The Gwinnett Daily Post Weekend/Entertainment Section

Gwinnett Daily Post

Friday, April 8, 2011

S E M A G Y E N O M

’ R U H T R A ‘ E R I A N O I L L I B E L B A 0 E 1 V E O G L A S P E — M O C E B D N A R B RUSSELL

INSIDE

week end what to do, hear, see, watch, read, listen to, visit and eat in Gwinnett and Atlanta The Dish: Tilted Kilt brings pub fare to Buford ..................................................................Pg. 4

Name: ______________________ Address: ____________________ ____________________________ Phone: ______________________ Email: ______________________

Staff Photo: Jason Braverman

Tilted Kilt in Buford serves its BBQ bacon cheeseburger (hickory smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, crispy shoestring onions and Guinness BBQ sauce). Also served is its “gaelic” chicken (pan-seared chicken breasts with sauteed mushrooms and onions served with a whiskey cream sauce and a side of garlic mashed potatoes).

Art Beat ....................................................................Pg. 5 Movies.................................................................Pgs. 6-17 Showtimes ............................................................Pg. 12

By Venue ................................................................Pg. 18 Gwinnett Calendar ............................................Pg. 19 Metro Calendar....................................................Pg. 19 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, APRIL 8, 2011

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 16TH Buy tickets at or call 800-745-3000.

No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years old or older to enter. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Sponsor’s employees and their dependents are not eligible. Entries must be received by April 11, 2011.

Pencil us in.

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

Every Friday in Weekend.

INSIDE THE PERIMETER ‘Menopause the Musical’ back to wow Atlanta audiences

BY CAROLE TOWNSEND

IFYOUGO

Staff Correspondent

ATLANTA — For a brief six-day engagement, “Menopause the Musical” is playing at the Buckhead Theatre in Roswell beginning on Tuesday. For 10 years, audiences of men and women around the world have laughed at “the change” and all the predicaments and situa-

• What: “Menopause the Musical” • When: 8 p.m. Tuesday through April 15, 2 p.m.

April 16 and 17 • Where: Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road, Atlanta 30305 • Admission: Ticket prices start at $44 • To purchase tickets: Call 1-800-745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

tions that come with it.

Writer and producer Jeanie Linders created this

Comments from the audience welcome.

Love movies? Want to tell everyone what you think? Become a Film Fan. The Post will pay for the movie and a light snack.

E-mail features@gwinnettdailypost.com.

hilarious smash hit.

“Most women know intuitively that another

woman is experiencing hot flashes or night sweats,” said the creative force behind the musical.

“There is always a close friend or two who can sympathize or identify with her, but when they are sitting in a theatre with hundreds of other women, all laughing and shouting, ‘That’s me! That’s me on stage.’ They know that what they are experienc-

ing is normal. They aren’t alone, or crazy. It becomes a sisterhood.”

The 90-minute production includes parodies of classic ’60s, ’70s and ’80s songs. Set in New York’s Bloomingdale’s department store, the story line brings four women together with only a lingerie sale in common initially. The women begin talking, then laughing,

about their similar woes.

Hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, chocolate binges and wrinkles take on an entertaining — and funny — new meaning in the show.

Audiences in 450 U.S cities and 15 countries have laughed aloud at the antics of these women and their circumstances since the musical’s 2001 opening in Orlando.

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Gwinnett Daily Post FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 3

THE DISH

Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery 3480 Financial Center Way, Buford

678-482-5545

www.tiltedkilt.com

BY CAROLE TOWNSEND Staff Correspondent

ONTHEMENU

• Open since: March 17 at this location

Lunch • Sloppy Jane: Choose from sliced turkey or shaved ribeye, served hot or cold on a bun with Thousand Island dressing, Swiss cheese and topped with house-made coleslaw.

Served with fries ($8.99).

• Scottish cheesesteak sandwich: Shaved ribeye steak topped with grilled peppers, onions and melted Provolone cheese.

Served with fries ($8.99).

• Location: Tilted Kilt is located across from the Mall of Georgia, in the same shopping center as Toys ’R Us. • Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays; 11 a.m. to midnight on Sundays.

• Franchise Owner: Duluth resident Michael Moon; General manager: Victor Beall • Atmosphere: It is reminiscent of a friendly Irish Pub, with a large, heavy bar, substantial wooden tables and chairs and eclectic artwork and posters. Stained concrete floors, HD televisions strategically placed throughout the restaurant and 80s music welcome patrons into relaxed, casual surroundings. The service is friendly, courteous and efficient. Families are welcome.

Though it’s a franchise, Tilted Kilt Pub and Eatery makes an effort to blend into the community and take on a “Cheers” quality, one in which patrons are recognized and welcomed by staff and other customers. While customers can expect consistency from one location to another (the next closest Tilted Kilt is in Johns Creek), each location prides itself on specials that are unique to that establishment.

Dinner • Sausage Artichoke Fettuccini: Braised sausage, peppers, onions, spinach and artichoke hearts tossed with fettuccini in a spicy sun-dried tomato pesto sauce, and served with garlic bread ($10) • BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger: Hickory smoked bacon, cheddar cheese crispy shoestring onions and Guinness BBQ sauce.

Served with fries and a pickle ($9.99).

Staff Photos: Jason Braverman

Tilted Kilt in Buford serves its BBQ bacon cheeseburger (hickory smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, crispy shoe• Menu: The dishes are string onions and Guinness BBQ sauce). Also served is its “gaelic” chicken (pan-seared chicken breasts with hearty, and many have Irish sauteed mushrooms and onions served with a whiskey cream sauce and a side of garlic mashed potatoes).

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 ($7.49) The Drunken Clams are a must — steamed in beer and served with garlic bread.

The bar features 36 beers on tap and mixed drinks.

PAGE 4 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011

Other beverages include Coke products, iced tea, lemonade, juices, Red Bull and coffee.

• Things you might not know: The eatery is now hosting Bike Nights. Hosted

by Law Bike — a group of local attorneys who ride mainly on weekends — anyone with a motorcycle who wants to come show it off is invited on Thursday nights. This location will Tilted Kilt opened the Buford location on March 17 also show UFC fights. and is located near the Mall of Georgia.

ART BEAT

Suwanee’s Plein Air event puts artists to work outdoors Center. Artists will check in again on Saturday at 9 a.m. and can work all day Saturday until the judging at 4 p.m. that day.

Everyone, artists and visitors alike, are invited to the 6 p.m. award ceremony, reception and sale at the Olde Towne Tavern and Grille at Town Center. People can meet the artists, view and purchase work that was created during this two day event.

All work will be on display in the atrium of Suwanee’s City Hall for the following two weeks, and will be available for purchase.

“The public can expect to see wonderful interpretations of the world around them,” Johnson said, “particularly of Suwanee. This should make it very personal and special to a lot of the community. I know that my dentist plans to come and purchase artwork for his office because he wants local artwork.”

As for her own favorite places to paint around Suwanee, Johnson said, “Any place that features trees is a favorite of mine.

I love old buildings, too, and a run-down, historic building with lots of trees around it would be the ideal place for me to set up and paint.”

Anita’s ArtsCool owner Anita Stewart is also enthusiastic about the event. She said, “Suwanee Plein Air is a dream come true for me and Lucy Brady, one of many artists who paint with me on a weekly basis. Lucy and I both live in Suwanee. Two summers ago, we would go on Saturdays and paint plein air and try to capture the atmosphere of Suwanee’s Farmers Market. It was fun, and we made friends with some of the vendors, but there wasn’t any place to display our work. Now we will be able to paint anywhere around Suwanee and our work will be

Contest prize will send winner to L.A. premiere of movie ‘Thor’

week end

The Suwanee Plein Air Art Event launches today and Saturday in what the North Gwinnett Arts Association and Anita’s ArtsCool hopes becomes an annual event.

Artists will have approximately 17 hours to complete a work of art outdoors, utilizing the beautiful spaces of the city of Suwanee for subject matter. Artists can wander the parks, Town Center, and historic areas of the city for inspiration.

“Plein Air” is a French term that means “painting in the open air, working directly from the landscape as it appears at that moment.”

Professor Tim Flowers of Georgia State University will judge the event, and there will be first-, second- and third-place awards plus an Artist’s Choice and a People’s Choice Award. Anyone is welcomed to participate, students and non-students alike, and it isn’t necessary to be a member of

ART BEAT HOLLEY CALMES

the NGAA. The entry fee is $45, and artists of different mediums are invited to participate. Painters are of course welcomed, as are photographers, sculptors and mixed media artists.

NGAA representative Vickie Johnson said, “If you derive inspiration from the open environment surrounding you, creating your artwork in the open air, then you can participate.”

Check-in is today at 9 a.m. and artists can work until 8 p.m. The address for check in is 3930 Charleston Market St., B6 in Suwanee’s Town

BY HEATHER DARENBERG STAFF WRITER heather.darenberg@gwinnettdailypost.com

BUFORD — The Hot Topic store at the Mall of Georgia is challenging people to test their luck and lift Thor’s hammer from a platform.

The hammer replica will be mounted in a base that will randomly release when one lucky person lifts — awarding them a trip to Los Angeles for the May 2 premiere of “Thor.”

The God of Thunder Hammer Contest

will take place between noon and 4 p.m.

Saturday at the Hot Topic Store. The event is free and open to the public, but participants need to be at least 13 years old.

The winner will receive round-trip coach air transportation for two between Atlanta and Los Angeles, three nights hotel accommodations, ground transportation in the form of $140 taxi reimbursement in Los Angeles between the airport and hotel, shuttle transportation to and from the hotel and movie premiere and two tickets to the “Thor” movie premiere.

on display at City Hall.

Awesome.”

For more information about this event and about the North Gwinnett Art Association, visit at www.northgwinnettartsassociation.com or call

Vickie Johnson at 404435-4040.

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

Catch it every Friday in the

Gwinnett Daily Post FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 5

MOVIES DISC SPOTLIGHT MICHAEL CLARK

Taxi Driver Blu-ray (R) Movie: ★★★★ Disc: ★★★★ Prior to “GoodFellas,” “Taxi Driver” stood as the quintessential Martin Scorsese film and, with the exception of the first two “Godfathers,” the best movie of the ’70s.

Despite being a psychotic loner, a vigilante and possible assassin, the audience is drawn immediately into the desolate world of cab driver and Vietnam veteran Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) and eventually roots for his twisted causes. This new Blu-ray overhaul is exhaustively thorough and illuminating even for those who have seen it multiple times. Anyone

who claims to be a serious movie fan and hasn’t seen it yet misspeaks.

Technical specs: aspect ratio: Widescreen (1.85:1/1080p), audio: English (DTS-HD MA 5.1, Dolby, French, Portuguese and Spanish (DTS-HD 5.1), subtitles: English and six other languages.

Special features include: • Audio commentaries • Documentary • Making-of featurettes • Storyboard comparisons • Photo galleries (Sony, $24.95)

Special Easter Events fun activities and crafts free goodies for members*

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 9 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Food Court

Saturday, April 23 8:30 a.m.

The Village

Not a member? It’s just $5 to join!

Visit Simon Guest Services for details.

Saturday, April 30, 2011 10am-5pm at Discover Mills Look for details in the HealthSource Special Section published on Sunday, April 24th. Also available at Simon Guest Services at Discover Mills starting Friday, April 22nd.

Get a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree.

Text KIDS to 7466 6.

ATTENTION EXHIBITORS! Wellness Expo’s will also be held at Discover Mills on these dates: Saturday, July 23, 2011 Saturday, October 15, 2011 January/February 2012 Call today to participate!

770.96.9205 ext. 1218

gwinnettdailypost.com

PAGE 6 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011

* While supplies last.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years or older. Ends 9/30/11.

To enter and for Official Rules, including odds and prixe descriptions, visit Simon Guest Services. Void where prohibited. Message and data rates may apply.

MOVIES grossing movie ever that was based on a Shakespeare play?

A: “West Side Story” (based on “Romeo & Juliet”) 2. Name a nonfictional character played by Ben Test your Affleck in a film that died film knowledge with by gunshot.

A: George Reeves in Michael Clark “Hollywoodland” 3. What was the occuSo, you think you’re pation of David good at movie trivia?

Every week, we give read- Duchovny’s character in ers the opportunity to flex “Kalifornia?”

A: Author their movie muscles by 4. Who was the last answering five trivia questions from our movie person born in Georgia to win an Oscar for acting? critic, Michael Clark.

A: Julia Roberts in Congratulations to last “Erin Brockovich” 5. Charlie Sheen once week’s winner, Diane played a nonfictional Thiel of Roswell. character in a movie who was a professional baseHere are last week’s ball player for what questions again and the team? answers: A: The Chicago White 1. What is the highest- Sox in “Eight Men Out”

Lights, camera,

questions

Morgan Freeman played a professional assassin.

4. Name a movie where Dustin Hoffman played a 1. What two automocharacter who was more bile makes are argued than 100 years old. about at length in “Don5. What was the name nie Brasco”?

2. Who played the first of the bar in “Casablanca”? character to die in the The first person to “Indiana Jones” franrespond with all the corchise?

3. Name a movie where rect answers receives a Now, for this week’s questions:

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 30-day period.

PLUS! WE'RE GIVING AWAY A FAMILY 4-PACK OF TICKETS TO SEE SHREK THE MUSICAL AT THE FOX THEATRE AT THE TOP OF EVERY INNING!

Special Photo

APRIL 26 -MAY 1 THE FOX THEATRE

Charlie Sheen played a nonfictional professional baseball player for the Chicago White Sox in “Eight Men Out.” FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 7

Join these sponsors in supporting Kidsville News!

Unleash your Florida side at VISITFLORIDA.COM

gwinnettcounty parks & recreation

Special Photo: Summit Entertainment

Michelle Monaghan and Jake Gyllenhaal star in “Source Code.”

NOWSHOWING Recently reviewed films now playing in theaters: • Insidious (PG-13) From the guys behind the first and only good installment of “Saw,” they recycle a bunch (“Amityville Horror,” “Poltergeist,” “Jaws”) but still manage to scare the tar out of the audiences by waiting as long as possible to deliver their spine-tingling chills. 31⁄2 stars — Michael Clark • Of Gods and Men (PG) Based on actual events, this plodding, overlong and largely uneventful art house drama is given the golden opportunity to make the connection between religious fervor and terrorism and summarily squanders it. 2 stars — MC • Source Code (PG-13) David Bowie’s son Duncan Jones follows his near-perfect debut “Moon” with a movie some have correctly labeled as the unholy spawn of “Groundhog Day” and “Minority Report.” Jake Gyllenhaal finally proves he’s got what it takes to be a true A-lister. 4 stars — MC • Win Win (R) Actor-turnedfilmmaker Tom McCarthy (“The Station Agent,” “The

Visitor”) is now 3-for-3 with this twisted little dramedy about a struggling lawyer (Paul Giamatti) and how he finds moral redemption as the coach of a supremely talented high school wrestler. 31⁄2 stars — MC • The 5th Quarter (PG-13) The tragic and moving story of a selfless Cobb County teen is mangled, distorted and turned into an overblown and manipulative sports-uplift drama that has little, if anything to do with the dying boy’s memory. Sincere intent — terrible execution. 2 stars — MC • happythankyoumoreplease (R) The feature debut of writer/director/leading man Josh Radnor is less of a movie and more of an extended episode of his hit TV show “How I Met Your Mother.” Saved just slightly by a few not-thathorrible supporting performances. 11⁄2 stars — MC • Jane Eyre (PG-13) Of the nearly three dozen incarnations of the classic Charlotte Bronte novel, this newest version from director Cary Fukunaga gets the closest to the original intent thanks to the sturdy performances by leads Mia

Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender. 31⁄2 stars — MC • The Lincoln Lawyer (R) In spite of lead Matthew McConaughey, this modern noir, L.A.-based crime thriller hits mostly on all cylinders. Based on the popular series by Michael Connelly, it mixes sex, betrayal and retribution in a semi-interesting, if not very original, light. 21⁄2 stars — MC • Limitless (PG-13) Romantic-comedy go-to guy Bradley Cooper (“The Hangover”) is given his first shot as a dramatic leading man and he makes the most of it. Pinching from (among others) “The Matrix,” “Fight Club” and “Inception,” it’s both entertaining and unpredictable. 3 stars — MC • Paul (R) After spot-on spoofs of zombies (“Shaun of the Dead”) and cop/buddy adventures (“Hot Fuzz”), this lampooning jab at sci-fi from writer/leading man Simon Pegg comes off as tentative and mostly half-baked but has just enough laughs to make it a firstrate, second choice. 21⁄2 stars — MC

PAGE 8 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011

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

www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett

WRIGHT&WRONG Hanna (PG-13) ★★★ ★★

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

In the wake of his near-perfect first two efforts (“Pride & Prejudice” and “Atonement”), English director Joe Wright followed them with two very different but equally strained misfires. Perhaps out of a fear of being pigeonholed as a guy who could only do furrowbrowed British period pieces, Wright has overcompensated too far in the other direction.

While nowhere near as bad as the sappy and unfocused uplift drama “The Soloist,” “Hanna” also suffers from a highly uneven tone and shows all the signs of a director taking on a genre — or genres — not conducive with his particular sensibilities.

“Hanna” also makes it clear that successful action-adventure directors don’t generally get the respect they’re due.

Opening and closing with the same blood red, over-saturated title card and the repeated line of dialogue from the title character (“I just missed your heart”), “Hanna” wants to be both artsy and commercial, thoughtful and exploitive all while walking a tightrope between touching tragedy and sardonic farce. This is a movie in desperate need of a psychiatrist’s couch and,

sadly, a heart.

Starting in the barren white, deathly silent Scandinavian winter, “Hanna” begins with promise and looks like it might be a teen girl version of “The American.”

Hanna (Wright’s Oscarnominated “Atonement” ingénue Saoirse Ronan) is seen taking out a caribou with bow and arrow, using its shorn antlers for target practice and being put through a series of grueling combat exercises by her father Erik (a barely recognizable Eric Bana) that would exhaust Navy Seals. It becomes clear to even inattentive audience members that Hanna is being trained as an assassin.

In less than 10 minutes, writers Seth Lochhead and David Farr deliver an hour’s worth of character and plot exposition then spend the next hour fiddling around with useless minutia that never furthers the story.

The filmmakers decide to take Hanna away from Erik and place her in the company of a cartoonish family of tourists in Morocco. After years of living alone with a sullen man in the woods, Hanna gets the chance to interact with a girl (albeit an airhead) her own age, discover the powers of electricity and maybe even kiss a boy.

All of it is featherweight, semi-sweet, completely useless filler.

The film regains some sense and semblance of order when the focus shifts to Marissa (Cate Blanchett), a high-level

covert agent bent on either capturing or killing Hanna. Exactly why is explained halfway through, but even then it’s a massive contradiction that only adds to the confusion.

Virtually incapable of turning in a bad performance, Blanchett (thanks to the writers) almost does exactly that by having her character speak with an abrasive Texas twang and giving her an unnatural obsession with dental hygiene.

After the relatively aesthetically pleasing passages taking place in the Great White North and the Middle Eastern desert, the action shifts to Eastern Europe and features some of the ugliest scenery and set designs ever committed to film. Taking place in an abandoned, decadesold amusement park, dimly-lit shipyards and graffiti-ravaged cement ghettos, “Hanna” goes from being a quasi-sexy secret agent thriller to a stupid, sub-B action flick with endless, onfoot chase scenes and some truly oddball methods of death.

Pitting two females against each other in a high-profile action movie while having them portrayed by two such talented A-list actresses is probably a first for Hollywood, but in the end it’s all for naught. What could have been a bold statement of female empowerment and authentic intrigue is reduced to a silly and prolonged cat fight sans the claws. (Focus Features)

Director’s flubs destroy potentially great ‘Hanna’

Special Photo: Focus Features

Saoirse Ronan stars in “Hanna.”

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 9

PAGE 10 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011

RESPECTABLE REMAKE

While not perfect, latest ‘Arthur’ brings reasons to laugh Arthur (PG-13) ★★★★ ★ Enough time has probably passed (30 years) to warrant a remake of the original “Arthur,” and from a financial perspective (and maybe even an artistic one) it makes sense. Most of leading man Russell Brand’s fans weren’t even born when the other movie starring the late Dudley Moore was released and have probably never seen it. It’s likely that the determining factor of those who love this version and those who don’t will be a generational thing.

While they’re both British and sport a devil-may-care air, Moore and Brand are light years apart in look, style and approach. The former was an impish man who played Arthur as an exceedingly light-hearted lush rooted in self-deprecating humor.

Brand — angular, tall, gangly and exuding a posterboy/rock star sexuality — portrays Arthur as an aggressive, arrested development, hard-core party boy prone to putting down others while

VIEWPOINTS MICHAEL CLARK

seeing himself more as a mischievous flirt than train wreck. In other words, Brand essentially plays himself, and most of the time it works.

The canyon-wide chasm of differences between Moore and Brand wasn’t lost on director Jason Winer and writer Peter Baynham, and they wisely opted for a retooling rather than an outand-out remake of Steve Gordon’s original. The plot and principal characters are retained — as is the spectacular Manhattan/Central Park setting — but everything else as been revamped with a 21st century mindset.

Because he lost his father at an early age and his mother would rather tend to the running of the family business,

Arthur was raised and cared for by his nanny Hobson (Helen Mirren). The always proper, borderline-autocratic Hobson permits Arthur his indulgences but never lets him go too far and always makes it clear she disapproves.

The late Sir John Gielgud received an Oscar for his portrayal of Hobson in the original, and casting a woman to play the character in the remake — and one with such obvious gravitas as Mirren — is beyond smart. She lends the film the touch of class it so desperately needs and never once tries to ape or mimic Gielgud. She doesn’t need to; she is, after all, Helen Mirren.

Arthur’s two love interests are also vastly different here.

Taking the place of the mousy Jill Eikenberry as the snooty, image-obsessed Susan is Jennifer Garner, who plays it maybe a tad too seriously.

Still in possession of her chiseled “Alias” physique and tunnel-vision drive, Garner’s Susan is joyless and too extreme for this kind of film, even if she is the antagonist.

The same can be said for Nick Nolte, who plays Susan’s “Lethal Weapon” flavored father.

In the part originated by Liza Minnelli is art-house upstart Greta Gerwig (“Greenberg”) as Naomi, a flaxen-haired girl from Queens who earns a modest living by giving unofficial tours of Grand Central Station. Thankfully lacking Minnelli’s overtly ethnic brassiness, Gerwig’s Naomi captures Arthur’s heart with girlnext-door spunk and a code of ethics that keeps him perpetually off-balance.

Going the route of partially solemn and winsome in the final scenes, the filmmakers stray a great distance from the original ending, but given what’s already preceded it, it still somehow fits.

As innocuous and not-bad as this “Arthur” might be, it’s still not as good as the original, and that isn’t just a generational perspective. Modern filmmakers are going to have to realize that if you want to make another version of a movie, don’t pick one that was already good. Do what Steven Soderbergh did with “Ocean’s Eleven.” Take a dated, barely passable work of camp and turn it into something worthy of our time. (Warner Bros.)

Special Photo: Warner Bros.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 11

PAGE 10 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011

RESPECTABLE REMAKE

While not perfect, latest ‘Arthur’ brings reasons to laugh Arthur (PG-13) ★★★★ ★ Enough time has probably passed (30 years) to warrant a remake of the original “Arthur,” and from a financial perspective (and maybe even an artistic one) it makes sense. Most of leading man Russell Brand’s fans weren’t even born when the other movie starring the late Dudley Moore was released and have probably never seen it. It’s likely that the determining factor of those who love this version and those who don’t will be a generational thing.

While they’re both British and sport a devil-may-care air, Moore and Brand are light years apart in look, style and approach. The former was an impish man who played Arthur as an exceedingly light-hearted lush rooted in self-deprecating humor.

Brand — angular, tall, gangly and exuding a posterboy/rock star sexuality — portrays Arthur as an aggressive, arrested development, hard-core party boy prone to putting down others while

VIEWPOINTS MICHAEL CLARK

seeing himself more as a mischievous flirt than train wreck. In other words, Brand essentially plays himself, and most of the time it works.

The canyon-wide chasm of differences between Moore and Brand wasn’t lost on director Jason Winer and writer Peter Baynham, and they wisely opted for a retooling rather than an outand-out remake of Steve Gordon’s original. The plot and principal characters are retained — as is the spectacular Manhattan/Central Park setting — but everything else as been revamped with a 21st century mindset.

Because he lost his father at an early age and his mother would rather tend to the running of the family business,

Arthur was raised and cared for by his nanny Hobson (Helen Mirren). The always proper, borderline-autocratic Hobson permits Arthur his indulgences but never lets him go too far and always makes it clear she disapproves.

The late Sir John Gielgud received an Oscar for his portrayal of Hobson in the original, and casting a woman to play the character in the remake — and one with such obvious gravitas as Mirren — is beyond smart. She lends the film the touch of class it so desperately needs and never once tries to ape or mimic Gielgud. She doesn’t need to; she is, after all, Helen Mirren.

Arthur’s two love interests are also vastly different here.

Taking the place of the mousy Jill Eikenberry as the snooty, image-obsessed Susan is Jennifer Garner, who plays it maybe a tad too seriously.

Still in possession of her chiseled “Alias” physique and tunnel-vision drive, Garner’s Susan is joyless and too extreme for this kind of film, even if she is the antagonist.

The same can be said for Nick Nolte, who plays Susan’s “Lethal Weapon” flavored father.

In the part originated by Liza Minnelli is art-house upstart Greta Gerwig (“Greenberg”) as Naomi, a flaxen-haired girl from Queens who earns a modest living by giving unofficial tours of Grand Central Station. Thankfully lacking Minnelli’s overtly ethnic brassiness, Gerwig’s Naomi captures Arthur’s heart with girlnext-door spunk and a code of ethics that keeps him perpetually off-balance.

Going the route of partially solemn and winsome in the final scenes, the filmmakers stray a great distance from the original ending, but given what’s already preceded it, it still somehow fits.

As innocuous and not-bad as this “Arthur” might be, it’s still not as good as the original, and that isn’t just a generational perspective. Modern filmmakers are going to have to realize that if you want to make another version of a movie, don’t pick one that was already good. Do what Steven Soderbergh did with “Ocean’s Eleven.” Take a dated, barely passable work of camp and turn it into something worthy of our time. (Warner Bros.)

Special Photo: Warner Bros.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 11

HOWTIMES S MOVIE TIMES FOR FRIDAY, APRIL 8

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

BUFORD REGAL CINEMAS, MALL OF GEORGIA 20

5:10, 7:10, 9:10

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

12:10, 2:00, 2:45, 4:45, 5:20, 7:30, 8:00, 10:15, 10:40 Battle: Los Angeles (PG-13)

12:30, 3:15, 6:30, 9:15, 11:55 Born to be Wild 3-D (G)

Beastly (PG-13)

12:45, 2:00, 3:15, 4:30, 5:45, 7:00

1:10, 3:20, 5:30, 7:40, 9:50

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (PG)

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

12:00, 1:05, 2:20, 3:25, 4:40, 5:45, 7:05, 8:10, 9:20, 10:30, 11:35 Insidious (PG-13)

12:00, 2:25, 4:55, 7:25, 10:10 Limitless (PG-13)

11:55, 2:30, 5:00, 7:35, 10:20 The Lincoln Lawyer (R)

1:30, 4:15, 7:05, 9:45 Mars Needs Moms 3-D (PG)

12:25, 2:45 Paul (R)

5:10, 7:40, 10:15 Rango (PG)

11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:55 Red Riding Hood (PG-13)

12:05, 2:25, 5:05, 7:30, 9:50

Hall Pass (R)

7:10, 9:40 Hanna (PG-13)

12:05, 2:45, 5:25, 8:00, 10:55

9:20, 11:40

11:20, 2:10, 4:40, 7:20, 10:00

Lincoln Lawyer (R)

Sucker Punch (PG-13)

Hop (PG)

12:50, 4:25, 7:55, 11:00

11:35, 2:20, 5:00, 7:45, 10:40

11:40, 12:40, 2:00, 3:00, 4:20, 5:15, 6:40, 7:30, 8:55, 9:45

Paul (R)

The Lincoln Lawyer (R)

2:00, 7:35

11:30, 2:15, 5:15, 8:15, 11:20

Insidious (PG-13)

Rango (PG)

Your Highness (R)

12:05, 2:35, 5:25, 7:55, 10:20

5:00, 10:15

10:40, 1:35, 4:05, 6:45, 9:15, 11:45

Limitless (PG-13)

Soul Surfer (PG)

11:50, 2:25, 4:55, 7:25, 9:55

12:45, 4:00, 7:20, 10:35

Lincoln Lawyer (R)

Source Code (PG-13)

11:35, 2:15, 5:00, 7:45, 10:25

12:35, 2:05, 2:55, 5:20, 7:15, 7:40, 10:30

Paul (R)

Sucker Punch (PG-13)

2:25, 7:25

1:55, 4:30, 7:05, 9:55

Rango (PG)

Your Highness (R)

11:45. 4:35, 9:35

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

Red Riding Hood (PG-13)

2:15, 7:15 Soul Surfer (PG)

11:30, 1:50, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30

Soul Surfer (PG)

Source Code (PG-13)

12:05, 12:40, 2:40, 3:10m 5:15 5:40, 7:40, 8:15, 10:05, 10:40

Your Highness (R)

Source Code (PG-13)

12:30, 2:50, 5:05, 7:35, 10:05 12:00, 12:50, 3:10, 4:50, 5:30, 7:50, 9:50, 10:15

12:10, 1:10, 2:30, 3:30, 5:05, 5:50, 7:20, 8:05, 9:35, 10:25, 11:50 Sucker Punch: The IMAX Experience (PG-13)

8:30, 11:00 Sucker Punch (PG-13)

2:35, 5:10, 7:45, 10:35 Your Highness (R)

11:50, 12:35, 2:35, 3:05, 5:00, 5:35, 7:35, 8:10, 10:00, 10:35

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

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

The Adjustment Bureau (PG-13)

2:15, 4;50, 7:25, 10:00 Arthur (PG-13)

12:05, 12:25, 2:45, 4:10, 7:45, 8:05, 10:25, 10:45 Battle: Los Angeles (PG-13)

12:15, 3:45, 7:00, 10:10 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (PG)

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

Limitless (PG-13)

1:20, 4:10, 7:05, 9:40

1:05, 2:05, 4:05, 5:05, 7:05, 8:05, 9:35

Drive Angry (R)

Soul Surfer (PG-13)

4:00, 7:00, 9:40

1:00, 1:25, 4:00, 4:25, 7:00, 7:25, 9:30, 10:00

Green Hornet (PG-13)

Source Code (PG-13)

Arthur (PG-13)

5:05, 8:05

1:15, 4;15, 7:15, 9:30

10:35, 1:05, 3:45, 6:25, 9:10, 11:40

Little Fockers (PG-13)

Sucker Punch (PG)

Battle: Los Angeles (PG-13)

4:15, 7:15, 9:35

1:30, 4:30, 7:30, 9:55

11:40, 2:45, 5:40, 8:40, 11:30

Roomate (PG-13)

Your Highness (R)

Beastly (PG-13)

5:25, 7:35, 9:45

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

1:40, 6:40, 11:25

Tangled (PG)

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

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (PG)

5:20, 7:45, 10:00 Tron: Legacy (PG)

10:45, 1:20, 3:55, 6:30, 9:05

5:00, 8:00

Hanna (PG-13)

True Grit (PG-13)

The Adjustment Bureau (PG-13)

11:50, 2:40, 5:25, 8:30, 11:15

4:05, 7:05, 10:05

Hop (PG)

Yogi Bear (PG)

The 5th Quarter (PG-13)

10:25, 11:25, 12:55, 2:05, 3:25, 4:45, 5:55, 7:30, 8:45, 9:55, 11:10

5:25, 7:30, 9:30

2:25, 4:30, 7:15, 9:30

Unknown (PG-13)

The Adjustment Bureau (PG-13)

2:40, 5:05, 7:30, 10:00 2:15, 5:00, 7:45, 10:15

LAWRENCEVILLE COLONIAL 18 THEATRES

11:00, 4:05, 8:50 Arthur (PG-13)

10:35, 1:05, 3:45, 6:25, 9:10, 11:40,

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

Battle: Los Angeles (PG-13)

Insidious (PG-13)

4:10, 7:10, 9:50

11:40, 2:45, 5:40, 8:40, 11:30

11:55, 2:50, 5:30, 8:10, 10:50

Beastly (PG-13)

Limitless (PG-13)

VENTURE CINEMA 12

1:40, 6:40, 11:25,

11:15, 2:00, 4:50, 7:35, 10:30

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (PG)

Paul (R)

10:45, 1:20, 3:55, 6:30, 9:05

Rango (PG)

Hanna (PG-13)

11:50, 2:40, 5:25, 8:30, 11:15 Hop (PG)

10:25, 11:25, 12:55, 2:05, 3:25, 4:45, 5:55, 7:30, 8:45, 9:55, 11:10 Insidious (PG-13)

10:50, 1:25, 4:00, 6:30, 9:00, 11:35 10:55, 1:30, 4:10, 6:50, 9:35 Soul Surfer (PG)

11:10, 1:50, 4:30, 7:10, 9:50 Source Code (PG-13)

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

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

4:20

Drive Angry (R)

4:10, 7:05, 9:40

11:45, 2:25, 5:05, 7:50, 10:20

The Eagle (PG-13)

Source Code (PG-13)

3:55, 6:45, 9:25

The Green Hornet (PG-13)

11:15, 2:00, 4:50, 7:35, 10:30

11:35, 2:20, 5:00, 7:45, 10:40

Hop (PG)

Paul (R)

The Adjustment Bureau (PG-13)

10:50, 1:25, 4:00, 6:30, 9:00, 11:35

11:00, 4:05, 8:50

11:10, 1:40, 2:20, 4:10, 6:50, 7:40, 9:20

12:00, 12:20, 2:20, 2:50, 4:55, 5:15, 7:15, 7;50, 9:50, 10:20

Rango (PG)

The Last Godfather (PG-13)

Battle: Los Angeles (PG-13)

Insidious (PG-13)

10:55, 1:30, 4:10, 6:50, 9:35

11:20, 2:10, 5:10, 8:20, 11:05

The Roomate (PG-13)

11:15, 4:55, 10:10

12:55, 3:55, 7:10, 10:05

Soul Surfer (PG)

The Lincoln Lawyer (R)

4:05, 7:00, 9:15

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (PG)

The King’s Speech (R)

11:10, 1:50, 4:30, 7:10, 9:50

11:30, 2:15, 5:15, 8:15, 11:20

Tangled (PG)

Source Code (PG-13)

Your Highness (R)

4:15, 5:15, 6:45, 7:30, 9:00, 9:40

11:05, 1:45, 4:05, 6:55, 9:15

Limitless (PG-13)

11:45, 2:25, 5:05, 7:50, 10:20, 1:10, 3:50, 6:20,

10:40, 1:35, 4:05, 6:45, 9:15, 11:45,

4:25, 9:50

1:30, 4:15

5:15, 8:15

AMC DISCOVER MILLS 18

Sucker Punch (PG-13)

12:40, 4:45, 7:50, 10:40

The King’s Speech (R)

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

1:10, 3:50, 6:20, 9:20, 11:40

Hanna (PG-13)

1:35, 4:10, 7:10, 9:45

Paul (R)

Limitless (PG-13)

12:15, 2:40, 5:05, 7:30, 10:05

Insidious (PG-13)

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

11:55, 2:50, 5:30, 8:10, 10:50,

Arthur (PG-13)

True Grit (PG-13) Yogi Bear (PG)

Arthur (PG-13)

Hanna (PG-13)

4:00, 6:50, 9:30 4:20, 6:55, 9:20

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

1:00, 3:20, 5:40, 8:00, 10:25

Take Me Home Tonight (R)

PAGE 12 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011

3:55, 7:10, 9:35

Gulliver’s Travels (PG)

5:20, 7:20, 9:30

The Mechanic (R)

6:55, 9:15

Unknown (PG-13)

4:00, 7:05, 9:35

Rango (PG)

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

Arthur (PG-13) Battle: Los Angeles (PG-13)

2:55, 5:35, 8:20, 11:00 Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son (PG-13)

2:30, 5:20, 8:05, 10:50 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (PG)

2:05, 4:45, 7:35, 9:45 Hop (PG)

2:00, 2:45, 4:10, 5:05, 6:20, 7:25, 8:30, 9:35, 10:40 Gnomeo and Juliet 3-D (G)

2:00, 4:00, 6:00, 8;00, 10:00 Hanna (PG-13)

2:55, 5:40, 8:15, 10:45 I Am Number Four (PG-13)

2:50, 5:30, 8:10, 11:00 Just Go With It (PG-13)

2:45, 5:25, 8;00, 10:35 The Lincoln Lawyer (R)

2:35, 5:15, 7:50, 10:30 Red Riding Hood (PG-13)

2:00, 4:10, 6:25, 8:40, 10:55

Film Fans: Easter Bunny tale ‘Hop’ lays an egg ★★★ ★★

EDITOR’S NOTE: Film Fans features local residents reviewing the film of the week: “Hop.” Want to be a film fan?

Email features@gwinnettdailypost.com.

“Hop” is OK. You are not getting anything new and exciting. You are just getting your basic “try to cash in for the holiday” kid’s movie, Sean Ahern which is why the focus was more on the advertisement campaign than the film itself.

The noticeable use of the green screen effect points to the rush for the holiday release. This could have just as easily been the next installment of “Alvin and the Chipmunks.”

This film, targeted for

★★★ ★★

“Hop,” by director Tim Hill sadly is not worth the price of jelly beans.

The movie stars (and I use that word loosely) James Marsden as Fred O’Hare (delightMyra Simons ful eye candy), Russell Brand, Hugh Laurie, Hank Azaria, Elizabeth Perkins and Gary Cole. The best part of the movie is a cameo by David Hasselhoff doing an impression of William Shatner doing an impression of David Hasselhoff, but this wasn’t enough to carry the entire movie.

The premise is marginal at best, and a better plot would have been the Marshmallow Peeps in a massive revolt against the Easter Bunny, involving candy as ammunition or a shootout with jelly beans vs. Cupid, the Tooth Fairy or Father Time. I will say that the animation was excellent — right down to the fluffed Peep’s tail feathers.

“Hop” is a hollow imitation chocolate Easter Bunny in a world of solid milk chocolate bunnies.

— Myra Simons, Buford

★★★★ ★

“Hop” is a cute, fun film to see with the family. It is colorful and bright with plenty of

Special Photo: Universal

E.B., the teenage son of the Easter Bunny, voiced

by Russell Brand, is shown in a scene from “Hop.”

humor thrown in that will have you laughing. I enjoyed James Marsden as Fred, a son who was failing to meet his dad's expectations and Cindy Evans to find his calling. Enter the timely arrival of E.B. who is adorable as the next Easter Bunny running away from his destiny with his

own dreams to follow.

I enjoyed their relationship which starts off in a bumpy way. If you have time for a silly but sweet show, hop on over to the cinema to see this one.

— Cindy Evans, Duluth

ROMANTIC, THRILLING AND OFTEN SCARY!”

“

the elementary aged child and down, attempts to hook them with poppy songs and cute bunnies and chicks. “Hop” makes no effort to cater to the

parents with amusing innuendos. Wait until the free summer movie festivals to see “Hop” at no cost.

— Sean Ahern, Buford

THE INSPIRING TRUE STORY OF BETHANY HAMILTON

—US WEEKLY

“

DISTINCTIVELY ORIGINAL AND BEWITCHING!”

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TRANSFIXING!” MIA WASIKOWSKA

“

A CLASSIC FOR A NEW GENERATION!”

MICHAEL FASSBENDER “

TRULY SUSPENSEFUL!” JAMIE BELL JUDI DENCH

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

J.K. Simmons, left, stars as Henry Sawyer and Lou Taylor Pucci stars as Gabriel Sawyer in “The Music Never Stopped.”

Special Photo: Roadside Attractions

MISSING THE NOTES J.K. Simmons never finds rhythm in ‘Music Never Stopped’ The Music Never Stopped (PG) ★★★ ★★

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

Few mainstream audiences know actor J.K. Simmons by name, but practically everyone recognizes his distinctive, lined face and baritone voice. He played Peter Parker’s editor in “Spider-Man,” the title character’s father in “Juno,” a cop on “The Closer” and a doctor on “Law & Order.” He’s also the current pitch man for Farmer’s Insurance. He’s one of Hollywood’s most versatile and dependable character actors.

“The Music Never Stopped” is the first time in Simmons’ 25-year career that he has played the lead, and it is a perfect example of why so many gifted performers are regulated to supporting roles. It’s especially sad that Simmons is the best thing in this movie — a pandering, pedestrian, painfully dull and thoroughly predictable illness drama far

better suited to the Lifetime or Oxygen cable channels.

Employing not one but both of the two most unimaginative storytelling crutches (soundtrack and flashback), screenwriters Gwyn Lurie and Gary Marks (very loosely adapting the essay “The Last Hippie” by Dr. Oliver Sacks) give maudlin new meaning and completely eviscerate the movie of any intelli-

gence or authentic soul.

It starts with moderate promise. Gabriel Sawyer (Lou Taylor Pucci) is in his mid-30s and recently had a cancerous tumor removed from his brain. The operation has robbed Gabriel of his short-term memory and he, like many others we all probably know, is metaphorically stuck in the ’60s. The

A DAVID GORDON GREEN FILM

• See Music, Page 15

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS A STUBER PICTURES PRODUCTION “YOUR HIGHNESS” DANNY MCMUSIC BRIDE JAMES FRANCO NATALIE PORTMAN ZOOEY DESCHANEL JUSTIN THEROUX TOBY JONES DAMIAN LEWIS BY STEVE JABLONSKY EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS DANNY MCBRIDE ANDREW Z. DAVIS JONATHAN MONE MARK HUFFAM PRODUCED WRITTEN DIRECTED

BY SCOTT STUBER

BY DANNY R. MCBRIDE & BEN BEST

BY DAVID GORDON GREEN A UNIVERSAL PICTURE SOUNDTRACK ON BACK LOT MUSIC AND VARÈSE SARABANDE RECORDS

© 2010 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

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

Music Dead. Henry commits to acts? The movie plays into memory every Dead song everybody’s latent guilt and big problem with this setup ever made, which will allow hopeful future. is that it takes place in the him to “reach” Gabriel and “The Music Never mid-’80s — at least a decade reverse years of acrimony.

Stopped” is ultimately and and a half removed from the It’s very hard to watch a constantly crippled by an ’60s. Do the math — it does- movie like this and not get overt, heart-tugging obviousn’t jibe. We’re also given no hooked or swept up by its ness that will appeal to only clue of what has happened to heartwarming intent. It’s the most malleable and Gabriel in the interim other earnest to the nth degree and impressionable viewers. Like than he has lived in Greenexceedingly admirable. Who so many films of late, it takes wich Village. of us hasn’t wished we could a sledgehammer approach to Gabriel’s parents Helen be given the opportunity to a subject that demands a (Cara Seymour) and Henry metaphorically turn the clock craftsman’s delicacy, nimble(Simmons) haven’t seen him back and make amends for ness and refined touch. since he left home in a huff past questionable or regretful (Roadside Attractions) in the wake of Henry’s refusal to let him attend a RAVES: Grateful Dead concert. It’s “ the normal father vs. son stuff. Gabriel was a singer/guitarist in a bad A fairy tale of lightning speed and gritty action!” garage band, and we know – PETER TRAVERS he’s a “rebel” because he “ chooses to burn an American , flag at a high school dance.

The old-school Henry understandably becomes incensed A nonstop thrill! Fast-paced and full of wonders!”

– KAREN DURBIN, ELLE by this, trashes his son’s rock-star-poster-adorned “ ” room and summarily dis– SPIN MAGAZINE owns him. Helen requisitely stands on the sidelines, flustered and in disrepair.

Recalling Sacks’ far superior adaptation “Awakenings,” director Jim Kohlberg introduces the soft-spoken, borderline-angelic Dianne (Julia Ormond), a therapist who uses music to reach and hopefully cure her patients.

After some initial missteps, Dianne is able to conclude SAOIRSE RONAN ERIC BANA and CATE BLANCHETT that she can prompt Gabriel into becoming coherent by playing a Beatles song.

Viola! A cure can’t be that far away.

Desperate to give Henry something to do during all of this, the filmmakers have DIRECTED BY JOE WRIGHT ORIGINAL SCORE BY THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS him become — practically instantly — a classic rock aficionado. He trades in his collection of vintage ’40s www.HannaTheMovie.com pop and big band records for Visit itunes.com/focusfeatures to buy the exclusive soundtrack from The Chemical Brothers and a look behind the scenes of HANNA. crates of late ’60s staple Anne Hathaway/Jim Sturgess titles. There’s Cream, The STARTING TODAY ADAPT OR DIE CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATRE LOCATIONS AND SHOWTIMES OneDay Who, Buffalo Springfield, IN SELECT THEATRES JULY 8 Jimi Hendrix and — most importantly — the Grateful • From Page 14

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FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 15

FILTHY, FOUL, BUT FUN Despite childish humor, ‘Your Highness’ entertains Your Highness (R) ★★★ ★★

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

Less than five minutes after it starts, and before the opening credits are even over, leading man Danny McBride and his “Your Highness” co-writer Ben Best already exceed the quota of profanity contained in the average “R”rated adult comedy. Like a pair of rascally third-grade boys left to their own devices, McBride and Best toss about their cuss words willy-nilly and solely for shock value.

Profanity is nothing new to movies, but using it, like sex and violence, in context is everything. If this was a mob flick or a Judd Apatow movie, it would work when used sparingly in the right places. “Your Highness” is a medieval adventure spoof along the lines of “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” where characters say “thee,” “thou,” “forthwith” and other terribly dated and affected bits of Middle English. To call the use of profanity here clunky would be a gross understatement.

In a very short amount of time, the writers’ desired shock wears off and they up the ante even more by including entire sentences containing grotesque body part euphemisms and the description of acts that would fit in well in any porn flick. It should be noted that there’s also a fair

Special Photo: Universal

From left, Natalie Portman, Danny McBride, James Franco and Zooey Deschanel star in “Your Highness.”

amount of nudity, drug use, homophobia and the suggestion of pedophilia. Consider yourself warned — the language, violence and visuals here are explicit and not for the easily offended.

The movie could and should have been rated NC17.

That said, the screenplay contains such a copious thicket of material that it would be impossible for some of it to not actually be funny. What’s that phrase?

Even a broken clock is right twice a day? Is laughing a half dozen times worth $10 and two hours of your time? Unless you consider the idea of Larry Flynt or

Andrew Dice Clay rewriting “King Arthur ” or “Robin Hood” an interesting premise, not in the least.

“Your Highness” marks the second collaboration between McBride, co-lead James Franco and David Gordon Green, the director of the just-OK stoner comedy “Pineapple Express.”

Once a promising indie visionary, Green is the guy behind “George Washington” and “All the Real Girls,” and to put it bluntly, his artistic soul now belongs to the guy downstairs. Few formerly talented directors have sold themselves out this cheaply and brazenly.

PAGE 16 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011

Once more with the broken clock analogy — Green and McBride aren’t complete fools and have seen to it that people other than snickering teenagers will be at least somewhat interested in seeing their movie.

Because of the presence of Franco, Green’s “All the Real Girls” lead Zooey Deschanel and recent Oscar winner Natalie Portman, many usually discerning folks (and all of the performers’ dedicating followings) are going to give “Your Highness” a shot and they probably won’t be completely let down. All three surprisingly escape

with their dignity relatively intact, which in itself is a minor miracle. The same can not be said for the usually intelligent Justin Theroux (“American Psycho,” “Mulholland Drive”) who plays a maniacal wizard and dons the most hideous male hairdo since John Candy in “Spaceballs.”

If you’re still on the fence about seeing “Your Highness” and want to get an idea of just how raunchy it is, you’re in luck. Months ago, the studio released

what is called a “red band” trailer and it is a pretty good indicator of the film’s content. Unlike normal “green band” trailers that are cleared for all audiences, the rarely issued “red band” trailers play only before films rated “R.” The “red band” for “Your Highness” is unusually long (31⁄2 minutes), has a bunch of the profanity included and you don’t even have to leave your house to see it. Just go to www.youtube.com. (Universal)

PLUCK OF THE IRISH ‘Kill’ rises to top of mobster movie hit list Kill the Irishman (R) ★★★★

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

Instantly establishing itself as one of the most essential mob movies ever made, “Kill the Irishman” examines the career of Danny Greene, a Clevelandbased criminal who singlehandedly drove the Mafia’s Italian and Jewish hierarchy up a veritable wall in the mid-’70s.

Fearless almost to the point of foolish, Greene (Ray Stevenson — TV’s “Rome,” the upcoming “Three Musketeers” remake) was fueled by a bottomless well of Irish bullheadedness, pride and flat out moxie that even hardened Mafioso couldn’t fathom or understand. Greene wasn’t afraid of or intimidated by anyone, which worked masterfully for a short while. Seasoned men steered clear of him while impulsive sorts either mistakenly challenged or mindlessly gravitated toward him.

To make it all the worse for his enemies, the street smart Greene was wiser than all of them combined and they grudgingly knew it.

Greene is easily the most interesting and ominous crime movie character since Michael Corleone. That’s extremely high praise when you consider that Michael Corleone was fictional and Greene wasn’t.

The fact that Greene actually walked the Earth is used to maximum effect by direc-

tor/co-writer Jonathan Hensleigh. In between the gritty, always to-the-point passages of live action, Hensleigh splices in often grainy, archival local and national news footage of Greene and his crimes that lends the film an overwhelmingly authentic and unmistakable documentary (but not lowly docudrama) air.

Oliver Stone did this same sort of thing with “JFK,” and sometimes it worked but mostly it didn’t because Stone got too artsy and messed with the facts.

Hensleigh and co-writer Jeremy Walters (adapting the book by Rick Porrello) take an absolute minimum of artistic liberties here.

There are a few dramatized scenarios (and all of them work well) and one composite character (a childhood friend of Greene’s and later a detective investigating him played by Val Kilmer), but the bulk of the film is played out mostly how it happened in real life.

There have been a number of critics who have derided Stevenson’s performance in the film, claiming that he lacks personality or screen presence, and to them it must be asked: What movie were you watching?

Stevenson (a dead ringer for Michael O’Keefe) approaches this role with impeccably restrained understatement and remarkable finesse.

Stevenson isn’t Joe Pesci in “GoodFellas” or Al Pacino in “Scarface” — all misplaced, whacked-out bravado — but rather a calculating, unemotional, muscleonly-when-needed appraiser of his surroundings; more

akin to Pacino in “The Godfather” trilogy. It is a superb performance.

Casting a lesser-known actor like Stevenson as the lead in a film like this earns Hensleigh high marks (think Ray Liotta in “GoodFellas”) but a good deal of that is negated by his choice of secondary and even incidental characters. At least a half dozen of them were also in “GoodFellas” (including Paul Sorvino as Mafia Don Tony Salerno) or “The Sopranos.” In just the slightest way it is a constant, negative and likely avoidable distraction. The presence of Christopher Walken as one of Greene’s slippery mentors

and Vincent D’Onofrio as one of his confidants almost makes up for it, but only almost.

In another huge gamble, Hensleigh includes a just seconds-long snippet of footage of the real Greene at the end of the film that could have not only ruined everything but might have marginalized Stevenson’s riveting portrayal. Luckily, it’s handled in a most caring, succinct and delicate manner and it only serves to enhance Greene’s memory and legend as the most important U.S. crime figure you’ve probably never heard of.

(Anchor Bay)

Ray Stevenson stars in “Kill the Irishman.”

Special Photo: Anchor Bay Films

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 17

MUSIC

Learn the trick to super savings!

BY VENUE 37 Main 37 E. Main St., Buford 678-288-2030

• Today: Departure • Saturday: The Breakfast Club • Thursday: Butt Naked • April 15: Iron Mullet

Lil Wayne will perform Saturday at Philips Arena in Atlanta.

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

• Today: Citizen Cope • Monday: Dr. Dog • Thursday: The Orkids

Special Photo

AARON’S AMPHITHEATRE AT LAKEWOOD

COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

2002 Lakewood Ave., Atlanta 404-443-5000

2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta

• April 16: Tim McGraw with Luke Bryan and The Band Perry ARENA AT GWINNETT CENTER 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500

• April 18: Lady Gaga PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT GWINNETT CENTER 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500

• April 22-23: “Carmen” ATLANTA CIVIC CENTER 395 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta 404-523-6275

• Saturday, Sunday, April 1517: The Atlanta Passion Play BUFORD VARIETY THEATER 170 W. Main St., Buford 770-271-7878

• Today: Gary Gulman and Robert Kelly • Thursday: Low Dough Comedy Show CENTER STAGE 1374 W. Peachtree St. 404-885-1365

• Today: Tedeschi Trucks Band • Saturday: Citizen Cop • Monday: BET Music Matters Tour with Marsha Ambrosius, Melanie Fiona and Anthony David CHASTAIN PARK AMPHITHEATER 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta 404-233-2227

• May 21: Paul Simon

• April 16: Lisa Lampanelli • April 23: Sinbad EDDIE’S ATTIC 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur 404-377-4976

• Today: The Waymores feat.

Sally Barris, Don Henry and Tom Kimmel • Saturday: David Berkeley • Tuesday: Matthew Mayfield, Jameson Elder • Wednesday: Ari Hest, Bess Rogers • Thursday: Georgia, Joshua Fletcher FERST CENTER FOR THE ARTS 349 Ferst Drive, Georgia Tech 404-894-9600

• April 16: Peabo Bryson FOX THEATRE 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-881-2100

• Tuesday-Thursday: America’s Got Talent • April 21: Charlie Live: My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat Tour THE LOFT 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta 404-885-1365

• Thursday: Fitz and the Tantrums • April 15: Wanda Jackson PHILIPS ARENA 1 Philips Drive N.W., Atlanta 404-878-3000

• Saturday: Lil Wayne • April 19: Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band RED LIGHT CAFE 553 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta 404-874-7828

• Saturday: Jeff Shephard Band • April 16: Faces in the Pave-

ment, Mideastern Night RIALTO CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 80 Forsyth St. N.W., Atlanta 404-651-4727

• April 22: Joe Lovano • April 30: Big 3 Palladium Orchestra SMITH’S OLDE BAR 1578 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta 404-875-1522

• Today: Soul Rebels Brass Band • Saturday: The Bridge • April 14: William Fitzsimmons THE TABERNACLE 152 Luckie St., Atlanta 404-659-9022

• Today: Scissor Sisters • April 14: Coheed and Cambria • April 15: Sevendust VARIETY PLAYHOUSE 1099 Euclid Ave., Little Five Points 404-521-1786

• Today: Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder • Saturday: Amos Lee • April 15: Toad the Wet Sprocket VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATER AT ENCORE PARK 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta

• May 5: Project 9-6-1 Cinco Party: Avenged Sevenfold, Seether and Alterbridge WILD BILL’S 2075 Market St., Duluth 678-473-1000

• April 16: Riff Raff with Full Frontal Most tickets available through Ticketmaster at 404-249-6400 or www.ticketmaster.com.

PAGE 18 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2011

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GWINNETT CALENDAR 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 Kudzu Art Zone is holding an exhibit called “Floura and Fauna” through April 30 at 116 Carlyle St. in Norcross. For more information, visit www.kudzuartzone.org.

The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center will host the exhibit “Your House, My House” through April 16. The exhibit displays the homes of people around the world. The exhibit is included with admission to the GEHC and free for GEHC members. For more information, call 770904-3500 or visit gwinnettEHC.org.

Saturday The Right to Hike will host a banquet in memory of Meredith Emerson on Saturday at the Gwinnett Center Tommy Hughes Grand Ballroom. The event will feature a guest appearance by the Indigo Girls.

Tickets are $75. For more information, email julia@righttohikeinc.com.

Books-a-Million Discover Mills is having a free magic tree house kids event at 1 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 678-847-5115.

April 16 Creative Enterprises is hosting the third annual Ride for the Challenged at 9:15 a.m. April 16 at 701 Hi Hope Lane in Lawrenceville. Cost is $25 per rider and $10 per passenger with all proceeds supporting the disabled through employment and day rehab activities. For more information, visit www.ceisite.com.

April 20 The Gwinnett County Pubic Library presents a panel of gardening experts and gardening book authors from 10 a.m. to noon April 20 at the Gwinnett Technical College, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville. The panel consists of author Erica Glasener, former University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley, author Jim

METRO CALENDAR Monday The Theatrical Outfit will present a staged reading of Calvin Alexander Ramsey’s play “The Green Book” at 7 p.m.

Monday and 2 p.m. Tuesday at The Balzer Theater at Herren’s, 84 Luckie St. in Atlanta. For more information, call 678-528-1500 or visit www.theatricaloutfit.org.

Thursday The Smithgall Arts Center will present the independent film “The Electric Fairy” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at The Arts Council Inc., 331 Spring St. in Gainesville. For more information, visit www.theartscouncil.net.

April 16 The Smithgall Arts Center will present Morgan

Guerin Quartet as part of its evenings of intimate Jazz concerts at 8 p.m. April 16 at The Arts Council Inc., 331 Spring St. in Gainesville. For more information, visit www.theartscouncil.net.

April 17 The Taj Mahal Trio will be performing at 7:30 April 17 at the Atlanta Jazz. Tickets range from $32.50 to $35. For more information, visit www.atlantajazz.info.

April 25 The ART Station will host the “Lunchtime Series” from noon to 1 p.m.

April 25 at 5384 Manor Drive in Stone Mountain Village. Tickets are $10 for the presentation and a boxed lunch and $5 for the presentation only. For more information, call 770-469-1105 or visit www.artstation.org.

Special Photo

The Right to Hike will host a banquet in memory of Meredith Emerson on Saturday at the Gwinnett Center Tommy Hughes Grand Ballroom. The event will feature a guest appearance by the Indigo Girls.

Wilson and author Jane Bath. For more information, visit www.gwinnetttech.edu.

at the New Dawn Theater, 3087 Main St. in Duluth.

Ongoing Events April 30 Huthmaker Violins will host the WilmingtonAtlanta Suzuki Violin Concert at 4 p.m. April 30

Aurora Theatre’s Spanish language theatre initiative Teatro del Sol will host the show Barrio Hollywood from April 14 through May 1.

Civil War Medicine Exhibit Opening Friday, April 15th • 10-5 Saturday, April 16th • 10-4 Book Signing by the Authors of Crossroads of Conflict April 15th 2:00pm • Books Available for Purchase

Amputation Re-Enactments

Mail completed entry to GDP/Little Fockers 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 April 29, 2011. Winners will be notified by phone.

April 15th & 16th • 11am, 1pm & 3pm Discussion led by Valarie Cox, RN; Society of Civil War Surgeons

706-367-5307 • crawfordlong.org • 28 College Street, Jefferson

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