Weekend - December 24, 2020

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Weekend

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MOVE REVIEW: ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ fun, but grandiose, E5 OFF THE MENU: Holiday grab of news and notes, E9 WINE PRESS: 12 wines worth splurging on this holiday season, E10

Festive films 10 Christmas movies to watch to make season brighter, E2

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“Elf” (2003) “Saturday Night Live” goofball Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human who’s grown up at the North Pole believing he is an elf. He travels to New York City in search of his biological father, played James Caan. Ferrell delivers the laughs and plucks the right heartstrings in a movie about family. For some Christmas movie fans, “Elf ” is as good as it gets.

“Christmas Chronicles” (2018) Santa Claus has never been cooler than when he is played by Kurt Russell. His Snake Plissken-tinged-Father Christmas makes this Netflix offering a true delight. Two children swipe – and crash – Santa’s sleigh in a film that mixes heart and humor. Russell channels his 1979 performance in “Elvis” for a jailhouse rendition of “Santa Claus is Back in Town.” A recent Netflix sequel offers some smiles for fans of the original.

Will Ferrell stars as Buddy in the holiday favorite “Elf.” (NEW LINE CINEMA)

10 ON THE COVER

holiday movies

to make season brighter

A

Kurt Russell as Santa Claus in “The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two.” (JOSEPH LEDERER / NETFLIX)

By Ray Kelly

rkelly@repub.com

A scene from “A Christmas Story.” (TURNER BROADCASTING, INC. / WARNER BROS)

brief disclaimer: This Top 10 Christmas movies list does not include one of my favorite films — “Die Hard.”

Fans have debated whether “Die Hard” deserves to be considered a holiday movie. I think not. While it may be set during the yuletide season, John McClane picking off international terrorists at the Nakatomi Plaza is not really Christmas fare.

So, with apologies to Bruce Willis fans, here are 10 Christmas movies designed to make this season a little bit brighter.

“A Christmas Carol” (1984) Not enough can be said about this definitive version of the Charles Dickens’ classic with George C. Scott as the miserly, cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge. Handsomely photographed in Shrewsbury in Shropshire, the Clive Donner-directed film features David Warner and Susannah York as the Cratchits. Scott pulls it all together with a memorable performance that puts Alistair Sim to shame — and that is no small feat.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) Post-World War II Jimmy Stewart reteamed with director Frank Capra in a look at the impact one man has on his town. The movie was not popular upon its release, but became a holiday staple thanks to endless showings on television. Portions of Capra’s film are dark in tone — Stewart’s George Bailey contemplates suicide when he finds himself facing scandal and financial ruin SEE CHRISTMAS, PAGE E3

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Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, CourtJack Skellington tries to be Santa Claus in Tim Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon appear in a scene from “Love Actually,” Richard Curtis’ holiday film featuring interrelat- ney B. Vance and Gregory Hines star in “The Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

(WALT DISNEY PICTURES) ed stories about romance. (UNIVERSAL PICTURES) Preacher’s Wife.” (TOUCHSTONE PICTURES)

Christmas

Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson and the late Alan Rickman. Additional kudos go to Bill Nighy, who plays a washed up rock star forced into making a Christmas-themed comeback.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE E2

— but it all leads to an uplifting ending that celebrates community, family and the common man.

“A Christmas Story” (1983) Storyteller Jean Shepherd’s nostalgic tale of growing up in Hammond, Indiana. In the film culled from several of his short stories, Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) wants nothing more than a Red Ryder BB gun, despite warnings he will shoot his eye out. Darren McGavin turns in a memorable performance as Ralphie’s crusty father, The Old Man. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989) One of best installments in the “Vacation” franchise finds the Griswold family at home coping with visiting relatives.

John Hughes scripted a story about a merry assembly of oddballs led by Chevy Chase, who simply wants the best for his brood. The film features a memorable comedic performance by Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie.

loween. Excited after visiting Christmas Town, Jack tries to bring the holiday cheer to the denizens of Halloween Town — though they can’t seem to get it right.

Tim Allen plays the title role in “The Santa Clause.” (JOSEPH LEDERER; WALT DISNEY PICTURES)

successful enough to spawn two sequels.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993) Tim Burton bridges the gap between Halloween and Christmas with this creepy animated tale. Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, has grown bored with the frights of Hal-

“The Preacher’s Wife” (1996) This remake of “The Bishop’s Wife” finds Denzel Washington in the Cary Grant role. Washington is a debonair angel sent to Earth to save the marriage of Whitney Houston’s choir singer and Courtney B. Vance’s church pastor.

The movie has its flaws, like Houston’s costumes being a bit too Hollywood. Directed

by Penny Marshall, the movie is very predictable, but it is definitely uplifting and, yes, Houston sings a lot.

“Love Actually” (2003) Some may find writer-direc-

tor Richard Curtis’ interrelated stories about romance a bit too sugary, but an all-star cast makes it work. The film boasts fine performances by such as heavyweights as

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“The Santa Clause” (1994) In the Tim Allen oeuvre, “The Santa Clause” sits alongside “Galaxy Quest” and the first seasons of “Home Improvement” as his best work. Allen stars as a divorced dad who accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit and is transported to the North Pole to assume the role of Kris Kringle. The movie opened to mixed reviews, but was

Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo star in the 1989 comedy “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” (WARNER BROS.)

Dishonorable mention: “Fatman” (2020) I must shamefully admit to liking this disturbing R-rated, violent holiday offering. Mel Gibson is a jaded Santa Claus.

He has incurred the wrath of a spoiled brat and must defend himself against a hired hitman in this very dark comedy.

With guns blazing outside his workshop, Santa warns his would-be assassin, “You think I got this job because I’m fat and jolly?” Definitely not a film for kids — and not a movie to get you in the holiday spirit either. But if you are still resentful over the lump of coal you got in your stockings as a kid, “Fatman” is for you.

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MUSIC

Foreigner plans socially distanced concert

C

LASSIC ROCK BAND Foreigner is taking a leap of faith regarding the 2021 concert season with plans for a socially distanced show in Florida.

The group is set to play the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando on March 23 and March 24.

The concerts are part of the venue’s “Frontyard Festival,” a COVID-19 conscious entertainment series of films and concerts in the venue’s outdoor space.

“We saw how the team at Dr. Phillips Center cared about the health of their audiences and innovated socially distant concerts, and that’s why we chose it as our first show for 2021,” said Foreigner lead singer Kelly Hansen. “There’s nothing like it anywhere else in the country.”

The venue features hundreds of private, elevated boxes placed six feet apart.

Employees and attendees will be required to wear masks and temperatures will be taken before entering.

Liner notes • The Big Al Anderson & the Floor Models show in Hartford has been postponed.

The show was scheduled for Infinity Hall on Dec. 26 at 8 p.m.

Ticket holders will be notified when a new date is announced.

Purchasers can address ticketing questions via email to hartfordboxoffice@infinityhall. com.

Considered one of the most prolific songwriters in Nashville, Anderson has penned songs for The Allman Brothers, Jimmy Buffet, Harry Connick Jr., Sheryl Crow, Tim McGraw, and Vince Gill, while also writing some of the best known material from NRBQ, a band he fronted for two decades. He got his start in the ’60s leading The Wildweeds and penning their hit “No Good to Cry.”

• Lucinda Williams will use her weekly livestream show

$25 to $250.

Tickets are available through universe.com.

Mustaine went from being the original lead guitarist of Metallica to founding metal giant Megadeth, a band that has sold nearly 40 million records and earned 11 Grammy nominations.

Donnie Moorhouse LiveWire

on her Instagram account. “I know this project only captures some of one tour (out of all the other hundreds of shows and moments we have shared over the past six or seven years…

Jesus LOL) but I just wanted to thank you all for showing me more in this lifetime already than I ever dreamed of.”

“Sweetener” was released in 2018 and was the singer’s fourth studio album. It earned her the best pop vocal album honor at the 61st Grammy Awards.

• Postmodern Jukebox will make a second go of its “Welcome to the Twenties 2.0” tour in 2021 with a stop in Northampton.

The ensemble is scheduled to play the Academy of Music on Oct. 13, 2021 at 8 p.m.

With the original tour postponed due to COVID-19, the group is mounting a “Welcome to the Twenties 2.0, Take Two” tour.

“Get ready for the most sensational ’20s party this side of The Great Gatsby,” said founder Scott Bradlee in a release announcing the original tour.

Tickets for the event are on sale through the promoter’s website at dspshows.com.

Postmodern Jukebox was founded in 2009 and is known for putting a retro spin on modern music, most often moving toward jazz and swing. PMJ has gone on to amass over 1 billion YouTube views with 3.5 million subscribers, and have chalked up more than 1.7 million fans on Facebook.

• A limited number of heavy metal fans may have a chance to interact with Megadeth’s Foreigner performs at The Big E in 2019. The band is planning Dave Mustaine. a socially distanced live concert in Orlando for March. The venThe rock guitarist is schedue features hundreds of private, elevated boxes placed six feet uled to take part in an interacapart. Employees and attendees will also be required to wear tive livestream with fans. masks and temperatures will be taken before entering.

The event will take place on (FREDERICK GORE PHOTO) Jan. 9 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

There are a limited number to honor the Rolling Stones. of tickets ranging in price from sessionslive.com.

The singer’s tribute to the First Avenue is the renowned classic rock band will take place Minneapolis club that served on New Year’s Eve at 8 p.m. as a launching pad for artists The show is part of Williams’ like Prince, Husker Du, The ongoing “Lu’s Jukebox” series. Replacements, and Soul ake Awake The show can be accessed Asylum who played the venue ssage Oil Massage through her website at luin the early ’80s. cindawilliams.com.

Williams has won three • A new documentary on Come As You Aren’t Game Grammy Awards and is conpop star Ariana Grande has sidered one of America’s great debuted on Netflix. songwriters.

The film, titled “excuse me, i love you” came out Dec. 21 on Svakom Phoenix Neo Weekend Kit • Soul Asylum is offering up the streaming platform. a holiday-themed livestream The project documents for fans. moments from the singer’s The band is scheduled to “Sweetener” tour. perform a virtual concert from “Releasing this as a love AdamEveGreenfieldMA Pleasure, Ad Pl Adventure, & F Fun First Avenue on Dec. 26 at 9 letter to you all, in celebration 18 Main St., Greenfield, MA • 413-774-9800 p.m. of all that we’ve shared over the Everyone AEStoresGreenfield www.Greenfield.AdamEveStores.com Welcome Tickets are available through past few years,” Grande posted Mon-Thurs 10am-9pm, Fri. & Sat. 10am-10pm, Sun. 12pm-7pm

Heat up the Holidays

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020 | E5

MOVIES FILM REVIEW

‘Wonder Woman 1984’ fun, but grandiose

I

By Ann Hornaday

Washington Post

Gal Gadot in a scene from “Wonder Woman 1984.” (CLAY ENOS / WARNER BROS. VIA AP)

t’s not often that a movie is a genuine game-changer. In 2017, “Wonder Woman” became just that, as a superhero movie featuring a female protagonist that went on to become a huge hit – proving that little boys are just as interested in seeing a woman save the day as little girls.

At least for a while, “Wonder Woman 1984” carries that groundbreaking realization with a lightness that was the first movie’s secret all along. As the title suggests, “WW84” takes place in the 1980s, when the dress-for-success rules included commuter tennis shoes and linebacker-worthy shoulder pads.

Throughout much of the film, women get hit on, harassed and assaulted with grim regularity, presumably to remind the MeToo-era audience that, as Gloria Steinem famously observed, sexist depredations women routinely suffered were once just called “life.”

That recurring motif is the closest Kristen Wiig, left, and Pedro Pascal appear thing to feminist polemic in a movie in a scene from “Wonder Woman 1984.” that’s more interested in getting on with (CLAY ENOS / WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT VIA AP) it – with humor, bravado and panache Minerva, played with self-deprecating – than proving a point. “WW84” opens with a glorious set piece on the Amazo- earnestness by Kristen Wiig. Her munian island Themyscira, where a young seum has just received a cache of stolen Diana (Lilly Aspell) is participating in a valuables, including a gemlike stone sitting atop an inscribed plinth. It’s made contest of endurance, skill and physical derring-do. As she makes her way clear early on that the rock possesses supernatural powers, magical properties through the daunting obstacle course, that will bring Diana, it’s clear that the only Barbara and Maxwell way out is through – by ‘WONDER WOMAN Lord into an epic fight way of somersaults, 1984’ between – what else? – pirouettes, impressive good and evil. trick-riding and giant Out tomorrow The same elements leaps for womankind. rrts that made “Wonder Little Diana learns a Rated: PG-13 Woman” such a pleasure life lesson that day at Running time: 151 min. to watch are present the hands of her elders Playing at: Cinemark Enfield, Hadley, West in “WW84,” including (Connie Neilsen and Springfield; Greenfield the supremely self-posRobin Wright), having Garden Cinemas; South sessed Gadot, who plays to do with patience, Hadley’s Tower Theaters the title character with diligence and honesty.

Streaming: HBO Max the same grace and At that point, “WW84” understatement she cuts to “present” day, brought to the initial inwhen grown-up Diana stallment. And, as in the first film, she’s (Gal Gadot) is working at the Smithsonian and Washington, D.C., is awash in at her best when she’s playing off a vivid supporting character: Here, that honor such Eighties-tastic signifiers as inline belongs to Wiig, whose kooky persona skates, leg-warmers, popped collars, packed shopping malls and Reagan-era is the perfect foil for Gadot’s watchful reserve. Even more gratifyingly, filmgreed, personified by a TV scam artist maker Patty Jenkins has found a way for named Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal).

Diana’s love interest, Steve Trevor, to So far, so playfully retro. And things get even more goofy when Diana meets time-travel back into her life, meaning SEE ‘WONDER’, PAGE E8 a nerdy colleague named Barbara

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MOVIES

“Soul” is an animated film about a frustrated musician named Joe (voice of Jamie Foxx). (DISNEY/PIXAR)

FILM REVIEW

‘Soul’ has plenty of visual razzle-dazzle Pixar’s latest film features existential plot

T

By Ann Hornaday

Washington Post

he visual details, humanism and weighty themes sent aloft with gossamer lightness that add up to “that Pixar touch” are in abundant supply in “Soul,” an ambitious meditation on creativity, existence and meaning that frequently exemplifies what the animation studio does best. This dazzling, if ultimately frustrating, movie seems to pick up where the far superior “Inside Out” ended, leaving behind the inner workings of young people’s emotional lives for an exploration of metaphysical realms that are fuzzier, more speculative and, to put it bluntly, not nearly as involving.

Admittedly, though, “Soul” gives the audience a fabulous tour guide to its woozy outer reaches. Joe (Jamie Foxx) is a middle-school band teacher, trying to coax a melody out of his clangily dissonant ensemble. But Joe harbors a not-so-secret dream of ditching his day job to become a working musician, an aspiration pooh-poohed by

From left, character 22, voiced by Tina Fey, and Joe Gardner, voiced by Jamie Foxx, in a scene from the animated film “Soul.” (DISNEY PIXAR VIA AP)

a U-turn toward the Great Before: the place where, as “Soul” would have it, our personalities are assigned and attached to almost-peohis practical-minded mothple before they’re delivered. er Libba, (Phylicia Rashad).

(Director Pete Docter co-wrote When a former student gives the script with Mike Jones Joe a chance to audition for a and Kemp Powers.) Through famous saxophone player, he a bureaucratic mix-up, Joe is jumps at the chance and lands called upon to be a mentor to the gig – just before falling Soul 22, a recalcitrant blob of through a manhole cover to his ectoplasm who has no intention of being born and whose untimely demise.

Except, not really. When Joe previous attempts at being tutored by the likes of Mother realizes that he’s headed to Teresa, Muhammad Ali and the Great Beyond, he makes

‘SOUL’ Out tomorrow

rrts

Rated: PG Running time: 100 min.

Playing on: Disney+

Carl Jung have met with abject failure.

Voiced with just the right amount of perky snark by Tina Fey, 22 turns out to be a delightful comic foil for Joe, who longs to be given a second chance on Earth. The

two embark on a wild psychic road trip that entails meeting up with people in the “Zone,” traveling back to Joe’s life to make things right and encountering a land of lost souls, one of whom is briefly threatened with being squished to extinction. “You can’t crush a soul here,” a character explains matter-of-factly. “That’s what life on Earth is for.”

With luck, this and other cynical asides will fly right past the youngest viewers of “Soul,” which also includes

SEE ‘SOUL’, PAGE E8

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020 | E7

MOVIES / TV ONLINE STREAMING

‘The Last Blockbuster’ leads new film releases Washington Post

darin with subtitles. 97 minutes.

The documentary “The Last Blockbuster” takes an affectionate look at the last Blockbuster video store in operation, in Bend, Oregon.

The New York Times calls it a “pleasant but ultimately inconsequential movie.”

Unrated. Available on various streaming services. 86 minutes.

In “A California Christmas,” a rich city slicker (Josh Swickard) pretends to be a ranch hand in an effort to ingratiate himself to a farmer – played by the actor’s wife (and the film’s director) Lauren Swickard – from whom he wants to buy land. Decider calls the romantic dramedy a “Hallmark Christmas movie that isn’t actually made by Hallmark.”

TV-14. Available on Netflix. 107 minutes.

The German drama “Louis van Beethoven” is a musical biopic about composer Ludwig (known as Louis) van Beethoven, played by Tobias Moretti. Unrated. Available at afisilver.afi.com. In German with subtitles. 120 minutes.

Three women of different generations (Celia Imrie, Shelley Conn and Shannon Tarbet) struggle to open a London bakery in memory of a mutual friend in the drama “Love Sarah.” Unrated. Available at themiracletheatre. com. 98 minutes.

Filmed clandestinely, the documentary “Nasrin”is a 26-year-old Chinese student portrait of Iranian human who went missing within rights activist – and political weeks of coming to the United prisoner – Nasrin Sotoudeh.

States to study. IndieWire The Hollywood Reporter says calls the film a “handcrafted the “eye-opening chronicle ofand haunting” documentary. fers a chance to bring her stoUnrated. Available at afisilver. ry beyond the human rights SEE STREAM, PAGE E8 afi.com. In English and Man-

A scene from the documentary “The Last Blockbuster.”(1091 PICTURES)

activist Bishop Juan Gerardi.

The film, according to the Wall Street Journal, is a “satisfying portrait of courage, The documentary “The Art corruption and the murderous deep state that operated of Political Murder” follows the investigation into the 1998 inside Guatemala, a country the average American ought murder of the Guatemalan

to know a bit more about given our history there.” TV-14.

Available on HBO and HBO Max. 89 minutes.

“Finding Yingying” is a true-crime documentary about the disappearance of a

DVD RELEASES

‘Kajillionaire’ gives unique humanity to family of con artists

By Katie Foran-McHale

with the landlord and the family needing rent money fast, A codependent family of Old Dolio concocts a scheme scammers tops the new DVD in which the family will fly to releases for this week.

New York and back, parents “Kajillionaire”: Writer-di- pretending not to know their rector Miranda July (“The daughter upon return, and Future,” “Me and You and Ev- find an accomplice to take eryone We Know”) continues Old Dolio’s luggage so she can her singularly empathic look blame the disappearance on into offbeat lives, this time fol- the airline and collect a travel lowing a family of Los Angeles insurance check. But as her grifters. Residing in an office parents find their target, the space next to a soap factory, posh Melanie (Gina Rodriguez), she quickly charms complete with overflowing them into including her in bubbles they must scrape future endeavors. And Old off the walls as a daily chore, Dolio, who pretends to be parents Robert and Theresa a mother and attends early (Richard Jenkins and Debra childhood seminars in her Winger) and daughter Old spare time, is unsettled by the Dolio (Evan Rachel Wood) family addition. commit forgeries and cons With her loose long hair just to barely get by.

After an unintended run-in and tracksuit, a monotone Tribune News Service

voice and difficulty expressing “tender feelings,” Wood’s Old Dolio is mesmerizing, her slow movements and drawl a juxtaposition to her neuroses. She desperately wants to know what it’s like to feel parented, and her want is the heartbeat of the film.

As always, July offers her characters an almost primal sense of humanity in what some parents can ultimately give their children, what they can’t, and the importance of finding one’s own chosen family in the meantime.

Also new on DVD “The War with Grandpa”: A grandson (Oakes Fegley) seeks revenge on his grandfather (Robert De Niro) for stealing his bedroom.

“The Craft: Legacy”: Reboot/sequel of 1996’s “The Craft” follows group of teenage witch friends who discover how to use their powers. Stars Cailee Spaeny, Zoey Luna, Gideon Adlon and Lovie Simone.

“Jiu Jitsu”: Jiu-jitsu fighters confront an alien invasion.

Stars Alain Moussi, Nicolas Cage and Raymond Pinharry.

“The Shop Around the Corner”: 1940 comedy follows bitter business rivals who have unwittingly fallen in love with each other as penpals.

Stars James Stewart and Margaret Sullivan.

“It Happened on 5th Avenue”: In this 1947 comedy, a drifter (Victor Moore) invites an unknowing evicted veteran (Don DeFore) to move into

the New York townhouse in which he’s squatting.

“The Place of No Words”: Father-son drama explores mortality after a young boy asks about the existence of an afterlife. Stars Mark Webber, Teresa Palmer and Bodhi Palmer.

Out on Digital HD “Yellow Rose”: A young Filipina singer in Texas (Eva Noblezada) grapples with following her dreams of becoming a country star amid family woes. Look for it on Blu-ray Jan. 5.

“Welcome to Chechnya”: Documentary follows Chechen activists in support of the LGBTQ community amid government-led torture and executions. Out Dec. 27.

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WEEKEND

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‘Wonder’

it’s as if Jenkins remembers her other deliverables, in the form of special effects, epic CONTINUED FROM PAGE E5 global crises and a plotty, that Chris Pine has time-trav- ever-more-muddled story eled back into ours. Gamely line that metastasizes into throwing himself back into something much darker and the love-interest role commore violent. monly reserved for ingénues, Once “WW84” makes that he steals every scene he’s in, pivot, it slides into superhero whether in a Mystery Dateboilerplate, with the intellike fashion montage (all hail ligence and high spirit that distinguishes the franchise the fanny pack) or being introduced to such modern-day drowned out in dull CGI stuffphenomena as D.C. Metro for-stuff ’s-sake. The shift unescalators and the great works derscores the contradictions that have bubbled under the of the Hirshhorn.

For the first hour and a surface of comic book movies half, “WW84” is a delightful since they began taking over flight of escapist fancy, with Hollywood 20 years ago: As Diana and Steve’s love story movies that both kids and ensconcing itself comfortably, their parents can enjoy togethif a bit talkily, within the con- er, they’ve become the closest fines of an action adventure. thing we have to wholesome, Then, at the 90 minute mark, old-fashioned family pictures.

Gal Gadot, left, and Chris Pine appear in a scene from “Wonder Woman 1984.” (WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT)

But they also aspire to artistic sophistication, necessitating “deep” themes and seri-

ous-minded mayhem. Toss in a limited and self-referential vocabulary of chases, explo-

‘Soul’

Marchers protest the assassination of Bishop Juan Gerardi in “The Art of Political Murder.” (HBO)

Stream

movie star.” Unrated. Available at afisilver.afi.com. In French and Arabic with subtitles. 95 minutes.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE E7

community to an even larger audience.” Unrated. Available at afisilver.afi.com. In English and Persian with subtitles. 92 minutes.

“Tazzeka” is a drama about a young Moroccan man (Mahdi Belemlih) who aspires to become a chef in Paris, specializing in the traditional cuisine of his home country.

The actor, according to Film

Mahdi Belemlih in “Tazzeka.”

(ARTMATTAN FILMS)

Threat, “has only four credits to his name, but in ‘Tazzeka,’ he proves all the making of a

In “To the Ends of the Earth,” the host of a Japanese travel show (former pop idol Atsuko Maeda) travels to Uzbekistan to shoot an episode of her program. Variety calls the film a “discreetly insightful critique of cultural tourism.” Unrated. Available at afisilver.afi.com. In Japanese and Uzbek with subtitles. 12o minutes.

sions, standoffs and lastditch rescues, and you get a cinematic language stuck in a tiresome case of diminishing returns.

For “WW84,” that means that viewers are treated to two movies: The first one, that hits its marks with the sure-footedness of young Diana making her way through Themyscira’s backcountry, and a second one that feels bloated, grandiose and drearily overblown. The “Wonder Woman” movies have the benefit of a fabulous central character and just the right actress to play her. With luck, future iterations will focus on the franchise’s greatest strengths, which were never hyperbolic or even super-heroic, but quirkily, endearingly human.

are more schematic and less enticing: Characters take the form of undulating line CONTINUED FROM PAGE E6 drawings and 22, like her some clever inside jokes fellow would-be beings, is about hedge fund managers, little more than a blob with an adorable overbite. It’s all very Pizza Rat and the New York ... blue, at least until a ship Knicks. Less amusing are captained by an out-there the convolutions, contingencies and arcane internal mystic (Graham Norton) rules that pile up in “Soul,” shows up to help Joe find a making it difficult to follow way back to his old life. and, increasingly, frustrating Once back on Earth, Joe is to unpack. Part Dante, part once again surrounded by Dickens, with dashes of “The color, texture and fabulous Good Place” thrown in for music, composed by Trent philosophical measure, this Reznor, Atticus Ross and is a movie that seems less Jon Batiste, bandleader and interested in the scientific music director on “The Late grounding that made “Inside Show With Stephen Colbert” Out” so brilliant than in and writer of the gorgeous throwing endless amounts jazz numbers Joe performs of psycho-spiritual noodles with saxophonist Dorothea against constantly morphing Williams (Angela Bassett). walls to see what might stick. Foxx and Fey develop jaunty “Soul’s” overbusy complex- buddy-comedy chemistry as ity is all the more regrettable they whiz back and forth between realms and competing considering how terrific it realities. looks and sounds: Like “Toy Is music really Joe’s calling, Story 4,” this film presents a or is it just his passion? Is one dazzling study in animation art, especially when it comes equal to the other? Will life ever be worth living to 22? to color, light, translucence and exquisite detail. From the Is pizza enough, or is there nicks on Joe’s stand-up piano a larger purpose? Such are the questions pondered in to the grime on his middle school’s walls, nothing gets by “Soul,” which arrives at some numbingly complex – and Docter and his team, whose craftsmanship is clearly at the maybe not entirely consistent – answers, but generates top of their collective game. some fun, and genuine beauOnce Joe visits various ty, along the way. netherworlds, the visuals

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020 | E9

DINE & WINE

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Holiday grab of news and notes

UST IN TIME FOR THE last minute frenzy of Christmas week, here is a holiday grab of restaurant business news and notes.

The Miss Florence Diner in Florence is making Christmas season celebrations a bit easier this year.

“Miss Flo” is offering pickup meals on Christmas Eve day and Christmas morning. Four options are available: spiral glazed ham with au gratin potatoes, a traditional turkey dinner, roast pork, and classic lasagna.

Dunkin’ added a new Sugarplum Macchiato to its menu.

(DUNKIN’ INSTAGRAM)

Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, is an exception, however. Two restaurants in the casino’s hotels will be offering dinner experiences on Dec. 25.

Cedars Steaks & Oysters, located in the dining concourse of the Great Cedars Hotel, will be drawing on its steakhouse expertise to holiday headline a special Filet & Lobster dinner that will pair a peppercorn-crusted filet steak with a lobster cream sauce.

In the Grand Pequot Tower at Foxwoods, the Golden Dragon, a specialist in Hong Kong style cuisine, will be serving a pre-fixe dinner for two that includes egg drop wonton soup and a choice SEE MENU, PAGE E12

New England TRAVELER CAPE COD ACROSS FROM THE BEACH - THE VILLAGE GREEN. Rates from $60 - $85 to 5/21/21 (excluding holidays, some restrictions apply). 3 Night Special off season starting from $140 all week.

Ocean views and efficiencies available.

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This holiday season, Olive Garden Italian Kitchen locations are offering Bake at Home Family Meals. Two chilled and ready-to-bake options are available – Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells (five servings) and Classic Lasagna (serves six). Each Bake at Home package includes a jumbo house salad, a bottle of Olive Garden’s signature Italian dressing, and a dozen ready-to-bake breadsticks.

Wine “To Go” can also be added to curbside-pickup Family Meal orders, which can be placed on line at OliveGarden.com.

There are Olive Garden locations on Riverdale Street in West Springfield and on Hazard Avenue in Enfield, Connecticut.

Highbrow Wood Fired Kitchen & Bar in Northampton introduced a new dinner menu earlier this month.

Appetizers on the winter season agenda include sticky ribs with an Asian-style glaze and sacchetti pasta filled with a Gorgonzola and pear mixture and tossed with Gorgonzola cream sauce.

Among the entree selections can be found the likes of day boat scallops with wild rice risotto, a half wood-roasted chicken, and smoked tofu paired with lentils and a parsley pistou.

A selection of hearty pies,

some with unconventional toppings like bacon and potato or shredded duck confit, are available as well.

For dessert, Highbrow features pastries from Northampton-based Iconica Social Club.

Highbrow Wood Fired Kitchen & Bar is currently open Monday through Friday starting at 4:30 p.m.; on weekends the restaurant opens at noon.

Reservations can be made at resy.com; the restaurant answers at 413-586-1468.

Christmas day dining options are never plentiful, and this year, with a pandemic “surge” underway, even fewer possibilities present themselves.

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ging pants (they’re available in “Black Bean”), a hoodie, and a knit cap.

Chipotle also promoted a wrapping paper bundle with avocado and chili pepper-patterned papers.

Proceeds from the holiday-themed “goods” is channeled into sustainable food and fabric initiatives.

Roberto’s Restaurant in Northampton continues to offer “Family-Style Meals” for four. The selections available, which can be ordered either ready-to-reheat or pickup-hot, are drawn from the operation’s repertoire of Italian American favorites and are available Thursday through Sunday between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Choices available include Family Lasagna, Family Pasta and Meatballs, and Family Chicken Parmesan. Several entrees can also be customized, such as Family Macaroni Hugh Robert & Cheese, which can be enOff The Menu hanced with bacon, broccoli, or pepperoni.

Whole pies at Christmas are Salad and garlic bread are a Miss Flo tradition, with eight available as extra cost adddifferent varieties available ons, as is a garden-style salad for advance ordering. option.

The Miss Florence Diner Roberto’s even has a Pizza will also be open Christmas Kit that includes everything morning, serving breakfast required to put together and only, from 8 a.m. until noon. bake a one-topping large pie Contact the Miss Florence or several smaller calzones.

Diner at 413-584-3137.

Advance ordering is reBoth national chains and quired; the restaurant answers locally-owned restaurants at 413-584-0204. have vigorously promoted gift After a reported four cards as a Christmas season years of development effort, option to their customers, but Dunkin’ has this holiday season introduced a “sugarplum” Chipotle Mexican Grill has flavor. taken the concept of holiday Featured in a Sugarplum merchandising to a new level.

Holiday Goods from ChiMacchiato beverage, Dunkin’s potle is the Newport, Califor- sugarplum experience delivnia-based chain’s limited-edi- ers, according to company tion holiday loungewear line. publicity materials, a flavor It follows Chipotle’s summer profile that incorporates blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, promotion of streetwear and plum with hints of vanilla. but, unlike that collection, The macchiato is available this winter’s selections are either hot or iced at participatdesigned for the stay-ating Dunkin’ locations. home lifestyle the pandemic The chain is promoting this dictates.

Holiday Goods includes new flavor extensively on solong-sleeved tee shirt tops and cial media using the hashtag pajama pants as well as jog#DunkinSugarPlum.

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12 wines worth splurging on this holiday season Writer’s note: This is the third story in a three-part series about holiday wines.

T

HERE’S NO REASON why you should spend more than $20 on a single bottle to drink great wine.

It’s the same with most things in life – from food to cars, vacations or clothes.

There’s many affordable, reliable alternatives – many of which are just as good or sometimes even better than many higher priced items.

But who doesn’t love a great steak or lobster (or both) once in a while?

Or maybe a nice pair of shoes or a night in a grand old hotel?

The same goes for wine.

As the quality of wine continues to improve around the world, there are so many great wines for under $20 or even $10 a bottle. (And you can read all about my favorite wines under $10 for 2020 next week.)

But every once in a while, there’s definitely something to be said about splurging on a more expensive bottle of wine.

Spending $40 or $50 or more on a bottle opens the door to a much wider world of wines to choose from.

However, I think it’s critical to point out that just because a wine costs more doesn’t automatically mean it tastes better. Trust me. I’ve tasted quite a few duds that cost $50 or $100 or even $300 a bottle.

Price doesn’t equal quality.

That’s why I enjoy putting together this annual list of more expensive wines worth splurging on this holiday season. I have personally tasted all of the wines recommended below sometime in the past year. Let me add that all of these wines should still be available for purchase.

And again, while I realize spending so much money on a single bottle of wine might be absurd to some people, everyone has their favorite things

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Location: Napa Valley, California Grapes: Cabernet sauvignon Tasting notes: I’ve long been a big fan of this venerable, older winery in California’s Napa Valley. And the 2016 cabernet sauvignon tasted terrific this past year.

Freemark Abbey’s reds tend to be big and voluptuous and this wine was no exception.

Another thing I often find about younger, Freemark Abbey reds is they tend to taste even smoother and intense the second day. So don’t worry about rushing to finish this earthy, full-bodied wine.

2018 Gerard Bertrand Cigalus Location: Languedoc, France Some of the recommended wines worth splurging on this holiday season. (KEN ROSS PHOTO) Grapes: Blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, • 2018 Gerard Bertrand 2018 Chardonnay takes a merlot, syrah, grenache, calaCigalus ($50 SRP) doc and carignan completely different approach. Its flavors are soft and • 2018 EnRoute Russian Tasting notes: This outstanding winery makes a wide subtle. Its aroma is flinty yet River Valley Les Pommiers floral. There are slight tropical range of wines – from roses Pinot Noir ($51 SRP) notes, a hint of almonds. And and whites to many different • 2016 Chateau Lassegue types of reds – in many differSaint Emilion Grand Cru ($57 yes, there’s a dash of butter ent price ranges – from $10 a flavor but nothing overSRP) bottle to $250. This particu• 2017 Bodegas Caro Caro whelming. Everything’s well balanced and in harmony with lar, powerful red blend hits ($59 SRP) • 2017 Aperture Bordeaux each other. Everything tastes all the right notes and tasted Ken Ross terrific over two days. Made just right.

Red Blend ($59 SRP) Wine Press with a blend of seven different • 2016 Beaulieu Vineyard grapes, this big, earthy wine 2017 Far Niente Winery BV Tapestry ($65 SRP) to spend a little more money has a dense yet smooth finish • 2017 Merry Edwards Rus- Estate Chardonnay sian River Valley Pinot Noir on, whether it’s tickets to a that lasts several minutes Location: Napa Valley, professional sporting event or Meredith Estate ($68 SRP) after each sip. The first day, I California • 2017 Justin Vineyards the opportunity to taste some noticed plum-like flavors in Grapes: Chardonnay of the best wines in the world. Justification ($70 SRP) Tasting notes: A delightful particular. The second day, • 2016 Pio Cesare Barolo Hope you enjoy. blend of butter and citrus fla- those flavors were slightly vors with a dash of flintiness ($80 SRP) more muted but still lively Wines worth splurging on the finish, this aromatic and lush and delicious from on this holiday season Wine tasting notes chardonnay charmed me start to finish. An absolute with its subtle, understated masterpiece.

White wines White wines taste and texture. I tried this • 2018 Chateau Montelena 2018 Chateau Montelena one over the summer and the 2018 EnRoute Russian Napa Valley Chardonnay ($54 Napa Valley Chardonnay memory of this wonderful River Valley Les Pommiers Suggested Retail Price) Location: Napa Valley, wine lingers like a haunting Pinot Noir • 2017 Far Niente Winery California melody drifting in the air. It Location: Russian River Estate Chardonnay ($61 SRP) Grapes: Chardonnay is a truly graceful, elegant Valley, California Tasting notes: Many wine perfect for any special Grapes: Pinot noir Red wines California chardonnays hit all occasion.

Tasting notes: EnRoute • 2016 Freemark Abbey the wrong notes – too much was built around the Les Pommiers wine, according Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvioak, too much butter, too over Red wines SEE WINE, PAGE E11 gnon ($50 SRP) 2016 Freemark Abbey the top. Chateau Montelena’s

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Happy holidays and reasons to celebrate

HE HOLIDAY SEASON is usually a favorite time of year for me, but this year, the combination of the pandemic and the death of my beloved dog in August has muted my mood a bit.

However, I am no Grinch, and I am very thankful for so much in my life. And although I celebrate Christmas, I also join in congratulating everyone who is celebrating whatever tradition they enjoy during this past season.

Of course one section of my life in which I am always eternally grateful is the craft beer universe. So with that in mind, I’d like to give thanks and celebrate that part of my world, and what I assume is also a big part for most of the readers of

Wine CONTINUED FROM PAGE E10

to Andrew Delos, Director of Winemaking for the Far Niente Family of Wineries and Vineyards, which makes this wine. This wonderful wine is a blended pinot noir. The result is a beautiful, subtle, luxurious wine with earthy, round flavors that linger after each taste.

2016 Chateau Lassegue Saint Emilion Grand Cru Location: Bordeaux, France Grapes: 60% merlot, 33% cabernet franc, 7% cabernet sauvignon.

Tasting notes: 2016 was an outstanding vintage for many wine regions in France. That was certainly true for the right bank in France’s Bordeaux region, where St. Emilion is located. Chateau Lassegue might not be as well known as some other famous Bordeaux wineries, but this elegant, refined wine with rich, earthy flavors, more than holds its own in the crowded field of outstanding wines from this legendary wine growing region.

2017 Bodegas Caro Caro Location: Mendoza, Argen-

On a much more personal note, I am thankful for the fact that my city, Northampton, has three breweries: the legendary Northampton Brewery, Building 8 and Brew Practitioners.

It’s truly a blessing to have such there were fewer than 1,500 in riches all in the same zip code. the nation, and that was just 17 And the fact that Easthampton has three more is icing on the years ago. keg.

The width and breadth of Last but not least, it’s been variety of both breweries and beers is mind boggling – a true great to see the beer community come together during these reason to be thankful as we trying times. While businesses celebrate this season.

Of course, none of the above have been hit hard during the pandemic, most breweries here would be possible without the great brewers, pub owners, bar- in my area have survived so far. tenders and servers. I have met Here’s a holiday wish that they too many to count, but I say a all remain after this is over. hearty “Happy Holidays!” to Happy holidays and a sincere each of you, whether we have Merry Christmas if you celebrate that way. met or not.

The width and breadth of variety of both breweries and beers is mind boggling – a true reason to be thankful as we celebrate this season.

George Lenker Beer Nut

this column.

First and foremost, I’m thankful for being able to write this weekly missive. It’s been a great honor and privilege to do so for the past 17 years. I’m thankful for my editors who suggested it and thankful for all the readers who have been

tina Grapes: 74% malbec, 26% cabernet sauvignon Tasting notes: This was the most elegant, refined wine I tasted among a series of wines from this outstanding producer, which is a partnership between Chateau Lafite Rothschild in France and Catena Zapata in Argentina. This Caro wine combines earthy, robust flavors with a smooth, silky finish. The soft fruit flavors last nearly a minute after each taste. Let me add that this wine tastes phenomenal now but has the potential to age and develop over the next 5 to 8 years – if you can wait that long.

faithful over the years, writing into me, and saying hello when they see me out and about.

I’m also very grateful to be living in a true golden age of beer. What started around 1980 – 40 years ago if you can believe it! – has grown and expanded beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. If you would’ve told anyone in 1985 that they would be more than 8,000 craft breweries by 2020, they would’ve looked at you like you’re crazy. As I said, when I started writing this column,

the glass.

2017 Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Pinot • Part One – Wonderful Noir Meredith Estate Champagnes, sparkling Location: Russian River wines perfect for the holidays Valley, California • Part Two – 6 great gift Grapes: Pinot noir ideas for wine lovers (other than wine) Tasting notes: This magnificent, complex pinot noir vividly See MassLive.com brings to life the wonderful fruit flavors found in the grapes read about more in the coming grown in winery’s original vineyard, Meredith Estate. This inweeks. Until then, find this tense red wine pulsates with life wine, give it an hour or so to breathe and sit back and enjoy. without being overpowering. Its fragrant, ripe flavors range from 2016 Beaulieu Vineyard BV dried plums to roasted blackberries and dark chocolate. One Tapestry of my favorite wines so far for Location: Napa Valley, California 2020 and which will get even Grapes: 78% cabernet sauvi- better over the next 5 to 8 years.

2017 Aperture Bordeaux gnon, 11% merlot, 4% malbec, Red Blend 4% petit verdot, 3% cabernet 2017 Justin Vineyards Location: Sonoma County, Justification franc California Location: Paso Robles, Tasting notes: Another Grapes: 39% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 22% malbec, well-established winery in Cali- California fornia’s Napa Valley (the winery 3% cabernet franc, 3% petit Grapes: 65% cabernet franc, was founded in 1900) Beaulieu 35% merlot verdot Vineyard consistently produces Tasting notes: An up-inTasting notes: Like a great, delicious, classic wines with a coming winery in California indie rock band adored by a smooth, rounded finish. This founded by Jesse Katz, this small, devoted following, Justin delightful gem is no exception. Vineyards has been making austere, dry, flinty wine has This wine is slightly austere a soft yet intense finish with great wines in small quantities peppery notes combined with a and flinty at first, but quickly for decades. This delightful, understated, elegant wine was one wonderful, velvet-like richness. gives way to silky, voluptuous of my favorite surprises of the flavors. Dark and supple with I was throughly impressed by an intense, complex finish, this year. I’ve had other great wines this wine and others made by the same winery, which you can wine smooths out beautifully in before from Justin Vineyards,

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including their rose wine and their famous Isosceles wine.

But this one was the one I have thought about for months. Ripe fruit flavors that last for several minutes after each sip. No cloying oak notes. Just silky smooth and intense from start to finish.

A real showstopper.

2016 Pio Cesare Barolo Location: Barolo, Piedmont, Italy Grapes: Nebbiolo Tasting notes: This Pio Cesare Barolo is especially impressive. Its powerful yet understated flavors last for minutes after each taste. And its elegance and complexity will take your breath away. Tasting this wine was like listening to a great piece of music for the first time. Remember the first time you heard the opening guitar chord of The Beatles’ “A Hard Days Night,” or the strings in Mozart’s “Don Giovanni,” or whatever songs happen to stop you in your tracks? That’s how I felt the first time I tasted this Barolo. Hope you enjoy this wine just as much.

Cheers!

Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s weekend section every Thursday.

E12 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

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DINE & WINE

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from among three entrees — stir-fried jumbo shrimp, hot & spicy chicken and steak tips, and lobster fried rice.

On Christmas morning a ham-and-eggs breakfast special will be featured at the Grand Pequot’s Veranda Cafe.

For more information or to make reservations, go to foxwoods.com The Eastside Grill in Northampton has put together a New Year’s Eve package for those who wish to celebrate in their own “at-home bubble” this year.

Menu choices in the pickup package include a filet & lobster tail or seared halibut with a Champagne beurre blanc. A starter of oysters Rockefeller, two house salads, and Black Forest cheesecake are part of the meal lineup as well.

Included in the New Year’s Eve celebration kit are two splits of sparkling wine to toast 2021’s arrival as well as a full bottle selection to go with dinner.

The package must be ordered pre-ordered for pickup on Dec. 30.

Call Eastside Grill at 413586-3347 for more information.

“Pickup Location” format the company first introduced in 2019. Smaller than a traditional Starbucks, these new outlets are designed to offer drive-thru and curbside pickup services; most will have no seating areas.

• Howard Wein of the Wein Hospitality Group, which operates the Alvah Stone Restaurant in Montague, has announced that the restaurant has suspended a la carte service for the winter months ahead.

With outdoor dining on the restaurant’s riverside deck no longer feasible, Wein is limiting Alvah Stone’s availability to pre-scheduled private events.

He’s also soliciting support from the restaurant’s fans, suggesting three options – buying digital gift cards, booking small private events, or contributing to Alvah Stone’s GoFundMe, which he has set up to pay for occupancy costs during the shutdown. As of press time, the Alvah Stone Covid Winter Fund has raised two-thirds of its $5,000 goal.

More information is available at thealvahstone.com.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Frigo family and thank them for supporting our local business!

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• More news about restaurant closures this week.

In a recent email to customers Daniel Martinez, the chef-operator of Bistro Side dishes Les Gras on West Street in • While many smaller Northampton, announced operators continue their that he and his partner, Elizstruggle to survive, the giants abeth, had made the decision not to renew the restaurant’s of the restaurant industry lease. Martinez has previousare laying the groundwork ly announced an indefinite to come back stronger than winter shutdown of Bistro ever.

Global coffee giant StarLes Gras. bucks has announced plans In his message Martinez to open some 22,000 new shared his belief that the locations over the next restaurant would, however, 10 years, with a projected eventually reopen under 55,000 coffee shops operdifferent ownership. ating worldwide by 2030.

According to company Hugh Robert is a faculty officials, going forward the member in Holyoke CommuSeattle-based company plans nity College’s hospitality and culinary arts program and has to open approximately 800 new U.S. locations annually, nearly 45 years of restaurant the majority of which will be and educational experience.

Robert can be reached online in suburban settings.

Many of these new Starat OffTheMenuGuy@aol. bucks stores will be in the com.

We at Frigo’s would like to wish all of our customers a

www w.frig gosfood ds.co om 90 William Street, Springfield • 732-5428 159 Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow • 525-9400