The Gwinnett Daily Post Weekend/Entertainment Section

Gwinnett Daily Post

Friday, June 24, 2011

Mater and Lightning McQueen race back into theaters for Pixar sequel — Page 10

INSIDE

week end what to do, hear, see, watch, read, listen to, visit and eat in Gwinnett and Atlanta Lawrenceville restaurant offers Thai cuisine ............................................................Pg. 4

Danthai Thai Restaurant in Lawrenceville offers a variety of Thai favorites, including its flaming coconut chicken soup, back, basil rolls, right, chicken satay, left and traditional fried rolls, front.

Staff Photo: Ben Beitzel

Art Beat ....................................................................Pg. 6 Movies.................................................................Pgs. 8-16 Showtimes ............................................................Pg. 12 Gwinnett Calendar ............................................Pg. 17 Metro Calendar ....................................................Pg. 18

By Venue ................................................................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, email features@gwinnettdailypost.com or fax 770-339-8081.

Weekend Design: Tori Boone

PAGE 2 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011

DINING GWINNETTTASTES A selection of local eateries recently featured in the Gwinnett Daily Post: • Firesalt Tavern The menu at Firesalt Tavern includes a wide variety of options including seafood, burgers, steak, sandwiches the fish of the day. The restaurant uses fresh ingredients and has a wide range of bottled beer and wine.

The most popular dishes are the steaks, which are grilled to order, and shrimp and grits. The scallops and salmon are also top-selling dishes.

33 Buford Village Way, Buford, 770-932-6284, www.firesalttavern.com.

• Sara Donuts Doughnuts are the main dish at this shop and they range from your typical glazed doughnut to the gourmet red velvet doughnut. The owners said that customers have complimented them on the doughnuts they make as they are hand made every morning and another fresh batch is made every sixth hour each day. The most popular are the Apple Fritter and Sour Cream. Not only do they make specialized doughnuts, but breakfast rolls as well — sausage and jalapeno sausage.

45 Satellite Blvd., Suite D, Suwanee, 770-271-1129.

• Local Republic Unique beers and wines are the biggest attraction to this gastropub. You won’t find any fried food at Local Republic like at most pubs.

Chef Jeff Gray takes pride in a unique menu filled with Southern delicacies. The most popular are the Charleston-style shrimp and grits and the Gulf Coast style chicken and sausage gumbo. Warm cookies and milk, a cupcake trio and various cakes are the desserts, which are provided by Sweets on the Square in Lawrenceville.

File Photo

Pho 168 in Grayson serves its pho Tai (beef), shrimp rolls and salt and pepper squid appetizers.

225 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville, 678-2054782.

• Dooley’s Southern Stone Pizza Kitchen Dooley’s offers a wide variety of pizzas and calzones.

You can create your own by choosing from an assortment of six bases like red sauce, pesto, oil and garlic or barbecue, and then top with any of more than 30 different toppings. Dooley’s also features more than a dozen specialty pizzas. The truly adventurous can try the Kitchen Sink Calzone, a large pizza dough stuffed with your choice of 10 ingredients. Finish it in an hour by yourself and it’s free, plus you get your picture on their Facebook page and a Tshirt.

137 E. May St. Winder, 678963-5157.

• Pho 168 Asian Cuisine This traditional Vietnamese cuisine restaurant offers patrons authentic Asian dishes served in a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. The extensive list of menu selections includes appetizers, soups, noodle dishes, spring rolls and combination meals.

The several varieties of Pho (noodle soup) are hearty and filling, served with fresh sprouts and greens.

1932 Grayson Highway, Grayson, 770-807-7989.

• Rey’s Cuban Café If you’re in the mood for genuine Cuban food and not concerned with plush surroundings, check out Rey’s Cuban Café in Loganville. The varied menu features reasonably-priced Cuban sandwiches and platters, with the most expensive item on the menu costing $9.99. Appetizers include Cuban favorites such as papa rellena (fried beef stuffed potato) and mariquitas (fried plantain chips).

2950 Rosebud Road, Loganville, 770-972-1020.

• Cafe Aromas Cafe Aromas specializes in wedding cakes, but also makes birthday cakes, cupcakes, pies and cookies.

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

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

Monday, July 4 Starting at 2:00 P.M. Join us for a day of family fun featuring fireworks, concerts, prize giveaways every hour starting at 2:00 P.M., a kids’ play zone and a screening of the hit movie, LITTLE FOCKERS!

- NEW THIS YEAR The Mall of Georgia Beer Garden!

See Simon Guest Services for more information.

Brought to you by:

• Continued on Page 5 FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 3

THE DISH

Danthai Thai Restaurant River Oak Plaza, 851 Oak Road, Suite 8-9, Lawrenceville

BY BEN BEITZEL STAFF WRITER ben.beitzel@ gwinnettdailypost.com

770-985-1719

decoration to hint at the menu, but not overwhelm a group seeking a quick lunch or an affordable meal.

They also do a big take-out business, even at lunch.

• Open since: September 1994 • Menu: Thai says it all.

Savang and his wife, Lee, both grew up in the East — Noi in Laos and Lee in Bangkok. Noi lived in Paris and California, teaching himself how to cook before opening his restaurant nearly two decades ago. The menu is long and filled with the • Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays for food of the Savangs’ childhood.

Noi’s parents are both Thai lunch; 5 to 9:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays for dinner, 5 to despite his birth in Laos. “I had Thai food everyday growing up,” 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday for Noi Savang said. If you eat in, dinner order the coconut soup, it comes on fire.

• Owner: Noi Savang

• Location: A longtime staple in an aging shopping center, Danthai has seen the area around Five Forks Trickum grow around it without suffering the plight of the shuttered businesses around it.

• Atmosphere: Modest and subtle, the interior of Danthai is open with high ceilings and low four-top tables spread throughout.

There is nothing unique but it’s pleasant all the same. Its simple, comfortable interior has enough

• Things you might not know: From the start, Danthai is a family business. Son Parnass, a Brookwood graduate works both up front and in the back of his family restaurant and has a culinary degree to help follow in his parents’ path.

ONTHEMENU Appetizers • Fresh Basil Roll, $3.95 • Satay, $6.95 • Thai Dumplings, $3.95 Salads • Ginger Ground Pork Salad, $6.95 • Tiger Cry, $8.95 • Bangkok Noy Salad, $3.95 Soups • Coconut Chicken Soup, $6.95 • Red Curry Bouillon Soup,

$4.25 bowl; $7.25 pot • Wonton Soup, $3.95 bowl; $6.95 pot Entrees • Roasted Chile Paste, $7.95 • Red Curry, $7.95 • Pad Thai, $7.95 • Basil Catfish, $11.95 • Mixed Vegetable Seafood, $11.95 • Red Curry Duck, $11.95 Staff Photo: Ben Beitzel

* A vegetarian, lunch and kids menu are also available

PAGE 4 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011

Danthai Thai Restaurant in Lawrenceville offers a variety of Thai favorites, including its flaming coconut chicken soup, back, basil rolls, right, chicken satay, left and traditional fried rolls, front.

DINING GWINNETTTASTES • From Page 3 755 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suite 1530, Lawrenceville, 770-9950225.

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

3890 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee, 678482-9900.

• Cinco Mexican Cantina The Spanish name and mild Mexican-inspired interior hint at Cinco’s style of food, but Mexican is simply a baseline for the food created

by Chef Luis Ramirez. The Tampiquena, grilled steak with mashed potatoes and a cheese enchilada, is a blend of Tex-Mex with a midwestern flare. There is calamari to go with queso dip; veal and shrimp; chicken salads and enchiladas. They have fajitas and tacos, but also salmon and pork shank.

1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Suite 100, Suwanee, 678-541-0645.

• Rosebuds Restaurant and Bar Bill Bailey, known to customers as Willie, calls Rosebuds’ menu American cuisine with a cajun twist. The speciality is deep-fried cajun injected turkey, which customers can special order.

The entire menu is based on old family recipes from Bill and his wife, Rosie, but the two have added a special twist. There’s the Jumping Chili Shrimp, which features sauteed shrimp in a spicy homemade chili and garlic sauce. There’s also Peach Tilapia, which features a Georgia peach salsa on top and comes with the signature fried green beans. The one menu item Bill is most proud of is the barbecue ribs, which he says he’ll put up against anybody’s in town. The ribs come with homemade potato salad and baked beans.

3315 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, 770-837-0539.

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

Customer favorites include Danny Boy’s shepherd’s pie with ground beef, carrots, peas and mushroom gravy topped with a hearty helping of mashed potatoes and parmesan cheese, and served with garlic bread for $10.99. The Irish Nachos, an appetizer but enough for a meal, are also a signature dish popular with customers.

Fresh cooked potato chips are topped with cheese sauce, seasoned ground beef and tomatoes. The Drunken Clams are a must — steamed in beer and served with garlic bread.

3480 Financial Center Way, Buford, 678-482-5545.

cial because the dough is made fresh on location and the marinara sauce is made from scratch from an old

Italian family recipe. Steverino’s most popular pizza is the supreme, while the steak and cheese sub is

also a favorite with customers. A unique appetizer is the blue cheese chips, which are homemade potato

chips with blue cheese sprinkled on top.

3117 Main St., Duluth, 770622-2110.

LOOK OUT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A “SWIM INTO SUMMER” TRIP OF A LIFETIME!

GRAND PRIZE TRIP FOR FOUR INCLUDES: Five nights’ accommodations for four at Steinhatchee Landing Resort, A guided paddling tour and pontoon boat trip for four courtesy of Steinhatchee Landing Resort, A scalloping tour for four courtesy of On the Mark Guide Service and a meal for four at Fiddler’s Restaurant courtesy of Taylor County Tourism Development Council.

• Steverino’s Steverino’s is a pizzeria, but caters to more than just the pizza crowd. They feature great burgers, hot wings, sub sandwiches and salads in addition to their signature pizzas. The pizzas are spe-

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 5

ARTS Author Karin Slaughter’s appearance to help libraries ART BEAT HOLLEY CALMES

quest to support our libraries.

“Almost my whole tour will be held in libraries,” Slaughter said. “I want to raise awareness for what’s

happening to libraries across the country.”

Although library usage increased 23 percent from • See Author, Page 7

SHREK FOREVER AFTER Saturday, JUNE 25 Drowning Creek in Concert beginning at 6:30 PM

The Norcross Barnes and Noble store will be the site of best-selling author Karin Slaughter’s highly anticipated annual appearance at 7 p.m. July 1. The event will also be a benefit for Gwinnett Public Libraries.

Slaughter, who was born and raised around Atlanta, will make her annual appearance to kick-start her tour promoting her newest Karin book, Slaughter “Fallen.”

Slaughter’s series of beautifully written thrillers are based in the Georgia and Atlanta areas. The books’ popularity has sent her around the world each year with each new release.

This year, she will also be awarded the Silver Bullet Award, an honor created by the International Thriller Writers in conjunction with “Reading Is Fundamental” to recognize outstanding achievement in the pursuit of literacy and the love of reading.

This honor goes hand in hand with Slaughter’s PAGE 6 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011

The Village Amphitheatre Concert

Movie

July 4th

Concerts begin at 2:00 PM LITTLE FOCKERS after fireworks.

Samantha Stroh The Woody’s The Atlanta Groove

July 9th

10StepsBack Stone Echo

CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER

July 16th

The Mike Veal Band

JUSTIN BEIBER: NEVER SAY NEVER

July 23rd

Bulletproof

THE SANDLOT

Come early and take advantage of the fantastic shopping and grab a bite to eat.

Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

Visit Simon Guest Services for details. Movies begin at dusk.

SPONSORED BY:

I-85 at Exit 115, GA 20 West • Shopping Line® 678-482-8788

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.

ARTS Author • From Page 6 2006-09, the federal budget proposal will cut $20 million from library funding.

Slaughter’s response to this predicament started at the Library Association meeting in Portland, Ore. She was encouraged to write a check in support of the library, but, she thought, more could be done.

Her first event was held in Decatur, where she called upon her author friends and held an event that raised $50,000 for the DeKalb Library. Now there are plans for similar events in Boston and New York City.

“I was always at the library as a child,” Slaughter said. “It was one of the few air-conditioned places we could go back then.

My Dad loved that I was a reader, and he encouraged me as much as he could.

He loved for me to see women librarians as well educated role models.”

Gwinnett’s Library System will benefit from the July 1 event. From July 1 through 3, any customer who purchases any item, even coffee, from the Norcross Barnes and Noble can make a contribution with their purchase. Customers need to say that

they want their purchase to go in support of the Gwinnett Library System at checkout, and a portion of their purchase will be sent to the GPL. Also, customers can visit www.bn.com, and if making a purchase indicate that they want to support the GPL in the appropriate place on the form, using the code 10503043.

Those who purchase “Fallen” will be in for a thrilling ride. The story, which takes place in Atlanta, follows Slaughter’s Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents Faith Mitchell and William Trent. The book opens with a school shooting scene that was inspired by an experience Slaughter had with the GBI. She was allowed to observe a training event where the GBI agents tackled a simulated school shooting.

“Ever since Columbine, agents realize that old methods didn’t work,” Slaughter said. “Now they just go in after the shooters. It was fascinating to watch them though it was not a real crime scene, just an exercise. But it was scary and exhilarating all the same. We are so fortunate to have these wonderful agents to protect us.”

The public is invited to come and meet Slaughter

Pencil us in.

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

at the Barnes and Noble in the Galleria, Norcross, at 7 p.m. July 1. Slaughter will speak and sign books.

Best of all, purchases will make a difference in our

community by giving back to the Gwinnett Library System.

For more information, email the Gwinnett Library System at

www.gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154. The event location site, Barnes and Noble, is located at 5141 Peachtree Parkway in Norcross.

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

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO BE PART OF THE FUN! • 4 GREAT SEATS TO FRI. JULY 8TH

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Name:__________________________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________ State ______ Zip _____________ Phone _______________ Email ______________________

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Mail completed entries by June 30, 2011 to: Gwinnett Braves GDP/GBraves, P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 or enter online at GwinnettDailyPost.com on

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WWW.GWINNETTBRAVES.COM FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 7

MOVIES O’Brien ‘can’t stop’ whining in behind-the-scenes documentary Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop (R) ★★★ ★★

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

Like most comics, Conan O’Brien has many fervent supporters and an equal number of detractors. If you know who he is and are familiar with his style and schtick, you either love him or you don’t. O’Brien and those like him (David Letterman, Craig Ferguson) actually prefer you to feel strongly about them one way or the other. They’d rather you hate them than feel indifferent.

Whatever one’s opinion of O’Brien as a comic talent might be, few would initially think that he was treated fairly regarding his shortlived stint as host of “The Tonight Show.” If you watch or follow late night TV or the entertainment industry in general you already know the messy details regarding the O’Brien/NBC situation.

If you don’t and are interested in finding out more, you’ll have to keep looking.

Very little of what’s found in “Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop” sheds any kind of light on it but it is very illuminating in a way O’Brien probably hadn’t intended.

Starting out with immense promise, “Can’t Stop” soon squanders a golden opportunity to delve into one of the most freakishly bizarre events in TV history. But rather than explore what happened between O’Brien

Special Photo: IFC

Conan O’Brien appears in a scene from the documentary “Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop.”

and NBC, he and director Rodman Flender essentially ignore it and turn the film into a tired, behind-thescenes concert documentary.

O’Brien’s sold-out, 32date “Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television” tour consisted of blue stand-up material (none of which is shown), song-and-dance parodies of other artists’ road songs (shown too much) and O’Brien interacting with his staff and diehard fans (something that gets old almost immediately).

The title is meant to drive home — with sledgehammer-like finesse — the point that O’Brien is a tireless professional who must perform. “Must” meaning if he doesn’t continue hamming it up in front of someone somewhere at all times he’ll shrivel up and blow away.

The title more fits O’Brien’s mindset regarding the NBC debacle. He just “can’t stop” dwelling on it, whining about it and taking it out on everyone he knows.

For a guy who received a $32.5 million buyout on his contract and was hired almost immediately by another network (TBS), O’Brien can’t seem to grasp

that he has it better than almost anyone on the planet.

Unlike George Carlin, Lenny Bruce or the ’90s-era Dennis Miller, O’Brien isn’t at all funny when he rants, and his myopic, won’t-letit-go posture on just one issue — one that in reality only affects him — is tiresome and more than a little off-putting. Long before the end of the movie, you stop feeling sorry for him and begin to pity the people who have to live and work with him for they are the ones who truly suffer.

After watching the movie one can maybe understand why O’Brien and Flender chose not to go into too much detail regarding the NBC fiasco. Or maybe they simply didn’t want it out there for public consumption — at least the true version. If O’Brien behaved in boardroom situations the way he does in the film, it’s easy to see why NBC might have jettisoned him. The only thing O’Brien accomplishes with this movie is making it clear that Charlie Sheen isn’t the only freshly fired, recently touring, angry-at-the-world, overpaid egomaniac who is no longer on network TV. (IFC)

PAGE 8 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011

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MOVIES ‘Buck’ offers uplifting look at well-known horse expert early age, Brannaman and his brother were raised by a single father who, at best, could be described as a strict and maniacal disciplinarian. That Brannaman grew up to be such a

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic thoughtful and introspective man is amazing considering If you’re deeply involved where he started. Far surpassing all of the horse stuff, or enamored with horses, the parts of “Buck” dedicatyou’re probably already aware of Dan “Buck” Bran- ed to Brannaman’s formative years are the highlight naman. For everyone else, in rookie director Cindy Brannaman is one of the most high- Meehl’s heartfelt but often ly respect- overtly fawning film.

Although not always glared equine authorities ingly obvious, it’s pretty clear Meehl absolutely worin the world and ships Brannaman which, given his story, is kind of provided the inspira- hard not to do. However this Dan tion for the isn’t a live-action bio-drama, Brannaman it’s a documentary, the type title character in the of movie where filmmaker novel “The Horse Whisper- and subject need to be emotionally and somewhat inteler” later played by Robert lectually detached.

Redford in the film of the Meehl gets close to being same name. Brannaman unbiased during a scene late also acted as Redford’s in the film when Brannaman body double in the film.

As subjects for documen- is presented with a situation taries go, Brannaman is pure involving a rowdy and headstrong horse that leaves him gold. A throwback to a time — or rather the horse’s ownlong ago, Brannaman is a ers — with few appealing man in his early 50s who options. There are instances could rightfully be considwith horses, as with many ered the best in the world at other animals and some peowhat does. When on the clock (and often times when ple, where even the greatest talent, insight or guidance as he’s not), Brannaman is the no effect and unpleasant sceembodiment of the Western frontier; a graceful man who narios must be considered.

While none of it is bad with the most subtle of and almost all of it is upliftmovements and minimal ing in one way or another, uttering of sounds, he can make a horse do literally any- “Buck” always comes thing he wants. Brannaman’s across as emotionally professional talents can right- manipulative and exceedfully be described as border- ingly sincere. Think of it as kind of a western-themed ing on the otherworldly.

Brannaman’s life prior to Hallmark card. It’s warm, thoughtful, well-intended, becoming a horse expert is also very film-worthy. After superbly crafted and almost the death of his mother at an instantly forgettable. (IFC)

Buck (PG) ★★★★ ★

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 9

MOVIES

very little

VROOM ‘Cars 2’ lacks charm, freshness of first film

PAGE 10 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011

Cars 2 (PG) ★★★ ★★ It took a while — almost 25 years — but Pixar Studios has finally stumbled. “Cars 2” isn’t a total clunker by any means, but when compared to Pixar’s nearperfect back catalog it is a relative catastrophe. It also keeps the streak of inferior summer 2011 sequels unbroken.

Like other retread duds of the past six weeks, “Cars 2” takes a formula that might have worked well once, but stretches it out and waters it down so much that any of

VIEWPOINTS MICHAEL CLARK

its initial freshness and/or charm is mostly absent. Pixar got real lucky with the second and third installments of “Toy Story.” The studio defied all artistic odds by actually

ON THE WEB Check out the AP review for “Bad Teacher” starring Cameron Diaz at www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

making each sequel better than what preceded it. The “Toy Story” phenomenon was and shall remain an anomaly of movie franchises.

What’s most surprising about all of this was Pixar’s decision to make a sequel to what most folks consider to be its least popular feature. Sure, it made money — they all do — but wouldn’t follow-ups to “Monsters, Inc.” or “Finding Nemo” have made far more artistic and box office sense?

Bearing little in common with

the original — one that was centered on racing — “Cars 2” is a fish-out-of-water spy adventure with obligating racing sequences tacked on. After a relatively lowkey opening salvo featuring a thoughtful remembrance of the late Paul Newman’s departed character, the movie abandons its quaint American western roots and begins globetrotting.

The first stop is in the middle of the moonlit Atlantic Ocean where the sleek vintage British sports car Finn McMissle (Michael Caine) stealthily sneaks aboard an international freighter to try to foil a plot overseen by the spectacle-wearing Professor Z (Thomas Kretschmann).

The scene is superbly executed but has far more in common with the James Bond flick “You Only Live Twice” than the first “Cars.”

The Bond connection escalates with the introduction of Holley Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer), Finn’s crafty assistant who might as well be named Moneypenny.

Making a Bond spoof with animated talking cars is a novel concept, but the Pixar brain trust only does so about half of the time.

That’s the good half of the movie.

Rather than focusing primarily on Owen Wilson’s Lightning McQueen — the hero and lead from the first — the two directors and four screenwriters regulate him to the background and give

center stage to McQueen’s sidekick Mater (Daniel Whitney, aka Larry the Cable Guy).

The Mater character — a rusted tow truck steeped heavily in both positive and negative Southern stereotypes — worked wonderfully in small doses as a supporting character. Bumping him up to a lead role provides a few chuckles, but nothing gut-busting and after a short while Mater’s aw-shucks obliviousness goes from moderately endearing to downright grating.

Ask yourself this: does the average child have any knowledge regarding ’60s Bond movies, Wasabi, Kabuki, Zen gardens or know what a car being labeled a lemon actually means? That’s the

rub. In an effort to snag their larger-than-usual adult demographic, the Pixar filmmakers overreach with references and site gags most children will not get, and worse, most adults won’t find funny. The squirm and walkout ratios at the Saturday morning preview screening were inordinately high – especially for a Pixar movie — and the roars of laughter almost non-existent.

The best part of “Cars 2” takes place before the film even stars.

Preceding the movie is a new “Toy Story” short film — one that picks up where the last film ended — and more than hints that a fourth installment is on the not-too-distant horizon. (Pixar/Disney)

Special Photo: Pixar/Disney

Owen Wilson is the voice of Lightning McQueen in “Cars 2.”

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 11

MOVIES

very little

VROOM ‘Cars 2’ lacks charm, freshness of first film

PAGE 10 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011

Cars 2 (PG) ★★★ ★★ It took a while — almost 25 years — but Pixar Studios has finally stumbled. “Cars 2” isn’t a total clunker by any means, but when compared to Pixar’s nearperfect back catalog it is a relative catastrophe. It also keeps the streak of inferior summer 2011 sequels unbroken.

Like other retread duds of the past six weeks, “Cars 2” takes a formula that might have worked well once, but stretches it out and waters it down so much that any of

VIEWPOINTS MICHAEL CLARK

its initial freshness and/or charm is mostly absent. Pixar got real lucky with the second and third installments of “Toy Story.” The studio defied all artistic odds by actually

ON THE WEB Check out the AP review for “Bad Teacher” starring Cameron Diaz at www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

making each sequel better than what preceded it. The “Toy Story” phenomenon was and shall remain an anomaly of movie franchises.

What’s most surprising about all of this was Pixar’s decision to make a sequel to what most folks consider to be its least popular feature. Sure, it made money — they all do — but wouldn’t follow-ups to “Monsters, Inc.” or “Finding Nemo” have made far more artistic and box office sense?

Bearing little in common with

the original — one that was centered on racing — “Cars 2” is a fish-out-of-water spy adventure with obligating racing sequences tacked on. After a relatively lowkey opening salvo featuring a thoughtful remembrance of the late Paul Newman’s departed character, the movie abandons its quaint American western roots and begins globetrotting.

The first stop is in the middle of the moonlit Atlantic Ocean where the sleek vintage British sports car Finn McMissle (Michael Caine) stealthily sneaks aboard an international freighter to try to foil a plot overseen by the spectacle-wearing Professor Z (Thomas Kretschmann).

The scene is superbly executed but has far more in common with the James Bond flick “You Only Live Twice” than the first “Cars.”

The Bond connection escalates with the introduction of Holley Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer), Finn’s crafty assistant who might as well be named Moneypenny.

Making a Bond spoof with animated talking cars is a novel concept, but the Pixar brain trust only does so about half of the time.

That’s the good half of the movie.

Rather than focusing primarily on Owen Wilson’s Lightning McQueen — the hero and lead from the first — the two directors and four screenwriters regulate him to the background and give

center stage to McQueen’s sidekick Mater (Daniel Whitney, aka Larry the Cable Guy).

The Mater character — a rusted tow truck steeped heavily in both positive and negative Southern stereotypes — worked wonderfully in small doses as a supporting character. Bumping him up to a lead role provides a few chuckles, but nothing gut-busting and after a short while Mater’s aw-shucks obliviousness goes from moderately endearing to downright grating.

Ask yourself this: does the average child have any knowledge regarding ’60s Bond movies, Wasabi, Kabuki, Zen gardens or know what a car being labeled a lemon actually means? That’s the

rub. In an effort to snag their larger-than-usual adult demographic, the Pixar filmmakers overreach with references and site gags most children will not get, and worse, most adults won’t find funny. The squirm and walkout ratios at the Saturday morning preview screening were inordinately high – especially for a Pixar movie — and the roars of laughter almost non-existent.

The best part of “Cars 2” takes place before the film even stars.

Preceding the movie is a new “Toy Story” short film — one that picks up where the last film ended — and more than hints that a fourth installment is on the not-too-distant horizon. (Pixar/Disney)

Special Photo: Pixar/Disney

Owen Wilson is the voice of Lightning McQueen in “Cars 2.”

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 11

HOWTIMES S MOVIE TIMES FOR FRIDAY, JUNE 24

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

BUFORD REGAL CINEMAS, MALL GEORGIA 20

OF

Bridesmaids (R)

11:00, 1:45, 4:40, 7:35, 10:20 Cars 2 (G)

Bridesmaids (R)

10:45, 11:45, 12:15, 1:30, 2:30, 3:05, 4:15, 5:15, 5:45, 7:00, 8:00, 8:30, 9:45, 10:45, 11:15, 12:30

11:00, 12:20, 1:40, 2:55, 4:20, 7:00, 7:55, 9:40, 12:20 Green Lantern 3-D (PG-13)

10:25, 1:00, 3:50, 4:50, 6:25, 7:25, 9:00, 10:05, 11:40, 12:45 Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG)

10:40, 1:05, 3:20, 5:35, 7:55, 10:10 Kung Fu Panda 2 3-D (PG)

12:00, 2:20 Mr. Popper’s Penguins (PG)

10:30, 11:05, 11:45, 12:45, 1:20, 2:05, 3:05, 3:40, 4:25, 5:20, 6:00, 6:45, 7:45, 8:15, 9:05, 10:00, 10:40, 11:25, 12:20 Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides 3D (PG-13)

1:05, 4:05, 7:05, 10:00 Cars 2 (G)

11:05, 1:45, 4:15, 6:50, 9:25

10:35, 11:40

Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG)

The Hangover Part II (R)

12:35, 2:55, 5:05, 7:30, 9:40

11:20, 1:50, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30, 11:59

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides(PG-13) Super 8 (PG 13)

11:35, 2:10, 4:45, 7:20, 9:55 Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (PG)

11:00, 1:10, 3:20, 5:30 The Hangover Part II (R)

12:25, 2:50, 5:25, 7:50, 10:15 Thor (PG-13)

9:45 X-Men: First Class (PG-13)

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

5:35, 10:40 The Hangover Part II (R)

10:50, 1:25, 4:10, 7:10, 9:35, 12:10

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

X-Men: First Class (PG-13)

10:35, 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, 10:25

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

12:10, 3:50, 7:15, 10:25

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

10:30, 1:00, 3:30, 5:55, 8:20, 10:50 Bridesmaids (R)

12:30, 3:40, 6:40, 9:45

DULUTH

Super 8 (PG-13)

The Art of Getting By (PG-13)

X-Men: First Class (PG-13)

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

10:40, 1:35, 4:35, 7:35, 10:35 10:30, 11:15, 11:50, 1:10, 1:50, 2:30, 3:50, 4:25, 5:10, 6:30, 7:00, 7:50, 9:10, 9:35, 10:25, 11:50, 12:10

Cars 2 (G)

9:25, 10:55, 11:40, 1:40, 2:30, 4:25, 5:15, 7:10, 8:00, 9:55, 10:40 Cars 2 3-D (G)

10:05, 12:45, 3:20, 6:00, 8:50 Green Lantern (PG-13)

9:35, 11:50, 2:45, 5:30, 8:25, 10:45 Green Lantern 3-D (PG-13)

10:40, 1:30, 4:20, 7:00, 9:50pm

Bad Teacher (R)

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (PG)

12:00, 12:30, 2:20, 2:50, 4:50, 5:20, 7:40, 8:05, 10:50, 11:30

9:30, 11:55, 2:15

Bridesmaids (R)

10:10, 2:55, 7:40

1:00, 4:25, 7:20, 10:40 Cars 2 (G)

11:45, 12:15, 12:45, 2:30, 3:00, 3:30, 5:45, 6:15, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 11:15, 11:45

Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG) Kung Fu Panda 2 3-D (PG)

12:35, 5:20, 10:05 Late Autumn (Manchu) (NR)

11:00, 1:45, 4:30, 7:20, 10:10

Cars 2 3-D (G)

Midnight in Paris (PG 13)

11:15, 2:00, 4:45, 7:30, 10:15

12:40, 3:25, 6:05, 8:15

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

Bad Teacher (R)

Lincoln Lawyer (R)

Green Lantern (PG-13)

10:40, 11:50, 1:15, 2:20, 3:50, 5:00, 6:35, 7:40, 9:20, 10:10, 10:50, 11:50, 12:30

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

1:15, 1:30, 4:15, 4:30, 7:15, 7:30, 9:45, 10:00

Soul Surfer (PG)

Green Lantern 3-D (PG-13)

1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:40

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

Bridesmaids (R)

10:00, 10:50, 12:45, 1:40, 3:30, 4:30, 6:15, 7:20, 8:55, 10:00, 11:35

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

Cars 2 3-D (G)

11:45, 2:40, 5:30, 8:15, 10:45 Fast Five (PG-13)

7:55, 11:20 Green Lantern (PG-13)

11:30, 12:10, 2:25, 3:00, 5:15, 5:50, 8:10, 9:00, 11:00, 11:40 Green Lantern 3-D (PG-13)

10:05, 12:55, 3:55, 6:45, 9:45, 12:25 Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (PG)

10:35, 1:00, 3:20 Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG) Kung Fu Panda 2 3-D (PG)

10:30, 3:35, 8:30

Super 8 (PG 13)

10:10, 1:10, 1:35, 4:05, 6:50, 8:00, 9:40, 12:20 The Hangover Part II (R)

Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG)

Cars 2 (G)

10:35, 1:05, 3:40

11:30, 2:50, 6:20, 9:30

10:45, 11:15, 1:20, 1:50, 3:55, 4:25, 6:30, 7:00, 9:05, 9:35

Kung Fu Panda 2 3-D (PG)

Super 8 (PG-13)

12:05, 2:45, 5:05, 7:25

Cars 2 3-D (G)

Midnight in Paris (PG-13)

9:40, 10:25, 12:20, 1:10, 3:10, 3:55, 4:35, 5:50, 6:45, 7:30, 8:40, 9:35, 10:15

11:45, 2:20, 4:55, 7:35, 10:10

12:20, 2:55, 5:25, 7:50, 10:30

The Hangover Part II (R)

Bridesmaids (R)

Mr. Popper’s Penguins

9:30, 12:10, 2:40, 5:10, 7:55, 10:30

7:40, 10:25 Green Lantern (PG-13)

10:40, 12:35, 1:05, 2:55, 3:35, 5:20, 7:05, 7:45, 9:40, 10:05, 11:59

X-Men: First Class (PG-13)

11:25, 12:10, 2:00, 3:00, 4:35, 5:35, 7:25, 8:15, 10:00

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG-13)

Green Lantern 3-D (PG-13)

7:10, 10:25

10:55, 1:30, 4:05, 6:40, 9:15

Super 8 (PG-13)

11:00, 12:40, 1:40, 4:20, 5:10, 7:55, 8:15, 10:00,

9:45, 12:55, 4:05, 7:15, 10:20

AMC DISCOVER MILLS 18 THEATRES 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 415

PAGE 12 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011

5:45 10:25, 1:05, 3:40, 6:30, 9:20, 12:05 X-Men: First Class (PG-13)

11:20, 2:30, 5:40, 8:45, 11:45

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

1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30 Kung Fu Panda 2 3-D (PG)

2:40, 4:50, 7:00, 9:15 12:45, 1:05, 3:00, 4:05, 5:15, 7:05, 7:40 The Hangover Part 2 (R)

12:30, 3:00, 5:20, 7:35, 9:55

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

Hop (PG)

1:05, 4:05 Limitless (PG-13)

7:20, 10:05 Rango (PG)

12:35, 3:05, 5:25, 7:40, 9:50

REGAL SNELLVILLE OAKS 14

12:50, 3:15, 5:35, 7:50, 10:10

2125 E. Main St., Snellville 770-972-7469 www.regalcinemas.com

VENTURE CINEMA 12

Bad Teacher

Source Code (PG 13)

African Cats (G)

10:20, 4:40, 11:05

Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG)

Mr. Popper’s Penguins

10:15, 11:05, 12:50, 1:45, 3:45, 4:25, 6:20, 6:55, 8:50, 9:30, 11:25, 11:55 Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG-13)

12:15, 12:30, 2:50, 3:05, 5:25, 5:40, 8:00, 8:15

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

Mr. Poppers Penguins (PG)

10:45, 1:20, 3:40, 6:10, 8:40, 11:15

Cars 2 3-D (G)

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

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

Midnight in Paris (PG 13)

9:50, 10:45, 12:25, 1:20, 3:00, 3:50, 5:35, 6:30, 8:10, 9:00, 10:35

12:15, 2:30, 5:00, 7:15, 9:45

3:20, 7:25

1:00, 6:00

10:30, 11:10, 1:10, 1:55, 4:00, 7:35, 8:20, 10:20

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG-13)

12:30, 5:15, 9:30

Cars 2 (G)

Mr. Popper’s Penguins (PG)

4:35, 5:15, 10:45, 11:20

African Cats (G)

Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil (PG)

11:15, 2:10, 5:05, 8:05, 11:10

Green Lantern (PG-13) Green Lantern 3-D (PG-13)

11:00, 1:35, 4:10, 6:45, 9:15

678-847-9265 www.amctheatres.com

The Art of Getting By (PG-13)

Bad Teacher (R)

Mr. Popper’s Penguins (PG)

1:15, 4:10, 7:05, 9:30

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

11:10, 12:30, 1:50, 2:55, 4:10, 5:30, 7:05, 8:00, 9:20, 10:30, 11:40, 12:50

Green Lantern (PG-13)

Soul Surfer (PG)

CARMIKE 12 SNELLVILLE

Bad Teacher (R)

11:15, 2:00, 4:45, 7:30, 10:15, 1:00

12:55, 4:00, 6:45, 9:20

SNELLVILLE

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

Cars 2 3-D (G)

Something Borrowed

1:15, 4:20, 7:05, 9:15 Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son

12:50, 3:55, 6:50, 9:20 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (PG)

12:50, 3:55, 6:50 Hanna (PG-13)

1:10, 4:15, 7:10, 9:35 Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil (PG)

1:00, 3:05, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40

12:05, 1:10, 2:15, 3:20, 4:25, 5:30, 6:35, 7:40, 8:45, 9:50, 10:55 Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (PG-13)

12:20, 2:30, 4:35, 6:40, 8:45, 10:50 Fast Five (PG-13)

12:00, 2:45, 5:30, 8:15, 11:00 Jumping the Broom (PG-13)

12:00, 2:25, 4:50, 7:15, 9:45 Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG-13)

1:45, 4:45, 7:45, 10:40 Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides 3D (PG-13)

12:00, 2:55, 5:50, 8:45

Hop (PG)

Super 8 (PG-13)

12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:25, 9:45

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

Limitless (PG-13)

1:10, 4:15, 7:15, 9:35 The Lincoln Lawyer (PG-13)

1:00, 4:05, 6:55, 9:25 Rango (PG)

1:05, 4:10, 7:00, 9:30 Rio (PG)

Thor (PG-13)

12:25, 2:55, 5:45, 8:15, 10:45 Thor 3-D (PG 13)

2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30 Water for Elephants (PG-13)

12:05, 2:40, 5:15, 8:00, 10:35

Rio (PG)

1:05, 4:05, 6:55, 9:25

12:45, 3:00, 5:30, 7:45, 10:00

Scream 4 (R)

X-Men: First Class (PG-13)

9:10

12:30, 2:15, 3:25, 6:35, 8:05, 9:30, 11:00

Something Borrowed (PG-13)

THE FANS HAVE SPOKEN Weekend asked its Facebook fans which of Jim Carrey’s movies was their favorite, and “The Mask” was smmmoking, beating the competition with 25 percent of votes. “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” remembered to take home second place with 21 percent, and “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” snooped its way to third place. Cast your vote in this week’s poll by visiting our Facebook page at Gwinnett Daily Post Weekend.

THE TRUMAN SHOW LIAR LIAR

DUMB AND DUMBER

7.1% 7.1% 25%

THE MASK

10.7 % 10.7 %

21.4% 17.8%

CABLE GUY ACE VENTURA: PET DETECTIVE

ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND

THE CARS TAKE ON THE WORLD.

week end

Catch it every Friday in the

Gwinnett Daily Post disney.com/cars IMAX® 3D IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF IMAX CORPORATION.

©2011 Disney/Pixar

STARTS TODAY IN DISNEY DIGITAL 3D , TM

Call 770-963-9205 to subscribe.

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AND IN THEATRES EVERYWHERE Check Local Listings or Text CARS with your ZIP CODE to 43KIX (43549) SORRY, NO PASSES

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FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 13

‘Rejoice and Shout’ an off-key look at the history of gospel music Rejoice and Shout (PG) ★★★ ★★

Singer Mavis Staples provides a soundbite in the documentary “Rejoice and Shout.”

BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

At the risk of reworking the most obvious of clichés, “Rejoice and Shout” — a documentary about the history of gospel music — preaches solely to its choir.

Providing the foundation for rock, blues, country, jazz, hip-hop and dozens of other musical subgenres, gospel is the oldest American-based musical idiom and one far more deserving of the treatment it gets here.

What’s really needed here is akin to what Ken Burns did with the 10-part “Jazz.”

Although it might sound the same to those who don’t care for it, gospel is much more than just “religious music” and comes with many variations and intricacies. Distilling that into a 90minute movie is admittedly a tall order and one that direc-

Special Photo: Magnolia

tor Don McGlynn tried to fill.

By touching so briefly on myriad of historical events and notable performances, McGlynn delivers what is basically a CliffsNotes movie. There’s just enough included to whet the audience’s appetite or rope in a few new converts — which may be the point. If McGylnn had lingered too long on one aspect or another, he’d surely raise the ire of gospel purists, many of whom have already voiced considerable displeasure regarding his shorthand approach.

However fragmented and

uneven the film is, it still has its fair share of bright spots.

There are roughly a dozen talking heads who add insight and opinion but most of them say little, are redundant or simply are not ideal candidates to be speaking on camera. The only really worthwhile sound bites come courtesy of Motown legend Smokey Robinson, singer Mavis Staples and

Andrae Crouch, one of the most commercially successful gospel artists of all time and an ordained minister.

After spending far too much time on too many marginal vintage acts with similar origins and sounds, the film starts to pick up moderate steam with everything that has happened since the mid ’50s. Segments dedicated to the Rev. James Cleveland, Mahalia Jackson and Rosetta Tharpe are truncated but satisfying.

The best of lot is a lengthy profile on the Staple Singers.

Here McGlynn discusses their Chicago roots and subsequent transition into Memphis soul and crossover pop and it is the only portion of the movie to make such a vital connection.

As with many movies that focus on facets of black his-

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678-226-2639

visitlawrenceville.com

tory often do whether warranted or not, “Rejoice and Shout” includes many of the same stock news reels featuring Martin Luther King Jr. Although a man of the cloth and masterful orator, King was neither a musician nor a singer and had little or nothing to do with gospel music.

This is minor when compared to what McGlynn does for his finale.

Without giving too much

away, McGlynn includes footage of another famous black American who has less of a connection to gospel than King and it all comes off as supremely tacky, opportunistic and frivolous.

Whatever good will McGlynn was aiming for and largely secured with the rest of his film is essentially wiped away with this fawning, arrogant and amateurish move. (Magnolia)

MOVIES

Reynolds only beacon of light in ‘Lantern’ EDITOR’S NOTE: Film Fans features local residents reviewing the film of the week: “Green Lantern.” Want to be a film fan? Email features@gwinnettdailypost.com.

★★★ ★★ The latest Hollywood effort to bring yet another DC Comics super hero to the screen is, unfortunately, all hat and no cattle. In this case, it’s Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) who is recruited to the order of the Green Lantern Steve via the Kalberg ring of power that actually “selects” him when its former owner, Abin Sur, dies a brave death fighting evil in the universe.

Serious followers of the original comics tell me that the storyline is consistent with the comic books, and may be very interesting in that format.

The movie, however, comes off as convoluted and confusing for those of us that are not avid followers.

Reynolds does his best to make his character charming, while Mark Strong (“Robin Hood,” “Sherlock Holmes”) as Sinestro, does his best with his role, and Peter Sarsgaard is interesting as the misguided doctor who becomes infected with the essence of fear that does combat with the “Lantern” prior to the hero’s meeting with Parallax — the deadly immortal arch villain.

All in all, the whole thing comes off as clumsy and flat while the “fearless” hero’s spend way too much time setting up the inevitable sequel. My advice is save your money and wait for the video, if you must.

— Steve Kalberg, Lawrenceville

★★ ★★★ “The Green Lantern” is DC Comics big screen blockbuster from comic book page to the big screen. Problem for me was that it was all flat.

Ryan Reynolds did a respectable job with the very poor screenplay he was given. Co-starring Blake Lively and Tim Robbins, it’s the dastardly freakish “I’m a villan

because my daddy doesn’t love me” Peter Sarsgaard who really shines.

“Green Lantern” will appeal to 14-yearold boys everywhere, Myra and the Simons male gamers who’ve never grown up. In my opinion, this movie should come to an immediate screeching halt at the next red light.

— Myra Simons, Buford

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★★★★ I think “Green Lantern” was a very good movie. It is about Hal becoming the comic book superhero Green Lantern.

Bryce Hal is the Wright first human chosen by the ring and must save the planet from Parallax.

— Bryce Wright, Lawrenceville

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

Pencil us in.

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

Every Friday in Weekend. www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 15

MOVIES DISC SPOTLIGHT

Lights, camera,

MICHAEL CLARK

The Adjustment Bureau (Blu-ray + DVD) (PG-13) Movie: ★★★★ Discs: ★★★★ ★

questions Test your film knowledge with Michael Clark

From a marketing standpoint, few movies have been botched more than “The Adjustment Bureau.” Rescheduled twice and then released at the end of winter, it opened at No. 2 and sank like a stone. If you’ve already seen it you know just how special it is and will be happy to find out it only gets better with repeated viewings. Writer George Nolfi’s directorial debut is an intriguing stew of romance, sci-fi, adventure, politics, thriller and mystery with just a pinch of fantasy and comedy fla-

So, you think you’re good at movie trivia?

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

Congratulations to last week’s winner, Diane Thiele of Roswell.

Here are last week’s questions again and the answers: 1. What is the common movie bond shared by Elvis Presley, Jim Morrison, Doc Holliday, John Holmes and Billy the Kid? A: All were played in movies by Val Kilmer 2. Name the last female performer to be nominated for an Oscar for her work in a comedy.

A: Annette Bening in “The Kids are Alright” 3. The song “When You Wish upon a Star” originally appeared in what film?

A: “Pinocchio” 4. What entree does the Uma Thurman character order in the “Jack Rabbit Slim” scene in “Pulp Fiction?”

A: Hamburger (specifically a Derwood Kirby Burger) 5. What was the make and model of the car Steve McQueen drove most of the time in “Bullitt?”

A: Ford Mustang

voring. This is a definite keeper.

Technical specs: aspect ratios: Widescreen (1080p/1.85:1), audio: English (DTS-HD MA 5.1), French and Spanish (DTS 5.1), subtitles: English, French and Spanish.

Special features include: • Filmmaker commentary • Three featurettes • Deleted scenes • Digital Copy option • Interactive games (Universal, $39.98)

Special Photo

Uma Thurman orders a hambuger (specifically a Derwood Kirby Burger) in the “Jack Rabbit Slim” scene in “Pulp Fiction.”

Now, for this week’s questions: 1. Name a male performer to win three or more acting Oscars in the same nominating category (lead or supporting, but not both).

2. Name two remakes to win the Oscar for Best Picture.

3. Which Beatles movie was partially filmed in the U.S.?

4. Which of the five lead characters in “The Usual Suspects” died first?

5. What Oscar-winning non-fiction movie was written by Francis Ford Coppola?

The first person to respond with all the correct

answers receives a prize package of movie-related goodies, which could include promotional Tshirts, 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.com.

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.

PAGE 16 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011

We’ll save you a pile of cash.

To sign up, visit gwinnettdailypost.com Submit calendar items to calendar@gwinnettdailypost.com.

GWINNETT CALENDAR Today The Aurora Theatre will host the Short Bus Comedy Tour at 8 p.m. today at the Aurora Theatre, 128 Pike St., Lawrenceville. For more information, call Al Stilo at 678226-6225 or email al@auroratheatre.com.

Saturday Sankalpa Foundation will host “ARPAN an offering” dance drama at 4 p.m. Saturday at the North Gwinnett High School Theater. The school is located at 20 Level Creek Road, Suwanee. For more information, go to www.sankalpafoundation.org.

The Aurora Theatre will host Swing Night featuring Metro Jazz Club at 8 p.m.

Saturday at the Aurora Theatre, 128 Pike St., Lawrenceville. For more information, call Al Stilo at 678226-6225 or email al@auroratheatre.com.

LifeWay Christian Store will host a book release party and author signing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at 3125 Woodward Crossing Blvd. in Buford. For more information, email Kim Shimer at Kshimer@abhms.org.

Thursday The city of Duluth will host Magic Debbie presents Interactive Comedy Magic and Mindreading as part of its Brown Bag Lunch Series from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Duluth Town Green, 3578 W. Lawrenceville St., Duluth. For more information, call Jayne Madigan at 678-475-3512.

July 1 Barnes & Noble Norcross and the Gwinnett County Public Library’s Meet the Author Series will present New York Times bestselling author Karin Slaughter at 7 p.m. July 1 at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 5141 Peachtree Parkway in Norcross. She will kick off her book tour for the new book “Fallen.” For

more information visit www.gwinnettpl.org or call at 770-978-5154.

July 4 Mall of Georgia will host the Ninth Annual Fabulous Fourth from 2 to 9 p.m. July 4 at the Village Amphitheater.

For more information, call Jordan Worrall at 404-2333993 or email jworrall@bravepublicrelations.com.

July 9 The Avenue Webb Gin will present the movie “Rio” as part of its Screen on the Green series at 6:30 p.m. July 9 at The Avenue Webb Gin, 1350 Scenic Highway in Snellville. For more information, call Edith Murad at 404-4072310.

July 14 The city of Duluth will host Upbeat Party Rock

Concert as part of its Brown Bag Lunch Series from noon to 1 p.m. July 14 at the Duluth Town Green. For more information, call Jayne Madigan at 678-475-3512.

July 23 The Avenue Webb Gin will present the movie “Rango” as part of its Screen on the Green series at 6:30 p.m. July 23 at The Avenue Webb Gin, 1350

Scenic Highway in Snellville.

For more information, call Edith Murad at 404-4072310.

July 28 The city of Duluth will host Quite A Catch, Comic and Educational Juggling as part of its Brown Bag Lunch Series from noon to 1 p.m. July 28 at the Duluth Town Green, 3578 W. Lawrenceville St. For more

information, call Jayne Madigan at 678-475-3512.

Aug. 6 The Avenue Webb Gin will present the movie “Gnomeo and Juliet” as part of its Screen on the Green series at 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 6 at The Avenue Webb Gin, 1350 Scenic Highway in Snellville. For more information, call Edith Murad at 404-407-2310.

and us to enter to win fabulous prizes every week all summer long!

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF Tuesday, July 12th at 7:30pm

ATLANTA TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS Win a pair of tickets to qualifying rounds July 18-24 at Raquet Club of the South!

A pair of tickets to watch the Georgia Force take on the Chicago Rush at Gwinnett Center on July 9th!

We’re giving away two pairs of tickets each week!

ROCK OF AGES Win a pair of tickets to the July 8, 8pm performance!

On stage July 5-10 at the Fox Theatre.

Presented by Theater of the Stars.

Winners will be notified within 48 hours of each event and will have 24 hours to pick up their prize once notified or else forfeit. Gwinnett Daily Post reserves the right to limit quantities and frequency of awarding prizes. Sponsors and their families are not eligible. Must be 18 years old or older to enter.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 17

METRO CALENDAR July 8 The Indigo Girls with special guest The Shadowboxers will perform at Concerts in the Garden on July 8 and 9 at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E. in Atlanta. Tickets are $45. For more information, visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

July 15 Steve Earle and the Dukes (and Duchesses) featuring Allison Moorer will perform at Concerts in the Garden on July 15 at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E. in Atlanta. Tickets are $39.50.

For more information, visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

July 22 Emmylou Harris will perform at the Concerts in the Garden on July 22 at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E. in Atlanta. Tickets are $52.50.

For more information, visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

Aug. 26 Los Lobos will perform at the Concerts in the Garden on Aug. 26 at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E. in Atlanta. Tickets are $39.50. For more information, visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

Sept. 16 Grammy Award-winning artist Colbie Caillat will perform at the Concerts in the Garden on Sept. 16 at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E. in Atlanta. Tickets are $39.50, $37.50 for garden members, and are available at www.ticketAlternative.com. For more information, visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

Ongoing events Art Station will host the exhibit “Endangered

Special Photo

Steve Earle and the Dukes (and Duchesses) featuring Allison Moorer will perform at Concerts in the Garden on July 15 at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E. in Atlanta.

Species: Found Paper,” by the Atlanta Collage Society through Aug. 13 at 5384 Manor Drive in Stone Mountain Village.

The Center for Puppetry Arts will present “Cinderella Della Circus” through July 17. The theater is located at 1404 Spring St. in Atlanta.

For showtimes and more information, visit www.puppet.org or call 404-873-3089.

The Center for Puppetry Arts will present “Martha Speaks” through July 31.

The theater is located at 1404 Spring St. in Atlanta.

For showtimes and more information, visit www.puppet.org or call 404-873-3089.

The High Museum of Art will host “Alfred Stieglitz and His Circle: American Moderns from Atlanta Collections” exhibition through Sept. 11 at 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. For more information, call 404-733-4437.

The High Museum of Art will host “John Marin’s Watercolors: A Medium for Modernism,” through Sept.

11 at 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.high.org.

The High Museum of Art will present “Modern by Design,” chronicling MoMA’s art through Aug. 21. The High is located at 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. in AtlantaFor more information, visit www.high.org.

The High Museum of Art

will present “Radcliffe Bailey: Memory As Medicine” from Sunday through Sept.

11. For more information, visit www.high.org.

The Theatrical Outfit will host “The Green Book” by Calvin Alexander Ramsey at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays from Aug. 17 through Sept. 11 at 84 Luckie St. in Atlanta. Tickets range from $15-35. For more information, visit www.theatricaloutfit.org.

The Theatrical Outfit will present “Frued’s Last Session” by Mark St. Germaine Wednesdays through Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays from Oct. 12 through Nov. 6 at 84 Luckie St. in Atlanta.

Tickets range from $15 to 35.

For more information, visit www.theatricaloutfit.org.

The Premier Southeastern Food Festival will host the 10th annual Taste of Atlanta from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Oct. 22 and 23 at the Tech Center in Midtown. General admission is $25 in advance and $35 at the event. For more information, visit www.tasteofatlanta.com.

The Center for Puppetry Arts will present “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” from Nov. 3 through Dec. 31.

The theater is located at 1404 Spring St. in Atlanta.

For showtimes and more information, visit www.puppet.org or call 404-873-3089.

PAGE 18 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011

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MUSIC

BY VENUE • Tuesday: David Gray

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

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

• Today: Stone Cold Fox • Saturday: Electric Boogaloo • Sunday: Metalsome • June 29: Original Music Night • Thursday: Sin at 37

• July 16: The Girls Rock Camp ATL Camper Showcase • July 19: Stephen Marley

40 WATT CLUB PHILIPS ARENA

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

• Today: AthFest with Cinemechanica, Pride Parade, Manray, and Powers • Saturday: AthFest presented by Nomad Artists with Washed Out, Reptar, FLT RSK AARON’S AMPHITHEATRE AT LAKEWOOD 2002 Lakewood Ave., Atlanta 404-443-5000 www.livenation.com/venue/aaronsamphitheatre-at-lakewood-tickets

• July 10: Motley Crue and Poison with special guests New York Dolls • July 27: Kings of Leon ARENA AT GWINNETT CENTER 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.gwinnettcenter.com

• July 10: Mana • July 30: Ke$ha • Aug. 4-5: Keith Urban PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT GWINNETT CENTER 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.gwinnettcenter.com • July 16: Comedy Night with Jeff Allen • July 22: Meera — A Dance Drama Spectacular Play BUFORD VARIETY THEATER 170 W. Main St., Buford 770-271-7878 www.bufordvarietytheater.com

• Today and Saturday: Tim Kidd • June 30: A View from the Cheap Seats CENTER STAGE 1374 W. Peachtree St. 404-885-1365 www.centerstage-atlanta.com

• July 2: Dat’s Title Television Showcase

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

Special Photo

David Gray will perform Tuesday at the Fox Theatre.

• July 7: Musiq Soulchild CHASTAIN PARK AMPHITHEATER 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta 404-233-2227 www.livenation.com

• July 12: Rihanna with Cee Lo Green • July 28: Bob Dylan and His Band with special guest Leon Russell • Aug. 9: The Go-Go’s with special guest Tom Tom Club

FOX THEATRE 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-881-2100 www.foxtheatre.org

• Today-Sunday: Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

• July 9 and 10: Taylor Swift • July 12-13: Sade with John Legend RED LIGHT CAFE 553 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta 404-874-7828 www.redlightcafe.com

• Today: Matt Kabus, Austin Holland • Saturday: AFTON Shows • Sunday: AFTON Shows

• June 29: Open Mic RIALTO CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 80 Forsyth St. N.W., Atlanta 404-651-4727 www.rialtocenter.org

No shows listed as of press time.

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

• Today: Paul Thorn and Randall Bramblett • Saturday: Chippendales

SMITH’S OLDE BAR

Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park

1578 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta 404-875-1522 www.smithsoldebar.com

2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta www.ticketmaster.com/venue/11548 5

• Today: The Jompson Brothers and Trances Arc • Saturday: Parker Smith and the Bandwith, and Clay Coley THE TABERNACLE 152 Luckie St., Atlanta 404-659-9022 www.livenation.com/The-Tabernacletickets-Atlanta/venue/115031

• July 20: A Perfect Circle • July 22: John Butler Trio

• July 4: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: All American Celebration • July 8: Animal Collective WILD BILL’S 2075 Market St., Duluth 678-473-1000 www.wildbillsatlanta.com • Today: Bobby Compton • Saturday: Mad Margritt Most tickets available through Ticketmaster at 404-249-6400 or www.ticketmaster.com.

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

• July 15: Randy Travis • July 28: Bon Iver EDDIE’S ATTIC 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur 404-377-4976 www.eddiesattic.com

• Today: In-The-Round: Ken Wil Morton, Brian Ashley Jones and Trevor Finlay • Saturday: Callaghan and Catbird Seat • Sunday: John McCutcheon • Tuesday: Jay Brannan and Tristan Clopet • Wednesday: Mary Bragg, Angel Snow and Hannah Miller • Thursday: E.G. Kight, Diane Durrett, Donna Hopkins and special guest Lera Lynn FERST CENTER FOR THE ARTS 349 Ferst Drive, Georgia Tech campus 404-894-9600 www.ferstcenter.gatech.edu

• July 27-31: “Stripped”

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • PAGE 19

PAGE 20 • WWW.GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM • FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011