360 November 23, 2017 by Skagit Publishing

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Where to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal Out & About, Page 4

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday November 23, 2017

THIS WEEKEND PAGE 3 Festival of Trees kicks off the holiday season TUNING UP PAGE 9 Paula Boggs Band plays the Conway Muse on Thursday

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK movies by the rules. “The Hitman’s Upcoming It’s for those willing to Bodyguard”: The film share an experience and features a director in movie releases not have to be rushed Patrick Hughes who has Following is a partial to see it unfold. only two so-so feature schedule of coming DVD “Valerian and the films to his credit, a releases. Release dates City of a Thousand writer in Tom O’Connor are subject to change: Planets”; 2.5 stars: Viwho has only penned sually, French director one produced movie NOV. 28 Luc Besson’s “Valeriscript before and a pair of n Logan Lucky an and the City of a actors in Ryan Reynolds n Tulip Fever Thousand Planets” is and Samuel L. Jackson n Lost in Paris tres magnifique. When who love to improvise. n Acts of Vengeance it comes to the story, This isn’t a formula n Gilmore Girls: A Year the film is what Pepe for failure, but really In The Life: Season 1 Le Pew would call a doesn’t suggest it’s a n I Do Until I Don’t “le cinema avec grand blueprint for a great n M.F.A. stinker.” success, either. What n Rememory As has been Bes“The Hitman’s Bodyn Super Dark Times son’s cinematic modus guard” ends up being is n n The Defiant Ones operandi over the years, a film with some very n Woodshock the director can paint high and desperately film pictures that waiver low moments that rises between breathtaking above standard action and awe inspiring. The worlds he creates film fare because of the lethal acting come to life with his embrace of bold weapon of Reynolds and Jackson. textures, the brave use of color and a The nonstop bickering between sense of grandeur where big is too small bodyguard Michael Bryce (Reynolds) and huge is still not large enough. and the man he has to protect in sea“Valerian and the City of a Thousoned assassin Darius Kincaid (Jackson) sand Planets” would be a perfect never allows for a dull moment — even coffee table book. A massive tome of with a quiet moment would be deeply drawings and pictures would provide appreciated. There hasn’t been this hours of entertainment. The script, kind of insane banter between two guys involved in a constant gunplay since the even printed on a one-page pamphlet, would be mostly blank. days of “Lethal Weapon.” “Crown Heights”: The film from “Beach Rats”: Just as Eliza Hittman director Matt Ruskin (“Booster”) did with “It Felt Like Love” in 2013, the is based on the true story of Colin writer/director of the dreamlike “Beach Warner, a native of Trinidad living Rats” shows the kind of confidence in near Crown Heights, who was tried her work that she doesn’t need neither manipulation nor distractions. Her style and convicted in 1980 for a murder he didn’t commit. It was only through is to strip away anything that doesn’t the relentless efforts of his best friend support the truth of her characters, to get the sentence overturned that whether that be unnecessary lines of Warner became a free man after more dialogue or traditional lighting. There a than two decades in prison. brutality and vulgarity to this approach Ruskin, who also wrote the script, Hittman uses to her advantage. does an excellent job taking the story Hittman’s story revolves around from the arrest to the release. He Frankie (Harris Dickinson), a teenager provides great detail of how the police from the Brooklyn area whose void were so determined to solve the murof any signs of ambition. The director der, they manipulated testimony and slowly unfolds Frankie’s life while casumanufactured eyewitness accounts. ally weaving in his attraction to Simone (Madeline Weinstein), a sexually aggres- The film also follows Carl King sive party girl who has to battle with the (Nnamdi Asomugha) as he takes any small opening to seek out the truth in attraction and rejection Frankie shows regards to his childhood friend. His to her. Weinstein’s driving sexuality and obsession with getting his friend reguarded innocence echoes of Susan Saleased pushes him to the point where randon’s performance in “Atlantic City.” it even threatens his own marriage. The director’s work isn’t for those — Rick Bentley, Tribune News Service who only appreciate those who make

YOUR ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION GUIDE TO WHAT’S GOING ON IN SKAGIT COUNTY AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS

MOVIES / Pages 14-15

‘Coco’ is another home run for Pixar/Disney.

INSIDE

SUBMISSIONS

Email features@skagitpublishing.com Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday for the following Thursday edition Phone 360-416-2135 Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274

Out & About............................................... 4 Get Involved........................................... 5-6 On Stage...................................................... 8 Tuning Up................................................... 9 Hot Tickets............................................... 11 Travel......................................................... 12 At the Lincoln.......................................... 13 Movies................................................. 14-15

Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Online events calendar To list your event on our website, visit goskagit.com and look for the Events Calendar on the home page HAVE A STORY IDEA? Contact Features Editor Craig Parrish at 360-416-2135 or features@skagitpublishing.com TO ADVERTISE 360-424-3251

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

THIS WEEKENDin the area Festival of Trees kicks off holiday season T

The annual Alger Community Thanksgiving Potluck will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at Alger Community Hall, 18735 Parkkview Lane, Burlington. Bring a side dish, drink or dessert to share. Nonperishable donations for the Alger Food Banl will be collected. After dinner guests are invited to decorate the Christmas tree. Free. 360-7240340.

OPEN HOUSE

he Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s 29th annual Festival of Trees Gala and Auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, at Skagit Center, Christ the King Church, 1000 Fountain St., Burlington. It will include appetizers, wreath and mini tree sales and a “12 Trays of Christmas” silent auction. Live auction begins at 7 p.m. Tickets: $110. skagitfestivaloftrees.org. The Festival of Trees will be open for public viewing from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, at Skagit Center. View 28 ornately decorated trees and enjoy live entertainment. $5, free for age 2 and younger.

COMMUNITY POTLUCK

The Whatcom-Skagit Model Railroad club will have an open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Admission is by donation, which are used to maintain and expand the layouts. Directions and details may be found at whatcomskagitmrc. org.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SPEAKER SERIES From 6-8 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month the Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St., will host an outdoor adventure speaker. This month Bud Hardwick presents “Snowshoeing and Winter Safety” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, at the opera house, 1225 Third St., Marysville. Admission is $3 at the door. Bud Hardwick is a writer, instructor, wilderness guide, trail designer and wildlife biologist.

SKAGIT VALLEY HERALD FILE

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

OUT & ABOUT NOVEMBER

ART

OTHERWISE: A new show at Smith & Vallee Gallery “Otherwise” will feature works by Jane Alynn, Margaret Davidson and Natalie Niblack through Nov. 26. The gallery is located at 5742 Gilkey Ave., in Edison, and is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. SCOTT MILO: The Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes will welcome oil artists in November, with nautical pieces by Jane Wallis, cityscapes by Joanne Shellan, landscapes and seascapes by Matt Dollahite and landscapes by Jan Jewell. It will also show pastels from Amanda Houston and jewelry by Enid Oates. The gallery is located at 420 Commercial Ave., in Anacortes. It is open Monday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by appointment. scottmilo.com. SMALL WORKS: The Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park, 2345 Blanche Way, Camano Island, will host “Honey, I Shrunk the Art,” the 27th annual small works show until Jan. 14. The gallery is open 11 to 5 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and weekdays by appointment. Call 360-387-2759. matzkefineart.com. THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH: The La Conner Seaside Gallery presents “The Heavens and the Earth,” a show of new oil paintings by Mark Bistranin. The show runs through Nov. 30. The gallery is located at 101 N. First Ave.

ENTRANCES, EXITS and ENTROPY: In November, ACME Creative Gallery in Anacortes will have an exhibition of etchings by Skagit Valley artist Brian Cypher. This suite, titled “Entrances, Exits and Entropy” is an exploration of abstract forms culled from his practice of automatic drawing. The gallery is located at 705 Commercial Ave., in Anacortes. acmecreative.com.

MUSIC

FUNDRAISER CONCERT: A fundraiser concert for the Rick Epting Foundation for the Arts will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at The Hall at Kennelly Keys, 1904 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Live music by The Mosstones, Fanny Alger, Ken Pickard and Zydeco Explosion. There will be a beer garden and DIGS food truck present. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 students, free for kids.

LECTURES AND TALKS

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SPEAKER: On the fourth Tuesday of each month the Marysville Opera House will host an outdoor adventure speaker. This month Bud Hardwick presents “Snowshoeing and Winter Safety” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, at the opera house, 1225 Third St., Marysville. Admission is $3 at the door. Bud Hardwick is a writer, instructor, wilderness guide, trail designer and wildlife biologist. BREAD LAB: Dr. Jones will discuss the research conducted by the Bread Lab as well as some of their current projects at

Thanksgiving events

Today is Thanksgiving Day. Here are community meals and events in the area. SEDRO-WOOLLEY: The 43rd annual Sedro-Woolley Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. today at Cascade Middle School, 905 McGargile Road, Sedro-Woolley. Free, donations accepted. Contact Elinor with questions: 360-856-0747. MOUNT VERNON: Friendship House Cafe, 108 Snoqualmie St., will serve a Thanksgiving brunch from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and dinner from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. today. There is no charge, but donations are welcome. 360-873-8022.

Meals to be served after Thanksgiving Day:

ALGER: The annual Alger Community Thanksgiving Potluck will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at Alger Community Hall, 18735 Parkkview Lane, Burlington. Bring a side dish, drink or dessert to share. Nonperishable donations for the Alger Food Bank will be collected. After dinner guests are invited to decorate the Christmas tree. Free. 360-724-0340. 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, at Mount Vernon City Library, 315 Snoqualmie St., Mount Vernon.

MORE FUN

FESTIVAL OF TREES GALA: The Skagit Valley Hospital Foundation’s 29th annual Festival of Trees Gala and Auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, at Skagit Center, Christ the King Church, 1000 Fountain St., Burlington. Appetizers, wreath and mini tree sales and a “12 Trays of Christmas” silent auction. Live auction begins at 7 p.m. Tickets: $90 until Nov. 20, then $110. Proceeds benefit surgical services at Skagit Valley Hospital. skagitfestivaloftrees.org. n Family Festival Days: The Festival of Trees will be open for public viewing from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, at Skagit Center. View 28 ornately decorated trees and

enjoy live entertainment. $5, free for age 2 and younger. COMMUNITY POTLUCK: The annual Alger Community Thanksgiving Potluck will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at Alger Community Hall, 18735 Parkkview Lane, Burlington. Bring a side dish, drink or dessert to share. Nonperishable donations for the Alger Food Banl will be collected. After dinner guests are invited to decorate the Christmas tree. Free. 360-724-0340. OPEN HOUSE: The Whatcom-Skagit Model Railroad club will have an open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Admission is by donation, which are used to maintain and expand the layouts. Directions and details may be found at whatcomskagitmrc.org. INTERNATIONAL MARKET: Women’s Work International

Market will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 25-26, at Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland St. Shop handmade, fair trade gifts from around the world. There will be love music, children’s activities and homemade food. Free. womensworkinternational. com/index.html. HOLIDAY TEA: The 22nd annual Holiday Tea featuring a visit from Father and Mother Christmas will be noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon. The complimentary tea includes tea, scones, assorted sandwiches, chocolate and desserts. Auto harpist Bob Harper and violinist and cellist Dennis Burkhardt will play background chamber music. Dress up for a formal tea or come as you are. Donations will benefit the La Conner Regional Library. 360-466-3821. DECEMBER

MUSIC

WINTER CONCERT: A winter dinner concert featuring Pearl Django and Gail Pettis will be 5:30 to 9:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for students.

MORE FUN

CELEBRATE THE SEASON: The fifth annual Celebrate The Season event will be Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3, at the Port of Anacortes Event

Center. Enjoy photos with Santa, crafts, hot chocolate and cookies and a holiday shopping marketplace. Saturday will feature entertainment by the Fidalgo Elementary School Choir and juggling duo Wren & Della. Sunday will feature gingerbread house decorating contests. n The Dream It dinner and auction will be at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the event center. Evening will include dinner catered by Gere-a-Deli, live auction and music by the Patrick McHenry band. Tickets: $50 at anacortesschoolsfoundation.org/celebrate. AFTERNOON WITH SANTA: Attend an afternoon with Santa from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the Camano Center, 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. There will be hot cocoa, cookie decorating, crafts and more. JINGLE BELL DASH: The AAUW-Anacortes 5K or 10K Run/ Walk and Kids Dash to Santa will take place on Saturday, Dec. 16, at Seafarer’s Memorial Park, 601 Seafarers Way, Anacortes. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. followed by the Kids’ Dash at 9:45 a.m. and the 5K and 10K run or walk at 10 a.m. Registration for the 5K/10K: $25/$28 ages 18 and older, $20/$23 ages 7 to 17; Kids Dash to Santa for ages 6 and younger, free with a nonperishable food item for the Salvation Army Food Bank. jinglebelldashanacortes. net.

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

GET INVOLVED PRESENTATIONS, LECTURES, TALKS

POETRY CONTEST: The Skagit River Poetry Foundation has announced the third biennial Phyllis L. Ennes Poetry Contest. Poets from Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Montana and British Columbia are invited to submit three previously unpublished works in a Word document to skagitcontest@gmail. com. In a separate Word document, include the submission’s titles and contact information: name, home address, email and phone number. There is a reading fee of $20 for each group of three poems. Make checks payable to SRPF, P.O. Box 238, La Conner, WA, 98257. Deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Dec. 15. The winner will receive a cash prize and be invited to read his or her work at the Skagit River Poetry Festival. Information: Molly McNulty at directorsrpp@gmail. com. MONTHLY SPEAKER SERIES: The Hole in the Wall Paddling Club hosts a monthly speaker series at 7 p.m. second Wednesdays, September through May, at the Breazeale Interpretive Center, 10441 Bayview-Edison Road, Mount Vernon. Information: HoleInTheWallPaddlingClub. org.

BOOKS

BOOK GROUP: The Center for Spiritual Living book group meets at 6 p.m. first, second and fourth Thursdays

and at 5:30 p.m. on third Thursdays at 1508 18th St. Mount Vernon. Participants read and discuss books in many areas of spirituality and personal growth. Free. For more information, contact Gabrielle Conatore at 360-920-19995 and mtvernoncsl@ outlook.com. GREAT BOOKS READING GROUP MEETING: The Great Books Reading Group examines passages from important writings in history — currently reading passages from “Great Conversations, vol. 2,” published by the Great Books Foundation. The group meets at the Burlington Library, 820 E. Washington Ave., 6 to 8 p.m. the fourth Monday. All are welcome. Information: 360-941-1437 and shunji.asari@gmail. com.

ART

CALL FOR ARTIST: The Anacortes Arts Commission has put out a call for artists for the Gifts of Art for the Holidays Anacortes First Friday Artwalk on Dec. 1-2 at the Depot Arts and Community Center, Anacortes. Fee to participate is $20. Information: Karla Locke at 360-588-6968 and kklocke1@mac.com. BEGINNING LIFE DRAWING & GENERAL CREATIVITY: 2-4 p.m. Mondays and Fridays at Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Ave. Cost is by donation, $5 for students, $7 for adults. Bring your own pencils, pens and sketchpad/sketchbooks.

Some materials provided. Information: Shilo Rives at shilorives@ gmail.com. CALL FOR SCULPTURES: San Juan Islands Sculpture Park invites sculptors to submit entries for its ongoing juried sculpture review. All sculptures must be deemed “safe” and should be suitable for exhibition in an outdoor setting and capable of withstanding occasional high winds, rain and possible snow. Accepted sculptures will be installed for a twoyear period (if not sold sooner) in the 20-acre park located near Roche Harbor on San Juan Island. For complete submission guidelines, visit sjisculpturepark. com. CALL FOR INSTRUCTORS: Burlington Parks and Recreation is looking for qualified instructors to expand its enrichment classes for youths and adults. To download an instructor’s packet, visit the Parks and Recreation Department webpage at burlingtonwa.gov and click on the “Instructors Needed” tab. For information, call 360-755-9649 or email recreation@burlingtonwa.gov. CALL FOR ART TEACHERS: The Good Stuff Arts, 604 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, is looking for experienced beginning art teachers in watercolor, drawing, sketching and mixed media art forms. Call to schedule a meeting to show your work and discuss your experience. Kat Peterson, 360 755-3152.

ART CLASSES

laconnerquilts.org. n Fiber Fridays: bring any type of fiber art project, quilting, knitting, embellishing, etc., to work on while visiting with other fiber artists from 9 a.m. to noon every Friday. Free and open to all.

HIDDEN NARRATIVE VTS TOUR: Experience the process of digging deeper into a painting, discovering meaning through a collaborative process using the Visual Thinking Strategies from 3:304:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at the Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner. Information: 360466-4446 and kyraa@ museumofnwart.org.

ART CLASSES: Gail Harker Center for Creative Arts offers a variety of art classes and workshops for artists of every level at 12636 Chilberg Road, Mount Vernon. Online courses are also available. For information and a complete schedule call 360-466-0110 or visit gailcreativestudies.com.

YOUTH ART EXPLORATION CLASSES: An oil pastel painting class will be held from 4:306 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28. Cost is $50 and $15 for supplies. For ages 7 to 12. Information and to register: 360-755-9649.

BLOCK PRINTING FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Learn block printing for the holidays at a class 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner. In this workshop, participants will carve linoleum to create images to make cards, wrapping paper, or transfer to fabric. Cost is $45. Information: 360-466-4446 and kyraa@museumofnwart.org. PACIFIC NORTHWEST QUILT AND FIBER ARTS MUSEUM: Varied exhibits and classes are available to the public at 703 S. Second St., La Conner. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission: $7, $5 students and military, free for members and children ages 11 and under. 360-466-4288 or

ART CLASSES: Choose from painting, photography, fiber and 3D art workshops taught by professional artists at the Pacific NorthWest Art School, 15 N.W. Birch St., Coupeville. For information and a complete schedule: 360-678-3396 or pacificnorthwestartschool.com. ART CLASSES: Dakota Art Center offers a variety of art classes and workshops at 17873 Highway 536, Mount Vernon. 360-416-6556, ext. 5, or dakotaartcenter.com. STANWOOD CAMANO ARTS GUILD: A Guilded Gallery, 8700 271st St. NW, Stanwood, offers a variety of art classes and workshops. For information or to register, call 360-629-2787 or visit stanwoodcamanoarts. com.

AUDITIONS

CANTABILE CHAM-

BER CHOIR AUDITIONS: Choral singers of all parts are wanted. The Cantabile Chamber Choir performs throughout Skagit Valley and beyond. Rehearsals are 6:30-9 p.m. Mondays at Bethany Covenant Church, 1318 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon. Dues are $150 per year and the cost of music. Auditions are by appointment. Information: Jennie Bouma at 425-312-4565 or cantabilechamberchoir@ gmail.com. WHIDBEY PLAYHOUSE 2017/2018 SEASON: This season’s schedule for the Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd, Oak Harbor. n “A Christmas Carol” at the Playhouse (musical). Directed by Stan Thomas, Dec. 1-17. n “The Producers” (musical), co-directed by Andrew Huggins and Sue Riney. Feb. 9-March 4. n “The Hollow” (mystery/thriller), directed by Kevin Wm. Meyer, April 13-29. n “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka” (musical), co-Directed by Rusty Hendrix and Eric George, June 1-24. Information: 360679-2237 and whidbeyplayhouse.com.

DANCE

SQUARE DANCING: 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Ave. Cost is $4 per dancer. All levels welcome. Information 360-424-4608 and rosie@valleyint.com. More GET INVOLVED | E6

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

GET INVOLVED

Get Involved from E5

FOLK DANCING: Skagit-Anacortes Folk Dancers meet Tuesdays at Bay View Civic Hall, 12615 C St., Mount Vernon. Learn to folk dance to a variety of international music. Instruction begins at 7 p.m. followed by review and request dances until 9:30 p.m. The first session is free, $5 thereafter. All welcome. No partners needed. For information, contact Gary or Ginny at 360-766-6866. SCOTTISH DANCING: Bellingham Scottish Country Dancers meet from 7-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Fairhaven Library auditorium (upstairs), 1117 12th St., Belling-

ham. Wear comfortable clothes and soft-soled shoes without heels. $8 per class. For information, call Mary Anderson at 360-933-1779 or visit bellinghamscd.org. JOLLY TIME CLUB: Have fun and dance to live music 1-3:30 p.m. Thursdays at Hillcrest Lodge, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. For information, contact Gisela at 360-424-5696. CLOG DANCING FOR BEGINNERS: Free lesson from 10-11 a.m., followed by regular clog dancing from 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays, at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland St., Mount Vernon. No fee, no partner needed. First three lessons are free. Wear comfortable shoes. For information, call Rosie at 360-424-4608.

MUSIC

THE NUTCRACKER SKAGIT VALLEY ACADEMY OF DANCE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3

THE NUTCRACKER NORTHWEST BALLET THEATER SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10

WINTER CONCERT MVHS CHOIRS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14

360.416.7727

mcintyrehall.org

UKULELE FUN & SONG CIRCLE: Have fun strumming and singing at the free Ukulele Fun & Song Circle 1-2 p.m. Wednesdays at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland St. Beginners welcome. Information: 206-790-4862 and yogaheartspace0@gmail. com. BARBERSHOP HARMONY: Join the An-OChords, a four-part barbershop harmony group that meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays, at Bethany Covenant Church, 1318 18th St., Mount Vernon. No experience necessary, no auditions required. Learn by rote, you don’t have to read music. All ages welcome. anochords.org. 360-466-0109.

TIME FOR FIDDLERS: The Washington Old Time Fiddlers play acoustic old time music at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Fridays of each month at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland. St. Free; donations accepted. Information: 630-1156. SHELTER BAY CHORUS: Practices are held 5-7:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Shelter Bay Clubhouse, 1000 Shoshone Drive, La Conner. New members welcome. No need to be a Shelter Bay resident. 360-223-3230. SINGERS WANTED: Join the women of Harmony Northwest Chorus from 6:309 p.m. every Monday at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Ave. Seeking women who like to sing a cappella music. All skill levels welcome. ANACORTES OPEN MIC: 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, at the Brown Lantern Ale House, 412 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-2932544. OPEN MIC: Jam Night: 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Thursdays, at the Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733. BRING YOUR OWN GUITAR: Bring your guitar and learn a wide variety of new songs. The group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. first and third Wednesdays at at North Cove Coffee, 1130 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington. Information at 360-707-2683 and jauman@northcovecoffee.com.

BRING YOUR OWN UKULELE FOR BEGINNERS: Bring your ukulele and learn a wide variety of new songs. The group meets from 6-6:30 p.m. second and fourth Wednesdays at North Cove Coffee, 1130 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington. Information at 360707-2683 and jauman@ northcovecoffee.com.

PARADES

MV CHRISTMAS PARADE: Participants are needed for the Mount Vernon Downtown Association’s annual Christmas Parade, set for 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, in downtown Mount Vernon. Costumes (except Santa), lights and other decorations are encouraged. Applications are due by Nov. 24. 360-3363801 or mountvernondowntown.org/events/ christmasparade.html.

RECREATION

SCOUT MEETING: Cub Pack 4001 and Boy Scout Troop 4001 meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, at the First United Methodist Church, 1607 E. Division, Mount Vernon. New members are welcome to join. JINGLE BELL DASH: The AAUW-Anacortes 5K or 10K Run/Walk and Kids Dash to Santa will take place on Saturday, Dec. 16, at Seafarer’s Memorial Park, 601 Seafarers Way, Anacortes. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. followed by the Kids’ Dash at 9:45 a.m. and the 5K and 10K run or walk at 10 a.m. Registration for the 5K/10K: $25/$28 ages 18 and older, $20/$23 ages 7 to 17; Kids Dash to Santa for ages 6 and younger,

free with a nonperishable food item for the Salvation Army Food Bank. jinglebelldashanacortes.net. STANDUP PADDLE BOARD YOGA CLASS: A stand-up paddle board yoga class is 9:30 to 11 a.m. second Sundays of the month through May 13, at Fidalgo Pool and fitness Center. No experience necessary. Preregistration required at 360298-0293 or soundyogandsup@gmail.com. HATHA YOGA: Hatha Yoga classes are 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Thursdays through Dec. 28, at the Burlington Parks and Recreation Center, 900 E. Fairhaven Ave. Cost is $72 for the 12-week session. A six-class punch card is $36. Drop-ins are $10. First time students can try the class for free. Instructor is Sherry Thostenson. For 16 years and older. Information and to register: 360-755-9649. FRIENDS OF THE FOREST HIKES: Join the Friends of the Forest for scenic hikes in the forest lands around Anacortes. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. No pets. Free. For information, call 360-2933725 or visit friendsoftheacfl.org. Next up: n A senior/adult hike to Whistle Lake is 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Dec. 8. Enjoy the deep water jewel of the forest during the season of recharge, and feel the stored sunlight energy emanating from the green. Meet at the Whistle Lake parking lot at the end of Whistle Lake Road. FREE PARK ADMISSION: The Washington

State Parks and Recreation Commission will offer free admission to all state parks on Friday, Nov. 24. On this day, the Discover Pass will not be required to enter state parks. The pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources. parks.wa.gov. FLYSWATTER VOLLEYBALL: 9 a.m. Thursdays at the Sedro-Woolley Senior Center, 715 Pacific St., Sedro-Woolley. All ages and all levels of ability are welcome. Free. 360-855-1531. TRAIL GUIDES, BIKE MAPS & MORE: Learn about opportunities to be physically active in Skagit County, including trail guides, an activity tracker and local resources at BeActiveSkagit.org.

WORKSHOPS

QUILT & FIBER ARTS MUSEUM: The Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum, 703 S. Second St., La Conner, offers a variety of hands-on workshops. To see the complete schedule and register, go to qfamuseum.org or 360-466-4288.

THEATER

ACTING CLASSES: The iDiOM Theater offers acting classes for all ages at the new Sylvia Center for the Arts, 205 Prospect St., Bellingham. Choose from various ongoing movement and method acting classes. Prices vary. For more information, contact sylviacenterforthearts@ gmail.com or sylviacenterforthearts.org.

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Denzel Washington like you’ve never seen him before By COLIN COVERT (Minneapolis) Star Tribune

It’s hard to imagine a better lead actor for a compelling, character-driven mystery than Denzel Washington. He has played many complicated men with rich backgrounds who are inhabitants of moral gray areas. But he has never been in anything like his new film, acted like this or even looked like this. In “Roman J. Israel, Esq.,” he moves far from his charismatic roots, playing a conflicted, socially awkward, small-time lawyer whose life is about to come crashing down. He has spent his career as the lesser, office-bound partner in a two-man Los Angeles law firm devoted to nonprofit work on social justice issues. After his colleague’s death, Roman finds himself aged, overweight, inexperienced and unemployed. Propelled beyond his ideals into a side of the legal profession centered around money, he makes lifeor-death decisions that are both morally questionable and personally dangerous. His challenges are all the harder because he is an Asperger’s spectrum savant. It’s the sort of idiosyncrasy-imbued performance that chameleons like Tilda Swinton or Oscar Isaac would grab in a moment. That’s also what made the role irresistible, Washington explained in a recent phone interview. He shared the call with the movie’s writer/director, Dan Gilroy, creator of 2014’s “Nightcrawler.” After movies ranging from biographies to shoot-’em-up westerns to Shakespeare, “I was fascinated and impressed by the script when I read it,” Washington said. Taking on a role so complex and vulnerable in emotional and physical terms was a major change of pace. “That’s why I wanted to do it. That’s the point — to find good material, good challenges that go down a road I’ve nev-

Pacific

Arts

Denzel Washington stars in “Roman J. Israel, Esq.”

er gone before. That’s what you hope for. These kind of scripts are very rare.” So rare, in fact, that it was a first for him. “I didn’t have any other role, nor had I read any other screenplay, quite like this one.” A PERSONAL TOUCH Gilroy always envisioned Washington playing Roman. “I wrote it exclusively for Denzel,” he said, having been moved by his heartfelt performance in “Philadelphia” as a homophobic lawyer who gains insight as he represents a gay client dying of HIV/ AIDS (Tom Hanks). “I worked on it for a year,” Gilroy said, creating an idealist concerned with injustice and discrimination, but carrying deep personal flaws. “People like this are everywhere. People are complicated. I imagined him doing the part every day I was writing. Had he not done it, I would have put it aside and not done it, either.” Translating the character of Roman from page to screen involved Washington adopting a Don King-meets-Questlove hairstyle, 40-year-old flared lapel jackets and big, aviator-shaped eyeglasses. The shabby, stuck in the past look carried Washington far from his usually charismatic image.

FIRST FOUR WEEKENDS IN DECEMBER Friday - Sunday 10am to 6pm

SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION I N

PA R T N E R S H I P

ASSOCIATED PETROLEUM PRODUCTS PR E S E N T

T H E

W I T H A N D

PEOPLES BANK

2 017

Skagit Center - Christ The King • 1000 Fountain Street • Burlington

Breakfast at the North Pole

Family Festival Day

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Advance ticket purchase required. $20 per guest; Free admission for guests under age 2

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. Ticket purchase at door. $5 per guest; Free admission for guests under age 2

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Ticket purchase at door. $5 per guest; Free admission for guests under age 2

SPONSORED BY

ADVERTISING SPONSOR: Skagit Publishing

Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, & 22-23

Closed December 24th.

Locally crafted by Northwest artisans! Jewelry · Illustrations · Knitting · Soap Photography · Crochet · Metal Works Woodworking · Glass Etching • and more!

Sunset Square

1125 E. Sunset Drive

Take exit 255 in Bellingham http://pacificartsmarket.com

FOR information and tickets: Visit SkagitFestivalofTrees.org or call 360-814-5747

2 0 17 F E S T I V A L O F T R E E S P R O C E E D S B E N E F I T S U R G I C A L S E R V I C E S AT S K A G I T VA L L E Y H O S P I TA L .

1683790

Market

GLEN WILSON/SONY PICTURES

E8 - Thursday, November 23, 2017

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MUSIC REVIEWS Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings — “Soul of a Woman” Sharon Jones was a 5-foottall, bighearted, soul-singing life force, and she displayed an indomitable spirit throughout the long battle with pancreatic cancer that she finally succumbed to a year ago. Though the Augusta, Ga., native took sick time off in the last years of her life, whenever she returned to the stage, the old-school belter and dynamic live performer from James Brown’s hometown always came back undiminished, losing not a thing except the hair on her head as a result of chemotherapy treatments. Such is also the case with this posthumous release with the Dap-Kings, her soul revival touring outfit and the house band for the Brooklyn label that’s been so hard-hit of late, with Jones’ fellow traveler Charles Bradley also dying of cancer this year. The singing on “Soul of a Woman” is every bit as rugged and energetic as Jones’ vocalizations are on her seven previous albums, starting with Dap Dippin’ in 2002. The album begins with the hopeful statement of faith that the world’s problems will one day be solved on “Matter of Time,” digs into a Memphis groove on “Pass Me By,” and delights in Stylistics-style Philly soul lushness on “When I Saw Your Face,” all the while displaying Jones’ life-affirming mastery as a singer. And “Soul of a Woman” closes out on a spiritual note, seeking solace and resolution with a song Jones wrote in the 1970s, “Call on God,” that she recorded in 2007 for a gospel album that never came to pass. — Dan DeLuca, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams — “Contraband Love” It took quite a while for Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams to finally step out on their own. The couple had been content to be mainly accompanists for such artists as Levon Helm, Phil Lesh, and Hot Tuna (Campbell also spent eight years playing guitar in Bob Dylan’s band). But, boy, did their instincts prove right. Their second album under their own name offers another potent blend of roots sounds, but Campbell’s writing — he penned eight of the 11 songs — cuts even closer to the bone this time. “In the light of day, all I see is the dark of night,” Williams sings over the folk-rock of the set-opening “The Other Side of Pain.” Campbell himself cuts loose with the howling cold-turkey blues of “Three Days in a Row.” He’s been there. Yes, it can get pretty grim, but the word love is in the album title for a reason. The set is also about the life-affirming power of love and devotion, whether it’s Campbell taking the lead on his majestic soul ballad “When I Stop Loving You” (written with Stax great William Bell) or Williams delivering an exquisite deep-country take on Carl Perkins’ “Turn Around.” And love and devotion, in their most selfless form, are at the heart of the searing “Contraband Love”: “But the angels have all begun to cry,” Williams sings. “They can’t help a liar who believes his own lies. In sorrow they’re gone, and now there’s only me.” — Nick Cristiano, The Philadelphia Inquirer

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area

November 24 - December 3 Friday.24 THEATER ”Anne of Green Gables”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360293-6829 or acttheatre.com. BALLET ”The Nutcracker”: by Harper and I Dance, 7:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N Commercial St., Bellingham. $22. 360-7346080 or mountbakertheatre. com.

Saturday.25 THEATER ”Anne of Green Gables”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829 or acttheatre.com. BALLET ”The Nutcracker”: by Harper and I Dance, 7:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N Commercial St., Bellingham. $22. 360-7346080 or mountbakertheatre. com.

Sunday.26 MUSIC Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn: 3 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N Commercial St., Bellingham. $21.50-49.50. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

Thursday.30 THEATER ”Anne of Green Gables”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829 or acttheatre.com.

SUNDAY.26

ABIGAIL WASHBURN AND BELA FLECK 3 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N Commercial St., Bellingham. $21.50-49.50. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com.

Friday.1

Sunday.3

THEATER ”Anne of Green Gables”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829 or acttheatre.com.

THEATER ”Anne of Green Gables”: 2 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829 or acttheatre.com.

Saturday.2 MUSIC ”A Winter Gift” Celtic Holiday Concert: 7 p.m., Littlefield Celtic Center, 1124 Cleveland Ave, Mount Vernon. $20-25. 360-416-4934 or events@celticarts.org. THEATER ”Anne of Green Gables”: 7:30 p.m., ACT Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-2936829 or acttheatre.com.

Thursday, November 23, 2017 - E9

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TUNING UP Playing at area venues November 24-30

WEDNESDAY.29

SWINGNUTS 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill & Anacortes Brewery, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Free. 360-588-1720 or anacortesrockfish.com.

Friday.24

The Bleeding Tree: 8:30 p.m to midnight, Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360422-6411.

Doug Williams: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 1st St., La Conner. 360-3991805 or aneliaskitchenandstage.com. Impressions: 8 p.m., Rockfish Grill & Anacortes Brewery, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Free. 360588-1720 or anacortesrockfish.com. John Stephen Band: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $8. 360-445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

Sunday.26

Marcia Kester: 6:309 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. Members and signed-in guests only. 360-848-8882.

Orville Johnson: 5:30 p.m., The Old Edison, 5829 Cains Court, Bow. 360-766-6266 or theoldedison.com.

4More: 9 p.m., Winner’s Lounge, Skagit Casino and Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. 877275-2448 or theskagit. com.

Wednesday.29 Swingnuts: 6 p.m., Rockfish Grill & Anacortes Brewery, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. Free. 360588-1720 or anacortesrockfish.com.

Thunder Creek: 8-11 p.m., Evelyn’s Tavern, 12667 Highway 9, Clear Lake. 360-3991321.

Thursday.30

Saturday.25

The Bleeding Tree: 8:30 p.m to midnight, Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360422-6411.

Happy Sinners: 7:30 p.m., Anelia’s Kitchen & Stage, 513 1st St., La Conner. 360-3991805 or aneliaskitchenandstage.com.

THURSDAY.30

PAULA BOGGS BAND 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000 or conwaymuse. com.

Bachelor Number Four: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave, Anacortes. anacortesh2o.com or 360-755-3956.

Sheri Roberts-Greimes: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $7. 360-445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

4More: 9 p.m., Winner’s Lounge, Skagit Casino and Resort, 5984 Darrk Lane, Bow. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

Paula Boggs Band: 7:30 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000 or conwaymuse.com.

E10 - Thursday, November 23, 2017

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

‘Darkest Hour’ gives Oldman, Mendelsohn big chance to work together By RICK BENTLEY Tribune News Service

Gary Oldman and Ben Mendelsohn had only one scene together when they worked on “The Dark Knight Rises.” That was all they needed as the pair struck up an immediate friendship. They exchanged contact information and parted with the hope that they would work together again. That finally happened with “Darkest Hour.” Oldman plays Winston Churchill and Mendelsohn plays King George VI in the production that looks at the early days of World War II, just before France had fallen under the blitzkrieg of the Nazi army. The fall of France would naturally be followed by an invasion of England, a fact made terrifyingly probable by the problems at Dunkirk where the British army was one attack away from total defeat. It is up to newly appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Oldman) to save the country. Mendelsohn says the scene they shared in “The Dark Knight Rises” was a big party thrown by Bruce Wayne where Oldman’s character of Commissioner Gordon gives a speech. They didn’t get a lot of time together during that filming in 2012 but it was enough to make the opening days of shooting on “The Darkest Hour”

feel friendly and comfortable. “I remember us getting on famously there,” Oldman says. “But, life happens and we finally got the chance to give it a go together. We had a great time working together and it was a real pleasure. It’s always great when you admire someone and they are a great bloke too. “I wish they all could be Ben.” The mutual respect the actors have helped Oldman and Mendelsohn face the challenges of “Darkest Hour.” Both actors knew going into the film they would be taking on roles that have been played numerous time on film and television. Oldman initially jokes that all it takes to make the work different is “good acting” but adds that it takes a lot of good parts coming together to make an exceptional whole performance. He says, “You work on a character and you have a point of view for the character but you are still, somewhat, confined to the script. All of the signs there in a very good script. All you have to do then is follow the emotional roadmap you are given. “I think that what the director wanted to do with this film was to take these icons and take them down so that you meet them at eye level as human beings.” Both actors were able to handle that challenge because of lengthy resumes. The

JACK ENGLISH PHOTO

This image released by Focus Features shows Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill (left) and Ben Mendelsohn as King George VI in a scene from “Darkest Hour.”

Australian-born Mendelsohn has appeared in “The Year My Voice Broke,” “Animal Kingdom” and “Mississippi Grind.” The role that’s brought him the most attention to date is as Orson Krennic in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Oldman began acting on stage in England in 1979, becoming a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Moviegoers know him from a diverse collection of works including “Sid and Nancy,” “Air Force One,” “JFK,” “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” and “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.” Mendelsohn took the roadmap of the script and created some mile markers along the way by watching newsreel footage of King George VI. He wanted to get a sense of how the

member of the Royal Family moved plus be able to match his particular speech pattern that included a stutter. “Matching how he spoke was very important because you can tell a lot about a person by the way they speak,” Mendelsohn says. “I think using the thing of someone having to overcome a speech impediment helped in playing him. Once I put the costume on, that’s pretty powerful.” Oldman felt it necessary to read as many books as possible, listen to recordings and find as much factional information as possible to use as the foundation for his performance. He wanted to play Churchill as true as possible and was afraid some of his vision of the world leader had been tainted by seeing performance by other actors — such as Albert

Finney — portraying Churchill. He, like Mendelsohn, was able to watch newsreel footage to put together the final pieces. The transformation for Mendelsohn was complete once he stepped into wardrobe. The process was more complicated for Oldman as he went through a daily makeup process to create the look of Churchill. “I don’t know why I do it, but I call the work that I do ‘kitchen acting.’ I will lay the script out, walk around it and glance it. But, there is only so much you can do in your dressing gown,” Oldman says. “The big roadblock was the physical.” That meant the use of prosthetics. The first attempt to transform Oldman — he calls “going the full Winston” — was rejected be-

cause it was too much. Oldman calls the look as if Winston Churchill and Gary Oldman had a love child. What Oldman wanted was the spirit of Churchill looking back at him from the mirror. And once they found a balance that was as much Oldman as it was Churchill, everyone was happy with the physical transformation. Both men loved the opportunity to take on the iconic roles and play them on a very real level. That’s a big difference from being in a movie that’s part of a big franchise where special effects, action scenes and a thick mythology tends to rule the acting day. While a job is a job, Mendelsohn does see a difference in human driven stories and big-budget productions. “I think in general, in a popcorn movie, you are part of a very tight rhythm section of a big orchestral piece. Ours is a softer thing with more subtlety in the score. You get more room to explore the differences. So they are, in a broad brush, very different forms of acting,” Mendelsohn says. Oldman adds to that by quoting John Gielgud, who said, “Style is knowing what play you’re in.” And in the case of “The Darkest Hour” the style of play features the two veteran actors bring their vision to iconic characters during one of the biggest moments in human history. It also gave them a chance to finally share more than one scene on screen.

Thursday, November 23, 2017 - E11

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

HOT TICKETS TAJ MAHAL TRIO: Nov. 24-26, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com. TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA: Nov. 25, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-7453000 or livenation.com. RUSSELL MALONE QUARTET: Nov. 28-29, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com. TOWER OF POWER: Nov. 30-Dec. 3, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206441-9729 or jazzalley.com. JOE BIDEN: Dec. 3, Benaroya Hall, Seattle. 206-215-4747 or benaroyahall.org. EMILY HAINES & THE SOFT SKELETON: Dec. 3, Benaroya Hall, Seattle. 206-215-4747 or benaroyahall.org. MIKE STERN WITH RANDY BRECKER, TOM KENNEDY, DAVE WECKL: Dec. 5-6, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-4419729 or jazzalley.com. ROY HARGROVE QUINTET: Dec. 7-10, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206441-9729 or jazzalley.com. SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK: Dec. 11-12, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206441-9729 or jazzalley.com. AVERAGE WHITE BAND: Dec. 13-17, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com. JAY-Z: Dec. 13, KeyArena, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com. THE SENATE: Dec. 1920, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com. NORMAN BROWN WITH BOBBY CALDWELL, MARION MEADOWS: Dec. 21-23, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206441-9729 or jazzalley.com. SARA GAZAREK: Dec. 26-27, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com. BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA: Dec. 28, Mount

JOHN SALANGSANG

KATY PERRY Feb. 3, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster. com. Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or briansetzer.com. HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS: Dec. 28, XFinity Arena, Everett. 866-3328499 or xfinityarenaeverett.com. PONCHO SANCHEZ LATIN JAZZ BAND: Dec. 31, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com. NEARLY DAN: Jan. 5-7, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com. MARTIN TAYLOR AND ALLISON BURNS: Jan. 9-10, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com. MARK HUMMEL’S CHICAGO BLUES HARMONICA BLOWOUT: Jan. 11-14, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com. PETER WHITE: Jan. 1114, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com. XTREME INTERNATIONAL ICE RACING: Jan. 13, Xfinity Arena, Everett. 866-332-8499 or xfinityarenaeverett.com. WAR: Jan. 18-21, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206441-9729 or jazzalley.com. HAROLD LOPEZ-NUSSA, RUY NUSSA: Jan. 2324, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or

jazzalley.com. NAJEE: Jan. 25-28, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley. com. DAVINA & THE VAGABONDS: Jan. 30-31, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com. MIRANDA LAMBERT: Feb. 1, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com. KATY PERRY: Feb. 3, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. JUDY COLLINS: Feb. 8-11, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com. MINDI ABAIR BAND: Feb. 13-14, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206441-9729 or jazzalley.com. A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN: Feb. 15, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham. 360-734-6080 or mountbakertheatre.com. ABDULLAH IBRAHIM, EKAYA, HUGH MASEKELA: Feb. 16-17, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206441-9729 or jazzalley.com. KENNY G: April 12-15, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle. 206-441-9729 or jazzalley.com. BILL MAHER: April 14, Paramount Theater, Seattle. 800-745-3000 or livenation.com.

E12 - Thursday, November 23, 2017

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

TRAVEL

Colorado ski season: Mountain coasters, Olympic fun and more By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Are you ready for a roller coaster at a ski resort? New attractions in Colorado this season include mountain coasters at four Colorado ski resorts, along with new terrain and new lifts. Colorado is also hosting events themed on February’s Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Colorado’s Olympics fever includes qualifying competitions, lessons hosted by former Olympians and a send-off for competing athletes. Here are details on some of the news from Colorado’s ski industry as provided by Colorado Ski Country USA, the not-for-profit trade association representing 23 ski and snowboard resorts. MOUNTAIN COASTERS A mountain coaster is a gravity-driven roller coaster elevated anywhere from 4 to 40 feet (1 to 12 meters) off the ground, with dips, waves and 360-degree loops. It’s a way for skiers and non-skiers alike to enjoy thrills and views. Steamboat opened a coaster earlier this year. Aspen Snowmass, Purgatory Resort and Copper Mountain are expected to open mountain coasters in the coming months. OLYMPICS Aspen Snowmass will host Olympic qualifying events Jan. 10-14, for U.S. athletes in U.S. Grand Prix competitions for snowboard team and freestyle ski team. Copper Mountain will host

Local travel briefs WHATCOM SENIOR TOURS: Whatcom Senior Tours hosts a series of trips for seniors. Sign up by calling 360-733-4030, ext. 1015 or visiting the tour office at 315 Halleck St., Bellingham. SHORT TRIPS: Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation offers travel opportunities for ages 8 and older (adult supervision required for ages 17 and younger). Trips depart from and return to Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. For information or to register, call 360-336-6215. RECREATION WITHOUT BORDERS: The organization offers recreational trips, tours and adventures throughout the Northwest and British Columbia. 360-7667109 or recreationwithoutborders.com. OAK HARBOR DAY TRIPS: The Oak Harbor Senior Center, 51 SE Jerome St., offers fun day trips for members. For details, call the travel desk at 360-279-4587.

In this Oct. 13 file photo, a snowboarder carves a turn on the opening day of ski season at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Colorado. Colorado’s ski resorts have lots of new offerings for the season, from mountain roller coasters to new terrain and lifts.

Olympic qualifying events Dec. 6-10 when U.S. athletes compete in the U.S. Grand Prix halfpipe and big air events. Guests at Crested Butte can ski with Olympian Wendy Fisher, who leads separate clinics for intermediate and advanced skiers. Steamboat will host a send-off Jan. 27 to honor athletes headed to the 2018 Winter Games along with past Steamboat Olympians. On hand will be Billy Kidd, Steamboat’s director of skiing and a 1964 Olympic silver medalist, and Nelson Carmichael, an Olympic bronze medalist. Cooper will host two Olympic-themed family-friendly events. The Cooper Olympiad, Feb. 10, and

the Lake County Olympics, Feb. 20, are both designed to be fun, laid-back events with games and races for all. Wolf Creek will host an Olympics-themed fun slalom race Feb. 25 for skiers and boarders. WHAT’S NEW: TERRAIN, LIFTS AND MORE Arapahoe Basin is opening 468 new skiable acres with the Beavers and Steep Gullies open to the public. Purgatory Resort has new expert and intermediate trails and is increasing and improving glade skiing acreage. Loveland Ski Area is expanding snowcat skiing. Eldora Mountain Resort is debuting a new six-person detachable lift. Copper Mountain is replacing the

Kokomo Lift with a new detachable quad chairlift and also has a new lodge, Koko’s Hut. Steamboat’s Gondola has undergone a major renovation. Wolf Creek Ski Area has a new covered conveyor Lynx Lift to help access existing lifts and terrain. Cooper’s new mountaintop yurt lodge will be open all season with food, drinks and panoramic views. Cooper will also host four moonlight mountaintop yurt dinners on first Saturdays, January through April. Echo Mountain is offering improved access to tree skiing areas with wider trails to accommodate beginner skiers and riders and a new magic carpet in the beginner area.

STATE VISITOR CALL CENTER: The Washington Tourism Alliance’s ExperienceWA Call Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. 1-800-544-1800 or tourisminfo@watourismalliance.com. PASSPORT APPLICATIONS: Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes, accepts new passport applications and applications for passports that have been expired for more than five years by appointment from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Passport forms and information on fees and how to apply are available at travel.state.gov, or pick up an application and passport guide at the library. Burlington Municipal Court accepts passport applications from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 311 Cedar St., Suite A, Burlington. New and renewal forms are available. 360-755-0492. Post Offices in Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley and Oak Harbor accept passport applications by appointment. Contact individual offices for available days and times. Oak Harbor Senior Center, 51 SE Jerome St., Oak Harbor, accepts passport applications Monday through Friday. Appointments are recommended. 360-279-4580.

Thursday, November 23, 2017 - E13

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

DINING GUIDE

AT THE LINCOLN

SCANDINAVIAN SMORGASBORD December 3rd & 10th

Friday & Saturday, November 24th and 25th

BLEEDING TREE

FRiDAY

SATURDAY SEAFOOD

PRimE Rib

1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical is staged for the first time at the National Theatre and broadcast live to cinemas. New York, 1971. There’s a party on the stage of the Weismann Theatre.

1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26 The Met presents the American premiere of Thomas Adès’s “The Exterminating Angel,” inspired by the Luis Buñuel film of the same name. Hailed by the New York Times at the 2016 Salzburg Festival premiere as “inventive and audacious … a major event,” “The Exterminating Angel” is a fantasy about a dinner party from which the guests can’t escape. $23 adults, $21 seniors, $19 students (with ID), $17 children (12 and under). Lincoln members receive $2 off. — The Lincoln Theatre is located at 712 S. First St., downtown Mount Vernon. lincolntheatre.org or 360-336-8955.

FRI. 11/24 8PM IMPRESSIONS

SCANDINAVIAN BUFFET

WEDS. 11/29 6PM SWINGNUTS

FRI. 11/24

December 3rd & 10th

FRI. 12/1 8PM DERRINGER DARLINGS

$33.95 Seniors • $36.95 Adults $1 per year Children 12 & Under

DJ CLINT WESTWOOD

Noon-6pm Reservations: 360.466.4411

SAT. 11/25 7:30PM BACHELOR No. 4

SUN. 11/26 7PM KARAOKE

SAT. 12/2 8PM

GERTRUDE’S HEARSE

1585064 1474688

anacortesrockfish.com / anacortesH2O.com

CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY So that our employees may enjoy the holiday with their families, we will be closed on Christmas Day.

1686818

Family Friendly

360.466.4411

La Conner Whitney Rd. & Hwy. 20

$7.99 BURGER SPECIAL Mon-Fri, 11:30am-4pm

THURSDAY NIGHTS:

Happy Hour

ALL YOU CAN EAT PRAWNS

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

3-6 • Tues-Sat

$1 off drinks

Fri. 11/24 & Sat. 11/25 BLEEDING TREE

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422-6411 18247 State Route 9 Mount Vernon

1685650

NT Live: ‘Follies’

The MET Live in HD: ‘The Exterminating Angel’

Coming up at The Rockfish Grill and H2O:

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7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 24-25 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27 “Lucky” follows the spiritual journey of a 90-year-old atheist and the quirky characters that inhabit his off-themap desert town. Having outlived and out-smoked all of his contemporaries, the fiercely independent Lucky (Harry Dean Stanton) finds himself at the precipice of life, thrust into a journey of self exploration, leading towards that which is so often unattainable: enlightenment. Starring Harry Dean Stanton, Barry Shabaka Henley, Beth Grant, David Lynch, Ed Begley Jr., Hugo Armstrong, James Darren, Ron Livingston, Tom Skerritt, and Yvonne Huff; directed by John Carroll Lynch. Not rated. $10.50 general; $9.50 seniors, students and active military; $8 children 12 and under. Lincoln members get a $2 discount. Sunday bargain prices: $9 general; $7.50 children 12 and under.

Tomorrow the iconic building will be demolished. Thirty years after their final performance, the Follies girls gather to have a few drinks, sing a few songs and lie about themselves. Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee and Imelda Staunton play the magnificent Follies in this dazzling new production. Featuring a cast of 37 and an orchestra of 21, it’s directed by Dominic Cooke (“The Comedy of Errors”). $18 adults, $16 seniors, $14 students and children + applicable fees. Lincoln Theatre Members receive $2 off. 10 percent discount for the purchase of 4 or more productions in the 2017 season.

1698176

‘Lucky’

18247 State Route 9 Mount Vernon

1685653

360-422-6411

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“Lucky” follows the spiritual journey of a 90-year-old atheist and the quirky characters that inhabit his desert town.

E14 - Thursday, November 23, 2017

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES

NEW THIS WEEK

MINI-REVIEWS

‘Coco’ is another home run for Pixar/Disney By KATIE WALSH Tribune News Service

One thing’s for certain — you’re going to want to call your grandparents after seeing Pixar’s latest masterpiece “Coco.” Centered around the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), “Coco” uses the vibrant colors and style of the holiday to spin an imaginative tale rich in tradition and culture, while beautifully celebrating family. Dia de los Muertos is a day when families honor and memorialize their ancestors with elaborate “ofrendas” — offerings of food, drinks and other gifts on decorated shrines with photographs and mementos — as a way to keep the spirits of family members who have passed on alive in the memories of their loved ones. Using the holiday as an inspiration, co-directors and co-writers Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina spin a creative and colorful tale about a young boy, Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez), who desperately wants his family to understand his passion for music. It’s not until he unearths the truth about his family history that they are able to understand why it’s so important to him. Coming from a long line of shoemakers, music is forbidden in Miguel’s home, ever since his greatgreat grandfather left the family to pursue his musical dreams. Armed

PIXAR

In this image released by Disney-Pixar, characters Hector and Miguel appear in a scene from the animated film, “Coco.”

with a few cryptic clues, Miguel deduces that his grandfather was legendary musician Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt), and plans to “borrow” a guitar from the famous singer’s tomb to play in the talent show. But stealing from the dead plunges Miguel into a mysterious otherworld, a liminal space where he’s able to interact with the dead souls who cross over to the living world on Dia de los Muertos. His deceased family members bring him across the bridge of flowers to the Land of the Dead, so Miguel can obtain a blessing to return home before sunrise. That sets off a wild adventure in which he tracks down de la Cruz, with the help of wayward soul Hector (Gael Garcia Bernal), while evading his strict great-great

grandmother Imelda (Alanna Ubach), who’s still smarting from her husband’s rejection. The human world of “Coco” is wonderfully detailed and rich, but the Land of the Dead is where the magic truly happens. The spirits are friendly, clattering skeletons with decorated skulls and loosely connected joints. The neon-patterned animal spirit guides, “alebrijes,” soar through the sky and breathe fluorescent fire. The ghost of Frida Kahlo summons dancers from huge, flaming avocados, while bright marigold flowers serve as the symbolic and real bridge between the human and dead worlds. It’s a feast for the eyes. “Coco” is a backstage musical, where all of the songs are presented in a theatrical setting, as part

of the plot — characters aren’t bursting into song without provocation. Each song has a meaning, as Miguel summons his courage, conquers his stage fright and learns that songs can be the connection, the memory that connects the living and the dead. For all of the stunning visuals and eye-popping delights of “Coco,” it’s all about the heart of the matter, and the film delivers. Unkrich and Molina, as well as Jason Katz and Matthew Aldrich, who receive story by credits, use the themes of family history, memory and legacy to create a tremendously moving story, with an important message about honoring our roots. It’s a gorgeous, emotional film and another home run for Pixar/ Disney. — 1 hour, 49 minutes. Rated PG for thematic elements. HHHH

Compiled from news services. Ratings are 1 to 4 stars. “Coco” — Disney-Pixar’s “Coco” is a bouncy and heart-tugging adventure told through the experiences of a 12-year-old boy (Anthony Gonzalez) who crosses over, while alive, from his village in Mexico to the Land of the Dead, an exciting metropolis populated by deceased humans. The visuals jump off the screen. Animated adventure, PG, 104 minutes. HHH½ “Jim and Andy: The Great Beyond” — Whether you come to this documentary steeped in Andy Kaufman lore or with little or no knowledge of the background, this is a fascinating, suitably meta look at his mad genius and the mad extremes Jim Carrey indulged as he played Kaufman in “Man on the Moon.” Documentary, not rated, 93 minutes. HHH½ “Mudbound” — In 1940s Mississippi, the lives of a mean, stubborn farmer (Jason Clarke), his exhausted wife (Carey Mullilgan), his alcoholic brother (Garrett Hedlund) and the family’s sharecropper tenants (Rob Morgan and Mary J. Blige) are inextricably and tragically linked. If it sounds bleak, yes. It is. But when redemption and hope eventually shine through, it’s a beautiful thing. Drama, R, 134 minutes. HHH½ “Wonder” — What elevates this drama about a brave 10-year-old boy named Auggie (Jacob Tremblay), born with a genetic facial deformity, is the myriad ways in which “Wonder” catches us just a little off-guard and puts lumps in our throats even when Auggie is off-screen. With Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson. Drama, PG, 113 minutes. HHH “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” — The story of a grieving mother (Frances McDormand) trying to shame the police chief (Woody Harrelson) into solving her daughter’s murder provides some of the strongest laughs and most poignant moments of heartbreak of any movie in recent memory. Somehow writer-director Martin McDonagh has taken the bleakest of subject matters and treated it seriously while also serving up one of the best dark comedies I’ve ever seen. Dark comedy, R, 115 minutes. HHHH “Justice League” — It doesn’t take much imagination to know what will happen when another evil creature sets out to destroy all worlds, but the fun is in seeing Ben Affleck’s Batman and Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman teaming up with Ezra Miller’s Flash, Jason Momoa’s Aquaman and Ray Fisher’s Cyborg. It’s a putting-the-band-together origins movie, executed with great fun and energy. Action fantasy, PG-13, 119 minutes. HHH½ “Last Flag Flying” — Two middle-aged veterans (Bryan Cranston, Laurence Fishburne) agree to accompany one of their Vietnam War buddies (Steve Carell) as he picks up the body of his son, a Marine killed in Iraq. What a subtle and moving performance from Carell, never more so than in a final scene that will tear you apart. Comedy drama, R, 124 minutes. HHHH

Thursday, November 23, 2017 - E15

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

MOVIES “All I See Is You” — When a blind woman (Blake Lively) regains her sight, the visual stimuli that interests her most is of the sexual variety, much to the chagrin of her husband (Jason Clarke). This is a visually arresting film with two attractive and charismatic lead actors, but it’s doomed by melodramatic twists and turns, and the ridiculous behavior by nearly every major character. Drama, R, 110 minutes. H½ “Thank You for Your Service” — Along with a number of memorable supporting players, Miles Teller is heartbreakingly effective as a U.S. sergeant returning from his third deployment to Iraq with his limbs intact but a fragile mind and psyche. This is a movie about the horrors of war and the extremely difficult and sometimes insurmountable challenges faced by the young soldiers after the fighting has ended and they’re back home. Drama, R, 109 minutes. HHHH “Wheelman” — Frequent supporting actor Frank Grillo takes the driver’s seat as an ex-con dealing with family issues as he chauffeurs mobsters from crime scenes. This is one of the most gripping and entertaining action mysteries of the year. Thriller, not rated, 82 minutes. HHH½ “Killing Gunther” — Arnold Schwarzenegger hams it up in an energetic, reasonably amusing, hit-and-miss action comedy from writer-director (and “SNL” alum) Taran Killam, who also gives a casually funny performance in the lead role. Comedy action, R, 92 minutes. HHH “Goodbye Christopher Robin” — This film of rough edges and jagged twists tries to straddle the line between a whimsical origins story about the beloved Winnie the Pooh, and a harsh character study about the bear’s creator, A.A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson), and his wife (Margot Robbie), unlikable adults who are far better at exploiting a child than loving him. Biography, PG, 117 minutes. HH “Breathe” — When an athletic Englishman in the 1950s (Andrew Garfield) contracts polio, his tenacious wife (Claire Foy) refuses to subject him to the home confinement customary at the time. It’s essentially a paint-by-numbers biopic of a very deserving subject, with a few bursts of stylistic flair and a couple of minor surprises at best. Biography, PG-13, 117 minutes. HHH “Brawl in Cell Block 99” — Vince Vaughn turns in a legitimately great performance as a hulking killing machine forced to carry out a hit behind bars in order to save his family. The creatively violent and gruesomely entertaining grindhouse movie has the look and feel of a particularly well-made drive-in flick from the 1970s. Crime action, not rated, 132 minutes. HHH½

At area theaters ANACORTES CINEMAS Nov. 24-30 Coco (PG): Friday-Saturday: 12:50, 3:40, 6:30, 9:20; Sunday-Thursday: 12:50, 3:40, 6:30 Justice League (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:10, 4:00, 7:00, 9:40; Sunday-Thursday: 1:10, 4:00, 7:00 Murder on the Orient Express (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:50, 6:50, 9:30; SundayThursday: 1:00, 3:50, 6:50 360-293-7000 STANWOOD CINEMAS Nov. 24-30 Coco (PG): Friday-Saturday: 3:40, 8:50; SundayThursday: 3:40 Coco 3D (PG): Friday-Thursday: 12:30, 6:50 Justice League (PG-13): Friday-Thursday: 12:40, 7:00 Justice League in 3D (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 4:10, 9:40; Sunday-Thursday: 4:10 Wonder (PG): Friday-Saturday: 12:50, 3:50, 6:40, 9:10; Sunday-Thursday: 12:50, 3:50, 6:40 Daddy’s Home 2 (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:10, 3:30, 6:30, 9:15; Sunday-Thursday: 1:10, 3:30, 6:30 Murder on the Orient Express (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 4:00, 6:35, 9:45; SundayThursday: 1:00, 4:00, 6:35 360-629-0514

CONCRETE THEATRE Nov. 24-26 Murder on the Orient Express (PG-13): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 5 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 5 p.m. 360-941-0403 OAK HARBOR CINEMAS Nov. 24-30 Coco (PG): Friday-Saturday: 1:10, 4:00, 6:50, 9:15; Sunday-Thursday: 1:10, 4:00, 6:50 Justice League (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 4:20, 7:00, 9:40; Sunday-Thursday: 1:00, 4:20, 7:00 Wonder (PG): Friday-Saturday: 1:20, 4:05, 6:40, 9:40; Sunday-Thursday: 1:20, 4:05, 6:40 360-279-2226 BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN Oak Harbor Nov. 24-26 Olaf’s FROZEN Adventure (G), CoCo (PG), Justice League (PG-13): First movie starts at approximately 6 p.m. 360-941-0403 CASCADE MALL THEATERS Burlington For showings: amctheatres.com/showtimes/ all/2017-06-23/amc-loews-cascade-mall-14/all * Times are subject to change

HADRIAN STONE DESIGN STUDIO FEATURED ARTISTS Linde Husk, Conway, WA • Whitney Buckingham-Beechie, Edmonds, WA

Wednesday-Sunday • 11-5pm Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays Free & Ample Parking Available 5717 Gilkey Avenue, Bow-Edison, WA 98232

1685659

“Lady Bird” — Greta Gerwig already has made a fine career for herself as an actress, but with “Lady Bird” she has written and directed a film that’s smart without being smug and insightful without being condescending. Saoirse Ronan delivers a pure and honest performance as the title character, a high school senior, and the work by Laurie Metcalf and Tracy Letts as her parents is what greatness looks like. Comedy, R, 93 minutes. HHHH “Murder on the Orient Express” — This adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery loses steam just when it should be gaining speed and racing to its putatively shocking conclusion. Director Kenneth Branagh, who stars as Hercule Poirot, places himself front and center, unfortunately relegating just about everyone else in the all-star cast to one or at most two defining personality traits. Mystery, PG-13, 115 minutes. HH½ “Daddy’s Home 2” — In this sour, cynical and profoundly unfunny sequel, touchy-feely Brad (Will Ferrell) and gruff Dusty (Mark Wahlberg) celebrate with their dads (John Lithgow and Mel Gibson), each an exaggerated version of his son. Much of the humor is of questionable taste at best, and hardly anybody talks or behaves in ways most of us can empathize with. Comedy, PG-13, 95 minutes. H “Thor: Ragnarok” — There’s a LOT going on in the latest Marvel superhero movie and much of it is goofy and campy and marvelously self-referential. An outstanding cast including Chris Hemsworth, Cate Blanchett and Jeff Goldblum all came to play. Action fantasy, PG-13, 130 minutes. HHH½ “LBJ” — It took two or maybe even three scenes for me to shake off the unconvincing prosthetics and hairpiece and settle in to Woody Harrelson’s excellent performance as Lyndon Baines Johnson. But we got there. It’s a well-calibrated performance, conveying how Johnson felt the weight of the world on his shoulders in this conventional but absorbing biopic. Biography, R, 97 minutes. “A Bad Moms Christmas” — Where to go in the sequel to the thoroughly enjoyable “Bad Moms”? Bring on Cheryl Hines, Christine Baranski and Susan Sarandon as the bad moms of the Bad Moms! Unfortunately, the inept and lazy and uninspired new movie can’t be bothered with simple things like keeping track of characters or being faithful to the events of the original. Comedy, R, 104 minutes. H½ “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” — A heart surgeon and father of two (Colin Farrell) befriends a creepy neighborhood teen (Barry Keoghan) who seems to have a hold over him. Nearly everyone speaks in a deadpan manner in this twisted, absurd and disturbing story, which never hedges its bets, never takes its foot off the gas. Horror, R, 116 minutes. HHH

E16 - Thursday, November 23, 2017

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

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