heart of stone

The Gentlemen is a mob-style movie with fl air Some weeks there are not a lot of new movie releases. This week we only saw the release of the Gentlemen by Guy Ritchie. In the recent past, Ritchie has had a mixed bag of success with his movies. Mostly recent he was headed in a downward spiral with movies like The Man from U.N.C.L.E and Sherlock Holmes which were a bit of bore and not very well written. However, I was impressed with his last movie Disney’s live action Aladdin, so I hoped that he had indeed found his muse. I was also a little skeptical due to the fact that it isn’t too hard to remake a successful movie with only a few tweaks to the original source material.

The Gentlemen centers around an American expat who is trying to sell off his profi table marijuana empire in the UK in order to retire. As with any criminal enterprise, when the word gets out, everybody tries to get a piece of the pie and he must deal with the repercussions.

I am happy to report that I think Ritchie has indeed found his muse. After only a couple of minutes of introduction, I felt immersed into the world, the characters were memorable and the dialogue was fantastic. I think viewers will be watching this movie just to quote some of the lines - those movies don’t come out very often. Another thing I really enjoyed was the screen writing references. It was good to see his playfulness to incorporate these items in the movie.

Speaking of writing, Ritchie did a good job with the plot. It seems a little convoluted at times, but for the most part it is good storytelling. The characters were brilliant, which I think had a lot to do with the all-star cast for this fi lm. Charlie Hunnam and Colin Farrell steal the show. I also loved Hugh Grant as a sort of narrative and the person who kept the story going. I didn’t recognize him at fi rst due to the makeup but his performance was dynamite as well.

I think the only thing that stopped this from being a great movie was the plot. There were a couple of snags that didn’t make sense to me, or felt a little off. It wasn’t anything that would ruin the enjoyment of the movie, but there were spots that I thought could have been written better for clarity and impact.

Overall, I would give this movie a B (A Good Movie). The question I asked myself was, “Is this actually going to be a good Guy Ritchie fi lm or a bad one?” For the record, I was not a fan of his last couple of movies before Aladdin, but I am happy to report that this fi lm mirrors much of his success with his earlier work like Snatch and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels. We are treated to some unique and cool characters. What helps more is the star power that breathes life into these memorable characters like Matthew McConaughey, Colin Farrell, and Charlie Hunnam. The plot is engaging, if a bit convoluted, but it is not defi nably boring or predictable. If you like mobster movies, or movies were the plot unfolds like a mystery, I would defi nitely take a look at this one. Also, it is a movie that I think will get better with time because the dialogue is so rich and quotable.

The Gentlemen is rated R for violence, language throughout, sexual references and drug content. Guy Ritchie comes back to form as the writer and director of this release. The Gentlemen stars Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, and Michelle Dockery. Contributing Writer Paul Backstrom

Farming is our future L ike a lot of our neighbors, I grew up on my parent’s dairy farm right here in Somerset. My mom and dad milked

around 140 cows with each of us kids helping out when we were old enough- and even when we were not. We still remember the small things from those days; sunlight dancing through air fi lled with fl oating chaff, or the feeling of the new calves sucking on our fi ngers. Personally, I will never forget the feeling of getting kicked in the mouth by Number 34. She ended up being my favorite because that kick moved a couple teeth and, as family legend would have it, she saved me from needing braces. We State Senator Patty Schachtner

still laugh about that.

Though we fought for years to keep it going, my family lost our farm and all our beloved cows to the farm crisis of the 1980s. My husband and I moved off the farm to fi nd work and all my brothers went to work in packaging and fabrication, but you will never take farming out of their blood. Working in agriculture isn’t just a job, it is a way of life and it is slipping out of the reach of too many of our neighbors.

Farming should not be relegated to distant memory in Wisconsin. Our agricultural industry is the bedrock of our state’s economy and the strong communities that we hold so dear. From 4-H fairs to corn mazes, farming is inseparable from our identity. Now, with agriculture at risk, we are fi ghting to make sure that it isn’t just a part of our heritage, but a critical part of our future.

Governor Tony Evers announced a signifi cant reinvestment in rural Wisconsin during his State of the State a few weeks ago. He announced the creation of an Offi ce of Rural Prosperity to coordinate services across agencies, as well as a Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity that will travel the state to get your input and ideas. He also called for an Agriculture Special Session to vote on a package of bills that will provide more staff, programs, and resources to support our state’s farm families.

I know what it feels like to see your cows auctioned off and I would not wish it on anybody. I am so grateful that our Governor is joining us in this fi ght to prevent even more farm closures and provide our agricultural communities with the support they deserve. My colleagues from both sides of the aisle will have to join together so that we can consider these bills as soon as possible. Farm families should not have to wait for our support any longer.

LETTERS: Judeo-Christian morality, American values of diversity

FROM PAGE 6

ating chaos were all reasons to be very wary of a man who looked up to awful dictators as examples of capable leaders. Another reason is his refusal to disclose the possibility that he cheated on his taxes. Of course, those who pursue impeachment dislike this president and the Republicans that support him. As of November 2019, 69,500 children are still being held in camps. He has awarded tax breaks to wealthy corporations. And, now, the funds for education, health care, and social programs for vulnerable citizens are being eroded. He is awarding chunks of the natural environment to developers. He alienates world democracies. He has created a chaotic foreign policy. This puts at risk our world and the soldiers we send to help. More people now are uninsured. He has an acceptance of dangerous prejudice against minorities. He has created a brutal immigration policy that puts to shame American values of diversity and compassion and corrupts Judeo-Christian morality. What’s to like? What’s not to hate?

ST. CROIX VALLEY SENIOR CENTER

Sunday we reached 40 degrees in case you didn’t notice. I went out in my sweatshirt jacket, very nice. It’s nearly time for the old Super Bowl game. Can’t pick the Pack, so will go with the Chiefs. They’re the closest to home I guess. We have the treats already to go. Should be a pleasant evening anyway.

On Feb. 8 the family of Darla Schlueter will be hosting a party for her 80 th birthday at the center. Family and friends are welcome; please call the center or family with an RSVP. Stop by and wish Darla Happy Day in person.

The Senior Center will have their monthly meal for $8 as a celebration for Valentine’s Day on Feb. 16. The menu for this wonderful celebration of love is pork and sauerkra ut. Columnist Pat Willits

Sounds good! Everyone is welcome to join in. It promises to be a lovely evening of good food, cards and friendship

The Hope Foundation: Kids helping kids will be having a spaghetti supper. There will be a silent auction at the same time on Feb. 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. If you want to contribute something for the silent auction it will be appreciated. Come on down and support the Kids.

Bridge is Friday mornings and Mahjong on Wednesday afternoon, always room for more players. Winners for Tuesday 1/28 500: Ray Nelson and Shirley Sims, they also had the 9bid.

Winners for Thursday 1/30 500: Bob Norlander, BrenNel Ward, and Nel Medchill 9 Bid: Ray Nelson

Winners for Sunday 2/2 500: Marlene Menke, Sandy Bishap, Roger Greely and Cathy Smith. 9 bid: Jan Johnson and Mike Kuball.

We are located downtown St. Croix Falls.

THE CAPITOL REPORT

State agency seeks solutions to commercial building permits backlog A persistent backlog of commercial building permits at the Department of Safety and Professional Services has prompted the state’s construction industry and agency leadership to explore solutions to the problem.

For the past several years, the number of plans being reviewed by agency staff has slipped, while the time it takes to conduct these

reviews has been rising. John Schulze, director of legal and government affairs for Associated Builders and Contractors, says members have been raising concerns about the process, which he says “just hasn’t been working.” He told WisBusiness.com that blame has been leveled by Republican lawmakers at Secretary Dawn Crim, who was appointed to the position by Gov. Tony Evers in January 2019. But he noted the problem predates her tenure with the agency.

“I give her credit that she’s tried to address it systemically, rather than just throwing overtime at it,” he said.

In a recent interview, Crim said the agency has been working to determine fl aws in the plan review process and fi x them. “We’ve identifi ed some process improvements that we’re implementing now,” she said. “I believe they will make a difference for our customers and our staff.”

SEE REPORT, PAGE 19

Polk County Sportsmen invite you to a COMMUNITY APPRECIATION DINNER on February 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the American Legion Post #278 in Balsam Lake, WI. All are welcome, no charge.