A Byrd's Eye View-June 23, 2013

June 23, 2013

A BYRD’S EYE VIEW N

e

w

s

l

e

t

t

e

r

ABOUT MOVIES, TV, ARTS AND EVENTS IN THE VALLEY

Man of Steel Flies High With A Great Story and Amazing Cast

by Art Byrd

A Quote By

The past two years have been the time of the superheroes movies with The Avengers and The Dark Knight leading the way. Yet, it has felt like Superman was always few steps behind the rest. Now with Man of Steel, Superman will catch up with the others.

I didn't know what to expect with Man of Steel because it is the same story we have seen in previous Superman movies. Yet, writer David S Goyer (Blade, The Dark Knight Rises) took the original story in a different direction and came up with an interesting Superman story. Then, director Zack Snyder (300) use his action–oriented style of filmmaking to give Man of Steel, a unique look and feel.

The movie has the same Krypton is a doomed planet plot-line. Russell Crowe has a very strong presence as Jor-El, Kal-El/ Superman's father. It was very clever, how he was used throughout the movie to guide Superman and even Lois Lane, in dealing with the villains. Jor El's wife, Lara, played

by Ayelet Zurer was totally emotionally moving as she was giving away her only son to another planet.

Every superhero movie has a villain and Man of Steel’s is General Zod played by Michael Shannon. He is cruel with a menacing face, yet devoted to Krypton.

“It's a fantastic story in the sense that there's this alien being with powers far beyond anything we've ever experienced as humankind... And is the world going to be OK with his existence when they find out? People get upset about the tiniest of differences with religion and race; imagine if you are so different that you are impossible to even conceive. That must be a scary prospect."

Actor, Henry Cavill who plays Superman in Man of Steel, in theaters now plays Superman in Man of Steel, in theaters now.

June 23, 2013

I'm focusing on the cast because it is what makes Man of Steel, so powerful and good. Next, Superman himself, Henry Cavill as Kal/-El/Clark Kent/Superman is as great as you can get. He has the physique, chiseled face and quiet charm. He was the right choice.

The Superman suit was awesome not flashy, yet different from the usual Superman suits with its strange looking material.

The casting of Lois Lane was very important to the movie. Amy Adams was an unusual choice because she has red hair and the Lois Lanes in the comics and past movies have had dark hair. With Amy Adams, it doesn't matter because she was amazing with her displays of strength and the instant caring of Superman/Clark Kent. Her beautiful wide eyes show so much emotion.

Other standouts were Lawrence Fishburne as the Daily Planet editor, Perry White, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Pa and Ma Kent.

Pa Kent thought the world would not understand Clark's gifts. In a flashback, one of the movie’s most touching moments has Pa Kent sacrificing his life to protect to Clark’s secret during a tornado. The use of flashbacks like Clark as a kid actually wearing a red cape with his fists on the side of his hips and the bullying, he took as a teenager are very effective.

Man of Steel has some serious destruction going on with Superman fighting Zod and his crew who have the same powers as he does. The special effects are really good especially the fight scenes and the cities being destroyed.

Man of Steel is really a good movie and a must-see on the big screen.

Summer Festival of the Arts looking for Volunteers The 15th annual Summer Festival of the Arts is seeking volunteers for the event at and around Youngstown State University scheduled for July 13 and 14. Volunteers are needed for artist registration, information booths, in the children's hands-on art tent, for technical assistance at performance sites and at the Festival of Nations international area, among others.

Various shifts are available. Each volunteer receives a festival tee shirt, cold water and reserved free parking.

Interested individuals or organizations may obtain an application by calling 330-941-2307, emailing lafactor@ysu.edu or logging on to www.ysu.edu/sfa for a downloadable form.

The Summer Festival of the Arts is presented by Youngstown State University.

June 23, 2013

Now You See Me Plays A Great Cinematic Magic Trick On The Audience

by Art Byrd A few months ago, I remember seeing the trailer for Now You See Me. The trailer showed a bank being robbed during a magic show and I was very intrigued by that.

I was ready for something original and believe me, this movie is original. The movie starts by showing four people applying different magical trades from gory magic tricks, hypnosis and pickpocketing.

Each person is slipped a tarot card with a date and a New York location. Jesse Eisenberg plays cocky and know it all magician, Daniel Atlas, Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves, who was Atlas’s former assistant and is now a solo act, then Woody Harrelson as Merritt McKinney, who uses hypnosis skills to shakedown people for cash and Dave Franco plays pickpocket Jack Wilder.

After meeting at the New York address, all four are not sure, why they are there. Jump to a year later, all four on a Las Vegas stage performing magic before a soldout audience. They have become known as The Four Horsemen.

During a finale act, the Four Horsemen bring an audience member to the stage. The person is supposedly transported into a bank vault in a foreign country. While in the vault, the person is told to turn on the ventilation system, which sucks all the money up. Moments later, the bills fall down over the audience and they go wild.

The next day, the Four Horsemen are brought in to the police station for questioning about an actual bank robbery similar to their act. FBI agent, Dylan Rhodes, played by Mark Ruffalo is grumpy and doesn't want to work on the case. Interpol detective, Alma Dray played by Melanie Laurent is assigned to work with Rhodes. Both believe the Four Horsemen are responsible for the robbery, but the rub is to figure out how they did it.

I really enjoyed the plot twist with Morgan Freeman as ex-magician, Thaddeus Bradley, who makes money by revealing the secrets of other magicians tricks. Bradley shows Rhodes and Dray, how the Four Horsemen did the robbery trick. It was very interesting as he showed them, step-bystep how the trick was performed.

The Four Horseman’s show is underwritten by insurance millionaire, Arthur Tressler, played by Michael Caine. At the next show in New Orleans, the Four Horsemen steal $140 million from Tressler’s bank account and gives it to the audience. Some of them had bad dealings with Tressler’s insurance company.

June 23, 2013

Now You See Me has some interesting cat and mouse chases with the final scenes giving me, I didn't see that coming moment. There is a setup for a sequel which would be very interesting to see where all the intrigue left in the air in this movie goes.

Now You See Me is like a cinematic magic trick being placed played on us as the audience. Great thing, we didn't have to travel to Las Vegas to experience it.

Youngstown Film Festival Is Approaching Their Final Film Submission Deadline Soon.

Youngstown Film Festival (YFF) is still accepting film submissions for its upcoming film festival taking place October 11-13, 2013. The final deadline is July 15, 2013. YFF’s mission is to promote independent films, film makers and producers, professional and student, from around the world and in Youngstown.

There are many classifications such as Short Film, Feature length, including Documentary, Horror/Sci-Fi, Ethnic Heritage, Working Class, Experimental, Music Video and Film Students Works.

New for 2013, YOUTH CUTS High School Film Competition. Awards will include Official Audience Selection, and the Pride of Youngstown, which will award one of our local film makers as well as a Grand Prize and four Finalists in our YOUTH CUTS high school film competition. The juried competition focuses on awarding the best films of the year.

For submission information: http://www.youngstownfilmfest.org/uploads/ Call_for_entries_flier2013.pdf

The Ohio Independent Film Festival Is Accepting Films and Screenplays Now. The Ohio Independent Film Festival (OIFF) chooses each and every film for the festival directly from filmmaker submissions. That means that every film has an equal chance at being accepted. Each year more than 80 features and shorts from Cleveland, from Ohio and around the world are selected for the OIFF. The festival gives a voice to those that might not otherwise be heard.

The 2013 Ohio Independent Screenplay Awards (OISA) wants your screenplay. Three cash prizes will be awarded: Best Overall Screenplay; Best Northcoast Screenplay (set in or about Cleveland); Best Voice of Color Screenplay (by or about people of color). In addition, one screenplay will be chosen for the Independent Pictures' Script Mill, a live, staged reading of the screenplay, giving the audience and the writer an opportunity to hear the script read in front of an audience and in raw form.

Get submission information at http://www.ohiofilms.com

June 23, 2013

Niki'z Pub Returns to Niles

By Monnie Ryan To read the full version of this review, visit http:// mahoningvalleyeats.blogspot.com For many years, my husband Jack and I were big fans of Nicolino's Restaurant in Niles (the best linguine with clam sauce anywhere, in fact). Later, it became Niki'z, a makeover primarily spearheaded by Nick Logan, one of the sons of owners Anthony and Mary Ann Donatelli Logan.

Then one sad day, it was gone - to be replaced by a couple of different eateries, most recently the High Pointe Restaurant & Tavern. The only constant is that things change, we sighed, wishing we could turn back the hands of time.

Imagine our delight, then, when friends told us that Niki'z is back in town! Sure enough, it's now on Mason Street, and the menu primarily consists of pub food (except once a month, but more on that later).

Although the menu is limited compared with what the restaurant used to have, everything we've tried here has been excellent - including one important carryover: Niki's homemade Italian hot sausage patty sandwich, topped with sauteed peppers and onions and provolone cheese on a toasted Italian roll ($6.99).

Yum! There's a good selection of appetizers here, including Italian fried greens sauteed in olive oil and garlic ($4.50), Jalapeno bottle caps ($4.99) and even fried pickle slices ($4.99).

Daily specials are listed on a board - at this writing, Tuesday is 50-cent wing day, for instance. But generally, we stick with our favorite things, and if I don't get that hot sausage sandwich it's likely to be the traditional or grilled chicken gyro ($6.50). Still another fave is the chicken fingers basket with fries ($6.50) - the breading isn't too heavy and tastes great, as does the dipping sauce. Prefer clams? There's a basket of them as well, also $6.50. The wings are good here as well - both traditional and boneless (six for $4.50 and six for $5, respectively). Our sauce preference is butter garlic or garlic parmesan, but there are plenty of other choices.

On our most recent visit, we tried a couple of different items (for us, at least). Jack had the chicken melt pita ($6.50, and he asked for it on a regular bun). It was delicious - grilled chicken breast topped with sauteed mushrooms and onions and topped with melted American cheese. I tried - and loved - the pulled pork BBQ ($6.99), a large sandwich of shredded hickory pit roasted pork shoulder on an Italian roll. It comes with a side of Niki'z special BBQ sauce, which is delicious as well.

For a really big treat, come here on the first Saturday of each month, when that hickory pit cranks out roasted lamb, pork, chicken and ham. I've been told there's quite a crowd, so it might be a good idea to call ahead and order what you want.

If you go: Niki'z 508 Mason St. Niles, Ohio 44446 (330) 544-6100 Open daily at 11 a.m.

June 23, 2013

Under the Dome is Over the Top

By Monnie Ryan 5 stars (out of 5) For a voracious reader like me, it doesn't get much better: When I finished the first [short] chapter of this book, I was so totally blown away that a big "Wow! Popped right out of my mouth, startling my husband Jack who was sitting next to me reading a book of his own. My next thoughts were that this is a perfect example of what great writing should be, followed by the question of why, since I used to be a huge Stephen King fan, I haven't read any of his books in several years.

The question is fairly easy to answer. Many of King's early books were, in addition to terrific, relatively short. But then, King started to go wild and crazy, churning out epics that required two free hands to pick up (drinking a cup of coffee or sipping wine while reading them was next to impossible) – and quite simply, the thought of starting one was off-putting to say the least.

I almost didn’t start this one; would I, I asked myself, be able to finish before the TV series started on June 24? Since you're reading this review, it's obvious that I made it with time to spare. And what a read it is!

If you've seen the TV trailers, you already know the basic premise: Suddenly, without any warning at all, a small town in Maine becomes enclosed in an invisible barrier - much like the clear glass cover on a turkey platter. That it can't be seen is demonstrated time and again by trucks, airplanes, animals and humans that crash into it. Worse, no one in or out of the town has a clue where the thing came from or when (or if) it will go away.

The real story here, of course, is how the townsfolk react to the situation; many have lost loved ones, and there's an overhanging threat to life itself with no possible way to connect to the rest of the world for supplies, water or oxygen.

As one might expect, the community becomes split into two factions; one is led by a used-car dealer and dictatorial town politician who's used to getting what he wants (often in ways that aren't legal). The other, much smaller, faction is led by a former army officer who's found a place where he can forget about his time in Iraq and the editor/publisher of the town newspaper.

As the situation becomes known to the outside world, the army guy is re-recruited to take charge of the inside per instructions from none other than the U.S. President. This rankles the politician, who's intent on establishing himself as the in-charge guy during the disaster and after, assuming there is an after. Quickly (well, in a book this long that's a relative term), things go from bad to worse and bodies start piling up literally all over the place - some from natural causes and others not.

If I have a criticism, it's hard to keep all the characters straight except for the "biggies" - not only because there are so many, but because they keep dropping like flies never to be read about again. Still, the interactions among those who remain held my interest all the way through, making me forget (well, almost!) about the overarching threat - the dome itself.

Kudos, Mr. King - now I'm really looking forward to seeing the TV adaptation.

Under the Dome by Stephen King (Scribner, December 2009); 1,088 pp.

June 23, 2013

What’s Happening Around The Valley: June 22- June 28

Ongoing: Steel Valley Super Nationals at Quaker City Motorsport Park Steel Valley Super Nationals at Quaker City Motorsport Park will feature: Drag racing, car cruises, music, food, and giveaways. It happens from June 21-23. More information on times and events click: steelvalleysupernationals.com.

Quaker City Motorsport Park is located at10025 W. South Range Road, Salem.

Warren Community Amphitheater: Friday Night Flicks Friday Night FlicksThe FIne Arts Council of Trumbull County will present a summer movie series on Friday nights from June 21 through Aug. 2. Films include classic motion pictures. Movies will be screened Jun 21, 28, Jul 12, 19, 26 and Aug. 2. 9 p.m. (or when its dark). Free.

Warren Community Amphitheater is located at 321 Mahoning Ave.,NW, downtown Warren.

Sunday, June 23 Firestone Park: Free concert featuring Loren Coler, Firestone Park presents a free concert featuring Loren Coler, as this Singing Senior Citizen croons the pop music of the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, on Sunday, June 23rd at 2 p.m. at the Park Gazebo.

More information about this concert is available at (330) 482-3822. Firestone Park is at 347 East Park Avenue, Columbiana.

Monday, June 24 Public Library, Newport Branch: Recipe Exchange Recipe Exchange will take place at the Public Library, Newport Branch at 4:30 p.m. You can swap family favorites and acquire new recipes to try, as well as discussion on tips and techniques for creative cooking. Public Library, Newport Branch is located at 3730 Market St., Youngstown.

Tuesday, June 25 Canfield Community Band Canfield Community Band is looking for anyone who plays an instrument. The band meets every Tuesday at Canfield High School at 7 p.m. For more information call 330-542-3313. Canfield High School is located at 100 Cardinal Drive, Canfield.

Judy Conti Dance Studio: Dance Lessons Judy Conti Dance Studio is having dance lessons at the Wedgewood Plaza in Austintown; Swing, cha-cha, and waltz lessons will be featured every Tuesday and Wednesday. 7-8 p.m. or 8-9 p.m. Call for admission information at 330-727-6312 or 330-788-7474.

June 23, 2013

What’s Happening Around The Valley: June 22- June 28 (cont’d)

Wednesday, June 26 Mill Creek MetroParks: Live at the Morley Live at the Judge Morley Pavilion is presenting Angela Perley and the Howlin’ Moons, a Rockablilly group at 7 p.m. at the Wick Recreation Area in the Mill Creek MetroParks, Youngstown.

Thursday, June 27 Hooked on Fishing Not On Drugs Hooked on Fishing Not On Drugs, Warriors Inc is a weekly, state certified program that focuses on preventing drug use through fishing and aquatic resource education from 5-6 pm. For more information call 330-783-3276.

Friday, June 28 33rd Annual Small Ships Revue 33rd Annual Small Ships Revue featuring a boat regatta takes places at the Shenango River next to Quaker Steak and Lube, 101 Chestnut St., Sharon, Pa.

Downtown Movies are Back

2013 Outdoor Movie Series Presented by: The City of Youngstown, Golden String, Inc., and the Covelli Centre.

Mondays @ Dusk (Rain Date: next day), Covelli Centre lawn 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

June 24th: The Lorax (PG) July 1st: Men in Black 3 (PG-13) July 8th: Paranorman (PG) July 15th: Jack Reacher (PG-13) July 22nd: Lion King (G) July 29th: NO MOVIE August 5th: 42 (The Story of Jackie Robinson; PG-13) August 12th: The Birds (1963; PG) August 19th: The Avengers (PG-13) August 26th: Oz the Great and Powerful (PG) September 2nd: NO MOVIE September 9th: Cinderella (G)

June 23, 2013

On Stage The Victorian Players: The Rainmaker The Victorian Players present N. Richard Nash's The Rainmaker. The pay is set in a drought-ridden rural town in the West during the Great Depression, The Rainmaker tells of a pivotal day in the life of spinsterish Lizzie Curry when a charming con man arrives and promises to bring rain.

The play runs through Sunday, June 23rd, a matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets and more information are available at (330) 746-5455.

The Victorian Players is located 702 Mahoning Avenue, Youngstown.

The Youngstown Playhouse: George Washington Slept Here In this Playhouse production, George Washington Slept Here tells the story of a family who buy an old house in the country, only to have calamity befall them at every turn. Everything that can go wrong does go wrong. The last performance is June 23 at 2:30 p.m. Call for tickets info at 330-788-8789.

The Youngstown Playhouse is located at 600 Playhouse Lane, Youngstown.

Crown Theater Productions: THE KING AND I Crown Theater Productions is presenting The King and I, June 23 at the Main Street Theater in Columbiana The story takes place in 1862 in Siam when an widow, Anna, and her young son arrive at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, having been summoned by the King to serve as tutor to his many children and wives. Anna and the King grow to understand their respective traditions and values, and, eventually, respect one another, in a truly unique love story.

The showtimes are 8 p.m and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are Adults are $13, Kids 10 and under $10. For more information, call 330-482-9915.

Main Street Theater is located at 5 North Main Street, Columbiana, OH Packard Musical Hall: Menopause The Musical® Packard Musical Hall presents Menopause The Musical® on Wednesday, June 26 at 7:00 p.m. The storyline is four women at a lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black lace bra and memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats and more. This funny musical is set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will have you cheering and dancing your seat. Tickets are available at 330-841-2931 or the on-line box office at www.packardmusichall.com or on-site at the Music Hall Box Office.

June 23, 2013

YSU All Alumni Reunion Is Set For July Youngstown State University alumni can reconnect with fellow graduates during the All Alumni Reunion July 12 and 13. A series of events are planned in downtown Youngstown and on the YSU campus.

Friday, July 12 5:30 to 7:00p.m. Alumni Networking Reception at OH WOW! The Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology. downtown Youngstown. Adults only. Cash bar. $8 Alumni Society members, $10 non-members.

Saturday, July 13 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Summer Festival of the Arts on the YSU campus 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Alumni Welcome Tent at Summer Festival of the Arts.

5 to 6 p.m. Alumni Reception, Ohio Room of Kilcawley Center. The Alumni Dinner. $15 includes reception and dinner. Wine available by cash bar.

6 p.m. Alumni Dinner, Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center. Picnic-style buffet, campus updatesand more prizes.

For more information, e-mail habelgin@ysu.edu, call 330.941.1591 or visit www.ysu.edu/alumni.

Local Toastmasters Club Meeting Every Monday How would your life change if you were more confident in speaking in public? Are you an effective leader? Toastmasters can help you with your communication skills.

Toastmasters (TM) is a non-profit organization committed to those who desire to enhance their speaking and leadership skills. Local TM group, Youngstown Executive 408 has a meeting every Monday at Shepherd of the Valley at 310 Western Reserve Road in Poland, Ohio. The meeting runs from 6:45p.m to 8:45 p.m.

Is your career and wealth potential worth two hours of your time?

More information click on http://www.speakingclub.org

June 23, 2013

PRIVACY POLICY Some of you on A Byrd’s Eye View newsletter mailing list came to us from other e-mails sent to us regarding stories about Arts events in the area.

We thought you would be interested in reading about additional Arts-related information of interest in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys, and added you. However, if you no longer wish to receive the newsletter, simply send a blank e-mail to artbyrdagain@yahoo.com with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

The e-mail addresses we have are NEVER shared in any way with anyone, nor are they sold. All copies of the newsletter are sent as blind carbon copies, so that no one receiving the newsletter knows the addresses of anyone else receiving it.

If you have received this free newsletter as a forward and would like to subscribe, please send a blank e-mail with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line to artbyrdagain@yahoo.com.

Excerpts from A Byrd’s Eye View can be read in The Review, Newspaper, available throughout the Valley and online at http://www.thereviewnewspapers.com/

Movie reviews from A Byrd’s Eye View can be read in The Buckeye Review Newspaper, available throughout the Valley at various newsstands.

Art Byrd Jr. has won awards as a filmmaker and journalist. After working many years as a videographer and director for WFMJ TV News, he retired from broadcasting to share his experience and insight with students as an instructor at Youngstown State University. Art has written and produced numerous Indie films, which have been shown at prestigious film festivals. In addition to teaching and writing/ producing A Byrd’s Eye View newsletter, Art also does freelance media work. He is based in Youngstown, Ohio.

Monnie Ryan retired in 2003 after 14 years as managing editor of The Business Journal in Youngstown, where she continues to contribute to the print and online editions.

Articles she has written have appeared in more than 20 national publications and at several travelrelated Web sites, and she has won numerous awards for photography.

Contact her at mryan62692@aol.com.