Weekend/Entertainment Section

Gwinnett Daily Post

Friday, Dec. 24, 2010

Film buff spreads holiday cheer with her 10 favorite Christmas flicks — Page 12

INSIDE

week end what to do, hear, see, watch, read, listen to, visit and eat in Gwinnett and Atlanta Adam’s brings fine dining with a reasonable price to Buford ......................................................Pg. 4

Staff Photo: Jason Braverman

Adam’s serves its apple tart topped with vanilla ice cream.

Art Beat ....................................................................Pg. 5 Movies...................................................................Pg. 6-19 Showtimes ............................................................Pg. 14

By Venue ................................................................Pg. 20 Gwinnett Calendar ............................................Pg. 23 Metro Calendar....................................................Pg. 24 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, e-mail features@gwinnettdailypost.com or fax 770-339-8081.

Weekend Design: Brian Giandelone

PAGE 2 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010

DINING

Marchello’s s’Marchello ollehcraM Restaurant tnItalian aruatseR nailatI

GWINNETTTASTES A selection of local eateries recently featured in the Gwinnett Daily Post: • Italy’s Pizza and Pasta Company Italy’s Pizza and Pasta Company churns out more than 1,200 New York style pizzas on any given week, making it its No. 1 seller. That said, the menu offers much more, from bruschetta to more than a dozen pasta dishes and a healthy handful of subs, all prepared authentically Italian.

Salads, calzones, strombolis, specialty pizzas like margherita and white chicken broccoli and by-the-slice ordering are also available. Children’s pasta plates are $5.

2590 Hamilton Mill Road, Suite 106, Buford, 770-9327121 • Shroomers Pizzeria and Sandwich Shoppe Relaxed as a college pizza

joint, the newly opened Shroomers in Suwanee offers cozy booths for enjoying signature “cold method” pizzas devised by owner Steve Henry, a veteran Atlanta restaurateur.

Shroomers’ bread and butter is pizza — especially the margherita and meaty Shroomer’s Special — but it separates itself with offerings of Angus-beef burgers and sandwiches that run the gamut from corned beef to tuna salad. The garlicky cheese sticks are a particular craze at the moment.

2855 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee, 678478-5930.

• Tim’s Rib Joint Walking into Tim’s Rib Joint feels like arriving at a neighborhood backyard barbecue.

Owner Tim White wanted a rustic feel for the barbecue joint, which serves sand-

wiches, dinner combos and more. One favorite is Tim’s Big Plate, which features pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken and two sides. Be sure to try Tim’s Potato Salad — it’s been featured in a Duke’s Mayonnaise commercial.

465 Dacula Road, Dacula.

770-236-9580 • Mazzy’s Owner Lee Christiansen has set up an open, spacious place to watch your favorite teams play on TV. But he also wanted a menu that strived for more than traditional pub fare. Mazzy’s does just that, with wings and burgers being joined by daily specials and signature dishes such as grouper, fish tacos and meatloaf, which is made from his grandmother’s recipe. Other customer favorites are the bourbon chicken platter and the Old

Fashioned burger. Mazzy’s has 19 beers on tap and 53 varieties available in bottles.

7160 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross. 678-822-9888 • Brown Bag Deli Inspired by his son-in-law’s deli business in Pennsylvania, owner Joe Stackhouse created the Brown Bag Deli with a specialty in creating a variety of New York style sandwiches. The breakfast menu offers a diverse amount of options to choose from, such as a spinach, egg and a cheese sunrise sandwich. For lunch, customers prefer the California club, reuben and hot pastrami. Brown Bag Deli’s desserts include brownies, cheesecakes, the Big Apple Pie and the Big New York black and white cookie.

340 Town Center Ave., Suite A2, Suwanee. 678-682-3496

“Better than Mama’s”

Season’s Greetings from Marchello’s

Our Traditional Holiday Package For Two Four Course Meal with a Bottle of Wine • Appetizer or Soup per person • Salad and Garlic Rolls (Complimentary Refills)

ONLY9955 $$64

• Two Entrees (your choice) • Two Desserts • Bottle of Wine (or Carafe of Wine)

Located in Buford at 4125 Buford Drive (Highway 20) Lee’s Crossing Shopping center Phone: 770-945-1333 No Coupons accepted New Year’s Eve • Dine In Only • Expires 1-1-2011

www.gwinnettdailypost.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 3

THE DISH

Adam’s Restaurant and Piano Bar 15 E. Main St., Buford

www.adamsrestaurantandpianobar.com

678-745-0379

BY CAMIE YOUNG SENIOR WRITER camie.young @gwinnettdailypost.com

• Open since: Nov. 22 • Location: Adam’s Restaurant and Piano Bar is located at 15 E. Main St. in Buford • Hours: 5 p.m. “until the last customer leaves happily” Monday through Saturday • Owner: Adam Kantback “put Charlotte on the map when it comes to fine dining.”

Morrocan by heritage and trained in Sweden, Kantback was the proprietor of La Bibliotheque, which held a fourdiamond rating for 15 years in a row, as well as Adam’s Restaurant at Ballyntine and the Bridge Cafe before selling the North Carolina eateries four years ago to retire. After traveling in northern Africa and Europe, Kantback and his wife Connie settled in Buford and decided to open his newest restaurant • Atmosphere: To pair with the Mediterranean food, the restaurant features a classic, warm design. With a piano in the picture window open to Main Street, white tablecloths overlay black tables and chairs and booths. The exposed brick is augmented by a warm orange glow from the lighted bar, and the kitchen is open to allow guests to smell the fragrant food as it is prepared.

Behind the piano is a mural from the most famous movie ever to take place in Morocco — “Casablanca.” A musician entertains the guests every

ONTHEMENU • Oysters Rockerfeller — Oysters prepared with creamy spinach and pernod, finished with Hollandaise sauce and bacon. $11 • Lemon Saffron Chicken — Sauteed chicken breast, lemon, garlic, parsley and saffron broth. Served potato and seasonal vegetables. $15 • Beef Tenderloin Shoulder — Roasted and served with cream of cognac mushroom sauce, served with roasted chateau potato and seasonal vegetables. $16

Thursday, Friday and Saturday and topped with crispy bacon, mushrooms and capers. night.

A Mediterranean favorite is • Menu: With Adam’s, Kant- lemon saffron chicken, prepared back was intent on bringing the with lemons that have marinatfine dining experience at an ed Moroccan style in salt, water affordable price. Everything and olive oil.

For desert, cooks prepare that is served is made in the restaurant — including the but- apple tart with vanilla ice cream, ter, which has three layers to almond and chocolate mouse sample, featuring Kalamata cake, tiramisu and creme brulee. olives, garlic and red pepper.

• Things you might not The menu begins with soups, salads and appetizers as low as know: While children are wel$6, but with delicacies such as come, Kantback doesn’t believe Oysters Rockefeller, the chef’s in offering hot dogs and macaspeciality, baked stuffed quail roni and cheese to kids while their parents eat red snapper. and deep-fried lobster.

Another specialty, Calf’s Instead, he suggests kids give Liver Anglaise, has brought fine dining a try, with the spepeople from miles around, and cialties offered at half price for a is much more elegant and tasty child 12 and under. He says the than the Southern dish of liver experience helps teach kids and onions. The liver is pre- about dining before they begin pared “the classic way,” sauteed to date.

PAGE 4 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010

Staff Photos: Jason Braverman

Above, Adam’s serves Lemon Saffron Chicken, which is a sauteed chicken breast with a lemon, garlic, parsley and saffron broth. The dish is served with chateau potato and vegetables. Adam’s is located in historic downtown Buford.

ART BEAT Majorie Foster paintings on view at Gallery at St. Edwards Are you in need of a quiet and reflective moment to balance the hubbub of the holiday season? Slip into the Gallery at St. Edwards Episcopal Church in Lawrenceville and take in the lovely paintings created by Marjorie Foster. Twenty-three of her beautiful oil paintings are on view, with many depicting the architecture of some of Foster’s favorite cities.

St. Edwards Episcopal Church is located at 737 Moon Road, and the gallery, located in the chapel, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sundays. It is closed Saturdays. There is no admission charge.

Marjorie Foster is a resident of Stone Mountain, but she was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She studied textile design at the Cleveland Institute of Art. After moving to Atlanta with her husband and family, she returned to school and obtained a BFA in textile design at Georgia State University. She has also studied with the prominent Atlanta artists Roman and Constantine Chatov.

“I do all types of paintings,” Foster said.

“I also like to do still life work and portraits.

In fact, I have a painting in the Portrait Society of Atlanta’s exhibition which is now on

ART BEAT HOLLEY CALMES

view at the Marietta/Cobb Museum.”

Foster enjoys visiting cities around the South and painting the architecture and landmarks.

Many of the paintings in St. Edwards are scenes from Charleston, S.C., Savannah, and Winter Park, Fla., as well as scenes from our own local architecture.

Painting solely in oil, Foster uses a technique called a sgraffito style.

Foster said. “Sgrafitto is the painting technique whereby you paint, then go back and ‘scratch’ into the paint surface. I do it in an upward motion which some people tell me looks windswept, but I use it to soften the edges and also to lose the edges.”

Foster is interested in finding a subject to paint that will permit experimentation and an exaggeration of color.

“I am interested in achieving an end result that will be an inspirational experience for the viewer with a pleasant

and reflective result,” Foster said.

She is incorporating the quote: “The power of the suggestive is much greater than the statement of reality” as her theme in painting.

“The last painting I paint is usually my favorite, as I hope I am improving,” Foster said.

“But I also have a series of 21 paintings taken from small snapshots of my childhood during the Depression, and of my mother’s teen years.

These are my favorites as well.

Foster is a member of ART Station in Stone Mountain, the Portrait Society of Atlanta, Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville the Dunwoody Fine Arts Association, and the Atlanta Artists Center which is the largest fine art organization in the Southeastern USA. This organization awarded Foster their highest credential, Member of Excellence.

For more information or directions to the Gallery at St. Edwards Episcopal Church, call 770-963-6128. For more information about Marjorie Foster, visit her website at www.marjoriefosterpaintings.com.

Holley Calmes is a freelance writer and public relations consultant specializing in the arts.

E-mail her at hcalmes@mindspring.com.

Special Photo

The paintings of Marjorie Foster are on view at the Gallery in St. Edwards Episcopal Church in Lawrenceville.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 5

MOVIES

‘LITTLE’ TO LIKE Third installment by far the worst of Fockers franchise Little Fockers (PG-13) ★★ ★★★ For the highest-profile, highest-volume week of the year, Universal uncorks the second sequel to “Meet the Parents” — the studio’s sole in-the-black comedy franchise. Even by its own pedestrian, low-brow standards, “Little Fockers” is an abysmally unfunny and offensive movie that is completely inappropriate for all children, most families and anyone considering it as a viable date movie option.

About the only demographic that will get anything from it are those who revel in penis jokes — make that one continuous, excruciatingly tedious and abrasive penis joke. At one point, all of the seven returning cast members, new addition Jessica Alba and two 5-year-olds offer riffs or variations on the subject and exactly one of them got a laugh from a half-full theater at the preview screening.

This isn’t one of those coin toss, maybe-you’llkind-of-like-it sort of movies. The first one was just OK and the second not quite so much. “Little Fockers” is a putrid stink bomb of a film and everyone associated with it should be ashamed of themselves.

At the top of the blame

VIEWPOINTS MICHAEL CLARK

Robert De Niro, left, and Ben Stiller star in “Little Fockers.”

Special Photo/Universal Pictures

list is co-lead/co-producer Robert De Niro. Among the most respected dramatic actors of the last half century, De Niro got raves for his comic performance in (the equally DOA) “Analyze This” and he let it go straight to his head. He never says anything remotely humorous here, and that I’m-watching-you, threatening death stare thing that worked a couple times in the first installment now has all the danger and menace of a cold wet noodle.

Though not quite as guilty as De Niro, Ben Stiller is equally lacking in mirth and he retains the same exact flat, stone-face expression and delivery throughout. Gone is the moderately engaging wigged-out fluster and eager-to-please demeanor found in the previous productions, and in its stead is a pathetic, by-the-numbers sleepwalk.

The closest Stiller ever comes to showing any signs of are his scenes with Alba,

who plays an erectile dysfunction sales rep. Perky to the point of overbearing, Alba drops double entendres, prances around in her underwear, literally throws herself on Stiller and further cements her position as Hollywood’s reigning go-to bimbo.

Showing up in a couple of pointless scenes is Harvey Keitel as a home improvement contractor and it is one of the worst bits of stunt casting in years. For those old enough to remember, De Niro and Keitel cut their teeth together over 35 years ago in “Mean Streets.”

It’s likely Keitel got the gig because his old friend wanted to toss him a much-needed paycheck.

Actually, everyone in this movie showed up solely for the money (De Niro’s total

PAGE 6 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010

take is estimated to be $25 million) but at least one of the cast members — Dustin Hoffman — was rumored to have asked that his few scenes be removed and his name dropped from the credits after seeing the final cut of the film. Of everyone in the film, Hoffman looks the least worst.

Like any well-oiled money-grubbing franchise should, “Little Fockers” ends in a manner that all but guarantees a fourth installment. And really, why not?

This franchise is a major cash cow, and at this point De Niro, Stiller and their fellow cast members have already sold their artistic souls down the river. It will be awfully hard to sink any lower than they do here, but anything’s possible. (Universal)

MOVIES

Special Photo: Paramount Pictures

From left, Hailee Steinfeld plays Mattie Ross, Matt Damon plays LaBeouf and Jeff Bridges plays Rooster Cogburn in “True Grit.”

Coens go mainstream with ‘Grit,’ but that’s not a bad thing True Grit (PG-13) ★★★★ ★

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

Despite delivering a steady stream of mostly profitable movies, winning three Oscars and the fawning praise of virtually every critic in the world, filmmaker brothers Joel and Ethan Coen have yet to be fully embraced by most audiences — and they couldn’t care less.

With the possible exception of “Raising Arizona,” “True Grit” is about as close to a mainstream, crowdpleasing movie that the

Coens have ever made. The only thing they’ve said regarding this movie is that it’s not a remake of the 1969 original starring John Wayne, but a more faithful adaptation of the 1968 novel

by Charles Portis.

For dyed-in-the-wool Coen fans, the movie is a double-edged sword. Of course it’s well-written, impeccably photographed and superbly acted, but carries with it none of their signature stamps or bizarrely quirky asides. If you didn’t know it was a Coen movie going in, you wouldn’t be able to identify it by anything shown on the screen.

The film could’ve been directed (and written) by any number of talented

filmmakers.

One big gamble the Coens took (which pays off well) is the casting of firsttimer Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross, a young teen girl wise beyond her years who is determined to avenge the murder of her father. With a sturdy command of English, the drive of a prosecuting attorney and a horse trader’s ability to strike deals, Mattie serves notice up to every adult man she meets that she’s not to be trifled with.

Knowing she can’t complete her task alone, Mattie hires the disheveled and frequently drunk Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a U.S. Marshal with a spotty past and little regard for the law.

At about the same time Mattie and Rooster make their iffy deal, Texas Ranger LaBeouf (Matt Damon) arrives on the scene announcing he’s looking for the same man as Mattie for the murder of a U.S. Senator years earlier. LaBeouf offers Cogburn way more money than Mattie in the hopes he’ll ditch her, but with no luck. Cogburn is many things but he draws the line at stealing from a child or going back on his word.

What LaBeouf can’t fathom (at least initially) is that Mattie just doesn’t want her father’s murderer dead — she wants to be the one to do the deed. Refusing to allow a precocious girl

telling him what’s what or possibly gumming up the works, LaBeouf heads out on his own, thus reducing the groups’ already spotty chances of success.

Far more serious and economic than its so-so predecessor, this “True Grit” is eminently watchable and delivers its fair share of surprises and twists but also carries with it an unmistakable air of haughty selfimportance.

Determined to stick as close as possible to Portis’ book and the era (the 1880s), the Coens’ craft dense thickets of arcane dialogue which come off terribly affected and showy.

Mattie speaks with a ridged and rhythmic cadence akin

to that of a Marine drill sergeant. When not mumbling, Bridges swallows his words before they escape his lips and Damon’s ranger is more of a stuffy New England aristocrat than lawman and former Confederate soldier. In typical Coen fashion, everyone speaks very fast and words that probably mean a lot get lost.

To their credit, the Coens have the final few scenes play out with a minimum amount of dialogue and present one of the most unusual gunfight sequences in the history of westerns. It’s awkward but purposefully so and feels far more authentic and organic than everything that precedes it.

(Paramount)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 7

MOVIES

Special Photo: Fox

Jack Black plays Gulliver in a scene from “Gulliver’s Travels.”

Larger than life, but falling short Same old Jack Black character creates mundane ‘Gulliver’ Gulliver’s Travels (PG) ★★★ ★★

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

Attention parents! This news just in: “Gulliver’s Travels” is at least twice as good as “Little Fockers” and nowhere in the movie is there any mention of men’s private parts — although one that is never seen is alluded to.

You now have a movie the whole family can see this Christmas holiday weekend without worrying about having to cover up your children’s eyes or plugging their ears during most of the film.

Even though it is tech-

nically better than the “Focker” travesty, “Gulliver’s Travels” is still monumentally lame but does have enough onscreen movement, pratfalls and child-level puns to keep the average 8year-old boy enthralled for its mercifully short 88minute running time.

Containing just barely enough bits and pieces of the classic Jonathan Swift novel to warrant its title, the movie stars Jack Black as the title character, a 40-something man who has finally realized that being a career mail room clerk with a deathly paralyzing fear of women is not cool.

Finally getting up enough nerve to impress the girl of his dreams —

fellow newspaper employee and travel editor Darcey (Amanda Peet) — Gulliver copies someone else’s vacation blogs, passes them off as his own and gets his very first reporting assignment: the Bermuda Triangle.

During his solo trip to his destination, Gulliver’s rented boat gets smacked about, sucked up into some kind of ocean/tornado thingy and eventually washes up on the shores of Lilliput. When he wakes, Gulliver finds himself tied up more securely than a ready-to-roast pig and surrounded by hordes of very serious, blazingly efficient, six-inch-tall Lilliputians.

• See Gulliver, Page 9

PAGE 8 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010

Comments from the audience welcome.

Become a Film Fan. The Post will pay for the movie and a light snack.

E-mail features@gwinnettdailypost.com.

Special Photo: Fox

Jason Segel portrays Horatio, left, and Emily Blunt portrays Princess Mary in “Gulliver’s Travels.”

Gulliver • From Page 8 Treated as prisoner and labeled “the Beast,” Gulliver is sentenced to spend the rest of his days alternately in shackles or performing the type of agricultural chores usually reserved for horses, donkeys and oxen.

During an emergency at the royal palace, Gulliver seizes the chance — albeit very crudely — to save the day and the King (Billy Connelly). Instantly transformed from pariah to folk hero, Gulliver begins receiving fawning adulation from every citizen, save for army general Edward (Chris O’Dowd) who is also the future (arranged) husband of Princess Mary (Emily Blunt), the King’s daughter.

For the duration, Black delivers his too-familiar one-note role — the party dude, fanboy, wannabe hipster trying to be Curly of the Three Stooges. He educates the Lilliputians in “Star Wars” lore, tells of his own death during a stage production of “Titanic” and how he left his body as an “Avatar” and saved a tribe of space natives. For those not aware, “Star Wars,”

“Titanic,” “Avatar” and this film are all Fox studio productions. Talk about shameless self-promotion.

Other bits of crass modern pop culture references make their way into the film — including one character who manages to be R2-D2, a Transformer and Iron Man all at the same time.

Like “Fockers,” every performer with a major speaking role is here for strictly the cash. However in the case of co-producer Black’s mostly talented and British supporting players, they all actually need the dough but boy do they ever pay a metaphorical price along the way.

In addition to uttering inane dialogue and remaining clueless throughout, the entire cast is forced to accompany Black in a truly embarrassing to watch song and dance number where he butchers the classic Edwin Starr protest song “War.” Santa was sure able to hand out plenty of very good but mostly depressing dramas this holiday season but certainly dropped the family ball this weekend with the two lumps of coal that are “Little Fockers” and “Gulliver’s Travels.” (Fox)

Pencil us in.

Find out what to do, where to go and who to see.

Every Friday in Weekend.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 9

MOVIES

Black ‘Hole’ Rabbit Hole (PG-13) ★★★★

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

“Rabbit Hole” isn’t a movie intended to be liked or enjoyed, but rather one to be admired, absorbed and reflected upon. Like virtually every Christmas Day prestige/art film released in the last two decades,

it’s a supreme downer and its principal goals are to garner Oscar nominations and hopefully recoup its modest production costs.

Virtually a lock to land her third Academy Award nomination, Nicole Kidman stars as Becca, a New York housewife who is trying, mostly unsuccessfully, to get on with life after the tragic sudden death of her toddler son eight months earlier.

Distracting herself with gardening, too much

Nicole Kidman shines in dark, gripping tale of parents’ unbearable loss

exercise and sticking her nose into her younger sister’s business, Becca has gone into full lockdown and put up a stifling, emotionally impenetrable wall.

Becca’s husband Howie (Aaron Eckhart) shares many of his wife’s viewpoints but is at least taking steps in the right direction and genuinely wants to move along the healing process. He’s able

Nicole Kidman, left, and Aaron Eckhart star in “Rabbit Hole.”

• See Rabbit Hole, Page 11

Special Photo: Lionsgate

LET’S GO OUT! PHO DELIGHT

Vietnamese Cuisine

GET 1 EGG ROLL with purchase of $6.50 or more

4805 Lawrenceville Hwy, Suite 100 Lilburn, GA 30047

770-806-8181 It’s Nacho Ordinary Restaurant.

Karaoke Saturdays 7-9:30 Trivia Thursdays 7-10:30

Buy 1 Entrée, Get 1 Half Price!

Purchase one entrée and receive a second (of equal or lesser value) for half price. Expires 12/31/10.

1250 Scenic Highway, Ste 1240 Lawrenceville, GA 30045 770-978-1800 • garysbistro.com

PAGE 10 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010

5.00 OFF

$

with $20 purchase Exp. 12/30/10

252 West Pike Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 1.5 Miles East of Hwy 316, Close to Historic Lawrenceville

770-962-9291 • puraenchilada.com

To Advertise Your Restaurant, Call Us Today at 770-963-9205 x1208

Rabbit Hole good job right up until Becca suddenly falls out to convince Becca to par- of the moment and essenticipate in group therapy tially demoralizes him for with others like them — thinking about sex during which she does twice such a trying time. If before imploding at a ses- either Kidman or Eckart sion. First gently then wins any awards for their with more pressure, he efforts, it will be because leans on Becca to remove of this scene. all signs of their son from “Rabbit Hole” is only the house and even sugthe third feature in 10 gests they sell their lakeyears for director John side dream home in order Cameron Mitchell and is to make a clean break as far removed from his from the past. She almost two previous films as it goes along with that idea. can get. After wowing In the film’s most emo- everyone with the 2001 tionally wrought scene, punk-musical “Hedwig Howie lights some canand the Angry Inch” he dles, puts on an Al Green nearly ruined his burgeonCD and ever so gently ing career with the 2006 begins trying to seduce his graphic porn art film wife. Given her high level “Shortbus.” of resistance and obstinaRecalling John Cascy in every other aspect of savettes in his late ’60s her life, he does quite a heyday, Mitchell shows • From Page 10

remarkable restraint with the ultra-touchy material while at the same time never shying away from the raw-nerve core issue.

A great deal of Cameron’s success is attributed to writer David LindsayAbaire’s script which he adapted from his own stage play.

Far more often than not, movies adapted from plays come off static and flat, but that’s certainly not the case here. The filmmakers also faced the huge hurdle of keeping the audience hooked on a story where the tragedy occurs long before the

film even starts. Writer and director employ flashback only rarely, and unlike with most screenplays where it’s used to patch up holes in the plot, the flashback here enhances and deepens the narrative to chilling effect.

The big question is, beyond a very limited egg-head/art-house few, who is really going to want to head out on a Christmas holiday weekend to watch a teethgnashing movie about two parents coming to terms with the violent death of their young child? (Lionsgate)

Special Photo: Lionsgate

Miles Teller plays Jason and Nicole Kidman plays Becca in “Rabbit Hole.”

Invites you to a special

Prince and Princess Party Join us on January 8 1:00pm - 3:00pm 2nd Floor - Belk Rejuvenation Station Enter to win tickets to opening night of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Fox Theatre on January 12th!

• Fun Activities • Great Prizes • Every Child in Costume receives a special gift!* ©Disney

You don’t have to be a Simon Kidgits Club member to win Disney’s Beauty and the Beast tickets. Enter to win at Guest Services between December 24th and January 8th. No purchase necessary.

Free for Kidgits Club members, $5 for non-members which includes annual membership to Simon Kidgits Club *While supplies last

I-85 at Exit 115 • GA 20 West • Buford, GA • Shopping Line® 678-482-8788 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 11

THE 10REEL9 STORY OF CHRISTMAS 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

Festive favorites from the Post’s big movie buff

VIEWPOINTS

CORINNE NICHOLSON DEPUTY COPY DESK CHIEF

People love Christmas movies. And I’m no exception. I’m a big movie buff but there is something about Christmas movies. They make us feel all warm inside and fill us with the Christmas spirit. They teach us the real meaning of Christmas and that it is OK to believe in Santa. I plan on watching as many as I can this weekend before they go away for another 11 months. In the spirit of giving I’m going to share the top 10 Christmas movies I think everyone should see.

So here are my favorites.

Tell us what yours are by visiting our page on Facebook.

Prancer Meet Holiday Me in Inn I might be the only one who loves this movie but I don’t care. The story of little Jessica caring for a hurt reindeer she believes is Santa’s Prancer always makes me cry.

St. Louis This isn’t a traditional Christmas movie but has one of the best Christmas songs in it. Four sisters learn lessons in life and love before having to move to New York. Turner Classic Movies plays this one really late Christmas Eve and I always try to stay up at least to hear Judy Garland sing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

There are “White Christmas” people and “Holiday Inn” people. I’m a “Holiday Inn” girl. At an inn that is only open on holidays, Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby vie for the affection of Marjorie Reynolds. This movie introduced us to the song “White Christmas.”

A Christmas Carol

Home Alone

An adaptation of the Dickens classic, Ebenezer Scrooge learns the error of his ways when he is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. There are many versions of this one. I am partial to the Mickey Mouse one and the one with Bill Murray.

An underrated Christmas movie in my opinion. Kevin McAllister gets his wish when his family accidentally leaves him at home when they go to Paris. After being on his own and defending his home from bumbling burglars, Kevin realizes the thing he most wants for Christmas is his family.

Elf This movie is better and funnier than it should be. A human is adopted by one of Santa’s elves and raised at the North Pole. He ends up searching New York City for his real dad, who is on the Naughty List. Will Ferrell’s childlike Christmas spirit is infectious and he teaches us that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loudly for all to hear.

National It’s a Lampoon’s Wonderful Christmas Life Vacation One of the best Christmas comedies out there. Everyone can relate to at least part of this holiday tale that has Chevy Chase trying to hold onto the Christmas spirit even as family members, Christmas lights and his boss try his patience.

Jimmy Stewart is fantastic as George Bailey, a resident of Bedford Falls who has been nothing but selfless.

When he becomes frustrated and thinks things can’t be worse, Clarence the angel comes down and shows him what would be if he were never born. This heartwarming tale will always remind me that every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.

1

A Miracle on 34th Christmas Story Street The Macy’s Department store Santa claims to be the real deal. He winds up in an insane asylum and goes on trial to prove he really is Santa. The trial turns Maureen O’Hara and her daughter, a young Natalie Wood, from skeptics into true believers.

And me too, I believe, I believe. It’s silly but I believe.

This is my very favorite Christmas movie. Some people may get sick of seeing Ralphie’s quest for a Red Ryder carbine action twohundred shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock, and this thing which tells time, but not me. You can be sure I will be watching this weekend’s marathon complete with a double dog dare, an Italian leg lamp, the Scott Farcus affair and the Bumpus hounds.

IFYOUWATCH • “It’s a Wonderful Life,” 8 p.m. today NBC • “Miracle on 34th Street” and “White Christmas” marathon, all day today on AMC • “Meet Me in St. Louis,” 2 a.m. Saturday TCM • “A Christmas Carol” (1951 version), 11:45 a.m. Saturday TCM • “Scrooged” marathon (Bill Murray version of “A Christmas Carol”), Saturday on AMC • “Elf,” 8 p.m. and 9:28 p.m.

Saturday on USA • “A Christmas Story” 24hour marathon, 8 p.m. today through Saturday TBS PAGE 12 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010

Special Photos

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 13

THE 10REEL9 STORY OF CHRISTMAS 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

Festive favorites from the Post’s big movie buff

VIEWPOINTS

CORINNE NICHOLSON DEPUTY COPY DESK CHIEF

People love Christmas movies. And I’m no exception. I’m a big movie buff but there is something about Christmas movies. They make us feel all warm inside and fill us with the Christmas spirit. They teach us the real meaning of Christmas and that it is OK to believe in Santa. I plan on watching as many as I can this weekend before they go away for another 11 months. In the spirit of giving I’m going to share the top 10 Christmas movies I think everyone should see.

So here are my favorites.

Tell us what yours are by visiting our page on Facebook.

Prancer Meet Holiday Me in Inn I might be the only one who loves this movie but I don’t care. The story of little Jessica caring for a hurt reindeer she believes is Santa’s Prancer always makes me cry.

St. Louis This isn’t a traditional Christmas movie but has one of the best Christmas songs in it. Four sisters learn lessons in life and love before having to move to New York. Turner Classic Movies plays this one really late Christmas Eve and I always try to stay up at least to hear Judy Garland sing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

There are “White Christmas” people and “Holiday Inn” people. I’m a “Holiday Inn” girl. At an inn that is only open on holidays, Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby vie for the affection of Marjorie Reynolds. This movie introduced us to the song “White Christmas.”

A Christmas Carol

Home Alone

An adaptation of the Dickens classic, Ebenezer Scrooge learns the error of his ways when he is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. There are many versions of this one. I am partial to the Mickey Mouse one and the one with Bill Murray.

An underrated Christmas movie in my opinion. Kevin McAllister gets his wish when his family accidentally leaves him at home when they go to Paris. After being on his own and defending his home from bumbling burglars, Kevin realizes the thing he most wants for Christmas is his family.

Elf This movie is better and funnier than it should be. A human is adopted by one of Santa’s elves and raised at the North Pole. He ends up searching New York City for his real dad, who is on the Naughty List. Will Ferrell’s childlike Christmas spirit is infectious and he teaches us that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loudly for all to hear.

National It’s a Lampoon’s Wonderful Christmas Life Vacation One of the best Christmas comedies out there. Everyone can relate to at least part of this holiday tale that has Chevy Chase trying to hold onto the Christmas spirit even as family members, Christmas lights and his boss try his patience.

Jimmy Stewart is fantastic as George Bailey, a resident of Bedford Falls who has been nothing but selfless.

When he becomes frustrated and thinks things can’t be worse, Clarence the angel comes down and shows him what would be if he were never born. This heartwarming tale will always remind me that every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.

1

A Miracle on 34th Christmas Story Street The Macy’s Department store Santa claims to be the real deal. He winds up in an insane asylum and goes on trial to prove he really is Santa. The trial turns Maureen O’Hara and her daughter, a young Natalie Wood, from skeptics into true believers.

And me too, I believe, I believe. It’s silly but I believe.

This is my very favorite Christmas movie. Some people may get sick of seeing Ralphie’s quest for a Red Ryder carbine action twohundred shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock, and this thing which tells time, but not me. You can be sure I will be watching this weekend’s marathon complete with a double dog dare, an Italian leg lamp, the Scott Farcus affair and the Bumpus hounds.

IFYOUWATCH • “It’s a Wonderful Life,” 8 p.m. today NBC • “Miracle on 34th Street” and “White Christmas” marathon, all day today on AMC • “Meet Me in St. Louis,” 2 a.m. Saturday TCM • “A Christmas Carol” (1951 version), 11:45 a.m. Saturday TCM • “Scrooged” marathon (Bill Murray version of “A Christmas Carol”), Saturday on AMC • “Elf,” 8 p.m. and 9:28 p.m.

Saturday on USA • “A Christmas Story” 24hour marathon, 8 p.m. today through Saturday TBS PAGE 12 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010

Special Photos

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 13

HOWTIMES S MOVIE TIMES FOR FRIDAY, DEC. 24

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

BUFORD

REGAL CINEMAS, MALL GEORGIA 20

OF

1:10, 4:10, 7:10 Life As We Know it (PG-13)

1:00, 4:00, 7:00 Paranormal Activity 2 (R)

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

1:15, 4:15, 7:15 Red (PG-13)

1:05, 4:05, 7:05 Saw 7 (R)

Black Swan (R)

12:40, 3:15, 5:35, 7:50

10:40, 1:20, 4:20, 7:10

Secretariat (PG)

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader 3-D (PG)

2:00, 5:00, 8:00

SNELLVILLE

10:00, 12:55, 3:40, 6:40 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (PG)

CARMIKE 12 SNELLVILLE

11:00, 2:00, 4:40, 7:40

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

The Fighter (R)

1:35, 3:10, 4:40, 6:30, 7:30 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (PG-13)

12:30, 3:45, 7:05

Legend of the Guardians: The Owl of Ga’Hoole (PG)

Black Swan (R) How Do You Know (PG-13)

10:40, 1:25

10:55, 1:45, 4:35, 7:25, 10:15

Tangled (PG)

Little Fockers (PG-13)

11:40, 2:10, 4:35, 7:00

12:10, 12:40, 2:30, 3:00, 4:50, 5:20, 7:10, 7:40, 9:30, 10:00

Tron: Legacy (PG)

Tangled (PG)

Tron: Legacy 3-D (PG)

11:15, 1:45, 4:35, 6:55, 9:35

12:20, 4:40, 7:50

The Tourist (PG-13)

True Grit (PG-13)

11:35, 2:00, 4:25, 7:05, 9:45

10:20, 12:40, 1:15, 4:45, 5:05, 7:35, 8:00

10:30, 11:50, 1:00, 2:20, 3:40, 4:45, 7:05

Tron: Legacy (PG)

The Tourist (PG-13)

10:10, 12:35, 3:00, 5:35, 8:00

10:40, 11:30, 12:30, 1:20, 2:10, 3:00, 4:00, 4:40, 5:40, 6:30, 7:15, 8:20, 9:00, 9:45

Tron: Legacy: An IMAX 3-D Experience (PG)

11:00, 1:50, 4:40, 7:30, 10:20

11:55, 2:30, 4:55, 7:25

Black Swan (R)

Megamind (PG)

12:00, 2:20, 4:40, 7:00

Tron: Legacy 3-D (PG)

Unstoppable (PG-13)

11:10, 1:55, 4:40, 7:20

10:25, 1:00

Tangled 3-D (PG)

1:20, 4:10, 7:00, 9:50

11:45, 2:35, 5:25, 7:55

Burlesque (PG-13)

Tangled (PG)

1:00, 3:20, 5:40

True Grit (PG-13)

Yogi Bear (PG)

7:15

10:30, 1:10, 3:45, 6:25, 8:55

True Grit (PG13)

11:20, 1:55, 4:30, 7:20, 10:10

10:10, 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:40 Yogi Bear 3-D (PG)

The Chronicles of Narnia:The Voyage of the Dawn Treader 3-D (PG)

12:00, 12:45, 2:25, 3:10,4:55, 5:40, 7:25

Yogi Bear (PG)

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (PG)

12:30, 2:40, 4:55, 7:15

11:30, 2:00, 4:25, 7:20

10:00, 11:05, 12:40, 2:05, 3:20, 5:05, 6:10, 8:10, 8:45

10:45, 1:35, 4:20, 7:00, 9:40

12:45, 3:10, 5:35

The Fighter (R)

The Fighter(R)

VENTURE CINEMA 12

10:25, 1:15, 4:05, 7:00

10:35, 1:20, 4:00, 6:50, 9:40

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (PG-13)

The Tourist (PG-13)

10:50, 2:10, 5:15, 8:20

Tron: Legacy (PG)

How Do You Know Rated (PG-13)

10:40, 11:40, 1:40, 2:40, 4:50, 6:00, 8:00, 9:00

10:05, 12:55, 3:40, 6:35

Tron: Legacy 3-D (PG)

Little Fockers (PG-13)

12:10, 3:10, 6:30, 9:30

9:35, 11:00, 12:10, 1:35, 2:45, 4:05, 5:20, 6:35, 7:45, 9:00

True Grit (PG-13)

Megamind (PG)

11:05, 1:50, 3:50, 4:35, 6:40, 7:20, 9:30

9:40, 12:05, 2:30, 4:55

Unstoppable (PG-13)

Tangled (PG)

9:25

10:20, 12:50, 3:30, 6:00, 8:25

Yogi Bear (PG)

The Tourist (PG-13)

11:10, 1:30, 3:55, 6:20, 8:45

11:25, 2:00, 4:50, 7:30

Yogi Bear 3-D (PG)

Tron: Legacy (PG)

10:30, 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45

How Do You Know (PG-13)

10:15, 11:30, 2:15, 5:00, 5:40, 7:45 Little Fockers (PG-13)

12:00, 1:00, 2:30, 3:15, 5:00, 7:35 Megamind (PG)

12:05 Tangled (PG)

10:05, 12:25, 2:45, 5:10, 8:00 The Tourist (PG-13)

10:15, 1:10, 4:05, 7:00 Tron: Legacy (PG)

12:00, 2:50, 6:10 Tron: Legacy 3-D (PG)

10:45, 1:40, 4:35, 7:30 True Grit (PG-13)

11:30, 12:10, 2:00, 2:55, 4:30, 5:35, 7:00

Yogi Bear 3-D (PG)

12:00, 2:10, 4:20, 6:45, 8:50

Yogi Bear (PG)

11:20, 1:30, 3:35, 5:50

DULUTH

Yogi Bear 3-D (PG)

10:05, 10:45, 12:10, 12:45, 2:15, 2:55, 4:20, 4:55, 6:25, 7:00

DACULA GREAT ESCAPE THEATERS: HAMILTON MILL 14

10:05, 1:00, 4:10, 7:30

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

3750 Venture Drive, Duluth 678-957-9545 www.venturecinema12.com Alpha and Omega (PG)

1:10, 3:55, 7:15, 9:30 Despicable Me (PG)

12:45, 3:00, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45 Jackass 3 ( R)

1:15, 4:15, 7:00, 9:15

Black Swan (R)

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole (PG)

11:50, 2:45, 5:30, 8:00

12:50, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:50

The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader 3-D (PG)

LIfe As We Know It (PG-13)

11:30, 2:15, 5:05, 7:50

Red (PG-13)

The Chronicles of Narnia:The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (PG)

1:25, 4:20, 7:00, 9:25

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (PG)

10:30, 1:10, 4:30, 7:05

1:20, 4:25, 7:15, 9:45

The Fighter (R)

Salt (PG-13)

11:30, 2:05, 5:00, 7:35, 10:15

10:00, 12:45, 4:15, 7:30

1:00, 4:00, 7:05, 9:25

The Chronicles of Narnia:The Voyage of the Dawn Treader 3-D (PG)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (PG-13)

Secretariat (PG-13)

11:05, 1:40, 4:15, 6:50, 9:25

3:50, 7:00

Skyline (PG-13)

The Fighter (R)

How Do You Know (PG-13)

1:05, 4:05, 7:10, 9:40

11:45, 2:25, 5:10, 7:50, 10:30

10:15, 12:15, 1:05, 3:55, 4:20, 7:15, 7:45

Saw 7 (R)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (PG-13)

Little Fockers (PG-13)

12:45, 2:50, 5:00, 7:05, 9:35

10:25, 11:20, 1:20, 1:45, 3:45, 4:05, 7:10, 7:40

The Town (R)

9:20

Megamind (PG)

1:05, 4:05, 6:45, 9:20

2160 Hamilton Creek Parkway Dacula, GA 30019 678-482-0624 www.greatescapetheaters.com Black Swan (R)

11:40, 2:20, 5:05, 7:45, 10:25

12:55, 3:50, 6:50, 9:30 Paranormal Activity 2 (R)

12:55, 3:50, 6:40, 9:20

PAGE 14 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010

LAWRENCEVILLE COLONIAL 18 THEATRES 825 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road 770-237-0744 www.amctheatres.com 127 Hours (R)

Black Swan (R)

10:35, 1:15, 4:05, 6:55, 9:35 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (PG-13)

11:00, 2:30, 5:50, 9:15

9:30, 11:40, 2:25, 5:10, 8:05 Unstoppable (PG-13)

12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:40 Yogi Bear (PG)

9:55, 12:05, 2:20, 4:30, 6:50, 8:55

12:45, 1:15, 4:00, 4:30 How Do you Know (PG-13)

1:30, 4:15, 7:10

11:45, 12:45, 2:35, 3:40, 5:30, 6:35, 8:30

LIttle Fockers (PG-13)

Little Fockers (PG-13)

12:10, 12:40, 1:00, 2:30, 3:00, 3:20, 4:50, 5:20, 5:40, 7:10, 7:40

12:25, 3:20, 6:10, 9:05

GEORGIA THEATRE CO., TOWN CENTER VALUE 700 Gwinnett Drive, No. 216 678-985-2222 www.georgiatheatrecompany.com

Yogi Bear 3-D (PG)

10:40, 1:00, 3:10, 5:25, 7:50

Despicable Me (PG)

AMC DISCOVER MILLS 18 THEATRES

Easy A (PG-13)

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

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (PG-13)

How Do You Know (PG-13)

9:30, 11:30, 12:30, 2:35, 3:40, 5:40, 6:40, 8:35 True Grit (PG-13)

1:05, 4:05, 7:05

12:30, 3:00, 5:15, 7:40 12:35, 3:05, 5:20, 7:35 Hereafter (PG-13)

2:30, 5:30, 8:30 Jackass 3 (R)

12:45, 3:10, 5:25, 7:45

Tangled (PG)

Unstoppable (PG-13)

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

Burlesque (PG-13)

10:50, 1:25, 4:05, 6:50 The Chronicles of Narnia:The Voyage of the Dawn Treader 3-D (PG)

10:30, 12:55, 3:20, 5:45 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (PG)

11:45, 2:10, 4:35, 7:00 Due Date (R)

10:35, 12:40, 2:50, 5:20, 7:30 The Fighter (R)

11:00, 12:0, 1:30, 2:55, 4:10, 5:35, 7:05, 8:15, 9:35, 10:55 Love and Other Drugs (R)

11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15 Megamind (PG)

10:35, 12:45, 2:55 The Social Network (PG-13)

12:05, 2:40, 5:40 The Tourist (PG-13)

12:00, 2:20, 4:40, 6:55 Tron: Legacy (PG)

12:00, 2:45, 5:30 Tron: Legacy 3-D (PG)

10:45, 1:30, 4:15, 7:00 Yogi Bear (PG)

10:30, 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, 6:30 Yogi Bear 3-D (PG)

11:30, 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:30

DISC SPOTLIGHT MICHAEL CLARK

Salt (Deluxe Unrated Blu-ray) (NR) Movie: ★★★★ ★ Disc: ★★★★ Of the two Angelina Jolie 2010 spy thrillers, “Salt” is hands down better and gives every hesitant action film lover yet another reason to jump on the Blu-ray bandwagon. The isshe-or-isn’t-she-a-spy issue is resolved far too early but that doesn’t mean writer Kurt Wimmer and director Phillip Noyce (“Patriot Games,” “Dead Calm”) are done with the twists. Riveting and winning most of the time, the movie gets a full one star deduction for its weak, sequel-seeking ending.

SCHEDULE FOR 12/22 (WED) – 12/30 (THUR)

OPEN EARLY DURING HOLIDAY FROM 12/18 TO 12/31!

JACK ASS 3 (R) (1:15) 4:15 7:00 9:15 SECRETARIAT (PG13) (12:55) 3:50 6:40 9:20 SAW 7 (R) (12:45) (2:50) 5:00 7:05 9:35 LIFE AS WE KNOW IT (PG13) (12:55) 3:50 6:50 9:30

Technical specs: aspect ratio: widescreen (1080p, 2.40:1), audio: English (Dolby 5.1 DTS MA, Dolby 2.0), French and Spanish (DTS 5.1), subtitles: English, French and Spanish.

Special features include: • SpyCam: Picture-in-Picture option • Director commentaries • Director interview • Six making-of featurettes • Trailers • BD Live • MovieIQ (Sony/Columbia, $34.95)

GREAT FILMMAKING GREAT ACTING

‘‘

PETER TRAVERS

GREAT

. .

MOVIE.”

RED (PG13) (1:25) 4:20 7:00 9:25 PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 (R) (1:20) 4:25 7:15 9:45 SKYLINE (PG13) (1:05) 4:05 7:10 9:40 LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS (PG) (12:50) (3:00) 5:15 7:30 9:50 THE TOWN (R) (1:05) 4:05 6:45 9:20 ALPHA AND OMEGA (PG) (1:10) 3:55 7:15 9:30 SALT (PG13) (1:00) 4:00 7:05 9:25 DESPICABLE ME (PG) (12:45) (3:00) 5:10 7:30 9:45

© 2010 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Call 770-963-9205 to subscribe.

Gwinnett Daily Post

NOW PLAYING AT THEATRES EVERYWHERE CHECK DIRECTORIES FOR THEATRES AND SHOWTIMES

SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT - NO PASSES OR DISCOUNT TICKETS ACCEPTED

Who’s on stage?

Read Out in the Crowd.

Every Friday in Weekend.

www.gwinnettdailypost.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 15

MOVIES NOWSHOWING

• I Love You Phillip Morris (R) On paper this gayromantic-comedy-meetscrime-drama mash-up shouldn’t work, but thanks to a streamline, exquisitely profane screenplay and two textbook perfect performances from title character Ewan McGregor and Jim Carrey, it does. 31⁄2 stars — MC • Black Swan (R) This erotic thriller from director Darren Aronofsky is to the world of ballet what “All About Eve” is to the film industry. An Oscar-worthy Natalie Portman stars as a paranoid and emaciated ballerina who snares the lead in “Swan Lake” and promptly sabotages herself. 3 stars — MC • The Tourist (PG-13) A gorgeously framed but vapid romantic thriller starring Angelina Jolie as a mysterious British chanteuse that seduces a clueless American tourist (Johnny Depp) for the purpose of throwing off the cops and the mob who are hot on the trail of her lover. 11⁄2 stars — MC

3

• Unstoppable (PG-13) Better than it should be, this action/thriller is bolstered by some get-it-done, blue-collar attitude and excellent chemistry shared by coleads Denzel Washington and Chris Pine. 3 stars — MC • Tangled (PG) Disney’s 50th animated feature contains all of the studio’s familiar touches but also takes a

GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINATIONS ®

BE ST ACTOR - JOHNNY DEPP BE ST ACTRESS - ANGELINA JOLIE

BEST PICTURE

(COMEDY)

• How Do You Know (PG13) Reese Witherspoon can’t decide if she’s in love with Owen Wilson or Paul Rudd in this tentative and lackluster romantic comedy from writer/director James L. Brooks. You know it’s a bad movie when Jack Nicholson can’t get a single laugh. 11⁄2 stars — MC

• Morning Glory (PG-13) Because it was penned by the same person who wrote “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Morning Glory” looks and feels a lot like its predecessor only for an

a.m. news show. Rachel McAdams carries the entire production skillfully. 21⁄2 stars — MC

(COMEDY)

• The Fighter (R) Christian Bale and Melissa Leo deliver Oscar-likely supporting performances in this serio-comedic boxing flick, a 50/50 hybrid of “Rocky” and “Raging Bull.”

Mark Wahlberg plays Micky Ward, a boxer from the ’90s who mounts a comeback a decade later.

31⁄2 stars — Michael Clark

• Love and Other Drugs (R) Starting as a bawdy sex comedy and ending as a weepy disease drama, director Ed Zwick’s movie is all over the place but is worthy for its accurate portrayal of Parkinson’s disease and the performances of Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway. 2 stars — MC

(COMEDY)

Recently reviewed films now playing in theaters:

“THRILLING...”

M . osé Persico, CTV, MONTREAL

A FLORIAN HENCKEL VON DONNERSMARCK FILM

GK FILMS AND COLUMBIA PICTURES PRESENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH SPYGLASS ENTERTAINMENT A GK FILMS AND BIRNBAUM/BARBER PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH STUDIOCANAL JOHNNY DEPP ANGELINA JOLIE “THE TOURIST” MUSIC BY

PAUL BETTANYCOSTUME TIMOTHY DALTON STEVEN BERKOFF RUFUS SEWELL CHRISTIAN DE SICPRODUCTION A CASTINGBY SUSIE FIGGIS JAMES NEWTON HOWARD DESIGNER COLLEEN ATWOOD EDITORS JOE HUTSHING, A.C.E. PATRICIA ROMMEL DESIGNER JON HUTMAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN SEALE, ASC, ACS PRODUCERS LLOYD PHILLIPS BAHMAN NARAGHI OLIVI ER COURSON RON HALPERN PRODUCED

BY GRAHAM KING TIM HEADINGTON ROGER BIRNBAUM GARY BARBER JONATHAN GLICKMAN SCREENPLAY

BY FLORIAN HENCKEL VON DONNERSMARCK AND CHRISTOPHER MCQUARRI E AND JULIAN FELLOWES DIRECTED

BY FLORIAN HENCKEL VON DONNERSMARCK

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

PAGE 16 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010

lot of chances and has just enough snarky attitude to make it impossible to resist for discerning adults. 4 stars — MC

• Due Date (R) Director Todd Phillips’ follow-up to “The Hangover” is an occasionally funny road flick.

“Hangover” sick puppy

Zach Galifianakis gives us more and less of the same while paired with a rigid Robert Downey Jr. 21⁄2 stars — MC

MOVIES Lights, camera,

Ralph Fiennes’ character was Hungarian in “The English Patient.”

questions Test your film knowledge with Michael Clark Congratulations to last week’s winner, Natalia LeBlanc of Atlanta.

Special Photo

posters, DVDs, video games and more. The winner also gets their name published in Here are last week’s the next Weekend section. questions again and the Please e-mail your answers, answers: along with your name to clarkwriter@mindspring.co 1. What non-fictional TV m. Include “Gwinnett Daily game show is featured in the Post he Trivia Contest” in opening scene of “Catch Me the subject line. In the event If You Can?” no one answers all of the A: “To Tell the Truth” questions correctly, the per2. What is the common son with the most correct acting bond shared by Timoanswers submitted by 6 p.m.

The first person to thy Spall, Rod Taylor, Brenthe Monday after the contest respond with all the correct dan Gleason, Christian is posted will be the winner. answers receives a prize Slater, Albert Finney and Only one winner per housepackage of movie-related Richard Burton?

A: All have played Win- goodies, which could include hold is eligible each 30-day period. promotional T-shirts, hats, ston Churchill 3. What was the nationality of the Ralph Fiennes character in “The English Patient?”

A: Hungarian 4. Name the last movie adapted from a play by Shakespeare to win the Best Picture Oscar.

A: “Hamlet” (1948) 5. What Elton John song was heard at the beginning of “Dog Day Afternoon?”

A: “Amoreena” 3. Who played a high school principal in the movie “ET” only to have his scene unreleased and on the cutting room floor?

4. The house blown up in “Lethal Weapon” previously belonged to which fictional TV family?

5. What accounting firm tabulates the votes for the Academy Awards?

Now, for this week’s questions: 1. Name the first feature “talkie” film (the first movie with audible dialogue).

2. What is the common musical bond shared by the movies “Despicable Me,” “Forrest Gump,” “To Die For,” “Sahara,” “Con Air” and “The Girl Next Door?”

UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND PARAMOUNT PICTURES PRESENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH RELATIVITY MEDIA ATRIBECA/EVERYMAN PICTURES PRODUCTION A PAUL WEITZ FILM ROBERT DE NIRO BEN STILLER OWEN WILSON BLYTHE DANNER TERI POLO JESSICA ALBA LAURA DERN EXECUTIVE DUSTIN HOFFMAN BARBRA STREISAND “LITTLE FOCKERS”PRODUCEDORIGINAL SCORE BY STEPHEN TRASK PRODUCERS NANCY TENENBAUM DANIEL LUPI JANE ROSENTHAL ROBERT DENIRO JAY ROACHDIRECTED JOHN HAMBURG MEGHANBASEDLYVERS ANDREW MIANO RYAN KAVANAUGH BYWRITTEN ON CHARACTERS

BY JOHN HAMBURG AND LARRY STUCKEY

BY PAUL WEITZ CREATED BY GREG GLIENNA & MARY RUTH CLARKE A UNIVERSAL PICTURE SOUNDTRACK ON BACK LOT MUSIC AND VARÈSE SARABANDE RECORDS

NOW PLAYING

© 2010 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS AND DW STUDIOS LLC

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

MOBILE USERS: For Showtimes - Text FOCKERS with your ZIP CODE to 43KIX (43549)!

NOW PLAYING AT THEATRES EVERYWHERE CHECK DIRECTORIES FOR THEATRES AND SHOWTIMES

www.gwinnettdailypost.com

SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT - NO PASSES OR DISCOUNT TICKETS ACCEPTED

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 17

MOVIES Geoffrey Rush, right, and Colin Firth star in “The King’s Speech.”

Special Photo: The Weinstein Company

Firth’s ‘Speech’ has audiences hanging on every word The King’s Speech (R) ★★★★

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

It’s been a long time since an English monarch or a royal family wielded any kind of real power on the world’s political stage, but as a collective they do provide a bottomless well of stories for high-end cable TV series and prestige films such as this.

“The King’s Speech” (like “The Queen” and “The Madness of King George”) isn’t a fullblown biography but rather just a small glimpse into a tiny sliver of time in the life of a type of person who keeps their private affairs well-hidden.

Opening when George (Colin Firth) was the just Duke of York and known simply as Albert, director Tom Hooper’s brilliant and mesmerizing film takes a look at a man who never wanted to rule and if he had his way would never even leave his house, or if you will, his castle. Since he was a toddler, George suffered from a crushingly debilitating speech stammer.

In another age, George’s ailment wouldn’t have made a lick of difference to him, but because he was regularly called on to make countless PRrelated open air speeches and would eventually be called on to address the world on a new invention known as the radio, it became a major issue.

George’s wife Elizabeth

(Helena Bonham-Carter) loved her husband deeply and — mostly on her own — sought out countless doctors, legit or otherwise, to remedy George’s malady, but nothing worked. Near the end of her rope, Elizabeth somewhat skeptically called on regular ol’ speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush).

Although he greatly respected the crown, the Australian-by-birth Lionel wasn’t about to kowtow to Elizabeth’s requests to alter his form of treatment or perform house calls. He also insisted on calling George by his family nickname (Bertie) in order to put them on an equal plane. George wasn’t the typical stuffy royal but was a stickler for tradition and decorum and didn’t like

PAGE 18 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010

Lionel’s blunt and overfamiliar approach in the least. For years the relationship between the two men was tenuous at best.

This sole plot line would have been more than enough to make a great movie, but to everyone’s tremendous benefit, screenwriter David Seidler also includes what was the most scandalous royal story in centuries which involved George’s older brother David (Guy Pearce), the man who eventually became King Edward VIII. Not quite the jet-setter he imagined himself to be, David nonetheless lived the life of a quasi-playboy and largely shunned the duties his largely useless figurehead position demanded. He showed up late for family functions,

burned through cash and alcohol and worst of all refused to stop dating Wallis Simpson (Eve Best), a twice-divorced American with a “reputation.”

Even for those with a working knowledge of early 20th century history that already know what became of this touchy situation involving David and Wallis — the filmmakers’ deft approach to it and specifically how it effected George — is absolutely riveting. This is not your typical lofty, ornate European period piece. It is the story of people who are, in various ways, deeply flawed but because of their high-profiles must (and must is the right word) put on protective false airs unfamiliar to us common folk. That

includes regular guy Lionel, who didn’t set out to be a speech therapist.

Look for “The King’s Speech” to garner a slew of Oscar nominations (it’s already received 19 British Film, SAG and Golden Globe nominations) and walk away with at least five Academy Awards.

There is no category or performer that is more of a lock to win than Firth.

This man has delivered decades’ worth of astounding performances and has never really been given his proper due. This was a role few actors could have even dreamt of attempting, much less have pulled off with such conviction and authority.

Firth’s galvanizing performance here is that of legend. (The Weinstein Company)

FILM FANS

Subscribe Today & Go Shopping On Us! Receive a Simon Giftcard* worth up to $20 with the purchase of a one year Gwinnett Daily Post Subscription.

Inquire today by calling 770-339-5845 (For New Subscriptions Only) Special Photo: Warner Bros.

Dan Aykroyd voices Yogi Bear, right, and Justin Timberlake voices Boo Boo in “Yogi Bear.”

Film Fans find updated Yogi unbearable to watch EDITOR’S NOTE: Film Fans features local residents reviewing the film of the week: “Yogi Bear.”

Want to be a film fan? Email features@gwinnettdailypost.com.

★★★ ★★ Slapstick humor is not really my type of thing, but if you like it perhaps your grade would be higher.

My 7year-old son enjoyed the movie a lot.

At first J.P. Zinn I thought there was a pretty decent moral to the story — that we should accept who we are and accept others as well for who they are.

However, in the long run, if we are going to anthropomorphize the

bears, we should apply the same rules to them as to people. Here, the bears are habitual liars and thieves. Even in the end, after they supposedly turn over a new leaf, they continue to steal people’s “picanic” baskets.

I was also disappointed in the assistant ranger being willing to do the wrong thing to improve his chances at being a Head Ranger. It is probably not worth the extra bucks to see in the theater.

— J. P. Zinn, Lawrenceville

★★★ ★★

Most adults who grew up with Yogi and his zany antics will be disappointed in this film as it falls way short of any reasonable mark. The most glaring and obvious mistake is the voice of Dan Aykroyd for Yogi, which is a major failure.

Beyond this, story line notwithstanding, this is a children’s movie and is not interesting as well. It sort of meanders along in a boring and predictable Rick Wright manner and basically goes nowhere.

As the film begins we’re introduced to the Park Ranger and his incompetent assistant using a few stupid gags that are not funny.

From there we have Yogi and Boo Boo, and the voice of Yogi begins to grate on you. Then we have the mayor and his yes man who add nothing at all. So you have a near zero in the final analysis.

For those who fondly remember the real Yogi and Boo Boo stay clear of this mess.

— Rick Wright, Auburn

How Else Would You Know? *Upon receipt of total payment, the Gwinnett Daily Post will mail you a $20 or $10 Simon Giftcard® (amount depends on subscription price). Some restrictions apply. Limited time offer. Offer valid for new subscribers only (who haven’t subscribed in past 90 days). While supplies last.

Use only at US merchants that accept American Express Cards except cruise lines and casinos. Not for use at ATMs or for recurring payments. Not redeemable for cash. No fees after purchase. For more information, customer service, or Cardholder Agreement, visit simongiftcard.com or call 1-800-331-5479. Issued by AEPCMC by license from American Express Travel Related Services Co., Inc.

simon.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 19

MUSIC

BY VENUE Leeper and Will Layng • Thursday: Barefoot Nellies and Co.

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

RIALTO CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

• Thursday: Rock Mafia • Dec. 31: Moby Dick and Take 3 • Jan. 1: Collateral Damage • Jan. 6: Gravity Zero

80 Forsyth St. N.W., Atlanta 404-651-4727 www.rialtocenter.org

• Jan. 22: Urban Bush Women • Jan. 29: “The Capitol Steps” • Feb. 18-19: Bale Folclorico da Bahia • Feb. 26: Roy Haynes and the Fountain of Youth

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

• Dec. 31: Of Montreal • Jan. 13-15: Drive-By Truckers • Jan. 28: Best Coast and Wavves

SMITH’S OLDE BAR 1578 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta 404-875-1522 www.smithsoldebar.com

AARON’S AMPHITHEATRE AT LAKEWOOD

• Monday: 10 Miles of Blue • Thursday: Vonnegutt • Dec. 31: The Constellations • Jan. 1: Angie Aparo • Jan. 6: The Last Straw • Jan. 7: Bottle Rockets • Jan. 8: Lindsay Rakers Band • Jan. 12: Danny Barnes • Jan. 13: Heather Luttrell Band • Jan. 14: Jimi Cravity • Jan. 15: The Dirty Guv’nahs • Jan. 19: The Shadowboxers

2002 Lakewood Ave., Atlanta 404-443-5000 www.livenation.com/venue/aaronsamphitheatre-at-lakewood-tickets

No shows listed as of press time.

ARENA AT GWINNETT CENTER 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.gwinnettcenter.com

THE TABERNACLE • Feb. 10: Brad Paisley • March 4: Kid Rock • March 7: Hillsong United • April 18: Lady Gaga

152 Luckie St., Atlanta 404-659-9022 www.livenation.com/venue/ getVenue/venueId/1294/

• Sunday: Drivin N Cryin • Thursday: Bassnectar • Jan. 21: Girl Talk • Jan. 28: Thirty Seconds to Mars

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT GWINNETT CENTER 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.gwinnettcenter.com

• Jan. 8: Comedy Vibes • Jan. 15: Ralphie May • Feb. 25: Ethan Bortnick and His Musical Time Machine ATLANTA CIVIC CENTER 395 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta 404-523-6275 www.atlantaciviccenter.com

• Dec. 31: Charlie Wilson and Chrisette Michele • Feb. 5: Mike Epps and Friends BUFORD VARIETY THEATER 170 W. Main St., Buford 770-271-7878 www.bufordvarietytheater.com

• Thursday and Dec 31: Mike Speenberg • Jan. 7 and 8: James Sibley • Jan. 14 and 15: The Tennesee Tramp Janet Williams • Jan. 21 and 22: Jarrod Harris • Jan. 28 and 29: Daryl Rhoades • Feb. 4 and 5: Henry Cho

Special Photo

Zac Brown Band will perform Dec. 31 at Philips Arena in Atlanta.

CENTER STAGE 1374 W. Peachtree St. 404-885-1365 www.centerstage-atlanta.com

• Jan. 15: Eric Roberson with Algebra CHASTAIN PARK AMPHITHEATER 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta 404-233-2227 www.livenation.com

No shows listed as of press time.

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

• Today to Dec. 24: Holiday Ice

Spectacular • Sunday: Straight No Chaser • Dec. 31: NBC’s Last Comic Standing Live Tour • Jan. 6-9: “Oklahoma!”

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

• Sunday: Larkin Poe (formerly The Lovell Sisters) • Tuesday: Pierce Pettis, Grace Pettis and George Pettis • Wednesday: Gwen Hughes and Matthew Kaminski • Thursday: Rebecca Loebe, Peter Bradley Adams and Grant Peeples • Dec. 31: Matthew Perryman Jones, Amy Stroup • Jan. 2: Kelly McFarling, Parker Smith and the Bandwith

PAGE 20 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010

FERST CENTER FOR THE ARTS 349 Ferst Drive, Georgia Tech campus 404-894-9600 www.ferstcenter.gatech.edu

• Jan. 13: State Ballet Theatre of Russia presents “Swan Lake” • Jan. 29: Step Afrika!

• Feb. 12: Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra of New York • Feb. 18: Cirque Mechanics’ “Boom Town” • Feb. 19: Margaret Cho • March 5: Doug Varone and Dancers • March 12: Melinda Doolittle FOX THEATRE 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-881-2100 www.foxtheatre.org

• Today and Sunday: Atlanta Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

• Tuesday: The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller

VARIETY PLAYHOUSE 1099 Euclid Ave., Little Five Points 404-521-1786 www.variety-playhouse.com

• Wednesday: North Mississippi Allstars • Thursday: Perpetual Groove • Dec. 31: Perpetual Groove

THE LOFT 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta 404-885-1365 http://www.centerstageatlanta.com/shows/the-loft/

• Feb. 5: Lissie PHILIPS ARENA 1 Philips Drive N.W., Atlanta 404-878-3000 www.philipsarena.com

• Dec. 31: Zac Brown Band

VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATER AT ENCORE PARK 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta www.ticketmaster.com/ venue/115485

No shows listed as of press time.

WILD BILL’S 2075 Market St., Duluth 678-473-1000 www.wildbillsatlanta.com

• Dec. 31: Jake Owen RED LIGHT CAFE 553 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta 404-874-7828 www.redlightcafe.com

• Sunday: Benton Roark, Dean

Most tickets available through Ticketmaster at 404-249-6400 or www.ticketmaster.com. Call venues for information.

MUSIC

‘I will be here for a while’

Ciara looks to show doubters she is still relevant in music industry

BY JONATHAN LANDRUM JR. The Associated Press

ATLANTA — When Ciara was churning out chart-topping singles like “One, Two Step” and “Like a Boy,” she appeared to be on the verge of superstardom, drawing some comparisons to Janet Jackson and the late Aaliyah.

But since the initial platinum-sellers “Goodies” and “Ciara: The Evolution,” she has hasn’t lived up to the hype: She failed to sell more than 250,000 copies of her third album, last year’s “Fantasy Ride.”

Ciara says she received the “most negative energy” as a result of her lackluster sales, with bloggers and other critics declaring her music career over.

Now the 25-year-old singer, who released her fourth album, “Basic Instinct,” this month, says she’s learned not to be concerned about selling millions of records anymore. In a recent phone interview, she talked about how she’s still making waves in the entertainment realm.

easy to write you off. I live for energy like that. The harder they hate, the harder I go. I do believe I will be here for a while. I’m claiming it and no one ... will make me think differently.

AP: How do you feel when people say that your star as singer has fallen?

Ciara: Even though my last album didn’t do as well as my previous ones, I was still able to go out and make money and tour. Every day is not always the perfect day. Artists that I have loved and admired, who have had a long career,

The Associated Press: On the opening track of “Basic Instinct (U Got Me),” you lashed out at bloggers and critics. How important was it for you to get those things off your chest?

Ciara: I wanted to speak to all the haters. I just wanted to scream out and show how I felt. People are so

have not had every record or song or video that was always the right choice.

AP: With your previous album not selling well, are you concerned about what type of numbers you put up for “Basic Instinct?”

Ciara: Selling records are becoming a smaller fraction of branding and building a long-lasting career. You can sell a lot of records, but can you tour. You can sell records, but where does it go beyond that? That’s a part of building a brand for yourself.

AP: So at this point of

your career, going on tour has bigger precedence over album sales?

Ciara: Absolutely. If you can walk away from your career and are successful touring, you’ll always be straight. Artists like Madonna have been doing it for years. She may put out one

single, do a tour and gross over $200 million.

AP: You are in the blogs almost every other day. Was there anything you read that rubbed you the wrong way?

Ciara: It used to be funny to me when people would say, “Oh, Ciara is going Hollywood.” And you

know what, I have gone Hollywood. I do want to make Hollywood money.

But it doesn’t mean that I’ve changed who I am as a person. I haven’t changed because of the people who I hang out with now. I’m still the same person as I was before.

Avoid the lines, skip the crowds and enjoy VIP access for the Monster Jam event at the Georgia Dome January 15th, 2011 Buy tickets at ticketmaster.com, the Georgia Dome Box Office or call 1-800-745-3000

A limited number of tickets are set aside for the BIGGEST Monster Jam Fans, so make sure to purchase your passes now!

Each Total Access Pass Includes: • One (1) Event ticket in one of the following lower bowl sections: 116, 114, or 135 • Exclusive access to drivers with a private meet and greet from 1:00pm-2:00pm • One (1) Official 2010 Atlanta Monster Jam TAG. Exclusive, individually numbered, limited edition collectible with lanyard.

Your $110 ticket will give you access to the Private Pit Party, plus the general Built Ford Tough Party in the Pits from 2:00pm-5:00pm, and to the phenomenal car crushing Monster Jam! Everything will be yours when you arrive at the Georgia Dome January 15th, 2011. Quantities are limited. Don’t miss out--these will go fast!

Total Access Passes are $110. On sale now!

Name ____________________________ Address __________________________ _________________________________ Phone ___________________________ Email ____________________________

Mail completed entry to GDP/Monster Jam P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 or visit gwinnettdailypost.com to enter at

No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years old or older to enter. Void where prohibited and restricted by law.

Sponsor’s employees and their dependents are ineligible.

Entries must be received by 1/7/10. Winners will be notified.

The Associated Press

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 21

MUSIC

Kanye to Gorillaz, here are year’s top albums

BY NEKESA MUMBI MOODY AP Music Writer 1. Janelle Monae, “ArchAndroid”: Monae’s “ArchAndroid” was a pure dreamland that wove in Walt Disney influences, Fela and James Brown-inspired beats, OutKast-style rhymes and Beatleesque melodies for a heavenly, spectacular debut that envelops you completely in her fantasy world.

2. Kanye West, “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”: It’s typical for artists who feel persecuted in the press to spill out their anger, frustration and pity in song; thankfully, West’s stunning fifth album doesn’t go down that road.

Instead, he brilliantly owns up to his dysfunction, acknowledging his flaws through

(mostly) flawless tracks, gripping in their honesty and riveting in their musicality. Kanye can get away with being a jerk, as long as he makes music this amazing.

3. Eminem, “Recovery”: There are elements of Slim Shady, but what makes “Recovery” so commanding is hearing Marshall Mathers confront his demons with brutal honesty — and, of course, warped wit — on an album that restored his muchdeserved reputation as one of rap’s all-time greats.

4. Sia, “We Are Born”: When word came that Sia was going to put out a dance album, there was every rea-

son to fear that the serious songbird was taking an illadvised jump on the Lady Gaga bandwagon. But Sia charts her own path with “We Are Born,” an album filled with infectious grooves, and it keeps you engaged even when the tempo slows.

5. R. Kelly, “Love Letter”: No midgets, no booty calls, no sex in the kitchen. R. Kelly trades perversion for perfection on the old-school throwback “Love Letter” — classy and classic.

6.Taylor Swift, “Speak Now”: Swift gets a lot of attention for her readbetween-the-lines tomes, but after the guessing game

10 songs that kept you loving 2010 Looking for the perfect mix tape for 2010? Well, surely others will disagree, but these 10 songs got our votes for the year’s most entertaining, and we’re betting they’ll keep your attention for some time to come: 1. “When a Woman Loves,” R. Kelly: An absolutely stunning love song with a pitch-perfect vocal performance that will send chills down your spine — for the right reasons.

2. “(Expletive) You,” Cee Lo: This phrase might not be so offensive if everyone delivered it as cheerily and soulfully as Cee Lo, in perhaps the year’s wittiest track.

3. “Love the Way You Lie,” Eminem featuring Rihanna: The song grabs you from the start of Rihanna’s piercing vocal, and Eminem’s tormented raps may be one of the more honest portrayals of love gone horribly wrong.

4. “Runaway,” Kanye West: Let’s toast indeed, to West’s continued warped

brilliance with a song that sarcastically pays tribute to his well-documented flaws.

5. “Tightrope,” Janelle Monae featuring Big Boi: James Brown would be proud with this frenetic dance groove with killer horns and the coolest of raps from the ever-cool Big Boi. 6. “Soldier of Love” Sade: The opening drum salvo is captivating enough, but when Sade’s alto croons, “I’ve lost the use of my heart, but I’m still alive,” it’s a haunting yet intoxicating delivery that seals the deal.

7. “The Best in Me,” Marvin Sapp: Sapp’s gospel anthem celebrates God’s ability to see past the imperfections mere mortals can’t.

8. “Billionaire,” Travie McCoy featuring Bruno Mars: This fantasy-filled song was the perfect anthem in a year where most of us were holding on to our wallets a little tighter.

It was perhaps the best cameo from the smoothvoiced Bruno Mars.

9. “Teenage Dream,” Katy Perry: It’s frothy and poppy , but don’t let that hide the fact that “Teenage Dream” is just a great song.

10. Antoine Dodson & The Gregory Brothers, “Bed Intruder Song”: Don’t play — you know “Hide Yo Kids, Hide Yo Wife” is ingrained in your brain, thanks to the Gregory Brothers ingenious mashup song that took Antoine Dodson from viral sensation to musical sensation. Run and tell that!

PAGE 22 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010

stops (is this one about John Mayer?

Is that one about Taylor Lautner?), what remains are terrific, compelling songs with rich plot lines that will stay with you long after the gossip fades.

7. Sade, “Soldier of Love”: Sade’s music is so reliable in its greatness that sometimes people — say, Grammy voters — forget

how much work it takes to be so good. Always alluring, always enchanting, always sensuous, Sade — with her first album in 10 years — returns with an exquisite collection of entrancing songs.

8. Corinne Bailey Rae, “The Sea”: Rae channeled her grief over the untimely death of her husband into “The Sea,” but what developed is an album that’s wistful and peppered with optimism in the face of despair.

9. Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs,“God Willin’ & The Creek Don’t Rise”: Ray LaMontagne has been known for his masterful songwriting for some time, but on “God Willin’ & The Creek Don’t Rise” — a sometimes morose, heartbreaking collection of despairing tracks — his lyrical gifts are perhaps at its best.

10. Gorillaz, “Plastic Beach”: The cartoon gimmick may have lost its edge, but the Gorillaz haven’t: “Plastic Beach” blends hip-hop, funk and rock for spacey party grooves.

GWINNETT CALENDAR Dec. 31

Ongoing Events

The city of Duluth will hold its second Annual New Year’s Eve Extravaganza from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Dec. 31 at Duluth Festival Center Amphitheater Stage and Town Green. The event is free. For more information, call 678-4753506 or visit www.duluthga.net The city of Duluth will hold a VIP Gala from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. in conjunction with the Extravaganza on the Town Green. The VIP Gala will start at the Duluth Art Gallery located at 3530 W. Lawrenceville St. in Duluth. Cost is $40 per person.

The city of Lawrenceville will hold the seventh annual “Lawrenceville Rings” and “Early Eve for Kids” on Dec. 31. The event begins at 3 p.m. with the early evening fireworks display at 6 p.m. at Lawrenceville’s downtown and Historic Courthouse. Event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 678-226-2639 or visit www.visitlawrenceville.com.

The Buford Artists’ Group will present an exhibit of art work titled Visionary Reflections — Studies in Aesthetics through February at the George Pierce Park Community Center Gallery, 55 Buford Highway in Suwanee. For more information, call 770-831-4173 or visit www.gwinnettparks.com.

St. Edward’s Episcopal Church will be holding an art gallery from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sundays through Feb. 18. It is located at 737 Moon Road in Lawrenceville. For more information, call 770-963-6128.

The Hudgens Center for the Arts will present the Finalists Exhibit for the Hudgens Prize through Feb. 19.

The center is at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Building 300, in Duluth. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students and free for children younger than 2.

For more information, call 770-6236002 or visit www.thehudgens.org.

The city of Lawrenceville will hold the seventh annual “Lawrenceville Rings” and “Early Eve for Kids” Dec. 31.

The event begins at 3 p.m. with the early evening fireworks display at 6 p.m. at Lawrenceville’s downtown and Historic Courthouse.

Special Photo

Holiday Mini-Season today from Ticket Package Open 12-4p.m. Catch a Exceptional Entertainment, Ridiculously Low Price!

Last Minute Holiday Show with the Family!

Includes tickets to any performance of the following plays. A $155 00 value for ONLY $49 95 Name ____________________________ Address __________________________ _________________________________ Phone ___________________________ Email ____________________________

Mail completed entry to GDP/Step Up 3 P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 or visit gwinnettdailypost.com to enter at

No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years old or older to enter. Void where prohibited and restricted by law.

Sponsor’s employees and their dependents are ineligible.

Entries must be received by 01/10/11. Winners will be notified.

• Sirens — Quirky Comedy ... there is trouble in a 25-year marriage! The cure?

A mythical Siren. (Jan.13 – Feb. 7).

• Academy – Inspired by Goeth’s Faust. This musical, set in a prestigious boys school, is a beautiful coming of age story. 2009 New York Musical Theatre Festival Award Winner. (Mar. 17 – Apr. 10).

• Over the River and Through the Woods – In this heartfelt comedy about growing old, one generation struggles to understand another. (May 12 – June 6).

Special Offer – purchase before Christmas & receive two tickets to Sirens. A great gift idea.

NOW AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY & DVD! TM

678.226.6222 | www.auroratheatre.com

Order Online

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 23

METRO CALENDAR Ongoing events ART Station will host “Quilting in the Heartland,” an exhibit of quilts made by members of the Cotton Boll Quilt Guild of Covington, through Dec. 31. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

ART Station is at 5384 Manor Drive in Stone Mountain. For more information, call 770-469-1105 or visit www.artstation.org.

The High Museum of Art will present the exhibit “Titian and the Golden Age of Venetian Painting” through Jan. 2.

Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and college

students, $11 for children ages 6 to 17 and free for children younger than 6.

The museum is at 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. in Atlanta. For more information, call 404-733-4437 or visit www.high.org.

Fernbank Museum will present the exhibit “Water: H2O=Life” through Jan. 9. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m.

Sundays. Admission is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors 62 and older and students, $13 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for children 2 and younger. Fernbank is at 767 Clifton Road N.E. in Atlanta. For more information, call 404-929-6300 or visit www.fernbankmuseum.org.

Georgia Ensemble Theatre will present the romantic comedy

“Tokens of Affections” from Jan. 6 through 23 at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St. in Roswell. For show times, ticket prices and more information, call 770-6411260 or visit www.get.org.

The High Museum of Art will present the exhibit “Salvador Dali: The Late Work” through Jan. 2. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays, and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and college students, $11 for children ages 6 to 17 and free for children younger than 6. The museum is at 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. in Atlanta. For more information, call 404-733-4437 or visit www.high.org.

The High Museum of

PAGE 24 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2010

Art will present the exhibit “Signs of Life: Photographs by Peter Sekaer” through Jan. 9.

Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays, and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and college students, $11 for children ages 6 to 17 and free for children younger than 6.

The museum is at 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. in Atlanta. For more information, call 404-733-4437 or visit www.high.org.

Theatrical Outfit will present “The Young Man from Atlanta” from Jan. 26 through Feb. 20 at The Balzer Theater, 84 Luckie St. N.W. in Atlanta. For more information, call 678528-1500 or visit www.theatricaloutfit.org.

Special Photo

The High Museum of Art will present the exhibit “Salvador Dali: The Late Work” through Jan. 9, including this work from 1962 entitled “Fifty Abstract Paintings Which as Seen from Two Yards Change into Three Lenins Masquerading as Chinese and as Seen from Six Yards Appear as the Head of a Royal Bengal Tiger.”