird amalgam of teen comedy, spy film and action thriller, the storyline is so scattershot that it doesn’t measure up to the same charm of the original.
One might get the idea that “My Spy: The Eternal City” might be trying a little too hard, amidst the car chases, fight scenes and more adult dialogue, to be more mature than what would be expected for the younger targeted audience of “My Spy.”
Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.
