Sumter Scene March 17, 2019

9

Won’t you be my neighbor? Welcome to ‘The Villages’

The

Sumter Scene March M h 17 1 -M March h 23, 23 2019

12

‘Alita: Battle Angel’ puts up fairly good fight

14

Partners focus on student progress.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Now on Netflix .........2 New on Hulu ............4 Amazon Prime ..........6 Local Events .............8 Puzzles ........... 10 & 11 Movie Schedule ......13

‘The Village’ is an apartment building in new NBC drama

Michaela McManus stars in ‘The Village’ premiering Tuesday on NBC

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The Sumter Scene • March 17 - March 23, 2019 • 1

What’s New NOW on March 19

“Amy Schumer Growing” The actress and comic gives her inimitable take on sex, marriage, pregnancy, the joys of womanhood and personal growth in a stand-up performance recorded last year before a packed house at the Chicago Theatre. (ORIGINAL) March 22

“The Dirt” Rising from the streets of Hollywood to international fame, the iconic rock band Motley Crue’s story of success is recounted in this biographical drama, which is based on their best-selling autobiography. Iwan Rheon, Pete Davidson, Douglas Booth and Machine Gun Kelly star for director Jeff Tremaine (“Bad Grandpa”).

(ORIGINAL) Premiere

“Selling Sunset” The elite real estate agents of the Oppenheim Group do their best to sell the luxurious life to affluent buyers in Los Angeles just as a new agent joins the team in this new unscripted series. (ORIGINAL) Series Premiere

“Queer Eye” The third season of this series reboot brings Karamo Brown, Jonathan Van Ness, Antoni Porowski, Tan France and Bobby Berk from Atlanta to Kansas City, Mo., to help its citizens become the best versions of themselves. Also in store are four episodes in Japan, where Fab Five will work their magic. (ORIGINAL)

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2 • The Sumter Scene • March 17 - March 23, 2019

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Coming Soon “Nate Bargatze: The Tennessee Kid” (March 26) The actor and comic takes aim at life’s absurdities with his characteristic deadpan style in this stand-up special taped in Duluth, Ga. (ORIGINAL) “Osmosis” (March 29) In near-future Paris, a dating app uses personal memories to decode the mysteries of love but is vulnerable to manipulation in this sci-fi series from France.

“Traitors” (March 29) A young Englishwoman helps an enigmatic American agent root out a Russian infiltration of the British government at the end of World War II in this thriller series from across the pond.

“Santa Clarita Diet” (March 29) Sheila (Drew Barrymore) seeks meaning, Joel (Timothy Olyphant) investigates a secret society and Abby (Liv Hewson) struggles with her feelings for Eric (Skyler Gisondo) as this dark comedy heads into its third season. (ORIGINAL)

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What’s New NOW on

Coming Soon “Dollface” (date TBA) Kat Dennings (“2 Broke Girls”) produces and stars in this 10-episode comedy series about a young woman who must deal with her own imagination to rekindle female friendships after her longtime boyfriend dumps her. (ORIGINAL)

March 17 “Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes” Alexis Bloom (“We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks”) produced and directed this 2018 documentary that explores the rise and fall of Roger Ailes, from his early media influence on Richard Nixon’s presidency to his controversial leadership of Fox News.

“Wu-Tang: An American Saga” (date TBA) Alex Tse (“Superfly”) and former Wu-Tang Clan frontman The RZA are the creative forces behind this 10-episode drama series that tells the story of the band’s rise from the crack-ridden streets of early ‘90s New York to become one of the most influential groups in hip-hop history.

(ORIGINAL)

March 18 “Assassination Nation” Four girls cope with chaos and struggle to survive after a malicious data hack exposes the secrets of their small town in this 2018 action comedy from director Sam Levinson (“Another Happy Day”).

Odessa Young, Suki Waterhouse and Joel McHale star.

“Crossing Swords” (date TBA) From the makers of “Robot Chicken” comes this animated comedy series about a goodhearted peasant who lands a coveted job with the royal family, only to discover his new bosses are horndogs, crooks and charlatans. (ORIGINAL)

March 20 “The Act” This seasonal anthology series tells startling, stranger-than-fiction true crime stories. In Season 1, Joey King (“The Kissing Booth”) stars as a girl trying to escape her overprotective mother (Patricia Arquette, “Escape at Dannemora”), a quest that opens a Pandora’s box of secrets and ultimately leads to murder. Chloe Sevigny and AnnaSophia Robb also star. (ORIGINAL) Series Premiere

“Looking for Alaska” (date TBA) Josh Schwartz (“Hart of Dixie,” “The Carrie Diaries”) created this eight-episode limited series that’s based on John Green’s best-seller about a boarding school student who falls for the beguiling coed down the hall.

(ORIGINAL)

“Girl Most Likely” Kristen Wiig stars as a playwright who stages her suicide to win back her ex, only to wind up back in the custody of her gambling-addicted mother (Annette Bening) in this amusing 2013 comedy movie. Matt Dillon, Natasha Lyonne and Darren Criss also star for directors Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini (“American Splendor”).

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What’s New NOW on Coming Soon

March 22

“Cold War” From Polish director Pawel Pawlikowski (“Last Resort”) comes this Oscar-nominated drama about a music director who falls in love with a singer and tries to persuade her to flee 1950s communist Poland for France. Joanna Kulig, Tomasz Kot and Borys Szyc star.

“The Stinky & Dirty Show” Season 2 of this original animated series finds our wheeled heroes continuing to lend a hand to the vehicle residents of Go City, while going on adventures such as taking pictures of fast-moving vehicles, playing a game of “Tag, You’re It” and performing the end of a movie at a drive-in.

(ORIGINAL) Season Premiere

“Acrimony” Taraji P. Henson stars as a loyal wife who turns the tables on her devious husband when it becomes clear she has been betrayed in this 2018 drama movie.

Lyriq Bent, Crystle Stewart and Jazmyn Simon are also in the cast for director Tyler Perry (“The Single Moms Club”)

“Costume Quest” Four friends use their formidable imaginations to unlock a secret magic hidden in their homemade Halloween costumes and battle nougat-munching monsters that lurk in the shadows in this original animated series that is based on a popular video game. (ORIGINAL)

Building Wealth for Over a Century

“American Renegade” (March 29) A team of Navy SEALs discovers treasure in a Bosnian lake in this 2017 actioner from director Steven Quale (“Into the Storm”). J.K. Simmons and Sullivan Stapleton star.

“Outlaws” (March 29) The heir to the throne of an outlaw motorcycle gang must betray its president to save his son’s life in this 2019 crime drama from director Stephen McCallum in his feature film directing debut. Ryan Corr and Abbey Lee star.

“The Boys” (summer, date TBA) Jack Quaid and Karl Urban portray members of a vigilante group targeting reckless superheroes who abuse their powers in this irreverent action series.

(ORIGINAL) “The Power” (date TBA) Teenage girls around the world suddenly develop the power to electrocute people at will in this 10part thriller based on the novel by Naomi Alderman, also the series’ creator.

(ORIGINAL)

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6 • The Sumter Scene • March 17 - March 23, 2019

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The Sumter Scene • March 17 - March 23, 2019 • 7

The Sumter Scene TOURNÉES FILM SERIES: ISMAEL’S GHOST Monday, March 18, 2019 5:30pm to 7:30pm The 2019 Tournées Film Series continues with Ismael’s Ghost.

This film is rated R and includes nudity, sexual content, adult language and themes.

val, SwanCon, March 22-23, 2019.

Free & Open to the public March 18 at 5:30 PM in the Nettles Auditorium

Day 1 - Friday, March 22 Time TBA - Join us for artist panels and lectures at USC Sumter.

There will be a brief discussion about the film after it is finished.

This space is available

marketing@theitem.com

https://www.facebook.com/ events/1138634522961514/ 6TH ANNUAL FARM TO TABLE Thursday, March 21, 2019 6:00pm to 9:00pm Sumter Rotary Club’s annual event to celebrate our local farmers and restauranteurs.

Tickets are $30 in advance (40 at the door) and includes food and beverages. Tickets available at The Sumter Item, Galloway & Moseley, Southern States, Farm Store, Frasier Tire and any Rotary Club Member.

Dress is business casual.

CLARENDON HALL Now Enrolling K-3 to 12th Grades Discounts for New Students

(803) 485-3550 Follow us on CLARENDONHALL.ORG

8 • The Sumter Scene • March 17 - March 23, 2019

Proceeds benefit: CART Fund (Coins for Alzheimer’s Research, 4-H, United Ministries and the Warm Heart Fund at Shaw AFB. For more information, please visit their facebook event page: https:// www.facebook.com/ events/365219494260947/ SWAN CON Friday, March 22, 2019 All Day to Saturday, March 23, 2019 All Day Mark your calendars for Sumter’s Comic Book Festi-

The FREE 2-day event hosted

by USC Sumter and the Sumter County Cultural Commission, celebrates all things comic book and science fiction.

Day 2 - Saturday, March 23 10 AM - 3 PM - Plan to meet & visit with artist panels, vendors, and contents the Sumter County Cultural Center.

For more info visit their Facebook event page... https://www.facebook.com/ events/247143002566383/ NEXT GENERATION LEAHY Friday, March 22, 2019 7:30pm Still all in elementary school, the six Leahy children are accomplished multi-instrumentalists and are set to amaze the audience! Led by their Dad, Doug, and Mom, Jennifer, the live performances by the Leahy Family are filled with high-energy, infectious Celtic-based music. Fiddle, cello, French accordian, singing, piano, step-dancing all find a voice on stage.

And the children, so in love with what they are doing, enamour audiences all across America. Come share the joy and exhilaration of Next Generation Leahy when they visit the Sumter Opera House on March 22nd at 7:30 pm!

Ticket prices are $18 / $24 / $30

Event Calendar

WCA 5K COLOR RUN Saturday, March 23, 2019 8:00am to 1:00pm We are excited for this years 5K Color Run that will be held on Saturday, March 23rd.

This is an untimed FUN Family Event. 100% of proceeds go to playground improvements. The first group of runners will start at 9:00am with staggered groups following in 10 minute increments.

COST: $20.00/adults $10.00/kids(10 & under) $0.00 stroller babies (stroller cover recommended).

Card and cash accepted.

Sorry, no checks.

Registration tables open at 8:00am and close at 12:00pm. Last group of runners will start at 12:15pm. https://www.facebook.com/ events/281019659211978/ ANNUAL KITE FLYING CONTEST Saturday, March 23, 2019 10:00am Patriot Park Soccer Complex-Field 6 380 General Drive, Sumter, SC Registration starts at 10am Contest begins at 11am Contest Categories: Best Homemade Kite Kite with Longest Tail Kite with Shortest Tail Largest Kite Most Colorful Kite Most Unusual Kite Oldest Participant Smallest Kite Youngest Participant Rules:

Each kite must be registered.

Each kite must stay in the air at least one minute.

One kit per event.

Additional Information call the Sumter County Recreation Department - (803) 436-2248 or (803)774-8822 or email: lchambers@sumtercountysc.org.

SC MONSTER TRUCK MADNESS Saturday, March 23, 2019 2:00pm to 4:00pm SC Monster Truck Madness is back at the Sumter American Legion Fairgrounds for the first events of the 2019 season.

Monster Jam star War Wizard is ready to take on local favorite Mrs. Culture Shock.

Also competing we have Nothing But Trouble, Venom and Illuminator! Come early to get a chance to ride the Palmetto Patrol monster ride truck. You will experience the thrills of a monster truck going over dirt mounds and spinning some wild donuts!

There will be food and drink options along with authentic monster truck merchandise.

Admission ticket includes access to the free pit party where you can get up close to the massive monster trucks and get an autograph from all the drivers. Parking is free at the Fairgrounds.

No outside food, drinks, or coolers allowed inside the gate. General admission seating limited. Lawn chairs welcome.

More info and tickets available at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/sc-monster-truck-madness-tickets-54780483902?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse

BY JAY BOBBIN

WEEK OF MARCH 24 TO 30, 2019 THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: AQUARIUS, PISCES AND ARIES

ARIES You’ll start to be weary of dark and dreary weather. Lift your spirits by looking into last minute deals on a beach vacation.

TAURUS You’re due for a cleanup of your circle of friends and should avoid crowds this week. You’ll finally be motivated to complete those little tasks you’ve been putting off.

GEMINI A promotion will advance your career but the responsibilities will be daunting at first. With perseverance, you’ll succeed.

In your love life, you’ll receive a sign of commitment.

CANCER Don’t be afraid of changes at work. Even if it’s hard to fit the required extra training into your schedule, it’ll be worth it and you’ll come out on top.

LEO

Won’t you be my neighbor? Welcome to Michaela McManus

It took a “Village” for some familiar faces to find their next series.

Premiering Tuesday, March 19, the NBC drama “The Village” centers on a Brooklyn apartment building where the residents are particularly bonded. Among them: a nurse (played by “SEAL Team” alum Michaela McManus) who harbors a secret about her teenage daughter’s (Grace Van Dien) parentage; a senior citizen (Dominic Chianese, formerly of “The Sopranos”) who lives with his law-student grandson (Daren Kagasoff); and a couple (Lorraine Toussaint of “Orange Is the New Black” and Frankie Faison of “The Wire”) who serve as emotional anchors for others.

“My favorite part about Sarah is that there’s so much to do, in terms of what she’s going through in her life,” the pleasant McManus says of her “Village” character. “She’s dealing with a lot of emotions, and it’s fun for an actor to play that range.”

A big help, adds McManus, was that she “instantly felt a bond” with co-star Van Dien “which I was so thankful for.

I think it’s such an important relationship on the show, and when you have that chemistry, I feel that it translates onto the screen most of the time. She’s kind of the daughter I always wanted in real life.”

With so many actors of different backgrounds serviced by “The Village,” McManus reports the atmosphere on the set is “pretty magical. The cast gets along incredibly well, and we

‘The Villages’ all had that right from the get-go. Everybody is so talented ... and we never get bored with one another, which is a good sign.”

McManus has a direct link to the forces behind “The Village”: Her husband, “Sons of Anarchy” and “Shades of Blue” veteran Mike Daniels, created the show and is an executive producer of it. She deems the situation “pretty special, having known Mike for as long as I have and having heard about this from the moment it popped into his mind.

It certainly makes me feel even more connected to the material.”

With such other shows as “Aquarius,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “One Tree Hill” in her television history, McManus says she relates to “The Village” through her own home life.

“I live on a street in Los Angeles with so many wonderful neighbors. Next door is an ER doctor who I’ve had come over to my house at 10 p.m. to check on my son if he has a fever. Someone across the street just had a baby, and another person down the street has a couple of dogs, so we’re always trading stories about our dogs. I haven’t had the experience in an apartment complex, but I definitely have it in my little neighborhood.”

With the end of your lease approaching, you’ll start looking into the option of moving and maybe even buying a home.

You’ll find the comfort you’re seeking.

VIRGO Careful how you express yourself because what you say could be misunderstood. At home, some spring cleaning or a fresh coat of paint will lift your spirits.

LIBRA Spring collections are already on sale and you won’t resist the temptation to revitalize your wardrobe this week. You’ll have an opportunity to make yourself happy.

SCORPIO You’ll start the week ready to conquer the world and experience new adventures. You won’t lack ideas for projects both at work and at home.

SAGITTARIUS There will be lots of action surrounding an acquaintance. You’ll feel the need to change up your routine and with warmer weather approaching, you’ll start getting ready for outdoor activities.

CAPRICORN Fatigue and stress have accumulated, so let your partner and loved ones pamper you. You’re allowed to let yourself be spoiled by the ones you love.

AQUARIUS You’ll receive invitations for several different activities this week. If you’re single, you’ll be surrounded by suitors who are trying to impress you.

PISCES You’ll be optimistic about completing a new project. You can be an idealist, but you also work hard to accomplish your goals.

You’ll have the support of your whole family.

The Sumter Scene • March 17 - March 23, 2019 • 9

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Report: Trump lawyers’ letter er to Mueller challenges subpoenaa

BY JONATHAN LEMIRE The Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's lawyers composed a secret 20-page letter to special counsel Robert Mueller to assert that he cannot be forced to testify while arguing that he could not have committed obstruction because he has absolute authority over all federal investigations.

The existence of the letter, which was first reported and posted by The New York Times on Saturday, was a bold assertion of presidential power and another front on which Trump's lawyers have argued that the president can't be subpoenaed in the special counsel's ongoing investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

The letter is dated January

Grasses are the most common cause of allergies.

THE HE ASSOCIATED PRESS

President Donald Trump, center, accompanied by Secretary ary of State Mike Pompeo, left, speaks to members of the media on the South Lawn outside the Oval Office in Washington on Friday after fter meeting with former North Korean military intelligence chief Kim m Yong Chol.

After the meeting Trump announced that the Summit with ith North Korea will go forward. Read the full story at www.theitem.com. m.com.

Department leaking my lawyers letters to the Fake News

d publicly have privately and n that the expressed concern

It’s sneezing zin ng sseason, e but the yellow stuff at causes caus your spring allergies isn’t what

Ragweed is the most common weed allergy.

A doctor can determine whether you have a pollen allergy with a skin scratch test or blood test.

BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com

Allergy shot therapy has been available for more than 100 years.

Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com Four National Bank of South Carolina branch locations in Sumter and one each in Manning and Bishopville will soon get a facelift as the bank transitions its signage and other legal branding to its parent company’s name.

Since January, Synovus has implemented a staggered brand transition across five states of all of its non-Synovus bank divisions, company spokesman Lee Underwood said Friday.

With 38 branches in South Carolina, NBSC will complete that brand transition of signage, business cards, pens and other legal branding this month. The signage transition in Sumter County is scheduled for the middle of the month,

Underwood said.

NBSC was actually founded in Sumter in 1905. Synovus acquired NBSC in 1995.

Currently, NBSC has 340 employees.

Having one brand name will help with marketing and customer recognition across the Southeast, according to Underwood.

NBSC Sumter Market President Melissa White said she was proud of the reputation that NBSC has built in conjunction with Synovus and is looking forward to the future.

“Adopting the Synovus name while maintaining our local, relationship-centered delivery model will increase awareness of our regional presence, our financial capabilities and our ability to meet the needs of customers and prospects,” White said.

‘ ’

POLLEN FACTS

Using central air-conditioning with a HEPA filter attachment can help reduce allergy symptoms.

NBSC sign change coming later this month in tri-county

S

EXCEPTIONAL EXCITING EXPERIENCED

Those who struggle with seasonal allergies suffer this time of year from symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes.

pring brings forth hm many any wonderful w ople fro om na at with its that cause allergies, according to experts. things to people from nature warmer temperatures, but peraaturees, b u there is at Tree pollen peaks in the spring, grass pollen peaks in the summer, and weed pollen peaks least one unwelcome me ccompanion om mpanio each in the fall. year — pollen.

There are actually different types of pollen

SEE POLLEN, PAGE A6

No spring break for detention center students

Why militarization of border isn’t new ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)

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The Sumter Scene • March 17 - March 23, 2019 • 11

Jennifer Connelly’s Top 10 Movies

BY JAY BOBBIN

‘Alita: Battle Angel’ puts up a fairly good fight

BY JAY BOBBIN

“Noah” (2014): A deeply compassionate Naameh, wife of the title character (played by Russell Crowe), is evoked by Connelly in director and co-writer Darren Aronofsky’s biblical epic.

“The Day the Earth Stood Still” (2008): Connelly plays it smart, literally, in this remake as a scientist who investigates and ultimately helps alien visitor Klaatu (Keanu Reeves).

“Blood Diamond” (2006): Appealing and attractive in this adventure, Connelly meshes particularly well with fellow star Leonardo DiCaprio.

“Little Children” (2006): Connelly is both natural and excellent as a filmmaker whose attitude helps drive her husband toward another woman.

“House of Sand and Fog” (2003): Connelly is superb as a woman with a vendetta against the new owner (Ben Kingsley) of the house she was evicted from.

“A Beautiful Mind” (2001): An Oscar was Connelly’s top reward for playing the wife of troubled mathematician John Nash (Russell Crowe).

“Requiem for a Dream” (2000): Connelly gives an image-redefining performance as a desperate heroin user and pusher.

“Inventing the Abbotts” (1997): An engaging Connelly plays one of three upper-crust sisters chased by two brothers who aren’t as wellheeled.

“The Hot Spot” (1990): In a drama directed by Dennis Hopper, an alluring-as-all-getout Connelly is part of a steamy love triangle that also involves Don Johnson and Virginia Madsen.

“Labyrinth” (1986): Very early in her career, Connelly scored a cult hit as the heroine of this Jim Henson-directed fantasy.

With such proven filmmakers as James Cameron and Robert Rodriguez behind it, you’d figure that “Alita: Battle Angel” would be something unique.

It is that visually, at least, thanks especially to the title character – who’s taken from a manga comic-book series – but like Alita, the story is made up of various parts and pieces, drawn from other movies from “Rollerball” to “Short Circuit.” Cameron co-wrote the screenplay, and maybe he meant it to be a tribute to forerunners in the fantasy genre. If not ... well, let’s just say that a whole lot feels familiar here.

The futuristic tale casts Christoph Waltz as a doctor who assembles odds and ends into Alita, who has the memory of a fighter and is played via the motion-capture technique by

“Alita: Battle Angel” Michael B. Jordan

Jamie Lee Curtis

“SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE” The saga of the comic-book world’s most famous “web-slinger” gets an effective reboot in this computer-animated adventure, the recent winner of an Oscar for best animated feature, utilizing many of the original characters ... but also a teenager (voice by Shameik Moore) who wouldn’t mind being the next Spider-Man. He may get that chance when his hero is killed, but different versions of the Marvel icon enter this dimension from other ones, causing considerable complications as the youth tries to control the powers he has gained from his own encounter with a radioactive spider. Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Chris Pine, Nicolas Cage, John Mulaney, Liev Schreiber and Lily Tomlin are among others in the interestingly chosen voice cast. Also represented is the late Marvel legend Stan Lee. ››› (PG: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) 12 • The Sumter Scene • March 17 - March 23, 2019

Rosa Salazar (“American Horror Story”). She becomes involved in a brutal contest that can gain you entry into an elite society, provided that you don’t get dismantled or killed in the process.

As if the game isn’t tough enough, schemers played by Jennifer Connelly and recent “Green Book” Oscar winner Mahershala Ali are plotting its outcome, which does not spell good things for Alita. Her relationship with a human also challenges her to keep her head in the competition.

Conversely, there’s little doubt that moviegoers’ attention will be right where it’s supposed to be while watching the movie, thanks to the look Alita has been given. She’s modified just enough to look surreal as she interacts with flesh-and-blood characters, and that’s all to the credit of the film’s technical team. Some other figures also reflect the just-“off”-enough animation technique, but if it doesn’t work for Alita specifically, the rest is a lost cause.

While the Oscar-laden, Rodriguez-directed cast is impressive, the performers get to do only so much (other than the pivotally involved Salazar) amid all the bountiful action. Waltz could do his role in his sleep, but there’s a certain amount of fun in watching Connelly sink her teeth (and her smoky gazes) into the part of an evildoer.

The style is the biggest selling point of “Alita: Battle Angel,” with the pacing frequently frantic enough to mirror the Rodriguez “Spy Kids” movies. But that’s exactly the thing: Just about everything here reminds you of something that’s been done before, so trying to be original is a battle that “Alita” ultimately loses.

Movie Schedule

“MARY POPPINS RETURNS” Week of March 17

CAPTAIN MARVEL (2019) PG-13, 2 hr 4 min Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

GRETA (2019) R, 1 hr 38 min Drama, Romance, Suspense/Thriller

TYLER PERRY’S A MADEA FAMILY FUNERAL PG-13, 1 hr 42 min Comedy

FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY PG-13, 1 hr 47 min Comedy

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD PG, 1 hr 44 min Action/Adventure, Animated, Family

ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL PG-13, 2 hr 2 min Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

HAPPY DEATH DAY 2U PG-13, 1 hr 40 min Comedy, Horror, Suspense/Thriller

THE LEGO MOVIE 2: THE SECOND PART PG, 1 hr 47 min Action/Adventure, Animated, Comedy

WHAT MEN WANT R, 1 hr 57 min Comedy, Romance

CAPTIVE STATE PG-13, 1 hr 49 min Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Emily Blunt does a credible job in succeeding Julie Andrews in the title role of this 50-years-pluslater Disney sequel, which is filled with numerous delights including appearances by Meryl Streep, Angela Lansbury and original “Poppins” co-star Dick Van Dyke. As Mary floats back into the lives of the now-grown Jane and Michael Banks (Emily Mortimer, Ben Whishaw) to help save the family home, assisting her is Jack, a character along the lines of Van Dyke’s Bert – played by “Hamilton” wunderkind Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose energy is a very big boost to the proceedings here. The songs have just enough freshness while evoking memories of the earlier tunes composed by the Sherman brothers, and overall, director Rob Marshall (“Chicago”) and screenwriter David Magee retain the spirit that any follow-up to the 1964 classic would need. Colin Firth, Julie Walters and David Warner also are featured. ››› (PG: AS) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand)

“NOVA: APOLLO’S DARING MISSION” Debuting on home video in the year that marks the 50th anniversary of man’s first walk on the lunar surface, this recent episode of the PBS science series recalls the first manned mission to the moon. With the Soviet Union eager to claim victory in achieving that aim first, the pressure was on NASA technicians and engineers, leading to a major change in plans for the Apollo 8 operation – and potential perils in the use of technologies that were so new then, unforeseen dangers to the astronauts were definite possibilities. Some of those directly involved in the mission offer their memories of it. ››› (Not rated)

“BECOMING ASTRID” If you know the long-popular character Pippi Longstocking, you’re familiar with the author who created her. This Swedish-German-Danish co-production about Astrid Lindgren traces her life over a range of years, though she’s principally depicted in her late teens by actress Alba August. The eldest of four siblings, she’s a rebel whose open mind gets her a journalistic internship ... and a personal relationship with her editor, resulting in a pregnancy that adds to Lindgren’s experience as someone who lives independently at a time when conventional thinking was much more the norm. Further challenges contribute to the uniqueness of her literary subjects and style. Trine Dyrholm and Bjorn Gustafsson also are in director and co-writer Pernille Fischer Christensen’s cast. ››› (Not rated: AS)

“DETOUR” One of the most renowned film-noir dramas gets Criterion Collection treatment – which will come as a relief to its devotees, since various public-domain editions over the years have offered it in less-than-pristine versions. Released in 1945, directed by Edgar G. Ulmer and adapted by Martin Goldsmith from his own novel, the story plays out as a prolonged flashback reveals how a hitchhiker (played by Tom Neal) assumed the identity of a man who died while giving him a ride ... just the start of the traveler’s troubles, thanks to another hitchhiker (Ann Savage) he became involved with.

DVD extras: theatrical trailer; interview with author Noah Isenberg; “Edgar G. Ulmer: The Man OffScreen” documentary; essay by critic and poet Robert Polito. ››› (Not rated: AS, V)

“MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000: VOLUME 10.2” Though it’s a re-release, this collection of four movies featured of the satirical series that mocks allegedly bad films rates mention again – if only for the often-witty wisecracks by a human and his robot sidekicks (typically seen in silhouette) as they watch the pictures. “Giant Gila Monster,” “Swamp Diamonds” and “Teen-age Strangler” are three of the attractions here. The fourth, “The Giant Spider Invasion,” actually boasts some “name” talent among the creatures generated by a fallen meteorite: Barbara Hale (alias “Perry Mason’s” Della Street) and her husband, Bill Williams, are among the human cast members along with Alan Hale Jr. ... also legendary to fans of classic television as the Skipper on “Gilligan’s Island.” ››› (Not rated: AS, P)

FIVE FEET APART PG-13 Drama, Romance

WONDER PARK PG Action/Adventure, Animated

THE AFTERMATH (2019) R, 1 hr 49 min

(UPCOMING RELEASES)

“AQUAMAN” (March 26) “IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK” (March 26) “SECOND ACT” (March 26) “BUMBLEBEE” (April 2) “THE MULE” (April 2) “VICE” (April 2)

Aquaman

The Sumter Scene • March 17 - March 23, 2019 • 13

The Scene

Partners focus on student progress: Central Carolina Technical College, Alice Drive Middle School start engineering course for grade 7

photos by Micah Green

14 • The Sumter Scene • March 17 - March 23, 2019

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