Apocalypservice
Plus, Coens’ droll Yiddishisms, Milla’s bogus encounters
(Nov. 19, 2009) Previews
Fans of Stephanie Meyer’s romantic vampire series can rejoice: The Twilight Saga: New Moon opens Friday, November 20. As the second installment begins, Bella (Kristen Stewart) is distraught over the abrupt departure of Edward (Robert Pattinson), but finds solace with Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). Add werewolves and stir. Rated PG-13 for some violence and action. 130m. At the Broadway, the Minor, Mill Creek and Fortuna.
Planet 51 is an animated family comedy featuring the recently family-friendly Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as an astronaut who lands on Planet 51 and discovers little green aliens and white picket fences. But who’s the alien? Rated PG. 91m. At the Broadway, Fortuna and Mill Creek.
The Blind Side is a biopic that follows the path taken by Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) as he rises from poverty to a position with the NFL Ravens. Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw co-star as his adoptive parents. Rated PG-13 for one scene involving brief violence, drug and sexual references. 90m. At the Broadway, Fortuna and Mill Creek.
Opening Wednesday, Nov. 25, is Ninja Assassin, a martial arts film about an orphan (pop star Rain) raised to be a killer but whose priorities are challenged when he meets a hottie European spy (Naomie Harris). Rated R for strong bloody stylized violence throughout, and language. 99m.
Also scheduled for the 25th are Fantastic Mr. Fox, Old Dogs and Pirate Radio.
Reviews
2012: Wow. I have a vague admiration for 2012 because it seems to include every single disaster/end-of-the-world cliché that the genre has become famous for, complete with the cheesy humor, ridiculous dialogue and wooden characters. But mostly, I just feel sorry for any viewer who, like me, sat through all 158 minutes of this exercise in computer graphics (168 minutes if you include the ads and previews).
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Today
Lanphere Dunes Restoration
STAFF PICK / outdoors / 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Meet at Pacific Union School. Help remove non-native invasives at the Lanphere Dunes Unit of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Tools and gloves provided, wear work clothes and bring water. Carpool to the protected site. 444-1397.
44th Annual Kinetic Grand Championship Race
STAFF PICK / events, art, outdoors, sports, for kids, free / 9 a.m.-6 p.m. A 3-day, 42-mile kinetic sculpture race over land, sand, mud and water! LeMans start at the Noon Whistle on the Arcata Plaza. Follow the race through Manila, Eureka and into Ferndale on Memorial Day for the Glorious Finish. kineticgrandchampionship.com. 889-3024.
Vidagua CD Release
STAFF PICK / music / 9 p.m. Red Fox Tavern, 415 5th St., Eureka. Reggae-meets-Latin bilingual vocal duo Vidagua is celebrating the release of a self-titled CD. theredfoxtavern.com. 269-0282.
Flow 2012 Fashion Show
STAFF PICK / events / 8 p.m. Arcata Theatre Lounge, 1036 G St. Student designed and produced clothing. Fundraiser for Arcata Arts Institute. $35/$25 students. artsinstitute.net. 822-1220.
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ONE Comments
Comment / By Claire Josefine / Nov. 21, 2009, 7:59 p.m.
Aach! Charlie, I really appreciate your reviews. But it’s very frustrating when you write a review that makes me want to see the film (in this case, A Serious Man) only to find that you’ve reviewed a movie that isn’t playing. Did A Serious Man come and go already? or is it coming sometime in the not-yet-disclosed future? It’s certainly not listed as showing anywhere in Humboldt County this week.