2
Denton Time
IN THE SPOTLIGHT THIS WEEK
Denton Time
01 9 14
ON THE COVER HER Curators Joe Pickett, left, and Nick Prueher introduce a VHS clip at a Found Footage Festival show in Milwaukee. They’ll be part of the Found vs. Found vs. AV Geeks event on Friday at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios. Courtesy photo/ Erik Ljung
Ephemera exalted hat will take the prize Friday night in Denton? A discarded “lost duck” poster sketched on a piece of spiral notebook paper? A clip from an infomercial for the Flowbee — a device that sucks your hair into a plastic reservoir, cuts it and whisks the clippings into your vacuum? Or will classroom films win the day? The audience will determine the victor when the Found Footage Fest takes on Found Magazine and the AV Geeks at 8 p.m. Friday at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studio, 411 E. Sycamore St. The Found Footage Festival got its start back in 1991, when founders and curators Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher found a
THURSDAY 9:30 a.m. — Crafters’ Corner at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Work on projects and learn new techniques. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.denton library.com. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Denton County Genealogical Society meets at the Emily Fowler Central
Preston Keres/Washington Post file photo
Davy Rothbart, creator of Found Magazine, reads a note he found in Washington in 2004. VHS training tape in a McDonald’s breakroom. The tape was hard-hitting stuff: “Inside and
Outside Custodial Duties. Ever since, Pickett and Prueher have been collecting strange, dated
Library, 502 Oakland St. Richard Monroe will present “A Century of Texas Immigration 1820-1920.” Free. Visit www.genealogydentontexas.org. 7 to 8 p.m. — Conversation Club, for those wishing to practice their English language skills with others, at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Free. No registration required. Call 940-349-8752.
class on how to borrow e-books from the library, at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.denton library.com to register. 4 to 5 p.m. — “Lincoln and Log Cabins,” a presentation for ages 8-12, at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Learn about Abraham Lincoln and the history of log cabins. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com. 5 to 8 p.m. — Barn dance at the Lewisville Rodeo Grounds, 101 Parkway Drive. Event is being held in
FRIDAY 3 to 4 p.m. — “Borrowing EBooks on Your Tablet,” a free
Story on Page 7
FIND IT INSIDE MUSIC Concerts and nightclub schedules. Page 5
DINING Restaurant listings. Page 6
MOVIES Reviews and summaries. Page 6
TO GET LISTED INFORMATION
Night celebrates odd videos, old filmstrips, curious discards
W
EVENTS
Joaquin Phoenix plays a man who falls in love with an operating system in writerdirector Spike Jonze’s latest film, “Her.” (Warner Bros.)
and silly tapes and anthologizing them in DVDs. The co-founders tour the country with the videotape romps in a traveling competition. Found Footage puts up its latest and greatest clips (an advertisement for a creeping electronic mask that’s meant to make you look younger, for instance) against the latest and greatest from Found Magazine (found notes, photos and oddities) and that of the AV Geeks, a collective that has a library of more than 24,000 classroom films. Cover is $13 per person, $15 for those younger than 21. Tickets are available online at www. foundfootagefest.com. — Lucinda Breeding
conjunction with the filming of a reality show episode. Entertainment includes music by the King Bucks and rodeo demonstrations by the Lewisville Saddle Club. Call 972-219-3710. 7:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents Three Tall Women by Edward Albee at PointBank Black Box Theatre, 318 E. Hickory St. Tickets cost $15. Call 940-382-1915 or visit www.dentoncommunitytheatre.com. 8 p.m. — Found vs. Found vs. AV Geeks at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal
Continued on Page 3
Include the name and description of the event, date, time, price and phone number the public can call. If it’s free, say so. If it’s a benefit, indicate the recipient of the proceeds.
TELL US ONLINE: Visit www.dentonrc.com, and click on “Let Us Know.”
E-MAIL IT TO: drc@dentonrc.com
FAX IT TO: 940-566-6888
MAIL IT TO: Denton Time 314 E. Hickory St. Denton, TX 76201
DEADLINE: Noon the Friday before publication. All information will be verified with the sender before publication; verification must be completed by noon the Monday before publication for the item to appear.
REACH US EDITORIAL & ART Features Editor Lucinda Breeding 940-566-6877 cbreeding@dentonrc.com
ADVERTISING Advertising Director Sandra Hammond 940-566-6820 Classified Manager Julie Hammond 940-566-6819 Retail Advertising Manager Shawn Reneau 940-566-6843 Advertising fax 940-566-6846
3 Denton Time
01 9 14
Photos by Lucinda Breeding/DRC
From left, Jeannene Abney, Connie Lane and Kerri Peters star in “Three Tall Women,” Edward Albee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, presented by Denton Community Theatre this weekend at the PointBank Black Box Theatre.
Height and depth By Lucinda Breeding Features Editor cbreeding@dentonrc.com
The season opener for the Denton Community Theatre PointBank Black Box 2014 series is a bit of a doozy. The Edward Albee drama Three Tall Women is another Pulitzer Prize winner the local company has undertaken in its 2013-14 season. After closing a bruising but wonderful staging of August: Osage County, the company pushes its lens even further into the complicated dynamics of the American family. Director Sharon Vaselic returned to push three formidable
EVENTS Continued from Page 2 Studios, 411 E. Sycamore St. Tickets cost $13-$15. Visit www.found footagefest.com.
SATURDAY 8:30 a.m. — Health Insurance
Local actresses dig into Albee’s ‘Three Tall Women’
Denton actresses through an emotionally draining script. Jeannene Abney, Connie Lane and Kerri Peters play an unnamed woman at different phases of life. Peters plays the woman at a dewy, bright-eyed 26, before romance turns into real-life marriage. Lane plays the protagonist at age 52, wiser but not necessarily sadder. Abney takes on the character past age 90. The heroine is a tall, patrician woman who wanted more than a woman was supposed to want before second-wave feminism deemed sexual freedom and personal agency as suitable for the goose
as its always been for the gander. Vaselic said it was her mother who urged her to direct Three Tall Women when the chance arose. “The show toured through D.C.,” Vaselic said. “My mother got that script and brought it to me. She told me, ‘You’ve got to do this show. You’ve got to.’” Vaselic said the play draws on Albee’s New England foster mother. Like the wordless son in Women, Albee left home at age 18, in part because his foster parents disapproved of his homosexuality. “These gay men who write plays about women, I think
they’re a little bit scared of them,” Vaselic said when talk turned to similarities between certain characters by Albee and one of his influences, playright Tennessee Williams. Like August: Osage County, Three Tall Women is as funny as it is brutal. The story is about an affluent elderly woman in failing health. In the first act, she reminisces about the good times of her youth, and about the blows that come with marriage and motherhood. In the second half, the audience meets the woman in her youth, in her middle age and in the present. Abney, Lane and Peters said
the absorbing script has been a challenge. Abney has to work through the character’s doddering thoughts, and Lane and Peters have to take their cues from the disjointed memories. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the PointBank Black Box Theatre, 318 E. Hickory St. Rated R for adult themes. Tickets cost $15. For tickets, visit www.dentoncommunity theatre.com, call 940-382-1915, or visit the box office at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St., between 1 and 5 p.m. weekdays. LUCINDA BREEDING can be reached at 940-566-6877.
Marketplace enrollment event at Health Services of North Texas, 4310 Mesa Drive. Drop in, or schedule an appointment by calling 940-381-1501, ext. 1016. 8:30 to 11 a.m. — Nature photography workshop at the Johnson Branch Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park, on FM3002, 7 miles east of I-35. Elizabeth Malmberg will discuss different camera settings, lighting and nature photography basics. Single-
lens reflex and point-and-shoot cameras with multiple settings are recommended. Free with regular park entrance fee of $7. Register by calling 940-637-2294. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Denton Senior Center open house at 509 N. Bell St. Guests can tour the center and participate in dance, exercise, art and other classes. Call 940-349-8720. 10 a.m. — “The Greenbelt Experience” at the Isle du Bois Unit of
Ray Roberts Lake State Park. Meet at the Elm East parking area of the Greenbelt Corridor Trail, off FM455 in Pilot Point, for a moderate to easy 2-mile hike. Free with regular park entrance fee of $7 for ages 12 and older. Call 940-686-2148. 1 to 3 p.m. — Voter registration event at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. Register to vote, or update your name or address information. 1 p.m. — Altered Cigar Box Class
at SCRAP Denton, 215 W. Oak St. Turn a cigar box into a personal memory box, shrine or purse. Second session is on Jan. 25. Cost is $10, box and papers provided. Visit www.scrap denton.org. 2 to 3 p.m. — Local author Jack Pettie will share details from his new book, Ruins of a Rose, at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. A
Continued on Page 4
4 Denton Time
01 9 14
EVENTS Continued from Page 3 question-and-answer session and book signing will follow. Call 940349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary. com. 2 to 3:30 p.m. — “Lincoln and Emancipation,” a talk by UNT history professor Richard McCaslin, at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com. 3 to 4 p.m. — “This Year I Will,” a workshop led by life coach and motivational speaker Maru Iabichela on how to stay on track with your goals for 2014, at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.denton library.com to register. 7:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents Three Tall Women by Edward Albee at PointBank Black Box Theatre, 318 E. Hickory St. Tickets cost $15. Call 940-382-1915 or visit www.dentoncommunitytheatre.com.
SUNDAY 2 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents Three Tall Women by Edward Albee at PointBank Black Box Theatre, 318 E. Hickory St. Tickets cost $15. Call 940-382-1915 or visit www.dentoncommunitytheatre.com. 2 p.m. — District 13 American Legion Oratorical Competition on the U.S. Constitution at American Legion Post 71, 2501 Spencer Road. For more information, call Lynn Vowell at 940-727-8067.
MONDAY 6 p.m. — Chess Night at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Players of all ages and skill levels welcome. Free. Call 940-349-8752. 7 to 9 p.m. — “Design for Your Yard” landscaping class series, offered by the Denton County Master Gardener Association, begins at the Global Spheres Center, 7801 S. I-35E in Corinth. The class will be offered on four consecutive Monday evenings concluding Feb. 3. The series will cover design considerations and preparation, hardscape and plant selection. Cost is $15. Sign up online at www.dcmga.com and pay for the class using PayPal or by mailing a check. 8 p.m. — Texasanka!, a Czech brass and woodwind ensemble featuring members of two traditional brass bands from Moravia, in Voertman Hall at the Music Building, at Avenue C and Chestnut Street. Free.
Continued on Page 5
Back to the books Denton eases back into semester life with a little noise lasses haven’t yet resumed on local college campuses, but Denton’s venues are hustling this weekend anyway. Local soul-tinged indie band Black James Franco gets the weekend started today at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Sudios, 411 E. Sycamore St. The trio plays a busy bill, sharing the stage with Fort Worth experimental rockers Cleanup, Denton fusion rockers Off World and Denton mathrock duo Biscuit Head. Black James Franco might consider itself inspired by hiphop (among other sounds), but rock sounds like the pre-eminent influence. Jazzy riffs are kicked out of the Muzak bin, and the vocals are reminiscent of
Courtesy photo
Sam Chown of the band Zorch also plays solo as Schmu. He’ll be at house venue Macaroni Island on Wednesday night.
C
Def Rain will hold court at Dan’s Silverleaf on Friday night. Courtesy photo
Brandon Boyd instead of Boyz II Men. When bassist Elliot Edmonds, guitarist Julio Sanchez and drummer and vocalist Eddie Terrell get together, the sound is more psychedelic than
soulful. Denton’s Def Rain, the brainchild of Ashley Cromeens (of Neeks and Record Hop), is an electronic project that sets longing vocals on top of smooth and
trance-y electro-beats. After hearing Cromeens give her pipes a Joplin-esque whipping, it’s surprising to hear her affect an alto crooning more like Sade. Def Rain will polish the dusty edge off the usual Americana grit at Dan’s Silverleaf, 103 Industrial St., on Friday. The band shares the stage with Diamond Age and the Night Game Cult. Music starts at 10 p.m., and cover costs $5. Macaroni Island is one of Denton’s busiest house show venues, and Zorch member Sam Chown makes the trek up from Austin to play under his solo persona, Schmu, on Wednesday. How to describe Schmu? One could call Schmu the result of adding a test tube full of shoegaze into a beaker of electronica. But that would only make sense if you hear tunes like “She’s Leaving” and “Made of Stone” on a homemade mix tape exposed to a little too much heat. Warping, warbling tones are set adrift as clear vocals float, untouched by the tape-melting heat, over them. Schmu makes music you can sway to, puff your e-cigarette to and tip a cup to. It’s a little ambient and a lot hooky. RTB2, Human Behavior and Peopleodeon are also on the bill at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Macaroni Island, 2311 Houston Place. There’s no cover, but attendees are urged to donate to the touring acts. — Lucinda Breeding
EVENTS Continued from Page 4 Call 940-565-2791 or visit www. music.unt.edu.
Philosophy at North Branch Library, 3020 Locust St. Join the ongoing discussions of time-honored philosophical issues with Dr. Eva H. Cadwallader, professor of philosophy. Free and open to the public. Call 940-349-8752.
TUESDAY
MUSIC
6 to 8 p.m. — Community forum on recreation and quality of life in Denton, at the Joseph A. Carroll Building, 401 W. Hickory St. Denton residents of all ages are invited to participate. To register, contact Julia Wolfe at 940-784-3780 or julia1wolfe @gmail.com. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Twilight Toddler Time at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Bring your toddler (12-24 months) for an evening that promotes literacy and caregiver bonding. Free. Call 940349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary. com. 6:30 to 8 p.m. — Teen Advisory Board at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. For teens grades 6-12. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Copper Necklace Class at SCRAP Denton, 215 W. Oak St. Cost is $15, all materials provided. Visit www.scrapdenton. org. 7 to 8:45 p.m. — North Branch Writers’ Critique Group, for those interested in writing novels, short stories, poetry or journals, meets at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Free.
The Abbey Inn Restaurant & Pub Each Wed, County Rexford, 7-9pm, free. 101 W. Hickory St. 940-5665483. The Abbey Underground Thurs: Big Band. Fri: Triple Aught, You and Me, Sex Money. Weekly events: Each Sat, “’80s and ’90s RetroActive Dance Party”; each Sun, open mic hosted by Bone Doggie, signup at 7:30pm; each Mon, karaoke. 100 W. Walnut St. www.facebook.com/TheAbbey Underground. American Legion Post 550 Each Fri, free karaoke at 9pm; each Tues, free pool. Live band on the last Sat of the month, free. 905 Foundation St., Pilot Point. 940-686-9901. Andy’s Bar 122 N. Locust St. 940565-5400. Banter Bistro Thurs: Jordan Gheen, 6pm. Fri: Classical guitar, 6pm; Kim Nall & Scott Tucker, 8pm. Sat: Irish Session, 3-5pm; Lydia Low, 8pm. Each Thurs, open mic at 8pm; each Sat, live local jazz at 6pm. 219 W. Oak St. 940-565-1638. www.dentonbanter. com. Dan’s Silverleaf Thurs: The Mother Hips, 9pm, $12. Fri: Def Rain, Diamond Age, the Night Game Cult, 10pm, $5. Sat: Pinebox Serenade, Satans of Soft Rock, Brent Best, 9pm, $8. Mon: Paul Slavens and Friends, 10pm, free. Wed: Joe Pat Hennen, 5pm, free. No smoking indoors. 103 Industrial St. 940-320-2000. www.danssilverleaf. com. The Garage Fri: Dustin Perkins. Sat: Marshall Anderson. 113 Ave. A. 940383-0045. www.thedentongarage. com. Gold Mine BBQ Fri: Barb Maxey, 7-9pm. 222 W. Hickory St., Suite 102. 940-387-4999. www.texasgoldmine
WEDNESDAY 2 to 3:30 p.m. — “Job Resources on the Internet,” a free class at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. Learn about sites that list available jobs and help with job skills, including sites available through the library. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com to register. 7 to 8:30 p.m. — Exploring
Local author to sign copies of crime novel enton artist and writer Jack Pettie talk about his crime novel, Ruins of a Rose, and sign copies of the book from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. The novel is inspired in part by a spate of disappearances of young women in Denton since the 1970s, specifically the case of young single mother Kelli Cox, who vanished in 1997. Pettie will also perform a song of the same title, written with Thad Bonduris, a Denton guitarist and music teacher. Bonduris recorded the
D
bbq.com. The Greenhouse Live jazz each Mon at 10pm, free. 600 N. Locust St. 940-484-1349. www.greenhouse restaurantdenton.com. Hailey’s Club Sat: The Speed of Sound in Seawater, Evening Crowd, Afterzoo, Tower of Octavia, Among the Ruin, Matthew McNeal, John Earle Mainord, 7pm, $10-$12. Each Tues, ’90s music, 10pm, free-$5. 122 W. Mulberry St. 940-323-1160. www. haileysclub.com. J&J’s Pizza 118 W. Oak St. 940-3827769. www.jandjpizzadenton.com. Rockin’ Rodeo Thurs: Micky and the Motorcars, Gary Kyle, free-$10. 1009 Ave. C. 940-565-6611. www.rockinrodeodenton.com. Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Stu-
song as a duet with Denton accordion player Ginny Mac, who plays in Brave Combo. Painter Anna Rose Bain will exhibit Rose Among Wolves, an oil painting inspired by the song, during the signing. The piece will eventually be auctioned, and proceeds raised from the auction will be donated to Darkness to Light, an organization that works to end childhood sexual abuse. A percentage from the book and record sales will also go toward the South Carolina-based organization. — Staff report
dios Thurs: Black James Franco, Cleanup, Off World, Biscuit Head, 9pm, $5-$7. Fri: The Found Footage Festival, 8pm, $13-$15. Sat: Dome Dwellers, Bashe, Space Goose, Pansy Moon, 9pm, free-$5. No smoking indoors. 411 E. Sycamore St. 940-3877781. www.rubberglovesdentontx. com. Sweetwater Grill & Tavern Fri: Boxcar Bandits, 9pm. Sun: String Theory Manouche, 7pm. Tues: Sweetwater Jazz Quartet featuring Neil Slater, Jim Riggs, Ron Fink & Lou Carfa, 7pm. Shows on the patio, free. 115 S. Elm St. 940-484-2888. www.sweetwatergrillandtavern.com. Trail Dust Steak House 26501 E. U.S. 380 in Aubrey. 940-365-4440. www.trailduststeaks.net.
VFW Post 2205 Free karaoke at 8pm each Thurs, Fri and Sat. 909 Sunset St.
FUTURE BOOKINGS 10:30 a.m. to noon Jan. 16 — Denton Christian Women’s Connection presents “Starting Anew in the New Year” at Denton Country Club, 1213 Country Club Road in Argyle. Featured speakers are Tonya Harless, owner of Time to Kiln, and author Grace LaJoy Henderson. Cost is $15. Reservations are due Monday. Complimentary child care for children (ages 6 months to 5 years) is available by reservation. For information, e-mail cwcdenton@ yahoo.com. For reservations, call Cathy at 940-765-3054 or Mary Ann at 940-382-6977. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 18 — “Backyard Fruit Trees,” a free class at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Area, 3310 Collins Road. The class will be taught by NCTC horticulture instructor Ashley Hartman and will include a site visit to an orchard. Presented by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the city of Denton. Visit www.clearcreekdenton.com or e-mail clearcreek@cityofdenton.com. 6:30 to 11 p.m. Jan. 18 — United Way of Denton County’s United Tribute, “Dancing With Our Stars,” at the Marriott Hotel at Champions Circle, 3300 Championship Parkway in Fort Worth. Reception and silent auction start at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner, entertainment, dancing and more at 7 p.m. Seats cost $65 each, tables of eight for $600. To make reservations, contact Teddy Yan at 940-566-5851, ext. 106, or teddy@ unitedwaydenton.org. 8 p.m. Jan. 18 — Texas Tunes concert series presents Tish Hinojosa at Medical Center of Lewisville Grand Theater, 100 N. Charles St. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for ages 60 and older or 12 and younger. For tickets, visit http://mclgrand.tix.com. For more information, visit www.mcl grand.com or call 972-219-8446.
DENTON PARKS & RECREATION Junior High Jamz will entertain sixth- through eighth-graders from 8 to 11 p.m. Jan. 17 at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1300 Wilson St. The event includes a live DJ, pool tables, air hockey, foosball, basketball and more. Admission is $4, and student IDs are required for entry. For more information, call 940-349-8575. ■ Kids Rock Friday Night, a monthly party for kids in grades 1-5, will be from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St. The “New Year Confetti Party” will feature games, sports, dancing and more. Cost is $10 per child. For more information, call 940-349-8575. ■ Youngsters ages 3 to 12 can study ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop dance at Denton’s three recreation centers. Costs vary. For more information, visit www.dentonparks. com or call 940-349-7275.
■ Dogs can learn basic obedience with their owners ages 12 and older in a class from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 21 to Feb. 25, at Denia Recreation Center, 1001 Parvin St. Dogs will learn basic commands. Dogs must be at least 9 weeks old and must be current on their shots. Bring shot records to the first class. Cost is $80 per dog. Register by Jan. 14 at www.dentonparks.com or by calling 940-349-7175. ■ Children as young as 4 can take Young Rembrandts art classes starting Jan. 27 at North Lakes Recreation Center, 2001 W. Windsor Drive. Ages 4-6 can study drawing from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Mondays. Ages 6 1/2 to 13 can practice cartooning from 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays. Cost is $65 per child. Register by Jan. 24 at www.denton parks.com or by calling 940-3497275.
■ Children ages 3-4 can register for the spring Blastball league. Coed teams will learn the basics of softball. Games begin March 22, and registration ends Feb. 25. Teams fill up quickly, so register early. Cost is $50 per player. Register online, or for more information, call 940-349-7275. ■ Registration is open for the girls volleyball league, for ages 7-14, and for the girls softball league, for ages 5 to 14. Spring volleyball games start on March 7-8, and spring softball games start the week of April 7. Athletes must present their birth certificate one week before volleyball games begin. Softball league includes eight games, with practices and most games on weekdays. Team costs vary. To register, visit www.dentonparks.com. For more information, call 940-349-7275. ■
Kids ages 4-11 can participate in the coed indoor soccer league. Games start Feb. 1, and practice starts the last week of January. Games are held at McMath Middle School, 1900 Jason Drive. Teams are divided by age, and age divisions will not be combined. Practice schedules will be announced after divisions are established. Cost is $70 per player. Register online at www.dentonparks.com, or call 940349-7275. ■ Ages 5-12 can play on NFL Flag Football Leagues. The league includes eight games and practices. Games start Feb. 15 at the Denia Recreation Center soccer field, 1001 Parvin St. Cost is $75 per player. Register by Jan. 21 at www.denton parks.com. For more information, call 940-349-7275. ■ Adult sport league registration is open for spring play. Leagues include
volleyball, basketball, kickball, flag football and softball, and players can register individually or with a team. Team fees vary. Visit www.dentonparks.com or call 940349-7275. ■ Ages 13 to adult can take a women’s self-defense class starting Jan. 27 at North Lakes Recreation Center, 2001 W. Windsor Drive. The class meets weekly and focuses on various kicking tactics, locks, chokes and restraints. Cost is $45 per person. To register, visit www.dentonparks.com. For more information, call 940-3497275. ■ The next adult social dance will be from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday at the Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Ave. Oldies singer Tommy Chandler will perform. Complimentary refreshments will be available. Admission is $6 per person.
5 Denton Time
01 9 14
6 Denton Time
01 9 14
DINING RESTAURANTS ASIAN Gobi Mongolian Grill and Asian Diner 717 S. I-35E, Suite 100. 940387-6666. Mr. Chopsticks This pan-Asian eatery does a little Chinese, Japanese, Thai and even Indian food. Offers a plethora of tasty appetizers and entrees. Many vegetarian dishes (some with egg). Beer and wine. 1633 Scripture St. Mon-Sat 11-10, Sun 11:30-9. $-$$. 940-382-5437.
BAKERIES Candy Haven and Kolache Haven 301 N. I-35E. 940-565-1474, 940-565-9700. Crickles & Co. Breakfast, pastries, desserts, coffee and tea. 2430 S. I-35E, Suite 136. Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 7am-3pm. 940-382-6500. Davis Purity Bakery Denton’s oldest bakery has sculpted but simple and flavorful cakes, soft egg bread, cookies and more. 520 S. Locust St. Mon-Sat 5am-5:30pm. 940-387-6712. NV Cupcakes Gourmet cupcakes and other sweets. 4251 FM2181, Suite 216, Corinth. Tues-Sat 11am-6pm or until sellout. 817-996-2852. Ravelin Bakery Gourmet bakery offers fresh-baked bread, mouthwatering sweets and a fine cup of coffee. 416 S. Elm St. Tues-Sat 6:30am-5:30pm, Sun 8am-5:30pm. 940-382-8561. Sugar Queen Cupcakes Denton location: 2320 W. University Drive. Mon-Sat 10-9, Sun noon-8pm. 940566-7900. Lake Dallas location: 211 Main St., Suite 100. Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 9-4. 940-497-3386.
BISTROS AND CAFES Banter Bistro Gourmet sandwiches and salads, breakfast items, coffee and espresso. Beer and wine. 219 W. Oak St. Daily 10am-midnight. $. 940-565-1638. Bochy’s Bistro Fusion menu grabs elements of European cuisines with many salad and sandwich selections. Winning Greek chicken lisi panini. Artful desserts: tuxedo cake, cream cheese brownie. 2430 I-35E, Suite 136. Mon-Thurs 8-3, Fri-Sat 8-9, Sun brunch 8-3. $$. 940-387-3354. Cachette Bistro 144 N. Old Town Blvd., Suite 1, Argyle. Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm, Sat 8am-3pm. 940464-3041. www.cachettebistro.com. The Chestnut Tree Salads, sandwiches, soups and other lunch and brunch options served in back of small shop on the Square. Chicken pot pie is stellar. Tasty quiche. Decadent fudge lava cake and rich carrot cake. Revolving dinner menu. 107 W. Hickory St. Mon-Fri 9am-3pm, Sat 9am-2:30pm; dinner Thurs-Sat 5:30-9pm. $-$$. 940-591-9475. Sidewalk Bistro 2900 Wind River Lane, Suite 132. Sun-Mon 7am-3pm, Tues-Sat 7am-9pm. 940-591-1999.
BRITISH The Abbey Inn Restaurant & Pub Full bar. 101 W. Hickory St. Sun-Wed 11-10, Thurs-Sat 11-midnight. $-$$.
940-566-5483.
CHINESE Buffet King Dining spot serves more than 200 items of Chinese cuisine, Mongolian grill and sushi. 2251 S. Loop 288. Mon-Thurs 11-9:30, Fri-Sat 11-10, Sun 11-9. $-$$. 940-3870888. Chinatown Cafe Bountiful buffet guarantees no visit need taste like another. Good selections include cucumber salad, spring rolls, orange chicken, crispy pan-fried noodles, beef with asparagus, steamed mussels. Beer and wine. 2317 W. University Drive. Mon-Thurs 11-9, Fri 11-10, Sat 11:30-10, Sun 11:30-10. $. 940-3828797. Golden China Small restaurant boasts quick and friendly service. Nice selections on buffet tables include wonton and egg drop soups, teriyaki chicken and hot pepper chicken. Beer and wine. 717 I-35E, Suite 100. Daily 11-10. $. 940-5665588. Taipei Railroad Restaurant 4405 Pockrus Paige Road. Mon-Sat 5-9pm. 940-387-3871.
COFFEE AND TEA Amitea 708 N. Locust St. MonThurs 8am-8pm, Fri-Sat 8am-9pm. 940-382-8898. Big Mike’s Coffee Shop Fair-trade coffee and smoothies near UNT. 1306 W. Hickory St. Open 24 hours daily. $. 940-383-7478. Jupiter House Coffeehouse on the Square offers espresso, coffee, smoothies, shakes, teas and other drinks, as well as pastries and snacks. 106 N. Locust St. Daily 6ammidnight. $. 940-387-7100. Kaleo Bubble Tea & Coffee 1400 S. Loop 288, Suite 108. Daily 7am-10pm. 940-387-4848. Naranja Cafe Famous for its bubble tea, this shop also serves teas, juices, smoothies and coffee. 906 Ave. C. Suite 100. $ 940-483-0800. Seven Mile Coffee 529 Bolivar St. Daily 7am-8pm. www.sevenmile coffee.com. Zera Coffee Co. Features artisan coffee and specialty coffee drinks and light snacks. Free Wi-Fi. 420 E. McKinney St., Suite 106. Mon-Sat 6am-midnight. $. 940-239-8002.
FINE DINING The Great American Grill at Hilton Garden Inn, 3110 Colorado Blvd. Dinner: Daily 5-10pm. 940-891-4700. The Greenhouse Restaurant Casual dining atmosphere complements fresh seafood, beef and chicken from the grill. Even vegetarian selections get a flavor boost from the woodpile. Starters are rich: spinach-artichoke dip, asiago olives. Refined cocktails and rich desserts. Patio dining available. 600 N. Locust St. Mon-Thurs 11-10, Fri 11-11, Sat 12-11, Sun noon-9 (bar stays open later). $-$$. 940-484-1349. Hannah’s Off the Square Executive chef Sheena Croft’s “upscale comfort food” puts the focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Steaks get A-plus. Tempting desserts. Full bar. No checks. 111 W. Mulberry St.
MOVIES Lunch: Mon-Sat 11-3. Brunch: Sun 10:30am-3pm. Dinner: Sun-Mon 4:30-9; Tues-Thurs 4:30-10; Fri-Sat 4:30-11. $$-$$$. 940-566-1110. Queenie’s Steakhouse Chef Tim Love’s steakhouse just off the downtown Square. Live jazz nightly. Full bar. 115 E. Hickory St. Lunch: Fri 11:30-2:30. Dinner: Wed-Thurs 4:3010pm, Fri-Sat 4:30-11pm. $$-$$$. 940-442-6834. The Wildwood Inn Elegant dining room tucked away in a bed and breakfast. Excellent food like hearty soups, Angus rib-eye, meal-size salads and daily specials. Beer and wine. 2602 Lillian Miller Parkway. Thurs-Sat 6-10pm. $$$. 940-2434919.
HOME COOKING Babe’s Chicken Dinner House 204 N. Fourth St., Sanger. Tues-Fri 4:30-9pm, Sat 11-9 and Sun 11-3. $-$$. 940-458-0000. Bonnie’s Kitchen 6420 N. I-35. 940-383-1455. Cartwright’s Ranch House Restaurant on the Square serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring chicken-fried steak, hamburgers and steaks. Family-style service available. 111 N. Elm St. 940-387-7706. Jay’s Cafe 110 W. Main St., Pilot Point. 940-686-0158. OldWest Cafe As winner of the Best Breakfast and Best Homestyle Cooking titles in Best of Denton 2009 through 2013, this eatery offers a wide selection of homemade meals. Denton location: 1020 Dallas Drive. Mon-Sat 6am-2pm, Sun 7am-2pm. $. 940-382-8220. Sanger location: 711 N. Fifth St. Daily 7am-2pm. 940-4587358. 817-442-9378. Prairie House Restaurant Open since 1989, this Texas eatery serves up mesquite-grilled steaks, babyback ribs, buffalo burgers, chickenfried rib-eyes and other assorted dishes. 10001 U.S. Highway 380, Cross Roads. Daily 7:30am-10pm. $-$$. 940-440-9760.
ICE CREAM Beth Marie’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream and Soda Fountain Parlor with lots of yummy treats, including more than 40 ice creams made on premises. Soups and sandwiches at lunch. 117 W. Hickory St. Mon-Wed 11-10pm; Thurs 11-10:30; Fri-Sat 11-11:15; Sun noon-10pm. 940-384-1818. Unicorn Lake location: 2900 Wind River Lane. Mon-Wed 11-9; Thurs 11-10; Fri-Sat 11-11; Sun noon-9pm. 940-5911010.
SEAFOOD Dani Rae’s Gulf Coast Kitchen 2303 S. I-35E. Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm. 940-898-1404. Frilly’s Seafood Bayou Kitchen Plenty of Cajun standards and Texas fusion plates. Everything gets plenty of spice — sometimes too much. Sides like jalapeno cornbread, red beans and rice are extra. Beer and wine. 1925 Denison St. Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-9:30. $$. 940-243-2126. Hoochie’s Oyster House 207 S. Bell Ave. Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm. 940-383-0104.
THEATERS Cinemark Denton 2825 Wind River Lane off I-35E. 940-535-2654. www.cinemark.com. Movie Tavern 916 W. University Drive. 940-566-FILM (3456). www.movietavern.com. Carmike Hickory Creek 16 8380 S. I-35E, Hickory Creek. 940-3212788. www.carmike.com. Silver Cinemas Inside Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. 940-3871957. www.silvercinemasinc.com.
OPENING FRIDAY The Legend of Hercules Betrayed by his stepfather, the mythical Greek hero Hercules (Kellan Lutz) is sold into slavery because of a forbidden love and must fight for his life and his kingdom. With Scott Adkins and Liam McIntyre. Directed by Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2). Rated PG-13, 87 minutes. — Los Angeles Times Lone Survivor (★★1⁄2) Mark Wahlberg stars in this true story of four Navy SEALS in Afghanistan in 2005 on a mission to find and eliminate a Taliban leader. When the squad is reduced to one (hence the title), he finds refuge in an unlikely place. The standard action flick accentuates the bravery of the squad, but co-writer and director Peter Berg never raises his film beyond routine adventure material. With Eric Bana, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster and Taylor Kitsch. Rated R, 121 minutes. — Boo Allen
NOW PLAYING American Hustle (★★★1⁄2) David O. Russell co-wrote and directed the story of Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale), who in 1978, began running scams with his partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams). Busted by an FBI agent (Bradley Cooper), the two then help trap politicians. Highenergy scenes combine with bad hair and worse costumes for a wild ride. Jennifer Lawrence burns up the screen as Irving’s unstable wife. Rated R, 138 minutes. — B.A. Grudge Match (★★1⁄2) Grudge Match is a sort of “Punchy Old Men,” a slow-footed, high-concept comedy that pairs up the screen’s greatest pugilists, circa 1981, for a few slaps and a few laughs. Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone square off as aged boxers brought back by desperation and a desperate fight promoter (Kevin Hart). It’s all very much in the style of director Peter Segal (Get Smart) — slow, sentimental, slick and sadly recycled. Rated PG-13, 113 minutes. — McClatchy-Tribune News Service The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (★★★) The action roars along in this second film edition of Suzanne Collins’ popular novels. Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) again face off against a team of rivals, but this time heavy intrigue at the capital looms large, particularly with President Snow (Donald Sutherland) and Plutarch
Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Much looks familiar, but impressive special effects and outlandish costumes serve as visual distractions. With an excellent supporting cast: Jeffrey Wright, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson and Lenny Kravitz. Rated PG-13, 146 minutes. — B.A. Inside Llewyn Davis (★★★1⁄2) In this consistently engaging shaggydog story, the Coen brothers focus on the folk music scene of early 1960s Greenwich Village with the title character (Oscar Isaac), a shiftless singer who bums nights on friends’ sofas. Llewyn Davis meanders his way through various situations while the Coens wryly comment. With Carey Mulligan, John Goodman and Justin Timberlake. Rated R, 105 minutes. — B.A. Nebraska (★★★★) When Woodrow Grant (Bruce Dern) believes a magazine sweepstakes’ promise of riches, his youngest son, David (Will Forte), grudgingly agrees to drive him from Billings, Mont., to Lincoln, Neb., to collect. Nebraska is the latest bittersweet commentary on life from director Alexander Payne (Sideways, About Schmidt). Here, Payne uses Woody’s weak, unstable mind to examine the unintended yet lasting effects of a life poorly spent. Deadpan funny and always thoughtful. With Rance Howard, Stacy Keach and a terrific June Squibb. Rated R, 115 minutes. — B.A. Saving Mr. Banks (★★★) Tom Hanks stars as Walt Disney and Emma Thompson turns in a spirited performance as P.L. Travers, the author of Mary Poppins. He brings her to Hollywood from England in hopes of landing the movie rights to her book. But he finds her cantankerous and obstructionist at every turn. Amusingly entertaining with two fine lead performances. Rated PG-13, 125 minutes. — B.A. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Adapted from James Thurber’s short story of the same name, the outlandish scenes in Mitty bring the most memorable element of the original tale — reality bending — to the forefront. Luckily, the CGI-marred moments flood only the first 30 minutes of the film. Walter (a poised and sincere Ben Stiller, who also directed) works at Life magazine, which is transitioning from print to digital. A top executive (Adam Scott) takes to bullying Walter, who must pin down the negative image for the final issue’s cover. With Sean Penn, Shirley MacLaine, Kristen Wiig and Patton Oswalt. Rated PG, 114 minutes. — The Associated Press The Wolf of Wall Street (★★1⁄2) Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this inconsistently high-energy film from Martin Scorsese that skewers Wall Street and those who bend the rules to work there. A blazing first half filled with excess slows to a secondhalf grind. Fine supporting cast includes Matthew McConaughey, Margot Robbie, Shea Whigham, Jonah Hill and Jon Bernthal. Rated R, 180 minutes. — B.A.
7
COVER STORY
Denton Time
01 9 14
Warner Bros. Pictures
Amy (Amy Adams) talks with her friend, Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix), who’s fallen in love with his operating system, in “Her.”
Boy meets ‘Her’ By Boo Allen Film Critic booa@att.net
Relationships are hard, particularly when your significant other is your operating system. And that’s the dilemma posed by visionary writer-director Spike Jonze in Her, his latest meditation on the human condition. Here, Jonze probes what makes a human — that is, the sensory perception of being alive that only humans can feel. Other animals may not sit around and question their very being, but, until now, neither did computer operating systems. The her of Her, called Samantha and voiced by Scarlett Johansson, breaks this mold. She speaks to her commanding voice, Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix), in much the same way HAL talked to the as-
tronauts in 2001: A Space Odyssey. But Samantha takes it further. With his uncanny ability for creating real settings that seem otherworldly, Jonze sets his film in a recognizable nearfuture, one that looks now but is not now. His version of Los Angeles, filmed partially in Shanghai, has infinite skyscrapers hovering over its inhabitants, who all seem to be walking around talking to their systems, ignoring other humans and oblivious to everything except their instant communications. Obviously for Jonze, the future is now. Theodore is a sad, mopey sort, still depressed over his impending divorce. Friends fruitlessly try to rouse him, but he stays home and plays his too-real video game while trudging along in his day job writing love letters for other people at
BeautifulHandwrittenLetters.com, an occupation that could seem real only to Jonze. Theodore installs a new system to help run his lethargic life, being told, “It’s not just an operating system, it’s a consciousness,” which turns out to be true, as he and Samantha engage in long soulful conversations. They become close enough for Samantha to ask, “What’s it like to be alive?” A good question, and one that echoes Lear’s plaintive “Is man no more than this?” In this semi-surreal Jonze-world, this behavior makes sense, as Theodore’s friends accept Samantha when he tells them about his new relationship. When Her nears conclusion, it looks as though Jonze has no plausible way out of his nar-
Plenty of food for thought in Jonze’s hopeless love story
Her Rated R, 126 minutes. Opens Friday.
rative, but he comes up with a solution that, in the film’s circumstances, becomes believable. Her touches some of the similar ground found in the films of Andrew Niccol (Gattaca, S1m0ne), another filmmaker who asks what constitutes individual identity. The question can never be answered of course, but Her gives us plenty to think about.
8 Denton Time
01 9 14
9 Denton Time
01 9 14
10 Denton Time
01 9 14
11 Denton Time
01 9 14
12 Denton Time
01 9 14