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Cache Magazine STAR WARS:

The Force Awakens The Herald Journal

Cache Mag movie critic Aaron Peck hands out 3 1/2 stars to ‘Episode VII’

DECEMBER 18-24, 2015

contents

December 18-24, 2015

COVER 8 Legendary ‘Stars Wars’ franchise returns with ‘The Force Awakens’

MUSIC 4 Christmas concerts

wrap up at the Tabernacle

4 Bar J Wranglers set to

return to Logan on Dec. 19

4 Cache Valley Cowboy

Rendezvous to feature country artist Billy Dean

5 The Hit Men bringing

classic music to Logan

6 Josh Groban planning

to take voice to Broadway

MOVIES 3 Three and a half stars:

‘The Force Awakens’ is an ‘exciting ressurrection’

7 Two stars: ‘Sisters’ keeps party going way too long

10 ‘Star Wars’ opened to mixed reviews back in ’77

11 Screenwriter Kasdan continues to create Solo

12 J.J. Abrams shares

best way to view ‘Awakens’

CALENDAR 15 See what’s happening this week in Cache Valley

Fans cheer in the stands at world premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” at the TCL Chinese Theatre on Monday, Dec. 14, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo) On the cover: The Millennium Falcon battles TIE fighters in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” (AP Photo)

FROM THE EDITOR I can remember wondering back in after seeing “Return of the Jedi” back in 1983, if that was really going to be the final sequel in the “Star Wars” franchise.

Knowing the kind of money involved, I really didn’t think it would be.

Thirty-two years later, thanks to today’s release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” I’m finally right.

Granted, there were the three prequel films a few years back, all of which were quite forgettable and extremely disappointing — primarily due to George Lucas’ apparent desire to push the special effects envelope, rather develop characters.

So, basically, all you had to do was bring back Han Solo and Chewbacca, and I’d be on board for “Episode VII.” But

according to Cache Magazine film critic Aaron Peck and just about every other reviewer out there, J.J. Abrams has made a sequel that’s darn near close to be the equal of the original.

That film came out in 1977 when I was 8 years old, and I have great memories of going to see “Star Wars” at the old Paramount Theater in Idaho Falls, not once, but twice — the first time I ever saw any movie in theater more than one time.

I can also remember badly spraining my right ankle while jumping up and then landing awkwardly on my front lawn, all while fantasizing that I was Han Solo blasting evil Storm Troopers across the street.

And then there were the toys.

Apparently because no one anticipated “Star Wars” becoming such a huge cultural phenomenon, it took forever for the first action figures to be released — but fortunately for me, just in time for my ninth birthday in May 1978.

My mother said I could have one of

the first dozen action figures, leaving me to make a very diffcult decision. While I badly wanted Han and Chewie, it seemed weird to have a solo Solo, so I decided on Darth Vader, thinking that he could truly stand by himself.

When my birthday finally came around, there on the cake was my lone “Stars Wars” figure ... R2-D2.

Obviously, R2-D2 was not my first choice or second or seventh, but I put on a brave face for the rest of my birthday party. And I was rewarded afterwards when my mother ushered me into my brother’s room, where I was shocked to discover that he had set up my other 11 “Star Wars” figures — including Han Solo and Chewbacca — on his bed.

I’m still not sure if my mom was trying to use some sort of a Jedi mind trick on me, or just jerking me around. But I do know one thing: I was one lucky kid.

— Jeff Hunter

Abrams does ‘Stars Wars’ justice with ‘Episode VII’

– ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ co-screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan on the ‘Star Wars’ franchise (Page 11)

By Aaron Peck Cache movie critic

We last left “Star Wars” holding our collective noses at the stench the prequels were putting out. They were unruly beasts filled with marketing and gimmicks, rather than solid storytelling and developed characters.

With “The Force Awakens,” J.J. Abrams is in the enviable spot of continuing his story from where the good films left off chronologically.

While the prequels still exist, Abrams can pretend like they don’t, and we’ll love him for it.

As for the film itself, it’s quite majestic in its own right. Abrams embraces the old-school feel of a true theatrical blockbuster here.

Perhaps that’s the preeminent achievement of “The Force Awakens.” It’s got that tangible quality to it. An esoteric cinematic energy which seems absent in so many of Marvel’s films. It’s the same energy the original trilogy possesses, and in that energy exists a reverence for what came before and a palpable excitement for what’s coming next.

Abrams penned the script with “Star Wars” patriarch Lawrence Kasdan (writer, “Empire Strikes Back”) and Michael Arndt (writer, “Toy Story 3”). While it harbors

PET OF THE WEEK Available for adoption

AP Photo

John Boyega, left, and Daisy Ridley act in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

★★★ ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Director // J.J. Abrams Starring // Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Andy Serkis Rated // PG-13 for sci-fi action violence

a resemblance to “A New Hope” in structure and specific goals, it introduces a core group of well-defined characters who have developed backstories, and strong, believable motivations.

This is how “The Force Awakens” outdoes the prequels in every way. This screenplay trio understands that no matter how grand the story and how many galaxies it crosses, that the

entire foundation of the franchise is built upon the strength of its characters.

“Star Wars” is only as good as the people populating the frame.

Rey (Daisy Ridley) is one of the new characters. Her origins closely mirror that of Luke Skywalker’s in “A New Hope.” She hails from a desert planet, and is a poor scavenger with talents that far surpass that of her lowly station in life. Yet, she’s locked in to a lifetime of mundanity.

See STAR on Page 12

Pet: Red From: Cache Humane Society Why he’s so lovable: Red is an adult male terrier now available at the Cache Humane Society. For more information, call 792-3920, or visit cachehumane.org. The Cache Humane Society is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday; and closed on Sunday.

The facility is located at 2370 W. 200 North.

The Herald Journal, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 18, 2015

‘An exciting ressurrection’

“It’s always been playing in the background of my life.

The movies were so big. They never go away.”

Page 3 -

ALL MIXED UP

Quotable

The Herald Journal, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 18, 2015 Page 4 -

all mixed up Dean to headline Rendezvous

The Cache Valley Cowboy Rendezvous is pleased to welcome awardwinning country singer Billy Dean in concert at the sixth annual event slated to be held March 4 to 6 at Mountain Crest High School in Hyrum.

Appearing with Dean will be Canadian performers Eli Barsi and Doris Daley, and hosting the Cowboy Family Dance on Saturday night will be Michael Martin Murphey and his band.

Tickets are on sale now at cachevalleycowboyrendezvous.com. Billy Dean

concert ticket prices range from $10 to $50, while Michael Martin Murphey dance tickets are $15 adults and $10 students/children.

Dean has sold more than 5 million albums worldwide, with 11 Top 10 singles and five No. 1 hits. He has been nominated and received awards in every major music award entity, including a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year for “Somewhere in My Broken Heart.” In 1992, Dean won ACM’s New Male Vocalist of the Year award and

was a CMA Horizon Award nominee.

After a decade of touring, Dean took time to focus on family and songwriting. He left Capital Records and signed with Curb rRecords for the release of his 2004 album, “Let Them Be Little.”

The single was a career radio smash and spent 10 weeks in the Top 10 of the Billboard chart.

Other popular hits include: “I Miss Billy the Kid”; “We Just Disagree”; See DEAN on Page 15

Wranglers returning to Logan Bar J to perform Saturday at the Eccles Theatre The ever-popular December tradition of the Bar J Wranglers at the Ellen Eccles Theatre will continue on Saturday, Dec. 19.

The world-famous singing cowboys from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, will perform shows at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $17 and can be purchased online at cachearts.org, at the Ellen Eccles Theatre Box Office at 43 S. Main St., or by calling 752-0026.

The Bar J Wranglers entertain the entire family with Western harmonies straight from the range, cowboy stories and jokes that will have you laughing in the aisles, and an evening of inspiration that will continue to lift your spirits long after the show. Over 30 years ago, Babe Humphrey founded the Bar J Wranglers.

Now his sons, Scott and Bryan continue the family tradition, along with Tim Hodgson, Donnie Cook, and Danny See LOGAN on Page 10

John Zsiray/Herald Journal

The Bar J Wranglers will return to Logan for two Christmas-themed performances on Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Ellen Eccles Theatre.

Billy Dean

Free series of concerts continue at Tabernacle The Logan Tabernacle Christmas Concert Series continues this week with the final three performances of the season.

Entitled “Tidings of Comfort & Joy,” this year’s series is free and open to the public. Concerts begin each evening at 7 p.m., except for the “Messiah” performance on Sunday, which will start at 6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 18 — Voices of Light Voices of Light combined choirs of Pocatello, Idaho, and Sacramento, California, will perform selections from composer David Hasson’s Christmas music, as well as familiar favorites and some fun new twists on popular holiday songs. Violin, piano and vocal soloists and ensembles range in genres from vocal jazz to classical. This is the first time that the 60-plus member community choirs will sing in a combined performance.

Voices of Light specializes in the complex choral arrangements See SERIES on Page 7

regional artists who work in two dimensional media like painting and photography,” said Elaine Thatcher, Summerfest’s executive director. We will accept either actual paintings/ photos, or for those artists who live farther away, high-quality photos.”

Application information can be found at logansummerfest.com.

Summerfest is also accepting applications from visual artists, performers and food vendors for its 2016 festival, which will take place June 16 to 18. The deadline for applications is Feb. 20.

Performers and food vendors

wishing to participate can apply at logansummerfest.com. Visual artists and craftspeople may apply through Zapplication, an online arts application service at zapplication.org.

“We strongly encourage all artists to apply online,” Thatcher said. “If someone needs help with doing an online application, they can call and make an appointment to come in, and we’ll help them. Online applications are much easier for us to manage than paper ones.”

Thatcher can be reached at 2133858 or elaine@logansummerfest. com.

‘A Celebration of Christ’

The Herald Journal, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 18, 2015

Each year, Summerfest Arts Faire selects one artist to be its featured artist. That artist’s work appears on the festival’s posters and other publicity, and the selected artist receives a free booth at Summerfest as well as other benefits.

Applications are being accepted from interested artists who live anywhere in Utah and selected counties in surrounding states. The art pieces submitted for consideration must depict some aspect of Cache Valley or Summerfest. The application deadline is Jan. 15.

“We accept applications from

Elk at Hardware Ranch

Page 5 -

Gearing up for Summerfest COMING UP Voice Male Christmas

They sing, they joke, they don’t dance and they spread Christmas cheer for the whole family. Voice Male returns to Logan to perform its annual Christmas show at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at the Ellen Eccles Theatre.

Tickets are $10 to $21. For ticket information, visit cachearts.org, or call 752-0026.

“A Celebration of Christ” will be presented by the Lundstrom Park neighborhood from 6 to 9 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 21, at the Logan East LDS Stake Center, 1450 E. 1500 North.

A live nativity performed by LDS Primary children will be presented at 6:15, 6:45, 7:15 and 7:45 p.m., while interfaith musical performances will be held throughout the evening. Participants include: St. John’s Episcopal Church (prelude); First Presbyterian Chancel Choir (6 p.m.); Westminster Bell Choir (6:30 p.m.); Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (7 p.m.); Cache Valley Bible Fellowship (7:30 p.m.); Lundstrom Park Neighborhood Orchestra (8 p.m.); and Alpine Church (8:30 p.m.).

Hardware Ranch WMA offers a unique opportunity to get up close to wild Rocky Mountain elk on a horse-drawn sleigh. From Friday, Dec. 11, through Feb. 29, 2016, Hardware Ranch will be open from noon to 4:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, and from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are sold in the visitors center; admission is $5 ages 9 and older, $3 ages 4 to 8 years old and children 3 and under are free. Visit wildlife.utah.gov/hardwareranch for more information.

Come celebrate the ’80s

Photo courtesy of The Hit Men

The Hit Men will perform Thursday, Jan. 7, at the Ellen Eccles Theatre in downtown Logan.

Be wary of The Hit Men

The Logan Library will celebrate the 1980s “to the max” on Friday, Dec. 18. Favorite films from the decade will be shown in the Jim Bridger Room from 10:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Classic Nintendo games will be available in the Bonneville Room from 2 to 6 p.m., as well as a Tetris tournament. Come enjoy the bodacious celebration.

Renowned musicians set to play Eccles Theatre on Jan. 7 Cache Awards Banquet

The Hit Men will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, at the Ellen Eccles Theatre.

Featuring former stars of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The Hit Men was formed in November 2010 and has been involved in classic hits from 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. This incomparable quintet has made songs by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Elton John,

Sting, Carly Simon, Carole King, Tommy James and The Shondells, Barry Manilow and many other superstars.

Tickets for The Hit Men are $25 to $39. They are available online at cachearts.org, in person at the Ellen Eccles Theatre or by phone at 752-0026.

The Hit Men are great players, world-class entertainers,

and — most important — unlike any so-called “tribute band,” they were there when these songs were recorded. Their licks, their solos, their grooves and their harmonies are embedded into the music and essential to the sound of these records that millions would come to love.

The annual Cache Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at the Riverwoods Conference Center, 615 Riverwoods Pkwy.

This year’s awards banquet is sponsored by Intermountain Logan Regional Hospital, and it will feature Chris Redgrave, the new voice of “Speaking on Business” for Zions Bank, as the keynote speaker.

Single tickets are $65; tables of eight are $500.

See MEN on Page 12 For more information, visit cachechamber.com.

The Herald Journal, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 18, 2015 Page 6 -

‘Heart of the Sea’ sinks at the box office NEW YORK (AP) — The movie industry braced for the coming storm of “The Force Awakens” over a quiet weekend where “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2” notched its fourth-straight week atop the box office and Ron Howard’s whaling tale “In the Heart of the Sea” capsized.

With “The Force Awakens” lurking, few studios wanted to push out a new release ahead of the expected box-office behemoth. That left the final chapter of Lionsgate’s “Hun-

ger Games” saga to remain No. 1 with $11.3 million according to studio estimates Sunday, bringing its domestic total to $245 million.

“In the Heart of the Sea,” starring Chris Hemsworth, was the only major new wide release to test the pre-”Star Wars” waters. But hopes for the Warner Bros. film sank with an estimated $11 million despite a production budget around $100 million.

“Ron Howard is an accomplished, terrific filmmaker who took this

ambitious project on as a real passion, and we’re proud to have made it with him,” said Jeff Goldstein, domestic distribution head for Warner Bros.

Though Goldstein acknowledged it was a disappointing start, he hopes that “In the Heart of the Sea” — about the shipwreck of the Essex, which inspired Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick” — will benefit over the Christmas holiday by getting

See BOX on Page 13

Groban eyeing Broadway Vocalist says he’s in that ‘headspace’ NEW YORK (AP) — Josh Groban will be following up his album of Broadway standards by doing it for real — singing on a Broadway stage for the first time.

“I was kind of in that headspace to begin with,” Groban said Monday. “There was this nice starsaligning-thing happening.”

Groban will play Pierre in “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812,” a musical by Dave Malloy that dramatizes a 70-page melodrama at the center of Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace.” It starts on Broadway in September.

Groban has been offered parts on Broadway before but timing never worked out. This time, he’ll be ending a tour in support of an album — “Stages,” for which he just earned a Grammy Award nomination for best traditional pop vocal album — that coincidentally has him singing musical theater hits from “The Phantom of the Opera,” ‘’Les Misérables,” ‘’Into The Woods” and “A Chorus Line,” among others.

Since he made his debut in 2001, Groban’s soaring anthems and soothing yet stirring ballads have sold millions of albums.

The sung-through musical “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812” premiered at New York City’s Ars Nova in 2012 and

AP Photo

Josh Groban will be making his Broadway debut next year as Pierre in “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812,” a musical by Dave Malloy that dramatizes a 70-page melodrama at the center of “War and Peace.”

is currently playing at the American Repertory Theater at Harvard University.

He caught an off-Broadway version in 2013 and vowed that if he ever returned to his musical theater roots it would be for “the right piece of music.”

Rachel Chavkin, who has directed previous versions of the show, is directing the new Broad-

way-bound version. Additional casting, design team and theater will be announced later. (Phillipa Soo, who played a dynamite Natasha, is currently in “Hamilton.”)

By the time the “Great Comet” makes it to New York again, it will have changed a great deal See GROBAN on Page 15

AP Photo

“In the Heart of the Sea” brought in a disappointing $11 million at the box office last weekend.

Dolly Parton film scored big ratings for NBC last week NEW YORK (AP) — Family-friendly programming is doing well this holiday season for NBC, which has a rare three-week winning streak in the television ratings.

The Dolly Parton movie, “Coat of Many Colors,” reached more than 13 million viewers. That landed the program in the Nielsen company’s weekly Top Ten last week, and exceeded the viewership for the live production of “The Wiz” earlier this month. Preliminary ratings show that NBC did well on Monday night with the Adele concert special.

Michael Buble’s “Christmas in Hollywood” on NBC was the week’s top-ranked holiday program. The less family-friendly “Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show” on CBS was seen by 6.6 million viewers, Nielsen said.

NBC averaged 8.6 million viewers in prime time.

CBS had 8 million viewers, ABC had 4.5 million, Fox had 4.3 million, Univision had 2 million, the CW had 1.7 million, Telemundo had 1.6 million and ION Television had 1.3 million.

ESPN was the week’s most popular cable network, averaging 3 million viewers in prime time. TBS had 2.11 million viewers, Fox News Channel had 1.92 million, AMC had 1.79 million and USA had 1.67 million.

NBC’s “Nightly News” topped the evening newscasts with an average of 9 million viewers. ABC’s “World News Tonight” was second with 8.5 million.

For the week of Dec. 7-13, the top 10 shows, their networks and viewerships: NFL Football: New England at Houston, NBC, 20.99 million; “Sunday Night NFL Pre-Kick,” NBC, 16.25 million; “The Big Bang Theory,” CBS, 15.27 million; NFL Football: Dallas at Washington, ESPN, 14.15 million; “The Voice” (Tuesday), NBC, 13.13 million; “The OT,” Fox, 13.05 million; Movie: “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors,” NBC, 13.03 million; “The Voice” (Monday), NBC, 12.25 million; “Football Night in America,” NBC, 11.95 million; “NCIS,” CBS, 11.42 million.

Series Continued from Page 4 and piano accompaniment in the music of David Hasson, the Sacramentobased composer who combines classical and popular themes in his sacred music.

Saturday, Dec. 19 — Ein Frohliche Weihnachtsfest Fest A musical evening of traditional German Christmas carols (Weihnachtslieder) and other

adulthood has ravaged their fun-loving selves.

Kate is determined to turn the party into something memorable so she keeps upping the ante until, well, AP Photo bedlam.

Tina Fey, left, and Amy Poehler share a scene in “Sisters.”

I don’t know, there are some genuinely funny two fortysomethings parts in “Sisters,” but intent on throwing a party you really must be able meant for high school to appreciate the kind of kids. It’s funny because comedy you’re going to we’ve all seen the predict- get from Poehler and Fey. Director // Jason Moore Starring // Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, James Brolin, able beer-chugging ragers They’re the best of friends, Maya Rudolph, John Leguizamo, Dianne Wiest, thrown in movies about so naturally they’re great John Cena, Bobby Moynihan, Rachel Dratch teenagers. What happens on screen partners. HowRated // R for crude sexual content and lanwhen adults try and do the ever, this screenplay is so guage throughout, and for drug use same thing? up and down that it’s hard There are some great for them to establish any sold the house comes as bash by inviting all their observations. Adults sort of rhythm. a shock, so they decide to high school friends over are, more or less, boring.

It’s immensely strange do what any well-adjusted to join the revelries.

Everyone turns up for how long the party lasts. adult would do — they So, the premise has the party, but they mill An endless shindig that grows wilder by the minthrow a super-blowoutsome promise. Here are about like they’re dead;

★★

‘Sisters’

Action! great Christmas music. An instrumental trio of flute, harp and violin. There 2297 N. Main will be singing, including MOVIE HOTLINE 753-6444 • WWW.WaLKErCINEMas.NEt a sing-a-long, with guitar 2D SEATS $4.00 • 3D SEATS $6.00 OPEN sat & MON - tHUrs at 11:30 aM FOr MatINEss accompaniment.

OpEN FRI & SuN AT 3:45 pM • NO 9PM sHOWINGs sUNdaY tIMEs EFFECtIvE FrI dEC. 18 tHrU WEd dEC. 23 Sunday, Dec. 20 — “Messiah” by the North LOvE tHE COOPErs 2d HOtEL (PG-13) 9:50 traNsYLvaNIa (PG) Logan LDS Stake 12:40 & 2:40 & 4:40 Beginning at 6 p.m., sECrEt IN tHEIr vICtOr FraNKENthe choir, chorus, soloEYEs (PG-13) 9:45 stEIN (PG-13) 7:30 ists and orchestra from EvErEst 2d BrIdGE OF sPIEs the North Logan Stake (PG-13) 9:40 (PG-13) 6:40 & 9:25 will present selections tHE MartIaN tHE INtErN from Handel’s “Messiah.”

(PG-13) 6:50 (PG-13) 7:15 Bring your family and PaN (PG) GOOsEBUMPs (PG) friends to enjoy this glori- 12:00 & 2:30 & 4:35 11:40 & 2:00 & 4:30 ous musical rite of the dON vErdEaN 12:15 Christmas season.

(PG-13) 2:20 & 4:20

PROVIDENCE 8

UNIVERSITY 6

535 West 100 North, Providence

1225 North 200 East, Logan

Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip** (PG) 10:45 12:50 2:45 5:45 7:40

The Good Dinosuar (PG) 1:05 4:10 7:45 9:00 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (PG-13) 10:20 1:10 4:50 6:55 9:40

ute. I don’t think there’s a longer party sequence in any movie, ever. I kept wondering what time it must be, they’ve been going for hours.

It becomes exhausting after a while. Especially with Bobby Moynihan hijacking scenes as the guy from high school who’s “always on.”

Credit where credit’s due, Bobby Moynihan is the perfect actor to play that guy.

Wedged in between this infinite party is Kate’s rocky relationship with her daughter, Maura’s budding romance with a new neighbor, and a ridiculously juvenile feud Kate has with old high school acquaintance Brinda (Maya Rudolph).

With so many “SNL” cast members, past and present, the movie naturally feels like a collection of sketches.

And like so many “SNL” shows some sketches land while others miss.

It’s just that with a nearly two-hour runtime, the misses begin to pile up, overshadowing much of the comedy the movie gets right.

December 18 - December 24 MOVIES 5

2450 North Main, Logan

Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Road In The Heart of the Sea 2D** (PG-13) 3:20 6:05 Chip (PG) Fri-Thurs 12:15 2:15 4:00 6:15 8:25 The Good Dinosaur** (PG) Fri-Sun 12:10 2:30 In The Heart of the Sea 3D** (PG-13) 4:45 7:00 Mon-Thurs 12:10 2:25 4:35 6:45 10:30AM 10:00PM The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt 2** (PG-13) Fri-Thurs 11:30 4:15 7:10 9:55 Krampus** (PG-13) 10:35 12:45 6:10 8:20 Love the Coopers (PG-13) Fri-Sun 3:55 Sisters** (R) 10:50 1:15 3:45 6:20 10:25 9:15 * Mon-Thurs 7:15 Spectre (PG-13) 3:00 9:55 Spotlight** (R) Fri - 9:15 Sat - 10:00 Sun -9:15 Star Wars: The Force Awakens 2D** (PG-13) Mon-Thurs NONE Star Wars: The Force Awakens 2D (PG-13)

Creed (PG-13) 3:35 6:20 9:05 Good Dinosaur 2D (PG) 11:20

1:30

3:40 6:05

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (PG-13) 12:45 1:45 4:30 7:15 10:00 In The Heart Of The Sea 2D** (PG-13) 10:50 3:50

In The Heart Of The Sea 2D DBOX** (PG-13) 3:50

In The Heart Of The Sea 3D** (PG-13) 1:20 6:40

In The Heart Of The Sea 3D DBOX** (PG-13) 1:20 6:40 Peanuts 2D (G) 11:50AM 10:50PM Spectre (PG-13) 8:10

Star Wars: The Force Awakens 2D** (PG-13)

10:00 11:00 11:45 2:00 2:50 4:00 6:30 8:00 Fri -12:00 1:00 2:20 5:15 6:05 8:15 10:30 11:00 1:20 1:50 4:15 4:40 7:10 7:30 10:20 Star Wars: The Force Awakens 3D** (PG-13) 9:00 9:30 11:00 12:00*(only showing Fri night) Sat -12:00 1:00 1:45 5:15 6:05 8:15 10:30 Sun-Thurs -12:00 1:00 2:20 5:15 6:05 8:15 10:30 10:30 9:10 **

Star Wars: The Force Awakens 3D 1:00 9:45 Private Screenings & Events 435-752-7155

(PG-13)

Star Wars: The Force Awakens 3D (PG-13) Star Wars: The Force Awakens 3D DBOX** Fri -Thurs 3:00 9:30 Showtime Updates:

www.MegaplexTheatres.com

(PG-13) 10:30 9:10 last 12/24 show @ 7:30pm

**NO DISCOUNT TICKETS OR PASSES ACCEPTED

The Herald Journal, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 18, 2015

The Reel Place Aaron Peck

Somewhere in this bloated, 118-minute comedy about two wacky sisters is a solid, 90-minute laughfest waiting to burst forth.

“Sisters” gets some stuff right, whiffs on some others, and downright bludgeons itself as it limps to the finish line.

Amy Poehler and Tina Fey play the Ellis sisters.

Maura (Poehler) is the straight-laced one. The sister who grew up, got a job and became a productive member of society.

Kate (Fey) is the perpetual screw-up. The promiscuous one suffering from arrested development who lives paycheck to paycheck, and has an estranged daughter she has trouble taking care of.

The whole backstory is quite hazy. The screenplay jettisons most of their history for an interminably long party the two sisters throw at their parents’ house. See, their parents are moving out of their childhood home much to their chagrin. Kate was hoping to move back in with them after she’d exhausted all job prospects. The news that their parents have

Page 7 -

Fey and Poehler team up for ‘Sisters’

HIT THE ALARM: The ‘Star Wa NEW YORK (AP) — Cue the scrolling of yellow words into outer space: “Star Wars” is back.

It has taken more than $4 billion, the passing of the torch from George Lucas to J.J. Abrams and enough anticipation to fuel a Death Star, but the force has finally been stirred. Countdown clocks, set in October 2012 when the Walt Disney Co. purchased Lucasfilm, will hit zero on Thursday night when “The Force Awakens” debuts. Once again, packed movie theaters will echo with the rousing themes of John Williams and the buzz of lightsabers.

The opening follows a year of intensely watched dribbles of trailer footage, one of the grandest premieres in Hollywood history and a largely glowing critical response that has pushed fan fervor into hyper-speed __ even as many die-hards, clutching their advance tickets, cover their ears and anxiously yell “No spoilers!”

Much is at stake, from the bottom line of Disney to the hearts of “Star Wars” devotees whose faith was severely tested (but far from extinguished) the last time “Star Wars” returned: in 1999 with the first of a clunky trilogy of prequels.

As the galaxy far, far away again descends over the globe, a handful of questions surround “The Force Awakens.”

IS IT ANY GOOD? Critics, embargoed until early Wednesday morning, have roundly praised “The Force Awakens” as a return to form for the franchise and a loving resurrection of the space opera. The general feeling is that the movie balances old (the original stars, hand-crafted effects) and new (the heirs apparent Daisy Ridley and John Boyega) in a kind of greatest hits of “Star Wars” that, while it may not chart much new ground, flows with the spirit of the original movies. The force is strong with it.

The New York Times’ Manohla Dargis said “it seamlessly balances cozy favorites ... and new kinetic wows.”

Variety’s Justin Lang wrote that the film reinvigorates the saga, even if “fan service takes priority here over a somewhat thin, derivative story.”

The AP’s Lindsey Bahr said the

ars’ franchise wakes again film “is no more and no less than the movie that made us love it in the first place. In fact, it’s basically the same thing.” Ultimate judgment, however, doesn’t sit with critics but with the fans.

HOW MUCH WILL IT MAKE? For months it’s been the favorite parlor game of the movie industry. Will it pass the record $208.8 million domestic debut of “Jurassic World” in June? The December marketplace is a different beast than the early summer; the previous top December opening is the $84.6 million for 2012’s “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.”

It goes without saying that “The Force Awakens” will smash that. It’s already sold more than $100 million worth of presales. Rival studio executives peg a debut above $200 million and likely surpassing “Jurassic World.”

Analysts, though, caution that the opening weekend is only part of the story for “The Force Awakens.” Given Disney’s investment and planned rollout of sequels and spinoffs for years to come, the more significant box-office fate of “The Force Awakens” will be told over weeks and months.

“The real key here is where we are in March,” says Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for box office data firm Rentrak. “This movie gets into the $1 billion club without breaking a sweat.”

While the film’s all-powerful merchandising soaks up holiday sales, Disney will hope that “The Force Awakens” plays like “Avatar” and “Titanic” __ movies that remained top draws through January and benefited from repeat viewings. The film opens most everywhere internationally this weekend, but doesn’t lands in China until Jan. 9.

WHO’S THE BREAKOUT STAR? There are many contenders here, led by the fierce Ridley and Boyega, who adds to the humor that runs throughout the film. Harrison Ford, too, has drawn some of his best reviews in decades for his reprisal of Han Solo. But there’s no question: the scene-stealer of “The Force Awakens” is BB-8, the puppylike droid who bleeps and bloops and rolls away with the movie.

ARE WE ACTUALLY TALKING ABOUT THE OSCARS? It isn’t out of the realm of possibility, but “The Force Awakens” faces the odds of surviving an asteroid field. Academy voters seldom reward sequels, and Abrams’ film is the last-screened entry of the season. It’s not without precedent, though; “Star Wars” was a best picture nominee in 1978 when Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall” won.

Adam Driver stars as Kylo Ren in a scene from the new film, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” (AP Photo)

The Associated Press

When George Lucas’ “Star Wars” first landed in 1977, some critics were swept away, while others resisted the tide.

A sampling: EXHAUSTING “‘Star Wars’ is like getting a box of Cracker Jacks which is all prizes.

This is the writer-director George Lucas’s own film, subject to no business interference, yet it’s a film that’s totally uninterested in anything that doesn’t connect with the mass audience.

There’s no breather in the picture, no lyricism; the only attempt at beauty is in the double sunset. It’s enjoyable

on its own terms, but it’s exhausting, too: like taking a pack of kids to the circus. ... It’s an epic without a dream.” — Pauline Kael, The New Yorker.

THUMBS UP “‘Star Wars’ taps the pulp fantasies buried in our memories, and because it’s done so brilliantly, it reactivates old thrills, fears, and exhilarations we thought we’d abandoned when we read our last copy of Amazing Stories.” — Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times.

OVERWHELMING BANALITY “Strip ‘Star Wars’ of its often striking images and its high-falutin

scientific jargon, and you get a story, characters, and dialogue of overwhelming banality, without even a “future” cast to them.

Human beings, anthropoids, or robots, you could probably find them all, more or less like, that, in downtown Los Angeles today... O dull new world!” — John Simon, New York magazine.

WITTY “‘Star Wars’ ... is the most elaborate, most expensive, most beautiful movie serial ever made.

It’s both an apotheosis of ‘Flash Gordon’ serials and a witty critique that makes associations with a variety of literature that is nothing if not eclectic: ‘Quo Vadis?’

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itself, tacky.” — Vincent Camby, New York Times.

UNEXCEPTIONAL “The only way that ‘Star Wars’ could have been interesting was through its visual imagination and special effects. Both are unexceptional. ... I kept looking for an ‘edge,’ to peer around the corny, solemn comic-book strophes; he was facing them frontally and full. This picture was made for those (particularly males) who carry a portable shrine within them of their adolescence, a chalice of a Self that was Better Then, before the world’s affairs or — in any complex way — sex intruded.” — Stanley Kauffman, the New Republic.

RIP-ROARING GALLOP “‘Star Wars’ is Buck Rogers with a doctoral degree but not a trace of neuroticism or cynicism, a slam-bang, rip-roaring gallop through a distantly future world full of exotic AP Photo vocabularies, creatures In this Aug. 3, 1977 file photo, C-3PO, one of the famous and customs, existing robots from the 20th Century-Fox film “Star Wars,” places cheek by cowl with the his foot prints in the cement in front of Mann’s Chinese boy and girl next door Theater in Los Angeles. and a couple of friendly leftovers from the planet ‘Buck Rogers,’ ‘Ivanhoe,’ of Mr. Lucas’s particular of the apes and possi‘Superman,’ ‘The Wizachievements is the manbly one from Oz (a Tin ard of Oz,’ ‘The Gospel ner in which he is able Woodman robot who may According to St. Matto recall the tackiness of have got a gold-plating as thew,’ the legend of King the old comic strips and a graduation present).” — Arthur and the knights of serials he loves without Charles Champlin, Los Angeles Times. the Round Table. ... One making a movie that is,

Logan Continued from Page 4 Rogers. The Bar J Wranglers perform in Jackson Hole seven nights per week during the summer, entertaining 700 people nightly at the acclaimed Bar J Chuckwagon.

The Bar J Wranglers

have been coming to the Ellen Eccles Theatre for more than 15 years.

“As much as we enjoy playing on our home stage, we love taking the show on the road,” Scott Humphrey says.

His brother, Bryan, concurs, “It gives us another opportunity to meet with the fans, and it gives them the opportunity to

share the fun of the Bar J Wranglers with their families and friends.”

Babe Humphrey, who has been known to make a surprise appearance from time to time while the Wranglers are on tour, adds, “We so enjoy giving folks the opportunity to experience our authentic Western show in their own home town.”

movie,” Kasdan said.

“He’s absolute gold. It’s like Spencer Tracy.”

Ford’s legacy and iconic embodiment of Han is why Kasdan understands keenly how difficult it will be to find an actor to play a young Han. Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller (“21 Jump Street”) have seen thousands of actors as they try to fill those twentysomething shoes.

“Harrison is one of a kind. He’s a one-off,” Kasdan said. “There is going to be a lot of pressure on anyone who tries to be that (younger) character ... He’s got AP Photo to be a believable anteCo-screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan poses during a promotion for the new “Star Wars: The cedent.”

But beyond finding Force Awakens,” in Los Angeles.

“I said, ‘Oh, that’s interesting,’” Kasdan recalled.

So he signed on to write the young Han anthology movie with his 36-yearold son, Jon Kasdan, and agreed to consult on “The Force Awakens,” which Michael Arndt (“Toy Story 3”) was writing.

Kasdan had been consulting for nine months on “The Force Awakens” — coming in once or twice a week while also writing the Han movie — when they asked him to take over the script with director J.J. Abrams.

“There were issues that were coming up and there was enormous pressure to get the thing done, recalled Kasdan. “People were being hired. Stages were being rented...when everyone decided that J.J. and I would write the script, there was no big adjustment. We were already really getting along. Then, we just started again.”

While the specifics of what exactly “The Force Awakens,” out Friday, is about are being treated like state secrets, fans have

been able to glean a few things from the trailers and promos. In the over 30 years since the events of “Return of the Jedi” Han Solo, for one, has changed his tune about the force, which he once dismissed as a hokey religion. “(Hans is) older and wiser. But wiser is only worth so much,” Kasdan teased. “We don’t get any smarter. What we call wisdom is really just the accumulation of experiences. But when you do have a lot of experience, it gives you perspective.

You think about your life in terms of, do you want to continue to do the things you’ve always done or do you want to break it up somehow? ... Are you stuck now or is there still a possibility of change? And I think those are the issues, not just for Han, but for everybody.”

If that sounds like a lot of philosophizing and soul-searching, don’t worry, Kasdan promises Han is still funny, too.

“Harrison is sort of beyond belief in this

that perfect person, Kasdan has just been enjoying the chance to work with his son on the script — even if it’s been trying at times.

“Collaborating with anyone is challenging.

But when it’s your son, now there’s this additional thing of like, ‘Dad, do you know what you’re talking about?’” Kasdan laughed. “But ‘Star Wars’ is all about that — fathers and sons.”

After the Han film comes out in 2018, Kasdan said he will really be leaving “Star Wars” behind this time.

“That’s enough,” he said with Han Solo definitiveness. “I’m done.”

Page 11 -

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lawrence Kasdan isn’t afraid to play favorites. For him, Han Solo is it.

He didn’t create the scruffy-looking smuggler. He hadn’t even heard the lore that George Lucas partially based Han on Francis Ford Coppola. But it was Kasdan who helped fully realize “Star Wars’” favorite scoundrel when he stepped in to write “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.”

“He’s reckless, he’s feckless,” Kasdan said in a recent interview. “He’s cynical. He’s tough. He’s pragmatic. He’s not that smart. I like that. He’s the most fun.”

In fact, it was the character of Han that made him consider coming back to the world of “Star Wars” in the first place. When Kathleen Kennedy called him up in 2012 to tell him that she was taking over Lucasfilm and that they were planning to make more “Star Wars” films, Kasdan took the meeting of course, but wasn’t certain he wanted to rejoin the franchise.

Yet for Kasdan, 66, a four-time Oscar nominee who wrote “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” and wrote and directed “The Big Chill,” “The Accidental Tourist” and “Grand Canyon,” the shadow of “Star Wars” loomed large.

“It’s always been playing in the background of my life. The movies were so big,” he said. “They never go away.”

At Skywalker Ranch, Kennedy, Kasdan and George Lucas talked about plans for a new trilogy and a number of spin-offs, including one about a young Han Solo.

The Herald Journal, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 18, 2015

Screenwriter discusses future of Han Solo

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The Herald Journal, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 18, 2015 Page 12 -

Abrams shares insight on ‘Force Awakens’ LOS ANGELES (AP) — J.J. Abrams can’t really settle on a favorite moment from his saga of directing, co-writing and coproducing “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” but this one isn’t bad.

“Being here now means we’re actually finished with the movie, which is a relief,” Abrams said with Jedi calm.

Perched in a small living room setup inside the cavernous Los Angeles Convention Center, this is the final stretch of Abrams’ journey to this galaxy far, far away and back again, which started nearly three years ago.

The Associated Press spoke with Abrams at a weekend media event in advance of the Dec. 18th release of “The Force Awakens.” The remarks have been edited for clarity and brevity.

——— AP: Lucasfilm’s creative executive

Pablo Hidalgo helped you answer questions about the “Star Wars” universe during the making of the film.

Did you ever stump him?

ABRAMS: He was not only unstumpable but he was immediate. I would send him an email at almost any hour asking some arcane question and I’d hit send and I’d hear “ding” and he’d already have responded with an answer. What you realize, by the way, in working on these movies is that even things that are canon, that are beloved and absolute to fans, are very much fluid and in flux. For example, the Millennium Falcon itself, the cockpit changed dramatically from the first to the second movie.

It’s much bigger in “The Empire Strikes Back.”

Even things that are even the most fundamental and beloved are changing before our eyes and we don’t even notice it.

AP: Was there anything you were surprised the powers that be let you do?

ABRAMS: I was most surprised that the studio

Star Continued from Page 3 Finn (John Boyega) is a Storm Trooper who defects after participating in one too many atrocities perpetrated by the evil First Order — an insidious branch of the Empire. His defection, origins and other important information regarding his character are discussed at length in the film.

Suffice it to say that how one views one’s moral compass, and the necessary courage to follow it, is a strong centerpiece of the screenplay.

Finally, there’s Poe Dameron (Oscar Issac), who happens to be the best pilot of the Resistance. Isaac is one of the best actors out there, and even in his limited screen time he provides some of the best acting this franchise has ever seen.

AP Photo

George Lucas, left, and J.J. Abrams arrive at the world premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

never said no. That’s incredible to me.

AP: What do you think is the ideal way to watch “The Force Awakens”?

ABRAMS: As someone who really hasn’t been the most vocal advocate of 3-D, the strangest thing happened to me on this.

When I was watching the reels in 3-D, there were a number of shots — and I know this sounds insane — that I hadn’t understood in the three-dimensional space quite the way I did

when I saw them in 3-D. I actually felt that there were things that were playing better in 3-D. I had never felt that before. And if people have access to a theater that has laser projection, it is shockingly better.

AP: Really?

ABRAMS: You cannot compare a traditionally projected image with a laser image. The blacks are true blacks. It’s almost as if you have to adjust to it.

AP: But definitely theatrical?

What Kasdan, Abrams, et al. do so well here is they’re able to blend much of the old nostalgia with the update without alienating anyone. They pay homage to the old, introduce the new, and seem genuinely excited just to be another “Star Wars” movie.

This new story isn’t quick to dispatch with what, or who, came before. It moves slowly, introducing us to new people and reacquainting us with lifetime favorites. There are wink-winknudge-nudge Easter eggs peppered throughout the film that work as sly callbacks to the trilogy that started it all.

Those moments are splendid, but they don’t hold a candle to the way the newbies are integrated with the old-school players like Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew).

The spectacle is breathtaking without being overwhelming. The idea of a strong female character in Rey gives the franchise some depth, given that those

ABRAMS: The thing that is so fun about “Star Wars,” and I remember this from when I was a kid, was the communal experience of being with hundreds of people and getting to scream and laugh and cheer and cry with the story. It’s got that kind of a pulse and that kind of an engine. Though I love that we all have access to movies on the devices in our pockets and I love that home screens are often better than theater 17 at the multiplex, I also feel like movies speak to a human desire, if not need, to congregate and to experience stories communally. They’re experiences that allow us to feel that connectivity, which is truly what “Star Wars” is all about — the Force and the idea that we’re all connected. In whatever format it is, whatever screening, whatever the best available version is, I would just argue that, if possible, to try to see it with a crowd.

AP: This has been one of the most tightly guarded, high-profile releases in film

waters were insanely shallow to begin with. If there’s one aspect of the new “Star Wars” that is disconcerting it’s that it appears to be morphing into something of an endless story.

While it’s intoxicating and dizzying to think of the possibilities of more “Star Wars” movies, there’s also the real possibility of it ending up like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has become something of an infinite monolith. It just keeps on trudging, without an end in sight. The fear is that an unending “Star Wars” story might lessen its overall impact as it progresses.

That’s a worry for another time, I presume. As for now, “The Force Awakens” is a consummate blockbuster. Behind the scenes and in front of the camera, everyone involved is lovingly, and excitedly, accepting the passing of the torch. It’s an exciting resurrection of one of cinema’s most indelible stories.

history. When do you think it’s appropriate for audiences to start talking and posting about spoilers?

ABRAMS: I think that as people do and as I’m sure that they will, after the first screening of this movie, that aspect will be over, the secrecy. It’s not so much that we feel like the movie doesn’t work if you know what happens, but I do feel like part of the magic of a movie, and certainly “Star Wars,” is to know as little as possible for as long as possible. But I know that people will start talking about what happens immediately.

AP: Are you at peace with your decision to directly only one?

ABRAMS: It’s a bittersweet choice. On one hand, I felt like if this movie works for people, then that’s the way you want to go out. You don’t want to necessarily have to top something that worked. And if it’s a disaster, no one would want me to direct the next one anyway. It was only a win.

Men Continued from Page 5 Keyboardist and group founder Lee Shapiro, lead guitarist/vocalist Jimmy Ryan, bassist/vocalist Larry Gates, vocalist Russ Velazquez and drummer Gerry Polci — the lead singer on The Four Seasons’ biggest smash, “Oh What A Night” — deliver sizzling shows that combine live music, eye-popping videos and reminiscences born from their witnessing and making musical history as it happened.

Audiences are stunned by the group’s performances of “Crocodile Rock,” “You’re So Vain,” “Lets Hang On,” “Sherry” and “Who Loves You,” amongst many others.

Box Continued from Page 6 out ahead of “The Force Awakens,” which opens Thursday night.

“There’s a cultural phenomenon around the corner,” Goldstein said. “Our hope was to get in in front of it and get some word of mouth so that when you get down to Christmas week — we leapfrog over this coming week — that you can break through the clutter

AP Photo

In this Sept. 1, 1971, file photo, Deep Purple receive a gold record in West Berlin for the sales of their album, “Deep Purple in Rock,” in West Germany.

Guitarist Rick Nielsen and rumpled drummer Bun E. Carlos gave them an indelible live presence.

Cheap Trick moved swiftly to capitalize on the honor, announcing Thursday they had signed a new deal with Taylor Swift’s label, Big Machine Records. The band will release its 17th studio album a week before its induction.

The guitar riff for Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” remains one of the most recognizable in rock history. Guitarist Ritchie

Blackmore was a stalwart in a hard rock act that competed with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath for the loyalty of metalheads.

Before shortening its name from the Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago was known for its jazz-rock fusion. The band had a string of pop hits including “Saturday in the Park,” “25 or 6 to 4” and “If You Leave Me Now.” Chic, Janet Jackson, The Cars, Los Lobos and Yes were among the nominees rejected.

of those other new movies.”

In limited release, Adam McKay’s comic rending of the economic collapse, “The Big Short,” opened strongly with $720,000 in eight theaters. The Paramount Pictures release came into the weekend riding good reviews and a wave of nominations from the Screen Actors Guild and the Golden Globes, where it landed four nods including best picture, comedy, as well as nominations for stars Steve Carell and Christian Bale.

Rob Moore, vice chairman

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Film critics may not weigh in on the latest “Star Wars” film until early Wednesday, but celebrity guests at the Hollywood premiere are already flooding the social media galaxy with praise for “The Force Awakens.”

The most breathlessly anticipated film of the year was finally screened Monday night, ending a period of unprecedented cinema secrecy that’s kept everything but the barest details under wraps from almost everyone.

And while story specifics are still scant, the initial response is universal: it’s exactly what fans have been waiting for.

“It was epic, awesome & perfect,” actor Rainn Wilson, who attended the premiere dressed as a Jedi, wrote on Twitter. “The cast was stellar. JJ killed it!”

Walt Disney Studios, which will release “The Force Awakens” globally later this week, is keeping reviews of the film under embargo until 3:01 a.m. EST on Wednesday, but famous fans couldn’t help but gush.

“Holy crap, that Star Wars #TheForceAwakens is so good in the best old-school way!”

Shonda Rhimes wrote on Twitter.

“There’s a new hero in town, in a movie that DELIVERS,” Rob Lowe posted. “Cried like a baby, whooped like a teen! #StarWarsForceAwakens.”

Stars were just as effusive in

of Paramount, credited McKay for bringing a wry sense of humor to the Michael Lewis adaptation, and creating a movie both powerful and commercial. The strong response to “The Big Short” also vindicated Paramount’s decision — made after early screenings of the film — to move the film, which opens wide on Dec. 23, into awards season from its planned release in 2016.

“We thought that we had something really special,” Moore said. “The last week with all the critical attention

person at Monday night’s premiere.

“I loved it,” actor-director Zach Braff told The Associated Press immediately after the premiere. “I thought J.J. did an amazing job.

My favorite part was just seeing the camaraderie between the veteran and the new cast members.”

Comedian Patton Oswalt said “The Force Awakens” brought him back to what made him fall in love with “Star Wars” in the first place.

“It was a lot of fun,” he said after watching the film inside the TCL Chinese Theatre, where “Star Wars” first premiered in 1977. “I had the same feeling as when I would watch these films as a kid.”

He continued sharing his thoughts on Twitter.

“JJ did it,” he wrote. “And without spoiling it, I can say that #StarWarsForceAwakens has the BEST final shot of any Star Wars film. Wow.” Actor Josh Gad, whose Twitter page is fronted by a photo of the Millennium Falcon, was also taken back to his childhood by the latest “Star Wars” installment.

“Congrats to #JJAbrams and the entire cast and crew on an incredible film,” Gad wrote on Twitter amid a flurry of posts from the premiere. “#ForceAwakens made me a giddy 10 year old all over again.”

and audience reaction has certainly proved that out.”

The low-key weekend allowed Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur” to take third place with $10.5 million in its third week. Ryan Coogler’s acclaimed “Rocky” sequel “Creed” followed close behind with $10.1 million in its third week. Slowly expanding Oscar contenders “Spotlight” and “Brooklyn” — both in their sixth week — continued to crack the top 10 with $2.5 million and $2 million, respectively.

But with “The Force Awakens” breaking advance ticket sales records, the force of “Star Wars” was felt a week before it even opens.

“There’s no question that this weekend was affected by the anticipation of ‘Star Wars,’” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for box office data firm Rentrak.

“You have countless moviegoers poised and ready to hit the multiplex later this week.

We’re on the cusp of an earthshattering weekend at the box office.”

The Herald Journal, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 18, 2015

NEW YORK (AP) — The groundbreaking Los Angeles rap act N.W.A. will join a quartet of 1970s era FM radio rockers — Chicago, Cheap Trick, Deep Purple and Steve Miller — as 2016 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

N.W.A., led by Dr. Dre and Ice Cube, was elected after three unsuccessful nominations in a year when a movie about the group’s career, “Straight Outta Compton,” was a box-office hit.

Both Miller and Cheap Trick made it during their first year on the ballot.

The induction ceremony for the Cleveland-based hall will be held April 8 in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

HBO will televise highlights later in the spring.

Guitarist Miller came out of the San Francisco rock scene and became a dependable maker of pop hits like “Take the Money and Run,” ‘’Fly Like an Eagle,” ‘’Jet Airliner” and “Jungle Love.”

Midwestern favorites Cheap Trick succeeded with a highly amped version of Beatles-influenced melodies on hits “Surrender” and “Dream Police.” Their “Live at Budokan” album is one of rock’s best-known live sets.

Page 13 -

Deep Purple, Chicago Celebrities react to get call from the HOF ‘Awakens’ premiere

The Herald Journal, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 18, 2015 Page 14 -

CrossworD

By Myles Mellor and Sally York Across 1. It comes before Alto 5. Giraffe relative 10. Waxed enthusiastic, say 15. Vibratory sound 19. Shop sign 20. Dry 21. Home of the Cougars 22. Thick skin 23. Really wide shoe fitting?

27. Avian repeater 28. Was in debt 29. Olympian’s hardware 30. Misappropriation 34. Supernatural life forces 36. Pop-fly path 38. Secrecy problem 39. Sacred Egyptian beetle 41. Climbing legume 46. English major’s concern 49. Making bad money “good” 51. Rehab participant 52. Go out, in a way 53. Part of an abbey 54. Uncaring 61. Clamor 65. “___ and Lovers”: D. H. Lawrence 66. Like a restaurant that serves panang curry 68. Finally good enough to eat 69. Letters that come before tore and pond 72. Repetition of basics 79. Sushi roll topping, often 80. Festive time 81. Give a hand?

82. Little buffalo 83. Roof sight 85. Actor’s action 90. Spoon handle 93. Good sense 95. Been in bed 96. O.K. 100. Like Watergate 106. Balloon pilot 107. Setting up an actor’s entrance 109. Sedan or convertible

Deadlines

110. Stain 111. Reddish dyestuff 112. Powerful bird 114. Chalcedony variety 118. Rest stop stopper 119. Tear to the ground 121. Lots of love 130. Deeply 131. Concerning the soft palate 132. Prairie sights 133. French Youtube prankster, Gaillard 134. Matches a bet 135. In reserve 136. Senseless 137. 402, in old Rome Down 1. Macabre author 2. Big animal in the jungle 3. Confederate immortal 4. Just ___ of those things 5. Variety of daisy 6. Eager 7. Tract 8. Dessert in a pan 9. It can be crushed or shaved 10. In working condition 11. Round, sweet sandwiches 12. Broke clods 13. Major figure in “Paradise Lost” 14. Universal John 15. “This is fun!’’

16. Hopped to it 17. Inventor’s first step 18. It might wind up on a dock?

24. “Ammonia” has two 25. Largest volcano in Europe 26. Introducer 30. Down 31. Hilo garland 32. Certain parallel: Abbr.

33. “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” instrument 34. Do damage to 35. Make, in arithmetic 36. Wheat beard 37. Sanguine 39. Dele undoer 40. Play an icy sport 41. Commuter’s home

42. Airline passenger’s table 43. Backup singer on “Midnight Train to Georgia” 44. Recent USNA grad 45. Carbon-dating estimate 47. It may be underfoot 48. Kind of tree 50. Human blood classification 54. Peter or Paul 55. Boxcar rider 56. ___ in a lifetime 57. Chant during the Olympics 58. Inconclusive ending 59. Fish that spawns upstream 60. Fencing sword 62. First O of O-O-O 63. Expert on IRS forms 64. Yankee opponent 67. U.N. agency 69. Rajah’s wife 70. Black in color 71. Slang for heroin 73. “Later!”

74. Mangy mutt 75. Aladdin character 76. Scram!

77. Soup to nuts 78. Islet 83. Artillery need 84. Cambodian’s neighbor 86. Soul 87. Qualm 88. Topper 89. Trivia collection 90. Hot spring, perhaps 91. Ball peg 92. Falter 94. All over again 97. The Dow, e.g.

98. State 99. Take to court 100. D.C. V.I.P. 101. Tom Clancy subj.

102. Slurp up 103. Lord’s Prayer starter 104. Explorer or Navigator, briefly 105. Milk variety 108. DOS alternative 111. Group of six 112. Stratospheric gas 113. Application form box

114. Gyroscope part 115. “___ fishing’’ 116. Trucker’s toll unit 117. They may be held in chests 118. Songs sung alone 119. “Horse Fair” painter Bonheur 120. Biological transmitter 122. Germ cells 123. There are two in Xerxes 124. “Madame Butterfly” accessory 125. Enter a letter on a form as an answer 126. Creature in “The Lord of the Rings” 127. Used a letter to show a deletion 128. Japan’s largest lake 129. Noon, on a sundial

Cache Magazine calendar items are due Tuesday by 5 p.m. They will also run for free in The Herald Journal one to two days prior to the event. Calendar items can be submitted by email at hjhappen@hjnews.com. Any press releases or photos for events listed in the first half of Cache Magazine can be sent to jhunter@hjnews.com. Poems and photos can also be sent to jhunter@hjnews.com and run on a space-available basis if selected.

answers from last week

www.ThemeCrosswords.com

The Logan Library will celebrate the 1980s “to the max” on Friday, Dec. 18. Favorite films from the decade will be shown in the Jim Bridger Room from 10:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Classic Nintendo games will be available in the Bonneville Room from 2 to 6 p.m., as well as a Tetris tournament. Come enjoy the bodacious celebration.

They sing, they joke, they don’t dance and they spread Christmas cheer for the whole family.

Voice Male returns to Logan to perform its annual Christmas show at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at the Ellen Eccles Theatre. Tickets are $10 to $21. Children 3 years and older are admitted; no babes in arms. Group discounts are available. For ticket information, visit cachearts.org, or call 7520026.

Common Ground Outdoor Adventures will host an Ugly Sweater Party at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18. Call 713-0288 to register.

The Logan Tabernacle Christmas Concert Series continues with Voices of Light at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at the Logan Tabernacle, 50 N. Main St.

Dean Continued from Page 4 “All the Difference in the World” and “American With A Remington”, etc.

Dean returned to the road to master the art of the solo performing troubadour. With one man and one guitar, he showcases his skills as an accomplished guitarist and an award-winning songwriter and vocalist.

His stories of parenthood vs. fame are rich in comedy and laughter.

In the early 1970s,

Admission is free. Voices of Light combined choirs of Pocatello, Idaho, and Sacramento, California, will perform selections from composer David Hasson’s Christmas music, as well as familiar favorites and some fun new twists on popular holiday songs.

Violin, piano and vocal soloists and ensembles range in genres from vocal jazz to classical. This is the first time that the 60-plus member community choirs will sing in a combined performance.

SATURDAY The ever-popular December tradition of the Bar J Wranglers at the Ellen Eccles Theatre will continue on Saturday, Dec. 19.

The world-famous singing cowboys from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, will perform shows at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $17 and can be purchased online at cachearts.org, at the Ellen Eccles Theatre Box Office at 43 S. Main St., or by calling 752-0026.

Lace ‘N Levis Square Dance Club will be starting a beginning dance class on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 1650 E. 2600 North in North Logan. Round dancing class starts at 6 p.m., beginning square dance class at 7 p.m., class level and both plus and main stream at 8 p.m. For more

Rolling Stone magazine called Murphey “one of the best songwriters in America.” Since that time, Murphey has left an indelible mark on the American music landscape, crafting and recording such iconic hits as “Wildfire,” “Carolina In The Pines,” “Geronimo’s Cadillac,” “Cowboy Logic,” “Cherokee Fiddle,” “Boy From The Country” and more.

In the process, he has topped the pop, country, bluegrass and Western music charts, earned six gold albums and multiple Grammy nomi-

information, contact lacenlevis@ hotmail.com or call Mike at 7574479.

David S. Taylor, author of “Bring-to-Life Book of Mormon Stories: A Reference Guide for Speakers, Teachers, Students, and Parents,” will be signing books from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Book Table, 29 S. Main St. The Logan Tabernacle Christmas Concert Series continues with Ein Frohliche Weihnachtsfest Fest at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Logan Tabernacle, 50 N. Main St. Admission is free. A musical evening of traditional German Christmas carols (Weihnachtslieder) and other great Christmas music.

An instrumental trio of flute, harp and violin. There will be singing, including a sing-a-long, with guitar accompaniment.

SUNDAY Caroline Reese will perform from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at Caffe Ibis, 52 Federal Ave. The Post-Mormon Community is a non-sectarian organization of individuals and families who have left Mormonism. The Cache Valley chapter meets for dinner

nations. Through all the chart-jumping and genre-busting, Murphey has remained constant to an honest, sophisticated approach to his songwriting.

In fact, it’s simply impossible to pigeonhole Murphey to one specific genre. He is no more country than rock, no more bluegrass than classical. He is, rather, a true American songwriter.

For more information on the 2016 Cache Valley Cowboy Rendezvous, visit cachevalleycowboyrendezvous.com

and socializing at a local restaurant at 6:30 p.m. every Sunday evening. Call Jeff at 770-4263 or visit postmormon.org/logan.

The Logan Tabernacle Christmas Concert Series continues with Handel’s “Messiah” by the North Logan LDS Stake at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at the Logan Tabernacle, 50 N. Main St. Admission is free. the choir, chorus, soloists and orchestra from the North Logan Stake will present selections from Handel’s “Messiah.”

MONDAY The North Logan Library Monday Movie will begin at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 21, at 475 E. 2500 North in North Logan. This week’s movie is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

The William Hyde DUP Camp will meet at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, at the Hyde Park Civic Center. The program will include a Christmas potluck luncheon. All visitors are welcome.

“A Celebration of Christ” will be presented by the Lundstrom Park neighborhood from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, at the Logan East LDS Stake Center, 1450 E. 1500 North. A live nativ-

Groban Continued from Page 6 since its earlier off-Broadway lives, which included strobe lights, actors racing about and smoke pouring as dance music competed with traditional Russian folk music.

The show reached for an immersive experience by trying to erase the line between audience and performer. A full Russian-themed meal — including vodka — was served and audience members were asked to pass along love letters or interact with actors.

Groban said he was “totally transfixed” by the intimate production when he saw it and wants to “pass

ity performed by LDS Primary children will be presented at 6:15, 6:45, 7:15 and 7:45 p.m., while interfaith musical performances will be held throughout the evening. Participants include: St. John’s Episcopal Church (prelude); First Presbyterian Chancel Choir (6 p.m.); Westminster Bell Choir (6:30 p.m.); Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (7 p.m.); Cache Valley Bible Fellowship (7:30 p.m.); Lundstrom Park Neighborhood Orchestra (8 p.m.); and Alpine Church (8:30 p.m.).

The Logan Library Monday Movie will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 21, in the Jim Bridger Room. This week’s movie is “Snow White and the Huntsman,” which is rated PG-13.

Popcorn and admission is free.

TUESDAY Common Ground Outdoor Adventures will hold a pajama and movie night at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22. Call 713-0288 to register.

THURSDAY A Christmas Eve service will begin at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, at New Life Fellowship, 2045 N. 800 East in North Logan.

Everyone is welcome.

along that magic.” On Broadway, stage designer Mimi Lien will put many seats onstage, let actors move around the theater and there will be some sort of food and drink on offer.

The show centers on a bright young thing, Natasha, who falls for one man, only to be seduced later by another.

Groban said he’s looking forward to the sense of comradery that comes with joining a Broadway cast. He said he’ll protect his voice for the grueling eight-shows-a-week rhythm.

“My regiment is not going to be any different. At this point in my career, I’ve learned how to take care of myself. I’ll just try not to burn the candle at both ends and try not to have real vodka on the stage every night.”

The Herald Journal, Logan, Utah, Friday, December 18, 2015

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