Sumter Scene: January 22, 2023

A beast rises in the midst of a wildfire in Paramount+’s ‘Wolf Pack’

BY JAY BOBBIN

A Los Angeles wildfire awakens a supernatural creature and drives it to attack motorists snarled in traffic beneath the burning hills in a thriller series coming to Paramount+.

“Wolf Pack,” premiering Thursday, Jan. 26, follows a boy and a girl whose lives are changed forever by the beast’s rise amid the flames. Injured in the tumult, the pair are inexplicably drawn to two other teens who were adopted 16 years earlier by a park ranger following another mysterious wildfire. And with a full moon on the horizon, they all come to realize what their connection is – the bite and blood of a werewolf.

Based on the series of novels by Edo Van Belkom, the series stars Sarah Michelle Gellar (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), Rodrigo Santoro (“Westworld”), Armani Jackson (“Honor Society”), Bella Shepard (“A Girl Named Jo”), Chloe Rose Robertson (“Wildflower”), Tyler Lawrence Gray (“KidCoin”) and Lanny Joon (“Baby Driver”).

For Santoro, a Brazilian actor whose credits range from movies such as “Love Actually” and “Ben Hur” to the TV dramas “Westworld” and “Reprisal,” the role of park ranger Garrett Briggs represented a welcome chance to step into new territory and stretch his acting muscles in a horror role.

“I tend to make choices that truly take me out of my comfort zone and I’ve never experienced anything like that; I’ve never been in a supernatural kind of show ...,” he explains. “(So) I didn’t approach it as, ‘Oh, it’s a supernatural thriller so I’m gonna play it supernatural.’ It’s basically a father that has two kids that truly need to be taken care of in a very special way just because ... they truly have special needs. So it appealed to me as something absolutely new from my previous experience.”

To prepare for the role, Santoro spoke to park rangers around the country to get an idea of their duties (“It’s from A to Z,” he says) and leaned on

As for his character, the actor describes Garrett as an “average Joe” who loves and is protective of his kids and nature, both of which are threatened by the extraordinary situation into which they’ve all been placed. But he’s also conflicted, though why that is the actor couldn’t elaborate lest he reveal spoilers.

“Garrett is a character that is constantly in conflict with the responsibility of paternity, of being a parent and how to raise these kids and morality ...,” he says. “He is in a moral crisis. But I love that about the character. The moral crisis is something that is such an interesting layer to play because he’s working, he’s serving his community but he’s in conflict with what he has to do. And he’ll do anything to protect his kids from outsiders (and) especially from themselves.”

co-star and executive producer Gellar for pointers on working in the horror genre.

thriller

‘American Masters’ honors music’s Roberta Flack

Horoscopes Horoscopes

ARIES

You won’t always know how to conduct yourself in a crowd. Your boss, clients or colleagues at work will be ambiguous and unclear about their intentions.

TAURUS

You’ll become eligible for a big promotion at work. But, before accep ting the new role, it would be wise to talk to your significant other and family to avoid a misunderstanding.

GEMINI

The winter blues are setting in, and you’re starting to feel down. Booking a warm holiday is only a few steps away. On the other hand, you’ll be energized by your zest for life.

CANCER

You’ll feel particularly sensitive this week. Your emotions may play a few tricks on you. You’ll shed light on a scandalous story at work or within your family.

LEO You must sharpen your negotiating skills in your professional and personal life. You have what it takes to reach a lasting agreement that significantly impacts your career.

VIRGO

You’ll be in the spotlight this week, which will be fun. You may receive a reward. You may also celebrate getting a promotion at work.

LIBRA

If you haven’t been feeling well, take some time to rest. Fortunately, your sleep will have a double benefit, and you’ll regain your vitality. You may accomplish something big.

SCORPIO

After the holidays, you may feel as if your house has been turned upside down, and you’ll be in a hurry to tidy up. You’ll declutter your home, which will also clear your mind.

SAGITTARIUS

After the holidays, you may feel as if your house has been turned upside down, and you’ll be in a hurry to tidy up. You’ll declutter your home, which will also clear your mind.

CAPRICORN

You’ll be concerned about your financial situation. You’ll feel anxious because of a misunderstanding, such as a bill that wasn’t meant for you. Once the problem is sorted, you’ll feel like yourself again.

AQUARIUS

Now is the time to act. Those close to you will successfully invite you on several outings and get you out of the house. You may be convinced to join a group fitness class, for example.

PISCES

You’ll need a second cup of coffee in the morning to find your energy and stop procrastinating. Then, you’ll be highly efficient in carrying out new projects and cross many items off your to-do list.

New Streaming Movies & Shows

“The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker”

From filmmaker Colette Camden (“Imagine,” “What Do Artists Do All Day?”) comes this documentary that tells the story of Caleb “Kai” McGillvary, a hitchhiker who became a viral sensation with his video account of his saving a woman’s life by killing her attacker with a hatchet, which resulted in him being convicted of murder. (ORIGINAL)

“Movie: Noise”

From Mexico and director Natalia Beristain (“The Mosquito Coast,” “El Presidente”) comes this drama movie about a woman who goes on a desperate search for her missing daughter and the disparate characters she meets along the way. Julieta Egurrola, Teresa Ruiz, Erick Consuelo and Arturo Beristain head the cast. (ORIGINAL)

“Movie: True Things”

Stellar performances from Ruth Wilson (“The Affair”) and Tom Burke (“Mank”) elevate director Harry Wootliff’s (“Only You”) psychological drama about a young woman whose quiet existence is overwhelmed when she plunges headlong into a physical relationship with an ex-convict with dyed blond hair. Hayley Squires, Elizabeth Rider and Frank McCusker also star.

“How I Met Your Father”

The adventures of Sophie (Hilary Duff) and her closeknit circle of New York friends continue in this comedy series told from the perspective of a woman in the near future recalling to her son how she met his father. Christopher Lowell, Francia Raisa, Tom Ainsley, Tien Tran and Suraj Sharma head the cast.

(ORIGINAL)

“Extraordinary”

“Represent” Jean-Pascal Zadi (“Simply Black,” “Craignos”) cocreated, co-wrote, directed and stars in this French comedy series about an idealistic educator who finds himself inadvertently thrust into the French presidential race. Marina Fois, Fadily Camara, Fary, Eric Judor, Panyaotis Pascot and Benoit Poelvoorde are also in the cast. (ORIGINAL)

“Lockwood

“The 1619 Project”

& Co.”

From Great Britain comes this fantasy drama series set in a world where giant corporations employ psychic teens to battle supernatural threats, and a young entrepreneur and his two sidekicks embark on a mission to unravel a mystery that will change the course of history. Ruby Stokes (“Da Vinci’s Demons”), Luke Treadaway (“Attack the Block”) and newcomer Cameron Chapman head the cast. (ORIGINAL)

From debuting writer Emma Moran and the creative forces behind “Killing Eve” comes this British comedy set in a world where everyone acquires a superpower on their 18th birthday — that is, everyone but Jen (Mairead Tyers, “Belfast”), who struggles to figure out exactly what hers is.

Siobhan McSweeney, Robbie Gee and Sofia Oxenham also star. (ORIGINAL)

Q&A with Gates McFadden

Yeah,

Created by Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times Magazine, this six-episode limited series seeks to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the center of the national narrative. (ORIGINAL)

Actors who attend fan conventions always talk about the level of knowledge they have about the show and the science behind it. Have you found that?

and it’s exciting. It took me longer than anyone in my cast to get on board with the conventions and really understand the fandom. ... But at any rate, I so understand it now and embrace it because I can’t tell you how many people have come up to me and said, “I became a surgeon because of you.” You know, women and just the gay community, all sorts of people doing various things ... . And I now understand how significant having role models is in a culture. It really is important – good role models, OK? And so I’m extremely proud of being involved with this franchise.

“Movie: The Black Phone”

Abducted by a child killer and held in a soundproof basement, a 13-year-old begins receiving calls over a disconnected phone from his kidnapper’s victims in this 2021 horror thriller from director Scott Derrickson (“Deliver Us From Evil,” “Doctor Strange”).

Ethan Hawke stars as “The Grabber” in a cast with Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw and Jeremy Davies.

“Movie: Hércules”

“Wolf Pack” on Paramount+ (Words in parentheses not in puzzle)

Kristin (Ramsy) Garrett (Briggs Everett (Lang) Blake (Navarro) Luna (Briggs)

(Sarah Michelle) Gellar (Rodrigo) Santoro (Armani) Jackson (Bella) Shepard (Chloe Rose) Robertson

(California) Wildfire Supernatural (Creature) Teenagers Bitten (Edo) Van Belkom

“Movie: The King’s Speech”

After winning virtually every film award as the stammering King George VI, Colin Firth was the unsurprising but hugely deserving recipient of a best actor Oscar for this superb drama. Director Tom Hooper and writer David Seidler received Academy Awards as well for the 2010 film, which also boasts nominated performances by Geoffrey Rush as George’s offbeat speech therapist and Helena Bonham Carter as George’s wife.

“Movie: Shotgun Wedding”

Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel head the cast of this comedy as a couple who get cold feet on the eve of their lavish destination wedding, but they soon have bigger problems when criminals take the entire wedding party hostage. Jennifer Coolidge, Sonia Braga, Cheech Marin, Selena Tan and D’Arcy Carden are also in the cast for director Jason Moore (“Pitch Perfect,” “Sisters”). (ORIGINAL)

“Not

Dead

Yet” (ABC — series premiere, Feb. 8) Nell Stevens (Gina Rodriguez) is a broke and newly single self-described disaster, working to restart the life and career she left behind five years ago. When she lands the only job she can find — writing obituaries — Nell starts getting life advice from a very unlikely source in this new drama series pre-miere, adapted from the book “Confessions of a 40-something F... Up” by Alexandra Potter. Joshua Banday and Angela Gibbs also star.

Action meister Brett Ratner (“Red Dragon,” the “Rush Hour” film franchise) helmed this 2014 action/adventure yarn that casts Dwayne Johnson as the Greek demigod, who finds his life as a mercenary tested when the benevolent ruler of Thrace and his daughter seek his help in defeating a savage warlord. Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Joseph Fiennes and Rebecca Ferguson head a solid cast.

Men” (1957) Henry Fonda. A man holds

against 11 fellow jurors in a murder trial.

Strangers” (1950) Ginger Rogers. Two jurors fall in love while sitting in on a murder trial.

Behind Bars: Jodi Arias” (2023, Docudrama)

Plot to Kill My Mother” (2023) Romy Weltman.

A woman tries to find her mother’s killer.

Liam Neeson supplies ‘Non-Stop’ action in airborne thriller

BY JAY BOBBIN

Even if Liam Neeson has admitted that he’s a little embarrassed playing an action hero at his age, he still does it well.

The actor, whose career was overhauled by the success of “Taken,” is perfectly credible as an air marshal aboard a targeted plane in the 2014 melodrama “Non-Stop” (which Cinemax shows Wednesday, Jan. 25, and Saturday, Jan. 28). A good airplane thriller usually is fueled by one star as the hero – be it Wesley Snipes in “Passenger 57” or anyone who played a pilot in the “Airport” movies – and Neeson takes on that assignment quite ably.

As it happens, his character actually is afraid of flying, one of those quirks that immediately puts us on his side ... especially when he becomes the onboard point man for an extortionist who threatens that someone on the plane will die every 20 minutes unless a huge ransom is paid.

That opens up all kinds of questions, especially the one of who else on the plane is there to execute the killings. You need to suspend disbelief to a certain degree with “Non-Stop,” but with the committed and convincing Neeson on hand, it isn’t hard to do that.

And what a supporting cast he’s been given, starting with Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o (“12 Years a Slave”). She and Michelle Dockery (“Downton Abbey”) play flight attendants, and while they’ve done roles that have demanded much more of them than “Non-Stop” ever comes close to doing, it’s still impressive to see them here.

The picture gets the basics of an airliner-set suspense saga right, showing off the plane (or the sleek sets that pass for one) and making sure we know what we need to about the passengers and crew members who become key players in the plot.

Julianne Moore and Corey Stoll (“Billions”) also are featured, but for all that acting pedigree, it’s clear immediately that Neeson is the one who’s in control here. He worked with the same director (Jaume Collet-Serra) on “Unknown” several years earlier, and his strengths obviously are played to here.

Then again, you need a solid actor to give some new life to a genre that has played its hand with audiences many times. Neeson is very much that performer in the case of “Non-Stop,” and if it’s not a white-knuckle ride all the way through, its skies are bumpy enough to give you a sufficient amount of vicarious excitement.

Liam Neeson’s Top 10 Movies

BY JAY BOBBIN

“Non-Stop” (2014): Neeson is in fine form – in a confined space – in this airborne melodrama about an air marshal trying to identify an extortionist who’s killing passengers aboard a flight.

“Taken” (2008): Not deemed an action star previously, Neeson changed that perception by playing an ex-spy combing Europe for his kidnapped daughter.

“Love Actually” (2003): Neeson fares wonderfully, mainly with a young co-star (Thomas Sangster), within a large ensemble cast as a man struggling to cope with losing the love of his life.

“Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” (1999): George Lucas was very specific about casting the first prequel, so there’s no question Neeson is ideal as Jedi legend Qui-Gon Jinn.

“Les Miserables” (1998): Neeson proves ideal casting as Jean Valjean, the desperate thief who endures a life of pursuit by the relentless Inspector Javert (Geoffrey Rush).

“Michael Collins” (1996): Necessary gusto is supplied in full force by Neeson as one of the figureheads of the Irish Republican Army.

“Schindler’s List” (1993): Neeson is superb as a war profiteer, who literally bargains for the lives of Jews marked for Nazi execution, in director Steven Spielberg’s powerful and true drama.

“Darkman” (1990): The required theatricality is executed well by Neeson in playing a disfigured scientist who cloaks himself to avenge his assault.

“The Good Mother” (1988): Neeson emotes well as a divorcee’s (Diane Keaton) new lover, unaware he might cost her custody of her daughter.

“Suspect” (1987): Neeson’s sheer physical presence counts for a lot here, since he barely makes a sound as a hulking murder suspect.

Belly on up for the best drinking movies

BY GEORGE DICKIE

For those who have dedicated themselves to a Dry January, we salute your restraint. But the following list is not for you.

Drinking has made for some of the funniest storylines and moments in film history as well as some of its most memorable characters. After all, who can forget guzzling frat brother Bluto in “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” California wine-quaffing pals Miles and Jack from “Sideways” or philosophical New York barkeep Doug from “Cocktail”?

They’re all great characters who we laughed at, sometimes cried with and always cared about. Which is what great entertainment is all about. The following are some the best films in that vein.

“National Lampoon’s Animal House” (Streams on Prime Video, Redbox, Vudu, Apple TV+): Director John Landis’ 1978 classic about the hedonistic antics of a 1950s college fraternity cemented stardom for “Saturday Night Live’s” John Belushi as the aforementioned Bluto as well as

launched the long careers of Kevin Bacon, Karen Allen and future “Amadeus” Oscar nominee Tom Hulce.

“Strange Brew” (Streams on Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV+, Redbox): Canada exported the zany misadventures of SCTV’s Bob and Doug McKenzie to the U.S. with this 1983 comedy that starred Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas as the two dimwitted, beer-swilling brothers and hosts of the talk show “Great White North,” who discover something foul is afoot at the local local brewery where they work.

“Cocktail” (Streams on Prime Video, Apple TV+, Vudu, Redbox): While Tom Cruise was the headliner of Roger Donaldson’s 1988 dramedy about a talented New York bartender with big dreams, it is Bryan Brown who steals the show as Douglas Coughlin, his troubled friend and cohort with a cynical view of life and a self-destructive streak.

“Sideways” (Streams on Spectrum, HBO Max, Prime Video, Apple TV+): No list of great drinking movies is complete without Alexander Payne’s excellent 2004 dramedy about two Southern California pals (Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church) who drink good wine, romance distinctive women (Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh) and examine their own lives while touring Santa Barbara wine country in the days leading up to one’s wedding.

“Another Round” (Streams on Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Kanopy): In this 2020 Danish comedy, four teachers decide to test a theory that humans are born with too a low an alcohol level and thus proceed with a social experiment in which they consume limited amounts of it at work with the goal of achieving optimal performance as well as reduced stress and tension. The results are, well, mixed to say the least. Mads Mikkelsen (“Hannibal”) heads the cast.

Viewers get to judge the

‘Accused’ in new Fox series

BY JAY BOBBIN

Along with the show’s characters, viewers are about to get the chance to determine whether the “Accused” in a new drama series are guilty.

Fox introduces the anthology “Accused” Sunday, Jan. 22, before it settles into its regular slot the following Tuesday. With Howard Gordon – who developed the show from a BBC program – an executive producer along with his former“Homeland” and “24” colleague Alex Gansa and “The Good Doctor’s” David Shore, the program has an initial season comprised of 15 stories that each find a main character faced with a difficult choice ... leaving the audience to pass judgment on it.

The roster of “Accused” directors includes Primetime Emmy winner Michael Chiklis (“The Shield”), Oscar owner

Marlee Matlin (“Children of a Lesser God”) and Primetime Emmy, Grammy and Tony recipient Billy Porter (“Kinky Boots,” “Pose”). Chiklis also stars in the premiere episode, playing a man who suspects his son (Oakes Fegley) is planning dangerous activity; among others who appear in the series are Wendell Pierce, Abigail Breslin, Jason Ritter, Rhea Perlman, Jill Hennessy, Margo Martindale, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Rachel Bilson, Molly

For any differences between the stories on “Accused,” Gordon confirms that the overall series reflects “a format uniformity. We wanted, at the same time, to give all the filmmakers and all the storytellers (their) own kind of vocabulary.

It really was finding that line between what’s kind of an esthetic rule book and set of parameters, and just kind of giving (the participants) the latitude to tell the story in the best way possible.”

Chiklis maintains that approach worked well for him. “When I directed episodes of ‘The Shield,’” he recalls, “that was a very specific template and you had to really adhere to it. Because this is an anthology series, (the stories are) sort of stand-alone featurettes, and there was a huge difference in terms of tone and tenor between the pilot episode that I starred in as an actor and the episode that I directed.”

Matlin agrees, drawing on her much more frequent experiences as an actress in explaining (via her longtime interpreter, Jack Jason) that usually, “I show up on set. I go to makeup. I go to hair. I go into my trailer. I wait for my call. It’s the long hours you spend waiting, mostly.

View

from the Couch

BY JAY BOBBIN

Crane Arts of Shaolin,” “Dragon Fist,” “Battle Creek Brawl” and “Dragon Lord.” One aspect that has set Chan (who has performed most of his own stunts) apart from others in his genre is the sense of humor he has brought to his projects, which also served him well when he went Hollywood with such ventures as the “Rush Hour” and “Shanghai Noon” actioncomedies. The package is generous with special features, which vary by the individual movie. ››› (Not rated: AS, V)

sacrifice, forcing them whether to double down on making the project or – for the sake of their own safety – to give it up. Cast members also include Mark Huberman and Elva Trill. ››› (Not rated: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray)

“COLOSSEUM”

‘American Masters’ honors music’s Roberta

BY JAY BOBBIN

A new tribute to Roberta Flack comes at a bittersweet time for the celebrated singer-songwriter.

In November, an announcement made public the artist’s retirement from performing, necessitated by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ... known more commonly as Lou Gehrig’s disease. However, she has many accolades in which to take continuing pride, including mid-1970s Grammy Awards for record of the year in two consecutive years (for “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song”). Her life and career are traced in an “American Masters” profile Tuesday, Jan. 24, on PBS (check local listings).

Black Mountain, N.C., native Flack started as a piano accompanist for a church choir, with her musical talents earning her a full scholarship to Howard University, where she became associate director of the choir. She intended to pursue graduate studies musically, but family circumstances led her to teach music and English instead.

Performing in Washington, D.C.-area clubs brought Flack to the attention of pianist and singer Les McCann, who set

“POPPY”

up an audition for her with Atlantic Records – which released her debut album, “First Take,” several months later. It included “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which Clint Eastwood gave a boost by including it in the first movie he directed, the 1971 thriller “Play Misty for Me.”

Though Flack began recording often with Donny Hathaway the Love,” “The Closer I Get to You”), she maintained a solo career and continued to yield such hits as “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and (with Maxi Priest) “Set the Night to Music.”

With a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Flack still was recording as recently as 2018, and her concert appearances notably included a tour of South Africa on which she performed for then-President Nelson Mandela. Her almost 20 albums have included one made up solely of covers of Beatles tunes, and she was anticipating doing a second volume.

Even if that doesn’t come to be, Roberta Flack has established a rich musical history, one that qualifies her to be the latest addition to the distinguished “American Masters” roster.

“THE

JACKIE CHAN COLLECTION VOLUME 1 (1976-1982)”

If you’re a fan of one of cinema’s top martial-arts stars, you’ll find plenty to like in this Bluray gathering of several of the films from Chan’s early phase of international fame. The included titles are “The Killer Meteors,” “Shaolin Wooden Men,” “To Kill With Intrigue,” “Snake &

“THE GHOSTS OF MONDAY”

In this melodrama, a filmmaker (played by veteran actor Julian Sands) and several colleagues come to question whether making a reality show about an allegedly haunted hotel in Cyprus is such a good idea. They end up being the object of a terror campaign waged by a group that believes in human

After its television presentation on History, this series comes to home video, dramatizing the stories of some of the warriors –both male and female – whose stamina helped form the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, though some of them didn’t survive. The eight-part program merges dramatized sequences with insights from historians and scholars who offer facts about the individuals profiled, and also about the overall culture of the place and time. Actors featured in the production include Robert R. Cargill, Alexander Mariotti, Ian Beattie, Timothy Blore, James Oliver Wheatley and Josh Taylor.

››› (Not rated: AS, V)

The determination of a young woman with Down syndrome to live her own life fuels this drama, with Libby Hunsdale as the title character. She wants to become an auto mechanic, but her overprotective brother (Ari Boyland) interferes – prompting her to prove herself, and start on the road to what she deems her destiny, by covertly working on someone’s car. Writer-director Linda Niccol adapted the film from a short story she wrote; her cast also includes Seb Hunter as a musician who becomes a potential boyfriend for Poppy.

››› (Not rated: AS, P) (Also on Digital and On Demand)

financial system that arose then and continue to play out. The program relies heavily on experts in economics and technology to explain just how that alternative-to-cash payment method accrued such strength so relatively quickly ... with the study encompassing, as has been borne out, the dangers in such rapid growth of an alternate and ultramodern means of intended currency savings and exchange. ››› (Not rated)

“NOVA:

CRYPTO DECODED”

This installment of the venerable PBS science series turned out to be particularly timely when it aired last November, given disruptions in the crypto

Family Viewing Ratings

Adult situations

Profanity V Violence N Nudity

Graphic Violence

Parker, Betsy Brandt and Keith Carradine.