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Co-op City Times / November 12, 2016
Hacksaw Ridge
BY ANATOLIY BUDNITSKIY “Wow!” pretty much sums up HACKSAW RIDGE. I was at a loss for words. What an experience! From start to finish, a full-on ingenious work by Mel Gibson; definitely painting his Picasso with this masterpiece. Say what you want about his personal life, there’s no denying that he can truly make a brilliant film. I would have never thought another war film could rival “SAVING PRIVATE RYAN (Directed by Steven Spielberg-1998), but 18 years is more than enough for another film to take the mantle. “ H A C K S AW RIDGE” is a harrowing, intense, brutal and sadistic take on the most violent attack in American history. Mel Gibson’s ingenious form showed when the first half of the film turned out to be 'a calm before the storm.' We got to know the characters. Love, laugh and live with them. But then in the second half, when the drama hit...it hit hard! The first 15-minute war scene was incredible and featured intense savagery; an all-out human carnage. It was truly jaw-dropping, but not even once did I think it was too much or that it felt unreal. This was war. It was realistic. Shocking and then-some, but realistic. Andrew Garfield turns in a gut-wrenching performance. Desmond Doss is truly a hero that we can all learn from. His act of courage brings a tear to my eye. How he saved all those people when they thought it was over for them. It was just really, really brilliant stuff; career bests from everyone in this film. Vince Vaughn was incredible as the shouting sergeant. He was captivating, and also quite funny. Awesome scene when we first meet him. Sam Worthington has never been this good. I love him in this film as the brash captain. A true highlight was Luke Bracey, almost a write off from the abysmal “POINT BREAK” remake, but his “Smitty” character was one of my favorite things in “HACKSAW RIDGE,” an incredibly heroic person; behind his brash persona, he showed a sense of heart towards Desmond. It was beautiful. I especially loved Hugo Weaving, as well as the drunk father who is a veteran. Very captivating stuff. Another highlight is the romance between Desmond and Teresa Palmer's Dorothy. Another career best, by the way. But their romance in the beginning of the film added to the tension of war that was about to come. You really felt for Desmond, and wanted him to come back to Dorothy. I really hope bygones will be bygones and the Academy gives where credit is due because “HACKSAW RIDGE” deserves the academy's recognition more than any film of last few years at the Oscars. My theater was full, but I really hope people go out and see this magical piece of art film. I know it might get overshadowed because of “DR. STRANGE” and “TROLLS,” but “HACKSAW RIDGE” is just on another level. Please see it! HACKSAW RIDGE, 2016, 131 minutes, Rated R Mel Gibson – Director Robert Schenkkan and Andrew Knight – Writers Andrew Garfield – Desmond Doss Teresa Palmer – Dorothy Schutte Hugo Weaving – Tom Doss Vince Vaughn – Sgt. Howell Luke Bracey – Smitty Ryker Sam Worthington – Captain Glover
Thank you, good Samaritan!
Pat, a senior citizen who lives in Section 4, would like to thank the good Samaritan who found her wallet and turned it in to Public Safety on Sunday, Nov. 6. Pat said that she must have dropped her wallet when she took out her keys and by the time she got upstairs to her apartment and was taking off her coat, Public Safety called to say someone had turned it in to officers. Pat is extremely grateful to the person who found her wallet and returned it with all of her belonging intact. She said she wanted everyone to know that there are still kind, honest and considerate people in the world.
Deepest Sympathy
The Riverbay Corporation community joins in extending its deepest sympathy to the family of the late Mr. Courtney Berry who passed away on Monday, October 31. Mr. Berry was a welder in the Buildings Department. Please join us in keeping Mr. Berry’s family in your prayers during this sorrowful time.
County Recycling offers discounts to Co-op City Residents at Unique Thrift Boutique
BY ROZAAN BOONE
For the last three and a half years, County Recycling has been making significant monetary donations to the Riverbay Fund which, in turn, offset the cost of the highly-anticipated summer concert series, Splash Day events, and other programs enjoyed by the families in Co-op City. Now, Ted Fisher, President and CEO of County Recycling and Real Deal Thrift, LLC, is continuing to give back to Co-op City in another big way with the launch of a first of its kind store in the Bronx, the Real Deal Thrift Boutique. Located at 4006 Boston Post Road in the Bronx, NY, the Real Deal Boutique, offers a 10% discount to all veterans, senior citizens and Co-op City residents. In addition, 5% of all Co-op City sales will be donated back to the Riverbay Fund. County Recycling LLC is the company responsible for the recycling bins located at parking garages in Co-op City. In return for the donations of textiles deposited by Co-op City residents into the bins, Fisher gives back tens of thousands of dollars annually to the Riverbay Fund. “County’s Textile Recycling Program has played a major fundraising role to our department and to the programs and events that we offer to all the residents of Co-op City,” said Michelle Sajous, Riverbay’s Director of Community Relations. Items at the Real Deal are heavily discounted. Brand named items are priced in some cases 90% below their original value so that a $200 pair of Tony Burch sandals are being sold for $49, a $400 Prada bag sells for $75 and other brand name items are priced between $10 and $25. “Having worked many years in high-end fashion, I wanted to create a unique environment providing all the opportunity to shop for quality merchandise at an exceptional value therefore recycled fashion benefits both people and planet,” said Fisher. Real Deal’s 1,500 square foot space is filled with beautiful, hand-picked merchandise, all of which were donated and carefully selected by County Recycling staff, displayed in an easy-to-navigate layout. Items offered for sale include footwear, handbags, leather good and other specialty items of men, women and children. Soft music, incense and burning candles complete the ambiance of the store. Friendly customer service is also included, as well as other conveniences