Get Out February 7 2013

WomenSource hosts best-selling author Fawn Germer, page 14

The love

of theater GTA opens three plays for February Fest. PAGE 5 Thursday February 7, 2013

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Thursday, February 7, 2013 | gainesvilletimes.com/getout

arts

Oliver Goldsmith’s “She Stoops to Conquer” is a masterpiece of Restoration Period drama and comes to life on stage at Piedmont College.

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music

The Ludwig Symphony Orchestra presents “A Beethoven Romance For Valentine’s Day” featuring internationally renowned cellist Caroline Nicolas.

PAGE 7 Violinist Sasha Ferreira will perform “Suite for Violin and Organ” at Grace Episcopal Church in Gainesville.

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For Get Out

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on the cover

Gainesville Theatre Alliance brings in guest actors to work with students for “A Raisin in the Sun,” “She Loves Me” and “In Acting Shakespeare” during the February Festival of Theatre.

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Steven Soderbergh disappoints with his last big-screen work, “Side Effects,” as he slips into retirement from film.

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family

The Northeast Georgia History Center brings a little presidential decorum to Gainesville with powdered wigs, cherry pie and scavenger hunts.

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gainesvilletimes.com/getout •

Thursday, February 7, 2013

REGISTER NOW

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for The Gainesville Citizens’ Government Academy Mondays, March 4 – May 6, 6pm-9pm

Class of 2012

For a class schedule and registration form go to www.gainesville.org Registration ends February 22nd.

From the shooting range at the Nationally Accredited Police Department to the driving range at the Chattahoochee Golf Course, find out why Gainesville is a City of Excellence.

Details: 770-531-6598

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Thursday, February 7, 2013 | gainesvilletimes.com/getout

‘Kitty Cams’ reveal feline secrets Researcher to speak at Audubon meet From staff reports The University of Georgia researcher whose “Kitty Cams” project made national news last year will detail some of her findings in “The Effects of Cats on Urban Wildlife” at the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society’s next meeting, set for 7 p.m. Feb. 7 at Sandy Creek Nature Center.

Sonia Hernandez and her colleagues fitted 55 free-roaming, suburban Athens cats with point-ofview cameras to see how often the felines stalked and caught wildlife

and what kinds of dangers the cats faced.

The researchers found that cats spend a lot of time crouching under cars and about half, mostly young males, kill reptiles, rodents and other wildlife.

The study also found the cats hung out with other felines, crossed a lot of streets and explored some unusual low and high places.

Hernandez, an assistant professor of wildlife disease who holds a joint appointment in UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources and the College of Veterinary

Medicine’s Southern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, received funding for the project from a number of sources, including a conservation grant from the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society.

The meeting will be held in the Nature Center’s newly expanded Education and Visitor Center, formerly the ENSAT Center, 205 Old Commerce Road off U.S. 441 north of Athens.

For more information, visit www.oconeeriversaudubon. org, or contact Audubon chapter President Richard Hall at president@ oconeeriversaudubon.org or Publicity Chair Roger Nielsen at publicity@ oconeeriversaudubon.org.

outdoors events

etc events

This week

This week

Sustainable Living Day, Gainesville. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 9. Cedar Hill Enrichment Center, 5735 Dawsonville Highway, Gainesville. Learn practical ways to become self-sufficient. $30-$50. Registration required. Lunch provided or bring your own. 770-8870051.

Hemlock Update and Winter Botany, Helen. Noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 9. Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen. A report on the progress of hemlock woolly adelgid treatment of Eastern hemlock trees will be followed by botanist Jim Sullivan demonstrating how to identify plants using clues available in the winter. Will include a short hike to identify nearby flora.

Register in advance. $15, $5 parking. 706-878-3087.

Upcoming

Pruning Class, Gainesville. Noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 14.

The Gardens on Green, 711 Green St., Gainesville. In case of inclement weather, class will be cancelled.

Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Arbor Day celebration, Gainesville. 10 a.m. Feb. 15. Frances Meadows Aquatic Center, 1545 Community Way, Gainesville.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Safe Boating Course, Flowery Branch. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 16. Auxiliary Operations Center, 6595 Lights Ferry Road, Flowery Branch. Course will be given at the Coast Guard. $40.

770-271-4059, lakelanier.ga@aol.com.

Survival Preparation and Skills Course Series part 3, Helen. 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 16. Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen. The course will include the psychology, planning and equipment necessary for survival; venomous snakes, spiders and insects endemic to Georgia; and survival medicine. $30-$95, $5 parking. 706-878-3087.

Mardi Gras celebration, Clarkesville. 6-11 p.m. Feb. 9. Clarkesville Mill, 583 Grant St., Clarkesville.

706-754-2220.

“The Lunar New Year, Asia Spring Festival,” Gainesville. 8 a.m. Feb. 9.

Brenau University Public Radio WBCX 89.1-FM www.brenau.edu\wbcx.

Special program to honor the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Chinese advocate of democracy.

Traditional music of Japan and Korea.

Buford Lanier Woman’s Club monthly meeting, Buford. 9:30 a.m. second Wednesdays. Buford Community Center, 2200 Buford Highway, Buford.

Meetings start with coffee and fellowship. www. bufordlanierwomansclub. com.

Upcoming

Spay/Neuter Event, Clarkesville. Feb. 14.

4231 B Toccoa Highway, Clarkesville. 770-532-6617.

The Mountain Laurel Quilters Guild monthly

meeting, Clarkesville. Noon.

Feb. 19. Clarkesville United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 1087 Washington St., Clarkesville. 706-782-6020.

Winter Birding in Georgia, Gainesville. 12:30 p.m.

Feb. 21. Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville.

Ornithologist Georgann Schmalz will discuss winter birding in Georgia.

Bring lunch; $10 donation requested. 770-535-1976, www.elachee.org.

Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction Luncheon, Gainesville. 11:30 a.m.

March 12. First United Methodist Church, 2780 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville. Deborah Keith Mack is the honoree. $45.

770-536-8656, www.gshg. org.

Author luncheon, Demorest. Noon. March 16. Piedmont College, 165 Central Ave., Demorest. A fundraiser for the Friends of the Clarkesville Library.

Folk artist Linda Anderson will speak following a catered lunch. Her book, “Flashes of Memory: An Appalachian SelfPortrait” will be available for purchase. Deadline is

get out Northeast Georgia’s entertainment guide

To have your event listed, we must have the following information: ■ The name, time and date of the event, and a short description ■ The location, street address ■ Admission and contact information ■ Send to getout@gainesvilletimes.com ONLY emails will be accepted. No faxes, flyers, mailers or phone calls. The deadline to have your event listed in Get Out is the FRIDAY before the next publication. Listings run at the discretion of the editor.

If you would like to purchase an ad, call Betty Thompson at 770-532-1234 or email bthompson@gainesvilletimes.com

March 13. $25, includes lunch. 706-754-4413.

Farmers market, Suwanee.

Applications due by March 18, when Suwanee Farmers Market annual meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Suwanee City Hall, 330 Town Center Ave. Guidelines and applications are available at www.suwanee.com.

Organic Farming in Georgia, Gainesville. 12:30 p.m. March 21. Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville. Series of three talks by guest speakers sharing knowledge in natural history and environmental policy.

Bring lunch; $10 donation requested. 770-535-1976, www.elachee.org.

Georgia Poetry Circuit Reading, Gainesville. 12:30 p.m. April 9. John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts, Banks Recital Hall, 429 Academy St.,

Gainesville. Free. 770-5346179.

The Brenau Student Fashion Show, Gainesville.

4:30 p.m. April 13. Pearce Auditorium, Brenau University, 500 Washington St. SE, Gainesville. Free.

770-534-6240.

Cornelia Apple Blossom BBQ Festival, Cornelia. April 19-20. KCBS sanctioned BBQ competitions.

17th annual Bear on the Square Mountain Festival, Dahlonega. April 19-21.

244 Wild Turkey Trail, Dahlonega. Celebrates Southern Appalachian music, art and culture.

Free. 706-864-9007, www. bearonthesquare.org.

Symposium: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Problems in Healthcare Delivery, Gainesville. 12:306 p.m. April 20. Brenau University East Campus, 1001 Chestnut St. SE, Gainesville. Free. 678-7076414 or 678-707-5029.

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GTA kicks off theater festival Guest professionals collaborate with students on 3 productions From staff reports This month, the Gainesville Theatre Alliance features the work of three theater professionals working alongside GTA’s college theater students on Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” considered the play that “changed American theatre forever” by the New York Times.

The play is part of GTA’s “tripleplay” February Festival of Theatre, which brings three different plays to three north Georgia theaters, frequently running simultaneously between Feb. 12 and 23.

“A Raisin in the Sun,” directed for GTA by Equity actor, director and educator Victor Love, centers on the Younger family, a struggling AfricanAmerican family living in 1950s southside Chicago. When they receive an insurance check following the death of their patriarch, three generations within the household have different ideas about of what the money should be spent on.

Love has appeared in TV shows such as “West Wing,” “Miami Vice,” “JAG,” and “Melrose Place,” as well as several film roles. His stage appearances include playing Lance Cpl. Harold W. Dawson in “A Few Good Men” at the Music Box Theatre on Broadway and the Duke of Aumerle in “Richard II” at the New York Shakespeare Festival.

Appearing on stage as Lena Younger is professional actress Donna Biscoe. A Georgia native, she has worked around the country on both stage and screen, appearing on television shows like “One Tree Hill.”

“Drop Dead Diva” and “Army Wives,” and in films including “One Missed Call” and “Bly Sky.” Her theater credits include “Doubt” at the Alliance Theatre, “To Kill a Mockingbird” at the Theatrical Outfit, “String of Pearls” at the Horizon Theatre and “Holiday Heart” at the Arena Theatre.

A third professional collaborating on the show is Peggy Stamper, who is designing costumes for the Gainesville Theatre Alliance stage for the first time. Stamper brings more than 25 years of costume design for film, television and theater into her work with the GTA. Stamper designed the costumes for the hit television show “The Walking Dead” and has worked as a designer on numerous movies.

Additional professionals are involved in GTA’s February Theatre Fest as music director for “She Loves Me,” an intimate romantic comedy that runs Feb. 12-23 at Brenau University’s Hosch Theatre. And in James DeVita’s one-man show, “In Acting Shakespeare,” his humorous and inspiring story of transformation from New Jersey longshoreman to Shakespearean actor. DeVita

theater events

SCOTT ROGERS | The Times

performs his show Feb. 22-24 at Buford’s new community center.

Ticket prices for all shows are $16-$18 for adults, $14-$16 for seniors and $10-$12 for students and children, depending on seat location.

Boxes are available with two or four VIP seats for $40 a ticket.

Patrons can select their seats online at www.gainesvilletheatrealliance. org or by calling the box office at 678-717-3624, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Group discounts of 20 percent off for 12 or more people and ADA seating also are available through the GTA Box Office.

“Butterfly Ballad/Balada de las Mariposas,” Lawrenceville.

10 a.m. Feb. 9. Aurora Theatre, 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. $7. 678-2266222, www.auroratheatre. com.

Valley Radio Harmony Show, Sautee. 8 p.m. Feb. 9, 3 p.m. Feb. 10. Theater of SNCA. Free. A meal is served before each show and purchasing a meal guarantees a seat in the theater. 706-878-3300.

“Bob,” Lawrenceville. 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2:30 p.m.

Sundays. Through Feb. 10. Aurora Theatre, 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. $15. 678-226-6222, www. auroratheatre.com.

“Tales of Edgar Allan Poe,” Atlanta. 11 a.m.

Tuesdays to Fridays, 8 p.m.

Thursdays to Saturdays, 5 p.m. Sundays. Feb. 12 through March 3. Center for Puppetry Arts’ Downstairs Theater, 1404 Spring St. NW, Atlanta. $15 members, $25 nonmembers. 404-8733391, www.puppet.org.

“She Loves Me,” Gainesville. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12-16 and 19-23, 2:30 p.m. Feb. 17 and 23.

Hosch Theatre, Brenau University, 429 Academy St., Gainesville. $16-18 for

Poe’s chilling tales of terror take to puppet stage From staff reports Edgar Allan Poe’s tortured psyche is resurrected in “Tales of Edgar Allan Poe,” opening Feb. 12 at the Center for Puppetry Arts’ Downstairs Theater in Atlanta.

Gothic designs, haunting music and shadowy figures breathe life into Poe’s classics “The Raven,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Bells,” “The Black Cat” and “The Cask of

Amontillado,” along with lesserknown works “Berenice,” “The Oval Portrait,” “M.S. Found in a Bottle” and “Lenore.”

Puppeteers Luis Hernandez, Reay Kaplan and Rudy Roushdi bring Poe’s infamous characters to life using a unique “table-top” puppetry style, in which live actors share the stage with the puppets on a multiplaned set.

Music is performed live by

Atlanta-based composer and percussionist Klimchak, who uses unconventional instruments such as wine bottles, saws and didgeridoos to create a ghostly and tension-filled atmosphere.

During the Valentine’s weekend Feb. 14-17, “Oh, Poe is Me!” during evening performances, guests can post “broken-heart valentines” for all to see and have their “Poe-trait” taken in the style of their favorite

adults, $14-16 for seniors and $10-12 for students.

678-717-3624, www. gainesvilletheatrealliance. org.

go o the arts This week

James Hoge and Ashley Campbell star in GTA’s “She Loves Me.”

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tormented novelist.

The show runs Feb. 12 through March 3. Performances are at 11 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday. The show is recommended for ages 12 through adult.

Tickets are $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers. They can be purchased online at www.puppet. org or by calling 404-873-3391.

Upcoming

“Opal’s Baby,” Gainesville.

7:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 15, 16, 21 and 22, 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 17 and 23. Brenau Downtown Center, 301 SW Main St., Gainesville. $17 adults and seniors, $13 students and children.

770-534-8420. www. georgiamountainplayers. org.

“She Stoops to Conquer,” Demorest. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14–16, 2 p.m. Feb. 17.

Swanson Center, Piedmont College, 165 Central Ave., Demorest. $10 adults, $5 students and seniors.

Piedmont College faculty, staff and students are free.

706-778-8500 ext. 1355.

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Thursday, February 7, 2013 | gainesvilletimes.com/getout

Swoon with dysfunction

arts events

Piedmont theater presents play, ‘She Stoops to Conquer’

Art gallery event, Dahlonega. Through March 15. Opening reception 5-8 p.m.

Feb. 7. Grant Searcey Gallery, 106 Public Square N., Dahlonega. Featuring Mary Rose Young. 706-531-8422, gjsearcey@ hotmail.com.

Art Shops, Sautee. 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Thursdays. Feb. 7. Sautee Nachoochee Center, 283 Ga. 255 N, Sautee. Ages 5-13 years old. 4-week session: $50, members $40. 706-768-6311, jevans@snca.org.

Earth Art with Jessi Evans, Sautee. Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28. Sautee Nachoochee Center, 283 Ga. 255 N, Sautee. 706-768-6311, jevans@snca.org.

Black History Art Gallery Celebration, Sandy Springs. Through February.

Reception 4-8 p.m. Feb. 7. Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1025 Mount Vernon Highway NW, Sandy Springs. Featuring work by AfricanAmerican artist Bruce Johnson and members of the Ebony Stitcher’s Quilt Guild. Free.

Mardi Gras fundraiser, Dawsonville. 7 p.m. Feb. 9. Bowen Center for the Arts, 334 Ga. 9 N, Dawsonville. Live jazz combo and dancing, buffet and king cake. Reservations, masks/costumes are required. $25 Dawson Arts Council members, $35 nonmembers. 706-2162787, dawsonarts.org.

Claudia Williams Journal Making, Gainesville. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 13.

Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. Learn the basics of putting together a blank book ready to fill with pictures and words. $55 member,

From staff reports Audiences will get a taste of the 18th century when the Piedmont College Department of Theatre presents “She Stoops to Conquer.”

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14-16; and at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 17, at the Swanson Center in Demorest.

Originally titled “Mistakes of a Night,” the play takes place over the course of one frantic evening.

Following the tales of four lovers, the play offers a celebration of chaos, courtship and the dysfunctional family as misdemeanors multiply, love blossoms and mayhem ensues.

Assistant professor of theater John Spiegel is the director.

Written in 1773 by Irish playwright Oliver Goldsmith, “She Stoops to Conquer” is a masterpiece of Restoration Period drama and performed often in educational and professional theaters.

The Piedmont production strives to create an authentic 18th Century theatrical experience.

Audiences will enter into the Swanson lobby decorated to replicate an 18th Century English marketplace.

The play will take place under chandelier

For Get Out

Melissa Rice and Jacob McKee rehearse a scene from “She Stoops to Conquer,” which opens Feb. 14 at Piedmont College.

lighting with some audience members seated onstage with the actors.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, free to Piedmont College faculty, staff, and students.

For reservations or more information, contact 706-778-8500, ext. 1355.

Dogs go wild for comedy Ventriloquist brings famous act to Athens stage From staff reports Todd Oliver brings his Dogs Gone Wild Tour to Ramsey Concert Hall at the Performing Arts Center in Athens for two performances at 8 p.m.

Feb. 8-9.

Oliver, an awardwinning comedian and

ventriloquist, will be joined onstage by his real life canine pals, Irving, Lucy and Elvis for family-friendly entertainment.

Oliver has made numerous television appearances including “Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Late Late Show with Craig

Ferguson,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “America’s Got Talent” and “Today.”

Tickets are $39 with discounts for UGA students. They can be purchased online at pac. uga.edu or by calling the box office at 706-542-4400 or toll free at 888-289-8497.

This Week

$65 nonmember. 770-536-2575, www. quinlanartscenter.org.

Dreamers/Soñadores exhibit, Oakwood.

Through Feb. 13. Roy C. Moore Art Gallery, University of North Georgia Gainesville campus, 3820 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood. Free. 678-717-3707, ung.edu.

Chattahoochee Woodturners meetings, Gainesville. 6 p.m. second Tuesday of the month, 3738 Anglin Drive, Gainesville.

Each meeting features a live woodturning demonstration. New members welcome.

770-271-8871 www.chattahoochee woodturners.com.

HAHC Second Tuesday Get-together, Helen. Helen Arts and Heritage Center, 25 Chattahoochee St., Helen. Alternates between a History of Helen event and an ART-y Party with a demonstrating artist followed by a shared supper. Free. 706878-3933, www.helenarts.org or info@ helenarts.org.

Yonah Art Guild meeting, Cleveland.

6:30 p.m. second Tuesday of each month, Hallco Credit Union, 379 E. Kytle St., Cleveland. 706-994-7801 or yonahartguild@yahoo.com.

Upcoming

38th annual Fireside Craft/Art Show, Helen. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 16-17.

Unicoi State Park and Lodge, 1788 Highway 356, Helen. $5 parking. 800573-9659 ext. 305.

Marc Chatov workshop, Gainesville.

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 16-18. Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. Basic structure and strengthen fundamentals of drawing, value, color, and composition. $430.

770-536-2575, www.quinlanartscenter. org.

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gainesvilletimes.com/getout | Thursday, February 7, 2013

Ludwig Orchestra strums heart strings From staff reports The Ludwig Symphony Orchestra presents “A Beethoven Romance For Valentine’s Day” gala concert at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center.

The performance features internationally renowned cellist Caroline Nicolas performing the popular Boccherini Cello Concerto in B flat; San Francisco Opera House baritone Igor Vieira interpreting arias of Mozart, Wagner and Bizet’s exciting “Toreador Song” from Carmen; and 14-year old violin prodigy Tracy Du in her debut with the Saint-Saens Violin Concerto No. 3.

Nicolas first made her mark in the music world by winning eight gold medals at the Royal Conservatory of Music in London. After graduating two years later from the Conservatoire National Superieur in Paris, she

had a solo debut with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra where critics spoke of “her eloquent artistry and rich, vibrant sound.”

She has performed in France, England, Shanghai, Canada and the United States. She was the youngest winner of the Grand Forks Symphony International Young Artist Competition and is a regular performer at the Aspen Music Festival.

Brazil’s Vieira is was a worldfinalist in the Luciano Pavarotti Voice Competition, and last season sang opposite soprano Renee Fleming in Donizetti’s “Lucrezia Borgia.” He has professionally performed 69 different operatic roles with such companies as the Teatro Municipal of Rio de Janeiro-Brazil, Opera du VillecrozeFrance, Teatro Barakaldo-Spain, San Francisco Lyric Opera, Fremont Opera, Sacramento Opera and the

concert calendar This week

The Tom and Juli Show, Dahlonega. 7 p.m. Feb. 7. Free.

The Crimson Moon Cafe, 24 N. Park St., Dahlonega.

706-864-3982, www.thecrimsonmoon.com.

An Evening of Spanish Poetry and Music, Atlanta. 5:30 p.m. Feb. 7. Rialto Center Lobby, 80 Forsyth St. NW, Atlanta. Free.

Grand Re-opening With The Buzzard Mountain Boys, Dahlonega. 7-9 p.m. Feb. 8. $12. The Crimson Moon Cafe, 24 N. Park St., Dahlonega. 706-864-3982, www. thecrimsonmoon.com.

Chamber Recital, Atlanta. 8 p.m. Feb. 8. Kopleff Recital Hall, 30 Courtland St. SE, Atlanta. Featuring Pepe Romero, guitar and Alberto Urroz, piano. Free.

Traditional Jam, Dahlonega. 2-4 p.m. Feb. 9. Free. The Crimson Moon Cafe, 24 N. Park St., Dahlonega. 706864-3982, www.thecrimsonmoon.com.

Jason Connelly Band, Dahlonega. 8:30 p.m. Feb. 9. $10. The Crimson Moon Cafe, 24 N. Park St., Dahlonega. 706-864-3982, www.thecrimsonmoon. com.

Landeros voice recital, Demorest. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9.

Piedmont College Chapel, 165 Central Ave., Demorest.

Accompanied by Joy Hayner on piano.

Second Sunday Old Time Jam, Dahlonega. 2-5 p.m.

Feb. 10. Free. The Crimson Moon Cafe, 24 N. Park St., Dahlonega. 706-864-3982, www.thecrimsonmoon. com.

University Symphony Orchestra with guest artist Pepe Romero, Atlanta. 3 p.m. Feb. 10. Rialto Center for the Arts, 80 Forsyth St. NW, Atlanta. Free. www.music. gsu.edu.

Berkeley Opera.

Du will perform the first movement of Saint-Saens. An honors student at Johns Creek High School, Du is a member of the Ludwig Symphony Orchestra.

Maestro Thomas Ludwig, former music director of the New York City Symphony and resident conductor for the American Ballet Theatre with Mikhail Baryshnikov at the Metropolitan Opera House, will lead the 80-piece orchestra in a program that includes the stirring Beethoven Overture to Fidelio and the majestic Brahms Symphony No. 2. In keeping with the spirit of Valentine’s Day, every woman will be given a rose.

Tickets may be purchased by calling 770-623-8623 or www. ludwigsymphony.org. Tickets are $22 adult, $19 seniors and $12 students (under 22).

The King’s Singers to perform in Athens From staff reports The UGA Performing Arts Center will present The King’s Singers at 8 p.m. Feb. 11 in Hodgson Concert Hall.

The Grammy-winning British a cappella ensemble has been performing for more than 40 years and made more than 150 recordings.

Throughout their career, The King’s Singers have appeared in some of the world’s most famous concert halls, including the Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall and the Berlin Philharmonie. Their 2013 touring schedule takes them to Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, the United States, Canada, Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, the United Arab Emirates,

Switzerland and Finland.

The ensemble has been honored with two Grammy Awards, winning in 2009 for Best Crossover Album and in 2012 for Best Choral Performance.

Equally adept at classical and contemporary repertoire, The King’s Singers’ incorporate music from Bach to the Beatles.

The six members of the group are countertenors David Hurley and Timothy Wayne-Wright, tenor Paul Phoenix, baritones Christopher Bruerton and Christopher Gabbitas, and bass Jonathan Howard.

Tickets are $20-$39 with discounts for UGA students.

They can be purchased online at pac.uga.edu or by calling the box office at 706-542-4400 or toll free at 888-289-8497.

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Ferreira headlines concert From staff reports

go o music

Violinist Sasha Ferreira will perform a free concert at 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, at Grace Episcopal Church, Grace Episcopal Church, 422 Brenau Ave. in Gainesville.

The concert will feature selections for solo violin, along with a rendering of the complete “Suite for Violin and Organ” by Josef Rheinberger.

Ferreira began his violin studies in Cuba and Peru.

He moved to the United States in 2007 and obtained his master of music degree in violin performance at the University of Southern Mississippi and his doctoral degree in violin and viola performance from The University of Georgia.

The concert is open to the public. A reception will follow the performance. For more information and directions, visit www.gracechurchgainesville.org.

get out Thursday, February 7, 2013

8-9

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movies

family

Grand Re-opening With The Buzzard Mountain Boys, Dahlonega. 7-9 p.m. Feb. 8. $12. The Crimson Moon Cafe, 24 N. Park St., Dahlonega. 706-864-3982, www.thecrimsonmoon.com.

Valentine’s Day Week Crafting, Gainesville. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 7-8. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, 999 Chestnut St. SE, Gainesville. $1 with paid admission to museum, INK Members are free. 770-536-1900.

Landeros voice recital, Demorest. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9.

Piedmont College Chapel, 165 Central Ave., Demorest.

Accompanied by Joy Hayner on piano.

rEviEw, 10

As a straightforward genre piece, the movie fits with Steven Soderbergh’s recent work, except it lacks the immediacy, plausibility and expert compositions that are his trademarks. “Side Effects” begins as a solid thriller but devolves into something on par with “Wild Things” or “Body Double.” It’s lurid, exploitative and unintentionally hilarious.

For Get Out

PAGE 14

The Northeast Georgia History Center is hosting Family Day from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 with activities for all ages.

Hands-on activities and an interactive exhibit on presidential trivia will take place starting at 1 p.m.

Family Day.

‘Side Effects’

Father-Daughter Valentine’s Day Dance, Gainesville. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Feb. 9. Mulberry Creek Community Center, Gainesville. Children ages 4-12. $15 per couple, $5 for additional daughter. Space limited and reservations required.

770-965-7140.

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

weekeND plANNeR

Northeast Georgia’s entertainment guide

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Associated Press

Valley Radio Harmony Show, Sautee. 8 p.m. Feb. 9, 3 p.m. Feb. 10. Theater of SNCA. Free. A meal is served before each show and purchasing a meal guarantees a seat in the theater. 706-878-3300.

Mardi Gras fundraiser, Dawsonville. 7 p.m. Feb. 9. Bowen Center for the Arts, 334 Ga. 9 N, Dawsonville. Live jazz combo and dancing, buffet and king cake. Reservations, masks/ costumes are required. $25 Dawson Arts Council members, $35 nonmembers. 706216-2787, dawsonarts.org.

For Get Out

Sasha Ferreira Concert, Gainesville. 5 p.m. Feb. 10.

Grace Episcopal Church, 422 Brenau Ave., Gainesville. The concert will feature several selections for solo violin and complete Suite for Violin and Organ by Josef Rheinberger.

Free. 770-536-0126, www. gracechurchgainesville.org.

Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction Luncheon, Gainesville. 11:30 a.m. March 12. First United Methodist Church, 2780 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville. Deborah Keith Mack is the honoree. $45. 770-536-8656, www.gshg.org.

Quinlan Visual Arts Center 35th annual Gala Art Auction, Gainesville. Feb. 28 through March 2. Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. Original art work by local, regional and national talents juried by acclaimed art appraiser Robert Morring of Atlanta. $125.

770-536-2575, www.quinlanartscenter.org.

Winter Birding in Georgia, Gainesville. 12:30 p.m. Feb. 21. Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville. Ornithologist Georgann Schmalz will discuss winter birding in Georgia. Bring lunch; $10 donation requested.

770-535-1976, www.elachee.org.

Russo & Noe: Valentine’s Evening with the music of Sinatra and Martin, Dahlonega. 8 p.m. Feb. 14. The Historic Holly Theater, 69 W. Main St., Dahlonega. Relive the fun and romance of a 1961 Vegas evening. Adults $18, children and students $12. www.hollytheater.com.

History Forum: Let’s Travel Back in Time: Our Local African American Heroes, Gainesville. 7 p.m. Feb. 12, Storytelling led by Andre’ Cheek and several members of the African-American community. $3 for nonmembers and free for members. Northeast Georgia History Center, 322 Academy St., NE Gainesville. 770-297-5900 or jcarson@brenau.edu.

lOOkING AHeAD

“Bob,” Lawrenceville. 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Through Feb. 10.

Aurora Theatre, 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. $15. 678-226-6222, www.auroratheatre.com.

“Black is Beautiful” art exhibit, Gainesville. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Inman Perk Café, 102 Washington St. SW, Gainesville; Northeast Georgia History Center 322 Academy St. NE, Gainesville. African-American portraits. $3-$5. www.negahc.org.

TUeS: Feb. 14: Feb. 21: Feb. 28: MARcH 12:

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arts

music

For Get Out

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go o movies Thursday, February 7, 2013

Thursday, February 7, 2013 | gainesvilletimes.com/getout

Director’s swan song out of tune JEFF MARKER jmarker@gsc.edu

Film Review Steven Soderbergh has built one of my favorite careers of all time. Few directors have ever or will ever match the quantity, quality and diversity of his work.

Since he first announced his presence with “Sex, Lies, and Videotape” in 1989, he has directed 27 feature films plus numerous shorts and television episodes. I don’t know of another contemporary director who has managed that pace for the same period of time.

But Soderbergh is not a typical director. He is the model of a complete filmmaker, mastering every aspect of filmmaking.

He often serves as his own cinematographer and camera operator (this is exceedingly rare), edits many of his own movies and has scripted several films. He has also worked steadily as a producer since the late 1990s.

His work shows incredible range, too. His career highs include “Out of Sight,” “The Limey,” “Erin Brockovich,” “Traffic,” the “Ocean’s Eleven” trilogy and “Contagion.”

Soderbergh has also used the protection of his box office successes to pursue riskier projects with little commercial appeal.

After working with a cast of huge stars in “Ocean’s Twelve,” he used an amateur cast in the surprisingly compelling thriller “Bubble” (2006). A year later, he made the film noir “The Good German,” set in post-World War II Berlin and shot in black and

‘Side Effects’

Barry Wetcher | Open Road Films/Associated Press

This film image released by Open Road Films shows Rooney Mara in a scene from “Side Effects.”

white.

He followed “Ocean’s Thirteen” (2007) with a twopart biopic of Che Guevara that clocks in at just under five hours. He then cast adult actress Sasha Grey in “The Girlfriend Experience” (2009) and in the same year released the beguiling, ambiguous whistleblower comedy “The Informant!”

Soderbergh has recently turned to more conventional genre pieces, bringing something novel to each one.

“Contagion” is a disaster movie built around a viral epidemic, but Soderbergh avoids the hyperbole and predictability of the genre.

“Haywire” is a rogue spy movie made unique by the casting of mixed martial arts star Gina Carano.

Yes, Mr. Soderbergh has been

a busy man. You’d think all of that work would eventually wear a person down, wouldn’t you?

Well, it turns out it does.

Soderbergh has famously announced that he will soon retire from filmmaking. His final film will be the Liberace biopic “Behind the Candelabra,” to be released on HBO later this year.

“Side Effects” is therefore Soderbergh’s theatrical swan song, and if this movie proves anything, it’s that Soderbergh does need a break. He has always managed to bring something special to each of his projects — until now.

This psychological thriller begins with a promising enough premise. Emily (Rooney Mara) has waited loyally while her husband Martin (Channing Tatum) serves a prison sentence for an insider trading conviction.

Martin returns home, and

Emily’s depression suddenly rears its head with lethal results.

She begins seeing psychiatrist Dr. Banks (Jude Law), who prescribes a new medication.

Soon, Emily is embroiled in a murder trial, and the question is whether she acted consciously or was sleepwalking, one of the side effects of the drug.

As a straightforward genre piece, the movie fits with Soderbergh’s recent work, except it lacks the immediacy, plausibility and expert compositions that are his trademarks. In a way, the movie is the polar opposite of “Magic Mike.” In that movie, Soderbergh transformed an inherently schlocky story into an earnest drama.

“Side Effects,” however, begins as a solid thriller but devolves into something on par with “Wild Things” or “Body

Starring: Rooney Mara, Channing Tatum, Jude Law, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Vinessa Shaw Rated: R, for sexuality, nudity, violence and language Runtime: 1 hour, 46 minutes Bottom line: A forgettable note in a great career

Double.” It’s lurid, exploitative and unintentionally hilarious.

Soderbergh’s place in the pantheon of great modern American filmmakers is already cemented. I hope his retirement turns into an extended vacation, because I think the man has more good work to offer.

But if we really are witnessing the end of his career, then it’s a shame that “Side Effects” will be the last time we go to a theatre to see a Soderbergh film.

It’s worth only a footnote in his biography, and it isn’t worth the price of a movie ticket.

Jeff Marker is head of the Communication, Media & Journalism Department at the University of North Georgia. His reviews appear weekly in Get Out and on gainesvilletimes.com/getout.

CMYK

goo movies Showtimes

Bargain shows denoted by parenthesis ( ). Movie times are subject to change; check with theaters for updated schedules.

Hollywood Stadium Cinemas 770-539-9200 120 Green Hill Circle NW, Gainesville Argo (R) Thu. 4:00-6:45-9:30 Fri.Sun. 1:15-4:00-6:45-9:30 Broken City (R) Thu. 4:15-7:009:45 Fri.-Sun. 1:30-4:15-7:009:45 Bullet to the Head (R) Thu. 4:457:30-10:00 Fri.-Sun. 2:15-4:457:30-10:00 Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (R) Thu. 5:30-7:45-10:00 Fri.-Sun. 1:00-3:15-5:30-7:45-10:00 Hyde Park on Hudson (R) Thu. 5:00-7:15 Identity Thief (R) Thu. 10:00 Fri.Sun. 1:30-4:15-7:00-9:30 Lincoln (PG-13) Thu. 4:30-8:00 Fri.-Sun. 1:15-4:30-8:00 Mama (PG-13) Thu. 4:15-7:009:30 Fri.-Sun. 2:15-4:45-7:159:45 Les Misérables (PG-13) Thu. 4:308:00 Fri.-Sun. 1:00-4:30-8:00 Movie 43 (R) Thu. 4:30-7:15 Parental Guidance (PG) Thu. 4:007:15-9:45 Fri.-Sun. 2:00-4:457:15-9:45 Parker (R) Thu. 4:15-7:00-9:45 Fri.-Sun. 1:00-4:00-6:45-9:30 Promised Land (R) Thu. 4:00-6:459:30 Fri.-Sun. 1:45-4:15-6:459:15 Side Effects (R) Thu. 10:00 Fri.Sun. 1:45-4:15-7:00-9:45 Silver Linings Playbook (R) Thu. 4:00-6:45-9:30 Fri.-Sun. 1:154:00-6:45-9:30 Warm Bodies (PG-13) Thu. 4:307:00-9:45 Fri.-Sun. 2:00-4:307:15-10:00 Zero Dark Thirty (R) Thu. 5:00-8:30 Fri.-Sun. 1:30-5:00-8:30

Regal Mall Of Georgia Stadium 20 678-482-5858 3333 Buford Drive, Suite 3000, Buford Broken City (R) Thu. 1:10-4:007:45-10:30 Bullet to the Head (R) Thu. 12:00-

MICHELE SHORT | Relativity Media/AP

Chloe Grace Moretz appears in a scene from “Movie 43.”

2:35-5:00-7:30-10:00 Fri.-Sun. 12:25-2:50-5:15-7:45-10:20 Django Unchained (R) Thu.-Sun. 12:05-3:30-6:55-10:25 Gangster Squad (R) Thu. 4:20 Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (R) Thu. 1:20-3:35-5:50-8:05-10:20 Fri.-Sat. 11:40-2:15-4:35-7:109:25-11:40 Sun. 2:15-4:35-7:109:25 Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters -- An IMAX 3D Experience (R) Thu. 12:15-2:30-4:45-7:00 Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters 3D (R) Thu. 12:40-2:55-5:15-7:309:50 Fri.-Sat. 10:35-12:50-3:205:40-8:00-10:10 Sun. 12:503:20-5:40-8:00-10:10 A Haunted House (R) Thu. 12:202:35-5:15-7:40-9:55 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG-13) Thu. 1:00-4:35-8:10 Fri.Sun. 1:10-4:45-8:20 Identity Thief (R) Thu. 10:10 Fri.-Sat. 10:30-11:10-12:001:20-1:55-2:40-4:00-5:20-6:357:20-8:00-9:10-10:30-11:45 Sun. 10:30-11:10-12:00-1:20-1:552:40-4:00-5:20-6:35-7:20-8:009:10-10:30 The Impossible (PG-13) Thu. 1:104:00-6:40-9:20 Fri.-Sun. 4:409:55 Jack Reacher (PG-13) Thu. 7:10 Mama (PG-13) Thu. 11:50-2:204:50-7:15-9:40 Fri.-Sat. 11:502:20-4:50-7:15-9:45-12:10 Sun. 11:50-2:20-4:50-7:15-9:45 Les Misérables (PG-13) Thu.-Sun.

gainesvilletimes.com/getout | Thursday, February 7, 2013

11:50-3:15-6:45-10:15 Movie 43 (R) Thu. 12:40-3:055:30-7:55-10:20 Fri.-Sun. 10:20 Parental Guidance (PG) Thu. 1:407:15 Fri.-Sat. 11:00-1:40-4:157:15-9:40-12:05 Sun. 11:001:40-4:15-7:15-9:40 Parker (R) Thu.-Sun. 11:45-2:255:05-7:50-10:30 Side Effects (R) Thu. 10:00 Fri.Sat. 12:00-2:30-5:00-7:30-10:0011:50 Sun. 12:00-2:30-5:007:30-10:00 Silver Linings Playbook (R) Thu. 1:30-4:25-7:25-10:10 Fri.-Sat. 10:45-1:30-4:25-7:30-10:10 Sun. 1:30-4:25-7:30-10:10 Stand Up Guys (R) Thu. 12:102:40-5:10-7:35-9:55 Fri.-Sun. 12:10-2:40-5:10-7:35-10:00 Top Gun: An IMAX 3D Experience (PG) Thu. 10:00 Fri.-Sat. 11:302:00-4:30-7:00-9:30-12:01 Sun. 11:30-2:00-4:30-7:00-9:30 Warm Bodies (PG-13) Thu. 12:30-1:45-2:55-4:10-5:206:40-7:45-9:05-10:10 Fri.-Sat. 11:20-12:30-1:45-2:55-4:105:20-6:40-7:45-9:05-10:15-11:30 Sun. 11:20-12:30-1:45-2:554:10-5:20-6:40-7:45-9:05-10:15 Wreck-It Ralph (PG) Thu. 1:45-4:30 Fri.-Sun. 11:00-1:45-4:20-7:40 Zero Dark Thirty (R) Thu. 11:453:25-7:00-10:25 Fri.-Sat. 11:503:25-7:00-10:25 Sun. 3:25-7:0010:25

Movies 400 678-513-4400 415 Atlanta Road, Cumming Broken City (R) Thu. (1:30-4:10) 7:15-10:00 Fri.-Sun. (1:30-4:10) 7:15-9:55 Bullet to the Head (R) Thu.-Sun. (12:30-2:55-5:20) 7:45-10:10 Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters 3D (R) Thu.-Sun. (12:25-2:50-5:15) 7:40-10:05 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. (12:45-4:25) 8:05 Identity Thief (R) Thu. 10:20 Fri.Sun. (1:15-4:00) 7:20-10:15 Mama (PG-13) Thu. (12:00-2:305:00) 7:30 Les Misérables (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. (1:00-5:00) 8:30 Movie 43 (R) Thu. (12:20-2:505:20) 7:50 Parental Guidance (PG) Thu. (12:15-2:45-5:15) 7:45-10:15 Fri.-Sun. (12:00-2:30-5:00) 7:3010:00 Parker (R) Thu.-Sun. (1:05-4:00)

‘Warm Bodies’ tops box office at $20.4 million

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3. “Silver Linings Playbook,” Weinstein Co., $7,738,058, $80,002,616, 12 weeks.

4. “Mama,” Universal, $6,590,970, $58,123,070, three weeks.

5. “Zero Dark Thirty,” Sony, $5,176,428, $77,673,978, seven weeks.

6. “Bullet to the Head,” Warner Bros., $4,548,201, $4,548,201, one week.

7. “Parker,” FilmDistrict, $3,202,415, $12,527,297, two weeks.

8. “Django Unchained,” Weinstein Co., $3,002,769, $150,942,958, six weeks.

9. “Les Miserables,” Universal, $2,420,885, $141,504,130, six weeks.

10. “Lincoln,” Disney, $2,402,224, $170,776,742, 13 weeks.

go o movies

NEW YORK — The zombie romantic-comedy “Warm Bodies” topped the box office with a debut of $20.4 million.

The top 20 movies at U.S. and Canadian theaters Friday through Sunday, followed by distribution studio, gross, total gross and number of weeks in release, as compiled Monday

by Hollywood.com are: 1. “Warm Bodies,” Lionsgate, $20,353,967, $20,353,967, one week.

2. “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters,” Paramount, $9,423,274, $34,676,068, two weeks.

7:10-10:05 Side Effects (R) Thu. 10:00 Fri.Sun. (1:20-4:15) 7:25-10:10 Silver Linings Playbook (R) Thu.Sun. (12:35-3:45) 7:00-9:50 Warm Bodies (PG-13) Thu. (12:102:40-5:10) 7:40-10:10 Fri.-Sun. (12:10-2:40-5:10) 7:40-10:15 Zero Dark Thirty (R) Thu.-Sun. (2:00-5:30) 9:00

Habersham Hills Cinemas 6 706-776-7469 2115 Cody Road, Mount Airy Argo (R) Fri. 4:00-7:00-9:45 Sat.Sun. 1:15-4:00-7:15-10:00 Bullet to the Head (R) Thu. 5:007:30-10:00 Fri. 5:00-10:00 Sat.Sun. 4:30-9:30 Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (R) Thu. 4:15-6:45-9:05 Fri. 5:007:30-10:00 Sat.-Sun. 2:00-4:457:30-10:00 Identity Thief (R) Fri. 4:15-7:009:30 Mama (PG-13) Thu.-Fri. 4:30-7:159:45 Sat.-Sun. 2:00-4:30-7:159:45 Parental Guidance (PG) Thu. 4:307:00-9:30 Fri. 7:30 Sat.-Sun. 1:30-7:00 Silver Linings Playbook (R) Thu. 4:00-6:45-9:30 Warm Bodies (PG-13) Thu. 4:307:00-9:30 Fri. 4:30-7:15-9:30 Sat.-Sun. 2:15-4:30-7:15-9:45

Associated Press

Dawson 400 Stadium Cinemas 706-216-1622 189 North 400 Center Lane, Dawsonville Argo (R) Fri.-Sun. 1:25-4:05-7:059:35 Broken City (R) Thu. 4:10-7:059:35 Bullet to the Head (R) Thu. 4:357:05-9:25 Fri.-Sun. 12:00-2:204:40-7:10-9:30 Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (R) Thu. 4:30-7:00-9:45 Fri.-Sun. 12:10-2:25-4:35-7:05-9:55 Identity Thief (R) Thu. 10:00 Fri.Sun. 1:15-4:00-7:00-9:35 Mama (PG-13) Thu. 4:40-7:059:35 Fri.-Sun. 12:00-2:20-4:407:00-9:20 Movie 43 (R) Thu. 4:45-7:05 Parental Guidance (PG) Thu. 4:507:10 Fri.-Sun. 12:05-2:30-4:557:20-9:45 Parker (R) Thu. 4:00-7:00 Promised Land (R) Thu. 9:30 Side Effects (R) Thu. 10:00 Fri.Sun. 1:40-4:15-7:30-10:00 Silver Linings Playbook (R) Thu. 4:20-7:00-9:10 Fri.-Sun. 1:354:20-7:10-9:15 Warm Bodies (PG-13) Thu. 4:557:15-9:35 Fri.-Sun. 12:15-2:354:55-7:15-9:45 Zero Dark Thirty (R) Thu. 4:30-8:00 Fri.-Sun. 1:00-4:30-8:00

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Thursday, February 7, 2013 | gainesvilletimes.com/getout

now showing Movie reviews from Associated Press, McClatchy-Tribune News Service. Stars out of four.

OPENING

‘Side Effects’ ■ Review, 10 ‘Identity Thief’

H H (R for sexual content and language). “Oooh, honey, less is more,” the flamboyant hair stylist whispers, out of earshot, at Diana (Melissa McCarthy) as she bombs her head with hairspray and trowels on the eye shadow.

That’s never the case with McCarthy, the bawdy, rude, larger-than-life comic whose big movie break was “Bridesmaids.” She riffs, tosses back belts of booze and punches galore as the crass and crude title character in “Identity Thief.” But “less is more” might have helped this cumbersome comedy that has Sandy, Jason Bateman’s mild-mannered office drone, trying to wrestle Diana across the country to save his job, clear his criminal and credit records and make this opportunistic crook see the consequences of her actions. It’s overstuffed with villains, from Sandy’s sneering, Ayn Randquoting boss (Jon Favreau) who greedily keeps all the company profits for himself, to the two thugs (Genesis Rodriguez and T.I.) chasing Diane for ripping them off, to those thugs’ imprisoned boss (Jonathan Banks) who wants Diana dead, to the skip tracer (Robert Patrick) determined to fetch her for his bail bondsman client. There are car chases, rowdy sex romps in cheap hotels, and lots of scenes where Diana trots out her skills at lying, conning, stealing, copying credit cards and opening

JAN THIJS | Summit Entertainment/Associated Press

John Malkovich appears in a scene from “Warm Bodies.”

Universal Pictures/Associated Press

Jason Bateman, right, and Melissa McCarthy appear in a scene from “Identity Thief.”

handcuffs. “Identity Thief” is sputtering long before that mid-movie moment when it turns all sentimental and goes off the rails.

Bateman, the guy America loves to see suffer, isn’t just the passive straight man here — probably a mistake as McCarthy, in her first lead role outside of a TV sitcom, tries too hard.

Singing along to every song on the radio, trying to escape on foot (futile), punching those who get in her way in the throat, she sucks all the oxygen out of this thing even when she’s not straining to find an extra laugh in a scene.

Continuing ‘Warm Bodies’

H H H H (PG-13 (zombie violence, some strong language). We’ve had slow zombies, fast zombies, and funny zombies. Now, with “Warm Bodies,” romantic zombies have shuffled into the mix. That sound you hear? It’s “Night of the Living Dead” diehards collectively retching. If only

“Warm Bodies” were as easy to dismiss as merely some sort of corporately contrived, bandwagonhopping boondoggle.

Based on a novel by Isaac Marion and written/ directed by Jonathan Levine (who made one of the best films of 2011 with “50/50” as well as the critically adored “All the Girls Love Mandy Lane”), “Warm Bodies” is a sweetly funny and touching riff on “Beauty and the Beast” or “Romeo & Juliet” — if the Beast feasted on flesh or Romeo came back from the dead. Nicholas Hault (“X-Men: First Class”) is a lurching, lonely zombie named R (he can only remember the first letter of his name). He hangs out at the airport, grunting pleasantries to his best friend M (Rob Corddry), collecting cool stuff from the pre-apocalypse (lots of classic-rock vinyl), and avoiding the “bonies,” zombies who’ve completely decayed into ravenous, rampaging skeletons

and lost all contact with their humanity. But he still craves his meals to be of the two-legged variety, and when he runs across a team of young humans from the walled city on a recon mission for supplies, they make for a nice snack — especially Perry (Dave Franco, “Scrubs”), the boyfriend of Julie (Teresa Palmer, “Love and Honor”), whom he can’t bring himself to kill. Feeling something he hasn’t experienced since his death, R saves her from the other ghouls, takes her back to his hiding place on a crumbling airplane and it gets her thinking that maybe these zombies aren’t so bad after all. It’s no happily-everafter, though, as her dad (John Malkovich) is the leader of what’s left of the humans and an avowed zombie slayer. And the bonies, sensing their less decomposed comrades may be flickering back to life, are on the warpath.

What’s young love to do?

Levine has crafted an engaging tale of unlikely young love that, like his other films, reverberates with a heartfelt humanity.

“Warm Bodies” isn’t laughout-loud funny, but it has enough humor to save it from mawkishness.

‘Mama’

H H H (PG-13 for violence, terror, disturbing images and thematic elements.)

Gore is boring. So much chain saw-massacre splatter has been shoveled movie audiences’ way, we’ve become inured.

“Mama” is a smartly refreshing departure, a truly scary movie exemplifying horror at its purest. It elicits sudden, heart-constricting spasms of fear rather than simply trying to gross us out. And it does so with such finely honed style, you could call it “high creep.”

The well-shot flashback

beginning portends a good story to come. A father (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) who has just killed his estranged wife speeds into the snowy mountains with his two young daughters.

After the car crashes, the three stumble upon a seemingly abandoned cabin, where a malevolent she-ghost having a permanent bad-hair day makes short work of Dad, but takes a motherly shine to the kids. Spring forward five years. The recently discovered feral girls go to live with their artist uncle (also played by CosterWaldau) and his girlfriend Annabel (Jessica Chastain).

Director/co-writer Andrés Muschietti keeps the goosebumps coming not only with superb visual effects and expert pacing, but by accessing the shame and fears we bury deep in our psyches.

CMYK gainesvilletimes.com/getout •

Thursday, February 7, 2013 ‘Bullet to the Head’

H ½ (R for strong violence, bloody images, language, some nudity and brief drug use.) Choppy and bordering on incoherent, “Bullet to the Head” is Sylvester Stallone’s answer to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “The Last Stand,” an action exercise in “Here’s how we used to do it.” Sly one-ups Arnold in that old-school regard by bringing in Walter Hill (“48 Hours”), king of action directors when Stallone was in his glory days — the 1980s. But “Bullet” isn’t remotely as direct as its title. It shows all the hallmarks of a movie that’s been re-cut, that changed directors (Wayne Kramer started the film).

Characters, relationships and motivations seem shortchanged. And it’s every bit as dated and dumb, in different ways, as “The Last Stand.” Still, Stallone brings the burly and the breezy to this turn as a New Orleans hit man teaming with a cop (Sung Kang) to track down the guys who set him up and got his partner killed. “Bullet to the Head” was chopped down so that Stallone might have a prayer of holding the picture together, and it’s a credit to his still-formidable screen presence that he almost pulls it off.

‘Stand Up Guys’

H H (R for language, sexual content, violence and brief drug use). Not every senior citizen passes his or her autumn years in dignity, surrounded by family, respected by the few peers they still have left in this world. And if the retirees in question are grizzled mobsters, old “made men” who haven’t been in “our thing” for years and years, the last thing they’d ever expect to be is dignified. “Stand Up Guys” is about three aged stand-up guys, a “crew” that hasn’t been a crew in almost 30 years. It has

SAEED ADYANI | Roadside Attractions/Associated Press

From left, Christopher Walken, Alan Arkin and Al Pacino appear in a scene from “Stand Up Guys.”

three comically charismatic Oscar winners in the lead roles — Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin — and a plot with room for comedy in it. But the funereal tone is better suited to a picture with more gravitas than this Fisher Stevens film earns. Pacino is Val, a mop-topped convict who gets out of a long stint in prison as the film opens.

Walken is Doc, his pal, loyal since the ’70s, when Val went in. Doc is every inch the old man — a veritable recluse, painting, living in a dank apartment, visiting the same diner for every predictable meal. But Val wants to party like it’s 1979.

Find a bar, find a brothel.

That’s not working out?

Find some of this “new stuff” they’ve got now, Viagra. It’s meant to be a night “like the old days.”

But there’s a mob boss who still has a grudge.

One guy is supposed to kill the other. Arkin sparks the picture to life, acting his age and being funny at it. But the central premise is a half-hearted retread.

And the gags come from a score of earlier films and sitcoms. Which is pretty much where these “Stand Up Guys” are stuck.

‘Movie 43’ 0 stars. (R for strong pervasive crude and sexual content including dialogue,

graphic nudity, language, some violence and drug use.) Did everyone in Hollywood lose a bet to Peter Farrelly? That might explain why so many talented actors agreed to damage their careers by appearing in this long series of icky sexual jokes and poo-poo humor.

The other explanation — that they actually liked the material — is too depressing to consider.

A compendium of 12 segments with 10 directors (even Brett Ratner got roped in!), “Movie 43” (the title has no significance) borrows lazily from two classic anthologies. That’s 1974’s “The Groove Tube” and 1977’s “Kentucky Fried Movie,” and its only innovations are to be grosser and meaner.

It has one objective — to be offensive — and it succeeds. It also offers the dispiriting sight of A-list stars debasing themselves. Kate Winslet plays a woman whose blind date (Hugh Jackman) has sexual organs in the wrong place; Richard Gere makes MP3 players that double as sex dolls; Halle Berry dumps her breast into guacamole on a dare.

Terrence Howard, Greg Kinnear, Emma Stone and others line up to spout obscenities and take abuse. Jason Sudeikis and Justin Long get some laughs as Batman and Robin), but most segments are too cruel to be funny.

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Thursday, February 7, 2013 | gainesvilletimes.com/getout

Get motivated to grab success Author, journalist Fawn Germer heads WomenSource event From staff reports Fawn Germer, best-selling author, international speaker and fourtime Pulitzer Prize nominee will be the featured guest at the Feb. 12 WomenSource meeting, “Motivating Women: Encouraging Professional and Personal Success.”

Attendees will have two opportunities to hear Germer as she presents “The Power to Lead” luncheon, beginning at noon at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center. The cost is $25 per person or $200 for a reserved table of eight.

The “Leaders Among Us” dinner will be held at 6 p.m. at The Loft in Scott’s.

A WomenSource members and sponsors reception is set for 5:30 p.m.

The cost is $45 per person or $400 for a reserved table of eight.

The cost to attend both events is $70 per person or $600 for a reserved table of eight at each event.

Germer is the best-selling author and global leadership speaker who has interviewed such accomplished women as Hillary Clinton, Jane Goodall, Susan Sarandon, Martina

Navratilova and Carly Fiorina, along with two Nobel Peace Prize winners, Academy Award winners, Olympic athletes, CEOs, prime ministers and world presidents.

She is the best-selling author of seven books and a four-time, Pulitzernominated journalist. She worked as an investigative reporter for The Washington Post, U.S. News and World Report and The Miami Herald.

As an editor, she struggled as a female manager in a male-dominated environment. She sought the mentoring wisdom that led to her first book, “Hard Won Wisdom.” The book was rejected 15 times, but perseverance pushed it to best-seller lists and onto Oprah Winfrey’s show, which Winfrey called “very inspiring.”

Germer’s second book, “Mustang Sallies,” hit best-seller lists within two weeks of its release.

She is an international speaker on leadership and performance issues and recently presented at the Harvard Business School’s leadership conference, in China, Taiwan, Spain and throughout corporate America.

WomenSource events are open to

From staff reports

For Get Out

the public. You do not need to be a member to attend, but registration is required. To register, call 770-5039060, email laura@womensource.info or visit WomenSource.info.

WomenSource is a nonprofit organization founded in partnership with the Junior League of GainesvilleHall County, North Georgia Community Foundation and United Way of Hall County.

Get ready for some presidential fun From staff reports The Northeast Georgia History Center is hosting Family Day from 1-4 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 10 with activities for all ages.

Hands-on activities and an interactive exhibit on presidential trivia will begin at 1 p.m.

Students will have the opportunity to make their own cherry pies, in honor of George Washington, of course. They will have dough to roll into a circle on which they will place cherry

pie filling. Then volunteer “master fryers” will fry the pies and return them to the makers.

Another activity will have heads spinning. Hats or Wigs, again related to our forefathers, will allow kids to make an Abe Lincoln stovepipe hat or a “powdered” wig, Washington-style.

A third activity will be production of student “coins,” honoring the student rather than a president.

Residents Ben and

Probate Court offers weddings for Valentines

Carly Wynne will have an extensive collection of presidential campaign pins on display. The buttons date back at least as far as FDR. There will be performances at 2 p.m. by Wauka Mountain Chorus, under the direction of Gretchen Welch, with three age groups performing: The Cougar Chorus (fourth and fifth grades) Flute Troop (fourth and fifth grades) and Advanced Violin Adventures (second and third grades).

The History Center’s own Steve Gurr will head up

the 2:45 p.m. scavenger hunts. Visitors can compete in family groups. The Presidential Scavenger Hunt focuses (obviously) on presidents. In addition to the usual written clues, family groups will also receive maps and will be challenged to follow the map to the answers All of the activities are free and will happen at the center located at 322 Academy St., NE in Gainesville. For more information, call 770-2975900 or visit www.negahc. org.

If you’re looking to get married on the most romantic day of the year, then you’re in luck: Hall County’s Probate Court is offering wedding ceremonies at the Hall County Courthouse, and couples can get married there Feb. 14.

Hall County Probate Court Judge Patty Walters Laine said the court began offering the service Jan. 10.

“Couples interested in getting married in Probate Court can schedule a wedding with the Probate Court clerk when they get their marriage license,” Laine said.

Laine said a marriage license is required to get married in Hall County Probate Court. The fee is $56, or $16 with acceptable proof of premarital counseling.

Weddings can be scheduled any Thursday afternoon, and are offered in English and Spanish, she said.

Laine said if demand is high enough next Thursday, her office will spend the entire day officiating wedding ceremonies.

Meanwhile, there is a financial perk to getting married at the courthouse; weddings performed in Probate Court are free.

family events This week

Dancing Through The Decades, Helen. 5:30-7 p.m.

Feb. 8. Unicoi State Park and Lodge, 1788 Ga. 356, Helen. Led by professional dancer Carrie Elrod. Fourweek series will include steps to social dances from a specific decade. $7 prepaid, $10 walk-in, $5 parking.

706-878-2201, ext. 305.

Valentine’s Day Week Crafting, Gainesville. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 7-8. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, 999 Chestnut St. SE, Gainesville. $1 with paid admission to museum, INK Members are free. 770-536-1900.

Find more events at gainesvilletimes.com/getout

gainesvilletimes.com/getout •

Thursday, February 7, 2013

get out

BY ROBERT HARLING DIRECTED BY MERCURY

Cumming Playhouse 101 School St Cumming, GA

Feb 14th - Mar 24th Thur.-Sat. 8:00 pm Sun. 3:00 pm

770-781-9178

www.PlayhouseCumming.com

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• gainesvilletimes.com/getout

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Works below completed by Brenau Art & Design and Interior Design graduates.

The Georgia High School Women’s Art and Design Exhibition takes place this year at Brenau University. The exhibition features selected works in multiple media from students across the state and will be in the Castelli Gallery, John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts, 429 Academy Street, Gainesville. Free and open to the public. For info call 770.534.6263.

Gallery hours for this exhibit: Saturday, Feb. 16, 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. / SuNday, Feb.17, 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. moNday, Feb. 18, 4-5:00 p.m. followed by awards ceremony

www.brenau.edu