MOVIES

the height of his powers as the legendary movie/ lit monster. Somehow, he straddles a bizarre sincerity within his over-the-top performance. Renfield is undoubtedly better when he’s on screen, unless, of course, we’re talking about the absurd gore; including a rather gruesome homage, presumably, to Mortal Kombat that we shan’t spoil here, but which made our entire audience groan, “Ohhhhhhhh!!!! Ewwww!”

And so it goes, all the way through to the predictable conclusion. Perhaps Renfield could be described as a formulaic buddy cop flick, like Lethal Weapon meets Dracula, but its players relish in its silliness, particularly under the learned craftwork of Cage. Don’t expect a transformative experience, that should be obvious, but do expect a super-fun time at the movies.

RENFIELD

Directed by McKay With Hoult, Cage, Awkwafina, Aghdashloo and Schwartz Violet Crown, Regal, R, 93 min.

The Super Mario

OK, yeah, sure—The Super Mario Bros. Movie is made for and aimed at children. But just like most animated properties since the dawn of animation, a contingent of adult moviegoers will certainly see the thing. Don’t forget, either, the parents who will have to take their kids; there should be things in there for them, too. And yet...ugh.

Animation studio Illumination (makers of the Minions movies) would surely know the very concept of a Mario Bros. film would speak to various generations. For so many of us, Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser and all the rest have been ubiquitous characters as far back as we can remember. Why, then, does this movie work so hard to be devoid of originality? Dimensional characters? Why does it eschew much of anything outside of repeated jokes from other films, Easter egg nods that feel less like sly winks than they do hammers emblazoned with “remember when...?” on them and celebrity voices less interested in crafting characters than sounding as much like themselves as possible?

In The Super Mario Bros. Movie, we follow brothers Mario and Luigi as they embark upon a new plumbing venture in New York City. No one believes in them, though, which proves an especially damning reality to endure when they’re swept into the alternate dimension Mushroom Kingdom through a pipe located deep within the sewers of Brooklyn. Seems a big ol’ fire-breathing turtle guy called Boswer (Jack Black; the only truly fun element of the movie) is hell-bent on domination and has taken over parts of the realm. Separated and forced to rely on the expositional facets crammed down our throats in the film’s early minutes, Mario (Chris Pratt) sets off to do brave stuff and make quips about heart or whatever, while Luigi (Charlie Day) drops ScoobyDoo-esque lines about g-g-g-g-ghosts or, in this case, k-k-k-k-koopas! Mario teams up with the Mushroom Kingdom’s Princess Peach (Anya Taylor Joy in what is just plain a mind-numbingly boring performance), Toad (Keegan-Michael Key, who, like Black, actually tries acting) and Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen doing his best impression of Seth Rogen) to find his brother and stop Bowser.

Spoiler alert? They win.

As for recycled humor from other movies and a whole heck of a lot of assuming most people will just know who the Mario characters are, well, let’s just say that if a kid who never had video games wandered into a theater, they’d be baffled. Oh, but look—there’s Rainbow Road from Mario Kart! There’s Kranky Kong from Donkey Kong Country! Flashing lights! Yoshi the dinosaur in the back- ground! Love conquers all while the 50th slo-mo moment stands in for anything the least bit clever! (ADV) Violet Crown, Regal, PG, 92 min.

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4

9 + INCREDIBLE ACTION; GORGEOUS, ACTUALLY; BADASS - A LITTLE TOO LONG

Keanu Reeves is back as John Wick in the aptly titled John Wick: Chapter 4, and it is everything we’ve come to expect from director Chad Stahelski’s franchise over the past near-decade. We rejoin Mr. Wick hot on the heels of his last foray, which found him traipsing the globe in search of forgiveness from the shadowy High Table order of assassins after he’d killed someone at the Continental, a neutral ground hotel for assassins wherein so-called “business” is strictly prohibited. Turns out Mr. Wick didn’t quite earn his freedom despite lopping off a finger in deference in the last movie, so the leaders of the High Table dispatch the Marquis (It star Bill Skarsgård) to kill the guy with all of their nefarious resources at his disposal.

A hail of bullets and tempest of blades follows.

Throughout the John Wick series, there has rarely been a lull. Bodies pile up in these films through no shortage of creative martial arts, swordplay and gun-fu, but it’s the broader world of assassins that keeps things interesting. We don’t know much about the High Table, nor can we—but therein lies much of the fun.

Beyond that, all that matters is the onslaught of fight scenes meticulously choreographed like a bloody ballet. The addition of martial arts cinema legend Donnie Yen as former Wick associate Caine only ups the ante. Yen takes part in the longrunning canon of blind swordsmen that includes such iconic entries as Zatoichi and Ninja Scroll. In tandem with Wick’s blend of over-the-top insanity...well, let’s just say there’s something satisfying about a blind guy beating everyone’s ass.

Back in the fray are other longtime franchise favorites like Continental manager Winston (Ian McShane) and his concierge Charon (Lance Reddick, rest in power!), plus Reeves’ Matrix coalum Laurence Fishburne and, thrillingly, veteran character actor Clancy Brown (The Shawshank Redemption). Together, they represent the various bits and pieces of the otherwise enigmatic Mr. Wick; they, too, are badass.

As Stahelski leaves Wick behind (at least for now) and moves on to his next project, an adaptation of the Ghost of Tsushima video game, fans of the series will find an organic and satisfying conclusion. Turns out homeboy did it all for love, and that’s an OK reason enough to blast fools, right?(ADV)

Violet Crown, Regal, R, 169 min.

JONESIN’ CROSSWORD

“Show Some Backbone”—armed with knowledge.

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Rob Brezsny Week of April 19th

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In English, the phrase “growing pains” refers to stresses that emerge during times of rapid ripening or vigorous development. Although they might feel uncomfortable, they are often signs that the ongoing transformations are invigorating. Any project that doesn’t have at least some growing pains may lack ambition. If we hope to transcend our previous limits and become a more complete expression of our destiny, we must stretch ourselves in ways that inconvenience our old selves. I’m expecting growing pains to be one of your key motifs in the coming weeks, dear Aries. It’s important that you don’t try to repress the discomfort. On the other hand, it’s also crucial not to obsess over them. Keep a clear vision of what these sacrifices will make possible for you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Satirical Taurus author Karl Kraus defined “sentimental irony” as “a dog that bays at the moon while pissing on graves.” Please avoid that decadent emotion in the coming weeks, Taurus. You will also be wise to reject any other useless or counterproductive feelings that rise up within you or hurtle toward you from other people, like “clever cruelty” or “noble self-pity” or “sweet revenge.” In fact, I hope you will be rigorous about what moods you feed and what influences you allow into your sphere. You have a right and a duty to be highly discerning about shaping both your inner and outer environments. Renewal time is imminent.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In his poem “October Fullness,” Pablo Neruda says, “Our own wounds heal with weeping, / Our own wounds heal with singing.” I agree. I believe that weeping and singing are two effective ways to recover from emotional pain and distress. The more weeping and singing we do, the better. I especially recommend these therapeutic actions to you now, Gemini. You are in a phase when you can accomplish far more curative and restorative transformations than usual.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): After careful analysis of the astrological omens and a deep-diving meditation, I have concluded that the coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to indulge in an unprecedented binge of convivial revelry and pleasure. My advice is to engage in as much feasting and carousing as you can without completely ignoring your responsibilities. I know this may sound extreme, but I am inviting you to have more fun than you have ever had—even more fun than you imagine you deserve. (You do deserve it, though.) I hope you will break all your previous records for frequency and intensity of laughter.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In 1886, Vincent van Gogh bought a pair of worn-out shoes at a Paris flea market. When he got home, he realized they didn’t fit. Rather than discard them, he made them the centerpiece of one of his paintings. Eventually, they became famous. In 2009, a renowned gallery in Cologne, Germany, built an entire exhibit around the scruffy brown leather shoes. In the course of their celebrated career, six major philosophers and art historians have written about them as if they were potent symbols worthy of profound consideration. I propose that we regard their history as an inspirational metaphor for you in the coming weeks. What humble influence might be ready for evocative consideration and inspirational use?

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Gliding away from the routine for rendezvous with fun riddles? I approve! Delivering your gorgeous self into the vicinity of a possibly righteous temptation? OK. But go slowly, please. Size up the situation with your gut intuition and long-range vision as well as your itchy fervor. In general, I am pleased with your willingness to slip outside your comfortable enclaves and play freely in the frontier zones. It makes me happy to see you experimenting with AHA and WHAT-IF and MAYBE BABY. I hope you summon the chutzpah to find and reveal veiled parts of your authentic self.

Mind Body Spirit

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The German word Sehnsucht refers to when we have a profound, poignant yearning for something, but we quite don’t know what that something is. I suspect you may soon be in the grip of your personal Sehnsucht. But I also believe you are close to identifying an experience that will quench the seemingly impossible longing. You will either discover a novel source of deep gratification, or you will be able to transform an existing gratification to accommodate your Sehnsucht. Sounds like spectacular fun to me. Clear some space in your schedule to welcome it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Most of us have at some time in the past been mean and cruel to people we loved. We acted unconsciously or unintentionally, perhaps, but the bottom line is that we caused pain. The coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to atone for any such hurts you have dispensed. I encourage you to be creative as you offer healing and correction for any mistakes you’ve made with important allies. I’m not necessarily suggesting you try to resume your bond with ex-lovers and former friends. The goal is to purge your iffy karma and graduate from the past. Perform whatever magic you have at your disposal to transform suffering with love.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The blues singersongwriter B. B. King wasn’t always known by that name. He was born Riley B. King. In his twenties, when he began working at a Memphis radio station, he acquired the nickname “Beales Street Blues Boy.” Later, that was shortened to “Blues Boy,” and eventually to “B. B.” In the spirit of B. B. King’s evolution and in accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to identify areas of your life with cumbersome or unnecessary complexities that might benefit from simplification.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Proboscis monkeys live in Borneo and nowhere else on earth. Their diet consists largely of fruits and leaves from trees that grow only on Borneo and nowhere else. I propose we make them your anti-role model in the coming months. In my astrological opinion, you need to diversify your sources of nourishment, both the literal and metaphorical varieties. You will also be wise to draw influences from a wide variety of humans and experiences. I further suggest that you expand your financial life so you have multiple sources of income and diversified investments.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): It’s challenging to track down the sources of quotes on the Internet. Today, for instance, I found these words attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Plato: “I enjoy the simple things in life, like recklessly spending my cash and being a disappointment to my family.” That can’t be right. I’m sure Plato didn’t actually say such things. Elsewhere, I came upon a review of George Orwell’s book Animal Farm that was supposedly penned by pop star Taylor Swift: “Not a very good instructional guide on farming. Would NOT recommend to first-time farmers.” Again, I’m sure that wasn’t written by Swift. I bring this up, Aquarius, because one of your crucial tasks these days is to be dogged and discerning as you track down the true origins of things. Not just Internet quotes, but everything else, as well—including rumors, theories, and evidence. Go to the source, the roots, the foundations.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In accordance with astrological omens, I’m turning over this horoscope to Piscean teacher Esther Hicks. Here are affirmations she advises you to embody: “I’m going to be happy. I’m going to skip and dance. I will be glad. I will smile a lot. I will be easy. I will count my blessings. I will look for reasons to feel good. I will dig up positive things from the past. I will look for positive things where I am right now. I will look for positive things in the future. It is my natural state to be a happy person. It’s natural for me to love and laugh. I am a happy person!”

Homework: Make a guess about when you will fulfill your number one goal. Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s Expanded Weekly Audio Horoscopes and Daily Text Message Horoscopes . The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700. © COPYRIGHT 2023 ROB BREZSNY

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What we feel, know, and see is true. Sometimes we need a spiritual guide to assist in seeing our truth. Osara, an African water deity is your natural mirror, come see yourself/come see Osara. 505-810-3018

I’m a certified herbalist, shamanic healer, psychic medium and ordained minister, offering workshops, herbal classes, spiritual counseling, energy healing and psychic readings. Over 30 years’ experience helping others on their path towards healing and wholeness. Please visit lunahealer.com for more information or to make an appointment.

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Text to learn more: 505-231-8036

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The Practice of Patient Acceptance Everyone has a peaceful, loving potential. Yet, anxiousness arises when difficult situations continually appear. How can we not feel overwhelmed? With meditation, we experience challenges without discouragement. Contemplating and practicing Buddha’s teachings on patience, the difference between repressing frustration and controlling it, is key to true patience. Tap into your capacity to develop authentic patience. Attending the entire series is most beneficial, yet one session will open doorways! These classes unfold as a series, yet each class is self contained, with guided meditations, teachings and discussion. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience. Meet like-minded people!

Apr. 18 - Why do we get Angry?

Police Officer - The City of Tucumcari is looking for top quality applicants to serve its citizens in the role of a Tucumcari Police Officer. We look for Officers who are community oriented and strive to collaborate with the community to solve issues for the citizens of Tucumcari. Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age. Law enforcement experience and certification is preferred, but not required. Written, oral, and physical agility testing will be administered, must be a US citizen, no felony convictions, and must possess good verbal and writing skills. Upon hire, there will be a contractual sign-on bonus worth up to $3,000 and $2,000 after a year of employment with the City of Tucumcari. Monetary moving assistance could be available to new hires who must relocate.

FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

CASE NO: D-101-CV-2023-00645

IN THE MATTER OF A PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME OF RAMON D. MARTINEZ. NOTICE OF CHANGE OF NAME

(Telephonic Hearing) TAKE NOTICE that in accordance with the Provisions of Sec. 40-8-1 through Sec. 40 8-3 NMSA 1978, et seq. The Petitioner, Ramon Daniel Martinez, will apply to the Honorable Kathleen Mcgarry Ellenwood, District Judge of the First Judicial District at the Santa Fe Judicial Complex, 225 Montezuma Ave, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at 11:15am, on the 24th day of April, 2023 for an ORDER FOR CHANGE OF NAME from RAMON DANIEL MARTINEZ to RAMON

DANIEL LOUIE NARVAIZ

STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF SANTA FE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT CASE NO: D-101-CV-2023-00707

IN THE MATTER OF A PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME OF COREY TENORIO. NOTICE OF CHANGE OF NAME. TAKE NOTICE that in accordance with the Provisions of Sec. 40-8-1 through Sec. 40-8-3 NMSA 1978, et seq. The Petitioner, Corey Tenorio, will apply to the Honorable Maria Bryan Biedscheid, District Judge of the First Judicial District at the Santa Fe Judicial Complex, 225 Montezuma Ave, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at 10:30am, on the 24th day of May, 2023 for an ORDER FOR CHANGE OF NAME from COREY TENORIO to VINCE ASHLEIGH KATHLEEN VIGIL, District Court Clerk

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Apr. 25 - The Wisdom of Patient Acceptance

May 2 - Dealing with Unpleasant Feelings

May 9 - Learning to Accept Ourself

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Green Party Annual Convention and Meeting Saturday, April 29, 2:00pm Pick Room, Main Library, 145 Washington Ave, Santa Fe. Remote option available. Contact 505.226.7533 or info@greenpartyofnm.org.

Do you have a passion for literacy and helping others?

BECOME A BL or an ESL TUTOR TODAY! Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe’s new tutor training prepares volunteers to tutor adults in Basic Literacy (BL) or English as a Second Language (ESL). Our BL orientation and training will be held on May 4th from 4–6PM and May 6th from 8AM–5PM with a lunch break.

Our ESL tutor orientation and training will be held on June 1st from 4–6 PM and June 2nd and 3rd from 9 AM–1 PM. Learn more & fill out an application at https:// lvsf.org/tutor-application-form/.

For more information, please call 428-1353

All applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and a valid New Mexico Driver’s License, with no major driving infractions, and be willing to submit to a post-offer, pre-employment drug/alcohol screening. Applications may be downloaded from www.cityoftucumcari.com. Please specify the exact position you are applying for. Only complete applications will be considered. Position will remain open until filled.

KATHLEEN VIGIL, District Court Clerk

By: Diego Olivas Deputy Court Clerk

STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF SANTA FE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

CASE NO: D-101-CV-2023-00690

IN THE MATTER OF A PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME OF ZAHARA GUILLEN, A CHILD.

NOTICE OF CHANGE OF NAME. TAKE NOTICE that in accordance with the Provisions of Sec. 40-8-1 through Sec. 40-8-3 NMSA 1978, et seq. The Petitioner, Natalie Guillen, will apply to the Honorable Maria Sanchez Gagne, District Judge of the First Judicial District at the Rio Arriba County Courthouse, 7 Mainstreet, in Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico, at 9:30am, on the 8th day of May, 2023 for an ORDER FOR CHANGE OF NAME of the child from Zahara Isabela Genevieve Guillen to Zahara Genevieve Guillen

KATHLEEN VIGIL,

District Court Clerk

By: Bernadette Hernandez Deputy Court Clerk

By: Veronica Romero-Padilla Deputy Court Clerk

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