DR | 10.4.2026
on the town
VACAVILLE NATIVE WRAPS 1ST FEATURE FILM plus
BEHIND THE SCENES: ANNIE MORRIS LIGHTS UP LOCAL THEATER
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on the town
Sunday, October 4, 2026 — DAILY REPUBLIC
This
week THINGS TO DO
I Fairfield 1 p.m. Sunday Bo Ra Va Brothers Bally Keal, 4286 Suisun Valley Road. www. ballykeal.com.
3 p.m. Sunday Solano Winds: From Spain with Love Downtown Theatre, 1035 Texas St. www. downtowntheatre.com.
3 p.m. Sunday Simon Melrose Suisun Valley Filling Station, 2529 Mankas Corner Road. https://suisunvalleyfilling stationevents.com.
5 p.m. Wednesday The Filling Station Four Suisun Valley Filling Station, 2529 Mankas Corner Road. https://suisunvalleyfilling stationevents.com.
5 p.m. Friday Rendishun
facebook.com/downtownvacavillebid.
Suisun Valley Filling Station, 2529 Mankas Corner Road. https://suisunvalleyfilling stationevents.com.
8 p.m. Thursday Micro Mania
7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday On the Fringe: ‘Wonderlandia’ Downtown Theatre, 1035 Texas St. www. downtowntheatre.com.
4 p.m. Saturday Sweet Marie & The Suspects Suisun Valley Filling Station, 2529 Mankas Corner Road. https://suisunvalleyfilling stationevents.com.
I Vacaville 6 p.m. Wednesday LOLs at the Library 300 Main St., https:// journeydowntown.com/ events.
5 p.m. Thursday Town Square Thursdays: Casualties of Friendship Town Square. www.
Journey Downtown, 308 Main St., https:// journeydowntown.com/ events.
7 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday Arteritano Flamenco Company presents ‘Carmen’ Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, 1010 Ulatis Drive, www.vpat.net.
8 p.m. Friday Celebrating 100 Years of People: Sly and the Family Stone Memorial Tour
Merchant & Main, 349 Merchant St. https:// merchantandmaingrill.com.
https://therelliktavern.com.
8 p.m. Saturday Metal/Punk Madness
Lucca, 439 First St. www.luccabar.com.
Journey Downtown, 308 Main St. https:// journeydowntown.com/ events.
I Benicia 2:30 p.m. Sunday The Elmwoods Lucca, 439 First St. www.luccabar.com.
4 p.m. Sunday Ken Maffeo The Rellik, 726 First St. https://therelliktavern.com.
Journey Downtown, 308 Main St. https:// journeydowntown.com/ events.
6 p.m. Thursday Duo Sonics
4 p.m. Saturday Vince Charming Band
6:30 p.m. Thursday Lightweight Champion
Dwain’s, 110 Peabody Road. www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61566929950504.
Lucca, 439 First St. www.luccabar.com.
7 p.m. Saturday Cabernet Cousins
The Rellik, 726 First St. https://therelliktavern.com.
4:30 p.m. Friday Clark Chimp The Rellik, 726 First St.
6:30 p.m. Friday Don Bassey & Friends
8:30 p.m. Friday Ariel Marin The Rellik, 726 First St. https://therelliktavern.com.
1 p.m. Saturday Jinx Jones
Vino Godfather, 1105 Walnut Ave. www. vinogodfather.com.
3 p.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Bay Area Stage, 515 Broadway St. www. bayareastage.org.
630 p.m. Wednesday The Guitarsonists
Lucca, 439 First St. www.luccabar.com.
Empress Theatre, 330 Virginia St. www. empresstheatre.org.
4:30 p.m. Saturday Tune Riders
6 p.m. Friday Johnny Mojo
The Rellik, 726 First St. https://therelliktavern.com.
6:30 p.m. Saturday Walking Mirrors
Mare Island Brewing Co. Coal Shed Brewery, 850 Nimitz Ave. www. mareislandbrewingco.com.
Lucca, 439 First St. www.luccabar.com.
1 p.m. Saturday Hey Jude
8:30 p.m. Saturday Purple Sapphire
Vino Godfather, 1105 Walnut Ave. www. vinogodfather.com.
The Rellik, 726 First St. https://therelliktavern.com.
I Vallejo 1 p.m. Sunday Don Gato Latin Band
7 p.m. Saturday 2nd Planet 4th Corner Speakeasy, 431 Georgia St. https://4thcorner speakeasy.com.
Announcing the 2026-2027 Solano College Theatre Season
by Lauren Gunderson Without Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have literary masterpieces like Hamlet. But without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we’d have lost half of Shakespeare’s plays forever! After Will’s death, the two actors scramble to compile the First Folio and preserve the words that shaped their lives.
40
$
FOR TWO GREAT SHOWS!
Book by John O’Farrell & Karey Kirkpatrick, Music and lyrics by Karey & Wayne Kirkpatrick Brothers Nick and Nigel, desperate to pen a hit play, are stuck in the shadow of “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer predicts the future of theatre includes singing and dancing, the Bottom Brothers set out to write the world’s first musical!
Student matinees and ASL-interpreted shows available! Learn more at solanocollegetheatre.org | (707) 864-7100
Season Subscribers
DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, October 4, 2026
BEHIND THE SCENES
on the town
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Morris lights up local theater A
nnie Morris is a acters we had to tech the multiple-award show so I did the assiswinning lighting tant stage manager designer for local and role. The year after I regional theatrigraduated from WCW cal productions. they brought me on as Q: Now I usually the stage manager and start these off by I stage managed “The asking people if they Pirates of Penzance” and I come from a stayed on in that role. theater family, Around that Tony Wade but I happen to time I was hired as know that you a stage technician are the daughter of Mary Cor- for the Vacaville Performing nelison Muehlenbruch, who Arts Theatre (VPAT) and I’ve founded the Gaslighters Theremained there until now. I atrical Company, so I’ll ask a took a hiatus when I was doing different question: What was my Masters because I was also your earliest performance? working at Blockbuster video A: I remember when I was at the time. I became the tech3, but I started when I was 2. I nical director and production actually have a video of myself. manager in 2016. Then I moved Dixon Community Theatre was into their lighting and set design thriving back then and my mom Q: Now did you get a did a lot of the starring roles and degree in lighting design? I would be in the ensemble doing A: Ultimately to learn lightthe stuff that the little kids did ing design you just have to have like choreography and singing. the drive you don’t necessarQ: Wait, you have a video ily have to have a degree in it. of when you were 2? Some of the best don’t have a A: Yes, my first musical degree. One thing the degree was “Oklahoma!” does is confirm that you can Q: When you were stick with it and have that drive. in high school at Will The degree can teach you C. Wood you played the the basics, the DMX 101. It gives leading lady type or ingeyou that head start without nue-type roles, correct? having to learn it all on your A: Yes, I played Ado Annie own. Back in the day before DMX in “Oklahoma!”, Lady Jane you had your regular incanin “The King and I’ and descent lights. You were stuck Dolly in “Hello Dolly!” with one light that couldn’t Q: So when did you begin change into different colors or doing backstage stuff? move around. DMX is the techA: When I was 16 I started nical genius behind lighting. dabbling a little more into the Q: So what is your process technical area. At Will C. Wood when it comes to doing the when we weren’t our lead charlighting design for a show? ON THE COVER Vinnie Langdon attends the 2026 Josie Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, Sept. 20.
on the town A SUPPLEMENT TO THE DAILY REPUBLIC
COURTESY PHOTO
Annie Morris started her theater career onstage at age 2. A: For Missouri Street Theatre, [director] Dae Spering gives me some insight and then lets me go with it. She trusts my vision for her vision. We have production meetings and have a design run so I can see the show before I start putting elements into place. I will typically program most of the cues and then adjust as we go through tech week. Q: As it is live theater have you ever run into problems
in the middle of a show? A: Oh yeah, We did “The Rocky Horror Show” in the courtyard outside the Downtown Theatre during the pandemic and the Narrator’s light started to flash on its own. It was the only light and we were in the courtyard so I had no backup. I ran around and unplugged it and we did have a spotlight operator who finagled it and made it work and people didn’t know any better. Sometimes the DMX movers
Publishers: Foy S. McNaughton, T. Burt McNaughton Editor: Todd R. Hansen Contributing Writers: Amy Maginnis-Honey, Todd R. Hansen Project Manager: Nancy Meadows
get a mind of their own and there’s nothing you can do in the moment so I have to solve it at intermission and hope no one pays too much attention. Q: What was your favorite show that you did the lighting design for? A: “SIX: Teen Edition” is right at the top. The girls were insanely talented. That show could have gone on tour. Everything came together from the set to the band to the creative team. The choreographer Kevin Gruwell had them doing moves that you were in awe of. With “SIX” each queen had their own color. I wanted to be different from the Broadway show and touring company. So you develop things to make it your own. And sometimes there are happy accidents where I didn’t mean to do something but it works! Q: You’ve won awards for your onstage work as well as your backstage work. Do you prefer one over the other? A: I love to be on stage and maybe one day I’ll return, but I am really comfortable doing what I am doing behind the scenes. As long as you’re comfortable with what your lighting fixtures can do you can create some really cool stuff. I’ll splash some color here and some more there. People tell me that I paint with light. I look at the stage as my canvas. Fairfield freelance accidental local historian Tony Wade is the author of eight books. Reach Wade at toekneeweighed@gmail.com.
If you have an event on the calendar, send details to amy.maginnis@mcnaughton.media To be featured on the Out on the Town pages, email nancy.meadows@mcnaughton.media For advertising, call Nancy at 707-427-6927
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HEAR, SEE Sunday, October 4, 2026 — DAILY REPUBLIC
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Fall in love with music, dance, more in October DAILY REPUBLIC STAFF DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET
’T
is the season for flamenco, The Papas and Mamas, Solano Winds and Solano Symphony. Here’s a glance at what is happening at local venues in October.
Downtown Theatre “From Spain with Love Presented by Solano Winds,” 3 p.m. today, 1035 Texas St. It marks the debut of Sixto F. Montesinos Jr., who now serves as the Wind’s music and artistic director. For tickets, information, visit https:// solanowinds.org.
Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre Arteritano Foundation - Carmen Flamenco Ballet, 10 a.m. Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. This reimagined Flamenco ballet adaptation of Bizet’s Carmen, created by Angela Arteritano, returns for its third year as part of annual tradition in Vacaville celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Featuring The Arteritano Flamenco Company and students from its professional training program, the productions blends classical music with the power and passion of Flamenco dance. The Solano Symphony Orchestra begins its 40th concert season, 3 p.m. Oct. 11. The theme is “A Shared Love of Music. A Legacy Worth Preserving.” Rossini’s brilliant “Barber of Seville Overture” opens the season, followed by Dvorák’s breathtaking “Cello Concerto” with guest soloist Brady Anderson.
Brady Anderson
There will be plenty of California Dreamin’ as The Papas and Mamas bring some groovy hits at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17. The show takes fans on a vibrant journey through the soundtrack of the late 1960s.
The Papas and Mamas Royal School of Ballet’s Majesty Ballet Theater presents the “Nightmare Before Nutcracker,” 7 p.m. Oct. 23, 1 and 6 p.m. Oct. 24. Classic horror film characters from the Land of Nightmares are transported to The Land of Sweet Dreams to appreciate the entire Act II of the traditional Nutcracker. They will then return home to perform classic Nutcracker Variations to rock renditions of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, including live guitar solos from the Rat King himself. The venue is at 1010 Ulatis Drive. For more information and tickets, visit www.vpat.net.
Journey Downtown Celebrate 100 Years of people with a
night of funk, soul, and dancing inside the historic Clark Theatre, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday (Oct. 9). DJ Chaos kicks things off at 6 p.m. followed by School of Rock Vacaville, a centennial celebration and a live auction. Then the Sly and The Family Stone Memorial Tour brings the band’s legendary sound to the stage. It’s presented by Vacaville Community of Arts, with proceeds supporting local arts and cultural experiences. Tribute bands Journey’s Edge and Def Lepp bring the 1980s tunes, 7 p.m. Oct. 17. Pull out your favorite band tee and warm up those vocals. Bring your friends for a full night of big guitar riffs, and choruses made to be sung together. See Music, Page 5
DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, October 4, 2026
Music
The month ends with hits such as “Dancing Queen” when the The ABBA tribute band Summer Night City performs at 8 p.m. Oct. 30. The venue is at 308 Main St., Vacaville. For tickets and more information, visit https:// journeydowntown.com/events.
Empress Theatre Marquee The Beautiful Hang Gang with April & Monroe Grisman
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icana, soul, reggae and rock ’n’ roll come together for a special night.
From Page 4 Serial Killer Speakeasy returns Oct. 23-24. It’s a chilling immersive experience where four infamous stories unfold live on stage. It’s like stepping inside your favorite true-crime podcast – but with premium cocktails, an ominous atmosphere, and a killer twist.
on the town
Marcelito Pomoy Brass Transit – The Musical Legacy of Chicago performs at 8 p.m. Oct. 17. The band brings together eight accomplished, award-winning musicians devoted to the music of Chicago. Smokehouse, a group of four Bay Area roots musicians, is slated to play at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21. The quartet grew out of a shared love of organ-driven soul, blues and groove music. The Beautiful Hang Gang with April & Monroe Grisman performs at 7 p.m. Oct. 22. Amer-
Marcelito Pomoy, who rose to fame by winning “Pilipinas Got Talent” season 2 with his remarkable performance of “The Prayer,” performs at 5 p.m. Oct. 25. He became internationally known for switching between male and female vocal registers and later brought that signature ability to “America’s Got Talent: The Champions.” The month ends with the Universal Funk Opera featuring The Funky Heroes, at 8 p.m. Oct. 31. The show combines original funk music, costumed characters, visual storytelling, narration and imagery drawn from Andre E. Preston’s graphicnovel universe, “Welcome to the YOUniverse.” The venue is at 324 Virginia St., Vallejo. For tickets and more information, visit https:// empresstheatre.org.
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Sunday, October 4, 2026 — DAILY REPUBLIC
Filmmaker Vinnie Langdon III. COURTESY OF VINNIE LANGDON
DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, October 4, 2026
on the town
Vaca native Vinnie Langdon wraps 1st feature film TODD R. HANSEN
to go to the Grand Old Opry and see Vince Gill and (other) legendary country singers perform,” Langdon said. innie Langdon said he never forgets It was his work in music videos that had caught his roots or his “Vacaville pride.” the eye of Marie, who was a 2016 American Idol He may even choose his hometown as one of the locations for an early peek contestant. She reached out to Langdon, telling at his first feature film, a psychological him she had followed his work and was a fan. Rick Durrenberg remembers Landgon as a thriller, “After the Beep.” 14-year-old who was interested in doing someThe film includes a bit part for Savelina Fanene, better known as Nia Jax in the professional wres- thing like he was doing. “When I was stationed there at Travis, I had tling world. He also is a cousin to Dwayne “The an outdoors show on the local Vacaville commuRock” Johnson. Langdon said he needed someone who would nity access channel,” Durrenberg said. So he helped Langdon get connected, and be scary and intimidating, and Jax filled the role. the next thing the young teen “With this film I was kind knew, he had a microphone in of challenged because most his hand and he was interviewof the short films I have done ing Vacaville officials at the were comedies,” said Langdon, Healing Field event for a comwho lives in northeastern memoration of Sept. 11, 2001. Pennsylvania – a two-hour That was 2004, “and, ride from New York City, and four from Boston. of course, it was live But he was encouraged by and televised.” others to take on the project, so But it also was good enough he battled through getting the to lead to his own show, “The necessary funding, and after Vinnie Landon Show,” a kind 10 months behind the camera, of local entertainment prohe is close to a final product. duction for which he would “So now it is editing time,” interview people at the Pepper — Vinnie Langdon Langdon said. Belly comedy club in FairThe former host of “The field and other venues around Vinnie Langdon Show,” which Solano County. aired on what was a Vacaville access channel He would end up doing a weekly show on at the time, has had a varied career as a writer, Fairfield’s Channel 26, and eventually, started to actor, producer, movie crew member and just expand out to other parts of the state. about every other part in the industry – someDurrenberg remembers he wasn’t even old times all at once. enough to drive, and his mother served as his And the “parts” are getting bigger. camera operator at times. He was nominated for Music Video of the Year “Since then he has produced hundreds of at the recent Josie Music Awards in Nashville. episodes of his program and produced several He produced the video for the song, “One Last music videos for a variety of people and groups. Goodbye,” for Michelle Marie, who won Female He has a lengthy list of experiences on IMDb,” Artist of the Year. The song is from her debut Durrenberg said. album, “Glitter Cowgirl.” Langdon made his move out of California in His production company, Vinnie Langdon 2015. He was 25 years old. Productions, also was nominated as Video ProHe said he loved doing the music videos, duction Company of the Year at the award show. “I didn’t win, but I felt like I won because I got See Native, Page 8 THANSEN@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET
V PHOTOS COURTESY OF VINNIE LANGDON
ABOVE: Vinnie
Langdon and Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach during an episode taping for ’The Vinnie Langdon Show!”
RIGHT: Vinnie
after an interview with Hayley Williams of the band Paramore.
‘With this film I was kind of challenged because most of the short films I have done were comedies.’
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Sunday, October 4, 2026 — DAILY REPUBLIC
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From Page 7
Find a variety of art exhibits at local galleries, museums DAILY REPUBLIC STAFF DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET
Fairfield-Suisun Visual Arts Gallery “Opposites Attract?” runs through Oct. 31 at 1350 Travis Boulevard inside Solano Town Center. The reception and poetry reading is 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 17. Fairfield Poet Laureate Emerita Suzanne Bruce is accepting poems for the exhibit. Choose a piece of art from the show and write a poem to accompany it. Poems must be 42 lines or less. Send your poem to Bruce at fairfieldpoetlaureate.emerita@gmail.com by 5 p.m. Oct. 15. The November exhibit will be the 63rd Annual Nor-Cal Regional Juried Art Show. Drop-off day is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at the gallery. For details about categories, submission requirements and entry fees, visit www.fvaa-arts. org/juried-art-show.
Vacaville Art League and Gallery
Priscila Soares
COURTESY PHOTO
A oil painting by Maria SantoStefano. runs Sundays through Oct. 25. It’s an immersive edition of The Letting Go Art Experience, created and facilitated by MIAS resident artist Priscila Soares. Throughout the month, there are several ways to experience Wonder, including an After Dark Party. The gallery is at 110 Pintado St., Vallejo.
Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Art Gallery “Plein Janes in the Light,” an exhibition of five Plein Air painters, ends Tuesday. The gallery is inside the Benicia Library, 150 E. L St.
Benicia Plein Air
“Ghost” continues through Oct. 31. The reception is 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 24 at 718 E. Monte Vista Ave. Costumes are welcome. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
Oil painter Maria SantoStefano shares her work in the “Golden State,” featuring landscapes painted in the East Bay and beyond. She will donate 20% of October painting sales to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. The gallery is at 307 First St. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
The Vacaville Museum
Arts Benicia
The museum’s next Community Gallery exhibit features up-close photographs of California-native species, including mushrooms, slime molds, plant galls, flora, and small animals. It’s curated by fine art photographer Timothy Boomer and ends on Oct. 31. Hours are 1 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at 213 Buck Ave.
Mare Island Art Studio “Step Into Wonder – The Letting Go Art Experience”
The gallery will host Art Solano 2026, Oct. 24 through Dec. 20. The exhibit celebrates the arts and artists of Solano County, of all 2D and 3D visual media. Find the works at the Commanding Officer’s Quarters, 1 Commandant’s Lane. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
NY2CA Gallery “Show & Tell: Irene Nelson & Nancy Selvin,” Oct. 8 through Nov. 15. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at 617 First St., Benicia.
related interviews and covering the concerts. He branched out to short films, and even combined his skills to start a film festival to save a very old church. Langdon said his family had a connection to the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church on Staten Island, which dates back to 1656. When he heard the church may have to close, he approached the pastor about putting on a film festival as a fundraiser. Those who want their films shown pay, and so do those who come to see them. “So now we are doing our sixth year. We haven’t set a date yet, but it will definitely be next summer,” Langdon said. He said he gets close to 1,000 short film submissions, each 20 minutes or shorter, and they come in from all over the world. Some are from high school and college students, which jolts Langdon back to his early days. “It’s great to see some of these filmmakers getting started, and some of them are just doing it on their smartphones,” Langdon said. The technology and editing software that are available now, he added, makes the task a bit easier than when he was their age. He remembers spending hours at his computer doing the editing work. Now at 36, Langdon said he is hoping to narrow his various roles in the industry a bit. He may still do some acting because he has loved performing since the days of his youth in church and school plays, but he does not want to double down as lighting director and whatever else is needed on the project. And he still wants to make music videos. But more films are likely to be part of his future, too. And the one project he would love to do is a period piece paying homage to shows like “Alfred Hitchcock Presents.” He even sees himself filming it in black and white.
SEE
DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, October 4, 2026
on the town
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Local theater groups offer a variety of live shows DAILY REPUBLIC STAFF DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET
Downtown Theatre On the Fringe Visual and Performing Arts will bring “Wonderlandia” to Fairfield for three shows, 7 p.m. Friday (Oct. 9) and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 10). “Wonderlandia” is a new musical from Theatre For Young Artists that retells the story of Alice through a Latine lens with Folklorico music from across the Latine diaspora.
Actress Selena Nelson will be joined by Coco Stats, the Alice originator. Proceeds will fund a trip to the 2027 Junior Theatre Festival. Find tickets at https://ci.ovationtix. com/36251/production/1289740. Missouri Street Theatre continues its tradition of presenting “The Rocky Horror Show.” The show opens Oct. 18 and ends Oct. 30. In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of
“Little Shop of Horrors” Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. For tickets, and showtimes, visit https://ci.ovationtix.com/36251. The venue is at 1035 Texas St.
Bay Area Stage Step into the wild, witty world of “Little Shop of Horrors” at 515 Broadway St., Vallejo. Meet Seymour, Audrey and the See Theater, Page 17
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OUT! Sunday, October 4, 2026 — DAILY REPUBLIC
on the town
Frank-Lin Distillers 5th Annual Charity Golf Classic Rancho Solano Golf Course | 9.18.26 A benefit for Operation: Care and Comfort, which serves military members, their families and veterans
OUT! on the town
DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, October 4, 2026
on the town
Suisun Valley Rotary 11th Annual Lobster Boil McNaughton Park, Fairfield | 9.26.26
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Sunday, October 4, 2026 — DAILY REPUBLIC
Yolo-Solano artist to be featured during Winters stroll
Recipe
OF THE MONTH
The 9 to 5 Cocktail By Chef Stephanie Seaberg
Like so many people, I have been mourning the loss of a great woman. Last month, we lost the multi-talented Dolly Parton too soon. She represented so much of what we all aspire to be in life; successful, driven, giving and kind. I once read somewhere, “Don’t ever meet your heroes unless your hero is Dolly Parton”. Ain’t that the truth? Traditionally, I would publish a pumpkin recipe for the month of October. However, it seems apt that I would pay my respects to a woman who not only gave us great music and great movies, but also some life changing charities, like the Imagination Library. And fun fact! She wrote two cookbooks. I’ve been taking the time this month to watch some of her films and read her books to find inspiration for this month’s recipe. So, I decided on a hot blended cocktail. Coffee to highlight her greatest film (9 to 5) and a nod to her southern roots (coconut cake). It’s a warm, nutty and toasty drink to get you through the chilly autumn nights ahead. So, go ahead and pour yourself a cup of ambition. You deserve it. And, like the great Dolly said, she will always love you. Please consider donating to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. https://imaginationlibrary.com/ You will need 8 ounces hot fresh coffee 1 ounce coconut rum 2 teaspoons Torrini coconut syrup Cream, milk, or half-and-half of your choosing Whipped cream Toasted coconut flake for garnish
Putting it together In a large coffee cup, combine the coffee, coconut rum, coconut syrup, and cream until well combined. Top with whipped cream and toasted coconut. Serve hot.
DAILY REPUBLIC STAFF
She has been in group and solo art shows in Yolo and Solano counties, and WINTERS — Mary Neri King will be in the Bay Area. Her art pieces have been the guest artist at 1st Street Studio Gallery accepted at the Crocker Art Auction, and the KVIE Art Auction. during the Winters Sue Sheya, flutist, Art & Wine Stroll will be performing set for Oct. 10. at the event. King, who lived in The stroll runs from Winters for 32 years, is 3 to 7 p.m. 1st Street a longtime art educaStudio Gallery is located tor who worked in the at 305 First St. Winters school district. The stroll is free to “My art is a tapestry attend and provides woven of these experian opportunity to meet ences,” King said. COURTESY PHOTO artists, discover origi“I began with watercolor, but in the A landscape painting by Mary nal artwork and enjoy past 10 years, I have Neri King, who will be the guest an afternoon and also turned to acryl- artist at 1st Street Studio Gallery evening celebrating ics. My recent love of during the Winters Art & Wine creativity in downtown Winters. Additional painting plein air has Stroll on Saturday. elevated my work by allowing me to information and a map to all parexpress my passion of the convergence ticipating locations can be found at of art and nature.” www.1ststreetstudiogallery.com/events. DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET
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Kids
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1. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” J.K. Rowling. 2. “Big Nate: Curse of the Puffy Shorts,” Lincoln Pierce. 3. “Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories 2,” Jeff Kinney. 4. “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” J.K. Rowling. 5. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” J.K. Rowling. 6. “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” J.K. Rowling. 7. “Big Nate: Code Red!” Lincoln Pierce. 8. “The Dragonet Prophecy,” Tui T. Sutherland. 9. “Dog Man,” Dav Pilkey. 10. “I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944,” Lauren Tarshis.
DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET
ere are the Top 10 lists for the end of September.
Adults 1. “The Calamity Club,” Kathryn Stockett. 2. “Yesteryear,” Caro Claire Burke. 3. “Theo of Golden,” Allen Levi. 4. “Dungeon Crawler Carl,” Matt Dinniman. 5. “The Divorce,” Freida McFadden. 6. “The Correspondent,” Virginia Evans. 7. “Mad Mabel,” Sally Hepworth. 8. “My Husband’s Wife,” Alice Feeney. 9. “Atmosphere,” Taylor Jenkins Reid. 10. “The Night We Met,” Abby Jiminez.
Author talks (online)
1. “Sunrise on the Reaping,” Suzanne Collins. 2. “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” Sarah J. Maas. 3. “Throne of Glass,” Sarah J. Maas. 4. “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” J.K. Rowling. 5. “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” Suzanne Collins. 6. “The Hunger Games,” Suzanne Collins. 7. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” J.K. Rowling. 8. “The Assassin’s Blade,” Sarah J. Maas. 9. “Heir of Fire,” Sarah J. Maas. 10. “Crown of Midnight,” Sarah J Maas.
• “Pasta with a Twist: A Fresh Take on Italian Classics with Food Network Star Joe Sasto,” 11 a.m. Tuesday, https://libraryc. org/benicialibrary/209419. • “Art in Flight: Reinventing Postmodernism with Smithsonian Curator Carolyn Russo,” 11 a.m. Thursday, https://libraryc. org/benicialibrary/208732. • “Ghosts, Grief, and Growing Up: YA Storytelling with Cherie Dimaline,” 4 p.m. Oct. 22, https://libraryc.org/ benicialibrary/210106. • “Liberated Love: Rewiring Your Heart for Authentic Connection with Mark Groves,” 11 a.m. Oct. 27, https://libraryc.org/ benicialibrary/211480.
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Enjoy mimosas, make memories at 26th annual Author’s Luncheon DAILY REPUBLIC STAFF DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET
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Roline Casper
Courtesy of the Solano County Library.
Teens
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Lisa Towles
Tony Wade
he 26th annual Author’s Luncheon, hosted by the Solano County Library Foundation, is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 2200 Gateway Court. Suzanne Bruce is the mistress of ceremony. Penelope Calderon, an Adult Literacy Program success story, will share how she overcame language barriers to become a successful business owner. Featured authors are: • Chef Roline Casper: An awardwinning chef, restaurateur and cookbook author celebrated for sharing the flavors and traditions of Filipino cuisine. • Ramona L. Thomas: An awardwinning children’s author, educator and literacy advocate who inspires young readers through culturally rich storytelling. Ramona L. Thomas • Lisa Towles: An award-winning crime novelist, podcast host and book coach known for compelling thrillers filled with mystery, suspense and psychological depth. • Hao Tran: An award-winning author who won the 2025 Nomadic Press San Francisco Literary Award for his story “Red Mud.” • Tony Wade: A longtime Fairfield writer, author and “accidental historian” known for bringing Solano County’s colorful local history to life. The keynote speaker is Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson: A Solano Hao Tran County community leader with a background in finance, public service and advocacy for stronger communities. Guests will enjoy mimosas, lunch, author book sales and signings, raffle drawings and live and silent auctions. The Vallejo Jazz Jam Combo will perform. Individual Tickets are $140. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To purchase tickets, visit solanolibraryfoundation.org/shop, call 707-421-8075, or email solanolibraryfoundation@gmail.com.
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G O SEE A MOV I E:
October movies offer performances from Freddie Mercury, Ozzy Osborne DAILY REPUBLIC STAFF DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET
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he October movie premieres continue with a few opening in limited release on Wednesday including: “Love Of Your Life,” the story of a woman whose chance encounter with a man sets a sweeping romance and a future beyond her imagination. Ryan Gosling stars. The film is rated R. “Stormbound,” which thrusts audiences into the heart of the world’s most powerful hurricanes with breathtaking, never-beforeseen footage captured from within. As wind, water and land collide, the film follows storm chaser Jeff Gammons. The film is not rated. “Queen Budapest,” a concert film of Queen’s July 27, 1986, show in Budapest in front of 80,000 ecstatic fans. The concert was part of the famed Magic Tour, which was the last time the band toured with lead singer Freddie Mercury. The film is not rated.
Oct. 9 Jessica Chastain heads up the cast of “Other Mommy,” which centers on a supernatural trip into the darkening world of a young girl as her family, and their home, are haunted by a sinister entity that is determined to take up residence inside her. The film is rated R. “The Social Reckoning” is a companion piece to the hit film “The Social Network.” The film is inspired by the true story of how a young Facebook engineer enlists the help of a Wall Street Journal reporter to go on a dangerous journey that ends up blowing the whistle on the social network’s most guarded secrets. The film
ALEX BAILEY/© 2026 FOCUS FEATURES LLC
From left, Bodhi Rae Breathnach stars as Margaret Dashwood, Daisy Edgar-Jones as Elinor Dashwood and George MacKay as Edward Ferrars in “Sense and Sensibility,” a Focus Features release. is rated R. “Treasure Trekkers” is an animated flick about a 12-year-old adopted monkey in a world ruled by cats and rodents who stumbles upon a magical map that whisks him to the distant land of Empathra. There, he embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins.
The film is rated PG. “Fjord” follows the Gheorghiu family as they settle into new life in a remote Norwegian village, the mother’s birthplace. When the Gheorghius are suspected of disturbing behavior, their lives are thrown into chaos as they become the center of small town scrutiny. The film is not rated.
Opening in limited release are: “Musk,” a documentary about Elon Musk’s life and career, tracing his path from South Africa to becoming one of the most influential and controversial figures in global business. The film is rated R. “Misty Green,” which follows an undeniably talented actress whose vices have derailed every
attempt to revitalize her career. Her best opportunity in ages arrives in the form of a director with the perfect role for her – if it weren’t for their contentious past. With Adam Driver, Chris Rock and Topher Grace. The film is not rated. “The Beast,” the tale of unidenSee Movies, Page 15
DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, October 4, 2026
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From Page 14 tified hostiles who coordinate a coup against the U.S. The president is forced to drive the presidential limousine and unlock the full extent of The Beast’s highly classified offensive. Samuel L. Jackson stars. The film is rated R. “Tenzing,” which centers on the inspirational life of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and his summit of Mount Everest in 1953 alongside fellow outsider New Zealander Edmund Hillary. With Willem Dafoe, Tom Hiddleston and Caitriona Balfe. The film is rated PG. “The North,” an adventure movie about two adults who took a 350-mile walk in their youth. Now, the pair hope to rekindle their once-strong friendship by spending 30 days together in the Scottish Highlands. The film is rated PG-13. “Double Trouble,” a comedy about two quick-witted sisters who suddenly find themselves entangled in a full-blown jewelry heist in Las Vegas. They must recruit a jaded security guard, survive bumbling henchmen, and thwart the mastermind behind it, all before their parents realize they’re missing. The film is rated PG-13. “Angel and The Badman,” in which outlaw Quirt Evans staggers onto a rancher’s land with a bullet in his back. The rancher’s daughter offers him a chance at something he’s never had: a life beyond violence. With Tommy Lee Jones and Zachary Levi. The film is rated PG-13. “A Prayer for the Dying,”
TOMÁS VIEIRA/COURTESY OF ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS
Matilda Lutz in “Crawlers.” which is set in an 1870 Wisconsin town, where Scandinavian settlers are still suffering from the repercussions of the recent Civil War. When faced with a new and even deadlier threat, one man is forced to make a harrowing choice: save his young family or defend the community that gave him a second chance at life and meaning. The film is not rated. “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” a tale about a teen who finds herself caught between her own burgeoning sexual curiosity and the desire for acceptance from an older group of girls. The film is not rated “The Sixty-Year Mission,” a definitive documentary event from executive producer William Shatner that celebrates the creation, cultural influence and
COURTESY OF PRIME
Margaret Qualley and Gabriel Basso Star in “Love of Your Life.”
enduring legacy of “Star Trek.” The film is not rated. “California Schemin’,” which follows two aspiring Scottish MCs who devise an audacious scheme to achieve their dream of a record deal by posing as Californian hip-hop artists. As fame beckons and the lies pile up, their friendship is put to the test. The film is rated R.
Oct. 16 “Whalefall” is the tale of a scuba diver who, while searching for his father’s remains, gets swallowed by an 80-foot, 60-ton sperm whale and has only one hour to escape before his oxygen runs out. With Josh Brolin and Brian Grazer. The film is rated PG-13. “Street Fighter” is set in 1993, when estranged Street Fighters are thrown back into combat when they are recruited for the next World Warrior Tournament: a brutal clash of fists, fate and fury. Jason Momoa stars. The film is rated PG-13. “Sense and Sensibility,” set in Georgian-era England, follows wealthy Mr. Dashwood, who dies and leaves his second wife and three daughters in rather poor shape. The ladies move to a modest cottage where the two older daughters vie for the atten-
tion of various suitors in search of true love. The film is rated PG. “Crawlers” is the tale of an overworked and underappreciated manager of the an apartment complex who discovers a mysterious death. What begins as a suspected viral outbreak quickly spirals into something far more terrifying: a catastrophic infestation of venomous spiders spreading rapidly through the building. The film is not rated. “Poetic License” centers on a former therapist who becomes the object of affection for two college friends, forcing her to reexamine her life. The film is not rated. Opening in limited release are: “You Can’t Leave,” a tale about a young man looking for answers behind his sister’s mysterious disappearance. His journey leads him and a group of friends deep into a remote forest where they become trapped in a supernatural prison. The film is rated R. “You Can See Everything,” a documentary about Silicon Valley founder Elizabeth Holmes, who invites a skeptical film crew to document her every move before she goes to prison. The film is rated R. “Terrestrial,” about a struggling science-fiction writer trying to get his work seen and his voice heard. The dream comes true and
he has a Hollywood Hills mansion. Friends come to celebrate his luck and are quick to believe his outof-nowhere good fortune may be too good to be true. The film is not rated. “La Bola Negra,” which tells the story of three generations of men whose lives are intimately connected through desire, pain and love. With Penelope Cruz and Glenn Close. The film is rated R. “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York,” in which an aging pickpocket plies his trade with ever-diminishing returns in a drastically changed New York. Wallets stuffed with cash have been replaced by easily canceled credit cards. He struggles to make ends meet as he cares for his disabled wife. Giancarlo Esposito, Steve Buscemi, John Turturro and Jamie Lee Curtis star. The film is rated R. “Clean Hands,” which features Zach Braff as a sergeant who leads a taskforce waging war on drugs in a major stop on the “Heroin Highway.” At home, he is a desperate father grappling with his 19-year-old daughter’s escalating addiction from pain meds to heroin. The film is not rated. “Flywheel: Ignition of the Soul,” which follows a smoothtalking used-car salesman whose See Movies, Page 16
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business and life begins to unravel at home and at work. The film is rated PG. “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor,” which follows Dr. Sandeep Kapoor as he becomes closely involved with Anna Nicole Smith during the chaotic final years of her life, facing intense media scrutiny and legal pressure over his role in her care. With Abbie Cornish, Linda Hamilton and Kal Penn. The film is rated R. “Conceivable,” which features Dean Cain the story of a couple in midlife who, with an unexpected pregnancy, must navigate their beliefs, relationships and the support of their community. The film is rated PG-13. “Once Upon A Time In Harlem,” a documentary about genre-defying filmmaker William Greaves who, a decade after his death, has one last trick up his sleeve with what he considered the most important event he captured on film: a 1972 party he engineered with the living luminaries of the Harlem Renaissance. The film is rated PG-13.
Oct. 23 “Clayface” is Matt Hagen’s meteoric rise from Gotham street kid to Hollywood leading man that is tragically cut short when a local crime boss’s actions leave him horribly disfigured. He seeks out a cutting edge treatment that miraculously returns him to his former self, but also unexpectedly affects his grip on reality, spiraling him down a destructive path of all-consuming revenge. The film is rated R. “Wildwood” is a handcrafted epic fantasy that transports audiences into a secret, dangerously alive world. A girl’s desperate quest to save her baby brother unfolds into a spectacular, high-stakes adventure through a forbidden forest full of enchanted creatures, endearing allies and formidable adversaries – where an entire
COURTESY OF AMAZON MGM STUDIOS
Morgana Robinson, left, as Julie and Sacha Baron Cohen as Ali G in “Ali G: Who Iz I?,” from Amazon MGM Studios. hidden realm hangs in the balance. The film is rated PG-13. “Klara and the Sun” stars Jenna Ortega, Taika Waititi and Amy Adams in the story of on an artificial friend who wants nothing more than to find the perfect home. The film is rated PG-13. “Wicker” is set on the outskirts of a village by the sea where a fisherwoman lives – smelly, single and perpetually ridiculed. One day, fed up with her stuffy, small-minded neighbors, she commissions herself a husband to be made from wicker. Peter Dinklage, Alexander Skarsgard and Olivia Colman star. The film is rated R. Opening in limited release are: “Fatherland,” which centers on the relationship between the Nobel Prize-winning writer Thomas Mann and his daughter Erika, an actress, writer and rally driver. In the summer of 1949, at the height of the Cold War, father and daughter embark on a challenging and emotional road trip in a black Buick, taking them across a Germany in ruins. The film is not rated. “Ali G: Who Iz I?,” which finds the character shocked to discover that his long-term girlfriend is eight months pregnant. Faced with an extra mouth to feed, he gets off his batty and heads to America to
reclaim his former glory. The film is rated R. “A Talent for Murder,” in which Helen Mirren and Alden Ehrenreich are opponents in a strange confrontation between a youthful literary agent and “The Talented Mr. Ripley” author Patricia Highsmith. The film is rated R.
Oct. 28 (limited release) “Breeder,” the tale of an eccentric poodle breeder who lures a broke college student to her remote ranch with a promise of research funding. But, as he soon learns, there’s a catch. The film is rated R. “Ozzy & Black Sabbath: Back To The Beginning,” which documents a landmark moment in music history: Ozzy Osbourne’s historic final farewell performance for his fans at Villa Park stadium in his Birmingham hometown– captured just 17 days before his passing. The film is not rated.
Oct. 30 “Christmas at the Kringles” follows the Severson family as they move into a suburban neighborhood and discover that their new neighbors, the Kringles, celebrate Christmas all year long. What initially appears to be an eccentric
but cheerful obsession becomes increasingly unsettling. The film is not rated. “Everest: The Other Side” is the story of elite ski mountaineers who fell deeply in love while reaching the pinnacle of their sport. Their drive sharpened into a shared dream: to climb and ski the direct North Face of Mount Everest – the most difficult and dangerous climb on the mountain and the most coveted ski line on Earth. The film is rated PG-13. Opening in limited release are: “The Mongoose,” which centers on a war hero accused of a crime he didn’t commit. He leads law enforcement on a cross-country car chase with the help of his brothers in arms and a sympathetic public rooting for his getaway. With Liam Neeson and Marisa Tomei. The film is not rated. “Sight & Sound Presents: Joshua Live!,” which gives the audience a chance to journey alongside the people of Israel as they navigate their new-found freedom in an unforgiving wilderness. When Joshua is called to replace Moses as their faithful leader, tensions mount in the midst of dwindling supplies and approaching armies. The film is not rated. “The Mosquito Bowl,” in
which, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, four of America’s top College Football stars set their fame aside to enlist in the Marines. As they prepare for the brutal invasion of Okinawa, they’ll play in a legendary game featuring some of the greatest players in history. With Bill Skarsgard and Brian Grazer. The film is rated R. “Queen at Sea,” the story of a woman and her stepfather as they struggle with a moral issue that divides them. Her mother, who has dementia, lost the ability to make critical decisions in her own best interests. Who is responsible – a spouse, a child, an institution – for making such a determination? The film is not rated. “Gentle Monster,” which features Catherine Deneuve in the story of a concert pianist who must protect her son and confront how little she knows her husband after he’s accused of an unspeakable crime. The film is rated R. For information on Edwards Cinemas in Fairfield, visit www. regmovies.com/theatres/regaledwards-fairfield-imax. For Vacaville showtimes, visit www. brendentheatres.com. For Vallejo showtimes, check www.cinemark. com/theatres/ca-vallejo.
DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, October 4, 2026
“The Addams Family Musical Young@Part”
Theater From Page 9 most outrageous plant ever to take over a stage. Packed with unforgettable songs, dark comedy, romance and outrageous thrills, this musical will have audiences screaming for more. The cast includes Joanna Lynn Costa as Audrey and Victor Barajas as Seymour. They will be joined by Nathaniel Mercier, Orin Scrivello (The Dentist); Scott Slagle, Mushnik; Justin Daily, voice of Audrey II; Perris O’Neil, Urchin/Ronette; Isabella Percy, Urchin/Crystal; Maizzy Patton, Urchin/Chiffon; Ava Butcher, Puppeteer and Rehearsal Assistant and Lorenzo Servente, puppeteer. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.bayareastage.org.
Benicia Theatre Group Clinton Vidal will direct “Run For Your Life,” opening Oct. 16. It closes Nov. 8. The story: John Smith leads a comfortable life, two of them actually. A London cab driver with two wives, two flats and a
meticulously timed schedule, he has kept both worlds perfectly separate. Then a mugging lands him in hospital, both wives come running, and the lies begin to snowball at breakneck speed. For more information, and tickets, visit https://beniciatheatregroup.org. Performances are at the historic BDES Hall, 140 W. J St.
Dixon Community Theatre “The Addams Family Musical Young@Part” welcomes audiences into a one of America’s most memorable families. Performers get underway Friday (Oct.9) and continue weekends through Oct. 18 at 555 College Way. Fore more information, and tickets, visit https://dixoncommunitytheater.org/ youth-theater-1.
Gaslighters Theatrical Company “Holmes Sweet Homicide” is the next murder mystery. Performances are Nov. 6-9 at The Saturday Club, 125 W. Kendal St., Vacaville. For more information, and tickets, visit https://events.ticketleap.com/events/ gaslighterstheatrical.
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‘Digger’ has fully committed Tom Cruise but can’t extract climate change wisdom KATIE WALSH
TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
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he last time Tom Cruise starred in an original movie, not a franchise installment (“Mission: Impossible”) or lega-sequel (“Top Gun: Maverick”), was in 2017, with Doug Liman’s “American Made.” The last time he played a villain was in 2004, in Michael Mann’s “Collateral” – unless you count his heavily made-up turn as shouty movie producer Les Grossman in Ben Stiller’s 2008 comedy “Tropic Thunder.” In fact, Grossman’s probably the closest possible comparison to his latest role, as oil baron Digger Rockwell, in Alejandro González Iñarritu’s “Digger.” Once again, it’s a role that relies on makeup to make the movie star grotesque, and asks Cruise to put his prodigious talents to use in satirizing a truly evil man with a big swinging personality. MOVIE Ross Hatt, left, and Tom Cruise in the movie “Digger.” The curtain rises on a proscenium, our first clue that everyAhmed) arrives, as well as the and digging for black thing in “Digger” is United States President Compson gold in the icy wilds ‘Digger’ artificial, a represen(John Goodman), his Cabinet in of Greenland. ApocaRated R tation or facsimile tow, to tackle the Judy problem. lyptic news from the 128 minutes of reality – a pantoThe scientist is nebbishy, quivoutpost penetrates In theaters mime. Luxe bedroom ering, an easy pushover; the his morning: despite HH (OUT OF FOUR) window drapes politicians and generals a bunch repeated warnings, a reveal a shimmerdisaster has occurred of Bible-beating, warmongering pastoral scene: ing misogynists, frothing at the thanks to his aggresa verdant river valley, dotted jowls. They propose bombing the sive drilling program. An with trees, an ideal image of explosion has flattened the oper- dickens out of Judy like so many nature’s majesty that’s so beauation and sent a massive iceberg Doctors Strangelove, while Dr. tiful it doesn’t even look real. Ganesh frets that we’re long past nicknamed Judy straight for Inside this sleeping chamber any action other than preparedWestern Europe. With rising sea is Digger Rockwell, tending to ness. Digger ultimately decides levels and flood waters immihis ailing, aged cat (an animato leave Europe’s fate to the nent, Digger’s about to have the tronic, of course). Digger’s a wind, and delivers a blistering, blood of millions on his hands. nepo-oilman, continuing the The freewheeling, wiseblame-ridden speech at a riotous work of his daddy and grandlensed camera of longtime international hearing about the daddy, family heirloom shovel Iñarritu collaborator Emmanevent. “You don’t want me to stop in hand. While he’s ensconced uel Lubezki captures the chaos digging!” he accuses the public. that ensues, as Digger’s environin this mansion with beautiful “Digger” is a film about mental adviser Dr. Ganesh (Riz vistas, his company is drilling climate change, but it’s not a
Review
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cautionary tale, rather, it’s an environmental elegy. There’s no call to action other than, “we’re screwed,” unlike that other starstudded climate freakout, Adam McKay’s “Don’t Look Up,” which implored viewers to, metaphorically, “look up.” To continue the comparison, the element that “Digger” and “Don’t Look Up” share is an unpleasantly condescending attitude toward their audience, and an insistence on blaming the individual. “Digger” might suggest that it’s indicting the men in charge, but it eventually reveals itself as going after the little guys – us – too. While everyone might be complicit in some way, we’re not all pulling the same strings. There is another element of the film that suggests a kind of
ire toward an audience simply watching disaster unfold, but that specific mechanism doesn’t need to be revealed here. Suffice to say, the filmmakers don’t seem to hold a lot of respect for the people that merely consume content about climate change while simply accepting the reality of it – perhaps like the people who might be paying money to watch “Digger”? This storytelling structure also functions to build sympathy for Cruise’s character, oddly enough. Perhaps the problem with “Digger” is just too many cooks, and too many ideas, the screenplay attributed to Iñarritu, Alexander Dinelaris, Nicolás Giacobone, Sabrina Berman and Jez Butterworth. The film is a hopelessly muddled misfire that doesn’t know where to place blame for a degrading planet, except for on everyone, everywhere, all at once: oil barons, politicians, greenwashing executives represented by Digger’s sister (Sandra Hüller), consumers. Scientists might be our truth tellers, as seen when Dr. Ganesh finally lets loose after an epic booze binge, but they’re ineffectual. So what are we to do? Pretty much nothing, argues “Digger.” Just sit back, and try to enjoy a satire about the men who ran the planet into the ground while we all stood by. Bleak. Cruise might be fully committed to this bit, with a wild, wacky, epic performance that is, at times, spellbinding, helmed by a four-time Oscar-winning filmmaker, but in terms of its message, “Digger” doesn’t have any worthwhile wisdom to impart. Cruise is digging for that Oscar win with a performance well outside of his wheelhouse, but in terms of sheer cinematic entertainment, “Digger” is one dry well.
DAILY REPUBLIC — Sunday, October 4, 2026
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