360 April 17 2014 full by Skagit Publishing

Hunting for egg hunts? We’ve tracked them down for you PAGE 3

Skagit Valley Herald Thursday April 17, 2014

Tulip Festival

Movies

Reviews

Skagit County’s premier event offers something for everyone

Strength of “Heaven is for Real” is the movie’s focus on the family

Music: Ray Price, YG Video Games: “Professor Layton ...”

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Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E2 - Thursday, April 17, 2014

NEW ON DVD THIS WEEK “Black Nativity”: “Black Nativity” rises above the standard holiday film because of the strong writing, acting and music. There’s always going to be a certain amount of sentimentality that comes with such emotional redemption tales. That’s cushioned by the smart choices director Kasi Lemmons makes. The standard approach to this kind of story is to have the protagonist already well down the path of sin. Bringing someone back from such a long and winding road often feels manipulative or forced. Because Lemmons quickly shows that the film’s central figure has a good heart and is only facing bad decisions, the transformation that eventually comes feels real and grounded. “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”: Ben Stiller stars as Mitty, a man who has lived most of his life dreaming of adventure. That’s the nature of Mitty. Despite the film’s endearing qualities, it loses its way when Mitty goes from dreamer to doer. It is a beautifully shot movie. “Nut Job”: “The Nut Job” is filled with colorful woodland creatures that inhabit an idyllic park. Winter’s coming and they are dangerously low on food. A new supply is needed, especially when squirrel loner Surly (voiced by Will Arnett) puts an even bigger damper on the winter menus. The film is strictly fun for kids. Adults may just go nuts waiting for the rather redundant comic humor to end. “The Invisible Woman”: The film shows how Charles Dickens was living a life of great expectations as the perfect father who was also sharing his love with a mistress, Ellen Ternan, better known as Nelly. The film, directed by and starring Ralph Fiennes as the Victorian writer, lovingly turns back the pages on Dickens’ life to show the emotional turmoil that he faced. Fiennes crafts a film that is content to walk around the edges of events so that the focus is more cerebral and less sexual. It’s presented much the same way a novel during the Victorian Era would treat salacious elements, with more innuendo than direct examination. “Philomena”: Judi Dench plays a woman searching for her son. “Better Living Through Chemistry”: Pharmacist starts a drug-and-alcoholfueled affair.

YOUR ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION GUIDE TO WHAT’S GOING ON IN SKAGIT COUNTY AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS

Upcoming movie releases Following is a partial schedule of coming movies on DVD. Release dates are subject to change: APRIL 22 Barefoot - Lionsgate Big Bad Wolves - Magnolia The Suspect - Image

Tuning Up / Page 9

APRIL 29 Bad Country - Sony Devil’s Due - Fox Gimme Shelter - Lionsgate Labor Day - Paramount The Legend of Hercules - Summit / Lionsgate Locker 13 - Arc The Rocket - Kino MAY 6 The Art of the Steal - Anchor Bay Burn - Passion River Still Mine - Fox Veronica Mars - Warner MAY 13 Her - Warner I, Frankenstein - Lionsgate Stalingrad - Sony That Awkward Moment - Sony n McClatchy-Tribune News Service

“Midsomer Murders: Village Case Files”: The English village mystery gets a contemporary spin in this TV series. “Ride Along”: High school security guard (Kevin Hart) must prove his worth on patrol. “Boys of Abu Ghraib”: American soldier forms bond with a prisoner he’s guarding. “The Practice: The Final Season”: Legal drama that paved the way for “Boston Legal.” “Camp Dread”: Director wants to resurrect summer camp horror genre. “Making of a Lady”: Educated but penniless Emily Fox Seton (Lydia Wilson) struggles with love. “Thomas & Friends: Railway Mischief”: There’s trouble on the tracks. “Saint Seiya: Sanctuary”: Follows five mystical warriors called the “Saints.” “Ripper Street: Season Two”: The job of protecting London’s Whitechapel district has never been harder for Detective Inspector Edmund Reid. “Flowers In The Attic”: Mother hides four siblings in the attic. “The Gabby Douglas Story”: Recounts how Douglas overcame obstacles to win Olympic gold. n Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee

CC Adams and Friends performs on Sunday at the La Conner Pantry & Pub

Inside

SUBMISSIONS Email features@skagitpublishing.com, vrichardson@skagitpublishing. com (recreation items) Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday for the following Thursday edition Phone 360-416-2135 Hand-deliver 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Mailing address P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Online events calendar To list your event on our website, visit goskagit.com and look for the Events Calendar on the home page

Tulip Festival Events........................... 4 Earth Day Events................................ 5 Movie Listings, Reviews..................6-7 On Stage, Tuning Up........................8-9 Get Involved...................................... 11 Hot Tickets........................................ 12 At the Lincoln.................................... 13

HAVE A STORY IDEA? w For arts and entertainment, contact Features Editor Craig Parrish at 360-416-2135 or features@skagitpublishing.com w For recreation, contact staff writer Vince Richardson at 360-416-2181 or vrichardson@ skagitpublishing.com TO ADVERTISE 360-424-3251

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, April 17, 2014 - E3

COMMUNITY EASTER BASKET SALE: Island Hospital Auxiliary will have handmade Easter baskets for sale from 9 a.m. to noon today in the 24th Street entrance of Island Hospital, 1211 24th St., Anacortes. Proceeds will benefit programs and services at Island Hospital. 360-293-8393. EASTER EGG COLORING: Decorate Easter eggs from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Alger Community Hall, 18735 Parkview Lane, Alger. Also, enter the coloring contest; winners in three age groups will be announced at the Alger Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 19. 360-724-0340.

EASTER EVENTS

IN THE AREA

CMV EASTER EGG HUNT: Country Meadow Village will host an Easter egg hunt at 2 p.m. Friday, April 18, at the Village, 1501 Collins Road, Sedro-Woolley. Kids ages 10 and younger are welcome. Punch and cookies will be served. Free. 360-8560404. EASTER EGG DASH: The annual egg hunt for ages 12 and younger begins at 6 p.m. Friday, April 18, at Storvik Park, 1110 32nd St., Anacortes. Bring your own basket. Free. 360-293-1918. KIWANIS EGG HUNT: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 19, Maiben Park, 1011 E. Greenleaf Ave., Burlington. Ages 8 and younger can hunt for more than 4,000 eggs filled with candy and toys. Rain or shine. Free. EASTER EGG HUNT: The La Conner Fire Department’s annual Easter Egg Hunt for ages 11 and younger begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 19, in Pioneer Park, La Conner. Free. 360-6614781. CHILDREN’S EGG HUNT: Hillcrest Christian Fellowship will host its annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 19, at 1830 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. Activities include egg hunts for ages 12 and younger, crafts, face art, a bounce house and photos with the Easter Bunny. Free.

360-424-3006 or hillcrestcf.org. NEIGHBORHOOD EGG HUNT: Ages 12 and younger can enjoy an egg hunt, games, photos with the Easter Bunny and more at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 19, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 S. 18th St., Mount Vernon. This event is co-hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church, Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church and Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church. Free. 360-424-3628. ALGER EGG HUNT: Enjoy a potluck brunch and Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 19, at Alger Community Hall, 18735 Parkview Lane, Alger. The hunt will be divided into three age groups. Older kids are invited to use metal detectors to find hidden treasure. 360-724-0340. STANWOOD EASTER

PARADE: The Stanwood Easter Parade will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 19, beginning near the train station at the east end of town and proceeding down Main Street. Everyone is welcome to participate — walkers, bicyclists, old cars, even dogs on leashes. Meet at 10:30 a.m. in the parking lot near the Stanwood train station. No entry fee. 360629-4414. OAK HARBOR EGG HUNT: Concordia Lutheran Church will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 19, at 590 N. Oak Harbor Road, Oak Harbor. Kids from toddlers through preteens are welcome. Free. Rain or shine. 360-6752548. ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT: Skagit Valley Gardens will host its 12th annual Adult Easter Egg Hunt at noon Saturday,

April 19, at 18923 Peter Johnson Road, Mount Vernon. Ages 21 and older are invited to hunt for eggs among the blooming display gardens, with a prize for every egg, children’s activities and more. 360-424-6760 or skagit valleygardens.com. FIND EASTER EGGS: Children up to age 12 can hunt for candy-filled Easter eggs starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Riverfront Park, 1001 River Road, Sedro-Woolley. 360-8551841. TEENS FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT: Burlington teens can search in the dark for eggs starting at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Whitmarsh Fields. The Burlington Healthy Community Coalition will host this H.U.B. Project (Help Unify Burlington) event. Prize donations are needed. 360-757-3311.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E4 - Thursday, April 17, 2014

DISPLAY GARDENS April 17-24: Check out display gardens filled with blooming tulips and more: Tulip Town, 15002 Bradshaw Road, Mount Vernon: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. $5, free for ages 10 and younger. No pets. 360-424-8152. Roozengarde, 15867 Beaver Marsh Road, Mount Vernon: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. $5, $4 military with ID, free for ages 10 and younger. No pets. 360424-8531. Azusa Farm and Gardens, 14904 Highway 20, Mount Vernon: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Display gardens, plants, flowers, art and more. 360-424-1580. Christianson’s Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Gardens, greenhouses, art and more. 360-466-3821. Skagit Valley Gardens, 18923 Peter Johnson Road, Mount Vernon: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Gardens, gifts, cafe and more. 360-424-6760. WSU Discovery Garden, 16650 Highway 536, Mount Vernon: Dawn to dusk daily. Gardens showcasing plants that do well in the Pacific Northwest. Docents are on hand to answer gardening questions on the weekends.

KIWANIS SALMON BARBECUE April 17-24: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Hillcrest Lodge, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon. Alder grilled salmon with baked potato, coleslaw, garlic bread, beverages and dessert. $12 adults, $10 child/senior plate. Visa/MC accepted. Reservations required for groups of 15 or more: 360-202-0926 or kiwanisbbq.com.

POSTER SIGNING Tulip Festival poster artist Luke Tornatzky will sign 2014 festival posters and offer other artwork: n Saturday, April 19: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tulip Town, 15002 Bradshaw Road, Mount Vernon. n Sunday, April 20: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at RoozenGaarde,

31st annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival APRIL 17-24 w For the full month’s listing of events, maps and directions, visit tulipfestival.org

15867 Beaver Marsh Road, Mount Vernon.

MASTER GARDENER ‘STEP-ON’ GUIDES Have a WSU Skagit County Master Gardener act as your tour guide to the Skagit Valley. For reservations, email toni tulip@comcast.net.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM April 17-24: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; 8:30 to 10 a.m. toddler Tuesday; 550 Cascade Mall Drive, Burlington. Activities for ages 10 and younger. $5.25, free for ages younger than 1. 360-757-8888.

HISTORICAL MUSEUM April 17-20, 22-24: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner. Featuring “100 Years of Fashion” through April 28. $5 adults, $4 seniors and ages 6-12; $10 families.

Free for members and ages 5 and younger. 360-466-3365 or skagitcounty.net/museum.

bers and ages 11 and younger. 360-466-4288 or laconnerquilts. com.

MUSEUM OF NORTHWEST ART

ART BASH

April 17-24: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday, MoNA, 121 S. First St., La Conner. The museum’s collections include contemporary art from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska and British Columbia. Free admission. 360-466-4446 or mona museum.org.

April 17-24: Art League North’s annual Fine Art MultiMedia Exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily in the upstairs gallery at The Farmhouse Restaurant, 13724 La Conner-Whitney Road, Mount Vernon. Free admission. 360466-0382 or artleaguenorth. com.

ART IN A PICKLE BARN

April 17-24: Area artists display their work at various sites. Maps available at La Conner Chamber of Commerce and participating merchants. Free. 360-466-3125.

April 17-24: Azusa Farm & Gardens, 14904 Highway 20, Mount Vernon. The 25th annual Skagit Art Association show features award-winning art in a variety of media. The show continues from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Free admission. 360-4241580 or skagitart.org.

ANACORTES QUILT WALK

J & L ART SHOW

LA CONNER SCULPTURE TOUR

April 17-24: See a wide variety of quilts and wearable art garments in downtown Anacortes businesses during regular shop hours. Maps available at participating businesses and the Anacortes Visitors Center. Free. 360-333-9311 or fidalgo islandquilters.com.

DOWNTOWN BURLINGTON ART WALK April 17-24: Check out original artworks along Fairhaven Avenue in downtown Burlington. Tour brochures available at the Visitor Information Center, 520 E. Fairhaven. Free. 360-7559717 or 360-757-0994.

LA CONNER IN BLOOM: TULIP QUILT CHALLENGE April 17-24: Check out tulip-themed quilts and fiber artworks at the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 S. Second St., La Conner. Created and donated by area quilters, all quilts are for sale, with proceeds to benefit restoration and repairs to the Gaches Mansion’s picket fence. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission: $7, $5 students and military with ID, free for mem-

April 17-24: Check out the fifth annual art show at Tulip Valley Winery & Orchard, 16163 Highway 536, Mount Vernon. Local artists show work in a variety of media. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Free admission and parking. 360-708-3170 or face book.com/JLArtShow.

SPRING ART SHOW April 17-20, 23-24: Clayton James, Maggie Wilder and Marty Rogers are the featured artists in the annual Spring Art Show at the River Gallery, 19313 Landing Road (off of Dodge Valley Road), Mount Vernon. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The show also includes works by more than two dozen other local artists. 360-466-4524 or rivergallerywa.com.

ART AT THE SCHOOLHOUSE April 17-24: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Members of the Stanwood Camano Arts Guild offer a variety of original artworks and demonstrations at the historic 1888 schoolhouse at Christianson’s Nursery & See FESTIVAL, Page E7

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, April 17, 2014 - E5

ENVIRONMENT By KIMBERLY CAUVEL @Kimberly_SVH

From the peaks of the North Cascades Mountains to the Skagit River Delta where glacial melt meets with Puget Sound, Skagit County has a wealth of natural beauty to celebrate. Many organizations are offering community events for Earth Day, a national tradition that took hold in 1970. From running on prized public trails, planting trees on the banks of the river, or helping pick up litter on the highway leading to the Cascades and the beaches of Whidbey Island, there are many ways to get involved while spending your time outdoors. Indoors, you can also catch an environment-focused film or lecture. Learn about climate change — perhaps the greatest environmental issue of today — at Skagit Valley College’s Mount Vernon or Whidbey Island campuses. The celebration is set to start this weekend and will last through the week with the first Earth Week in Concrete, organized by the Concrete Chamber of Commerce and KSVU radio station. “The upper Skagit Valley is all about natural beauty, and the community is very into conservation and recycling, so we wanted to celebrate that,” chamber office manager Valerie Lee said.

Cement City Trail Run Hit the pavement running for the benefit of the Concrete School District on Saturday, April 19. Begin at Concrete High School, where registration will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Elementary school-aged kids can participate in a half-mile race around the high school track before the adults take off at 10 a.m. on 5K or 10K routes on the Cascade Trail. More information: earthweek2014. weebly.com or call the Chamber of Commerce at 360-853-8784.

Earth Day planting, ivy pull Help the Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group restore the Skagit River bank in downtown Mount Vernon at Edgewater Park 10 a.m. Saturday, April 19. The group is seeking volunteers to help remove invasive ivy, plant trees and pick up trash. The plantings are an extension of the group’s original restoration effort to create rearing habitat for young salmon, environmental education intern Rebecca Williams said. To RSVP: 360-336-0172.

Earth Day origins

EARTH DAY events in the area

Discovery Day at S-W library Sedro-Woolley Public Library, 802 Ball St., will host its first Discovery Day at noon Saturday, April 19, with an Earth Day theme. The family-friendly event will offer healthy snacks, stories and lessons about nature and the environment.

Climate change discussion A discussion on climate change will take place at noon Tuesday, April 22, in the Knutzen Cardinal Center multipurpose room at Skagit Valley College, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Department of Environmental Conservation Chair Claus Svendsen will lead an interactive presentation about the warming climate. Sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa, Environmental Club, Outdoor Club, Chef’s Club and The Sustainability Committee.

Climate change symposium Skagit Valley College and the Climate Reality Project will sponsor a series of climate change presentations by Pacific Northwest experts at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at the college’s Whidbey Island campus in Oak Harbor. Speakers include University of Washington researcher Ingrid Tohver, graduate student Laura Newcomb, Anacortes Public Works Director Fred Buckenmeyer, Western Washington University geology professor and glacier research Doug Clark, and U.S. Geologic Survey researcher Eric Grossman. Individual discussions will start in Oak Hall, and a general forum will follow in Hayes Hall. For session topics and times, see dl.dropboxusercontent.

com/u/106545284/Climate%20 Change%20Poster.pdf.

Ocean stewardship film Skagit Valley College, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, will show the film “Ocean Frontiers – The Dawn of a New Era in Ocean Stewardship” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, in the Knutzen Cardinal Center multipurpose room, in collaboration with Friends of Skagit Beaches and the Skagit County Marine Resources Committee. A question-and-answer session will follow with representatives from local marine stewardship programs. More information: skagitbeaches.org, or contact Friends of Skagit Beaches president Betty Carteret at 360-299-8553 or friends@skagitbeaches.org.

Highway 20 cleanup Volunteers will take on trash cleanup on sections of Highway 20 at 3 p.m. Monday, April 21; 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 22; and 10 a.m. Saturday, April 26. More information: earthweek2014.weebly.com, or call the Concrete Chamber of Commerce at 360-853-8784.

Earth Day at NAS Whidbey Visit the Can-Do Inn at Rocky Point in Oak Harbor at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, for a presentation on responsible environmental stewardship for the next generation with guest speaker Larry Campbell Sr., Swinomish Tribal Historic Preservation officer. The Washington State University Extension, Island County Health, Whidbey Island Conservation District, Forest City’s Resident Energy Conservation Program, Puget Sound

The first Earth Day took place April 22, 1970, when then-U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin wanted to start a “national teach-in on the environment.” He was devastated by the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, Calif., and hoped he could harness the nation’s energy that was then found in the student antiwar movement. That first Earth Day, 20 million people demonstrated for environmental causes in rallies across the U.S. The events ultimately led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts. n Source: earthday.org

Energy, and NAS Whidbey Island’s Environmental and Energy divisions will provide environment-themed educational displays.

National Park Week Celebrate the history, nature, trails, archeology, and wildlife of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex during National Park Week from April 19-27. The park will host a volunteer cleanup of Colonial Creek Campground on Tuesday, April 22. Volunteers interested in carpooling can meet in Sedro-Woolley at 7:45 a.m. or at the National Park Service compound in Marblemount at 8:45 a.m. To reserve a carpool spot from SedroWoolley, call the Park Headquarters Visitor Information Center at 360-854-7304. Volunteers should bring water, lunch and work gloves. For more information about National Park Week at the North Cascades National Park Service Complex and other National Park Service sites, visit nationparkweek.org.

Earth Day film fest Concrete Theater, 45920 Main St., Concrete, will show two environmentthemed films at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 24: “Who Bombed Judi Bari,” a film about Earth First! activists blamed for a California bombing attack, and “Back to the Garden,” a documentary about back-to-the-land living. The filmmaker of “Back to the Garden” will be available for an audience Q&A. Doors open at 5:30, admission is $10. earthweek2014. weebly.com.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

E6 - Thursday, April 17, 2014

MOVIES

Connor Corum (left) and Greg Kinnear star in “Heaven Is For Real.” Sony Pictures via AP

‘Heaven’s’ depiction of family is for real By RICK BENTLEY The Fresno Bee

“Heaven is for Real” is based on the true story of a 4-year-old Nebraska boy who after major surgery tells his father — a local minister — that he’s been to Heaven. Although there are immediate doubts, people begin to accept the story when the youngster reveals information he only could have been given by those who died before he was born. His tale is inspirational for some and draws the wrath of others, who call it all a fabrication. That becomes a major source of tension in the film. This story is fodder for countless debates. What should not be

‘HEAVEN IS FOR REAL’

HHH Cast: Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly, Connor Corum, Thomas Haden Church Rating: PG, for intense medical situation Running time: 1 hour, 49 minutes

overlooked is the strong story of how a family must — along with this big event — deal with the normal hardships of life. Director Randall Wallace shows — as he did on “Secretariat” and “We Were Soldiers” — that the strength of a movie comes from a focus on family. Even when “Heaven is for Real”

slips into theological mode, Wallace quickly pulls the attention back to how the family members deal with all that’s being thrown at them. Too often in movies, a man of the cloth is either portrayed as being all-knowing or having fallen from grace. Greg Kinnear’s portrayal of Pastor Todd Burpo — the father of the young boy and the leader of the local church — is more human that most church leaders in film. He spends as much time worrying about the mortgage as he does preaching the Gospel. It helps that Wallace gets an equally strong performance from Kelly Reilly as Sonja, the minister’s wife. Wallace doesn’t

sacrifice the paternal and maternal parts of the couple’s lives in the name of their deep spiritual beliefs. Their financial struggles are very reflective of what’s going on across the country and that makes the movie more accessible to those who don’t care as much about the spiritual aspects. Wallace also manages to get a surprisingly good performance from 6-year-old Connor Corum. There’s a very natural feel to the way the youngster acts in scenes — especially when working with Kinnear — that helps fortify the family story. The film is not without flaws. The biggest mistake in the script by Wallace and Chris Parker is the decision to actually show on

film what the youngsters says he saw in Heaven. No matter how reverent the approach, the depiction of angels comes across as a cheesy special effect. And the appearance by Jesus looks like the worst moments from a church Easter production. More clarification would have helped, especially when it comes to how the boy’s announcement shakes the foundation of those who should have a rock-solid faith. All of this chips away at the solid family foundation on which Wallace had built his movie. These aren’t mortal sins. Wallace has created a movie that has a message that goes beyond preaching to the choir. That’s when the work is at its best.

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

Thursday, April 17, 2014 - E7

MOVIES MINI-REVIEWS Compiled from news services. Ratings are one to four stars. “Bad Words” — I loved the misanthrope played by Jason Bateman in his directorial debut, and you might, too, if your sense of humor is just sick enough. A loophole has allowed this big bowl of hate to compete against fourthgraders in a spelling bee, where he spews insults with a deadpan style that leaves his victims speechless. A pitchblack dark comedy. Comedy, R, 89 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” — The more screen time Chris Evans accrues as Captain America, the more engaging the performance. He’s terrific in this adventure, more complex and more compelling than in his 2011 debut. Amid well-choreographed action sequences and a couple of nifty twists and turns, we get another rock-solid chapter in the bigscreen story of Marvel. Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson and Robert Redford co-star. Sci-fi action, PG-13, 136 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Draft Day” — The general manager of the hapless Cleveland Browns (Kevin Costner) tries to coax some star power during the NFL draft in this sentimental, predictable and thoroughly entertaining movie. I would have liked to see less soap-opera subplot (a pregnant girlfriend, an egotistical team owner) and more inside football machinations. Jennifer Garner, Denis Leary, Frank Langella and Chadwick Boseman co-star. Sports drama, PG-13, 110 minutes). HHH “Ender’s Game” — A firstrate cast of wily veterans (Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley) and fresh-faced youngsters (Asa Butterfield of “Hugo”) deliver a rousing, challenging adventure that should satisfy most young fans of the beloved sci-fi novel while keeping the adults engrossed as well. The simulated battles against scary aliens are beautifully shot and expertly choreographed. Sci-fi adventure, PG-13, 114 minutes. HHH “Frozen” — When a queen with icy powers (voice of Idina Menzel) accidentally freezes her kingdom, she runs away

and her intrepid sister (Kristen Bell) goes to find her. Sure to delight kids and captivate adults, Disney’s musical “Frozen” is the instant favorite for the animated feature Oscar. Animated musical, PG, 102 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Hateship Loveship” — Kristen Wiig’s performance as a caretaker duped into believing she’s being courted is so beautifully muted it takes a while to appreciate the loveliness of the notes she’s hitting. She’s playing someone a bit, well, crazy, but her quiet resolve is kind of heroic. She’s pretty awesome. With Guy Pearce, Hailee Steinfeld, Nick Nolte. Drama, R, 101 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Mr. Peabody & Sherman” — The old TV cartoon about a genius dog, his adopted son and their time-traveling adventures becomes a whipsmart, consistently funny and good-natured film with terrific voice performances led by Ty Burrell as Peabody. Lots of sight gags and goofy puns, with some clever one-liners intended for the parents in the audience. Animated adventure, PG, 90 minutes. HHH “Nebraska” — What a joy it is to watch Bruce Dern playing such a miserable SOB in the best role of his long career. Woody Grant is a crabby, boozy, sometimes delusional old guy on a road trip with his son (Will Forte) to collect a sweepstakes prize. Alexander Payne’s latest film is a modern American classic about the dynamic between a father from the generation that didn’t speak about its feelings and a grown son who’s still trying to get his father to explain himself. Stark, beautiful and memorable. Drama, R, 115 minutes. HHHH “Noah” — One of the most dazzling and unforgettable biblical epics ever put on film. Director Darren Aronofsky has delivered an emotionally involving and sometimes loony interpretation of the tale of a God-loving man (Russell Crowe, ferocious and razor-sharp) and his ark. Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winstone, Emma Watson and Anthony Hopkins round out a stellar cast. Biblical epic, PG-13, 131 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Oculus” — Here is a horror movie that will reach out and

AT AREA THEATERS ANACORTES CINEMAS April 18-24 The Mountain Runners (NR): Friday, 7 p.m. (director and producer Q&A) Shatner’s World (NR): Thursday: 7:30 p.m. Transcendence (PG-13): Friday-Saturday: 1:00, 3:30, 6:20, 8:50; Sunday-Thursday: 1:00, 3:30, 6:20 Rio 2 (G): Friday: 1:05, 3:20, 9:00; Saturday: 1:05, 3:20, 6:40, 9:00; SundayWednesday: 1:05, 3:20, 6:40; Thursday: 1:05, 3:20 Captain America: The Winter Soldier (PG13): Friday-Saturday: 12:55, 3:40, 6:30, 9:15; Sunday-Thursday: 12:55, 3:40, 6:30 360-293-6620 BLUE FOX DRIVE-IN Oak Harbor 360-675-5667 CONCRETE THEATRE April 18-20 Noah (PG-13): Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 5 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 4 and 6:30 p.m. 360-941-0403 CASCADE MALL THEATRES Burlington For listings: 888-AMC-4FUN (888-2624386). grab that spot on your spine that produces all the chills. Thanks to the wonderfully twisted style of director Mike Flanagan and four terrific young actors playing brother and sister as children and adults, “Oculus” is one of the more elegant scary movies in recent memory. Horror, R, 105 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “Sabotage” — After stealing $10 million from a drug cartel, elite DEA agents become targets in a brutal, bloody, dark and at times gruesomely funny thriller. The team is played by a strong cast headed by Arnold Schwarzenegger, being typically Arnold, Sam Worthington, Olivia Williams and Terrence Howard. Action thriller, R, 109 minutes. HHH1⁄2 “RoboCop” — The 2014 version of “RoboCop” takes advantage of the superior technology available now, but doesn’t match up to the original when it comes to story and cast. As Alex Murphy, the wounded officer converted into RoboCop, Joel Kinnaman comes across as a wooden human being AND a wooden robot. Sci-fi action, PG-13, 118 minutes. HH

OAK HARBOR CINEMAS April 18-24 Transcendence (PG-13): Friday: 1:00, 3:30, 6:40, 9:10; Saturday: 10:15 AM, 1:00, 3:30, 6:40, 9:10; Sunday: 10:15, 1:00, 3:30, 6:40; Monday-Thursday: 1:00, 3:30, 6:40 Rio 2 (G): Friday: 1:10, 3:50, 6:50, 9:00; Saturday: 10:25, 1:10, 3:50, 6:50, 9:00; Sunday: 10:25, 1:10, 3:50, 6:50; MondayThursday: 1:10, 3:50, 6:50 Captain America: The Winter Soldier (PG-13): Friday: 12:50, 3:40, 6:30, 9:15; Saturday: 10:05, 12:50, 3:40, 6:30, 9:15; Sunday: 10:05, 12:50, 3:40, 6:30; Monday-Thursday: 12:50, 3:40, 6:30 360-279-2226 STANWOOD CINEMAS April 18-24 Shatner’s World (NR): Thursday: 7:30 p.m. Transcendence (PG-13): 1:25, 3:55, 6:30, 9:00 Heaven Is for Real (PG): 1:35, 4:10, 6:35, 9:15 Draft Day (PG-13): Friday-Wednesday: 1:40, 4:00, 6:45, 9:05; Thursday: 1:40, 4:00, 9:05 Rio 2 (G): Friday-Wednesday: 1:30, 3:50, 6:40, 8:55; Thursday: 1:30, 3:50, 6:40 Captain America: The Winter Soldier (PG13): 1:20, 3:40, 6:25, 8:45 360-629-0514

“Son of God” — The first feature in recent memory telling us a life-spanning story of Jesus Christ recounts the events with great reverence but, alas, is not a good movie. The special effects are just OK, and in the title role, Portuguese-born heartthrob Diogo Morgado hits a lot of wrong notes. Historical drama, PG-13, 138 minutes. H1⁄2 “That Awkward Moment” — Strives to straddle the line between breezy, bromantic comedy and “Hangover”esque guy humor – and fails

miserably on both counts. Talented, charismatic actors including Zac Efron and Michael B. Jordan star in a not particularly offensive but utterly unmemorable film. Comedy, R, 94 minutes. H1⁄2 “The Bag Man” — One can’t help but wonder what Robert De Niro and John Cusack saw in the script for “The Bag Man” that made two of our most interesting actors sign up for this irritating mess of a movie. It’s warmed-over Tarantino mixed with a third-rate tribute to the Coen brothers with a dose

of David Lynch-ian madness. Thriller, R, 108 minutes. H “3 Days to Kill” — The term “guilty pleasure” was invented for this kind of movie. Nearly every other scene is so audaciously terrible, you don’t know whether to cringe or chortle. But the star power of Kevin Costner as an aging CIA hit man turns schlock into pure entertainment. Action, PG-13, 117 minutes. HHH “The Railway Man” — Based on the true story of a British Army officer (Colin Firth) in World War II and the Japanese Imperial Army officer who tortured him. This is another prestige film that sometimes feels more like a history assignment than entertainment. Sometimes it’s hard to watch. It’s also hard to imagine anyone watching it and not being deeply moved. Drama, R, 108 minutes. HHH “Under the Skin” — An alien on Earth (Scarlett Johannson) cruises Scotland in a van, hitting on young lads, in a stark mood piece that drills into your psyche and will stay there forever. It’s weird, polarizing work, but I found it the most memorable movie of the first few months of 2014. Sci-fi drama, R, 108 minutes. HHHH “Veronica Mars” — This big-screen update of the Kristen Bell TV series, the result of a Kickstarter campaign, looks and feels like a glorified TV movie, with mostly unexceptional performances and ridiculous plot developments no more innovative than you’d see on a dozen network TV detective shows. Crime comedy, PG-13, 108 minutes. HH

E8 Thursday, April 17, 2014

Thursday, April 17, 2014 E9

Skagit Valley Herald / goskagit.com

ON STAGE in the Skagit Valley and surrounding area April 17-24

TUNING UP Playing at area venues April 17-24 SUNDAY.20

THURSDAY.17 Skip Hamilton: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Big Rock Café, 14779 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. All ages. No cover. 360-4247872.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY.18-19 RICK SPRINGFIELD 8 p.m., Pacific Showroom, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $60-$65. 877-275-2448 or theskagit.com.

CC ADAMS AND FRIENDS 4 to 9 p.m., La Conner Pantry & Pub, 315 Morris St., La Conner. 360-466-4488.

SATURDAY.19 RANDY OXFORD BAND 8 p.m., Conway Muse, Renaissance Room, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $12. 360-445-3000.

Paul Klein: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-354-3600.

FRIDAY.18 The Mike & Guy Show: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360-4226411.

Rivertalk, Sky Colony: 7 p.m., Conway Muse, Renaissance Room, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $12. Proceeds benefit YMCA Oasis Teen Shelter. 360-445-3000.

Cahalen Morrison and Country Hammer: 8 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $8. 360-445-3000.

We Are Awesome: 8 to 11 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

2 Buck Chuck (acoustic classic rock, pop): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448.

Artifakts, MTBTZ, Willdabeast: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5-$7. 360-778-1067.

Marcia Kester: 7 to 10 p.m., Mount Vernon Elks, 2120 Market St., Mount Vernon. 360-848-8882.

Chris Eger Band: 8 p.m., Big Rock Café, 14779 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. All ages. No cover. 360-424-7872.

SATURDAY.19

Thursday.17

Friday.18

Saturday.19

Wednesday.23

THEATER

COMEDY

MUSIC

THEATER

Thursday.24

“Les Miserables” (musical drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com. “1776” (musical): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Drive, Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237 or whidbey playhouse.com.

Comedy Nite: Emmett Montgomery, Cameron Mazzuca and host Randall Ragsdale, 8 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. $10. 360-755-3956 or anacortesH2O.com.

MUSIC

Rick Springfield: 8 p.m., Pacific Showroom, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $60-$65. 877-2752448 or theskagit.com.

THEATER

Rick Springfield: 8 p.m., Pacific Showroom, Skagit Valley Casino Resort, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. $60-$65. 877-2752448 or theskagit.com. “Les Miserables” (musical drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com. “1776” (musical): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Drive, Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237 or whidbey playhouse.com.

Sunday.20 THEATER

“1776” (musical): 2:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Drive, Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237 or whidbey playhouse.com.

Jansen Jazz Band: 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Chamber Hall, 321 Front St., Lynden. $10. 360-354-3600.

Spoonshine: 6 to 9 p.m., Carpenter Creek Winery, 20376 E. Hickox Road, Mount Vernon. $7 cover. 360848-6673.

The Mike & Guy Show: 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Big Lake Bar & Grill, 18247 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. 360422-6411.

THEATER

“Les Miserables” (musical-drama): 7:30 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., Anacortes. $20. 360-293-6829 or acttheatre.com. “1776” (musical): 7:30 p.m., Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Drive, Oak Harbor. $18. 360-679-2237 or whidbey playhouse.com. “Leading Ladies” (comedy): 7 p.m., Nooksack Valley High School Performing Arts Center, 3326 E. Badger Road, Everson. $8. 360-988-4754 or susan. postma@nv.k12.wa.us.

Ken Pickard and Zydeco Explosion: 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., Big Rock Café, 14779 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. All ages. No cover. 360424-7872.

Jill Newman (blues): 8 p.m., Conway Muse, Parlor, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $10. 360-445-3000.

Randy Oxford Band (blues): 8 p.m., Conway Muse, Renaissance Room, 18444 Spruce/Main, Conway. $12. 360-445-3000.

Voyager (’80s metal tribute): 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Winners Lounge, 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow. No cover. 877-275-2448.

Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method: 7:30 p.m., H2O, 314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360755-3956.

Mattney Cook: 8:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

SUNDAY.20 Gary B’s Church of Blues: Jam Night, 6 to 10 p.m., Conway Pub & Eatery, 18611 Main St., Conway. 360-445-4733.

Lane Fernando: 9 p.m. to midnight, Longhorn Saloon & Grill, 5754 Cains Court, Edison. No cover. 360766-6330.

Curse of the Black Tongue, Gypsters, Cat Bomb: 10 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360778-1067.

WEDNESDAY.23 Daisy: 6 p.m., Conway Muse, 18444 Spruce/ Main, Conway. $5. 360-445-3000.

Ron W. Bailey: 5:30 p.m., Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court, Edison. 360-766-6266.

Desperate Measures (classic rock): 6 to 10 p.m., Castle Tavern, 708 Metcalf St., SedroWoolley. No cover. 360-855-2263.

Blues/rock jam with CC Adams and Friends: 4 to 9 p.m., La Conner Pantry & Pub, 315 Morris St., La Conner. 360-4664488.

Fischkopf Sinfoniker, Dead Air Fresheners, Derek M. Johnson, PRND: 7 p.m., The Shakedown, 1212 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. 360-778-1067.

Fidalgo Swing: 6 to 9 p.m., Rockfish Grill, 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes. 360-588-1720.

Margaret Wilder Band: 10 p.m., The Green Frog, 1015 N. State St., Bellingham. $5. acoustic tavern.com.

Bobby Lee McMurray: 6:30 to 8 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360354-3600.

THURSDAY.24 Knut Bell: 6:30 to 8 p.m., Big Rock Café, 14779 Highway 9, Mount Vernon. All ages. No cover. 360-424-7872.

Cheryl Hodge: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center Piano Lounge, 321 Front St., Lynden. No cover. 360-354-3600.