Weekend/Entertainment Section by Gwinnett Daily Post

Gwinnett Daily Post

Friday, Sept. 3, 2010

Yellow Daisy Festival kicks off Thursday. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Page 10

INSIDE

week end what to do, hear, see, watch, read, listen to, visit and eat in Gwinnett and Atlanta The Dish: Samui Island serves traditional thai dishes with a twist ..................................Pg. 4

Original Br oadway C ast

404-870-0805 • gordonbiersch.com

Sept. 28 - Oct. 3 The Fox Theatre

Staff Photo: Jonathan Phillips

Samui Island serves a green tea ice cream with fried bananas and cherries.

Local Event .............................................................Pg. 5 Movies.........................................................Pg. 6-9, 12-15 Showtimes ............................................................Pg. 12 By Venue ................................................................Pg. 16 Art Beat ..................................................................Pg. 17 Gwinnett Calendar ............................................Pg. 18 The “Weekend” arts and entertainment guide includes select events in the coming week. To be considered for a listing, send a fact sheet to: Weekend, Features Department, Gwinnett Daily Post, 725 Old Norcross Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30045; or call 770-963-9205, e-mail features@gwinnettdailypost.com or fax 770-339-8081.

PAGE 2 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010

Weekend design: Kristen Ralph

dway Cast Original Broa

For tickets, call 1-800-982-2787 or visit ticketmaster.com Name _______________________________________ Address ____________________________________ ___________________________________________ Phone _______________________________________ Email _______________________________________

Enter by September 20, 2010! Mail completed entry to GDP/9 to 5 The Musical P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 or visit gwinnettdailypost.com to enter at No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years old or older to enter. Sponsors and their families are not eligible. Winner will be notified September 20, 2010. Tickets may not be exchanged or transferred.

404-870-0805 gordonbiersch.com

DINING GWINNETTTASTES A selection of local eateries recently featured in the Gwinnett Daily Post: • Joe’s All American Grill Just like the name suggests, the food includes wraps, sandwiches, wings and burgers. Almost all items are under $8. The biggest sellers are the wings, which come in orders of 10 to 30 with 12 different sauces. They are on sale 20 for $10.99 on Mondays and Tuesdays. The wings are deep fried and never precooked or frozen. The entrees are typical American cuisine. The “famous burgers” are a half pound and handmade daily served with a choice of sides and extra toppings. The “overstuffed wraps” come in common varieties like BLT, chicken Caesar and club. For the health-conscious, there are a variety of chicken salads and the unique (and popular) cheeseburger salad. 2715 Loganville Highway, Grayson. 678-407-1964. www.joesallamericangrill.com • Macky’s Carribean Cuisine The restaurant serves typical Carribean food, including the popular oxtail and jerk chicken dishes. The most popular dish is jerk chicken, marinated in Jamaican jerk spice and specially cooked in a charcoal grill for an original smoky flavor. Many different types of meat dishes are served with peas and rice or white rice, fried plantains and a choice of vegetables or McLeen’s special potato salad recipe. Most drinks are unique and can’t be found on a typical grocery store shelf, like Ting, a carbonated grapefruit beverage, and Agua De Coco, or coconut water. 1215 Scenic Highway, Lawrenceville. 770-9798484 • The Palace The restaurant offers authentic North Indian cuisine with Matron Manju

Kothary in charge of the food using skills taught by her mother and mother-inlaw. Lunch is a buffet with three meat dishes and five vegetable dishes selected by Manju who varies it daily. One Sunday a month, they offer buffet food from an Indian state whose food they don’t normally serve. Dinner is sit-down a la carte, offering an even mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian (but no beef) options. They serve a wide selection of popular Indian dishes like biryanis (rice), curries and paneer (cheese). For kids, there are mild dishes. 6131 Peachtree Parkway N.W., Norcross. 770-8407770. www.thepalaceatl.com • Pizza Pub The menu provides customers typical American food with a real focus on pizza and wings. The pizza is made with a special sauce from the previous owners that gives it a unique flavor, and comes in specialty forms like barbecue chicken and chicken alfredo. Pizza Pub also offer salads like the popular Greek chicken and recently started soup/salad combos. Lunch specials, seafood and burgers and sandwiches are also available, but people mainly come in for the pizza and wings. 554 W. Main St., Building E, Buford. 770-831-0272. www.thepizzapub.biz • Maya Fresh Grill Co-owner Guillermo Gonzalez-Patron calls the cuisine offered by Maya Fresh Grill a north and south Latin fusion. The restaurant’s menu is a combination of Mexican dishes — tacos (listed on the menu as takkos), burritos and quesadillas — and American selections — burgers with a Latin flavor, hot wings with a twist. The menu was influenced by Gonzalez-Patron’s parentage — his mother is from the southern part of Mexico, where food is flavorful, bold and spicy, while his

father hails from the north, where the cuisine is more tame, often served plain and grilled. Combining the two — grilled selections with flavor — Maya Fresh Grill offers the best of both worlds. 960 Pleasant Hill Road, Suite A, Lawrenceville. 770279-3748. www.mayafreshgrill.com • Olive’s Oven and Grill While pizza is certainly on the menu, Olive’s Oven and Grill is more than a pizzeria. The restaurant offers made-from-scratch Italian and American cuisine with the most popular selections falling under the categories of paninis and wraps. The Olive’s panini is a popular menu item, along with the Greek wrap and the Good Old Boy burger. Olive’s specials change every three months to coincide with the current season. Summer specials include the Sicilian chicken flatbread made with grilled chicken, roasted eggplant, roasted tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. 1386 Indian Trail-Lilburn Road, Suite 300, Norcross. 770-935-2611. www.olivesoven.com • Barnacles Changes in ownership at Barnacles resulted in a downsizing of the restaurant’s menu and a shift from the original focus on seafood. The updated menu includes previous customer favorites that have been revamped, as well as new items. Popular selections include the fish tacos — two soft tacos stuffed with grilled, blackened or fried fish fingers, cheese, lettuce and diced tomatoes served with warmed tortilla chips and salsa — and the newly 3 added St. Louis ribs — 1 ⁄4pounds of St. Louis-style ribs rubbed with spices and slow smoked before finished with Bull’s Eye barbecue sauce. 5955 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross. 770-441-9509. www.mybarnacles.com

• Rice Station Rice Station offers a fusion of Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections, with more than 140 items on its menu. The most popular selections are the Shanghai sesame chicken — lightly battered white meat chicken stir fried with mixed vegetables and a white sweet sesame sauce — and the Kung Pao chicken. The most popular Thai dishes are the Thai basil and the panang curry, both made with a choice of tofu, beef, shrimp, chicken, pork or seafood. Rice Stations serves beer and wine. 2300 Liam Ave., Suite 195, Dacula. 770-822-9999. www.ricestationdacula.com • Dakota’s Bar and Grill Typical sports bar fare — wings and burgers — is complemented by more

REEN WIDESC

g Intense e Includin For Violenc

,And Some Of Warfare Sequences

elaborate preparings for steaks and seafood. But the wings and burgers still top the list of most popular menu items. Dakota’s also serves up ribeye, T-bone and sirloin steaks, along with ribs slathered with a signature rib sauce and a couple pasta dishes. 1304 Atlanta Highway, Auburn. 770-676-0957. www.dakotasbarandgrill.com • Bushels Seafood Cafe Bushels’ 2010 summer menu, which runs through September, is an expansive list of the myriad ways seafood can be prepared, from grilled, fried and boiled gulf white shrimp to steamed, oven-broiled and stuffed crabs. The shrimp, garlic crabs and crawfish are the most popular menu selections. All food is cooked to order so cus-

tomers can expect a minimum 10 minute wait. 1495-G Duluth Highway 120, Lawrenceville. 770910-7710. www.bushelscafe.com • Gimza Polish Restaurant The menu at Gimza Polish Restaurant changes daily, but the focus on freshly prepared, authentic Polish food remains consistent. The most popular dishes are the pierogi — dumplings stuffed with various fillings. The potato pierogi is made with mashed potatoes, farmer’s cheese and sautéed onions, while the kasha and meat pierogi is filled with buckwheat, ground meat, cooked mushrooms and sautéed onions. 3435 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 209, Norcross. 770441-2268. www.gimzapolishrestaurant.com

t. Sexual Conten

Name __________________________ Address _________________________ ________________________________ Phone __________________________ Email ___________________________

Mail completed entry to GDP/Robin Hood P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 or visit gwinnettdailypost.com to enter at

No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years old or older to enter. Void where prohibited and restricted by law. Sponsor’s employees and their dependents are ineligible. Entries must be received by 09/10/10. Winners will be notified.

Available on Blu-RayTM Hi-Def & DVD September 21! FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • PAGE 3

THE DISH

Samui Island

5450 Peachtree Parkway, Norcross

770-807-7684

www.samuithaicuisine-ga.com

BY FENIT NIRAPPIL Staff Intern

• Open since: February • Location: Right off the intersection of Peachtree Parkway and Spalding Drive in the Goodwill complex. • Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 4:30 to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 4:30 to 9 p.m. Sundays • Owners: Samui Island is family owned and operated by Jirawan and Phimpha Rattanachatree, who emigrated from the Suphan Buri province in Thailand in the early 1980s. Jirawan’s sister Staff Photo: Jonathan Phillips also owns a Thai restaurant in Tucker and helps Samui Island serves the three flavor salmon with broccoli. Also served is the soft shelled crab with green curry, steamed dumplings, Tom Kha soup with chicken, mushrooms and a coconut broth, and out. the Tod-Man a mixture of shrimp and chicken cakes. • Atmosphere: The busiest during lunchtime more authentic than dish- catfish with Thai spice are murals of a relaxing owners’ Thai heritage es found in many Ameri- and green curry with soft shines from the imported beach site in the spirit of when it attracts many canized Thai restaurants shell crabs, more unique the Thai tourist attraction office workers in the decorations and furninearby Technology Park- with no excessive sweet- dishes not often found in ture. Higher quality din- the restaurant takes its Thai restaurants. Comness common in Thai way. The capacity is name from. By the bar ing ware gives this mon Thai selections such about 50, including a pri- dishes in the United is a line of tiny ornate restaurant a classy feel as red curry and green States. A strong emphapots and a large mat with vate dining area. but it’s a casual atmoscurry, with a choice of sis is placed on the silver elephants. Real phere. chicken, pork, beef, tofu appearance of the food, • Menu: The restauOn the polished wood- palm tree sprouts grow rant serves typical dishes which is prepared ornate- or shrimp, are also hot outside the restaurant’s en tables are imported sellers. For a special doors, in the corners and found in Thai restaurants ly and colorfully. Each straw table mats, fancidish comes with a small, drink, there are tropical fully folded napkins and along a counter near the with some unique addimango, guava and tions. The matron owner edible flower and jaslarge goblets. The chairs, entrance in soil dotted coconut drinks and Thai mine rice. Jirawan provided the also imported, are bound with pebbles and sea The most popular dish- Tea, a sweet iced beverrecipe for every dish. with bamboo. Handpaint- shells. age. es are the chef’s special She said her recipes are The restaurant is ed on the lavender walls PAGE 4 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010

ONTHEMENU • Basil rolls — Shrimp, basil leaves, thread noodles and green leaf lettuce wrapped in rice paper and served with hoisin sauce and crushed peanuts, $3.95 • Steamed dumpling — Stuffed with shrimp, pork and vegetables served with sweet soy sauce, $5.95 • Green curry with soft shell crabs — Battered and fried soft shell crabs served with snow peas, red and green bell peppers and basil leaves in a panang curry sauce, $11.95 • Pa nang — Pa nang curry paste with coconut milk, basil leaves, snow peas, red and green bell peppers with a choice of chicken, pork, beef or tofu, $6.95 for lunch, $8.95 for dinner and $3 extra for shrimp

The bar has a selection of wine and bottled beers, including two Thai beers, Singha and Chang. • Things you might not know: The restaurant offers free delivery to locations within a three-mile radius from 6 to 9 p.m. with a minimum order of $18. This restaurant used to be the site of a Vietnamese noodle place, which sometimes causes confusion.

LOCAL EVENT

Witch hunt

BY DEANNA ALLEN

STAFF WRITER deanna.allen @gwinnettdailypost.com

Accusations fly from the mouths of two girls — “I saw Sarah Good with the Devil!” Abigail Williams (played by Sarah Frey) cries. “I saw Goody Osburn with the Devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the Devil!” “I saw George Jacobs with the Devil!” Betty Parris (played by Marianne Shelburn) shouts, rising from her sickbed to join her cousin in condemning those they name. “I saw Goody Howe with the Devil!” Their accusations of

IFYOUGO ■ What: “The Crucible” ■ When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 19 ■ Where: Lionheart Theatre, 10 College St. in Norcross ■ Cost: $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students ■ For more information: Call 678-938-8518 or visit www.lionhearttheatre.org

witchcraft create a frenzy of suspicion in the opening act of Lionheart Theatre Company’s production of Arthur Miller’s classic play “The Crucible.” “We start with the proposition that ‘The Crucible’ is one of the great masterpieces of American drama written by a great master of American drama,” director John

Doran said. “We feel very confident that our show will do justice to the majesty of this work.” Miller’s dramatization of the Salem witch trials of 1692 and 1693 follows a group of young women and girls as they garner attention and praise from falsely accusing their neighbors of consorting

Lionheart Theatre puts ‘The Crucible’ on stage

with the devil, a dangerous game that tears apart the Salem community. “People can expect a great show,” Doran said. “It’s packed with drama, a lot of action, wonderfully paced, it will be a real pleasure for our audience.” While some of the cast members have researched the historical figures Miller used to model his characters, Bob Smith, the Norcross resident who plays the role of Salem farmer John Proctor, has drawn from the play’s implications as an allegory for Senator Joseph McCarthy’s persecution of suspected Communist sympathizers through

Visit us at

and become a fan on Facebook

Free Teeth Whitening* GRAND OPENING SPECIAL

The way your smile looks and feels can make such a BIG difference in your life and helping you achieve a healthy and attractive smile is our passion & goal. At Royal Dental Care, we are committed to using up-to-date dental technologies and quality materials in a welcoming and relaxing environment, so you can get the smile you deserve and enjoy the process, too! Through open communication and attentive care, we strive to really get to know our patients. Our focus on patient comfort sets us apart, and we think you'll notice the difference as soon as you visit us.

week end

to see the new, online interactive flip edition

people are really Americans or real patriots. It’s a very interesting play to have right now.” Lionheart Theatre Company will present “The Crucible” at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 19. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students and admission includes a complimentary dessert. For more information, call 678-938-8518 or visit www.lionhearttheatre.org.

YOUR FAMILY RESTAURANT

Want more www.gwinnettdailypost.com/entertainment

investigations during the 1950s. “I actually was more interested in how it impacts our life today and the way things are right now and were in the ’50s when (Miller) wrote this,” he said. “It’s who he was representing conveniently with each of those characters (that is) probably even more interesting to me and still applies. It sound cliche, but it still applies so much today with patriotism and whether or not

Thanks for voting us #

1 Restaurant in Gwinnett County!

Ask for Catering 139 South Clayton St., Lawrenceville, 30045 678.629.3040 • www.italia-cafe.com Hours: Tue-Fri 11-2:30; 5-10 • Sat 12-10 • Sun 12-9 (Hwy 20/Grayson Hwy east, Just past Lawrenceville City Hall on right)

• Composite Fillings • Porcelain Crowns (Caps) • Porcelain Fixed Bridges • Porcelain Veneers • Implants Affordable Payment Options • Most Insurance Plans Accepted

WE ALSO OFFER ...

*FREE PROFESSIONAL WHITENING. (a $99 value). To all NEW PATIENTS who mention this ad. Comprehensive exam, x-ray & cleaning required. DON’T DELAY ... offer good until September 30, 2010. Not valid with any other offer.

Royal Dental Care • Zain Dabbas, DDS 2594 Loganville Hwy • Suite 102 Grayson, GA 30017 • 678.672.1590 www.graysonfamilydentistry.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • PAGE 5

MOVIES Lights, camera,

questions Test your film knowledge with Michael Clark So, you think you’re good at movie trivia? Every week, we give readers the opportunity to flex their movie muscles by answering five trivia questions from our movie critic, Michael Clark. Congratulations to last week’s winner, Kathy Cox of Suwanee.

Now, for this week’s questions: 1. What is the common acting bond shared by Alanis Morissette, Tom Sizemore, Elliot Gould, Rodney Dangerfield, Sandra Bernhard and LL Cool J? 2. What multi-Oscarwinning performer currently appears in TV commercials hawking prescription meds? 3. What food or beverage item did Geena Davis’ character repeatedly put in and take out of a refrigerator in “Thelma & Louise”? 4. In what two U.S. cities was “Get Shorty” set? 5. In what movie did Woody Harrelson play an architect?

Here are last week’s The first person to questions again and the respond with all the answers: correct answers receives a prize pack1. What Elvis Costel- age of movie-related lo song was featured in goodies, which could “The Godfather III”? include promotional TA: “Miracle Man” shirts, hats, posters, 2. What was the first DVDs, video games and feature film released in more. The winner also the DVD (not laser- gets their name pubdisc) format? lished in the next WeekA: “Twister” end section. Please e3. What movie did mail your answers, director Cecil B. along with your name to DeMille make twice? clarkwriter@mindA: “The Ten Com- spring.com. Include mandments” “Gwinnett Daily Post 4. Of all the movies Trivia Contest” in the that have won a Best subject line. In the Picture Oscar, which event no one answers one generated the low- all of the questions corest box-office revenue? rectly, the person with A: “The Hurt Lock- the most correct er” answers submitted by 6 5. What deceased p.m. the Monday after actor did Christian the contest is posted Slater replace in “Inter- will be the winner. Only view with the Vam- one winner per housepire”? hold is eligible each 30A: River Phoenix day period.

DISC SPOTLIGHT MICHAEL CLARK

Red Riding Trilogy (NR) Movies: ★★★★ Disc: ★★★✩ “Masterpiece Theater” meets “Law & Order: SVU” in this grip-

ping, blood-spattered five hour murder mystery. Divided into three segments titled “1974,” 1980” and “1983,” it was based on author David Peace’s series of crime novels and directed separately by Julian Jarrold, James Marsh and Anand Tucker. Projects like this often result in uneven consistency and clashing creative styles yet the three directors (and many of the performers) overlap and mesh quite well. If you’re a fan of Stieg Larsson’s “Millennium”

crime series, you’ll love it. Technical specs: aspect ratio: Widescreen (1.85:1, 2.35:1), audio: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), subtitles: English SDH and French. Special features include: • British TV spots • Making-of featurettes • Deleted scenes • Filmmaker interview (Jarrold) (IFC, $29.98)

GWINNETT COUNTY

FAIR SEPT.16 26 THRU

2405 Sugarloaf pkwy • Lawrenceville Exit 108 off interstate 85

For Ride Specials and Daily Schedule of Events, Visit www.gwinnettcountyfair.com or call 770-963-6522 Fill out the entry form below for a chance to win free tickets! Name ___________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________ Phone Number_____________________________________________________

PAGE 6 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010

Mail to: GDP/ Gwinnett County Fair P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 Or visit gwinnettdailypost.com to enter at Four tickets per winner. Entries must be received by Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010. No purchase necessary. You do not have to be a subscriber to win. You can enter as many times as you like. No Photocopies accepted. Employees and family members of Triple Crown Media or its subsidiaries are not eligible to win.

MOVIES

‘Machete’ made too political Machete (R) ★★★ ★★ In a manner very similar to his close friend and frequent collaborator Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez has established himself as a crack filmmaker steeped heavily in over-the-top style with an unapologetic love of campy ’70s B-films. Whether it be Westerns (“Desperado”), graphic novels (“Sin City”), family adventures (the “Spy Kids” franchise) or horror (“From Dusk Till Dawn,” “Planet Terror”), Rodriguez goes heavy on the kitsch with tongue always planted firmly in cheek. All of his movies are cheesy, but always in a good way — until now. The title character in “Machete” (Danny Trejo) has been around for a while. He had bit parts in the “Spy Kids” flicks and got his own fake trailer in the “Grindhouse” double feature. He’s a Latin variation of the blaxploitation anti-hero with some of Clint Eastwood’s silent, steely, Spaghetti Western resolve tossed in. He makes for a superb action/adventure leading man and, based on the end credits, is a character Rodriguez plans on revisiting multiple times. As with everything he’s done (save for “Spy Kids”), Rodriguez drenches the movie in profanity, blood, graphic gore, exploitative nudity and lurid sex. Before the opening credits even start, Machete decapi-

VIEWPOINTS MICHAEL CLARK

tates about a dozen people with his trusty broadsword and tosses a naked woman over his shoulder. The carnage never lets up and the Special Photo: Fox body count eventually hits Danny Trejo stars as a legendary ex-Federale in a the triple digits. If you want scene from “Machete.” wall-to-wall action and tawdry titillation, shamefully pandering and given roles that don’t tax “Machete” will more than force-fitting such a serious their modest talent levels. fit the bill. Of the three, Rodriguez (as plot into a movie like After nearly three “Machete” is like making a decades doing often forget- a Mexican Sojourner teen sex comedy about Truth) fares the best and table support work, Trejo abstinence. unlike the other two, she makes the most of his first The constant shift in manages to keep her starring role by playing it clothes on most of the time. tone between action frivolistraight, not getting too It’s time now for the bad ty and moral indignation is cocky and letting his coboth jarring and cheap. news. stars do the heavy lifting. Audiences — particularly Instead of the usual Rodriguez has always been action audiences — don’t action/adventure plot spot-on with casting and want to pay good money to involving drugs, guns, he’s at the top of his game hear a sermon, even if they money or sex, Rodriguez here. Like Tarantino, he and his cousin Alvaro have agree with the filmmaker’s calls on old pros (Jeff perspective. written a movie about the Fahey, Robert de Niro, It wouldn’t be going out topical and ultra-touchy Steven Seagal and Don on a limb by saying that Johnson) to play the antag- subject of illegal immigramost natural-born or natution. onists and for the most ralized U.S. citizens will Not even close to being part, all of them deliver the not at all agree with comedic, satirical or wellgoods. Longtime Rodriguez’s position informed, this portion of Rodriguez crony Cheech the screenplay is top heavy regarding illegal immigraMarin also shines as tion. It also wouldn’t be with the kind of preachy Machete’s resourceful taking a chance by stating sentimentality and mawkpriest brother. that “Machete” will get ish self-reverence usually Known more for their ability to provide eye candy reserved for dramas such as your blood racing on multiple levels and maybe one “Milk,” “Silkwood,” and less for their collective of them not in a way you “Three Mile Island” and thespian skills, Michelle “Norma Rae.” It is political had originally wanted. Rodriguez, Jessica Alba (Fox) grandstanding at its most and Lindsay Lohan are all

Spectacular Family Affordable Prices Starting at Just $15!

SAVE $4 on Tickets to all Saturday and Sunday Shows! (Offer valid on $15 & $25 price levels only. Excludes VIP and VIP Floor seats. Service charges, facility and handling fees may apply. No double discounts.)

SEPT 10-12

The Arena at Gwinnett Center

OFFER VALID:

Sat. SEPT. 11 Sun. SEPT 12

11:30 AM, 3:30 & 7:30 PM 1:30 & 5:30 PM

4 EASY WAYS TO REDEEM: 1. In person at The Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office with a copy of this ad. 2. Online at ticketmaster.com and use savings code CLOWN2 3. Call 1-800-745-3000 and mention code CLOWN2 4. Visit a retail location and mention code CLOWN2 REGULAR TICKET PRICES: $15 - $25 - $35 VIP - $55 VIP Floor seats Come one hour early to meet our animals and performers at the All Access Pre-show - FREE with your ticket!

Ringling.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • PAGE 7

MOVIES

‘The American’ not a normal action thriller The American (R) ★★★★ ★ BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

George Clooney is as well-liked and universally respected within the movie industry as anybody possibly could be. He’s a committed humanitarian and has also twice been voted the Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine. Despite his enormous fame, unflappable cool, self-deprecating sense of humor and an Oscar, he has still not convinced the world at large that he’s a great actor. Unlike most films where he turns in different variations of his own personality, “The American” finds Clooney stretching as an artist by playing a character very unlike anything he’s ever done before. As Jack Clark, Clooney is a (rightfully) paranoid, emotionally detached, hard-bitten sort of guy who is either an assassin or someone who crafts custom-made weapons or both. Opening with an impressively brutal sequence in Sweden, the setting shifts to Italy for the remainder of the story where not a lot happens. It’s unclear if Clark is hiding from Swedes or is there to kill somebody. In fact, much of what takes place is

fuzzy and disconnected and if not for the somewhat clarifying and equally brutal final scenes, the film as a whole would have to fall into the “not recommended” column. The film is many things — impeccably photographed, wellacted and written with sparse, penny-pinching economy. Each subsequent scene tells us a little more about Clark and those he interacts with and separately every single scene is a winner. However, as a collection of scenes assembled to tell a riveting and coherent story, it doesn’t quite pass grade. It’s also not the action/adventure thrill ride indicated in the TV commercials. Every scene in the movie that features gunfire (about six) and chase scenes (not quite two) are contained in the trailer. Unless you’re prepared to enjoy these few tidbits while sitting through long stretches of moody, mostly dialogue-free set pieces, you are going to be severely disappointed. What might prove to be a major letdown for mainstream action fans could easily please female art-house patrons to no end. A very inshape Clooney is often shown in the buff or shirtless on a number of occasions and the chemistry between him and his two female co-stars (Thekla Reuten and Violante Placido) is

electric. For the gents, the positively gorgeous Placido (playing an upscale prostitute) is also frequently seen au naturale. It’s easy to see why so many have made comparisons between Clooney and Cary Grant. In addition to their physical similarities, both men seem almost incapable of looking bad on or off-screen. Both are smooth without appearing slick and even under duress, neither break a sweat. They are both prime examples of approachable, effortless suave. If this movie was made in the ’50s, it would have starred Grant and been directed by his frequent collaborator Alfred Hitchcock. It should come as no surprise to anyone that the novel on which “The American” is based (“A Very Private Gentleman” by Martin Booth) is light years better than the film, which is not necessarily a slam against screenwriter Rowan Joffe or director Anton Corbijn. Distilling something so dense and descriptive down to a 100-minute movie is an unenviable task and one that however well executed, will invite negative comparisons. The film also makes the point that not every great book automatically qualifies as a worthy contender for a big screen adaptation. Presented in English with frequently subtitled Italian. (Focus Features)

PAGE 8 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010

Special Photo: Focus Features

George Clooney is shown in a scene from “The American.”

MOVIES

‘Going the Distance’ not worth the trip Going the Distance (R) ★★★ ★★ BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

With just two movies (“The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “Knocked-Up”), filmmaker Judd Apatow re-invented and reinvigorated the tired, beat and formula-dependant romantic comedy genre. Many (including Apatow’s own production company) tried to duplicate this racy and profane blueprint and virtually all of their copycat movies failed miserably. You can now toss “Going the Distance” on that fetid trash heap. For anyone who has ever attempted to maintain a long distance romantic relationship, the premise of this movie is ideal and one that is ripe with comic possibilities. It’s odd no one has made a movie like this before and even odder that everyone involved in this gnarled train wreck got so much so wrong. On the same day he gets dumped, record company employee Garrett (Justin Long) hits a watering hole with cronies Dan (Charlie Day) and Box (Jason Sudeikis) in search of replacement female diversion. Within minutes Garrett angers then charms Erin (Drew Barry-

Special Photo: New Line

Drew Barrymore, left, and Justin Long star in “Going the Distance.”

more), an older-than-usual intern trying to secure a permanent gig as a writer with a New York newspaper. After lots of suds and bong hits, the pair land in the sack and then wake up hung over. Even though both are fleetingly regretful and despite Erin announcing she’s moving back to California soon to finish school, each is interested in seeing the other again, repeatedly. Thanks to a sloppy and rushed, cut and slash montage (pilfered directly from the first “Naked Gun”) condensing the next six weeks, they become an item, albeit one living on borrowed time. In the wake of a painfully awkward airport parting scene, Erin and Garrett give it a go. They engage in incessant texting, Skype calls and

mouthed man-boys. Lightning struck twice in this area for Apatow because he navigated a tricky tight rope while carefully straddling gooey sentimentality and bawdy buffoonery. Bathroom humor is OK if you don’t have to actually watch a man go to the bathroom (this particular scene takes minutes, not seconds if you catch the drift). Listening to women discuss graphic sex is fine as long as they don’t accompany their dialogue with hand gestures. Detailed descriptions of exotic self-gratification techniques won’t ever cut it in a comedy targeted

mostly toward women and couples. Quite a few people this weekend will notice Barrymore’s name in the credits and suggest to their mother and/or grandmother that they see the outwardly light and fluffy movie together. Don’t be surprised if you’re in a theater watching this movie in the company of some of them and suddenly catch the moving silhouette of an older woman out of the corner of your eye moving up the aisle towards the exit at a rapid speed with her fingers plugged firmly in her ears. (New Line)

hearted hopeless romantic embarrassing to watch, types and hard-core foulfailed phone sex. Adding to their collective romantic frustration is the considerable cost of coast-toand the Gwinnett Daily Post coast travel, shared profesinvite you to enter to win an admit-two sional dead ends and — this is important — a pass to an advance screening! mutually intractable position of staying put right where they are. This scenario would be understandable if both parties were thriving but if your job is tanking, Thursday, September 16th • 7:30pm wouldn’t it be better to at least start over in another location with the close, inName __________________________ the-flesh support of someAddress _________________________ one you love? To answer ________________________________ “yes” to that question Phone __________________________ would be correct, but then Email ___________________________ you’d have no movie — Enter by September 13th, 2010! which, in this case, is far Mail completed entry to GDP/Easy A more preferable. P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 Remove the logic and or visit gwinnettdailypost.com to enter at plausibility factors and what you’re left with is a NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be 18 years old or movie that tries to simulolder to enter. Quantities are limited. Each pass admits two (2). Sponsor’s employees and their dependents are taneously appeal to lightineligible. Seating is based on a first come, first serve

Visit us online at www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

edid.com letsnotandsayw

basis. Please arrive early. Pass does not guarantee admittance.Void where prohibited & restricted by law. Entries must be received by September 13, 2010. Pass winners will be notified.

In Theaters Everywhere Friday, September 17th! FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • PAGE 9

Tips for the Yellow Daisy Festival shopper from festival organizers — Plan a shopping route. With an estimated 200,000 shoppers over the four-day festival, it is easy to miss artist booths. Blackberry Lane is the suggested beginning.

— Send husbands, brothers or fathers to the Men’s Den, where they can relax in recliners while watching fall football games on a big screen TV.

IFYOUGO ■ What: 42nd annual Yellow Daisy Festival ■ When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10 and Sept. 12 and 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday ■ Where: Stone Mountain Park, U.S. Highway 78 East, Exit 8, in Stone Mountain ■ Cost: Free to attend with a $10 parking pass ■ For more information: Call 770498-5690 or visit www.stonemountainpark.com

PAGE 10 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010

BY DEANNA ALLEN STAFF WRITER deanna.allen@gwinnettdailypost.com

Kathy Barnes worked earlier this week sewing ribbons to the edges of a baby blanket she calls a tag-along, one of the signature items she will be selling during this year’s Yellow Daisy Festival. The 12-by-12 blankets are satin on one side and flannel on the other with ribbons texturing the sides for babies to grasp. “There’s a lot of little steps that go along with (making them),” Barnes said. The Lilburn resident also makes decorative pillow cases and functional aprons using retro and designer fabrics. This is her second year as a crafter at the annual festival and she is one of 16 Gwinnett artists and crafters who will participate in the

four-day event, which will open Thursday at Stone Mountain Park featuring a total of 426 artists and crafters from around the country. “We’ve got artists coming from Maine, California, just all over the United States coming with handmade works,” said Jeanine Jones, public relations manager for Stone Mountain Park. “There’s a lot of variety. Every year all these crafters have to go through a juried process, so they have to be accepted into this festival.” Festival-goers will find arts and crafts in 35 different categories, from functional and decorative pottery to jewelry and clothes. “I’ve been going to the Yellow Daisy Festival for, gosh, 20 years as a shopper, at least 20 years,” Barnes said. “You can always find oneof-a-kind things there. It’s just a wonderful place to go for Christmas gifts, birthdays, anything.” The annual event draws an estimated 200,000 shoppers over the course of the fourday festival. “Saturday and Sunday are definitely the most popular days but I will say that Thursday and Friday are definitely the shoppers on a mission,” Jones said. “We have just big groups of mostly females that come together in packs to go shopping. Don’t get in their way because they are on a mission. That’s serious shopping right there.”

— Prepare for the shopping weekend by checking the weather forecast and then choosing appropriate clothing, preferably clothes that are light and comfortable along with walking shoes.

— Gather a shopping posse. Whether it is a mother, grandmother, daughter or best friend, make sure you experience the Yellow Daisy Festival with your best pals.

— Prepare a bag with essentials including cash, credit card, check book, sunscreen, lip gloss, compact and cell phone. Shoppers are welcome to bring their own shopping bags for purchases. — Arrive 30 minutes before the festival gates open if you plan to shop early. — Visit this year’s featured artist, Marian Baker, on A Loop. About 95 percent of her work is on recycled materials and each piece is original art.

— Send kids to the Children’s Corner, where they can participate in crafts, climb rock walls, have their faces painted and walk away with some crazy hair.

— End your weekend by taking inventory of all your purchases and planning next year’s visit to the Yellow Daisy Festival, which will be held Sept. 8-11, 2011.

— Take a break from shopping and indulge in the fried candy bars, roasted corn and fresh cut fruit offered by many vendors. While on break, enjoy the live bands providing entertainment on the Yellow Daisy Main stage.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • PAGE 11

— Send husbands, brothers or fathers to the Men’s Den, where they can relax in recliners while watching fall football games on a big screen TV.

PAGE 10 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010

BY DEANNA ALLEN STAFF WRITER deanna.allen@gwinnettdailypost.com

— Prepare for the shopping weekend by checking the weather forecast and then choosing appropriate clothing, preferably clothes that are light and comfortable along with walking shoes.

— Gather a shopping posse. Whether it is a mother, grandmother, daughter or best friend, make sure you experience the Yellow Daisy Festival with your best pals.

— Send kids to the Children’s Corner, where they can participate in crafts, climb rock walls, have their faces painted and walk away with some crazy hair.

— End your weekend by taking inventory of all your purchases and planning next year’s visit to the Yellow Daisy Festival, which will be held Sept. 8-11, 2011.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • PAGE 11

HOWTIMES S

For movie showtimes for Saturday and Sunday, visit the theater websites.

MOVIE TIMES FOR FRIDAY, SEPT. 3

BUFORD

REGAL CINEMAS, MALL GEORGIA 20

4:00, 7:00, 9:30

SNELLVILLE CARMIKE 12 SNELLVILLE

3333 Buford Drive 678-482-9263 www.regalcinemas.com

Going the Distance (R)

1905 Scenic Highway Presidential Market Center 770-979-1519 www.carmike.com

11:50, 1:00, 2:15, 3:50, 5:10, 6:45, 7:45, 9:15, 10:35, 11:45

Machete (R)

1:50, 4:45, 7:35, 10:00

1:20, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30, 12:05

The American (R)

1:30, 4:20, 7:15, 9:45

11:55, 3:30, 7:00, 10:30

Takers (PG-13)

Avatar: Special Edition 3-D (PG-13)

1:35, 4:20, 7:15, 9:50

11:55, 3:30, 7:00, 10:30

The Last Exorcism (PG-13)

1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40

12:50, 3:05, 5:25, 7:05, 8:00, 9:15, 10:15, 11:30 Takers (PG-13)

The Lottery Ticket (PG-13) Going the Distance (R)

12:30, 4:25, 7:30, 10:45

Despicable Me (PG)

Machete (R)

Hubble 3-D (G)

12:00, 2:40, 5:10. 7:40, 10:10

The Expendables (R)

10:55, 1:25, 3:55

11:35, 2:20, 5:00, 6:20, 8:00, 9:00, 10:45, 12:00

11:40

The American (R)

11:45, 2:50, 5:20, 8:00, 10:50

Eat Pray Love (PG-13)

Moss (NR)

Lottery Ticket (PG-13)

12:20, 12:50, 2:50, 5:20, 7:00, 7:50, 10:20

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (PG-13)

11:30, 3:00, 6:30, 10:00

12:25, 2:50, 5:30, 7:55, 10:20

Takers (PG-13)

2:15, 7:35

10:40, 1:50, 5:10, 8:30

Nanny McPhee Returns (PG)

11:40, 2:10, 4:40, 7:10, 7:40, 9:50

The Other Guys (PG-13)

11:40, 2:25, 7:40

The Last Exorcism (PG-13)

12:05, 2:45, 5:15, 7:50, 10:30

Piranha 3-D (R)

12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30

Step Up 3-D (PG-13)

5:10, 9:55, 12:15

The Expendables (R)

11:30, 2:10, 4:40, 7:15, 9:50

The Switch (PG-13)

11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:45, 10:15

Dinner for Schmucks (PG-13)

1:25, 4:40, 7:10, 9:40, 12:05

Nanny McPhee Returns (PG)

4:20, 9:40

Vampires Suck (PG-13)

11:30, 2:00, 4:30, 6:55, 9:35

Salt (PG-13)

12:40, 2:45, 5:05, 7:45, 10:35

Switch (PG-13)

12:25, 2:55, 5:30, 7:55, 10:25

Eat Pray Love (PG-13)

11:55, 2:20, 4:55, 7:25, 9:55

Inception (PG-13)

12:35, 3:55, 7:05, 10:10

Eat, Pray, Love (PG-13)

12:40, 4:15, 7:25, 10:35

The Expendables (R)

12:55, 4:05, 7:05, 10:05

Despicable Me (PG)

12:10, 2:35, 5:05, 7:45, 10:35

The Other Guys (PG-13)

2:50, 5:20, 7:55, 10:30

The Other Guys (PG-13)

12:15, 2:45, 5:25, 7:55, 10:25

11:45, 2:20, 4:55, 7:30, 10:05

Vampires Suck (PG-13)

Step Up 3-D (PG-13)

12:45, 2:55, 5:15, 7:15, 9:25

12:05, 2:40, 7:25

Inception (PG-13)

Dinner for Schmucks (PG-13)

3:45, 9:40

5:00, 10:25

Despicable Me (PG)

Get Low (PG-13)

12:05, 2:35, 4:50

12:45, 4:20, 7:20, 10:00 Salt (PG-13)

DULUTH

4:55, 10:10, 12:25 Inception: The IMAX Experience (PG-13)

1:10, 4:15, 7:15, 10:15 Inception (PG-13)

12:20, 5:00, 8:10, 11:25 Despicable Me (PG)

11:55, 2:15, 4:35 Toy Story 3 (G)

12:00, 2:30, 7:35

REGAL CINEMAS, MEDLOCK CROSSING 18

GREAT ESCAPE THEATERS: HAMILTON MILL 14 2160 Hamilton Creek Parkway Dacula, GA 30019 678-482-0624 www.greatescapetheaters.com 7:35, 9:45 Toy Story 3 3-D (G)

11:50, 2:25, 5:05 Machete (R)

12:30, 3:00, 5:30, 7:30, 8:00, 10:00, 10:30

3750 Venture Drive, Duluth 678-957-9545 www.venturecinema12.com

Charlie St. Cloud (PG-13)

1:15, 4:00, 7:25, 9:50 Grown Ups (PG-13)

12:40, 2:55, 5:15, 7:35, 9:55 The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (PG-13)

1:10, 3:55, 6:45, 9:30 The Last Airbender (PG)

9700 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 170 770-814-8437 www.regalcinemas.com Machete (R)

1:10, 4;10, 7:05, 9:45

The American (R)

11:55, 2:30, 5:10, 7:40, 11:00 The Last Exorcism (PG-13)

12:00, 2:40, 5:00, 8:00, 10:20 Takers (PG-13)

11:30, 2:05, 4:45, 7:45, 10:25 Lottery Ticket (PG-13)

5:05, 10:10 Nanny McPhee Returns (PG)

11:50, 3:05, 7:05, 9:50 Piranha 3-D (R)

Piranha 3-D (R)

VENTURE CINEMA 12

12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:35, 9:50

11:40, 2:50, 5:25, 8:05, 10:55

DACULA

11:35, 2:00, 7:00

12:10, 2:25, 4:35, 7:20, 9:45 The Switch (PG-13)

12:35, 3:10, 5:35, 8:15, 10:40 Vampires Suck (PG-13)

12:15, 2:30, 4:35, 7:20, 9:55 Eat Pray Love (PG-13)

Toy Story 3 (G)

1:05, 1:50, 4:05, 5:15, 6:55, 7:45, 9:15, 10:00 The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (PG) Predator (R)

12:55, 3:50, 6:40, 9:30 Knight and Day (PG-13)

12:45, 3:45, 6:45, 9:35 Karate Kid (PG)

12:40, 3:40, 6:35, 9:30 Shrek Forever After (PG)

1:15, 4:15, 7;10, 9:25 Iron Man 2 (PG-13)

1:00, 3:55, 7:00, 9:45

Get Low (PG-13)

Nanny McPhee Returns (PG)

11:00, 1:35, 4:05, 6:40, 9:10

10:00, 12:50, 3:35

1:05, 3:10, 5:15, 7:20, 9:40 The Switch (PG-13)

1:45, 4:30, 7:20, 9:45 Nanny McPhee Returns (PG)

Piranha 3-D (R)

1:15, 4:10, 7:00, 9:35

11:45, 2:25, 5:05, 6:15, 7:45, 9:00, 10:25

11:05, 1:40, 4:05, 6:35, 9:05, 11:35

The Other Guys (PG-13)

Inception (PG-13)

Step Up 3-D (PG-13)

7:00, 9:40, 12:15

1:00, 3:35, 6:05, 8:35

10:50, 2:05, 5:30, 8:55 Lottery Ticket (PG-13)

Takers (PG-13)

11:15, 1:45, 4:20, 6:50, 9:30 Machete (R)

10:20, 11:50, 1:05, 2:45, 3:55, 5:30, 6:40, 8:20, 9:25, 11:10, 12:15

11:55, 2:35, 5:20, 8:00, 10:40

The American (R)

Nanny McPhee Returns (PG)

10:45, 1:30, 4:10, 7:00, 9:40, 12:10

10:05, 12:45, 3:30, 6:10, 8:45

The Expendables (R)

Piranha 3-D (R)

11:00, 1:45, 4:25, 7:05, 9:50, 12:20

10:00, 12:30, 3:00, 5:15, 7:50, 10:10

The Last Exorcism (PG-13)

Salt (PG-13)

10:15, 12:50, 3:25, 6:00, 8:40

10:00, 12:15, 2:30, 3:45, 4:45, 6:10, 7:10, 8:40, 9:35, 11:05, 11:55

Takers (PG-13)

The Other Guys (PG-13)

10:20, 11:20, 1:00, 2:00, 3:40, 4:40, 6:20, 7:20, 9:05, 10:05

10:10, 1:00, 3:40, 6:45, 9:30, 12:10

The American (R)

11:35, 2:15, 4:55, 7:35, 10:15 The Expendables (R)

11:10, 1:55, 4:30, 7:10, 9:50 The Last Exorcism (PG-13)

10:35, 12:55, 3:20, 5:50, 8:10, 10:30 The Other Guys (PG-13)

Toy Story 3 3-D (G)

10:55, 1:35, 4:15 Vampires Suck (PG-13)

11:30, 1:55, 4:15, 6:55, 9:15, 11:30

GEORGIA THEATRE CO., TOWN CENTER VALUE

Dinner for Schmucks (PG-13)

1:30, 4:15, 7:05, 9:45 Charlie St. Cloud (PG-13)

1:35, 4:05, 7:00, 9:30 Grown Ups (PG-13)

7:00, 9:30

REGAL SNELLVILLE OAKS 14 2125 E. Main St., Snellville 770-972-7469 www.regalcinemas.com Going the Distance (R)

1:35, 2:40, 4:00, 5:00, 6:15, 7:20, 8:30, 9:40, 10:45 Vampires Suck (PG-13)

2:05, 4:15, 6:25, 8:40, 10:40 Eat Pray Love (PG-13)

2:45, 5:45, 8:45

700 Gwinnett Drive, No. 216 678-985-2222 www.georgiatheatrecompany.com

The Expendables (R)

10:30, 1:10

The Grown Ups (PG-13)

Step Up 3 (PG-13)

Vampires Suck (PG-13)

4:25, 7:35, 10:05

3:50, 7:00, 9:40 The Switch (PG-13)

10:10, 12:50, 3:25, 6:05, 8:40 Toy Story 3 (G)

11:25, 2:10, 4:45, 7:05, 9:20

AMC DISCOVER MILLS 18 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 415 678-847-9265 www.amctheatres.com Avatar 3-D (PG-13)

11:40, 3:20, 6:50, 10:40

LAWRENCEVILLE

11:45, 3:10, 6:30, 9:55

COLONIAL 18 THEATRES

10:30, 11:20, 1:10, 2:00, 4:40, 7:20, 10:10

PAGE 12 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010

Piranha 3-D (R)

Going the Distance (R)

Eat Pray Love (PG-13)

825 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road 770-237-0744 www.amctheatres.com

1:30, 4:15, 7:00, 10:00

Going the Distance (R) Inception (PG-13)

11:15, 2:50, 6:15, 9:45 Lottery Ticket (PG-13)

10:35, 1:15, 3:50, 6:35, 9:10, 11:45

1:35, 3:55, 6:20, 8:35, 10:55 Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (PG-13)

2:50, 5:40, 8:20, 10:50 4:10, 9:45

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (PG-13)

Step Up 3-D (PG-13)

4:05, 5:00, 7:05, 8:00, 9:50

2:55, 5:35, 8:15, 10:50

The Last Airbender (PG)

Get Low (PG-13)

4:30, 7:30, 10:00

1:30, 4:20, 7:35, 10:25

Charlie St. Cloud (PG-13)

4:20, 10:10 Predators (R)

4:10, 7:10, 9:40 Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (PG-13)

4:15, 7:15, 9:55 Knight and Day (PG-13)

7:20 The Karate Kid (PG)

5:30, 8:30 Shrek Forever After (PG)

5:15, 7:25, 9:35 The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (PG-13)

Ramona and Beezus (G)

1:50, 7:25 Salt (PG-13)

1:40, 4:05, 6:25, 8:40, 10:55 Inception (PG-13)

2:00, 5:15, 8:30 Despicable Me (PG)

2:35, 5:05, 7:15, 9:35 Despicable Me 3-D (PG)

1:45, 4:00, 6:15, 8:25, 10:35 The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (PG-13)

1:55, 5:10, 8:10, 10:45

MOVIES

‘Last Dancer’ more like a sappy TV movie Mao’s Last Dancer (PG) ★★★ ★★ BY MICHAEL CLARK Movie Critic

Long before they became forever joined at the hip as financier and debtor, China and the United States sustained a prolonged ideological feud and a constant back-and-forth game of political one-upmanship. It was ultra-conservative communism vs. brazen capitalism and freedom. You had two of the biggest kids in school forever facing off on the playground and boy was it ever fun to watch. “Mao’s Last Dancer” is a fact-based (underline based) drama about what was perhaps the testiest confrontation between the two world superpowers. Some have called it the human interest equivalent of the Cuban Missile Crisis and while that is a huge stretch, it’s not completely off the mark. Never content with being second best at anything, the Chinese government — in its usual scorched-earth manner — decided back in the late ’60s that it was time they should produce a ballet star that would be on a par with their other rival, the Soviet Union. He turned out to be Li Cunxin (Chi Cao) and shortly after he became a symbol of national pride, he transformed himself into a national embarrassment and political hot potato. Directed by the sometimes brilliant, sometimes mediocre Bruce Beresford,

Special Photo: Samuel Goldwyn

Chi Cao stars as Li Cunxin in “Mao’s Last Dancer.”

“Mao’s Last Dancer” is a film that infrequently provides spiritual inspiration, yet more often resembles a sappy and overlong, madefor-network-TV movie. It wants desperately to be edgy and vital, but far too often is flabby and trite. There’s a good “60 Minutes” story here that has sadly been surrounded by about 110 minutes of fluff and filler. Making the huge mistake of presenting the first hour out of sequence, Beresford and screenwriter Jan Sardi (adapting Li’s memoir) frequently shift back and forth between Li’s tumultuous childhood in his homeland and his awkward arrival in the U.S. It’s never clear why the Chinese decided to send such a green and impressionable young man like Li to Houston instead of higher profile cities such as New York or Chicago, but that’s what he was and

we are given. Even though Chi is the lead actor and it is Li’s life story, the filmmakers put

the emphasis on his American handler/sponsor, the British-born Ben Stevenson (Bruce Greenwood). Direc-

tor of the Houston Ballet in the ’70s, the overtly fey Stevenson takes an instant, almost creepy liking to Li

and the film frequently takes on a decided homoerotic tone. Eventually, a heterosexual love interest is brought to the forefront and becomes the basis for Li’s eventual, perhaps coerced, decision to defect. While the second half fares slightly better than the first, it’s still laden with tired dramatic crutches and stock racial stereotypes. The audience must wait until the final 15 minutes to be rewarded with anything resembling substance and the meager pay-off seems hardly worth the considerable investment of time. If you’re looking for something like this only much better, check out “Moscow on the Hudson” starring Robin Williams as a Russian circus employee who defects. (Samuel Goldwyn)

SCHEDULE FOR 9/03 (FRI) – 9/09 (THUR) MATINEES IN PARENTHESIS PLAY SAT, SUN & MON

BOX OFFICE OPENS 12:30PM LABOR DAY

GROWN UPS (PG13) (12:40) (2:55) 5:15 7:35 9:55 TOY STORY 3 (G) (1:05) (1:50) 4:05 5:15 6:55 7:45 9:15 10:00 THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE (PG13) (1:10) 3:55 6:45 9:30 THE LAST AIRBENDER (PG) (12:45) (3:00) 5:15 7:35 9:50 THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE (PG) (1:10) 4:10 7:05 9:45 CHARLIE ST. CLOUD (PG13) (1:15) 4:00 7:25 9:50 PREDATOR (R) (12:55) 3:50 6:40 9:30 KNIGHT AND DAY (PG13) (12:45) 3:45 6:45 9:35 KARATE KID (PG) (12:40) 3:40 6:35 9:35 SHREK FOREVER AFTER (PG) (1:15) 4:15 7:10 9:25 IRON MAN 2 (PG13) (1:00) 3:55 7:00 9:45

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • PAGE 13

MOVIES NOWSHOWING Recently reviewed films now playing in metro area theaters: • Jean-Michel Basquiat: Radiant Child (NR) Abstractionist Basqiuat was likened to Picasso, Dali and other masters and for the most part, he deserved the accolades. He also had an indulgent lifestyle and this brilliant documentary makes clear what happens when fame, youth and riches don’t quite mix. 4 stars — Michael Clark • Avatar: Special Edition (PG-13) In what appears to be a shamelessly tacky, money-grubbing move, Fox studios — not quite content with having the highest-grossing film in movie history — is rereleasing James Cameron’s already overlong 3-D action spectacular with eight whole minutes worth of unreleased footage. One has to wonder — couldn’t these previously unneeded, cuttingroom floor dwelling scenes have been included on the recent DVD release? You know, the same home video that

contained absolutely NO bonus features of any kind? The raping of your wallet is still probably not complete. It’s more than likely that there will be at least one more DVD/Bluray release in the not so distant future that will include these same eight measly minutes and perhaps a few other inconsequential tidbits, morsels and scraps. Original theatrical review: 3 stars — MC • The Extra Man (R) Kevin Kline and Paul Dano play two oddball dirty rotten scoundrels in this unrealized comedy/drama about a pair of faux-high society Manhattan English teachers whose taste of the good life is solely dependent on their ability to charm elderly widows. 2

stars — MC • Hubble 3-D (G) This 46minute-long IMAX production rarely needs the clunky 3-D glasses in order to make it appealing. The Leonardo DiCaprio-narrated science production provides some of the finest space-based visuals ever seen and not a single second of it is fictional. 3 stars — MC • Life During Wartime (R) A dozen or so years later, director Todd Solondz’s not-quite-sequel to his squirmy art-house masterpiece “Happiness” has arrived. The new cast playing established characters isn’t as disorienting as expected and the uneasiness quotient is still high. 3 stars —MC

• Lottery Ticket (PG-13) Set and filmed in Atlanta, this woefully inept, unfunny and insulting comedy contains almost every negative urban/racial stereotype imaginable and adds insult to injury by stirring in number of tooviolent-for-family-viewing action scenes. 1⁄2 of a star — MC • Nanny McPhee Returns (PG) If you liked the 2005 original, there’s no reason to believe you won’t like the sequel; it’s practically identical. Writer/title character Emma Thompson is back with a lesser-known cast and delivers an innocuous, often clanging fantasy/comedy. 2 stars — MC

ter and less than warm ’n’ cuddly, many dismissed this well-acted and atypical romantic comedy. Less of a vehicle for the some-

times bland Jennifer Aniston, it provides an excellent showcase for the always dependable Jason Bateman. 3 stars — MC

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

★★★★!

“

GRIPPING!

George Clooney is in complete command. It is so rare to see a film this carefully crafted.” ROGER EBERT

THE NEW YORK TIMES

“‘THE AMERICAN’

IS NEVER LESS THAN GORGEOUS.”

• The Switch (PG-13) Because it is a tad off-kil-

A.O. SCOTT

NY DAILY NEWS

★★★★!

“

RIVETING!

Director Anton Corbijn expertly rewinds us to the thrillers of the 1970s – with some Alfred Hitchcock, Graham Greene and stylish ’60s cool thrown in. Irresistible.” JOE NEUMAIER

Call 770-963-9205 to subscribe.

Gwinnett Daily Post

Name __________________________ Address _________________________ ________________________________ Phone __________________________ Email ___________________________

Mail completed entry to GDP/The Office P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 or visit gwinnettdailypost.com to enter at

The Highly Anticipated New Thriller From Director

ANTON CORBIJN Get an exclusive look behind the scenes of

THE AMERICAN

Screenplay By

ROWAN JOFFE

iTunes.com/FocusFeatures

NOW PLAYING EVERYWHERE

Available on Blu-Ray

PAGE 14 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010

Hi-Def & DVD September 7th!

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATRE LOCATIONS AND SHOWTIMES SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS NO PASSES OR DISCOUNT COUPONS ACCEPTED

MOBILE USERS: For Showtimes – Text AMERICAN with your ZIP CODE to 43KIX (43549)

MOVIES

‘Last Exorcism’ leaves Film Fans unimpressed EDITOR’S NOTE — Film Fans features local residents reviewing the film of the week: “The Last Exorcism.” Want to be a Film Fan? Email features@gwinnettdailypost.com.

★★★ ★★ “The Last Exorcism” is filmed in a documentary fashion that frequently reminded me of “The Blair Witch Project.” Although the idea of Pastor Cotton’s (Patrick Fabian) video documentation was a clever Sean Ahern premise, the writers failed to fully develop this theme. The mix of Catholic icons used in a nondenomination Christian household distracted me. The lack of attention to detail is where the movie falls short. The potential is recognizable, but always seems just out of reach. The chills provided are barely more than what you have seen in the trailers. Do yourself a favor and wait for the rental if you must see this film. — Sean Ahern, Buford

★★★★ ★ “The Last Exorcism,” featuring a cast of unknowns, is depicted as a documentary, following

a charismatic phony preacher, Cotton Marcus (Patrick Fabian), on his last “exorcism.” Having tired of pretending to perform exorcisms duping innocent believers out of their money, Marcus agrees to be filmed on what will be his last exorcism. Marcus and crew head to Myra Simons rural Louisiana to the aid of an extreme fundamentalist widowed farmer (Louis Herthum) whose daughter (Ashley Bell) is purported to be possessed by demons. Using unknowns for the cast was a brilliant decision for director Daniel Stamm, as this made the movie very believable. I found myself wrapped up in the story and felt concern for the farmer and his family. I was intrigued watching Marcus slowly realize Bell’s demon possession was real. My heart raced and my pulse quickened until the last scene, and I smothered screams many times, much to the delight of thriller aficionados. — Myra Simons, Buford

★★★ ★★ Let me start by saying these types of movies rarely appeal to me. And

after seeing this I now remember why. Bare bones budget, actors from hell (no pun intended) and a screenplay written by shady of Newark. But to its saving Rick Wright grace it only lasts 11⁄2 hours, so that’s minimal torture I would say. And also to its credit the actors are actually fairly decent given they were captured by K-Mart. As the story evolves, an emerging preacher named Cotton, who lives in Baton Rouge with a spiffy family, has a father preacher who is quite versed in exorcisms. So his son, with the thought of instant notoriety, invites a camera crew to accompany him on his first exorcism. So then you have the “Blair Witch” thing going on and the movie morphs into a mediocre bag of garbage. And it’s complete with a disjointed ending that just abruptly stops for no apparent reason. But believe me, you’re not very disappointed it’s over. Sorry I can’t recommend this movie to anyone unless you’re between 15 and 16 and have one tattoo, but even that’s a stretch further than a wedge iron can reach. — Rick Wright, Auburn

Subscribe Today & Go Shopping On Us! Receive a Simon Giftcard* worth up to $20 with the purchase of a one year Gwinnett Daily Post Subscription. Inquire today by calling 770-339-5845 (For New Subscriptions Only)

How Else Would You Know? *Upon receipt of total payment, the Gwinnett Daily Post will mail you a $20 or $10 Simon Giftcard® (amount depends on subscription price). Some restrictions apply. Limited time offer. Offer valid for new subscribers only (who haven’t subscribed in past 90 days). While supplies last. Use only at US merchants that accept American Express Cards except cruise lines and casinos. Not for use at ATMs or for recurring payments. Not redeemable for cash. No fees after purchase. For more information, customer service, or Cardholder Agreement, visit simongiftcard.com or call 1-800-331-5479. Issued by AEPCMC by license from American Express Travel Related Services Co., Inc.

simon.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • PAGE 15

MUSIC BY VENUE 40 WATT CLUB

RIALTO CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

285 W. Washington St., Athens 706-549-7871 www.40watt.com

80 Forsyth St. N.W., Atlanta 404-651-4727 www.rialtocenter.org

• Wednesday: Tea Leaf Green and Hill • Sept. 16: The Atypical Southern Comedy Quartet with T.J. Young • Sept. 24: Jenny and Johnny • Sept. 30: Matt Joiner • Oct. 1: Futurebirds’ 3-D Rodeo • Oct. 2: Elf Power (CD release)

• Sept. 10: Loving la Guitarra — An Evening with Ernesto Tamayo • Oct. 17: “Blood Relatives” • Oct. 23: Noche Flamenca SMITH’S OLDE BAR 1578 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta 404-875-1522 www.smithsoldebar.com

• Today: Stan Ridgway and Yelawolf • Saturday: Yelawolf • Tuesday: David Ryan Harris • Wednesday: Honey Island Swamp Band • Thursday: Griffin House • Sept. 10: Abbey Road Live! • Sept. 11: Justin Townes Earle

AARON’S AMPHITHEATER AT LAKEWOOD 2002 Lakewood Way, Atlanta 404-443-5090 www.livenation.com/venue/ lakewood-amphitheater-tickets/

• Saturday: UPROAR Festival with Disturbed and Avenged Sevenfold • Wednesday: John Mayer • Sept. 15: Kings of Leon • Sept. 28: Alice in Chains

THE TABERNACLE 152 Luckie St., Atlanta 404-659-9022 www.livenation.com/venue/ getVenue/venueId/1294/

ARENA AT GWINNETT CENTER

• Sept. 10-11: Sounds of Nigeria • Sept. 15: Adam Lambert • Sept. 18: Aziz Ansari • Sept. 26: Pavement

6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.gwinnettcenter.com

• Sept. 26: Joan Sebastian — Jaripeo de Oro, 3 A Caballo • Sept. 27: So You Think You Can Dance • Oct. 1: Slayer and Megadeth with Anthrax • Oct. 27: Carrie Underwood • Nov. 20: Jason Aldean • Dec. 10: Trans-Siberian Orchestra • April 18: Lady Gaga PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT GWINNETT CENTER 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 770-813-7500 www.gwinnettcenter.com

• Oct. 10: Melodies USA 2010 • Oct. 16-17: Atlanta Chinese Dance Company’s “Nezha” • Oct. 30: GCANA — Diwali Show • Nov. 2-4: “Menopause the Musical” • Nov. 20: Ludwig Symphony Orchestra Gala Concert • Nov. 26-28: Northeast Atlanta Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” ATLANTA CIVIC CENTER 395 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta 404-523-6275 www.atlantaciviccenter.com

• Oct. 23: Rickey Smiley and Friends • Nov. 4-6: Je Caryous Johnson’s “Cheaper to Keep Her”

VARIETY PLAYHOUSE Special Photo

Disturbed will perform with Avenged Sevenfold at the UPROAR Festival at Aaron’s Amphitheater at Lakewood in Atlanta on Saturday. CENTER STAGE 1374 W. Peachtree St. 404-885-1365 www.centerstage-atlanta.com

• Sept. 14: Public Enemy • Sept. 16: Brian Culbertson • Sept. 18: Flyleaf CHASTAIN PARK AMPHITHEATER 4469 Stella Drive N.W., Atlanta 404-233-2227 www.livenation.com

• Oct. 2: Mary J. Blige with Jazmine Sullivan, Miguel and guest El DeBarge Classic Chastain • Sept. 10: The Avett Brothers with guest Brandi Carlile • Sept. 11: Charlie Wilson with Angie Stone

• Sept. 12: Hip Neo World • Oct. 2, 5, 8 and 10: The Atlanta Opera’s “La Boheme” • Oct. 15: Timeless Voices EDDIE’S ATTIC 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur 404-377-4976 www.eddiesattic.com

• Today: Geoff Achison and Donna Hopkins • Saturday: Kate Campbell, Caroline Herring and Claire Holley • Sunday: Marshall Chapman with guest Rodney Crowell • Tuesday: Jay Brannan • Wednesday: Matt Hires and Wakey! Wakey! • Thursday: Darden Smith (CD release) and Kevin So • Sept. 11: Michelle Malone

COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

FERST CENTER FOR THE ARTS

2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta www.cobbenergycentre.com 770-916-2800

349 Ferst Drive, Georgia Tech campus 404-894-9600 www.ferstcenter.gatech.edu

• Sept. 10: The Temptations and The Four Tops

• Sept. 11: Debbie Reynolds • Sept. 17: Break of Reality

PAGE 16 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010

• Sept. 18: Homay and Mastan Ensemble • Oct. 1: David Sanborn Trio featuring Joey DeFrancesco • Oct. 3: Rockapella • Oct. 15: Diavolo

Surfer Blood • Sept. 17: Yahzarah

• Sept. 13: Pixies • Sept. 17-19: RAIN — A Tribute to the Beatles • Sept. 23-26: “Church Girl — The Musical” • Sept. 28-Oct. 3: “9 to 5 — The Musical” • Oct. 5: The National • Oct. 6: Drake • Oct. 8-9: Ron White • Oct. 12-17: “Dreamgirls” THE LOFT 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta 404-885-1365 www.theloft-atlanta.com

• Today: Little Brother • Saturday: Goapele Live • Tuesday: Charlatans UK • Sept. 15: The Drums and

• Sept. 12: Jon Anderson • Sept. 18: Big Head Todd and The Monsters • Sept. 21: CocoRosie • Sept. 22: James

PHILIPS ARENA 1 Philips Drive N.W., Atlanta 404-878-3000 www.philipsarena.com

FOX THEATRE 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-881-2100 www.foxtheatre.org

1099 Euclid Ave., Little Five Points 404-521-1786 www.variety-playhouse.com

• Sept. 16-19: Sesame Street Live presents “1-2-3 Imagine!” • Oct. 13-17: Disney on Ice presents “Toy Story 3” • Nov. 18: Roger Waters • Dec. 23: Justin Bieber RED LIGHT CAFE 553 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta 404-874-7828 www.redlightcafe.com

• Today: The Chapin Sisters • Thursday: Kevin Larkin and David Rynhardt and Jam • Sept. 10: Kris Youmans Band and Antsy McClain and The Trailer Park Troubadours • Sept. 16: Kenny Stinson and Perfect Tym’n and Jam • Sept. 17: Sweetwater Road, Angela “Bucky” Motter and Flat Cat • Sept. 23: Smokey’s Farmland Band and Jam

VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATER AT ENCORE PARK 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta www.ticketmaster.com/ venue/115485

• Sept. 24-25: Widespread Panic • Sept. 29: Rush • Oct. 2: Third Day, TobyMac, Michael W. Smith and Max Lucado WILD BILL’S 2075 Market St., Duluth 678-473-1000 www.wildbillsatlanta.com

• Sept. 10: Hysteria and Talk Dirty to Me • Sept. 17: Void Where Prohibited and Homemade Jam • Sept. 25: Jamey Johnson • Oct. 1: Darryl Worley Most tickets available through Ticketmaster at 404-249-6400 or www.ticketmaster.com. Call venues for information.

ARTS Gwinnett-based R&B singer returns from LA with single Over the past year, 19year-old Stephen Norwood has performed in many Gwinnett and metro Atlanta events, including a Braves game and the annual Macy’s Lighting of the Tree at Thanksgiving. Now this talented young man has traveled to Los Angeles, where he secured a production Stephen deal and Norwood recorded his first single to be released within the next few weeks. Norwood and his manager, Jayne Madigan, left for California on July 17 and just returned Aug. 22 in time for Norwood to perform at the Suwanee Festival of Books this past weekend. The trip was split between San Diego and Los Angeles. And Norwood managed to experience numerous excellent adventures along the way. “I performed twice at the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica,” Norwood said. “I attended the first annual Grammy Block Party where I had the opportunity to meet other artists, producers and decision-makers in the industry.” He also took lessons in both dance and voice. “I took dance lessons at the Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles. This is the hottest dance studio in Hollywood where national artists such as Janet Jackson, Pink, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears have trained,” he said. “I also took voice lessons with Lis Lewis who has been a well-known voice teacher and performance coach in Los Angeles for 30

ART BEAT HOLLEY CALMES

with a happy message. “I think anyone will be able to relate to the song in their own way,” he said. “It’s one of those songs that makes you feel good when you hear it, no matter what. It’s also very catchy. I think it suits my voice well because I’m really able to

connect with the song emotionally, and the emotion comes through in the recording.” According to Norwood’s manager, Jayne Madigan, “This song showcases Stephen’s unique vocal abilities, styling and range. Our producer built the arrange-

ments around Stephen’s vocals so the song is a perfect fit.” Besides work and lessons, Stephen and Jayne managed to bike on the beaches of Santa Monica and Mission Beach, hiked Runyun Canyon, took yoga classes, ate vegan food and had

some considerable celebrity sightings. In all, it was a most productive trip. Visit Norwood’s website www.stephennorwood.com and sign up for an e-newsletter that will let recipients know when his single is released. Stephen is also on MySpace and Facebook.

years. Her clients include Rihanna, Gwen Stefani, The Pussycat Dolls and others.” The most important part of the trip, however, was the production deal and the recording of Stephen’s first single, “After the Rain.” The song was written by a very famous Los Angeles-based songwriter and producer who has worked with such artists as Ray Charles, Ringo Starr, Whitney Houston, Jermaine Jackson, Smokey Robinson and Celine Dion. Also importantly, one of the best sound engineers in the country mixed the single, and a well known guitarist who works with such stars as Mariah Carey and the Jonas Brothers played on the single. Although this well-known songwriter’s name cannot be divulged until the single is released, Norwood found him to be a wonderful collaborator. “He is great to work with,” Norwood said. “He is very patient in the studio, and he likes to include the singer in the creative process. He likes to hear the singer’s input and ideas. His songwriting and producing abilities are incredible to witness in person.” The song will be released within the next few weeks. The song itself, according to Norwood, is mid-tempo FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • PAGE 17

GWINNETT CALENDAR attend. For more information, tion, call 770-271-7878 or visit www.bufordvarietythecall 770-638-2198 or visit ater.com. www.cityoflilburn.com. Aerosmith tribute band Rupert’s Orchestra will Aeromyth will perform at 10 perform at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 on the Duluth Town Green p.m. Sept. 11 at 37 Main in as part of the city’s Summer- Buford. The show is for adults 21 and older only. For more Stage Concert Series. The information, call 678-288event is free to attend. For 2030 or visit more information, call 770476-3434 or visit www.duluth- www.37main.com. ga.net. The Georgia Piedmont Sept. 16 Arts Center in partnership Today New York Times bestwith the city of Auburn and Norcross’ Concerts in selling author Sara Gruen the Auburn DDA will present the Park will feature A1A in will make an appearance at Harvest of Art, featuring a Jimmy Buffet tribute 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at the fine arts and crafts and show from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aurora Theatre, 128 Pike St. musical entertainment and today at Thrasher Park in in Lawrenceville. The author more, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Norcross. The concert is free Sept. 11 at 1396 Third Ave. in books discussion and signing to attend. For more informaare free to attend but seating Auburn. For more information, call 678-421-2025 or is limited. A special ticketed Special Photo tion, call 770-963-4002. visit www.aplaceto reception will be held before Grammy-nominated quartet Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, pictured Comedian Karen Mills imagine.com. the event beginning at 5:30. will perform at 9 p.m. Sept. from left, Devin McGlamery, Haase, Doug Anderson and Tim Duncan, will Comedian Jim Gossett Tickets are $35 or $45 for a 11 at Buford Variety Theater, perform as part of Music at the Vines Mansion on Sept. 19. will perform at 9 p.m. today couple and will include a 170 W. Main St. in Buford. at Buford Variety Theater, 170 to 10 p.m. Sept. 11 at Lilburn The show is for those 21 and signed copy of Gruen’s latest 37 Main in Buford. The show W. Main St. in Buford. Tickets summer concert series at Chateau Elan in Braselton at is for adults 21 and older City Park. The event is free to older only. For more informa- release, “Ape House.” are $10 and the show is for only. For more information, 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission those 21 and older only. For is $30. For more information, call 678-288-2030 or visit more information, call 770www.37main.com. 271-7878 or visit www.buford- call 678-425-0900 or visit www.chateauelan.com. varietytheater.com. Sept. 11 AC/DC tribute band Back Thursday in Black will perform at 10 Page 2 Stage ProducThe Arts League at The p.m. today at 37 Main in tions will present “Life is a Buford. The show is for adults Hudgens Center for the Gamble,” a murder mystery Arts will host Music in the 21 and older only. For more dinner theater event, from 6 Garden featuring live enter- to 8 p.m. Sept. 11 at George information, call 678-288tainment by The Flipside 2030 or visit Pierce Park, 55 Buford Highfrom 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday. www.37main.com. way in Suwanee. Tickets are The Hudgens is at 6400 Sug- $30 and include casino arloaf Parkway, Building 300, games, a buffet dinner and Saturday in Duluth. Admission is $5 for the show, which is for those Comedian Jim Gossett 16 and older. For more inforwill perform at 9 p.m. Satur- Hudgens members and $10 for nonmenbers and includes mation, call 770-831-4173 or day at Buford Variety Theater, light refreshments. A cash visit www.page2stageproduc170 W. Main St. in Buford. bar will be provided. Make tions.com. Tickets are $15 and the show The Gwinnett Environis for those 21 and older only. reservations before Tuesday by calling 770-886-8604 or emental and Heritage Center For more information, call mailing eml1@msn.com. will host a honey bee festi770-271-7878 or visit val from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.bufordvarietytheater Sept. 10 Sept. 11. The center is at .com. © Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. 2020 Clean Water Drive in Comedian Karen Mills Bon Jovi tribute band Buford and admission for Slippery When Wet will per- will perform at 9 p.m. Sept. Mail completed entry to GDP/The Last Song Name __________________________ Gwinnett residents is $7.50 10 at Buford Variety Theater, form at 10 p.m. Saturday at P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 for adults, $5.50 for seniors 170 W. Main St. in Buford. 37 Main in Buford. The show or visit gwinnettdailypost.com to enter at Address _________________________ and students ages 13 to 22, The show is for those 21 and is for adults 21 and older ________________________________ older only. For more informa- $3.50 for children ages 3 to only. For more information, No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years old or older 12 and free for kids 2 and tion, call 770-271-7878 or Phone __________________________ call 678-288-2030 or visit to enter. Void where prohibited and restricted by law. Sponsor’s younger. For more informavisit www.bufordvariety www.37main.com. Email ___________________________ employees and their dependents are ineligible. Entries must be tion, call 770-904-3500 or theater.com. received by 09/10/10. Winners will be notified. visit www.gwinnettehc.org. Rolling Stones tribute Sunday The city of Lilburn will band Satisfaction will perThe Swinging Medallions form at 10 p.m. Sept. 10 at host Music on Main from 5 Now Available on Blu-RayTM Combo Pack and DVD! will perform as part of the Send items for Gwinnett Calendar to calendar@gwinnettdailypost.com or the Gwinnett Daily Post, P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. The fax number is 770-339-8081. Please include event name, time and date, location, with address, phone number and cost. Deadline is two weeks prior to the event.

PAGE 18 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010

For Thematic Material,

Some Violence, Sensuality

And Mild Language

METRO CALENDAR Send items for Metro Calendar to calendar@gwinnettdailypost.com or the Gwinnett Daily Post, P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. The fax number is 770-339-8081. Please include event name, time and date, location, with address, phone number and cost. Deadline is two weeks prior to the event.

Theatrical Outfit will present “A Confederacy of Dunces” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 12 at The Balzer Theater, 84 Luckie St. N.W. in Atlanta. For more information, call 678-5281500 or visit www.theatricaloutfit.org. The Atlanta History Center will host the exhibit “Voices Across the Sept. 10 Color Line: The Atlanta An opening reception Student Movement” for the new exhibit “Softthrough Sept. 25. Center core War” will be held from hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 7 to 10 p.m. Sept. 10 at p.m. Monday through SaturWhitespace, 814 Edgewood day and noon to 5:30 p.m. Ave. in Atlanta. For more Sundays. Admission to this information, call 404-688exhibit is free. The center is 1892 or visit www.whiteat 130 W. Paces Ferry Road space814.com. in Atlanta. For more information, call 770-814-4000 Sept. 17 or visit www.atlantahistoThe 2010 Atlanta rycenter.com. Smooth Music Festival Georgia Ensemble Thewill begin at 8 p.m. Sept. atre will open its 18th sea17 at the Mable House son with “The Boys Next Barnes Amphitheatre, 5239 Door” through Sept. 19 at Floyd Road in Mableton. For Special Photo the Roswell Cultural Arts ticket prices and more infor- The Chopin Society of Atlanta will present a per- Center, 950 Forrest St. in mation, call 770-819-7765 formance by critically acclaimed pianist Joyce Roswell. For show times, or visit www.smoothjazYang, pictured here, Sept. 25 at the Roswell Cul- ticket prices and more inforzgrooves.com. mation, call 770-641-1260 tural Arts Center. The High Museum of or visit www.get.org. Art will host its monthly The Center for Puppetry Friday Jazz concert from 5 Yang in a piano recital at Arts will present “Wake Beauty: Butterflies and to 10 p.m. Sept. 17. Museup Your Weird” with Lolly Other Insects” through 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at the um admission is $18 for Monday. Museum hours are and Leslie at 10 and 11:30 Roswell Cultural Arts Cenadults, $15 for seniors and a.m. Fridays, 11 a.m., 1 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday ter, 950 Forrest St. in college students, $11 for through Saturday and noon 3 p.m. Saturdays and 1 and Roswell. Tickets are $25 for children ages 6 to 17 and 3 p.m. Sundays from Sept. adults, $20 for society mem- to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admisfree for children younger 16 through 26. Tickets are sion is $15 for adults, $14 bers and seniors and $5 for than 6. The museum is at for seniors 62 and older and $16 and the center is at students. For more informa1280 Peachtree St. N.E. in 1404 Spring St. N.W. in students, $13 for children tion, call 770-641-1260 or Atlanta. For more informaAtlanta. For more informaages 3 to 12 and free for visit www.chopinatlanta.org. tion, call 404-733-4437 or tion, call 404-873-3391 or children 2 and younger. visit www.high.org. visit www.puppet.org. Fernbank is at 767 Clifton Ongoing events The Center for Puppetry Road N.E. in Atlanta. For Sept. 18 Whitespace will present more information, call 404Arts will present “Charthe exhibit “Not The 2010 Atlanta 929-6300 or visit www.fern- lotte’s Web” at 10 and Smooth Music Festival will Biodegradable” through 11:30 a.m. Fridays, 11 a.m., bankmuseum.org. Saturday. Gallery hours are begin at 2 p.m. Sept. 18 at The Center for Puppetry 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesthe Mable House Barnes Arts will present “Rumpel- 1 and 3 p.m. Sundays from day through Saturday and Amphitheatre, 5239 Floyd Sept. 30 through Oct. 31. stiltskin” at 10 and 11:30 Road in Mableton. For ticket Whitespace is at 814 Edge- a.m. Fridays, 11 a.m., 1 and Tickets are $16 and the prices and more informawood Ave. in Atlanta. For 3 p.m. Saturdays and 1 and center is at 1404 Spring St. tion, call 770-819-7765 or N.W. in Atlanta. For more 3 p.m. Sundays through more information, call 404visit www.smoothjazinformation, call 404-873Sept. 12. Tickets are $16 688-1892 or visit zgrooves.com. 3391 or visit and the center is at 1404 www.whitespace814.com. www.puppet.org. Spring St. N.W. in Atlanta. Fernbank Museum will For more information, call Sept. 25 present the exhibits 404-873-3391 or visit October “Geckos: Tails to The Chopin Society of www.puppet.org. Atlanta will present Joyce Toepads” and “Winged Whitespace will present

the exhibit “Softcore War” through Oct. 9. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and Whitespace is at 814 Edgewood Ave. in Atlanta. For more information, call 404-688-1892 or visit www.whitespace814.com. The Atlanta History Center will host the exhibit “War in Our Backyards: Discovering Atlanta, 18611865” through Oct. 1. Cen-

ter hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $16.50 for adults, $13 for seniors and students ages 13 and older, $11 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for members and children younger than 4. The center is at 130 W. Paces Ferry Road in Atlanta. For more information, call 770-8144000.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • PAGE 19

MUSIC WANT MORE Kiss still rocking all night PHOTOS? BY NATE MCCULLOUGH STAFF WRITER nate.mccullough @gwinnettdailypost.com

ATLANTA — Explosions, gyrations, donations, a rocket-launcher fight, the Pledge of Allegiance, a firebreathing, blood-spitting demon and a phone call from God — it’s all part of the spectacle that is the aptly named Hottest Show on Earth. In the words of lead singer Paul Stanley, a Kiss concert is part church and part circus. The big top was up and the pews were full Tuesday night at Aaron’s Amphitheater. On at least their fourth tour since the “Farewell” tour a decade ago, the band still packs ’em in and still packs a punch. The set list is their longest ever, with 21 songs spanning a nearly four-decade career, including three from 2009’s “Sonic Boom,” Kiss’ first studio album in 11 years. The show is part tribute to the past, part vision of the future, with ticket specials and an opening band — The Academy Is … — aimed at bringing in fans from younger generations. Diehards have nothing to fear though — the stalwarts of a Kiss stage show are all there, from Gene Simmons breathing fire to Stanley’s smashing of his guitar. And though purists may complain that the band is minus half its original line-up, it can be argued that, other than the nostalgia, nothing is missing from this one. Drummer Eric Singer boasts both chops and a voice equal to or better than Peter Criss, and lead gui-

Visit the

Gwinnett Daily Post gwinnettdailypost.com

photo reprint store. Go to our web site at www.gwinnettdailypost.com and click on the photo gallery link.

www.gwinnettdailypost.com

Staff Photo: Jonathan Phillips

Paul Stanley of Kiss rocks on stage at Aaron’s Amphitheater at Lakewood in Atlanta on Tuesday. ON THE WEB For a photo slide show, visit www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

tarist Tommy Thayer, nearly a decade in to his replacement of Ace Frehley, has come into his own as a cornerstone of the show. The duo’s dueling solos at the end of ’70s classic “Shock Me,” complete with a rocket-launching guitar and a smoking drum kit, are arguably the highlights of the show. Stanley’s voice seemed a bit strained at times, but the set is heavy on Simmonssung songs, and Stanley is a

master at inspiring audience participation, so the crowd was all too happy to share vocal duties. Kiss is also doing its patriotic duty, donating $1 from each ticket sold to the Wounded Warrior Care Project, a fund to help war veterans with physical and psychiatric care. The band brought several vets to the stage Tuesday and led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance before revealing the tour tally of $282,000. Kiss’ Hottest Show on Earth tour continues through September. Visit kissonline.com for information.

PAGE 20 • GWINNETT DAILY POST • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010

You will be able to choose from a wide selection of pictures taken by our award-winning photographers, including photos that didn’t make it in the paper