z CONTACT US z Call toll-free: 800-228-0429 Cara Recine, Lifestyles and special projects editor cara.recine@thesouthern.com / ext. 5075 Brenda Kirkpatrick, lists, live music flipside@thesouthern.com / ext. 5089 Rhonda Ethridge, cover designer rhonda.ethridge@thesouthern.com / ext. 5118 The Southern Illinoisan (USPS 258-908) is published daily at a yearly subscription rate of $178. It is published at 710 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901. It is owned by Lee Enterprises of Davenport, Iowa.
WHAT’S INSIDE Weird News . . . . . . .3 Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Cover story . . . . . . .6 Concerts . . . . . . . . .6 Coffeehouses . . . . .7
Live music . . . . . . . .7 Wineries . . . . . . . . .7 Theater . . . . . . . . . .8 Things to do . . . .8-9 Movies . . . . . . . .8-11
108 N. Emma • West Frankfort
“Cupid’s Revenge” Valentine’s Event February 13, 2010 7pm - Midnight Singles come find your Valentine or Couples reignite the flame!
$15 Advanced Ticket Sales Available through DermaCare Body Boutique 988-1868
Tickets are $20 at the door Ticket Price Includes: One Free Drink, Hors d’oeuvres provided by Great Boars of Fire, DJ Provided by Music in Motion $5 Speed Dating on the Hour Valentine Drink Specials Starting at $2
Page 2 Thursday, January 21, 2010 FLIPSIDE
Top 20 Restaurant of the Week: Alongi’s Italian Restaurant BY DAVID ZOELLER SPECIAL ADVERTISING COPY
DU QUOIN — Alongi’s Italian Restaurant has been a family-operated, independent establishment for generations and has served generations of customers in the process. The restaurant was founded in 1933 by Guy Alongi, an Italian immigrant from Cinisi, Sicily, who came to the United States in 1902. First known as “Guy’s Place,” as the enterprise grew, it was the first to introduce pizza in Southern Illinois. Today, the business is owned by Guy Alongi III and John Alongi II, grandsons of the founder. It has developed a loyal following in Du Quoin and throughout Southern Illinois. “We’ve got fifth- and sixth-generation customers,” Guy Alongi III said. While he is hesitant to pinpoint any one factor in the restaurant’s success, there is one important ingredient. “You just have to give people the best possible service and let them know that you appreciate their business,” Alongi said. “We’re not just here for their business today. We want them back next year, and the next decade. We take a long-term view. We want to cultivate relationships with people. We’re not here just to make them happy once.” The business has been remodeled and expanded over the years. In 1994, Alongi’s expanded into the old State Theater, resulting in a new waiting and dining area, bar, fireplace and banquet room. Its menu has grown, too. Originally know for
DAVID ZOELLER / THE SOUTHERN ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT
Guy Alongi III (left), owner, and Holly Bigham, an employee from Pinckneyville, stand at Alongi’s Italian Restaurant in Du Quoin, a local favorite.
serving pizza and the basic pastas, the menu has grown to include steaks, veal, chicken and seafood. Alongi’s has served a variety of entertainers and celebrities over the years, many of whom were featured at the Du Quoin State Fair and have their pictures prominently displayed inside the restaurant. Increased activity at the fairgrounds year-round has had a strong impact on the family business, Alongi said. Years ago, the fair was two weeks long and brought in good crowds with big name acts. Today, the fairgrounds host a variety of events year-round drawing smaller but consistent crowds. “The fairgrounds may host two or three (weekend) events a month,” Alongi said, citing horse shows, go-cart races and indoor softball tournaments as examples. “Because the fairgrounds host so many events, last
Buy one entrée and get one free at this restaurant and other featured restaurants across Southern Illinois with the 2010 Top 20 Dining Card. Top 20 Cards are available for purchase at The Southern offices in Carbondale and Marion by calling 618-529-5454 or online at www.thesouthern.com/top20. Cards are $20 each plus $1 per order for cards to be mailed. Some exclusions may apply. See card for details.
DETAILS Who: Alongi’s Italian Restaurant What: Pizza, pasta, steak, veal, chicken, seafood Where: 18 W. Main St., Du Quoin Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday Phone: 618-542-2468 Did you know? Alongi’s has several ‘firsts’ to its historic credit, one being its own house brand of premium select Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. year was a record year for us. “We’re looking to expand … because of the fairgrounds.” Alongi’s draws its employees, many of them college students, from nearby communities like Christopher, Pinckneyville, Elkville and Carbondale. “We don’t have very high turnover,” Alongi
said. “We hire a student and they usually stay two or three years while they go to school.” Having a well-trained and stable workforce helps Alongi’s achieve its goal of customer satisfaction. “We tell everybody to treat people the way they want to be treated,” Alongi said. “It sounds pretty simple, but it’s the truth.”
z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z WINERIES z MUSIC z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z
It might have been a smart investment flag, song, flower, bird, tree, fish, state animal, wildlife animal, domestic animal, mineral, rock, symbol of peace, insect, soil, fossil, dog, beverage, grain, dance, ballad, Chuck Shepherd waltz, fruit and tartan. z New York, under Mayor Bloomberg’s leadership, has taken n December, a prominent online aggressive positions against game player, Buzz “Erik” cigarette-smoking and restaurant Lightyear, won the auction for dishes made with trans fats, but the ownership of a virtual space station city’s Department of Health is in the Planet Calypso game, paying apparently more tolerant regarding 3.3 million Project Entropia Dollars heroin. A recently released, (PEDs), which at various points department-funded 16-page entered the game’s play-like pamphlet instructs heroin users on economy at an out-of-pocket cost “safer” ways to inject the drug (and of 10 actual U.S. cents per PED. Thus, Lightyear “paid” $330,000 for suggests, if the first needle stab misses a vein, the more healthful nothing more than digital course is to pull out and begin anew representations of cool-looking rather than try to maneuver the structures. However, Lightyear can syringe). Of course, the booklet now charge other PED-seeking contains several warnings against players who shop and hunt for any use of heroin, but those, valuables on the popular space obviously, are messages habitually station and appears confident he ignored by addicts. will eventually earn back his investment. (On the other hand, if everyone suddenly abandoned the Great art game, Lightyear will have spent z In December, Portuguese thousands of hours online, buying, dancer Rita Marcalo, seeking to raise selling and bartering to earn $330,000 worth of PEDs that would public awareness of the tragedy of epilepsy (which has afflicted her for then be worthless.) 20 years), performed a 24-hour “show” at a West Yorkshire, Government in action England, theater in which she z In January, the Berkeley (Calif.) attempted to trigger an epileptic School Board began consideration of seizure on stage. She had stopped a near-unanimous recommendation taking medication beforehand and continually stared into flashing of Berkeley High School’s strobe lights, but she was Governance Council to eliminate unsuccessful. However, in the science labs from its curriculum, second part of her project (which reasoning that the classes mostly has been funded by an Arts Council serve white students, leaving less grant of the equivalent of about money for programs for $20,000), she will continue the underperforming minorities. quest, but only in front of cameras, Berkeley High’s white students do hoping to capture a seizure for a far better academically than the state average; black and Latino subsequent video production. students do worse than average. Five science teachers would be Are the terrorists safe? dismissed. z Although the U.S. military z The Wisconsin legislature is stateside can direct a drone aircraft considering a bill to designate a “state bacterium” (the Lactococcus halfway around the world to deliver bombs mostly on highly specific lactis, which is crucial to turning milk into the state’s famous cheese). targets in Iraq, the Pentagon acknowledged in December that If approved, the bacterium would join two dozen other state symbols even after six years of war, its (according to the Wisconsin Blue signals to the drone are still not Book): coat of arms, seal, motto, encrypted. Thus, Iraqi insurgents
NEWS OF THE WEIRD
I
can pinpoint drone locations merely by using ordinary computer programs like SkyGrabber, which is widely available from software retailers for about $25. U.S. officials admitted the software could make it easier for insurgents to anticipate the timing and location of attacks.
Cutting-edge research z In December, University of London math professor Simon Blackburn published a complicated, square-root-deriving formula to determine whether a driver has enough room to parallel-park within a given space. By inputting such measurements as a car’s wheel base and the radius of its turning circle, a driver can calculate an exact, whento-turn steering instruction. z A December National Public Radio report noted that fake houseflies have begun appearing in urinals around the world based apparently on research showing men are more likely to aim at the flies, thus leaving the area surrounding the urinal cleaner.
Police blotter z Apple Valley, Minn., Oct. 13: “Officers responded to a report that a man was sitting on the curb in front of his house talking to himself. When officers arrived they found a very intoxicated man who wanted officers to drive him to Washington, D.C., so that he could discuss the country’s military involvement in the Middle East with President Obama.”
People with issues z Prominent eastern Idaho prosecuting attorney Blake Hall, 56, was fired in November (and he also resigned from a major national political position) after his conviction for stalking an exgirlfriend. Evidence at trial revealed that Hall had been tossing used condoms onto the woman’s lawn, a total of 19 collected on 10 different days. SEND ITEMS to weirdnews
@earthlink.net.
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z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z ART z WINERIES z MUSIC z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z Call for Artwork Symphony art: Deadline is noon Friday, Feb. 12, for the Paducah Symphony Exhibitions Conc-Art Galleries; The Paducah Symphony is requesting artwork for display during the upcoming exhibitions season; artwork will be displayed in the lobby at the Carson Center for concert nights; 270-444-0065 or www. paducahsymphony.org.
Classes, Workshops Little Egypt Arts Centre classes: Beginning photography, drawing, art history classes, 601 Tower Square, Marion; register at 618-998-8530. Student Center Craft Shop: Variety of crafts and classes offered, SIUC; 618-453-3636, www.siuc studentcenter.org.
Feb. 2; 270-442-8856 or www. nationalquiltmuseum.org. The Scholastic Art Awards of Southern Illinois: Main Gallery, Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Mount Vernon; a juried fine art competition for students in grades 7-12; top award recipients from the regional program are sent to New York for the national competition; awards ceremony, 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 14, Performance Hall at Cedarhurst; through Sunday, Feb. 14; www.cedarhurst.org; 618-242-1236. Disegno Italia: By Dale Leys, Beal Grand Corridor Gallery, Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, 2600 Richview Road, Mount Vernon; exhibition of drawings created as result of travel experiences in Italy; Cedarhurst hours, 10 a.m.5 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday; free; through Feb. 14; www.cedarhurst.org; 618-242-1236.
Hear: Oil paintings by Katrina Mings, Regenhardt Gallery, Shrode Art Center, Cedarhurst, Mount Vernon; through Feb. 14; www. cedarhurst.org; 618-242-1236. Teen Spirit 2010: Showcases outstanding high school art work in the region, Yeiser Art Center, 200 Broadway St., Paducah; hours, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday; through Feb. 20; 270-442-2453 or www.theyeiser.org. Easter Seals Artists: Tribeca Restaurant & Gallery, 127 S. Second St., Paducah; through March 4; 618-4431220 or ddavenport@eswky or plumbart@bellsouth.net. Gifts to the Collection: The Illinois State Museum’s Southern Illinois Art Gallery, the Southern Illinois Art and Artisans Center, Whittington; includes 42 paintings and drawings dating from 1883 through 2006, including
several from Southern Illinois artists; through March 7; open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 618-629-2220. George Ions: Orlandini Vineyard, 410 Thorn Lane, Makanda; Italian landscapes complement vineyard décor; through March 31; 618-995230; www.orlandinivineyard. com; george.ions@yahoo. com. Mrs. B’s Illustrations: By Andi Butler, Beck Family Center Gallery, Cedarhurst, Mount Vernon; Butler, features whimsical/retro illustrations; through April 4; www.cedarhurst.org; 618-242-1236. Masters of Photography: University Museum, SIUC; highlights from the museum’s permanent collection; includes photograph of silent film siren Gloria Swanson; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 1-4 p.m. SaturdaySunday; through May; free;
www.museum.siu.edu. A Warrior’s Story: Oglala Sioux Buffalo Robe, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 14 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, University Museum, SIUC; through May; free; www.museum.siu.edu. Multiple artists: Photographs of Juhree Veach, mosaics from Janet Altoff and sculpture from Tom Horn, StarView Vineyards, 5100 Wing Hill Road, Cobden; 618-893-9463 or www.starviewvineyards.com.
Openings, Receptions Biki Andres Chaplain: Central Showcase at Realty Central, 1825 W. Main St, Murdale Shopping Center, Carbondale; opening reception, 4-6 p.m., Friday; gallery hours, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.noon Saturday; art inspired by nature and people in their
own environments; through Feb. 20; 618-457-4663. Ansel Adams: The Man Who Captured The Earth’s Beauty: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; Jan. 24– March 21, University Museum, SIUC, Faner Hall; $5; all students free; www.museum. siu.edu or 618-453-5388. John F. Boyd Art Exhibit: Carbondale Civic Center Corridor Gallery; reception, 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28; 618-457-5100; cca@neondsl. com. Abstract Stitches: Quilts by Gary Estergard, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. TuesdayFriday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, University Museum, SIUC; reception, 4-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12 with gallery talk, 7 p.m. by Estergard; through March 5; for more information, visit www.museum.siu.edu or call 618-453-5388.
Displays, Exhibits Karen Linduska and students: Fantasy Garden art quilts along with a selection of Linduska’s student’s works, The Gallery Space at the Law Office of Joni Beth Bailey, 1008 Walnut St., Murphysboro; closing reception, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30; linduska artquilt@galaxycable.net. Paul Simon: Compassion, Vision, Courage: Benton Public Library, 502 S. Main St.; images and text from the papers of Sen. Paul Simon at Morris Library; through Sunday, Jan. 31; free; www.lib. siu.edu/news/simonevents; 618-453-2516. Andrea LeBeau: Rustle Hill Winery, U.S. 51, Cobden; LeBeau studied Art History and the technique of painting in Budapest, Hungary; through Sunday, Jan. 31; 618-893-2700 or www.rustle hillwinery.com. Quilts with a Kick: The National Quilt Museum, 215 Jefferson St., Paducah; wall quilts; hours, 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; through
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z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z ART z WINERIES z MUSIC z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z Concerts Southern Illinois Black Fortys: Noon Tunes and More, 11:30-1 p.m. today, Roman Room, Student Center, SIUC; indie-rock; free. give-aways; www. stddev.siu.edu. Branson comes to Metropolis: Tickets on sale for shows at Harrah’s Metropolis including Moe Bandy, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, $29.99; Legends in Concert featuring Elvis, Buddy Holly, Blues Brothers, Toby Keith and Patsy Cline, 8 p.m. Jan. 29, 30, $29.99 and 2 p.m. Jan. 30, $24.99; Return to the ’50s, 8 p.m. Feb. 12, 13, $29.99 and 2 p.m. Feb. 13, $24.99; and Jim Stafford, 8 p.m. March 12, 13, $29.99; 888-512-7469 or metropolis.frontgatetickets.com. Marion High School Band’s Winter Concert: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Marion Cultural and Civic Center; www.marionccc.org or 618-9974030. Tuba recital: By SIUC faculty members, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Old Baptist Foundation Recital Hall, SIUC; free; theme, is “movie music.” The Dorians: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, John A. Logan College, 700 Logan College Road, Carterville; 618985-3741, ext. 8287.
Cape Girardeau Neal E. Boyd: America’s Got Talent winner Boyd will appear with the Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra, 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall, River Campus, Cape Girardeau; 573-651-2265; www.semo.edu/ rivercampus.
Kentucky Foreigner: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, Carson Center; $25-$65; 270-450-4444 or www.thecarson center.org.
St. Louis area BB King and Buddy Guy: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, The Family Arena, St. Charles, Mo.; $50.50-$92.50; 314-534-1111; 636896-4242 or www.familyarena.com. Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, Fox Theatre, 539 N. Grand Boulevard St. Louis; $44.50-$59.50; 314-5341111; www.metrotix.com; www.fabulousfox.com.
Rocking with the legendary
Foreigner 7:30 p.m. Friday, Luther Carson Four Rivers Center, 100 Kentucky Ave., Paducah; tickets are $25, $45, $65 at 270-450-4444, online at www.thecarsoncenter.org or at the box office from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ost power rock bands that flourished during the 1970s and ’80s don’t know when to pull the plug. Instead of facing the relentless COUNTRY pressure of cranking out SCENE hits and the Vince Hoffard grind of constant touring, worn out members of legendary groups find new vices, like extended Caribbean vacations. With the edge gone from the music, radio airplay and fan appeal decreases. One-by-one, members see the glory fade. They take their sacks of money and go home, routinely replaced by fresh blood with inferior talent, saddled with the impossible chore of carrying on the glamorous name of a once sacred superstar act. The combination rarely works and is almost certainly doomed for failure. Critics felt that would be the fate of Foreigner with the departure of Lou Gramm, but the opposite is true. Band architect Mick Jones landed phenomenal lead singer Kelly Hansen as a replacement, and the former Hurricane front man has re-energized the group. “The best part about being in this band is getting the chance to do something I feel I was meant to do,” Hansen says. “I feel extremely fortunate to be given this wonderful opportunity to play with such a substantial group of people.” Classic songs like “Hot Blooded,” “Urgent, “I Want to Know What Love Is” and “Cold As Ice” are no longer stagnant covers. Hansen breathes new life into the tunes with his vibrant vocals. A new album, “Can’t Slow Down,” is a masterpiece. It’s classic Foreigner, with a heavy dose of British rock merged with blues, country and rhythm and blues. Jones is still there with his instantly identifiable guitar riffs, but a cast of new members
M
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PROVIDED
Foreigner will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Carson Four Rivers Center in Paducah.
create a sizzling sound. Jones and Hansen are surrounded by world-class talent. Rhythm guitarist Tom Gimbel is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston. He played on two world tours with Aerosmith. Keyboardist Michael Bluestein worked with Boz Skaggs and Stevie Nicks, before joining forces with Foreigner. Bassist Jeff Pilson was an original member of Dokken and starred in the 2001 movie Rock Star with Jason Bonham, Mark Walberg and Jennifer Annison. “There are times in life where the right combination of people come together at the right time, through luck, timing, or for some unknown reason, to create something magical,” Hansen said. “What happens on the stage with this group of guys is something that is rare.” As a youngest, Jones tasted success early with a blues/rock band that opened for the Rolling Stones at clubs throughout South
London and later worked as musical director for Johnny Hallyday, a French rock icon. Jones would later form Spooky Tooth with Gary Wright, before ultimately ending up in New York City to fuse Brits Ian McDonald and Dennis Elliott with Americans Gramm, Alan Greenwood and Ed Gagliardi to make up Foreigner. Quickly signed by Atlantic Records, there was an immediate buzz with first single “Feels Like the First Time.” The debut selftitled “Foreigner” album sold 4 million units in the United States alone. With this revamped lineup, which might be the strongest in the band’s 34-year history and a resume that includes selling more than 70 million albums, Foreigner will perform Friday at the Luther Carson Four Rivers Center in Paducah. VINCE HOFFARD can be reached at 618-6589095 or at vincehoffard@yahoo.com.
DIRECTIONS & DIGITS
CRAVING KARAOKE?
WEEK OF JAN. 21-27
Karaoke and DJ lists are online at flipside online.com.
Wineries Woodenships: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Rustle Hill Winery Tim Berg: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Lau-Nae Winery Ivas John: 2-5 p.m., Saturday, Von Jakob Orchard Elliott Ranney: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Blue Sky Vineyard Big Larry & Doug: 2-5 p.m., Sunday, Von Jakob Orchard Courtney Cox Jazz Combo: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Blue Sky Vineyard Ray Martin: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Rustle Hill Winery Sam West Trio: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Rustle Hill Winery Rich Fabec: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Rustle Hill Winery VonJakobVille: Festival featuring the Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band, The Boat Drunks, Saturday, Jan. 30, Von Jakob Orchard; performance by Grammy Award-winning vocalist of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, Nadirah Shakoor; doors open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; $15.
Blue Sky Vineyard: 3150 S. Rocky Comfort Road , Makanda; 618-995-9463 or www.blueskyvineyard.com. Lau-Nae Winery: 1522 Illinois 3, Red Bud; 618-2829463 or www.lau-naewinery.com. Rustle Hill Winery: U.S. 51, Cobden; 618-893-2700 or www.rustlehillwinery.com. Von Jakob Orchard: 230 Illinois 127, Alto Pass ; 618-893-4600 or www.vonjakobvineyard.com.
Coffeehouses and Cafés Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Cousin Andy’s Coffeehouse, Fellowship Hall of the Church of the Good Shepherd, United Church of Christ, 515 Orchard Drive, Carbondale; www.cousinandy.org. Howlin’ At The Moon: 8 p.m. Saturday, Yellow Moon Café, 110 N. Front St., Cobden; 618-8932233.
WANT TO BE LISTED? z TONIGHT
z FRIDAY
BENTON Duncan Dance Barn:: Spring Pond Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. CARBONDALE PK’s: Allison Floyd MOUNT VERNON The Tavern on 10th: Live Blues Trio, 7-11 p.m. SPILLERTOWN Track Side Dance Barn: Mike’s Band, 7-10 p.m. WEST FRANKFORT WB Ranch Barn: Little Egypt Country Band 6:30-9:30 p.m.
CARBONDALE Pinch Penny/Copper Dragon: Hairbangers Ball PK’s: Sam West Band MARION John Brown’s on the Square: Kentucky Knife Fight w/Fattback, 8:30-11:30 p.m. Marion Eagles: Cruzers, 8 p.m.-midnight, fish fry, 5-7 p.m. INA Ina Community Building: Friday Night Jam Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
z SATURDAY CARBONDALE PK’s: Napsack Problem Pinch Penny/Copper Dragon: Mike and Joe HERRIN Perfect Shot: Just Another Band (JAB), 9 p.m.1 a.m. MARION Marion Eagles: Black Lace, 8 p.m.-midnight SPILLERTOWN Track Side Dance
Call 618-351-5089 or e-mail brenda.kirkpatrick@thesouthern.com
SPILLERTOWN Track Side Dance Barn: Mike’s Band, 7-10 p.m. THOMPSONVILLE Lion’s Cave: Rebel Country, 7-10 p.m. Old Country Store Dance Barn: Country Sidekicks, 7-10 p.m. WHITE ASH The White Ash Barn: The Heartland Country Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. WHITTINGTON Corner Dance Hall: Dirtwater Fox Band, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
z SUNDAY Barn: Freedom Band, 7-10 p.m. STEELEVILLE American Legion: Country Aces, 7-11 p.m. THOMPSONVILLE Lion’s Cave: Weekenders, 7-10 p.m. Old Country Store Dance Barn: Lil’ Boot & Classic Country, 7-10 p.m. WHITTINGTON The Zone Lounge: Nightshift, 9 p.m.1 a.m.
CARBONDALE Key West: Ivas John Blues Band
MARION Marion Eagles: Black Lace, 6-10 p.m.
z TUESDAY Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. CARBONDALE PK’s: Whistle Pigs WEST FRANKFORT WB Ranch Barn: WB WHITE ASH The White Ash Barn: Ranch Band, 6:30The Heartland Country 9:30 p.m.
z WEDNESDAY DU QUOIN Ten Pin Alley: Piano Bob, 6-9 p.m.
Anna VFW: 70 VFW Lane, Anna 618-833-5182 Cherry Street Pub: 107 W. Cherry St., Herrin 618-942-4269 Corner Dance Hall: 200 Franklin St., Whittington 618-629-2319 Duncan Dance Barn: 13545 Spring Pond Road, Benton 618-435-6161 The Get-Away: 804 N. Douglas St., West Frankfort 618-9373545 Ina Community Building: 504 Elm St., Ina 618-315-2373 John Brown’s on the Square: 1000 Tower Square, Marion 618-997-2909 Key West: 1108 W. Main, Carbondale 618-351-5998 Linemen’s Lounge: 100 E. Broadway, Johnston City Lion’s Cave: South Street, Thompsonville 618-218-4888 Marion American Legion: Longstreet Road, Marion 618997-6168 Marion Eagles: Rural Route 3, Marion 618-993-6300 Mollie’s: 107 E. Union St., Marion 618-997-3424 Old Country Store Dance Barn: Main Street, Thompsonville, 618-927-2770. Orient American Legion: 404 Jackson St., Orient 618-9322060 Perfect Shot: 3029 S. Park Ave., Herrin 618-942-4655 Pinch Penny Pub/Copper Dragon: 700 E. Grand, Carbondale 618-549-3348 PK’s: 308 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale 618-529-1124 Ramesse: 1754 Illinois 37, Lake of Eygpt, 618-995-9104 Steelhorse Saloon: 202 Dewmain Lane, Carterville 618-9853549 Tavern on 10th: 224 S. 10th St., Mount Vernon 618-244-7821 Tomigirl’s Rollin-in: 14960 Illinois 37, Johnston City / 618983-7655 Trackside Dance Barn: 104 Rock St., Spillertown 618-993-3035 WB Ranch Barn: 1586 Pershing Road, West Frankfort 618-9373718 Walt’s Pizza – Pasta Grill: 213 S. Court St., Marion 618-9938668 Whisker Willy’s Bar & Grill 13510 N. Illinois 37, Marion 618-9835300 White Ash Barn: 207 Potter St., White Ash 618-922-7510 Wit and Wisdom Nutritional Site: 225 E. Poplar St., West Frankfort, 618-937-3070 Xrossroads: 101 Rushing Drive, Herrin 618-993-8393 The Zone Lounge: 14711 Illinois 37, Whittington 618-629-2039
FLIPSIDE Thursday, January 21, 2010 Page 7
z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z ART z WINERIES z MUSIC z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z
Are you a foreign film fan? Check out Liberty Theater MURPHYSBORO — Liberty Theater is adding a little something extra to its lineup: foreign films. “Central Station” will be shown at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28. The Brazilian film, directed by Walter Salles, won the Golden Globe award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1998. It is a story of a retired teacher and an orphaned boy who take a journey together that restores the woman’s spirit and the boy’s search for love and connection. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards; for Best Actress and for Best Foreign Language Film. The Liberty Theater is planning to show a foreign film every month. “Babette’s Feast” will be featured in February. The theater is downtown on Walnut Street between 13th and 14th streets. The theater will be open at 6 p.m. See the film, enjoy popcorn and other treats for only a $5 donation to the theater.
Student Center to host Tony Award-winner to delight audience Noon Tunes and More CARBONDALE — Just as its name suggests, Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Noon Tunes and More will offer music, give-aways and information about great opportunities to get involved. Noon Tunes and More begins today at the Student Center. Black Fortys, an indie-rock band, will play from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Roman Room. The concert is free. Special Programs and Center Events will have a special display table there as well, offering information and giveaways. You can also pick up a free, green, 25-cent refill cup there. Just take the cup to participating locations in the Student Center all semester long and get a refill for only a quarter. The RSO and Volunteerism Fair also is Thursday. Students are welcome to visit the Student Center Ballrooms between 5 and 7 p.m. and check out 150 booths highlighting many of the hundreds of Registered Student Organizations at SIUC. It’s a great opportunity to get involved, meet new people and be active in a group with a focus you care about. For more information, look online at www.stddev.siu.edu.
— The Southern
— University Communications
PADUCAH — The most celebrated musical of the 2006 Broadway season, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” a completely original musical comedy, is coming to Paducah at the Carson Center at 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. The Carson Center is at 100 Kentucky Ave. “The Drowsy Chaperone” tells the story of a modern day musical theater addict known simply as “Man in Chair.” To chase his blues away, he drops the needle on his favorite LP, the 1928 musical comedy, “The Drowsy Chaperone.” From the crackle of his hi-fi, the musical magically bursts to life onstage telling the tale of a pampered Broadway starlet who wants to give up show business to get married, her producer who sets out to sabotage the nuptials, her chaperone, the debonair groom, the
dizzy chorine, the Latin lover and a pair of gangsters who double as pastry chefs. Man in Chair’s love of “The Drowsy Chaperone” speaks to anyone who has ever been transported by the theater. The Drowsy Chaperone received more Tony Awards than any other musical of the 2006
season, including best book, original score, costume design and scenic design. Tickets start at $28.50 and can be purchased by calling 270-450-4444 or online at www.thecarson center.org. Visit www.drowsy chaperoneontour.com. for more information. — The Southern
Dance, hip-hop sensation Groovaloo comes to Paducah PADUCAH — The hip hop sensation, Groovaloo will perform at the Carson Center at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28. The Carson Center is at 100 Kentucky Ave. Based on the awardwinning troupe’s true-tolife experiences and told by the dancers who lived them, Groovaloo combines the authenticity of “A Chorus Line” with the energy of “Stomp” as it embarks on a journey through the diverse world of hip-hop dance. Driven by jaw-dropping displays of physical ability, a vibrant musical score and spoken-word poetry, the show’s intertwined stories chronicle the struggles, hopes and triumphs of the 14member cast as it
Page 8 Thursday, January 21, 2010 FLIPSIDE
PROVIDED
Actors from the traveling production of ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ perform a number from the show.
PROVIDED
Groovaloo comes to the Carson Center at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28.
discovers the true meaning of family and shares what it’s like to be “in the circle.” Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased by calling 270-450-4444 or
online at www.thecarson center.org. For more information and clips of previous performances, visit www.groovaloo.com. — The Southern
z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z ART z WINERIES z MUSIC z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z anniversary Taste of Chocolate fundraiser, 6 p.m. Fiddling and guitar Friday, Feb. 5, Carbondale playing: A sample of the Civic Center; proceeds to The classes offered through the Women’s Center; live and John A. Logan College silent auctions; 618-303-5974. Continuing Education Richard Voorhees Sr. Department spring semester Cancer Benefit: 6 p.m. beginning Monday; others Saturday, Feb. 6, West include salsa dancing, golf, Frankfort Moose Lodge; dog training, healthy cooking, features chili dinner, auction; Adobe Photoshop and music by country rock band, silversmithing; 618- 549-7335 Isolated Incident, 8 p.m.; or www.jalc.edu/cont_ed/. $10; 618-923-0797 or 618-923-2728.
Dalmatians Kids,” 6-8 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, Feb. 1-2, Marion Cultural and Civic Center; actors, ages 8-18; hosted by the Paradise Alley Players Theatre Company; 618-925-3372; 618-993-2225 or e-mail marionpap@ hotmail.com. Trinity Irish Dancers: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 30, Marion Cultural and Civic Center; $20, $30; www. marionccc.org or 618-9974030. Events Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera, ‘Hansel and Gretel’: Foul Play at the Big Game Films Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 23-24, Rally: Mystery dinner theater, Michael Jackson, This is It: Donald C. Bedell Performance 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m. today, and 7 p.m. and Hall, River Campus, Murphysboro Event Center, 9:30 p.m. Friday and Southeast Missouri State 1301 Walnut St.; fundraiser Saturday, Student Center University, Cape Girardeau; for LifeSavers; live auction Auditorium, SIUC; rated R; 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. featuring Tim Shepherd students, $2; adults, $3; Sunday; full-stage production blown-glass art, Al Parr request no children attend R features a chamber photography and sunset rated movies; www.thisisit orchestra; 573-651-2265; pontoon ride; reservations by movieondvd.com; 618-536800-293-5949; metrotix.com. Tuesday; $35 per person; 3393 or www.spc4fun.com. The Drowsy Chaperone: 618-457-4204. Central Station: 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, WWE Presents RAW LIVE: Thursday, Jan. 28, Liberty Carson Center, Paducah; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Show Me Theater, 1333 Walnut St., musical comedy; $27.50-$49; Center, Cape Girardeau; Murphysboro; suggested 270-450-4444 or www.the features John Cena, “The donation $5; proceeds to the carsoncenter.org. Viper” Randy Orton, Kofi restoration fund; film won the The Wizard of Oz: Musical, Kingston, MVP, Mark Henry, Golden Globe award for Best 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, The Legacy, The Miz, Kelly Kelly Foreign Language Film in Donald C. Bedell Performance and Santino Marella; $151998; 618-684-5880 or $60; www.ticketmaster.com, murphysborolibertytheater@ Hall, Southeast Missouri State University’s River Campus; www.showmecenter.biz or gmail.com. 573-651-2265; metrotix.com; 573-651-5000. Zombieland: 7 p.m. Warriors Ascent: Presented Thursday, Jan. 28 and 7 p.m. www.wizardofozontour.com. Groovaloo: 7:30 p.m. by The Fight Factory, 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. FridaySaturday, Marion Cultural and Saturday, Jan. 29-30, Student Thursday, Jan. 28, Carson Center, Paducah; tickets start Civic Center; www.thefight Center Auditorium, SIUC; at $25; local dancer will factory.us. rated R; students, $2; adults, dance with Groovaloo, 270Monte Blue’s $3; request no children 450-4444; www.thecarson Dance/Fundraiser: 6 p.m.attend R rated movies; 618center.org or www.groovaloo. midnight Saturday, Jan. 30, 536-3393 or www.spc4fun. com. Marion VFW; dinner and com or www.zombieland. Camelot: 7:30 p.m. Friday, music; proceeds to Hospice com. Feb. 5 and Saturday, Feb. 6, of Southern Illinois; $20/ Carson Center, Paducah; tale person or $30/couple; 618Theater/Performance of King Arthur, Queen 997-3030 or www.hospice. org. Auditions For V-Day: 2 p.m. Guinevere and Lancelot; musical; $27.50-$49; 270Fabulous Fifties Trivia Sunday, Jan. 31, Kleinau 450-4444 or www.thecarson Night: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. Theatre, Communications 30, Newman Catholic Student Building, SIUC; roles available center.org. Hairspray: Musical, 4 p.m. Center, 715 S. Washington St., for women in “The Vagina Sunday, Feb. 7, Shryock Carbondale; in celebration of Monologues” and roles the Southern Illinois Regional available for all genders in “A Auditorium, SIUC; first Social Services’ 50th Memory, A Monologue, A Rant Broadway show being anniversary; 618-457-6703 presented by Southern Lights and A Prayer;” proceeds to ext. 259 or acole@sirss.org. Entertainment; 618-453The Women’s Center, Inc., A Decade of Chocolate: Carbondale; www.vday.org, 6000 or southernlights Party Like It’s 1999! 10th Open Auditions: For “101 entertainment.com.
Classes
‘Education’ a true-to-life love story An Education Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving sexual content; starring Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard; directed by Lone Scherfig; opening Friday at University Place 8 in Carbondale. BY COLIN COVERT MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS
England in the early 1960s was a time of new freedoms and exciting possibilities. It’s an intoxicating environment for young Jenny to enter womanhood. A bright, vivacious 16year-old aiming for Oxford, she is her family’s only child and shining star. She’s also mature for her years and eager to begin the journey into adult life. When stylish, knowing David drives up in a maroon sports car and charms her off her feet, the 30-ish sophisticate seems like the ideal man to offer extracurricular tutoring. His life is a whirl of art auctions, orchestra concerts, thrilling bars and exciting, mysterious adult friends. He’s a seductive combination of courtliness, shrewd intelligence and danger. Novelist Nick Hornby delivers sharp material; his script, adapted from a memoir by British journalist Lynn Barber, sweeps aside the expected parental opposition in order to focus the story’s central conflict. Jenny’s parents are hypnotized by David’s elegant manners and surprisingly willing to let him date Jenny. If this well-heeled real estate broker snaps her up, they reason, that’s the Oxford tuition saved.
STUDIO
Carey Mulligan and Peter Sarsgaard star in ‘An Education,’ a true-to-life love story set in swinging ’60s London.
Exceptionally bright but inexperienced, Jenny will have to decide for herself whether this suave older man is right for her, and choose what to do about it. “An Education” is a vibrant portrait of England on the cusp of its postwar rebirth. The air seems luminous with possibility. David (Peter Sarsgaard) is an upstart breaking through the old class restrictions, an urbane and exotic creature, promising yet not entirely trustworthy. In his natty suits, Sarsgaard is cool and tempting, a confident gent with an alluring whiff of pagan decadence and sleaze. He makes asking for a tea biscuit seem to become sexualized. Carey Mulligan, as Jenny, has the sunflower freshness of a child, yet she offers a mature, layered performance; she becomes a star before our eyes. She has selfassurance but she’s corruptible; she lets us see how attractive a
threatening lover can be. She blossoms into womanhood while her classmates are still bending over their textbooks. Alfred Molina impresses as Jenny’s father, a figure of middleclass probity who can bend his principles if it means landing a good deal for his family. Emma Thompson plays the toughest Brit since Winston Churchill as the head of Jenny’s school, who sees only disaster ahead. But has she ever been whisked off to Paris for a weekend of jazz and romance? The story doesn’t reveal its hand too early. Director Lone Scherfig keeps us guessing about David. He could be Jenny’s beloved or her downfall. How can a film so light and playful, offthe-cuff and silly, be so achingly sad? “An Education” brings disharmonious elements together gracefully, creating a satisfactory unity and style. It rates an “A.”
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z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z ART z WINERIES z MUSIC z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z Still Playing Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel If you can read this, you’re probably too old for this live-action sequel featuring the famously cute singing furballs. With Zachary Levi and David Cross. PG (some crude humor). Avatar James Cameron’s expensive, technological marvel is also a whole lot of fun: A gamer generation’s “Dances With Wolves,” with a human soldier (and his avatar) falling in love with a blue-skinned alien from the planet Pandora. PG-13 (violence, aggressive action, alien beasts, adult themes). The Blind Side Sandra Bullock stars as a Southern woman who takes a destitute teen into her home. Based on a true story, it’s part sports saga, all tearjerker. PG-13. The Book of Eli In the nottoo-distant future, across the
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The Book if Eli (R) 4:15 7:30 10:20 Leap Year (PG) 3:50 6:45 9:50 Youth In Revolt (R) 5:15 7:50 10:10 Alvin and The Chipmunks (PG) 4:00 6:30 9:00 Sherlock Holmes (PG-13) 4:50 7:40 10:30 3D Avatar (PG-13) 3:40 7:10 10:35 Avatar (PG-13) 4:30 8:00 The Princess and The Frog (G) 4:40 7:00 9:20
Daybreakers (R) 5:00 7:50 10:30 Blindside (PG-13) 4:00 7:10 10:00 Did You Hear About the Morgans? (PG-13) 4:50 7:20 9:50 The Lovely Bones (PG-13) 3:50 7:00 10:10 It’s Complicated (PG13) 4:30 7:30 10:20 Up in the Air (PG) 4:20 6:50 9:30 The Spy Next Door (PG) 4:10 6:30 9:20 Twlight New Moon (PG-13) 3:40 6:40 9:40
It’s Complicated (PG-13) 4:10 7:10 The Spy Next Door (PG) 4:00 6:30 Sherlock Holmes (PG-13) 4:40 7:40 Leap Year (PG) 3:50 6:40 The Book of Eli (R) 3:40 7:00 Daybreakers (R) 5:00 7:50 Alvin and The Chipmonks (PG) 4:20 6:50 Blindside (PG-13) 4:30 7:20
wasteland of what was once America, a lone warrior must fight to bring civilization the knowledge that could be the key to its redemption. With Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson and Jennifer Beals. Written by Gary Whitta and Anthony Peckham. Directed by Allen and Albert Hughes. R (brutal violence and language). Daybreakers Ethan Hawke stars as a reluctant vampire in the world of 2019, where most of humanity has become bloodsuckers and the supply of blood is running out. The race is on to find a substitute — or a cure to vampirism after a band of humans stumbles onto a way to change the undead back to friendly mortals. The story is humdrum, the dialogue insipid, the visual trappings derivative of countless better futuristic tales. With Willem Dafoe, Sam Neill and Claudia Karvan. R (strong bloody violence, language and brief nudity). Did You Hear About the Morgans? Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker as unhappily married Manhattanites who witness a murder and are remanded to witness protection. So mirthless that you’ll want to enroll in a witless-protection program. PG-13 (sexual references, threats of violence). It’s Complicated Meryl Streep as the hypotenuse in a romantic triangle with her exhusband (Alec Baldwin) and an architect (Steve Martin) in Nancy Meyers’ sprightly fairy tale for adults. R (potsmoking, Baldwin’s naked pot belly). Leap Year This romanticcomedy gets by, barely, on the charms of its stars and the beauty of its Irish scenery. Amy Adams and Matthew Goode aren’t particularly convincing during the loathing portion of their onscreen couple’s love-hate relationship, but when the ice thaws, they bring a tender
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depth of feeling to the oh-soordinary material. There’s half a watchable movie here and, as luck would have it, you have to sit through a good 45 minutes of creaky contrivances to get to the good stuff. PG (sensuality and language). The Lovely Bones A murdered teen narrates the tale of her death and her family’s life after it, including her father’s search for the murderer. Starring Saoirse Ronan, Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Stanley Tucci; directed by Peter Jackson. PG (mature thematic material involving disturbing violent content and images, and some language). The Princess and The Frog This jazzy, pizazzy and enchanting Disney animated musical of the old-school, hand-drawn style features a scrappy new-school heroine — one who is both self-made and prince-completed. Anika Noni Rose is the voice of Tiana, a hard-working waitress hoping to save enough tips to buy her own restaurant, and Bruno Campos is a Mediterranean prince who steps into some deep voodo when he disembarks in 1919 New Orleans. G (some scary ghosts, may be too intense for viewers under 7). Sherlock Holmes Conan Doyle’s famous consulting detective has ADD in Guy Ritchie’s clamoring, breathless, turn-of-the(last)century action movie. Robert Downey Jr. is Holmes, and Jude Law his bland Dr. Watson. PG-13 (action, violence, adult themes). The Spy Next Door Bob Ho, an undercover CIA superspy, decides to give up his career in espionage to settle down with his next-door neighbor and girlfriend but must win over her three opinionated kids. With Jackie Chan, Amber Valletta, Madeline Carroll, Will Shadley, Alina Foley, Magnus Scheving, Billy Ray Cyrus and George
Lopez. Written by Jonathan Bernstein and James Greer. Directed by Brian Levant. PG (sequences of action violence and some mild rude humor). Up in the Air As the frequent-flying “career transition counselor” (read: the suave bully you hire when you’re scared to fire employees) George Clooney gives the performance of his career. Jason Reitman’s movie is perfectly tailored to the star’s melancholy twinkle and purring motormouth. With the sublime Vera Farmiga and quirky Anna Kendrick. R (language, sexual content). The Twilight Saga: New Moon Swoony love triangle plus swoopy camerawork equals this abstinencemakes-the-heart-growfondler adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s youngadult romance novel. With angst-princess Kirsten Stewart, passion prince Robert Pattinson and studmuffin Taylor Lautner. PG-13 (girl in peril, threats of terror, vampire and werewolf violence). Youth in Revolt The ratios in Miguel Arteta’s adaptation of C.D. Payne’s popular novel are out of whack. Steve Buscemi and Zach Galifianakis are barely utilized, yet we get two Michael Ceras. Cera plays Nick Twisp, a precocious 16year-old Californian who decides his virginity is an issue that must be addressed. On a summer trip to a trailer park in the country with his mother (Jean Smart) and her boyfriend (Galifianakis), Nick falls for the beautiful Sheeni Saunders (Portia Doubleday). To win her, he invents an alterego: a brash, arrogant French playboy dubbed Francois Dillinger. With Ray Liotta, Justin Long and Fred Willard, the lone adult who gets anything fun to do. R (sexual content, language and drug use). — The Associated Press and McClatchy-Tribune News
STUDIO
‘Legion’ Paul Bettany stars in ‘Legion,’ the supernatural action thriller where an out-of-the-way diner becomes the unlikely battleground for the survival of the human race. It also stars Dennis Quaid and was directed by Scott Stewart. Rated R. The movie opens Friday at University Place 8 in Carbondale and Illinois Centre 8 in Marion.
STUDIO
‘The Tooth Fairy’ Dwayne Johnson returns to family comedy with a film that has the brawny ex-wrestler forced to be a tooth fairy. Kids and parents will giggle at the thought of The Rock in a tutu. The movie, which also stars Ashley Judd, Stephen Merchant and Julie Andrews, was directed by Michael Lembeck. It’s rated PG and opens Friday at ShowPlace 8 in Carbondale and Illinois Centre 8 in Marion.
New on DVD The Invention of Lying In an alternate reality where no one, including politicians, tells lies, a writer realizes that telling tales is advantageous. With Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill. PG-13 Whiteout A U.S. marshal assigned to Antarctica investigates the discovery of a dead body in the middle of nowhere. With Kate Beckinsale, Gabriel Macht, Columbus Short. R — McClatchy-Tribune News
z MOVIES z POP CULTURE z ART z WINERIES z MUSIC z THEATER z THINGS TO DO z BOOKS z
‘Extraordinary’ a touching debut for CBS Films a disorder that is certain to kill them before their 10th Rated PG for thematic birthdays. material, language and a Doctors just want the mild suggestive moment; Crowleys to comfort their starring Brendan Fraser, kids because nothing can Harrison Ford, Keri Russell; be done. But John isn’t directed by Tom Vaughan; ready to watch them die. He does his homework, opening Friday at reaches out to any and all ShowPlace 8 in who are working on the Carbondale and Illinois disorder. That’s how he Centre 8 in Marion. tracks down Dr. Robert Stonehill. Harrison Ford BY ROGER MOORE plays Stonehill as a curmudgeon, holed up in MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS his Nebraska lab, dodging For its big screen debut, phone calls and callously start-up studio CBS Films ignoring the human side to delivers what might, in an his research. “This is a theory, not a earlier age, have been a therapy,” he growls to “disease of the week” TV Crowley, when John finally movie. “Extraordinary Measures” is a sometimes reaches Stonehill. So John cuts to the chase. How moving, solid if unsurprising account of a much to develop a drug, test it and take it to father’s tireless efforts to use his business acumen to market? Egos clash as John quits develop a cure for his his job and gambles on children’s fatal genetic raising funds and starting disorder. a bio-tech company. The Brendan Fraser plays John Crowley, an on-the- script slips into tedium as we see the proud, rise marketing executive pigheaded scientist’s ways who comes home to a of nearly derailing the loving wife (Keri Russell) and two adoring children. operation and the father’s But the kids, under the age willingness to mortgage his and Stonehill’s future of 9, are in wheelchairs. They have Pompe Disease, to save the kids.
Extraordinary Measures
STUDIO
Brendan Fraser and Keri Russell star in ‘Extraordinary Measures,’ a movie about the search for a cure to a fatal medical disorder from which the couple’s children suffer.
But Tom Vaughan (“What Happens in Vegas”) finds plenty of heart in Robert Nelson Jacobs’ script (based on a true story). When scientists and businessmen forget who this is all about, Crowley brings in children with
wheelchairs. Fraser is well-cast as an emotional guy who manipulates emotions (as does the film) to win arguments. He holds his own in most scenes with Ford, who also was “on the nose” casting. The movie’s biggest shortcoming is its lack of
surprise. When you cast David Clennon, famed for his icy “thirtysomething” business titan, as an icy business titan, you’re not taking risks. As studio debuts go, “Extraordinary Measures” isn’t extraordinary. It’s simply safe.
Harrison Ford plays a different character in ‘Extraordinary Measures’ BY COLLEEN MASTONY
simply wants to feel useful. Ford is making himself At 67, Harrison Ford still useful these days, traveling the country to retains that roguish, promote his latest film, lopsided grin that seems “Extraordinary Measures.” poised somewhere The movie is based on the between a sneer and a true story of New Jersey smirk. He’s officially a senior citizen now. But the entrepreneur John Crowley who raised man who became an icon millions in capital and as Indiana Jones and Han started a biotech company Solo says he’s nowhere to develop a life-saving near retirement. He continues to make movies, drug for his two young children who suffer from a he explains, because he
MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS
rare genetic disease. Ford plays an unconventional scientist whose discoveries are thought to be the key to finding a cure. In this film, he doesn’t don a fedora or crack any whips; he doesn’t accelerate into hyperspace or toss a terrorist off Air Force One. What attracted him to this latest project? The real-life events that became the basis of the
film first caught his attention six years ago when a literary agent pointed out a series of stories in The Wall Street Journal by Geeta Anand. The articles followed the quest of Crowley, who quit his job, borrowed against his house and launched a company, all in an effort to develop a treatment. Ford says the stories “grabbed me emotionally.” That initial reaction got to what Ford says he thinks is
the purpose of film making. He became a champion for the project, signing on as executive producer, meeting with the Crowleys, and helping to shape the script. It was a challenging project, he says. In the end, he says he’s happiest when he’s busy and working. By doing a blockbuster one year, and a more limited release the next, he hopes to keep things interesting.
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