The Gwinnett Daily Post Weekend Entertainment Section

Gwinnett Daily Post

Friday, May 13, 2011

Professional Bull Riders’ Built Ford Tough Series coming to Arena — Page 10

INSIDE

week end what to do, hear, see, watch, read, listen to, visit and eat in Gwinnett and Atlanta Tony-Award-winning musical ‘Hair’ coming to the Fox Theatre..............................................Pg. 6

Special Photo

Slated to play at the Fox Theatre from Tuesday through May 22,“Hair:The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical” features a score that will take a whole new generation back to the time of a cultural upheaval that changed America forever.

Art Beat ....................................................................Pg. 3 The Dish ....................................................................Pg. 4 Movies.................................................Pgs. 8-9, 12-15, 17 Showtimes ............................................................Pg. 12

By Venue ................................................................Pg. 16 Gwinnett Calendar ............................................Pg. 18 Metro Calendar....................................................Pg. 18 The “Weekend” arts and entertainment guide includes select events in the coming week. To be considered for a listing, send a fact sheet to: Weekend, Features Department, Gwinnett Daily Post, 725 Old Norcross Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30045; or call 770-963-9205, email features@gwinnettdailypost.com or fax 770-339-8081.

Weekend Cover Design: Nicole Puckett

PAGE 2 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011

Weekend Design: Tori Boone

ART BEAT

Gwinnett artists are at the helm of opera company When the Peach State Opera opens its third season at 8 p.m. Thursday with a performance of Mozart’s beloved masterpiece, “The Magic Flute,” audiences will have many Gwinnett artists to thank for the experience. This performance will be held at Georgia Perimeter College’s Cole Auditorium Fine Arts Building in Clarkston.

This organization was created in 2008 when founder and Artistic Director Evelyn Hughes, a resident of Lawrenceville, was retiring from a 20-year career as the head of the vocal and opera division of the music department at Georgia Perimeter College.

She saw a need for young opera singers to be able to perform fully staged operas in professional settings.

The company was formed as a touring company, where young artists with exceptional music ability could take their talents “on the road” to venues where opera is not frequently performed. The “portable” staging makes this touring possible. The Peach State Opera has performed such operas as “Carmen” and “Amahl and the Night Visitors” since its premiere in 2009.

“The audience-friendly nature of our productions makes us accessible to young and old alike,” Hughes said. “We program opera scenes, galas and one-act or abridged operas.”

ART BEAT HOLLEY CALMES

The “Gwinnett Connection” within Peach State Opera is considerable.

Hughes is not the only resident of Lawrenceville to help create this group’s magic. Jacqueline Putnam, also of Lawrenceville, is a soloist with the Peach State Opera as well as performing as a soloist with the Michael O’Neal Singers and The Lanier Chamber Singers.

Donna Knapp, a music teacher at Winn Holt Elementary and named as one of Gwinnett’s “Top 20 Teachers,” is the Children’s Chorus Master for “the Magic Flute.” Other participants are chorus members Fatimah Mustafaa and James Simpson, both from Snellville, and Garet Erwin who will dance the part of the Enchanted Bird in the opera. Garet was a member of Gwinnett Ballet Theatre for eight years. Upon graduation from high school, she danced professionally with the Milwaukee Ballet.

Other cast members include participants from Norcross and Loganville.

a touring company, we have performed in a variety of venues across the state. We just need someone in Gwinnett to book us!”

Opera is a rich experience that any audience can appreciate. Hughes said, “Opera is a combination of almost all art forms: vocal and instrumental music, dance, visual art (sets, costumes, lighting) and literature for the libretto. When all of these are brought Special Photo The Peach State Opera will perform Mozart’s “The together, the results are Magic Flute” at 8 p.m. on Thursday at Georgia exciting and affecting in many ways. ‘The Magic Perimeter College.

Flute’ takes us to a fantasy land of enchanted animals, Hughes hopes that the venue. “We would love to magical instruments, bird Peach State Opera will per- perform in Gwinnett,” form soon in a Gwinnett Hughes said. “Since we are people, an evil queen, a kid-

napped princess, a handsome prince and they all live happily ever after!”

The Cole Auditorium at Georgia Perimeter College is located at 555 N. Indian Creek Drive Clarkston, Georgia. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for students. For information about the Peach State Opera, for ticket information and to order tickets, visit the website at www.peachstateopera.org.

Holley Calmes is a freelance writer and public relations consultant specializing in the arts. Email her at hcalmes@mindspring.com.

Pencil us in.

Read Weekend every Friday.

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 3

THE DISH

Rey’s Cuban Café 2950 Rosebud Road, Loganville

770-972-1020

www.reyscubancafe.com

BY CAROLE TOWNSEND Staff Correspondent

• Open since: March 21 • Location: Near the intersection of Rosebud Road and U.S. Highway 78 next to the BP station • Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays • Owner: Rey Martinez Manager: Jim Tomol • Atmosphere: If you’re in the mood for genuine Cuban food and not concerned with plush surroundings, check out Rey’s Cuban Café in Loganville.

This is a cozy place.

No frills, very casual with a small dining room and small patio area in front. Owner Rey Martinez plans to add a few picnic tables in the shade soon.

Martinez is no stranger to owning and operating a successful Cuban restaurant in Loganville. He owned Rey’s Cuban Grill for about three years before being called to active duty for a year. His know-how and recipes are paying off, with locals already discovering his new place.

Rey’s Cuban Café is a cozy place. No frills, very casual with a small dining room and small patio area in front. Owner Rey Martinez plans to add a few picnic tables in the shade soon.

• Menu: The varied menu features reasonably-priced Cuban sandwiches and platters, with the most expensive item on the menu costing $9.99. Daily specials are offered to patrons, but according to Tomol, if there’s something you want that isn’t offered on a certain day, just ask. If the ingredients are on hand, you just might be in luck. Sandwiches and combos are offered every day.

All sandwich combos are served with white rice, black beans, mojo sauce (a Cuban specialty) and a drink. Combos are priced at $5.99; sandwiches only $4.79.

Appetizers include Cuban favorites such as

papa rellena (fried beef stuffed potato) and mariquitas (fried plantain chips).

All appetizers are $2.75.

Desserts include flan ($2.75) and pastelito (guava and cheese turnovers — a Cuban favorite) $1.75.

No alcohol is served, but Cuban coffee ($1.50) and café con leche ($1.75) are available, as well as other authentic Cuban drinks like pineapple soda and Iron Beer (a very sweet root beer-like drink).

• Things you might not know: Martinez is one of Loganville’s newest city councilmen. He is still active in the Naval reserve and recently returned home from three weeks of duty.

PAGE 4 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011

Staff Photos: Jason Braverman

The cafe serves its Cuban sandwich with plantain chips, front left, lechon asado (marinated pork leg served with mojo sauce, black beans and rice), back left, and an appetizer sampler (empanada de carne, papa rellena and croquetas).

ONTHEMENU All specials are served with your choice of two side items (white rice, black beans, fried sweet plantains, green fried plantain wheels, French fries or yucca fries) $7.99 • Friday Special: Churrasco (juicy tender skirt steak off the grill) $9.99, or Lechon Asado (a Cuban signature dish of marinated pork leg, slow-cooked in an oven, served with mojo sauce.)

• Picadillo Sandwich Combo: Cuban ground beef with stewed tomatoes and herbs, topped with green olives, raisins and pickles. Served on Cuban bread. $5.99 • Cubano Club Sandwich Combo: Turkey, Swiss cheese, pickle, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise on sweet Cuban bread, served hot off the press. $5.99

DINING GWINNETTTASTES A selection of local eateries recently featured in the Gwinnett Daily Post: • Cafe Aromas Cafe Aromas specializes in wedding cakes, but also makes birthday cakes, cupcakes, pies and cookies.

The bakery is able to create customers’ ideas of exciting wedding, birthday or special occasion cakes. Then there’s the wide variety of cupcakes. Cafe Aromas makes more than 20 different cupcakes, most notably its red velvet, hummingbird, German chocolate and butter vanilla. The menu isn’t limited to desserts, though.

In an effort to drive daily business, the cafe also serves hot and cold sandwiches, paninis, salads, soups and quiche.

755 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suite 1530, Lawrenceville, 770-9950225 • Corralejo Mexican Flair and Tequila Bar Salmon, lobster, steak, chicken, even fried green tomatoes give a nod to distinct geographic areas throughout Mexico and even here in Georgia. The most popular dishes so far are the Mahi-Mahi de la Costa Baja and the Monte Cristo sandwich. The fish is exquisitely fresh and the sandwich is a hearty, deep-fried ham and turkey sandwich served with either French fries or sweet potato tots and a side of raspberry jam. The bar offers only imported, authentic tequilas, some aged in cherry barrels, some in Jack Daniel’s barrels and some even in wine barrels.

3890 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee, 678482-9900 • Cinco Mexican Cantina The Spanish name and mild Mexican-inspired interior hint at Cinco’s style of food, but Mexican is simply a baseline for the food cre-

File Photo

Cinco Mexican Cantina serves its Pollo Adobado, which is chicken breast with red pepper sauce, cilantro chimichurri over sweet corn risotto. ated by Chef Luis Ramirez. The Tampiquena, grilled steak with mashed potatoes and a cheese enchilada, is a blend of Tex-Mex with a midwestern flare. There is calamari to go with queso dip; veal and shrimp; chicken salads and enchiladas. They have fajitas and tacos, but also salmon and pork shank.

1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 100, Suwanee, 678-541-0645 • Rosebuds Restaurant and Bar Bill Bailey, known to customers as Willie, calls Rosebuds’ menu American cuisine with a cajun twist.

The speciality is deep-fried cajun injected turkey, which customers can special order. The entire menu is based on old family recipes from Bill and his wife, Rosie, but the two have added a special twist.

There’s the Jumping Chili Shrimp, which features sauteed shrimp in a spicy homemade chili and garlic sauce. There’s also Peach Tilapia, which features a Georgia peach salsa on top and comes with the signature fried green beans. The one menu item Bill is most proud of is the barbecue ribs, which he says he’ll put up against anybody’s in town. The ribs

come with homemade potato salad and baked beans.

3315 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, 770-8370539 • Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery The dishes are hearty, and many have Irish roots. The burgers and wings are favorites, and the fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, Irish Nachos and Gaelic Chicken are unique and flavorful. A kids’ menu is in the works now, but the pizzas, burgers and chicken fingers, already on the menu, are popular with children.

Customer favorites include Danny Boy’s shepherd’s pie with ground beef, carrots, peas and mushroom gravy topped with a hearty helping of mashed potatoes and parmesan cheese, and served with garlic bread for $10.99.

The Irish Nachos, an appetizer but enough for a meal, are also a signature dish popular with customers. Fresh cooked potato chips are topped with cheese sauce, seasoned ground beef and tomatoes. The Drunken Clams are a must — steamed in beer and served with garlic bread.

3480 Financial Center Way, Buford, 678-4825545.

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FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 5

INSIDE THE PERIMETER Slated to play at the Fox Theatre from Tuesday through May 22, “Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical” features a score that will take a whole new generation back to the time of a cultural upheaval that changed America forever.

ENTER TO WIN 2 GREAT SEATS!

with special guest Photo: Joan Marcus

Broadway revival of ‘Hair’ coming to the Fox Theatre

BY CAROLE TOWNSEND Staff Correspondent

ATLANTA — A new generation of theater lovers can experience one of the best-loved musicals ever to hit Broadway, thanks to the revival of “Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical.” Slated to play at the Fox Theatre from Tuesday through May 22, this Tony Award-winning musical features a score that will take a whole new generation back to the time of a cultural upheaval that changed America forever.

More than 40 years after the original “Hair” first opened on Broadway, this cast of characters struggles with the same challenges — racism, brutality, intolerance — that young people did during the Vietnam War era.

The musical follows a group of free-spirited, optimistic, idealistic young adults as they challenge the social norms, burn draft cards and explore themselves as a cul-

Elew

June 8

The Arena at Gwinnett Center Tickets also available at Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone: 800-745-3000. All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. Ticket prices subject to applicable fees.

ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN 2 GREAT SEATS! Mail completed entry to GDP/Josh Groban • P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 or visit gwinnettdailypost.com to enter at

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• What: “Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical” • When: Tuesday through May 22 • Where: Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta • Showtimes: 8 p.m. Tuesday through May 21 6:30 p.m. May 22 2 p.m. matinee Saturday, 1 p.m. matinee Sunday Ticket prices start at $18. Order by phone at 800982-2787, or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Groups of 15 or more, call 404-881-2000 to order.

Phone ___________________ Email ___________________________________ NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be 18 years old or older to enter. Void where prohibited & restricted by law. Sponsor’s employees and their dependents are ineligible. Entries must be received by May 31, 2011. Winners will be notified.

New album Illuminations available now! • joshgroban.com

Want more pictures? tural and political power.

The message is ultimately one of hope.

Dori Ann Ledbetter, a Georgia State University student, Lilburn native and self-described “daughter of a mom from the ’60s,” already has tickets to see “Hair” in Atlanta.

“I’ve always laughed at my parents, especially my mom, about growing up back then. The kids were so unrealistic. I hope to see and understand more by experiencing Hair with (my mom),” Ledbetter said.

More “seasoned’ theatre lovers will remember songs such as “Let the Sun Shine In,” “Aquarius” and “Good Morning Starshine.” This production won the 2009 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival, and the Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics’ Circle award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical.

As part of the 2010-11 Broadway Across AmericaAtlanta season, “Hair” is directed by Diane Paulus and choreographed by Karole Armitage.

PAGE 6 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011

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INSIDE THE PERIMETER

‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ part of film festival at Fox FROM STAFF REPORTS

IFYOUGO

ATLANTA — The Fox Theatre kicks off the 2011 Coca-Cola Summer “To Kill A Film Festival in June Mockingbird” with a mix of contempostarring Gregorary and classic hits, ry Peck will be including “To Kill A shown on June Mockingbird” starring 11 as part of the Coca-Cola Gregory Peck.

Summer Film June films at the Fox Festival at the will also include “True Fox Theatre.

Grit” with Jeff Bridges, “Rango,” and “The Social Network.”

“This film series gives Special Photo everyone the opportunity not just to see a great movie going experience of the Fox Theatre,” said film but to have a true in the luxurious setting the Fox Theatre’s Gener-

• What: Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival • Where: Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta • When: June schedule: 7:30 p.m. June 9 “The Social Network;” 7:30 p.m. June 10 “True Grit;” 2 p.m. June 11 “Rango;” and 7:30 p.m. June 11 “To Kill A Mockingbird”

al Manager Allan C. Vella.

Additional films in the 2011 Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival to be

shown in July and August will be announced later in the summer.

Movie tickets, are on

sale now for $8. Tickets are available at the Fox Theatre Box Office and at Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 800-745-3000 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com. All tickets are general admission.

Special $5 parking will be offered in select Lanier lots around the Fox Theatre, while spaces are available. For additional information go to foxtheatre.org.

Gwinnett Daily Post is a partner of AtlantaJobs.com.

Submit calendar items to calendar@gwinnettdailypost.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 7

MOVIES Ferrell delivers strong dramatic acting in ‘Everything Must Go’ with Pabst Blue Ribbon tall boys, plops down in a lounge chair and begins to veg.

If you feel you’ve been given too much plot here, rest assured, you haven’t.

You’ve only been privy to

BY MICHAEL CLARK the first 10 minutes and a Movie Critic key plot point or two has been left out. You’ve still Will Ferrell has the odd got 100 or so minutes left to misfortune of turning in the navigate and most if it is not finest performance of his pretty but all of it is touchcareer with “Everything Special Photo: Roadside Attractions ingly poetic and nothing Must Go” — and yet it’s you would ever expect from Will Ferrell plays Nick in “Everything Must Go.” only the second-best movie Ferrell. of the week featuring some- screenplay is based on the all of his possessions on the While they are low in one who was or is a cast short story “Why Don’t You front lawn. She doesn’t just number, movies about alcomember of “Saturday Night Dance?” by Raymond want to leave him, she holism tend to be very good Live.” Ferrell can at least wants to humiliate him and but never anything you’d Carver, the same guy who take solace in that he might created what eventually he deserves it. So what does ever want to see twice. “The get serious Oscar considera- became Robert Altman’s Nick do? He stocks a cooler Lost Weekend” and “Leavtion and Kristen Wiig (in “Short Cuts.” If you saw “Bridesmaids”) probably that film you know Carver won’t. is a no-frills writer who gets Ferrell does here what right to the point and cuts FAMILY many comedic actors have close to the bone.

DEALERSHIPS attempted to do many times In keeping with the origPRESENTS before but largely failed. inal text, Rush wastes no LAWRENCEVILLE 2011 He’s trying to convince time with the set up. It CONCERT SERIES audiences, who for the most opens with Nick (Ferrell) part regard him as a moder- sitting in his car seemingly ately talented guy who psyching himself up for a makes largely idiotic come- sales call. We don’t know dies, that he is capable of what he’s selling and it convincing and moving doesn’t matter. His inner drama. monologue is random The last high-profile quotes from any number of “SNL” vet of any note to how-to sales/motivation try something like this was books. He’s rambling and Adam Sandler in “Punch he’s cracking. He breaks PICNIC Drunk Love.” Sandler was into a sweat, grabs a silver PICNIC & & ENJOY ENJOY good in it but his devoted hip flask, lifts it to his ROCK ROCK fan base avoided it in a mouth and downs the conBLUEGRASS major way. It is likely the tents in a single gulp.

BLUEGRASS bulk of Ferrell’s followers In the space of one swelBLUES BLUES & & MOTOWN MOTOWN will do the same here, but tering Arizona morning, INCLUDING INCLUDING GRAMMY GRAMMY not for the same reasons.

Nick is fired from his job NOMINATED Only once in the film does and his wife leaves him.

NOMINATED SHAWN SHAWN MULLINS MULLINS Ferrell “go nuts” and it Both events occur because $65 $65TABLE TABLE RENTALS RENTALS isn’t funny in the least. His he’s an alcoholic. His neverisn’t a character looking seen wife changes the locks LAST FRIDAY OF MONTH • MAY - SEPTEMBER • 8PM for laughs; he’s trying to on the doors, shuts down his Gwinnett County Historic Courthouse figure out how he hit the cell phone, cancels the famskids. ily credit cards, freezes their visitlawrenceville.com Director Dan Rush’s joint bank account and puts

Everything Must Go (R) ★★★★

PAGE 8 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011

MOONLIGHT & MUSIC

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ing Las Vegas” are two prime examples. “Everything Must Go” bucks that mindset slightly by not being a total downer. But it also refuses to offer up any easy answers and is something that many of its fans will probably want to own and watch repeatedly.

There are many critics (myself included) who have slammed Ferrell in the past for starring in mind-numbingly vacant movies he made solely for gargantuan

paychecks. He’s also appeared in the occasional art film (“Melinda and Melinda,” “Stranger than Fiction”) that indicate he is capable of great things.

Ferrell has all the money he’ll ever need and more than most of us could ever spend. It’s time for him to man up, hunker down and make more movies like this. Here he’s proven he has the chops; let’s see if he has the resolve. (Roadside Attractions)

Gordon-Levitt proves his acting range in dark ‘Hesher’

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

Take a minute and tally up the number of people who started out as child movie actors and went on to equal or greater success as adults. There’s Jodie Foster, Christian Bale, Natalie Portman, Ben Affleck (sort of) and the recently deceased Jackie Cooper.

Making such a transition from TV to film is tougher and that list is even shorter.

You’ve got Leonardo DiCaprio, Jason Bateman and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Coincidentally, DiCaprio and Gordon-Levitt appeared together in last year’s multi-Oscar-nominated “Inception.”

If you can’t quite picture Gordon-Levitt, you’re not alone. Remember “Third Rock from the Sun”? That was the biggest of the three TV shows he was in and the one where he acted principally with very seasoned adults.

As the title character in “Hesher,” Gordon-Levitt is the grown-up (at least biologically) acting opposite the pre-teen T.J. (Devin Brochu), a young man trying to deal with a recent loss, his depressed, overmedicated father (Rainn Wilson), a loopy grandmother (Piper Laurie) and a bully intent on maiming if not outright killing him.

While tooling around a construction site on his bike, T.J. inadvertently displaces the squatter Hesher from his digs and Hesher is not pleased. Using dynamite to distract an investi-

gating security guard, Hesher insures both he and T.J. will avoid arrest but Hesher isn’t the type to let a slighting like this slide.

Shown most of the time shirtless, unwashed and chain-smoking, Hesher sports several crude and obscene homemade tattoos and the surly attitude of a biker trying to work off a Joseph weeklong Gordon-Levitt bender.

With nothing else to occupy his time, the pyromaniac Hesher shadows T.J. every waking moment and puts him through a psychological wringer.

Although able to rescue T.J. from a humiliating degradation, Hesher abstains, which only adds to T.J.’s gnawing and accelerating angst. The tension escalates even further with the introduction of Nicole (Portman), a down-on-herluck grocery store clerk who plays a significant role in most unexpected ways to both T.J. and Hesher for the rest of the film.

Some may think — and others have written — that the Hesher character is too broad and extreme to be taken as a serious or believable character. He doesn’t speak unless he absolutely needs to, has an obvious ax to grind and doesn’t give a flying fig about anyone — including himself. He’s lost something or someone very dear to him but not — in his own severely twisted way — his sense of honor and dignity.

It takes the total length of the movie for it to become apparent, but Hes-

her represents our collective unconsciousness. He does and sometimes says things no rational person would dare do in public, or for that matter, in private.

At some point we’ve all been Hesher to a degree yet watching a character as brazen and unflinching as this can be understandably disturbing and oddly cathartic.

All of the stark, unapologetic, in-your-face attitude of the first two acts nearly gets negated when co-writer/director Spencer Susser caves to convention and ends with two scenes that soften both Hesher and the film. Hesher exits doing something far more Hallmark than Gonzo Punk and all of it feels a bit too comfy, calculated and

MAY 22nd 2 SHOWS: 2:30 & 5:30

falsely uplifting.

Far from anything that will make him a household name (the movie will be lucky to break even), “Hesher” was the ideal role for Gordon-Levitt to take at this time. In tandem with “Mysterious Skin,” “Inception” and the sublime “(500) Days of Summer,” it further proves he’s got range to burn and

can walk that ultra-thin tightrope between mainstream and art house as either a lead or supporting performer.

With some blessed timing and a phenomenal agent, Gordon-Levitt could become the next De Niro, or at least a child actor who grows up to be more than a trivia question. (Wrekin Hill Entertainment)

thomasandfriends.com/live BRING THIS COMPLETED ENTRY TO GUEST SERVICES AT DISCOVER MILLS, MALL OF GEORGIA OR GWINNETT PLACE MALL FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A FAMILY FOUR-PACK OF TICKETS, ONE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN FROM EACH MALL!

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©2010 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2010 Hit Entertainment Limited. HIT and the HIT logo are trademarks of HIT Entertainment Limited.

Hesher (R) ★★★★ ★

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 9

LOCAL EVENT

ROPES

&

REINS

Summerville’s Willingham among world’s best 40 bull riders competing at the Arena

BY CHRISTINE TROYKE STAFF WRITER christine.troyke@ gwinnettdailypost.com

The hardest part was just finding the bulls an inexperienced 15-yearold could ride.

Sean Willingham, a Summerville native, looked for three weeks before he found any.

A friend of a friend of a friend thing.

It wasn’t even in Georgia.

Willingham drove an hour to Rosalie, Ala. For a ride he can’t even really remember.

“They say you always black out on the first one because of the adrenaline,” Willingham said. “But knew I wanted to do it again.”

Nearly 15 years and more than $1 million in career earnings later, Willingham returns to his home state ranked 16th in the world and looking for his first win of the season in the

Professional Bull Riders’ Built Ford Tough Series.

“It’s pretty much hometown for me,” said Willingham, who still lives in Summerville when he’s not on the road with the PBR. “This is the closest event that comes around here. I’ve got 50 or 60 coming to watch — not counting people that bought tickets Sean for themselves.

Willingham “I’m always excited every year (for the stop in Duluth).”

Willingham, just a few days shy of his 30th birthday, knows there are still plenty of people out there thinking the same thing he did as a teenager at the rodeo.

“Every year we had a big rodeo, a bunch of buddies and I, the older we got, the more we paid attention to the bull riding,” Willingham said. “We

PAGE 10 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011

IFYOUGO • What: Professional Bull Riders’ Built Ford Tough Series • When: 8 p.m. today and 7 p.m. Saturday • Where: The Arena at Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth • More info: Visit www.gwinnettcenter.com or call 770813-7500

kept saying, ‘It can’t be that hard.’

We couldn’t understand why they can’t stay on — it’s only eight seconds.”

Eight seconds on a 2,000-pound bull bred to buck.

Eight seconds that take an eternity.

“It wasn’t as easy as I thought it was,” Willingham said. “It took a little while to figure out how to stay on for eight seconds. I kept getting bucked off.”

Jesse Byrne is tos se Cowboys Stadium in d by a bull during action at Arlington, Texas, in Fe bruary.

As difficult as it was, Willingham is a natural athlete — he wakeboards and plays golf during the offseason — and it didn’t take long for him to start rising through the riding ranks.

“I did have to work at it,” Willingham said. “I was riding up to 10 bulls a week just to figure out how to ride.

They all feel different. It was always something new.

“It was hard at first. But I got on so many bulls and it did help that I was athletic. I did pick it up pretty quick.

After three to four months, I started winning money at amateur rodeos.”

He played football and basketball growing up, but had to drop football in high school because he was spending his whole weekend on the road.

“I was gone Friday afternoon and sometimes I barely made it back to school on time Monday morning,” Willingham said.

The same year he started riding, Willingham made it to the high

school rodeo nationals — the first of four trips.

At 17, he was the youngest ever to win his Amateur Association Rodeo.

He earned a rodeo scholarship to Western Texas College and won the region title as a freshman. Willingham finished in the top five in the national finals and soon after opted to turn pro.

“I knew as soon as I started I wanted to be in PBR,” Willingham said. “It had established itself as best bull riding in the world.”

He had to start at the bottom there and work his way up through the challenge events. Willingham made it onto the top Built Ford Tough Series in 2003 and hasn’t missed an event since.

Much like golf, riders have to earn enough points to stay among the top 30 in the rankings.

“You’ve still got to ride well,” Willingham said.

In a two-day event like the one

here today and Saturday, each rider competes in the preliminary go rounds. The top 10 scorers earn a spot in the championship round.

Only riders who stay on for the full eight seconds are awarded points.

“It’s constantly changing,” Willingham said of the event standings.

“You don’t know who’s going to win.”

The intrigue added to the basic battle between man and beast makes for a highly charged atmosphere.

“Everybody that goes that’s never been gets hooked right away, especially if they come watch it live,” Willingham said. “It’s still interesting on TV, but live, you get to see all the wrecks and rides.

“If haven’t seen bull riding, you need to come check it out. It’s like a rock concert. It’s pretty wild and intense.”

For professional bull riding basics, visit www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

Photos: Andy Watson

Ben Jones rides Robinson/Beautler/McNeely’s Voodoo Child for 91 during the championship round of the New York City Built Ford Tough series PBR.

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 11

LOCAL EVENT

ROPES

&

REINS

Summerville’s Willingham among world’s best 40 bull riders competing at the Arena

BY CHRISTINE TROYKE STAFF WRITER christine.troyke@ gwinnettdailypost.com

The hardest part was just finding the bulls an inexperienced 15-yearold could ride.

Sean Willingham, a Summerville native, looked for three weeks before he found any.

A friend of a friend of a friend thing.

It wasn’t even in Georgia.

Willingham drove an hour to Rosalie, Ala. For a ride he can’t even really remember.

“They say you always black out on the first one because of the adrenaline,” Willingham said. “But knew I wanted to do it again.”

Nearly 15 years and more than $1 million in career earnings later, Willingham returns to his home state ranked 16th in the world and looking for his first win of the season in the

Professional Bull Riders’ Built Ford Tough Series.

“It’s pretty much hometown for me,” said Willingham, who still lives in Summerville when he’s not on the road with the PBR. “This is the closest event that comes around here. I’ve got 50 or 60 coming to watch — not counting people that bought tickets Sean for themselves.

Willingham “I’m always excited every year (for the stop in Duluth).”

Willingham, just a few days shy of his 30th birthday, knows there are still plenty of people out there thinking the same thing he did as a teenager at the rodeo.

“Every year we had a big rodeo, a bunch of buddies and I, the older we got, the more we paid attention to the bull riding,” Willingham said. “We

PAGE 10 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011

IFYOUGO • What: Professional Bull Riders’ Built Ford Tough Series • When: 8 p.m. today and 7 p.m. Saturday • Where: The Arena at Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth • More info: Visit www.gwinnettcenter.com or call 770813-7500

kept saying, ‘It can’t be that hard.’

We couldn’t understand why they can’t stay on — it’s only eight seconds.”

Eight seconds on a 2,000-pound bull bred to buck.

Eight seconds that take an eternity.

“It wasn’t as easy as I thought it was,” Willingham said. “It took a little while to figure out how to stay on for eight seconds. I kept getting bucked off.”

Jesse Byrne is tos se Cowboys Stadium in d by a bull during action at Arlington, Texas, in Fe bruary.

As difficult as it was, Willingham is a natural athlete — he wakeboards and plays golf during the offseason — and it didn’t take long for him to start rising through the riding ranks.

“I did have to work at it,” Willingham said. “I was riding up to 10 bulls a week just to figure out how to ride.

They all feel different. It was always something new.

“It was hard at first. But I got on so many bulls and it did help that I was athletic. I did pick it up pretty quick.

After three to four months, I started winning money at amateur rodeos.”

He played football and basketball growing up, but had to drop football in high school because he was spending his whole weekend on the road.

“I was gone Friday afternoon and sometimes I barely made it back to school on time Monday morning,” Willingham said.

The same year he started riding, Willingham made it to the high

school rodeo nationals — the first of four trips.

At 17, he was the youngest ever to win his Amateur Association Rodeo.

He earned a rodeo scholarship to Western Texas College and won the region title as a freshman. Willingham finished in the top five in the national finals and soon after opted to turn pro.

“I knew as soon as I started I wanted to be in PBR,” Willingham said. “It had established itself as best bull riding in the world.”

He had to start at the bottom there and work his way up through the challenge events. Willingham made it onto the top Built Ford Tough Series in 2003 and hasn’t missed an event since.

Much like golf, riders have to earn enough points to stay among the top 30 in the rankings.

“You’ve still got to ride well,” Willingham said.

In a two-day event like the one

here today and Saturday, each rider competes in the preliminary go rounds. The top 10 scorers earn a spot in the championship round.

Only riders who stay on for the full eight seconds are awarded points.

“It’s constantly changing,” Willingham said of the event standings.

“You don’t know who’s going to win.”

The intrigue added to the basic battle between man and beast makes for a highly charged atmosphere.

“Everybody that goes that’s never been gets hooked right away, especially if they come watch it live,” Willingham said. “It’s still interesting on TV, but live, you get to see all the wrecks and rides.

“If haven’t seen bull riding, you need to come check it out. It’s like a rock concert. It’s pretty wild and intense.”

For professional bull riding basics, visit www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

Photos: Andy Watson

Ben Jones rides Robinson/Beautler/McNeely’s Voodoo Child for 91 during the championship round of the New York City Built Ford Tough series PBR.

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 11

HOWTIMES S MOVIE TIMES FOR FRIDAY, MAY 13

For movie showtimes for Saturday and Sunday, visit the theater websites.

BUFORD REGAL CINEMAS, MALL GEORGIA 20

OF

3333 Buford Drive 678-482-9263 www.regalcinemas.com

African Cats (G)

12:25, 2:45, 7:45 Bridesmaids (R)

11:55, 1:30, 2:55, 4:30, 6:20, 7:30, 9:10, 10:20, 11:55 Fast Five (PG-13)

12:20, 3:15, 4:05, 6:30, 9:15, 9:45, 12:05 Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil 3-D (PG)

Rio (G)

Family (PG-13)

12:05

11:55, 2:15, 4:35, 6:50, 9:15

Jumping the Broom (PG-13)

Rio 3-D (G)

12:00, 7:10

2:30, 5:10, 10:30 Priest (PG-13)

Something Borrowed (PG-13)

1:00, 3:15, 5:30, 8:05, 10:20 Priest 3-D (PG-13)

Soul Surfer (PG)

11:50, 2:15, 4:30, 7:05, 9:25, 11:40

Thor (PG-13)

Prom (PG)

5:00, 10:00 Rio (G)

2:20, 4:40, 7:00, 9:20, 11:45 Rio 3-D (G)

12:50, 3:20, 5:40, 8:10, 10:30 Something Borrowed (PG-13)

1:15, 4:20, 7:10, 9:50 Soul Surfer (PG)

1:20, 4:10, 7:35, 10:05

11:20, 1:50, 4:05 11:30, 2:10, 4:45, 7:20, 10:05 11:00, 1:20 11:40, 2:20, 5:05, 7:40, 10:20 Thor 3-D (PG-13)

11:00, 12:20, 1:40, 3:00, 4:20, 5:35, 7:00, 8:20, 9:35

Thor (PG-13)

12:10, 2:55, 5:40, 8:30, 11:15 Thor 3-D (PG-13)

12:40, 1:50, 3:30, 4:40, 6:15, 7:30, 9:00, 10:20, 11:45 Thor: The IMAX Experience (PG-13)

1:20, 4:10, 7:00, 9:45, 12:15

Fast Five (PG-13)

Water for Elephants (PG-13)

11:05, 1:45, 4:25, 7:15, 9:55

DULUTH REGAL CINEMAS, MEDLOCK CROSSING 18 9700 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 170 770-814-8437 www.regalcinemas.com

12:00, 2:35, 5:05, 7:45, 10:40

Atlas Shrugged: Part 1 (PG-13)

5:05, 10:05 1:55, 4:25, 7:05, 9:40 Bridesmaids (R)

12:50, 1:10, 4:30, 5:00, 7:35, 8:05, 10:30, 11:00

DACULA GREAT ESCAPE THEATERS: HAMILTON MILL 14 2160 Hamilton Creek Parkway Dacula, GA 30019 678-482-0624 www.greatescapetheaters.com Bridesmaids (R)

11:10, 2:00, 4:55, 7:45, 10:30 Fast Five (PG-13)

12:00, 2:50, 3:50, 5:40, 7:10, 8:30, 10:00 Jumping the Broom (PG-13)

11:50, 2:25, 5:00, 7:35, 10:15 Priest 3-D (PG-13)

1:00, 3:10, 5:25, 6:40, 8:00, 9:00, 10:10 Priest (PG-13)

12:30, 2:40, 4:50, 7:30, 9:45 Prom (PG)

9:25

825 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road 770-237-0744 www.amctheatres.com

11:25, 1:55, 4:25, 6:55

African Cats (G)

1:15, 4:15, 7:20, 10:10

LAWRENCEVILLE COLONIAL 18 THEATRES

Bridesmaids (R)

Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family (PG-13) Water for Elephants (PG-13)

12:45, 3:55, 7:00, 9:50

Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family (PG-13)

Source Code (PG-13)

1:00, 7:00

Water for Elephants (PG-13)

Fast Five (PG-13)

12:25, 2:40, 4:50, 7:55, 10:25, 11:00 Jumping the Broom (PG-13)

12:55, 5:05, 7:50, 10:55 Priest (PG-13)

12:10, 2:25, 4:45, 7:45, 10:20 Priest 3-D (PG-13)

12:40, 2:55, 5:15, 8:10, 10:50 Prom (PG)

12:05, 2:35, 7:20 Rio (G)

12:15, 2:35, 4:55, 7:15, 9:45 Rio 3-D (G)

12:35, 2:55, 5:20, 7:40, 10:05 Something Borrowed (PG-13)

12:30, 5:15, 8:05, 10:45 Soul Surfer (PG)

1:05, 4:10, 7:00, 9:45 Thor (PG-13)

12:00, 1:50, 2:45, 4:40, 5:30, 7:30, 8:20, 10:15 Thor 3-D (PG-13)

12:20, 2:20, 4:00, 5:10, 7:10, 8:00, 9:55, 10:40 Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy

10:10, 1:10, 4:05, 7:10, 10:15 10:05, 10:50, 11:45, 1:05, 1:55, 2:50, 4:15, 5:00, 6:00, 7:20, 8:15, 9:15, 10:20

5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 415 678-847-9265 www.amctheatres.com

5:20, 7:35, 9:55

Bridesmaids (R)

4:10, 7:10, 9:45

10:30, 11:30, 1:20, 2:30, 4:30, 5:30, 7:40, 8:30, 10:40, 11:30

5:00, 8:00

Red Riding Hood (PG-13)

Insidious (PG-13)

1:35

Limitless (PG-13)

7:20

5:30, 7:50, 10:05

Your Highness (R)

Jumping the Broom (PG-13)

4:20, 9:50

10:50, 12:45, 1:40, 3:50, 4:25, 6:40, 7:15, 9:30, 10:15, 12:10

VENTURE CINEMA 12

Prom (PG)

1:00 Priest (PG-13)

12:30, 6:40

10:00, 12:50, 3:40, 6:30, 9:20

The King’s Speech (R)

10:15, 11:15, 12:20, 2:25 3:35, 4:40, 5:35, 6:50, 7:50, 8:45, 10:10, 10:55, 12:00

Priest 3-D (PG-13)

Jumping the Broom (PG-13)

1:45, 4:30, 7:20, 9:50

I Am Number Four (PG-13)

Fast Five (PG-13)

2:20, 7:20, 12:15

12:35, 2:55, 5:05

Atlas Shrugged: Part 1 (PG-13)

5:15, 7:25, 9:30

Sucker Punch (PG-13)

Hanna (PG-13) Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil 3-D (PG)

Gnomeo and Juliet (PG-13)

10:45, 11:55, 1:15, 3:40, 4:55, 6:00, 8:30, 9:55, 11:00 Rio (G)

11:05, 1:45, 4:20 Rio 3-D (G)

10:25, 12:50, 3:30, 6:15, 8:50

3750 Venture Dr. 678-957-9545 www.venturecinema12.com

Bridesmaids (R)

1:05, 4:05, 7:05, 10:00 Insidious (PG-13)

1:35, 4:10, 7:10, 9:45 Priest (PG-13)

1:30, 3:45, 6:00, 8:15, 10:15 Priest 3-D (PG-13)

1:00, 3:15, 5:20, 7:35, 10:00 Prom (PG)

2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:15 Rio (G)

1:20, 4:20, 7:20 Something Borrowed (PG-13)

1:20, 4:20, 7:20, 9:50 Soul Surfer (PG-13)

1:25, 4:25, 7:25, 9:45 The Adjustment Bureau (PG-13)

4:10, 7:05, 9:30

Arthur (PG-13)

4:10, 6:45, 9:15

Battle:Los Angeles (PG-13)

Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family (PG-13)

1:00, 1:30, 4:00, 4:30, 7:00, 7:30, 9:30, 10:00

4:00, 6:55, 9:25

REGAL SNELLVILLE OAKS 14 2125 E. Main St., Snellville 770-972-7469 www.regalcinemas.com

Something Borrowed (PG-13)

Big Momma’s: Like Father, Like Son (PG-13)

Priest (PG-13)

11:35, 2:45, 5:40, 8:25, 11:10

10:10, 3:05, 8:00

Thor (PG-13)

3:55, 6:50, 9:20

Priest 3-D (PG-13)

10:20, 11:50, 1:10, 4:05, 6:05, 7:00, 10:00, 11:55

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules (PG)

11:00, 12:40, 1:25, 3:55, 5:25, 6:20, 8:55, 10:25

Thor 3-D (PG-13)

3:55, 6:50, 9:20

Prom (PG)

11:00, 2:00, 2:50, 5:00, 8:00, 8:55, 11:05

Gnomeo and Juliet (G)

African Cats (G)

9:50, 3:25, 6:10

Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family (PG-13)

5:10, 7:30, 9:45 Hop (PG)

1:00, 2:55, 5:00, 7:05, 9:10

6:55, 9:35, 12:05, 10:10, 12:40, 3:20, 5:50, 8:20, 11:00

5:15, 7:25, 9:45

9:55, 3:50, 9:40

Rio (G)

10:25, 12:55, 3:30, 6:05, 8:35 Rio 3-D (G)

11:10, 1:45, 4:20, 6:50, 9:25 Something Borrowed (PG-13)

11:25, 2:10, 4:45, 7:30, 10:10 Soul Surfer (PG)

7:15, 9:55 There Be Dragons (PG-13)

12:25, 8:50 Thor (PG-13)

10:30,11:55,1:20, 2:05, 2:45, 4:10, 4:55, 5:35, 7:40, 8:30, 9:50 Thor 3-D (PG-13)

9:50, 11:15, 2:05, 4:55, 7:40, 10:30 Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family (PG-13)

10:20, 1:00, 3:45, 6:45, 9:30 Water for Elephants (PG-13)

11:40, 2:35, 5:45, 8:40

AMC DISCOVER MILLS 18 THEATRES

PAGE 12 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011

Water for Elephants (PG-13)

I Am Number Four PG-13)

4:05, 6:55, 9:40

11:20, 2:40, 5:45, 8:55, 11:45

Just Go With It (PG-13)

GEORGIA THEATRE CO., TOWN CENTER VALUE

Source Code (PG-13)

700 Gwinnett Drive, No. 216 678-985-2222 www.georgiatheatrecompany.com Arthur (PG-13)

4:15, 7:00, 9:35 4:00, 7:05, 9:25

Sucker Punch (PG-13)

4:05, 7:00

Tangled (PG)

5:15, 7:30, 9:40

Your Highness (R)

9:35

4:00, 7:00, 9:40 Beastly (PG-13)

5:35, 7:45, 10:00 Big Momma’s: Like Father, Like Son (PG-13)

4:15, 7:15, 9:55 Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules (PG)

1:40, 4:20, 7:10, 10:00 Fast Five (PG-13)

1:00, 1:45, 2:45, 3:45, 4:35, 5:30, 6:30, 7:20, 8:15, 9:15, 10:10, 11:00 Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil (PG)

1:05, 3:25, 5:55 Hop (PG)

1:10, 3:20, 5:35, 7:45, 9:55 Hanna (PG-13)

8:20, 10:45 Jumping the Broom (PG-13)

2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30 The Lincoln Lawyer (R)

4:05, 7:05, 9:30 Battle: Los Angeles (PG-13)

The Conspirator (PG-13)

SNELLVILLE CARMIKE 12 SNELLVILLE 1905 Scenic Highway Presidential Market Center 770-979-1519 www.carmike.com

1:35, 4:10, 7:15, 9:50 Source Code (PG-13)

2:05, 4:15, 6:20, 8:25, 10:30 Thor (PG-13)

1:00, 2:40, 3:30, 6:00, 7:40, 8:30, 11:00 Thor 3-D (PG-13)

1:50, 4:20, 5:10, 7:00, 9:30, 10:10 Water for Elephants (PG-13)

1:55, 4:45, 7:25, 10:10

MOVIES DISC SPOTLIGHT MICHAEL CLARK

Some Like it Hot (Blu-ray) (NR) Movie: ★★★★ Disc: ★★★★ Because director Billy Wilder made so many great movies, it’s unfair to label the comedy “Some Like it Hot” his best, but it is unquestionably his most popular. After escaping the mob after the “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre,” musicians Jerry (Jack Lemmon) and Joe (Tony Curtis) go drag and join a traveling all-girl band, led by ukulele player Sugar Cane (Marilyn Monroe). As it is in black and white and not as pristine as we’d like, the Blu-ray transfer does little to help the original visuals. But the two new, lengthy documentaries included

HILARIOUS, SWEET AND RELATABLE.”

“

more than make up for it.

Technical specs: aspect ratios: Widescreen (1.66:1/1080p), audio: English (DT HD-MA 5.1), 11 other languages, subtitles: English and 19 other languages.

Special features include: • Commentaries • Interviews with Curtis and the girls in the band • Two documentaries • Theatrical trailers • Stills and clips galleries (MGM, $19.99)

Mike Sampson, JOBLO

“ONE OF THE MOST SATISFYING ROMANTIC COMEDIES TO COME ALONG IN YEARS.” George Hickman, SCENE-STEALERS

“BRIDESMAIDS REACHES LEVELS OF HILARITY AND HEART THAT MOVIES LIKE THESE HAVEN’T REACHED IN OVER A DECADE.” Peter Sciretta, SLASHFILM

NOWSHOWING Recently reviewed films now playing in area theaters: • Fast Five (PG-13) All but one of the original main characters, five memorable ones from the first three sequels and three new additions fight for screen time in this fifth sequel, which has little to do with cars and babes and is more like a muscle-bound version of “Ocean’s Eleven.” 2 stars — Michael Clark • In a Better World (R) The winner of this year’s Best Foreign Language Oscar, this Dutch drama from director Susanna Bier examines two teen boys as they try to cope with different forms of family loss and grief but might be a tad too slow and deliberate for some audiences. 3 stars — MC • Something Borrowed (PG-13) Not even the droll supporting performance by

John Krazinski can save this flat-footed romantic non-comedy starring Ginnifer Goodwin and Kate Hudson that is stuffed with unlikable, spineless, creepy and morally questionable characters. 11⁄2 stars — MC • There Be Dragons (PG13) The latest disappointment from once-promising director Roland Joffe (“The Mission”) who squanders a golden opportunity to explore the Opus Dei Catholics and instead delivers a moronic soap opera that uses the Spanish Civil War as a backdrop. 2 stars — MC • Thor (PG-13) Mixing brains, brawn and CGI to tremendous effect, director Kenneth Branagh’s retooling of the ancient Norse myth has something for everyone. Australian Chris Hemsworth stars as the title character alongside Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman. 31⁄2 stars — MC

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH RELATIVITY MEDIA AN APATOW PRODUCTION “BRIDESMAIDCO-S” KRISTEN WIIG MAYA RUDOLPH MCLENDON-COVEY ELLIE KEMPER MELISSA MCCARTHY CHRI ANNIE MUMOLO ROSE BYRNE WENDIPRODUCED S O’DOWD PRODUCERS KRISTEN WIIG DIRECTED WRITTEN EXECUTIVE

BY ANNIE MUMOLO & KRISTEN WIIG

BY JUDD APATOW CLAYTON TOWNSEND BARRY MENDEL PRODUCER PAUL FEIG

BY PAUL FEIG A UNIVERSAL PICTURE SOUNDTRACK ON RELATIVITY MUSIC GROUP

© 2010 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Call 770-963-9205 to subscribe.

STARTS TODAY

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES MOBILE USERS: For Showtimes - Text BRIDESMAIDS with your ZIP CODE to 43KIX (43549)!

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 13

FILM FANS

Film Fans mixed about action, story in ‘Thor’ EDITOR’S NOTE: Film Fans features local residents reviewing the film of the week: “Thor.”

Want to be a film fan?

Email features@gwinnettdailypost.com.

★★★★ ★

Other than knowing that I was seeing the latest Marvel comic film adaptation, my expectations were not high for “Thor.”

Fortunately, “Thor” hits hard with action and entertainment that will appeal to most.

Anthony Sean Hopkins Ahern portrays Thor’s father to perfection, but he is just one highlight of the great cast, which also includes Natalie Portman and newcomer Chris Hemsworth.

Hemsworth’s performance as Thor should make him a likely candidate as a continued action star. The battles and action occur with a frequency that keeps the movie going at a great pace. I am unfamiliar with the finer details from the comic, but would be surprised if the avid enthusiast would find fault with this adaptation. If you enjoy this type of

for $1,000. Either you movie, “Thor” is worth can answer this “Jeopseeing in the theater.

— Sean Ahern, Buford ardy” question or you have had to read or be aware of who “Thor” is to enjoy a movie based on his story. This movie Another superhero, another super disappoint- does what the “Batman ment. While “Thor” (Chris Begins” movie circa Hemsworth) may be next in line for the throne of Asgard, his arrogance and quick temper reignite an ancient war with Lindsey the Frost Hodges Giants, resulting in his banishment and a painful trip to Earth. Unfortunately, the writers behind “Thor” don’t seem capable of generating much in terms of palpable excitement because there are few surprises and thrills. Not to mention that Hemsworth’s shirtless scene is the movie’s most special effect. So, if we’re being honest, it was really just an overlong, mildly entertaining flick that could have used a little more charisma and a lot more thrills.

— Lindsey Hodges, Snellville

★★★ ★★

★★★★ ★ Viking Mythology 101

Pencil us in.

Find out what to do, where to go and who to see. Every Friday in Weekend.

PAGE 14 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011

2005 did for Batman. It explains the concept and sets you up to come back. One of the best 3D CGI action sequences — at par with “The Lord of the Rings” but not quite as captivating as “Avatar.” Un-obstructive

3-D as you can get.

Good story, good characters acted well by known actors (Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins) and the introduction of Chris Hemsworth as Thor to American audiences. Watch the set

up for the next movie after the credits.

— Alfred Richner, Duluth

Alfred Richner

MOVIES

‘SNL’ star Kristen Wiig shines in funny ‘Bridesmaids’ Bridesmaids (R) ★★★★

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

In the 36 years since the birth of “Saturday Night Live,” more than 12 dozen former and current cast members have starred in excess of 500 feature films. Most of those movies are horrible, about 20 are very good and maybe five could be considered excellent.

Three are out-and-out classics — “Animal House,” “Caddyshack” and “Bridesmaids.”

Co-written by and starring Kristen Wiig, “Bridesmaids” — based solely on the title, principal cast and main plot — is going to be perceived and unfairly dismissed as being just another assembly-line chick flick. It also doesn’t help that it arrives on the heels of the abysmal, brain-dead, kind-of-wedding-themed “Something Borrowed.”

We know this movie is going to be real different the second it starts. Opening cold (no preceding credits, fade-ins or backing score), it shows Annie (Wiig) having furious but awkward sex with Ted (Jon Hamm). At daybreak after another go-around Ted all but orders Annie to leave. They have a “friends with benefits” sort of thing going except they’re not friends. He’s a player, she’s a doormat but she doesn’t really seem to mind. However

and unrelenting.

Lillian’s soon-to-be sister-in-law Megan (Melissa McCarthy, “Mike & Molly”) is a gruff and androgynous sort who has no filter between her brain and mouth. Ultra-politically-incorrect, Megan is incapable of subtly or being embarrassed and elicits gut-busting guffaws every time she moves, speaks or raises an eyebrow. Think John Belushi Special Photo: Universal as a fair-skinned female.

Given far less screen From left, Melissa McCarthy, Ellie Kemper, Rose time but doing the most Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Maya Rudolph and with it are Rita (Wendi Kristen Wiig star in “Bridesmaids.”

McLendon-Covey) as a Annie becomes unhealthy and fleeting it burned-out may be, Ted shows Annie unglued one tiny piece at mother/cougar-in-waiting a time, and in the hands some attention and for of a lesser nuanced perthat she’s grateful. former it would be sad In the cold morning and pathetic and the audilight on her way to meet ence would despise her her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) for cof- (much like Kate Hudson in “Something Borfee, Annie passes by the rowed”). However, Wiig bakery she owned that does the near impossible; recently went bankrupt. she gets the audience to When done with Lillian, enthusiastically root and Annie returns home to a fall for Annie. It is one of cramped apartment she the most extraordinary shares with a creepy comic performances — British guy and his male or female — in the frumpy sister who overhistory of film. charge her for rent. It’s While Wiig is putting barely 10 minutes into the on her acting clinic, her movie and we know a bunch about Annie. She’s four fellow bridesmaids wisely yield center stage, unemployed, probably but everyone gets to shine broke, depressed and in their own unique way. spineless.

The wealthy and impossiJust when it can’t get bly tended-to Helen (Rose any worse for Annie, it does and continues to do Byrne) not only tries to so for most of the remain- displace Annie as Lillian’s best friend, she does ing 110 minutes, and the bulk of it is self-inflicted. everything to the nines.

Annie has no chance to Watching the often petty carry out her maid of wrecking-ball Annie go from one cringe-inducing honor duties the same way Helen could and the scenario to the next is akin to witnessing a man- competition between the two is fierce, immediate gled car wreck.

and Becca (Ellie Kemper), a dainty Pollyanna newlywed whom Rita plans on turning into a serious party girl.

Although Rudolph is given a significant part, her fans might be disappointed to hear she is regulated to a straight man role.

Keeping all of this together and humming along without rushing is Paul Feig, one the most respected TV directors of last decade who has helmed episodes of “Arrested Development,” “Mad Men,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Weeds,” “30 Rock” and “The Office.” Feig is

one of the scant few directors who knows the true comedic value of silence and employs that here it to maximum effect.

There may be a few people out there who might not appreciate “Bridesmaids.” If you’re easily offended by profanity, sexual frankness or gross-out humor, you might want to steer clear.

It’s very bawdy and risqué; certainly not a first or even second date movie. For everyone else: go see it immediately. You might not ever laugh this hard again for the rest of your life. (Universal)

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 15

MUSIC

BY VENUE 37 MAIN 37 E. Main St., Buford 678-288-2030 www.37main.com

• Today: XVI • Saturday: 12 Oz. Prophets • Sunday: Metalsome

www.centerstage-atlanta.com

atlanta.com/shows/the-loft/

• Today: Better Than Ezra • Saturday: Nephew Tommy and Friends • Thursday: An acoustic evening with Blue October • May 28: Namjoo: Unplugged

• Tuesday: Uh Huh Her • May 25: Bob Schneider • May 28: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony • June 2: Warren G • June 10: Joe Purdy

40 WATT CLUB

CHASTAIN PARK AMPHITHEATER

285 W. Washington St., Athens 706-549-7871 www.40watt.com

4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta 404-233-2227 www.livenation.com

• Wednesday: Neko Case • May 27: Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses • June 24-25: ATHFest AARON’S AMPHITHEATRE AT LAKEWOOD 2002 Lakewood Ave., Atlanta 404-443-5000 www.livenation.com/venue/aaronsamphitheatre-at-lakewood-tickets

• May 20: Kenny Chesney • May 24: Jimmy Buffett • June 18: Def Leppard, Heart • July 10: Motley Crue, Poison ARENA AT GWINNETT CENTER 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.gwinnettcenter.com

• May 22: Thomas and Friends Live! On Stage • June 7: Katy Perry • June 8: Josh Groban • July 8: Matthew Morrison PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT GWINNETT CENTER 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.gwinnettcenter.com • May 20 and 22: “The Little Mermaid” • June 4: Cirque Fantasque ATLANTA CIVIC CENTER 395 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta 404-523-6275 www.atlantaciviccenter.com • June 3: Brian McKnight, Dwele and Joe BUFORD VARIETY THEATER 170 W. Main St., Buford 770-271-7878 www.bufordvarietytheater.com

• Today-Saturday: Brian McKim and Traci Skene CENTER STAGE 1374 W. Peachtree St. 404-885-1365

• May 21: Paul Simon • May 27-28: James Taylor • June 3: The Monkees • June 5: B.B. King, Buddy Guy • June 17: Maze feat. Frankie Beverly

PHILIPS ARENA 1 Philips Drive N.W., Atlanta 404-878-3000 www.philipsarena.com

Better Than Ezra will perform today at Center Stage in Atlanta.

• Saturday: Bon Jovi • June 22: News Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys • June 25: R. Kelly • July 17: Britney Spears with Nicki Minaj RED LIGHT CAFE

COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta www.cobbenergycentre.com 770-916-2800

• Today and Saturday: A Madea Christmas • May 25: Incognito • May 26: Bill Maher • June 10: Loretta Lynn • July 28: Bon Iver

553 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta 404-874-7828 www.redlightcafe.com

• Saturday: Kelly Taylor, Abby Owens Threadbare, Brother Channing and Quinn Jeremy Aggers SMITH’S OLDE BAR 1578 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta 404-875-1522 www.smithsoldebar.com

EDDIE’S ATTIC 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur 404-377-4976 www.eddiesattic.com

• Saturday: Freddy Jones Band • Tuesday: Griffin House and Johanna Jacobsen • Wednesday: Tony Furtado • Thursday: Lily of the Suburbs, Sunmoon Pie and Ariel Root Wolpe FERST CENTER FOR THE ARTS 349 Ferst Drive, Georgia Tech campus 404-894-9600 www.ferstcenter.gatech.edu

• July 27-31: “Stripped” • Sept. 8: Michael Ian Black • Sept. 16: Herb Albert and Lani Hall FOX THEATRE 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-881-2100 www.foxtheatre.org

• Tuesday-May 22: “Hair the Musical” • June 28: David Gray THE LOFT 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta 404-885-1365 www.centerstage-

• Today: The Kicks • Saturday: Please Pleaserock Me • Sunday: A Thousand Horses • Tuesday: Chris Thile and Micheal Daves • Thursday: Michael Guthrie Band THE TABERNACLE 152 Luckie St., Atlanta 404-659-9022 www.livenation.com/venue/ getVenue/venueId/1294/

• Today: Fleet Foxes • Wednesday: Revolt Tour 2011 feat. Hollywood Undead, 10 Years, Drive A and more • Thursday and May 20: The Flaming Lips • May 28: Deftones • June 17: Adele WILD BILL’S 2075 Market St., Duluth 678-473-1000 www.wildbillsatlanta.com • Today: Dallas Martin Band and Alex Hall Band • Saturday: Back N Black (An AC/DC tribute band Most tickets available through Ticketmaster at 404-249-6400 or www.ticketmaster.com.

PAGE 16 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011

Special Photo

MOVIE TRIVIA

Join these sponsors in supporting Kidsville News!

Lights, camera,

questions

Unleash your Florida side at VISITFLORIDA.COM

Test your film knowledge with Michael Clark So, you think you’re good at movie trivia?

Every week, we give readers the opportunity to flex their movie muscles by answering five trivia questions from our movie critic, Michael Clark.

gwinnettcounty parks & recreation

Congratulations to last week’s winner, Mark Dodson of Roswell.

Here are last week’s questions again and the answers: 1. What Elton John song did the cast sing on the bus in “Almost Famous”?

A: “Tiny Dancer” 2. What musical instrument did Marilyn Monroe’s character play in “Some Like it Hot”?

A: Ukulele 3. What installment of the “Fast and the Furious” franchise was set the farthest east geographically?

A: “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” 4. Who was the last person nominated for an acting Oscar in a movie they also directed?

A: Clint Eastwood in “Million Dollar Baby” 5. Name the acting bond shared by Heath Ledger, Colin Farrell, Jude Law and Johnny Depp.

A: All played the same character in “The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus”

Special Photo

Clint Eastwood was the last person nominated for an acting Oscar in a movie he also directed, which was “Million Dollar Baby.”

Now, for this week’s questions: 1. In what state was “Sling Blade” set?

2. What is the common non-acting bond shared by Humphrey Bogart, Sissy Spacek, Annie Lennox, Jimmy Buffett, Rod Serling and Little Richard?

3. Name the last person nominated for a directing Oscar in a movie they also appeared in as an actor with a major speaking role.

4. What was the first Shakespearean play to be adapted into a featurelength (not short) film?

5. What was the first film to receive 10 or more Oscar nominations?

The first person to respond with all the cor-

rect answers receives a prize package of movierelated goodies, which could include promotional T-shirts, hats, posters, DVDs, video games and more. The winner also gets their name published in the next Weekend section. Please email your answers, along with your name to clarkwriter@mindspring.c om. Include “Gwinnett Daily Post Trivia Contest” in the subject line. In the event no one answers all of the questions correctly, the person with the most correct answers submitted by 6 p.m. the Monday after the contest is posted will be the winner. Only one winner per household is eligible each 30day period.

For more information, contact Valerie Green at 770.963.9205 ext. 1201 or email at valerie.green@gwinnettdailypost.com

www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 17

GWINNETT CALENDAR Saturday The Aurora Children’s Playhouse series will present “A Musical Tour through Latin America,” at 10 a.m. Saturday at the theater, located at 128 Pike St. in Lawrenceville. For more information or tickets, visit www.auroratheatre.com or call 678-226-6222.

The Aurora Theatre will be performing “Over the River and Through the Woods” through June 5. The Aurora is located at 128 Pike St. in Lawrenceville.

May 21 The Aurora Children’s Playhouse series will present “Pirate Goody and the Magic Chest” at 10 a.m. May 21 at the theater, located at 128 Pike St. in Lawrenceville. For more information or tickets, visit www.auroratheatre.com or call 678-226-6222.

Special Photo

May 22 The City of Lawrenceville will host a Grapes and Tastes international food and wine festival from 1 to 7 p.m. May 22 in the downtown Lawrenceville square.

May 28 The Mall of Georgia’s

Movie Under the Stars and concert series will present the band, Rumble, at 6:30 p.m. May 28, followed by the movie “Despicable Me” at the mall’s outdoor pavilion, 3333 Buford Drive in Buford.

Ongoing events The Aurora Theatre will be running their production, “Over the River and Through the Woods,” through June 5. The Aurora is located at 128 Pike St. in Lawrenceville. For more information or tickets, visit

www.auroratheatre.com or call 770-226-6222.

Each day during the

month of May, the city of Suwanee will hold its “Art on a Limb” program

where a piece of original art is placed along the Suwanee Creek Greenway and other city trails. Those who find the pieces get to keep them. For more information, visit www.suwanee.com.

The Hudgens Center for the Arts is presenting the “We Are Folk: Exploring Traditions in Southern Folk Art” exhibit through May 21 at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Building 300 in Duluth. For more information, visit www.thehudgens.org.

The Lawrenceville Ghost Tours, hosted by the Aurora Theatre, will be held beginning Saturday through October. The walking tours will begin and end at the theater, located at 128 Pike St. in Lawrenceville. For more information or tickets, visit www.scarystroll.com or call 678-226-6222.

METRO CALENDAR Today The Smithgall Arts Center will present the Steve Cunningham Trio at 8 p.m. today at The Arts Council Inc., 331 Spring St. in Gainesville.

For more information, visit www.theartscouncil.net.

June 3 Jonny Lang with special guest Moreland & Arbuckle will perform at Concerts in the Garden at 8 p.m. June 3 at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E. in Atlanta. Tickets are $37. For more information, visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

boxers will perform at Concerts in the Garden at 8 p.m.

July 8 and 9 at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E. in Atlanta. Tickets are $45. For more information, visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

July 15 Steve Earle and the Dukes (and Duchess) featuring Allison Moorer will perform at Concerts in the Garden at 8 p.m. July 15 at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E. in Atlanta. Tickets are $39.50. For more information, visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

July 22 July 8 The Indigo Girls with special guest the Shadow-

Emmylou Harris will perform at the Concerts in the Garden at 8 p.m. July 22 at

the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E. in Atlanta. Tickets are $52.50. For more information, visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

Ongoing events The Center for Puppetry Arts will present “Beauty and the Beast” through May 29. Showtimes vary. The theater is located at 1404 Spring St. in Atlanta. For showtimes and more information, visit www.puppet.org.

The High Museum of Art will host “Alfred Stieglitz and His Circle: American Moderns from Atlanta Collections” exhibition June 18 through Sept.11 at 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta.

For more information, call 404-733-4437.

PAGE 18 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011

Mail your completed entry to GDP/Gnomeo & Juliet

P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 or visit gwinnettdailypost.com to enter at

Name _________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________ Phone ___________________ Email ______________________________ NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be 18 years old or older to enter. Void where prohibited & restricted by law. Sponsor’s employees and their dependents are ineligible. Entries must be received by May 27, 2011. Winners will be notified by phone.

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To sign up, visit gwinnettdailypost.com FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 19

The Gwinnett Daily Post and the City of Suwanee present

A PATRIOTIC CONCERT Featuring the

Gwinnett Community Band Friday, May 27 7:00 p.m.

Town Center Park Suwanee, GA Command Exhibition Team “Silver Wings” parachute onto a 40’ area in the park !

The Gwinnett Community Band is a non-profit group of musicians from throughout the Atlanta area. Established in 1984, the band performs quality music for public enrichment and provides ongoing performance opportunities for enthusiastic adult amateur musicians.

In lieu of admission cost, we ask that you voluntarily bring a canned good to be donated to a Gwinnett County food bank.

For more information, call 770-963-9205 ext.1100 Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of superb musical entertainment!

No Alcohol Allowed In Park SPONSORED BY

Directions to Town Center Park in Suwanee: I-85 North to exit 111.

Left on Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road for 2.5 miles.

Turn left onto Buford Hwy. Town Center park is on the left.

PAGE 20 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011