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‘HIT MAN’ RATED R on NETFLIX
Streaming on Netflix, “Hit Man” has the feel of film noir with a decidedly modern twist where the central character is a mild-mannered college professor who moonlights doing undercover work for the New Orleans Police Department.
When rogue cop Jasper (Austin Amelio) is put on suspension, Glen Powell’s professor Gary Johnson is pressed into service as a fake hitman who goes undercover to ensnare murder-for-hire suspects.
At first, Gary seems a most unlikely candidate to pose as a hitman, considering his solitary lifestyle living with cats and being an avid bird watcher. But he quickly proves to be a most effective chameleon, adapting to every situation with all kinds of disguises.
Gary’s ability to convince potential clients he’s the real deal seemingly comes from his background as a professor of sociology and psychology, which lends itself to understanding the human psyche.
Of course, in the world of film noir, even a fake bad guy would be burdened by a weakness, which usually arrives in the form of seduction by a sexy and enticing femme fatale.
That day comes when Madison (Adria Arjona), an irresistible beauty, seeks out Gary to kill her abusive husband Ray (Evan Holtzman). Yielding to immediate attraction, Gary dissuades her from hiring his services so that she won’t get arrested.
His police handlers are disappointed that Gary didn’t close the contract deal, and the duplicitous Jasper sees an opening to getting his job back, especially after a series of circumstances result in the gunshot slaying of Madison’s husband.
Meanwhile, Gary first met Madison under the name of “Ron,” a sexy and charismatic charmer, as opposed to being a rather unassuming guy. Falling hard for each other, an inevitable dilemma arises to how long “Ron” can keep up the charade.
“Hit Man” works on several levels, from thrilling tension in the police work to an illicit romance fraught with explosive chemistry, with a pleasant backdrop of plot twists and screwball dialogue that doesn’t fail to entertain.
ABC NETWORK ANNOUNCES ITS SUMMER PROGRAMMING
Claiming to lead the television season for the fifth consecutive year as the number one network in the coveted adults 18 to 49-age demographic, ABC heads into summer with a lineup of fan favorites and an all-new game show.
Jenn Tran, Asian-American physician assistant student from Miami, will make “Bachelor” franchise history when her journey to love begins on the upcoming 21st season of “The Bachelorette” beginning Monday, July 8th.
After charming audiences with her bubbly personality on Joey Graziadei’s season of “The Bachelor,” the 26-year-old fan favorite will begin handing out roses when the series returns this summer.
The day after “The Bachelorette” the celebration of the tenth anniversary and 100 episodes of “Celebrity Family Feud” will kick off with special “Family Feud: Decades of Laughs,” honoring 50 years of the iconic game show.
Hosted by stand-up comedian, actor and author Steve Harvey, “Celebrity Family Feud” game show features celebrities, along with their family members or their extended TV families, going head-to-head in a contest to name the most popular responses to survey-type questions for a chance to win $25,000 for charity.
Wednesday, July 10th brings a new season of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” with host Jimmy Kimmel. This iteration will feature a new twist with two celebrity contestants playing together with the hope of winning $1 million for the charity of their choice.
On the same night of July 10th, “Claim to Fame,” hosted by Kevin and Franklin Jonas, challenges relatives of celebrities to live together under one roof and conceal their identity and lineage for their own fame and fortune.
They will compete in challenges, form strategic partnerships and play DNA detective in hopes of avoiding elimination, winning the coveted $100,000 prize.
Winning the contest would allow the lucky champion to step out of their famous family member’s shadow by staking their own “Claim to Fame.” Season three will bring nail-biting competition, drama and more.
With a series premiere on July 18th, “Lucky 13,” hosted by Shaquille O’Neal and actress Gina Rodriguez, is a high-stakes game show that will have viewers on the edge of their seats while shouting answers at the screen.
From the creative team behind “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” “Lucky 13” tests contestants’ knowledge of 13 true-or-false trivia questions but with a cunning twist.
Just how well do they know what they know, and just as importantly, how well do they know what they don’t know. If they can accurately predict how successfully they’ve answered 13 questions, they could take home a $1 million cash jackpot.
Returning the following week on July 16th, “Judge Steve Harvey,” the one-hour unscripted courtroom comedy series, where the eponymous host stars as the judge and jury dealing with a variety of conflicts and characters.
The courtroom cases range from small claims to big disputes and everything in-between. Judge Harvey plays by his own rules, basing his courtroom on his own life experiences and some good old common sense.
Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.
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- Written by: Tim Riley
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — The Middletown Art Center will host “Open Hearts, Open Minds," the fourth annual Juneteenth event on Wednesday, June 19, from 5 to 9 p.m.
This evening of reflection, dialogue, and celebration will feature a distinguished panel discussion, live music, and more.
The event will begin with a panel discussion from 5 to 6 p.m., with doors opening at 4 p.m.
The panel features Aqeela Markowski, host of KPFZ radio's "Women's Voices"; Delores Farrell; Randall Cole, substance abuse counselor, member of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission, and author of "Felonies Before Birth"; Kamelle Leggette, a volunteer at Coletrain Transformation Station and author of "How to Survive When the **it Hits the Fan"; and Voris Brumfield, pastor at Middletown Community United Methodist Church.
"Open Hearts, Open Minds" will use this Juneteenth gathering to reflect on and remember the history of African Americans, emphasizing recognition, respect, reflection and hope. The themes will be explored through personal stories and discussions on why this history matters to all of us. The event aims to foster a deeper understanding and commitment to social justice.
The event will feature a recorded introduction by Clovice Lewis, a highly respected Unitarian Universalist minister, social activist, and musician. Lewis, who was instrumental in the first Juneteenth Celebration at MAC, is known for his unwavering commitment to social justice, racial equality and inclusive spirituality. His words will set the tone for a meaningful and thought-provoking evening of celebration and remembrance.
Starting at 6:30 p.m., Gloria Scott will perform a short selection of soulful songs, followed by music and dancing with Howard Reggie Dockens, providing a celebratory atmosphere to mark the spirit of Juneteenth. Delicious food by Goddess of the Mountain will be available for purchase, along with beverages to enhance the evening's enjoyment.
Tickets for "Open Hearts, Open Minds" will be sold at the door with a suggested donation of $10, though no one will be turned away for lack of funds. This event is an excellent opportunity for community members to come together to learn and to celebrate. Whether you are drawn to the panel discussion, the music, or the food, "Open Hearts, Open Minds" promises an evening of enrichment and connection.
The Middletown Art Center is a vibrant cultural hub dedicated to promoting artistic expression, fostering dialogue, and cross cultural connections.
Learn more about the MAC and ways to support their vital work at https://www.middletownartcenter.org.
The MAC is located at 21456 State Highway 175 at the junction of Highway 29 in Middletown. Call 707-809-8118 or email
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- Written by: Middletown Art Center
