LIVE WIRE: Lots of laughs across Western Mass to cure January doldrums, D4
BRIDAL EXPO: Plan your dream wedding at Springfield Wedding and Bridal Expo, D5
OFF THE MENU: Restaurants invest in ‘spin-off’ concepts for 2025, D7
‘Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help’
Slice-of-life
comedy opens at Majestic Theater in West Springfield
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
Don’t ask your 19-yearold daughter to have “the talk” with her younger sister because you are too busy. It is that premise that sets the stage for “Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help,” written by Katie Forgette and opening at West Springfield’s Majestic Theater today.
SEE MAJESTIC, PAGE D3
The Majestic Theater in West Springfield presents Katie Forgette’s “Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help” today through Feb. 16. At top, actors (from left) Sandra Blaney, Jenna Burns, Cate Damon and Maggie Hamel and, at right, Burns are pictured in scenes from the production. Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office or by calling 413-747-7797. (PHOTOS BY KAIT RANKINS)
Majestic
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D2
Set in 1973, the play is a wild and tender comedy that focuses on the cash-strapped Irish-Catholic O’Shea family. Nineteen-year-old Linda O’Shea, who serves as the play’s narrator, is attempting to tell her story to the audience about a family crisis of biblical proportions but keeps getting interrupted by family who want to tell their side of the story. Her bawdy explanation of the “birds and the bees” to her quirky younger sister is somehow overheard by the parish priest, who sets out to confront the family about the “corruption of their eldest daughter’s soul.” What ensues as secrets are unintentionally revealed is everyone in the household — including a sassy aunt — banding together to keep the family’s name in good standing.
“Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help” had its world premiere at Chenango River Theatre in 2019 in Greene, New York. For longtime area residents familiar with the name Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the play was not inspired by the Holyoke French church, which was destroyed in a fire
“The comedy is a slice of life into this family who have been strumming along year after year only to be faced with this crisis. They care tremendously about what the neighbors will think about them, what the community will think about them.”
in 1999.
The cast includes Sandra Blaney as Jo O’Shea, Cate Damon as Terri Carmichael, Jenna G. Burns as Linda O’Shea, John Baker as Mike/Lovett/ Betty, and Maggie Hamel as Becky O’Shea.
The play is directed by Rand Foerster.
“The play is a chance for audiences to flashback in time to 1973. You get a sense into an Irish Catholic family’s craziness yet love for one another back at a time when roles were heavily defined — mom stayed at home to care for the family, dad was the only one who worked, and basically the community you were living in was run by the church whatever religion,” Foerster said.
“While it may not sound funny, the whole situation is hilarious, and Linda is put into quite a predicament while in the middle of a crisis of her own. She hasn’t heard from her boyfriend in a while and thinks that she might be pregnant,” he said about the possibility of a scandal.
Foerster noted he enjoys the play for a couple of reasons, including the unconditional love the family has for one another.
“What I really love about the play is how the characters
at times step out to talk directly to the audience. If you were a fan of ‘The Office,’ which ran for nine seasons on NBC, you will know exactly what I mean and how that adds to everything that is going on in the play,” he said.
Jenna Burns, who plays the older sister Linda, agrees with Foerster’s love of the play.
“For me, it is fun to play narrator, it’s a role unlike I’ve ever done before ... being able to craft the storyline and step in and out of my role to confide in the audience. I hope they enjoy being a part of the play as much as I do ... I spend a lot of time talking with them,” Burns said.
“The comedy is a slice of life into this family who have been strumming along year after year only to be faced
with this crisis. They care tremendously about what the neighbors will think about them, what the community will think about them,” she added about the sign of the times.
Tickets range from $35 to $38 and can be purchased in person at the box office or by calling 413-747-7797. Box office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit majestictheater.com.
Actors Maggie Hamel (as Becky O’Shea) and Jenna Burns (as Linda O’Shea) share a moment in “Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help,” onstage at West Springfield’s Majestic Theater today through Feb. 16. (PHOTO BY KAIT RANKINS)
JENNA BURNS, WHO PLAYS LINDA IN ‘INCIDENT AT OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP,’ PICTURED AT LEFT
Nightclubs
THURSDAY
The Drake: Yeison Landero and DJ Bongohead. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
FRIDAY
Delaney House: Ron Smith. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar
Comedy Club: Big Jay Irish. 1
MGM Way, Springfield
Shaker Farms Country Club: Tom Savoy. 866 Shaker Road, Westfield
The Drake: ARHS Cabaret. 44 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow
Theodores’: Cheryl Arena. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House
Restaurant & Pub: Baird Souls. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SATURDAY
Delaney House: Baird Souls. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
MGM Springfield: MGM Roar
Comedy Club: Big Jay Irish. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
Theodores’: The Matt Swanton Band. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
West Springfield’s Irish House
Restaurant & Pub: The Corner Boys. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY
Delaney House: Trivia. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 W. Columbus Ave., Springfield
The Republican is not responsible for unannounced schedule changes. Listings must be received two weeks before the date of the event. Items should be mailed to Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, emailed to pmastriano@repub.com or submitted to www.masslive.com/myevent
These 11 titles are leaving Netflix by the end of January
By Jason Bailey New York Times
The long nights of winter offer Netflix subscribers in the United States the opportunity to binge three solid series before they leave this month, along with two horror chillers, a couple of uproarious comedies and more. (Dates reflect the final day titles are available and are subject to change.)
‘Focus’ (Today, Jan. 9)
Before collaborating in “Suicide Squad” (and before “Barbie,” and before the Slap), Will Smith and Margot Robbie teamed up for this sly, smart, sexy caper from writer-directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (“Crazy, Stupid, Love”). Robbie is a up-and-coming con artist, specializing in quick scams and picking pockets, who wants to learn how to play for higher stakes; Smith is the old pro who teaches her the ropes. The locations and costumes are gorgeous, the stars even more so, while Ficarra and Requa’s script is clever but not too convoluted. Fans of the “Ocean’s” movies and their ilk will find much to like here.
‘The Magicians’ Seasons 1-5 (Jan. 14)
This enjoyable series, which ran on Syfy from 2015 to 2020, isn’t the most original thing on
Lots of laughs to cure January doldrums
Netflix — the show, based on the novels by Lev Grossman, is unmistakably seeking to scratch the wizarding-school itches of Harry Potter fans. But granting the nakedness of its ambitions, there’s much to admire about this modest charmer: the charisma of the lead, Jason Ralph; the WB soapiness of the conflicts between its college-age characters; and the better-than-average (for basic cable, at least) visual effects and settings. It’s junk food, sure, but undeniably tasty.
‘Monk’ Seasons 1-8 (Jan. 14)
This durable, popular USA mystery series (2002-2009) helped give that channel a distinctive identity and helped lift its star, Tony Shalhoub, from a valued cinematic character actor to a marquee name (and even sex symbol) for a certain demographic of television viewers. He stars as Adrian Monk, a consulting detective for the San Francisco Police Department, whose investigative prowess rivals that of Sherlock Holmes and whose obsessive-compulsive disorder rivals Jack Nicholson’s in “As Good as It Gets.” The mysteries are consistently smart and engaging — “Columbo” is a clear inspiration, and a deserved
ALL THE SPARKLE and joy of the holiday season is receding in the rearview mirror, which means the winter doldrums are arriving.
But January doesn’t have to be a slumgullion of gloom and grayness. Here in Western Massachusetts, there is a steady stream of laughs available, largely from the Roar Comedy Club at MGM Springfield.
But before we get to that slate of comics, let’s mention the biggest name in comedy coming to the area this month: Kathy Griffin, who will take the stage at Northampton’s Academy of Music on Jan. 30.
Griffin, a two-time Emmyand Grammy-winning comedian, is best known for her biting satire and her Bravo series, “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List,” which aired for six years and won two Emmys. She also starred
Kathy Griffin will perform at the Academy of Music. (SUBMITTED)
George Lenker
(ADOBE STOCK)
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Planning your ‘happily ever after’
Springfield Wedding and Bridal Expo returns this weekend
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
Even if you are well along in planning your wedding, there is still good reason to head to the Eastern States Exposition this weekend for the 35th annual Springfield Wedding and Bridal Expo.
“There is still value in coming down to our show, even if your wedding is already pretty well planned out. The vibe is amazing. There is music playing, people walking around with gowns and formal wear, and you can get a real feel for the whole bridal process. And you may go home with a pretty big door prize to help you with your wedding,” said Dennis Jenks, owner of Jenks Productions, organizers of the event.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday in the Better Living Center. Tickets are $10, available online at jenksproductions. com, or at the door.
There will be nearly 80 vendors attending the show, focusing on a variety of products and services such as wedding dresses and shoes, bridal veils and hair accessories, bridesmaid and mother of the bride dresses, maid of honor and junior bridesmaid dresses, wedding venues, wedding invitations and
cards, wedding cakes, gifts and favors, decorations and centerpieces, flowers and bouquets, bands and DJs, photographers and videographers, jewelers, limousine services and much more.
“You can plan your whole wedding in literally one day at our Springfield Wedding and Bridal Show. We have been pretty consistent for the past 35 years, although we did see a drop off during COVID, but it has been getting better every year since the pandemic,” Jenks said.
He noted that weddings do change based on the economy, and as it has “tightened up,” they are seeing more and more small-scale weddings.
“Some couples have economized by renting a tent
show returns this weekend to the Better Living Center.
TUESDAY
Chicopee Elks #1849
431 Granby Road, Chicopee 413-592-1849
Bingo Tuesday
Doors Open at 4PM
2 Progressive Jackpots 6:15PM Early Bird
6:20PM Start
Min. Entry Package $15
Open Seating
2 Halls for Players
Handicap Restroom 1st Floor
WEDNESDAY
Polish American Citizens Club
355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385
Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm
Doors Open at 4pm. Minimum Admission $50
1 - 1199 Progressive Betty Boop 50/50 Prize $900
2 - $500 Cover Alls
3 - $400 Special Games All regular games $100 with 80 people or More. All Cards are included with Admission. Prizes climb with
THURSDAY
Fairview Knights of Columbus 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee (413) 532-2011
DOORS OPEN 4:30PM
MASKS OPTIONAL Progressive Jackpot 6:15pm Early Bird 6:20pm Start
Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms
Min. Entry Package $15
Scenes from a past year’s Springfield Wedding and Bridal Expo at the Eastern States Exposition. The 35th annual
(STEVEN NANTON PHOTOS)
Netflix
comparison — but the reason to watch is Shalhoub, who turns what could have been a collection of tics and eccentricities into a fully realized, unforgettable television character.
‘Cats’ (Jan. 15)
It’s said that they don’t make really, truly, memorably bad movies anymore; the basic level of technical competence is too high, and IP obsession means studios play it so safe that no one takes the kinds of big swings that can go entertainingly, disastrous-
a protagonist whose good intentions and can-do attitude can, for at least an hour, assure viewers that the health care industry is working in their best interests; and it can deploy the tools of the hospital show, a longtime television staple. The central character is Dr. Max Goodwin (Ryan Eggold), the new director of a New York public hospital who embarks on an idealistic mission: to put patients before profits and to help people no matter what the cost. It occasionally comes off as wish fulfillment fantasy, but the performers are likable, the stories are often moving, and at its best, it is top-notch comfort television.
ly awry. But there are occasional exceptions to every rule, and this 2019 adaptation of the long-running Andrew Lloyd Webber stage musical is one of them, serving as a vivid illustration of the vast chasm between what we’ll accept onstage and on-screen. The singing and dancing cats at its center might have played in an animated film, but this peculiar mixture of live actors, theatrical makeup and CGI is ill-advised from start to finish — it was roundly rejected by moviegoers even with Taylor Swift in the cast. But it’s much more fun to watch than any number of big-budget studio hits; say what you will about these “Cats,” but they’re never boring.
‘New Amsterdam’ Seasons 1-5 (Jan. 15)
This NBC medical drama accomplishes two things simultaneously: It presents
The Roar Comedy Club at MGM Springfield is offering a full schedule of comedians this month. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE)
Live Wire
on NBC’s “Suddenly Susan” and appeared on such shows as “Seinfeld,” “Law & Order: SVU”, Glee,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Griffin also holds the Guinness Book of World Records for writing and starring in 20 televised stand-up specials.
‘The Babadook’ (Jan. 25)
This debut feature by Australian director Jennifer Kent was an unexpected sleeper hit, thanks to the sheer force of its craft and the genuine terror inspired by the title character, a black-hatted nightmare figure that haunts the dreams and reality of 6-year-old Sam (Noah Wiseman), much to the consternation of his single mother, Amelia (Essie Davis). Kent delivers genuine scares and moody atmosphere in spades, but “The Babadook” works especially because it is first and foremost a character study, grounded in the recognizable reality of parenthood — and all the everyday horrors therein.
‘The Rental’ (Jan. 25)
Not many movies benefited from the theatrical
Her memoir, “A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin,” debuted at No.1 on the New York Times Bestseller List. Her second book, “Kathy Griffin’s Celebrity Run-Ins: My A-Z Index,” was also a New York Times bestseller. Go to aomtheatre.com for more information or tickets.
Now, on to the January lineup of comics at Roar.
On Jan 10-11, “Big Irish” Jay Hollingsworth will bring his “charmingly brutal” comedy stylings to the club. Hollingsworth took first place in the March Comedy Madness Competition and The Best of Boston, and has been a finalist in multiple comedy competitions, including The Shades of Laughs Comedy Competition, Magners USA Comedy Festival and the Bend International Comedy Competition.
Jon Rudnitsky comes to Roar for two nights on Jan 17-18. Rudnitsky can be seen in the film “I Love You Forever” with Cazzie Da-
vid, which premiered at this year’s South by Southwest to great reviews. He also has appeared in “Home Again” opposite Reese Witherspoon, Ed Burns’ “Summer Days and Summer Nights,” and Tyler Perry’s “Nobody’s Fool.” He has also appeared on “Saturday Night Live,” “Big Leap” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” as well as “Conan” and “The Comedy Jam.”
On Jan. 24-25, Heather Shaw takes the Roar stage. Shaw garnered a huge social media audience partially due to her uncanny resemblance
to Jim Carrey. She also has a weekly podcast, “Heather Shaw is Kidding,” where she pokes fun at current events, pop culture and politics.
Tina Friml rounds out the month with shows on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Friml, who has cerebral palsy, uses her upbeat brand of humor to talk about living with the condition and the assumptions people have about it. In 2024, she was named one of Variety’s “Top 10 Comics To Watch.”
All shows at the Roar Comedy Club begin at 8 p.m. Visit roarcomedyclub.com for more information.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie appear in a scene from "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." The film is leaving Netflix later this month.
at the Springfield Museums
CLOSES THIS SUNDAY!
McDonald’s, Taco Bell, KFC focus on spinoff concepts for 2025
THE YEAR 2025 MAY well go down in restaurant industry annals as “the year of the secondary brand.”
Looking to boost revenues and unearth growth opportunities in an increasingly saturated dining out marketplace, three major quick service restaurant operators — McDonald’s, Taco Bell and KFC — are currently experimenting with spinoff concepts. Two of these new ideas, McDonald’s CosMc’s and Taco Bell’s Live Mas Cafe, are designed to exploit the growing popularity of beverages; the third, Saucy by KFC, is all about sauces, snacking and the flavor.
CosMc’s was the first of the three new concepts to be up and running, with McDonald’s Corp. now operating CosMc’s in greater Dallas and San Antonio. The menu at CosMc’s is about handcrafted coffee beverages, “dirty sodas,” frappes, snacks, cookies and more.
Taco Bell’s Live Mas Cafe concept, which debuted in a San Diego Taco Bell outlet last month, is a specialty beverage concept that builds on some of the innovations in that area Taco Bell had previously developed. Live Mas Cafe offers Churro Chillers, Refrescas, Dirty Baja Blasts and more.
The potential appeal of such secondary brands is two-fold. First, specialty beverages are profitable, with a $5 handcrafted coffee or dirty soda delivering a gross margin that can exceed 90%. Moreover, beverage and snacking concepts bring in traffic throughout the day, including afternoons and late night.
The third secondary brand announcement came from KFC, the fried chicken chain. Its new concept, Saucy, addresses consumer preferences for flavor choices in the form of sauces and dips. KFC’s executives thus like to refer to Saucy as a “flavor-forward
Above, a sign hangs outside a CosMc’s restaurant, a concept launched by McDonald’s on Dec. 11, 2023, in Bolingbrook, Ill. At right, KFC’s new spinoff restaurant, Saucy, debuted in Orlando, Fla., with 11 signature sauces available: Chimichurri Ranch, Peri Peri Ranch, Jalapeno Pesto Ranch, Smokey Bacon Ranch, Thai Sweet ‘N Spicy, Sweet ‘N Saucy BBQ, Saucy’s Sauce, Spicy Magno Chutney, Saucy Ranch, Creole Honey Mustard and Sweet Teriyaki.
dining destination.”
Eleven signature sauces and hand-breaded chicken tenders are at the heart of the Saucy menu, along with fries and toasted Hawaiian rolls. Tenders are served with sauces “flights” and a line-up of specialty beverages.
The first Saucy restaurant opened in Orlando, Florida, in late December.
Two of these new ideas, McDonald’s CosMc’s and Taco Bell’s Live Mas Cafe, are designed to exploit the growing popularity of beverages; the third, Saucy by KFC, is all about sauces, snacking and the flavor.
Side Dishes
• Now that the holidays are past, it’s timely to share a reminder to use those restaurant gift cards received during the holidays. Though Massachusetts law imposes considerable safeguards on gift card purchases and use, it remains a prudent strategy to cash in such cards promptly.
Restaurants will appreciate the incremental traffic that gift card redemptions brings, and consumers benefit by
using the cards before they get put away in a drawer and forgotten.
• The Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant in downtown Springfield has announced the dates for its February Six-Course Wild Game Dinners.
To be held on Feb. 8, 20 and 27, the dinners are priced at $89. Tickets can be ordered online at the Student Prince’s website, studentprince.com.
The restaurant answers at 413-734-7475.
• Brian Niccol, the recently installed CEO at the Seattle-based coffee giant Starbucks recently provided more details on his plans to get the chain back on track. Niccol, who presided over the successful expansion of Chipotle Mexican Grill, has outlined what is, in many ways, a “back-to basics”
Hugh Robert Off The Menu
Nonalcoholic wine recommendations for Dry January
MANY PEOPLE make New Year’s resolutions in January.
Committing to exercising more.
Deciding to lose a few pounds or read more books.
Another popular resolution even has a catchy nickname: Dry January. That’s when people decide to not drink alcohol during the month of January.
Last year, roughly 1 out of 4 adults nationwide participated in Dry January and abstained from drinking alcohol that month.
The good news is Dry January participants don’t have to make a huge sacrifice.
That’s because nonalcoholic drinks are booming in
By 2031, sales of nonalcoholic wines are expected to reach $2.6 billion a year worldwide, an increase of 11.6% from 2024 to 2031, making nonalcoholic wines one of the fastest growing wine categories, according to Yahoo Finance.
popularity, especially among younger adults.
Nonalcoholic beer has been around for decades. But to be honest, they weren’t that great years ago.
Not anymore.
Now you can find delicious nonalcoholic beers as well as outstanding “mocktails,” which are cocktails without alcohol.
In addition, there are many interesting alcohol-free wines.
This week, you can learn all about how non-alcoholic wines, including how they are made, plus a few non-alcoholic wine recommendations.
Let me add that I think it’s best to think of alcohol-free wines as something different from wines with alcohol. Sort of like the difference between white or red wines, port or sparkling wine. One isn’t better than the other. They simply have their own distinct character.
Hope you enjoy.
How popular are alcohol-free wines?
The short answer? Increasingly popular. In recent years,
sales figures for alcohol-free have skyrocketed. In 2022, consumers purchased 23% more alcohol-free wines that year compared to the year before, according to data collected by Nielsen Consumer LLC. And between 2022 and 2023, sales of all non-alcoholic beverages increased by 32%, according to The New York Times.
In addition, by 2031, sales of nonalcoholic wines are expected to reach $2.6 billion a year worldwide, an increase of 11.6% from 2024 to 2031, making nonalcoholic wines one of the fastest growing wine categories, according to Yahoo Finance.
However, it is important to note that the market for alcohol-free beverages (which includes no-alcohol wine, beer and spirits) is still relatively small compared to the total alcohol market. Overall, the sale of all non-alcohol beverages accounted for 1.5% of total alcohol sales. Even so, that number is steadily growing each year.
What is alcohol in wine?
First, it’s important to
understand how alcohol gets into wine. Remember, wine is made with grapes. So why does wine have alcohol, but grape juice does not?
One word: fermentation.
During the fermentation process — which often takes one to two weeks — yeast breaks down sugar. The result is a byproduct called ethanol. Ethanol is what makes alcohol in wine. Or rather, yeast turns sugar into alcohol (ethanol) during fermentation.
Most winemakers add yeast during the fermentation process. However, there are a very small number of winemakers who simply allow natural yeasts to develop during the fermentation process.
How is alcohol-free wine made?
In order to make alcohol-free wine, ethanol must be removed after the fermentation process. Again, without fermentation, wine would not be wine. It would simply be grape juice.
Many winemakers call this process dealcoholization. This is why some winemakers refer to alcohol-free wines as
Giesen New Zealand Pinot Grigio ($15 Suggested Retail Price)
Location: New Zealand
Grapes: 100% Pinot Grigio
Tasting notes: Delightful, aromatic, floral wine with tart apple-like flavor and aroma. Very subtle and not too sweet. A great alcohol-free wine to introduce people to these types of wines.
Noughty Dealcoholized Blanc ($22 SRP)
Location: South Africa
Grapes: 55% Chenin Blanc and 45% Chardonnay
dealcoholized wines.
As you can expect when it comes to wine, there’s no one single way every winemaker removes alcohol from wine.
After fermentation, some alcohol-free winemakers chill the wine, spin it and vacuum out the ethanol.
Other winemakers heat the wine slightly in order to evaporate the ethanol. However, winemakers who use this dealcoholization process need to be extremely careful since extreme heat can ruin a wine and destroy all its wonderful flavors.
Tasting notes for alcohol-free wines
A quick overall observation. As I noted above, I think it’s important to think about alcohol-free wines as being their own distinct category. In general, if you like natural wines and hard ciders, I think you’ll like many of these no-alcohol wines.
Here are my individual wine notes.
Tasting notes: Extremely tart, crisp wine with green apple like flavors with a zingy, slightly-sweet yet also dry, cider-like finish.
Saint Viviana Sauvignon Blanc ($24 SRP)
Location: Washington
Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Tasting notes: Intense, bold, hard cider-like flavor with a hint of sourness. Great wine with spicy foods or anything with concentrated flavors.
Saint Viviana Cabernet Sauvignon ($23 SRP)
Location: Paso Robles, California
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting notes: Light, floral red wine with hints of cherry and raspberry. Almost Beaujolais like in flavor and aroma. Over time in the glass, those flavors become woodsy and softer.
French Bloom Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine, Le Rose ($30 SRP)
Location: Southwest France
Grapes: Blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Tasting notes: My favorite wine of the tasting, this bright, lively, fresh, floral sparkling wine hits all the right notes. Flavors and aromas are subtle and include hints of rose petals and peach. A truly delightful French sparkling wine that just happens to not have any alcohol. Cheers!
Several of the alcohol-free wines reviewed this week.
(PHOTO BY KEN ROSS)
Ken Ross Wine Press
A blizzard of beer news to start the year
George Lenker Beer Nut
OLD MAN WINTER has yet to dump any significant snow on us, but the past few weeks have certainly delivered a blizzard of beer news to my virtual desk, so let’s dig out from under it.
First up is the sad news of former President Jimmy Carter’s death. Carter is a hero to many craft beer fans for signing HR 1337 into law
in 1978. Without that piece of legislation, which legalized homebrewing, we simply wouldn’t have had the craft beer explosion that has taken place over the past 45 years. So cheers to him, and a life well-lived.
While “Dry January” has received a glut of coverage as people embrace a month of not drinking, most readers of this column would rather em-
brace the alternative offered by the Brewers Association: the “Pour Love into Local” campaign.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Brewers Association (a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers) and a coalition of state brewers guilds. The goal is to encourage customers to support
local breweries after the holidays, which is typically a slow period for business.
“Pour Love into Local” also highlights how breweries serve more than just alcohol: They also act as a gathering place to foster connections between people and meet the needs of their communities.
Even those engaging in “Dry January” can still enjoy an
“Pour Love into Local” also highlights how breweries serve more than just alcohol: They also act as a gathering place to foster connections between people and meet the needs of their communities.
strategy. He’s promised a renewed emphasis on speed of service, with an eventual goal of having the brand’s handcrafted drinks ready in under four minutes. A basic cup of brewed coffee will soon be in a customer’s hands within 30 seconds from the time of ordering, Niccol promises.
He’s also indicated that, in order to reach those goals, Starbucks may have to simplify its menu and develop some technology solutions, especially in the area of mobile ordering.
Niccol has further committed the chain to no price increases during 2025.
• Over the next couple of months, the Boston Harbor Hotel in Boston’s Seaport District will once again be the site of the 2025 Boston Wine and Food Festival.
A series of “grand dinners,” tastings and master classes, the festival begins Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. with an “Opening Night” reception, a walk-around experience that will offering tastings of over 100 wines.
The hotel’s executive chef, David Daniels, will be creating a series of “small tastes” of his own to go with the wines, and live music will enhance the festival atmosphere of the opening night experience.
During February and March,
• The Westfield branch of North Adams-based Bright Ideas Brewing Company will be presenting a January Beer Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 25, starting at 5:30 p.m.
The dinner, which is being prepared by Chappy’s Mobile Culinary Experience, will feature a five-course menu paired with five beers from Bright Ideas’s brewing repertoire. Members of Bright Idea’s brew team will be on hand during the dinner to provide commentary on the beers being poured.
Chi’s Mexican Restaurants chain back in 1975.
Chi-Chi’s was a popular Tex-Mex dining destination until the late 1990s, at one time operating over 200 locations across the U.S. The chain, which had subsequently dwindled down to 65 restaurants, closed in 2004 after a series of business reverses. Hormel subsequently purchased rights to the name, using it on a line of Mexican-themed foods the company produced.
the festival will sponsor 19 additional wine-related events. More details on those occasions can be found online at boswineandfoodfestival. com
The Festival’s telephone number is 617-748-1878.
• Starting Jan. 7, Chicago-based McDonald’s Corp. is introducing a new “McValue” menu nationwide. The new menu, which is built around the chain’s continuing $5 Meal Deal offering, will also incorporate a “Buy One, Add One for $1” offer plus local deals and offers, some of which will only be available on the McDonald’s mobile app.
The existing $5 Meal Deal,
which was introduced last summer, includes the choice of a burger or chicken sandwich as well as small fries, a small order of nuggets and a small soft drink.
The new “Buy One” offer will be available in two variants. A Breakfast Buy One will allow customers to mix and match from among the Sausage McMuffin, Sausage Burrito, Hash Browns or Sausage Biscuit. At lunch the deal will apply to a six-piece Chicken McNuggets, a Double Cheeseburger, a McChicken Sandwich or small fries.
The McValue program is part of a corporate strategy to bring low-income consumers back to the McDonald’s brand.
The menu for the dinner will begin with a seared rabbit salad and then move on to a traditional Louisiana gumbo. French-style cassoulet will follow as the third course, with braised short rib presented as a main course experience. Dessert is to be a Mexican hot chocolate cake.
Tickets for the dinner, which can be ordered online at Eventbrite.com, are $75 plus a convenience fee.
Bright Ideas Brewing Company in Westfield can be reached at 413-579-5330.
• A restaurant brand from a generation ago is being revived, thanks to the son of one of is founders.
Michael McDermott has purchased the rights to the Chi-Chi’s name from Hormel Foods, the current owners of the trademark. McDermott, an experienced restaurateur, is the son of Marno McDermott, who co-created the Chi-
If all goes according to plan, the first Chi-Chi’s will open later this year serving an updated menu of Tex-Mex specialties.
• Nathan Bill’s Restaurant in Springfield has sent out advance notice of a fivecourse Jameson Irish Dinner. The event, which is planned for Wednesday, March 5, will feature Irish cuisine paired with tastes of Jameson Irish Whiskey. Live music will also be part of the evening’s festivities.
Tickets, which are $100 plus a convenience fee, can be ordered at Eventbrite.com. Nathan Bill’s Restaurant answers at 413-737-6135.
Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College’s hospitality and culinary arts program and has nearly 50 years of restaurant and educational experience. Robert can be reached online at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com.
The 2025 Boston Wine and Food Festival returns to the city's Seaport District starting on Jan. 31. Above, a group of people at a Boston restaurant during a past festival raise glasses in a toast. (PHOTO COURTESY BOSTON WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL)
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THURSDAY
MGM Springfield Ice Rink: Thu.-Sun., MGM Springfield. Hours:Mon.-Tue. Closed. Wed.Thurs. 4-10 p.m.; Fri.- Sat. 1-10 p.m.; Sun. noon-10 p.m., through Jan. 19. Walk-up sales only; tickets not available online. 1 MGM Way, Springfield.
Montague Shakespeare Festival 2025 Workshops: Thu.-Sun, Online, "The Digital Bard: Live Online Workshops," through Feb. 28, 1-2 p.m. A nine-part Zoom workshop series offering insights into Shakespeare's works. Learn from acclaimed actors and directors from Shakespeare's Globe and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Cost is $25 per workshop. Register online at montagueshakespearefestival.com
Pioneer Valley Jazz Shares presents Jenny Scheinman's All Species Parade: Thu., 7:30 p.m. Community Music School of Springfield. For tickets and more information, visit jazzshares.org, $15 nonmembers. 127 State St., Springfield. 413-782-8428.
FRIDAY
MGM Springfield Ice Rink: See Thursday listing Montague Shakespeare Festival 2025 Workshops: See Thursday listing
Pilobolus Winter Workshop Weekend: Fri.-Sun., Jacob's Pillow Dance, Join dance theatre company Pilobolus this winter for a workshop that will get your creative juices flowing, challenge your body and your mind, and open up a world of collaborative and movement-based possibilities.Pilobolus's founders were not dancers, but curious and interested movers. Pilobolus workshops underline Jacob’s Pillow’s founders' ideas that anyone can dance, and can create dance. Whether you haven't taken a dance class in 20 years, take class regularly, or have never even danced a step, there is a place in a Pilobolus Intensive for you. We work with dancers and non-dancers alike to expand the idea of what dance is, and increase collaborative and performance skills. Open to all. No previous dance experience is necessary, $450-690. 358 George Carter Road, Becket; 413-243-0745 or jacobspillow.org.
SATURDAY
MGM Springfield Ice Rink: See Thursday listing Montague Shakespeare Festival 2025 Workshops: See Thursday
CALENDAR
Dance company Pilobolus is hosting a winter dance workshop at Jacob’s Pillow in Becket this weekend. No prior dance experience is needed.
listing Pilobolus Winter Workshop Weekend: See Friday listing
Springfield Wedding & Bridal Expo: Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Better Living Center, Admission: adults $10; children 12 and under free. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-737-2443 or thebige. com.
SUNDAY
MGM Springfield Ice Rink: See Thursday listing Montague Shakespeare Festival 2025 Workshops: See Thursday listing Pilobolus Winter Workshop Weekend: See Friday listing Springfield Wedding & Bridal Expo: See Saturday listing Valley Jazz Voices Winter Concert and Open Mic: Sun, 4 p.m. Edwards Church of Northampton, winter concert will begin with a set by Valley Jazz Voices. Stick around for the Open Mic where you can share your own musical talents or simply enjoy the performances. Bring your charts! Valley Jazz Voices is a community choir singing jazz in four part harmony. VJV is directed by Jeff Olmsted and accompanied by Ellen Cogen on piano, George Kaye on bass, and McCoy Plaisted on drums. Suggested donation $10-$20. Children 12 and under free. 297 Main St., Northampton.
West Springfield Coin Club Meeting: Sun, 7 p.m. Mittineague Congregational Church, A presentation and discussion will include facts about the “Peace” Silver
Dollar of 1921-1935. Refreshments will be available. Guests are always welcome. For further information, contact Peter Setian at 413-5969871. 1840 Westfield St., West Springfield.
Quadrangle
George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: “Ancient Treasures,” a display of artifacts from ancient China, Greece, Rome and Egypt. On the first Wed. of every month through the end of 2026, admission to the Springfield Museums is free. For more information, visit springfieldmuseums.org.
Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: Permanent exhibit: Features more than two dozen Indian motorcycles and related memorabilia.
Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Gilded Echoes: The Tiffany Influence in Josh Simpson’s Glasswork.” Through Feb. 25. “Look Again: Portraits of Daring Women” by Julie Lapping Rivera. Through Feb. 23. “Tiffany’s Gardens in Glass.” Through Feb. 25. Museum a la Carte. Jan. 9, 12:15 p.m. “An Exploration of Tiffany’s Gardens in Glass”; cost $4, free for members. Presented by Lindsy R. Parrott, Executive Director and Curator of the Neustadt Collection of Tiffanny Glass. In person or online.
Springfield Science Museum: Permanent exhibit includes state-of-the-art Zeiss Projector and updated International Space Station exhibit. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss
413-588-4337. 518 Pleasant St., Northampton East Longmeadow Historical Commission Museum: Permanent exhibit. Open every third Saturday of the month, 1-3 p.m. with free admission. Featuring displays of local history. Guided tours are available. For more information about seasonal events, visit them on Facebook at East Longmeadow Historical Commission. 87 Maple St., East Longmeadow
Museum: Permanent exhibit. First-floor exhibition provides opportunities to explore new sounds and vocabulary, play rhyming games, invent stories, and engage in activities that encourage teamwork and creative thinking, with interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia. For more information, visit springfieldmuseums.org.
Quadrangle admission - $25 for adults, $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college students with ID, $13 for children ages 3-17; free to children under age 3 and members, Springfield residents are free with proof of residency. Welcome Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Museums
Amelia Park Children’s Museum: Permanent exhibits includes spaceship, construction site, library, grocery store. Weekday activities. Visit ameliaparkmuseum.org for information. Hours: Tue.-Tue, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Open for groups Wed. Admission: $8 adults; $8 children (12 months and older); $4 grandparents/seniors (60+); military personnel and teachers receive a 10% discount off the price of regular admission; members/infants free.
29 South Broad St., Westfield, Anchor House of Artists: Rotating art exhibits, self-staged by fine regional talents. The best leastknown gallery in the Pioneer Valley. Free public receptions on the 2nd Fri. of the month from 5-8 p.m. For more information, email artists@ anchorhouseartists.org, go online to anchorhouseartists.org, or call
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: Permanent exhibit: Gabrielle Healy Carroll Storytime Programs are held Tues. and Fri. 10:30 a.m.; Sat. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m., free with admission. Museum hours: Wed.-Fri, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. $6, $9, $22.50 for a family of four. “Artful Collaboration: Eric Carle & Ann Beneduce.” Through March 9. “Free to Be You and Me: 50 Years of Stories and Songs.” Through April 6. 125 West Bay Road, Amherst or carlemuseum.org.
Historic Deerfield: “In Pursuit of the Picturesque: The Art of James Wells Champney.” Through Feb. 23. “Building a Collection: Recent Acquisitions.” Through Feb. 23. 80 Old Main St., Deerfield or www. historic-deerfield.org.
Historic Northampton Museum and Education: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Wed.-Sun. noon-5 p.m. $5 suggested donation. 46 Bridge St., Northampton or historic-northampton.org.
Josiah Day House: Permanent exhibit: featuring guided tours, artifacts, furniture, clothing and documents from 1754-1902. call for open house schedule and individual tours. $3, $1 children 6-12, free for members. 70 Park St., West Springfield, 413-734-8322.
Mead Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: Various American and European paintings, Mexican ceramics, Tibetan scroll paintings and more. Museum hours: Tues.-Thurs. and Sun. 9 a.m.-midnight; Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 220 South Pleasant St., Amherst or amherst.edu.
Mount Holyoke College Art Museum: “Northern Exposure: Painting from the Low Countries in the Permanent Collection.” Through May 25. “Mariam Ghani: Like Water from a Stone.” Through May 25. Lower Lake Road, South Hadley or mtholyoke.edu.
Norman Rockwell Museum: Online exhibit: “Imagining Freedom.” The exhibition highlights the important role of Norman Rockwell
Calendar
and other artists in advancing and communicating these ideals, envisioned as core human rights for all people. The fee for accessing “Imagining freedom” is $5 for the general public, available on the museum’s website at NRM. org. “Anita Kunz: Original Sisters Portraits of Tenacity and Courage.” Through May 26. $10/$25. “Norman Rockwell: Home for the Holidays.” Through Feb. 23. $0$25.” Norman Rockwell’s Life and Holiday Art Guided Tours, through Feb. 23. Reserve an engaging and inspiring guided tour to enhance your Museum Visit. Tour includes highlights from the winter exhibition “Norman Rockwell: Home For the Holidays. “ 40 min. Tours are limited to 25 people and often sell out in advance, $0-$10 in addition to Museum admission. 9 Route 183, Stockbridge or nrm.org.
Old Sturbridge Village: “For the Purpose of Illumination.” Learn how
Wedding
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D5
and having their wedding outdoors and bringing in food trucks. In fact, we do have food trucks now represented in the show and have even had a fire engine that was turned into a mobile bar. However, we do have a large percentage of wedding and banquet facilities attending the show, including golf courses, who see weddings as good off-season revenue,” Jenks said.
“With all things said, I still think most women desire that traditional wedding and that will never change,” he added.
Pete’s Sweets from East Longmeadow is one of several cake vendors at the show looking to make a couple’s wedding day even sweeter. Owner and operator Peter Gray brings his classic baking skills and imagination to the table as a graduate of New England Culinary Institute. He was also a contestant on TLC’s “Next Great Baker,” hosted by Buddy Valastro, better known as the Cake Boss, who has his own baking
New Englanders needed, used, and created artificial lighting methods in the 1830s and see first-hand artifacts from the era. Included with standard daytime general admission. Standard daytime admission is $30 for adults, $28 for seniors (55+), $15 for youth (4-17), $15 for college students (with a valid college ID), and free for children 3 and under. Route 20, Sturbridge or osv.org.
Pan African Historical Museum USA: Permanent exhibit. Tues.-Fri. noon-4 p.m. Free. 1500 Main St., Springfield, 413-733-1823.
Polish Center of Discovery and Learning: Permanent exhibit: a living monument safeguarding historical objects representative of the material culture of the Polish people in America. Galleries include “Coming to America”; “At Home in America”; “Folk Art”; “History.” The Polish Center is open to the public daily, Mon.-Fri, 1-5 p.m., except for inclement weather and holidays. Other times may be scheduled by appointment. $5 donation. 33 South St., Chicopee or polishcenter.net.
Smith College Museum of Art: “Younes Rahmoun: Here, Now.” Through July 13. The exhibition galleries are located on the first floor and lower level. Complimentary light refreshments and cash bar in the atrium. Permanent exhibits: “Ancient World Gallery, Beyond the Museum: Art on Smith’s Campus.” Hours: Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., closed Mondays and major holidays. Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA) is free to all. Elm Street at Bedford Terrace, Northampton or scma.smith.edu.
Springfield Armory National Historic Site: Ranger-led interpretive programs offered in the museum in the afternoon. Junior Ranger programs conducted frequently each day. Wed.-Sun, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 1 Armory Square, Springfield or nps. gov/spar
Titanic Museum: Permanent exhibit: Exhibits from the collection of the International Titanic Historical Society. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $4, $2 children and students. 208 Main St., Indian Orchard or titanic1.org.
University Museum of Contemporary Art - Fine Arts Center: Permanent exhibit. The University Museum is open through May 1; Tue–Fri, 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sat-Sun, noon–4 p.m.; and first Thursdays until 8 p.m. Closed Mondays, holidays, and academic breaks. 151 Presidents Drive, Amherst or umass.edu
Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum: Permanent exhibit: guided tours of the first and second floors. Weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Self-guided tours are on the hour with the last self-guided tour weekdays at 2 p.m. Call to reserve at 413-637-3206. Admission is $18 adults, $17 seniors (65+), $10 students with ID, $7 children 5-17, and free for children 4 or younger. Ghost Tour with Robert Oakes. Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. Reservations encouraged, $30 per person. Call 413637-3206 or visit gildedage.org for more information. 104 Walker St., Lenox.
Volleyball Hall of Fame: Permanent exhibit. Open Tues.-Sun, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Mon. Last
admission is 30 minutes prior to close. $8 adults; $5 seniors 65 and older; $5 students, active and retired military; and free for children 12 and under. Group rates also available online. 444 Dwight St., Holyoke or volleyhall.org.
Windsor Historical Society: Permanent exhibit:e Eplore the people, places and events that have shaped Windsor for over four centuries.
Hours: Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. with house tours at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. General admission to the library and historic houses is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for students and free to children under 12 and WHS members. 96 Palisade Ave., Windsor or windsorhistoricalsociety.org.
Wistariahurst Museum: Permanent exhibit: Gardens and grounds open daily from dawn to dusk.
Carriage House and gift shop open Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Standard admission is $7 Holyoke residents; $5 seniors; $5 youth (under 18); and free museum members, active military and family members. 238 Cabot St., Holyoke or wistariahurst.org.
“Realistically,
wedding cakes are still white, round, tiered,
and with flowers, but we can do whatever the couple wants to personalize the cake and make it their own.”
Peter Gray, owner of Pete’s Sweets in East Longmeadow
show on television.
“Realistically, wedding cakes are still white, round, tiered, and with flowers, but we can do whatever the couple wants to personalize the cake and make it their own,” Gray said, citing one couple who wanted to add a decoration of a dog taking a bite out of the cake.
While vanilla and chocolate wedding cakes are still the popular choices, Gray said he makes wedding cakes that are red velvet, carrot, orange, lemon poppy seed, spice, and confetti cake, just to name a few.
“The flavor of your cake can change with the addition of a variety of fillings,” Gray said about his long list of selections such as hazelnut, peanut butter, raspberry jam, and a large variety of buttercreams from strawberry to amaretto and cappuccino to cinnamon and many more. Samples of
his cakes will be offered at the show.
While at the show, participants can also sit down, relax, and enjoy a fashion show and live entertainment both days at the show’s main stage, including Caccie’s Bridal Closet, Fred Astaire Dance, Bridal Corner/Ron’s Formal Wear, Nicole Wzorek Designs Gowns & Lingerie, and music by saxophonist Quinn Mitchell. One lucky couple will also win a grand prize package that includes a tuxedo package, invitations gift certificate, cake certificate, an engagement photo session and more. You can register for the grand prize online or in-person at the show Additional door prizes will be given away at the fashion show stage. For more information about this weekend’s show, visit jenksproductions. com.
Beer
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active social life at breweries, which usually have plenty of alcohol-free alternatives.
Last week, I mentioned mergers between brewing companies in my column about the stagnant craft beer economy. Well, lo and behold, another such merger just took place right in our backyard on the last day of 2024.
Bay Brewing Company (home of Harpoon, UFO, Long Trail, Clown Shoes, Otter Creek, and Catamount) and FinestKind Brewing LLC (which includes Smuttynose, Wachusett, and Five Boroughs) announced they have merged to form Barrel One Collective. According to the new collective’s website, the company will house 14 total brands, operate seven brewery-taprooms across four states and have a combined production volume of nearly 165,000 barrels.
Steve Kierstead, CEO of FinestKind Brewing, will serve as chief commercial officer of Barrel One Collective, which will be head-
quartered in Boston.
Last but not least is some news from Drawing Board Brewing in the Florence section of Northampton. The brewery recently announced some news on its Facebook page. Among these developments are the community nights’ programming. Wednesday community nights (6-8 p.m.) will see open programming on the first Wednesday of each month, arts and crafts on the second Wednesday, silent book club on the third Wednesday and game night on the fourth Wednesday. Thursday community nights (7-9 p.m.) will see “Science on Tap” on the first Thursday, with a singer-songwriter session featuring women, non-binary, and trans artists on the second Thursday of the month.
But the best news (in my opinion) is that co-owner Corey Lynch will again attempt to pet 100 dogs this year, with the first and the 100th dogs through the doors getting a beer named after them. I’m sure the first dog has already won the initial award, but your pooch still could be the 100th.
shutdowns prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but this 2020 indie horror picture flourished in its admittedly limited release, mostly at drive-in theaters. Perhaps the claustrophobia that summer made this story of strangers sharing space extra dreadful, as two couples (Alison Brie, Dan Stevens, Sheila Vand and a pre-“The Bear” Jeremy Allen White) take over a seaside villa for a weekend stay. Actor-turned-director Dave Franco (who wrote the script with indie stalwart Joe Swanberg) shows a sure hand for creating the proper creepy mood, and each member of his fine cast carves out a fresh take on what could have been stock characters.
‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ (Jan. 26)
Brad Pitt’s and Angelina Jolie’s first onscreen pairing prompted a flurry of tabloid coverage (and a lengthy, stormy relationship); such gossipy productions rarely yield worthwhile final products, but this jazzy, funny, sexy thriller is a notable exception to the rule. The premise is high concept: Pitt and Jolie star as a seemingly dull married couple who have, for years, kept their double lives as paid assassins a secret from each other. The ensuing complications aren’t hard to predict (guess who each killer’s next target is?), but it is all done in high style by director Doug Liman, who stages his action sequences with wit and ingenuity, and screenwriter Simon Kinberg, who injects the potentially formulaic story with a heavy dose of screwball zing.
‘Not Another Teen Movie’ (Jan. 31)
The 1990s teen comedy boom — as exemplified by such hits as “10 Things I Hate About You,” “Bring It On” and “American Pie” — is savagely satirized in this broad but very funny spoof. The screenplay unapologetically lifts the plot of “She’s All That,” in which
a popular jock makes a bet that he can turn a nerdy girl into a prom queen. As with the best parody pictures, it works primarily because of the charisma of the performers (including Chris Evans and Jaime Pressly) and the density of the gags, which send up not only those ’90s favorites but also their ’80s predecessors (with particular affection for the films of John Hughes).
‘We’re the Millers’ (Jan. 31)
Jason Sudeikis stars as a weed dealer who stands to make a ton of cash if he can transport an RV full of product from Mexico to Denver with the help of a pretend family: an exotic dancer (Jennifer Aniston) masquerading as his wife, a street-wise runaway (Emma Roberts) as his daughter and an abandoned teen (Will Poulter) as his son. The thin lines between criminality and normalcy, and the pliable boundaries of family, provide most of the laughs — along with a tiptop supporting cast led by Nick Offerman, Kathryn Hahn and Molly C. Quinn as a family of oddballs who become the Millers’ traveling companions.
‘Zero Dark Thirty’ (Jan. 31)
“Hurt Locker” director Kathryn Bigelow and screenwriter Mark Boal reunited for this 2012 political thriller, dramatizing the then-recent, years-long hunt for Osama bin Laden. The film took heat for its uncritical eye toward the CIA’s claims, rejected later by the Senate Intelligence Committee, that it had gathered critical information in that hunt through torture. But this is a first-rate picture, pulsing with urgency and righteous indignation, offering a meticulously detailed peek behind the curtain of American intelligence operations. Jessica Chastain is superb in the central role of a never-say-die CIA analyst. Kyle Chandler, Jason Clarke, Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Ehle, James Gandolfini, Chris Pratt and Mark Strong are among the most memorable members of the sprawling supporting cast. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
