Get Out March 7 2013

Brenau Gospel Choir to hold spring concert, page 14

Someday

famous

Quinlan celebrates area’s talented young artists, PAGE 5 Thursday March 7, 2013

gainesvilletimes.com /getout

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

music

Internationally renowned flute virtuoso Sir James Galway will bring his Legacy Tour to Athens on March 7.

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movies

“Oz the Great and Powerful” star James Franco, right, is neither great nor powerful in this rewind of Frank Baum’s classic.

But dazzling visual effects and female co-stars Mila The Associated Press Kunis, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams make this yellow-brick road worth following PAGE 10

family

The J.A. Walters Family YMCA is offering classes for new and expecting moms.

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on the cover

Tom Reed | The Times

Artwork by area middle and high school students, like “Days Go By” above by Malorie Smith of West Hall High, will be on display at the Kiwanis Visual Arts Showcase at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center. PAGE 5

theater

Fifth Row Center Studio performs the comic love story, ‘Almost, Maine’ opening March 8.

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outdoors

Safe boaters can be rewarded with passes.

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Thursday, March 7, 2013

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Preserving regional history Program on Indian heritage set March 7 in Cleveland From staff reports Native Americans walked the trails of White County long before white settlers arrived. Remnants of their presence can still be found all around the county, as well as most of Georgia and the Southeast. Many recall the stories of how they were removed from their native lands on the “Trail of Tears.”

The White County Historical Society will present “In the Presence of the

etc events This week

Choices Pregnancy Care Center Fundraiser, “Stand in the Gap,” Gainesville. 6:45 p.m. March 7. First Baptist Church Banquet Hall, 751 Green St. NW, Gainesville.

770-535-1413.

The Preservation of Native American Culture, Cleveland.

7:30 p.m. March 7. White County History Museum, on the square, Cleveland.

706-865-3225 “Altamaha: A River Through Time,” Talk by Dorinda Dallmeyer, Athens.

6:30 p.m. March 8. Visitor Center, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens. $20.

706-542-6156.

Cornelia Casino Night, Cornelia. 6 p.m. March 8. Cornelia Community House, 601 Wyly St., Cornelia. $25-$30. 706778-8585 ext. 280, bht@ corneliageorgia.org.

The Meaning of Lent, Gainesville. 8-9 a.m. March 9. FM 89.1 WBCX. www. brenau.edu\\wbcx.

2013 Rabies and Wellness Clinic, Gainesville. 9-11 a.m. March 9. Hayes Chrysler Dodge, 3115 Frontage Road, Oakwood. $10 per vaccine, $20 per

Elders,” a program by Don Wells that includes video clips and stories of the Indian way of life and the gradual loss or forgotten culture of their people. It is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at the old courthouse museum in Cleveland. The public is invited.

The research, documentation and capture of written and video interviews with elder Native Americans is an ongoing project of Mountain Stewards, of which Wells is

microchip and $15 for a one-month supply of flea and tick product. Puppies and kittens must be at least 3 months old for vaccinations. 770-5326617, www.hsnega.org.

Writing Workshop: “Native to a Place: Writing the Southern Environment,” Athens. 9 a.m. to noon. March 9.

Callaway Building, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens. $35.706542-6156.

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.

Forum, Gainesville. 7 p.m. March 12. Northeast Georgia History Center, 322 Academy St. NE, Gainesville. William House, historian and collector, will discuss the Templeton Reid Mint that was located in Gainesville. 770-2975900, www.negahc.org.

Upcoming

Author luncheon, Demorest. Noon. March 16. Piedmont College, 165

a part. Two of the elders filmed were Sam Proctor (Muskogee Creek) and Jerry Wolfe (Eastern Band Cherokee Indians).

Hearing stories directly from some of the “elders” should bring a “new sense of peace, understanding and appreciation for the culture of those who are more spiritually connected to the living earth,” Wells said.

For more information, contact the Historical Society at 706-865-3225.

Central Ave., Demorest.

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

North Hall Area Neighborhood Watch meeting, Clermont. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 16.

North Hall Lions Club, 200 Spring St., Clermont. Hall County Sheriff’s Office will attend. 770-329-9704 or rickfrommer@hotmail.com.

Farmers market registration, 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.

Flower Arranging Unit 4: Fruit and Vegetable Design, Athens. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

March 20. Visitor Center, Classroom 2, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens. $45. 706542-6156.

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.

“A Taste of the Mountains,” Dahlonega. 6-8 p.m. March 21. Lumpkin County High School, 44 School Drive, Dahlonega. $15 adults, $5 ages 5-12, and children 12 and younger eat free. 706-8677047.

“Free China: The Courage to Believe,” Gainesville. 7 p.m. March 28. Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SE, Gainesville. $7 adults, $5 students and seniors includes film and filmmaker Q&A reception. www. theartscouncil.net/freechina.html.

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.

Flower Arranging Unit 5: Creative and Miniature Design, Athens. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 10. Visitor Center, Classroom 2, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens. $45. 706-

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

542-6156.

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.

“Strong,” Gainesville. 7 p.m. April 18. Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SE Gainesville. The Tour of Independent Filmmakers. www.theartscouncil.net/ independentfilms.html.

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.

Spelling Bee 2013, Gainesville. 7 p.m. April 23.

Pearce Auditorium, Brenau University, 500 Washington St. SE, Gainesville.

Adults $5, children $2.

770-531-4337, www. allianceforliteracy.org.

Suwanee Farmers Market, Suwanee. 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, May 4 through Oct. 5, 4-7 p.m.

Tuesdays, May 7 through Aug. 6. Town Center Park, Suwanee.

Natural Cleaning Products, Athens. 5:30-7:30 p.m.

May 14. Visitor Center, Classroom 2, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens. $30. 706542-6156.

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

arts events This Week

TOM REED | The Times

“Red Snapper in Motion,” a sculpture by Gainesville High School student Charles Calkins is one of many pieces that will be on display starting March 15 at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center during the 2013 Kiwanis Visual Arts Showcase.

Youthful eye for art Quinlan Visual Arts Center celebrates Youth Art Month From staff reports During the month of March, the Quinlan Visual Arts Center, in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Gainesville, will showcase Hall County’s young talents with the 10th annual Charles J. Thurmond Youth Art Scholarship Awards.

Hall County and Gainesville middle and high school students were invited to participate in the 2013 Kiwanis Visual Arts Showcase. Scholarship awards will be awarded for Best of Show for 10th-, 11thand 12th-grade artists.

An opening reception for the showcase will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. March 15 at the visual arts center, 514 Green St. NE, in Gainesville.

“Youth Art Month is an exhibition in which we have the opportunity to display the plethora of talent our local youth possesses. It’s an inspiring testament to the community that art is still living and breathing in our schools and we are

so proud to showcase it,” said Paula Lindner, the Quinlan’s assistant director.

The competition provides an opportunity for middle and high school students to receive county and statewide recognition for their artwork as well as earn scholarship funds to help finance their college educations.

Students who win at the county level will compete at the state level, where the Kiwanis Memorial Foundation is providing $5,000 in scholarship awards to the Best of Show winners Lindner said a big “thank you” also goes to sponsors Tommy and Chantal Bagwell.

Students entered paintings, drawing, printmaking, photography, ceramics, sculpture, metal work, graphic design, mixed media and crafts.

The scholarship winners will be honored at the Kiwanis Club of Gainesville Awards Luncheon, scheduled for noon on May 7 at the Elks Club.

The show will remain on display at the center until April 13.

For more information on the show, visit www.quinlanartscenter.org, gainesvillekiwanis.org or call 770-5362575.

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. 706-8783933, 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. 706994-7801 or yonahartguild@ yahoo.com.

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7 p.m. April 13. Brenau University Galleries, 500 Washington St. SE, Gainesville. Featuring undergraduate juried and senior projects and portfolios. Free. 770-5346263.

Art Journaling with Debra Paff, Sautee. April 11, 18, 25, and May 2. Sautee Nachoochee Center, 283 Ga. 255 N, Sautee. 706768-6311, jevans@snca.org.

Mery Lynn McCorkle “Cell Biology,” Atlanta.

Opening Reception 7-9 p.m. April 18. Through May 25. 263 Walker St. SW, Atlanta. Free. 404827-0030, marciawood@ marciawoodgallery.com.

Duncan Johnson, “Colorcode,” Atlanta.

Opening Reception 7-9 p.m. April 18. Through May 25. 263 Walker St. SW, Atlanta. Free. 404827-0030, marciawood@ marciawoodgallery.com.

Drawing in Nature, Athens.

4-6 p.m. April 30. Visitor Center, Classroom 1, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens. Free. Preregistration is required.

706-542-6156.

“Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life,” Atlanta.

May through Oct. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, Nov. through March; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. April through Oct. Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. $18.95 adults, $12.95 children 3-12, ages 3 and younger, members free. 404-876-5859, atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

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Fiber Arts with Debra Paff, Sautee. March 7, 14, 21, 28.

Sautee Nachoochee Center, 283 Ga. 255 N, Sautee.

706-768-6311, jevans@ snca.org.

“Local Color” photography exhibit, Gainesville. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays through March 9. Sellars Gallery, Simmons Visual Arts Center, Brenau University, 200 Boulevard, Gainesville. Free.

770-534-6263.

Shutter Sense and Non-Sense photography competition and exhibit, Buford. Through March 9.

Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, 2020 Clean Water Drive, Buford.

770-904-3542, www. gwinnettEHC.org.

CIDA Student Design Display Show, Gainesville.

March 11-31. Simmons Visual Arts Center, Sellars Gallery, 500 Washington St. SE, Gainesville. Opening reception 5:30-7 p.m.

March 11. Free. 770-5346263.

An All-Day Watercolor Workshop, Athens. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 11.

Visitor Center, Gardenside Room, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens. $75, $9 materials fee for participants without supplies. 706-542-6156.

Anita Ford Beginner’s Acrylic Class, Gainesville. 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Through March 13. Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. For ages 18 and older. $125 members, $145 nonmembers.

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

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.

Upcoming

2013 Youth Art Competition and Pottery Studio Exhibit, Helen. Through March 16.

Opening reception March 3. Helen Arts and Heritage Center, 25 Chattahoochee St., Helen. Free. 706-8783933, www.helenarts.org or info@helenarts.org.

“Mountain Matters,” Helen. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. March 21. Helen Arts and Heritage Center, 25 Chattahoochee St., Helen. 706-878-3933, www.helenarts.org or info@ helenarts.org.

Pastel exhibit, Gainesville.

Through April 1. Quinlan Visual Arts Center minigallery, Regions Center, 303 Jesse Jewell Parkway, Gainesville. Works by artists Tina Carlson-Griffeth.

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

The 2013 Brenau Collaborative, Gainesville.

April 5 through May 5.

Opening reception 5:30-

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

theater events This week

For Get Out

‘Almost, Maine’ cast members include, front row from left, Camille Barrett, Rane Tipton and stage manager Brooke Salyer; back row, Jaron Wilkerson, Ricky Schneider, Crystal Robertson, Brian Ritchie, Chelsea Brown, Brad Brown and director Cheryl Baraban.

Don’t almost miss it Fifth Row puts on love story From staff reports On a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine.

As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways.

Knees are bruised.

Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend—almost—in this delightful midwinter night’s dream performed by the members of Fifth Row Center in Flowery Branch.

The cast and crew of “Almost, Maine” will present their version of the production March 8 through March 17 at the Fifth Row Center Studio in downtown Flowery Branch.

The play written by John Cariani has been

‘Almost, Maine’ When: 7:30 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays March 8-10, 15-17 Where: Fifth Row Center Studio, 5509 Main St., Flowery Branch Tickets: $15, $12, $10 More info: 678357-7359, www.

FifthRowCenter.com

performed on Broadway to rave reviews. The New York Times called it a “whimsical approach to the joys and perils of romance. Magical happenings bloom beneath the snowdrifts.”

And the Star-Ledger calls it a “charmer” exclaiming “unexpected magic lingers in the air like someone’s breath on a cold winter’s night. John Cariani aims for the heart by way of the funny bone.”

“Footloose,” Gainesville.

7:30 p.m. March 7-9, 2 p.m. March 10. Burd Center for Performing Arts, Brenau University, 429 Academy St., Gainesville. $8. 770983-7331 ext. 7250, jan. ewing@hallco.org.

“Almost, Maine,” Flowery Branch. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays March 8-10, 15-17. Fifth Row Center Studio, 5509 Main St., Flowery Branch. $10-$15.678-357-7359, FifthRowCenter.com.

“Driving Miss Daisy,” Dahlonega. 8 p.m. March 8-9, 2 p.m. March 10. The Historic Holly Theater, 69 W. Main St., Dahlonega.

Adult $18, children and students $12. www. hollytheater.com.

Upcoming

“The Drowsy Chaperone Show,” Lawrenceville. 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays. March 14 through April 7. Aurora Theatre, 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. $15.

678-226-6222, www. auroratheatre.com.

“The Secret Agent,” Atlanta. March 15-17.

Conant Performing Arts Center at Oglethorpe University, Atlanta. Opera with music by local Atlanta composer Curtis Bryant and libretto by Allan Reichman. www. ccityopera.org.

“The 12 Dancing Princesses,”Oakwood. 7 p.m. March 21-23. West Hall High School Theatre, 5500 McEver Road, Oakwood. $7 adults, $5 students and senior citizens. 770-967-9826 ext. 7350.

“Attention Detention,” Oakwood. 7 p.m. March

go o the arts 21-23. West Hall High School Theatre, 5500 McEver Road, Oakwood. $7 adults, $5 students and senior citizens. 770-9679826 ext. 7350.

“Cinderella,” Gainesville.

7:30 p.m. March 22, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. March 23, 2:00 p.m. March 24. Pearce Auditorium, Brenau University, 500 Washington St. SE, Gainesville. $12-$26, Brenau faculty, staff and students $6 with valid ID. 770-532-4241, www. gainesvilleballet.org.

“Angelina Ballerina” the Musical, Toccoa. 7 p.m.

March 28. Ritz Theater/ Schaefer Center, 139 Doyle St., Toccoa. 706282-3309.

“The Marvelous Wonderettes,” Toccoa. 7 p.m. April 4. Ritz Theater/ Schaefer Center, 139 Doyle St., Toccoa. 706282-3309.

“Brigadoon,” Dahlonega.

8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m.

Sundays. April 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21. Historic Holly Theater, 69 W. Main St., Dahlonega. Tickets go on sale Jan. 29. Adults $18, children and students $12. 706-864-3759, www. hollytheater.com.

“The 39 Steps,” Buford.

April 5-14. Sylvia Beard Theatre, Buford Community Center, 2200 Buford Highway, Buford.

Adults $16-18, seniors $14-16, students $1012. 678-717-3624, www. gainesvilletheatrealliance. org.

“Twelfth Night,” Oakwood.

7:30 p.m. April 9-13 and 16-20; 2:30 p.m. April 14 and 20. Ed Cabell Theatre, University of North Georgia Gainesville campus, 3850 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood.

Free stage tour 6 p.m.

March 26. $16-18 for adults, $14-16 for seniors and $10-12 for students.

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

“Brer Rabbit & Friends,”

Atlanta. 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, noon and 2 p.m. Saturdays, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sundays.

April 11 through May 26.

Mainstage Theater, Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th, Atlanta. $9.25 members, $16.50 nonmembers.

“The Dixie Swim Club,” Gainesville. April 11-20.

Georgia Mountains Center Theatre, 301 Main St. SW, Gainesville. Adults $17; seniors, students, children $13. 770-536-4677, www. georgiamountainplayers. org.

“Sons of Jubal,” Toccoa.

7 p.m. April 16. Georgia Baptist Conference Center, Sonrise Way, Toccoa. 706-282-3309.

Mountain Music & Medicine Show, Dahlonega.

7 p.m. April 27. The Historic Holly Theater, 69 W. Main St., Dahlonega. $15. www.hollytheater. com.

“The Pajama Game,” Oakwood. 7 p.m. May 1 and 3-4, 2:30 p.m. May 5. West Hall High School Theatre, 5500 McEver Road, Oakwood. $7 adults, $5 students and senior citizens. 770-9679826 ext. 7350.

“Lark Eden Show,” Lawrenceville. 8 p.m.

Wednesdays through Fridays, 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays. May 2–26.

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

“The Book Club Play,” Atlanta. 8 p.m.

Wednesdays to Fridays, 3 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Saturdays, 5 p.m.

Sundays. May 17 through June 23. Horizon Theatre, 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta.

404-584-7450, boxoffice@ horizontheatre.com.

“Every Tongue Confess,” Atlanta. 8 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays, 3 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays, 5 p.m.

Sundays. July 12 through Aug. 25. Horizon Theatre, 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta.

404-584-7450, boxoffice@ horizontheatre.com.

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” Dahlonega.

8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m.

Sundays. July 19-21, 2628 and Aug. 2-4. Historic Holly Theater, 69 W. Main St., Dahlonega. Adults $18, children and students $12. www.hollytheater. com.

“Smoke on the Mountain,” Gainesville. Aug. 8-25.

Georgia Mountains Center Theatre, 301 Main St. SW, Gainesville. A presentation by the Georgia Mountain Players. Adults $17; seniors, students, children $13. 770-536-4677, www. georgiamountainplayers. org.

“Third Country,” Atlanta.

8 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays, 3 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays, 5 p.m.

Sundays. Sept. 20 through Oct. 20. Horizon Theatre, 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta.

404-584-7450, boxoffice@ horizontheatre.com.

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Brenau lecture to focus on Author to discuss N. Ga. ecology how war hurts environment

go o outdoors

From staff reports

From staff reports The human cost of war is often easy to measure, but there is another impact of warfare that is far less obvious, but just as deadly.

The environmental effects of war will be the subject of a free lecture by Brenau University professor Gnimbin Ouattara set for 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, in Thurmond McRae Auditorium, part of the lecture series, “Sense & Sustainability.” A questionand-answer session will follow.

Among the recent impacts of war felt globally are vast stretches of forest consumed by napalm flames in Vietnam and 600 burning oil wells in Kuwait set ablaze by Saddam Hussein’s army in 1991. The cost of warfare includes contaminated water, destroyed forest, ruined crops and erosion of topsoil that keep lands infertile for centuries.

“When you look at war, particularly the long, drawn-out conflicts that are common in Africa, the obvious first concern is about people getting killed,” Ouattara said. “But what about those who come after them? War leaves its seeds of misery by rendering lands

unusable and making it impossible to grow food. Drinking water is poisonous.

Woodlands turn into deserts.”

One who shed light on this issue worldwide was Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Her work for environmental protection and justice had her imprisoned and beaten in Kenya for a time, but her legacy with the Green Belt Movement continues. Over 30 years, 40 million trees were planted to restore the natural environment.

Until her passing in 2011, Maathai was a tireless activist for human rights, clean drinking water and healthy food.

“Maathai did much more than expose corruption among officials,” Ouattara said. “She showed the way toward a way of living that preserves peace not only among people, but also with the environment. The effort toward a sustainable world must include accountability for natural resources, and responsibility for what comes after acts of war.”

For more information, contact Dr. Rudi Kiefer, director of sustainability, at rkiefer@brenau.edu.

History professor James B. Hunt will present a talk about the ecology of Appalachia at 2 p.m.

March 13 at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega.

Hunt, who is being hosted by UNG’s Georgia Center for Appalachian Studies, will talk about conservationist John Muir and the ecology of Appalachia in the Special Collections Room of the Library Technology Center.

Hunt is professor emeritus of history at Whitworth University in Spokane, Wash., and co-founded the Krista Foundation for Global Citizenship. He writes prolifically on the impact of youthful travels on American leaders such as John Quincy Adams, Frederick Douglass, Jane Addams and Muir.

Hunt’s new book, “Restless Fires: Young

Safe boaters can earn free passes From staff reports Boaters now can earn a reward for making the effort toward better safety on the state’s waterways.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Lake Lanier Project Office are conducting a pilot program to promote water and boating safety by recognizing Georgia residents ages 18 and older that earn a certificate from an authorized Safe Boating Class to receive a complimentary annual dayuse pass, valid for one year.

The approved list of boating courses is available on the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website, www. georgiawildlife.com/boating/education.

Complimentary annual day-use passes will be issued between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at

Online Find information and links for boating safety classes at www. gainesvilletimes.com/getout.

the Lake Lanier Project Management Office. Passes will not be issued on weekends or holidays.

Annual passes, which normally cost $30, allow the user access to boat ramps and swim beaches. The corps operates ramps at East Bank, Lower Pool West, Lanier, Burton Mill, Van Pugh North, Balus Creek, Little Hall, Vann’s Tavern, Six Mile and Tidwell parks. Ramp fees are $3-$4 at each.

Beaches can be found at West Bank, Buford, Van Pugh North, Lanier, Little Hall and Bolding Mill parks. Day-use fees apply at each.

FILE | The Times

The original Safe Boating Certificate, dated and completed within the past year, along with a Georgia photo identification must be presented in person when obtaining a complimentary day-use pass.

For more information about passes at Lake Lanier, contact Christie Pinson at 770-945-9531.

John Muir’s ThousandMile Walk to the Gulf in 1867-68,” details the naturalist’s 1,000-mile walk from Indiana to the Gulf of Mexico. The journey took him through the same Appalachian territory that is now home to UNG, and inspired him to live a life of experiencing and protecting nature.

In addition to founding the Sierra Club, Muir petitioned Congress for the National Parks Bill that established Yosemite and Sequoia National parks and is known as the “father of the national parks.”

Rosann Kent, director of the Appalachian Studies Center, said she hopes the

lessons Hunt can provide from Muir’s walk can be applied to the current state of the region.

“We were interested in Dr. Hunt because he also appreciates the nature of Appalachia and its diverse ecology,” she said. “We don’t want to be locked in the past. We want to bring these lessons forward and see what we can do today to sustain this beautiful, diverse landscape we’re blessed with.”

The center, which offers an interdisciplinary minor in Appalachian Studies, will offering a new course this summer, “Ecology of Appalachia,” taught by Karrie Ann Fadroski of UNG’s biology department.

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movies

music

Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Tara Winds, Atlanta. 8 p.m. March 7. Rialto Center for the Arts, 80 Forsyth St. NW, Atlanta. Free.

404-413-5901, www. music.gsu.edu.

Growing at Gardens on Green, Gainesville. Noon.

March 7. Hall County Education Building, 711 Green St., Gainesville. An adult class focusing on knowing, growing, and propagating

Michelle Malone, Dahlonega. 8:30 p.m.

March 9. The Crimson Moon Cafe, 24 N. Park St., Dahlonega. $20$25. 706-864-3982, www.thecrimsonmoon. com.

review, 10

Judged on its own merits, which is admittedly difficult to do, “Oz the Great and Powerful” is a visually spectacular, predictable, yet entertaining movie. Director Sam Raimi relies on tired tropes but creates a breathtaking world that does justice to Baum’s imagination.

Those who give the movie a chance may not love it, but they will likely enjoy it. It is a family-friendly movie that doesn’t offer anything original or unexpected but is entertaining, warts and all.

‘Oz the Great and Powerful’

Dirty Spokes Duathlon, Winder. March 9. Fort

Family Day, Gainesville. 1-4 p.m. March 10. Northeast Georgia History Center, 322 Academy St. NE, Gainesville. Join the

Appalachian Trail Kick Off, Dawsonville. March 8-10. Lower lodge lobby, Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge, 280 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville. $5 parking. 706-265-1969, friendsofamicalolafalls.org.

Stevie Monce, Listening Room Concert, Dahlonega.

8:30 p.m. March 8. The Crimson Moon, 24 North Park St., Dahlonega. $10 in advance, $12 day of concert. www. thecrimsonmoon.com.

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

weekeND plANNeR

Northeast Georgia’s entertainment guide

gainesvilletimes.com/getout

The Associated Press

Yargo State Park, 210 S. Broad St., Winder. $5 parking. 770-867-3489, www.dirtyspokes.com.

Youth Art Month, Gainesville. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. March. Inman Perk Café, 102 Washington St., Historic Downtown, Gainesville. www.boysgirlsclubs.com.

History Center for an exciting look at World War II Special displays and have a picture taken in a jeep. Free. 770-297-5900, www.negahc.org.

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.

Anita Ford Beginner’s Acrylic Class, Gainesville. 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Through March 13.

Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. For ages 18 and older. $125 members, $145 nonmembers. 770-536-2575, www.quinlanartscenter.org.

Forum, Gainesville. 7 p.m. March 12. Northeast Georgia History Center, 322 Academy St. NE, Gainesville. William House, historian and collector, will discuss the Templeton Reid Mint that was located in Gainesville. 770-297-5900, www.negahc.org.

An All-Day Watercolor Workshop, Athens. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 11. Visitor Center, Gardenside Room, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens. $75, $9 materials fee for participants without supplies. 706-542-6156.

2013 Kiwanis Visual Arts Showcase, Gainesville. Opening reception 5:30 p.m. March 15. Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. 770-5362575, www.quinlanartscenter.org.

MARCH 15:

lOOkING AHeAD

“Driving Miss Daisy,” Dahlonega. 8 p.m. March 8-9, 2 p.m. March 10. The Historic Holly Theater, 69 W. Main St., Dahlonega. Adult $18, children and students $12. www.hollytheater.com.

“Footloose,” Gainesville. 7:30 p.m. March 7-9, 2 p.m. March 10. Burd Center for Performing Arts, Brenau University, 429 Academy St., Gainesville. $8. 770-983-7331 ext. 7250, jan.ewing@hallco.org.

Fiber Arts with Debra Paff, Sautee. March 7, 14, 21, 28. Sautee Nachoochee Center, 283 Ga. 255 N, Sautee. 706-768-6311, jevans@snca.org.

“Local Color” photography exhibit, Gainesville. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays through March 9. Sellars Gallery, Simmons Visual Arts Center, Brenau University, 200 Boulevard, Gainesville. Free. 770534-6263.

camellias. Free. lee.lovett@ hallco.org.

MARCH 25:

MON: TUeS: weD:

theater

arts

outdoors

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

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Follow a familiar yellow-brick road JEFF MARKER jeffmarker@rocketmail.com

Film Review “Oz the Great and Powerful,” a prequel to the iconic 1939 adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz,” is being framed as a huge gamble for Disney.

Reviving that widely loved, fiercely protected property might draw huge audiences, or it might provoke an intense backlash.

Judged on its own merits, which is admittedly difficult to do, “Oz” is a visually spectacular, predictable, yet entertaining movie. Director Sam Raimi (best known for the Spider-Man and Evil Dead Disney Enterprises/Associated Press franchises) relies on tired tropes The character China Girl, voiced by Joey King, left, and James Franco, as Oz, appear in a scene from “Oz the Great but creates a breathtaking world and Powerful.” that does justice to Baum’s imagination. the hero the people need, yadda of the blame. Why didn’t Raimi So will Disney’s gamble pay A feckless, self-centered yadda yadda. tell his star that the line readings off? Probably. The box office traveling magician called Oz Despite the lazy scripting, the weren’t working? Why did the prognosticators are pessimistic, (James Franco) is transported movie has some great moments. editor not choose different but “Oz” will satisfy its target by a tornado into a land that The sequence when we first takes? audience more than critics. bears his name. He meets arrive in Oz is marvelous. It’s The script does Franco no “Oz” is destined to be three witches — Theodora difficult these days to create a favors, either. Oz causes another compared to its classic elder (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel truly awe-inspiring digital world, character great pain, which cousin, and it fails in all respects.

Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle but Raimi and his crew have becomes a major turning point But of course it does. What Williams) — a loyal flying done it. in the story. But he is never movie could possibly equal one monkey (Zach Braff), a fragile The China Girl character is a forced to admit or atone for that of the most beloved, enduring girl made of China (Joey King) master stroke. Each time she is injury. It’s a thematic failure that, works ever captured on film? and Oz’s other, already familiar on screen, she makes your heart if handled differently, could have No one should expect this inhabitants. feel as fragile as her ceramic made the movie much stronger. movie to become an instant Oz can become king and body.

Luckily for Franco, his female classic. But nor should they preinherit endless riches if he The same cannot be said, co-stars steal the movie anyway. emptively hate it. can manage to kill the wicked though, of the movie’s star.

Williams, Weisz and Kunis are The fanboys and those who witch. There are three problems, Franco’s performance is uneven, all mesmerizing in “Oz.” The view “The Wizard of Oz” as a though. First, he isn’t sure who to put it nicely. He was probably actresses each endow their sacred text are upset at the actually is the wicked witch. miscast to begin with. He does characters with human frailty very idea of this movie. Well, Second, Oz is not a real wizard. well when playing Oz’s smarmy, and supernatural menace by get over it. Hollywood has Three, Oz is a greedy, conniving devious side, but he doesn’t turns. always churned out remakes, liar. inspire any allegiance at all, and “Oz” is mostly about its sequels and prequels. Contrary To kill the witch and save a few scenes are downright title character, but it offers an to popular belief, this is not new everyone, Oz will have to shed painful. outstanding origin story for the or a harbinger of Hollywood’s his selfish ways and become Not that Franco deserves all Wicked Witch. demise.

‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ Starring: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz, Joey King, Zach Braff Rated: PG, for sequences of action and scary images, and brief mild language Runtime: 2 hours, 7 minutes Bottom line: Oz the Medium and in Some Ways Strong

If you feel like Disney has just assaulted part of your childhood, remember that the 1939 “The Wizard of Oz” was not the first adaptation of Baum’s book.

It was a remake of a remake preceded by five Oz movies (two features, three shorts).

Those who give the movie a chance may not love it, but they will likely enjoy it. It is a familyfriendly movie that doesn’t offer anything original or unexpected but is entertaining, warts and all.

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.

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

Showtimes

‘Giant Slayer’ opens on top

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

11

Jack the Giant Slayer (PG-13) Thu.-Fri. 4:00-7:05-9:30 Sat.-Sun. 1:15-4:00-7:059:30 The Last Exorcism Part II (PG-13) Thu.-Fri. 5:00-7:209:45 Sat.-Sun. 12:45-3:005:00-7:20-9:45 Oz the Great and Powerful (PG) Fri. 4:00-7:00-10:00 Sat.-Sun. 1:00-4:00-7:0010:00 Safe Haven (PG-13) Thu.-Fri. 4:15-7:00-9:45 Sat.-Sun. 1:30-4:15-7:00-9:45

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Top grossing movies Friday through Sunday: 1. “Jack the Giant Slayer,” $27,202,226 2. “Identity Thief,” $9,706,145 3. “21 & Over,” Relativity, $8,754,168 4. “Snitch,” Lionsgate, $7,768,391 5. “The Last Exorcism Part II,” $7,728,354 6. “Escape From Planet Earth,” $6,619,827 7. “Safe Haven,” Relativity, $6,278,530 8. “Silver Linings Playbook,” $5,723,010 9. “A Good Day to Die Hard,” $4,572,486 10. “Dark Skies,” $3,468,553

Hollywood Stadium Cinemas 770-539-9200

120 Green Hill Circle NW, Gainesville

21 and Over (R) Thu. 5:307:45-10:00 Fri.-Sun. 1:003:15-5:30-7:45-10:00 Beautiful Creatures (PG-13) Thu. 4:00 Dark Skies (PG-13) Thu. 4:45-7:30-9:45 Fri.-Sun. 5:30-7:45 Dead Man Down (R) Thu. 10:00 Fri.-Sun. 1:15-4:007:00-9:45 Escape From Planet Earth (PG) Thu. 7:45-10:00 Fri.Sun. 1:00-3:15-5:30-7:4510:00 Escape From Planet Earth 3D (PG) Thu. 5:30 A Good Day to Die Hard (R) Thu. 4:30-7:00-9:15 Fri.Sun. 1:45-4:00 Identity Thief (R) Thu. 4:156:45-9:15 Fri.-Sun. 1:304:15-6:45-9:15 Jack the Giant Slayer (PG-13) Thu. 4:30-7:15-9:45 Fri.Sun. 1:30-4:30-7:15-9:45 Jack the Giant Slayer 3D (PG13) Thu. 4:00-7:00-9:30 Fri.-Sun. 1:15-4:15-7:009:30 The Last Exorcism Part II (PG-13) Thu. 5:30-7:4510:00 Fri.-Sun. 1:00-3:155:30-7:45-10:00 Oz the Great and Powerful (PG) Thu. 9:00 Fri.-Sat. 1:30-4:30-6:30-7:30-9:3010:30 Sun. 1:30-4:30-6:307:30-9:30 Oz the Great and Powerful 3D (PG) Thu. 9:00 Fri.-Sun. 1:00-2:00-4:00-5:00-7:008:00-10:00 Phantom (R) Thu. 4:457:00-9:15 Fri.-Sun. 10:00 Safe Haven (PG-13) Thu. 4:15-7:00-9:45 Fri.-Sun. 1:30-4:15-7:00-9:45 Side Effects (R) Thu. 4:15 Silver Linings Playbook (R) Thu. 4:00-6:45-9:30 Fri.Sun. 1:15-4:00-6:45-9:30

PAGE

Associated Press

JOHN JOHNSON | Relativity Media/Associated Press

From left, Skylar Astin, Justin Chon and Miles Teller appear in a scene from “21 & Over.”

Snitch (PG-13) Thu. 4:307:15-9:45 Fri.-Sun. 1:454:30-7:15-9:45 Warm Bodies (PG-13) Thu. 5:00-7:30 Fri.-Sun. 1:003\:15

Regal Mall Of Georgia Stadium 20 678-482-5858 3333 Buford Drive, Suite 3000, Buford

21 and Over (R) Thu. 11:4512:55-2:00-3:15-4:155:35-7:00-9:20 Fri.-Sat. 10:30-11:45-12:55-2:003:15-4:15-5:35-7:00-8:109:20-10:30-11:40 Sun. 10:30-11:45-12:55-2:003:15-4:15-5:35-7:00-8:109:20-10:30 Beautiful Creatures (PG-13) Thu. 1:30-4:20-7:10-10:00 Fri.-Sun. 10:55 Dark Skies (PG-13) Thu. 12:05-2:25-4:50-7:4010:05 Fri.-Sat. 12:05-2:304:50-7:40-10:05-12:30 Sun. 7:40-10:05 Dead Man Down (R) Fri.Sun. 12:10-2:50-5:30-8:1010:50 Escape From Planet Earth (PG) Thu.-Sun. 11:50-2:057:15 Escape From Planet Earth 3D (PG) Thu. 4:35-9:30 Fri.Sun. 4:35 A Good Day to Die Hard (R) Thu. 12:20-2:45-5:05-7:25-

9:45 Fri.-Sat. 12:20-2:455:05-7:25-9:45-12:05 Sun. 12:20-2:45-5:05-7:25-9:45 Identity Thief (R) Thu.-Sun. 11:55-2:35-5:10-7:4510:20 Jack the Giant Slayer (PG-13) Thu. 12:15-1:05-2:503:45-5:25-6:25-8:00-10:35 Fri.-Sun. 12:15-2:50-5:258:00-10:35 Jack the Giant Slayer 3D (PG13) Thu. 11:45-2:20-1:504:25-4:55-7:00-7:30-10:05 Fri.-Sat. 11:45-2:20-4:557:30-10:05 Sun. 2:20-4:557:30-10:05 The Last Exorcism Part II (PG-13) Thu. 11:50-2:104:30-6:50-8:00-10:25 Fri.-Sat. 11:50-2:10-4:306:50-9:15-11:40 Sun. 2:104:30-6:50-9:15 Oz the Great and Powerful (PG) Fri.-Sat. 12:00-3:056:05-7:30-9:00-10:2511:55 Sun. 12:00-3:056:05-7:30-9:00-10:25 Oz the Great and Powerful 3D (PG) Thu. 9:00 Fri.-Sat. 10:15-11:00-11:15-1:101:45-2:10-4:30-4:455:05-7:15-7:45-8:0010:00-10:40-12:10 Sun. 11:00-11:15-1:10-1:452:10-4:30-4:45-5:05-7:157:45-8:00-10:00-10:40 Oz the Great and Powerful: An IMAX 3D Experience (PG) Thu. 10:00 Fri.-Sat. 10:451:30-4:15-7:00-9:45-12:30 Sun. 10:45-1:30-4:15-7:009:45

Phantom (R) Thu. 1:254:00-7:05 Quartet (PG-13) Thu. 12:00-2:25-4:45-7:30-9:55 Fri.-Sat. 12:00-2:25-4:457:25-9:55-12:20 Sun. 12:00-2:25-4:45-7:25-9:55 Safe Haven (PG-13) Thu. 1:55-4:40-7:35-10:20 Fri.Sun. 11:10-1:55-4:40-7:3510:20 Side Effects (R) Thu. 9:05 Silver Linings Playbook (R) Thu. 1:40-4:30-7:20-10:10 Fri.-Sun. 10:45-1:40-4:257:20-10:10 Snitch (PG-13) Thu. 12:051:30-2:40-4:10-5:15-7:5510:35 Fri.-Sun. 12:05-2:405:15-7:55-10:35 Warm Bodies (PG-13) Thu. 12:10-2:30-5:00-7:20-9:45 Fri.-Sun. 9:30 Wreck-It Ralph (PG) Thu. 12:15-2:45-5:20 Fri.-Sun. 11:55-2:25-4:55

Movies 400 678-513-4400 415 Atlanta Road, Cumming

21 and Over (R) Thu.-Sun. (12:05-2:30-4:55) 7:30-9:55 Dark Skies (PG-13) Thu. (12:20-2:50-5:20) 7:50 Dead Man Down (R) Thu. 10:20 Fri.-Sun. (1:10-4:10) 7:15-10:05 Escape From Planet Earth (PG) Thu. (2:20) 7:00 Fri.Sun. (12:30-2:50-5:10) 7:30 Escape From Planet Earth 3D (PG) Thu. (12:00-4:40) 9:20 A Good Day to Die Hard (R) Thu.-Sun. (12:15-2:455:15) 7:45-10:15

Identity Thief (R) Thu.-Sun. (1:15-4:00) 7:20-10:05 Jack the Giant Slayer (PG13) Thu.-Sun. (1:00-3:45) 7:10-9:55 Jack the Giant Slayer 3D (PG13) Thu.-Sun. (12:30-3:15) 6:30-9:15 The Last Exorcism Part II (PG-13) Thu. (12:10-2:304:50) 7:30-10:00 Fri.-Sun. 10:00 Oz the Great and Powerful (PG) Thu. 9:00 Fri.-Sun. (1:00) 7:00 Oz the Great and Powerful 3D (PG) Thu. 9:00 Fri.-Sun. (12:00-3:05-4:00) 6:209:25-10:00 Phantom (R) Thu. (12:102:40-5:10) Safe Haven (PG-13) Thu.Sun. (1:05-3:50) 7:00-9:45 Silver Linings Playbook (R) Thu.-Sun. (12:35-3:45) 7:00-9:55 Snitch (PG-13) Thu. (1:304:15) Fri.-Sun. (1:30-4:15) 7:25-10:10

Habersham Hills Cinemas 6 706-776-7469 2115 Cody Road, Mount Airy

Dead Man Down (R) Fri. 4:10-7:15-9:55 Sat.-Sun. 1:30-4:10-7:15-9:55 Escape From Planet Earth (PG) Thu. 5:15-7:30-9:45 A Good Day to Die Hard (R) Thu. 5:30-7:45-10:00 Identity Thief (R) Thu.-Fri. 4:45-7:15-10:00 Sat.-Sun. 1:45-4:45-7:15-10:00

Dawson 400 Stadium Cinemas 706-216-1622 189 North 400 Center Lane, Dawsonville

21 and Over (R) Thu. 4:507:10-9:40 Fri.-Sun. 12:102:30-4:50-7:05-9:20 Dark Skies (PG-13) Thu. 4:45-7:00-9:45 Fri.-Sun. 9:30 Dead Man Down (R) Fri.Sun. 1:30-4:10-7:15-9:55 Escape From Planet Earth (PG) Thu. 4:45-9:45 Fri.Sun. 12:10-2:30-4:45-7:20 Escape From Planet Earth 3D (PG) Thu. 7:00 A Good Day to Die Hard (R) Thu. 7:15 Identity Thief (R) Thu. 4:107:10-9:45 Fri.-Sun. 1:404:10-7:15-9:50 Jack the Giant Slayer (PG-13) Thu. 4:00-9:40 Fri.-Sun. 12:00-9:55 Jack the Giant Slayer 3D (PG-13) Thu. 7:05 Fri.-Sun. 4:30-7:20 The Last Exorcism Part II (PG-13) Thu. 5:00-7:009:40 Fri.-Sun. 2:50-5:007:15-9:25 Oz the Great and Powerful (PG) Thu. 9:00 Fri.-Sun. 2:20-4:00-5:10-8:00-10:00 Oz the Great and Powerful 3D (PG) Thu. 9:00 Fri.-Sun. 12:30-1:00-7:00 Phantom (R) Thu. 4:407:00-9:20 Fri.-Sun. 12:00 Safe Haven (PG-13) Thu. 4:00-7:05 Fri.-Sun. 1:304:05-7:10-9:45 Snitch (PG-13) Thu. 4:057:10-9:15 Fri.-Sun. 1:304:05-7:30-9:45 Warm Bodies (PG-13) Thu. 4:50

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

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

OPENING

‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ ■■ Review, 10

Continuing

‘Phantom’ HH (R, violence). On March 8, 1968, about 1,800 miles northwest of Oahu in the Pacific Ocean, the dieselpowered Soviet submarine K-129 exceeded its crush depth and imploded, for mysterious reasons a screenwriter would find intriguing on which to speculate. All 98 of its crew members died. The sub sank with three ballistic nuclear missiles as well as two nuclear torpedoes.

How close did the world come to a serious, serious problem that day? What really happened? Did the commander go rogue, and why? Regarding “Phantom,” here’s another matter of speculation: How did this submarine movie turn out so unseaworthy?

Facts first, then opinions.

This is a no-dialect movie. Nobody does a Slavic accent; rather, the American actors, chiefly Ed Harris (as the delusional, haunted captain), David Duchovny (as a KGB agent on board for a fateful trip) and William Fichtner (as the captain’s loyal No. 2), swap ethnicity for relatability, though Fichtner can’t help himself from here and there adding a slight foreignness, a weary Russian cadence to his lines. Just back from a three-month tour of duty, Capt. Dmitri Zubov takes command of the aging nuclear-armed missile, which is equipped with a sonar-repelling device being tested by the cryptic operatives onboard. These men have “ruthless secret service who don’t take nyet for an answer” written all

RCR Media Group/Associated Press

Ed Harris appears in a scene from “Phantom,” a Cold War submarine drama. over their foreheads, and they want the sub for their own high-risk purposes.

Harris’ captain, in between visions of flames and dying men, refuses to give ground, setting a long, narrow, clammy stage for a showdown.

The screenwriter and director Todd Robinson hasn’t made a bad film with “Phantom,” merely a stiff one. Would rhetorical questions such as “Do you think we can be redeemed for the things we’ve done?” come across better in Russian, subtitled into English?

If so many lines are followed, like clockwork, by a footnote-type add-on (“Ah, yes, your father ... he commanded the first submarine brigade of the Baltic Fleet”), then can “Phantom” ever really get going as human drama?

Robinson is undone partly by his own workmanlike touch as a writer, and partly by matters of casting. I like Harris, and he’s quite moving here, but every time Duchovny reappears the overall energy level sinks to crush depth. Fichtner, a longtime supporting

player, clearly appreciates the opportunity to tackle a larger and more sympathetic role than usual. He conveys that enjoyment to the audience, in the service of his character. Nice job.

All around him, though, “Phantom” makes a middling suspense case for its fictional scenario of what happened, down there in the depths of the Cold War. ‘The Last Exorcism Part II’

H (PG-13 for horror,

violence, terror and brief language). OK, so it wasn’t “The Last Exorcism” after all. Here’s “Part II,” an 88-minute bore without the nervy, shaky-camera found-footage conceit, without the doubting exorcist’s moment of truth, without the chills of demonic possession thrills that the low-budget original film served up.

“Part II” is every bit as cheap and far more generic, nothing more than a run of the mill ghost story masquerading as “The Devil Made Her Do It.” Ashley Bell, as Nell, the teen lusted after by Lucifer, seems exhausted,

frazzled, out of her acting league and nowhere near her teen years in this sequel. Nell has stumbled into New Orleans, hounded during Mardi Gras even as she tries to convince doctors and those in a mental health halfway house that “I’m not crazy.”

But she’s seeing her dead daddy (Louis Herthum).

She’s hearing voices.

Dogs bark at her passing, gorillas in the zoo act up and every Mardi Gras reveler in a scary mask stares her down. Frank (Muse Watson), who runs Deveroux Halfway House, could not be more wrong when he assures her, “Whatever you’re running from won’t find you here.”

“Last Exorcism II” is a slower than slow thriller built around Bell, who isn’t at her most subtle or empathetic here. There’s fear and the burden of “If he seduces you, all hope is lost.” Not that Bell gets that across.

There’s no urgency to the performance, or that of anybody else trying to save poor Nell from Hell.

It’s a film of cheap shriek scares and fizzing frights that pack no punch. The

tropes of the genre — exorcists who have the tools but face long odds, bleeding walls, birds that fly into a house where Nell hides out (hey, it was aliens who caused that in “Dark Skies”) — are there. But the effects are skimpy and cheesy, with that crazy contortion business that the first “Last Exorcist” took to new extremes rarely used. Filmmaker Ed Gass-Donnelly sets too much of the action in broad daylight, which isn’t spooky. The dull acting doesn’t hide that there’s not enough story to justify setting this in Voodooville, USA — New Orleans. So one can only hope that when the say “The Last Exorcism,” they mean it.

‘21 and Over’ H H H (R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language, some graphic nudity, drugs and drinking).

Here is a youth comedy that is leering, offensive, politically incorrect, at times even disgusting and yet not a bummer.

In fact, those who stick with it to the end may find “21 and Over” one of the more appealing movies of the season. Written and directed by “The Hangover” co-writers Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, it’s brought off with a crazed, chaotic energy that absolves most of its sins. To celebrate the 21st birthday of their pal Jeff Chang (Justin Chon), a workaholic premed student, his wild-man pal Miller (Miles Teller) and buttoned-down buddy Casey (Skylar Astin) arrange a pub-crawl.

Knowing he has a crucial internship interview the next morning, they promise to keep it safe and sane.

He screws up; he trusts them. The celebration turns into a bender of Australian proportions.

Jeff Chang (he is always called by both names, like Meat Loaf) implodes

after so many years of repression, drinks himself psychotic, and passes out. Miller and Casey drag the limp birthday boy across the hard-partying college town in a fruitless search for his apartment.

En route they run afoul of a hyperaggressive pep squad captain, enrage a Latina girl gang, start a buffalo stampede, throw comatose Jeff Chang off two roofs and commit a hodgepodge of felonies. You root for them nevertheless because the actors are likable, the mayhem is cartoonishly overblown, there’s a nice undercurrent of believable friendship and the pace never slackens long enough for your thoughts to turn judgmental. It’s a cheerful jolt of Grade-A idiocy.

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

‘Jack the Giant Slayer’

HH (PG-13 for intense scenes of fantasy action violence, some frightening images and brief language).

Fee, fie, ho hum. “Jack the Giant Slayer” doesn’t amount to a hill of beans.

Like the recent “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters” and 2011’s “Red Riding Hood,” it struggles to find the right balance of elements to amuse kids, thrill actionhungry adolescents and entertain adults. Instead it feels like a film made by a committee, for a demographic rather than an audience. It’s a tale full of sound and fury (and flying bodies) signifying nothing.

Bryan Singer, who gave us “The Usual Suspects,” two good “X-Men” films and “Valkyrie,” usually makes innovative movies humming with intelligence. Here he directs in the standard swoosh-and-slash syntax of blockbusters, leaving not a fingerprint of individual style on the product. It’s difficult to inject new life into an ages-old folktale (only last summer’s vibrant “Snow White and the Huntsman” succeeded in recent years). This project is about as fresh as a gasstation burrito. Our Jack is Nicholas Hoult, not the sly scamp of the fairytale, but a goodhearted fellow with a too-trusting nature.

Living far from the capitol and its very Disney-esque palace, he hopes to move up in the world. Before long he does, literally. After swapping his family horse at the market for a few allegedly priceless beans, he accidentally rotates the farm’s main crop with a forest of skyscraping beanstalks. The giants above make off with the kingdom’s sweet, eyebatting Princess Isabelle (Eleanor Tomlinson). Ewan McGregor plays Elmont, the captain of the palace guards. With Errol Flynn

Doubt.” The adoring niece in that one soon realized that her Uncle Charlie was not at all what he seemed. Is India on her guard, or does she see a new mentor in him? The Hollywood debut of Korean filmmaker Chan-wook Park (“Oldboy”) is a vivid, short exercise in tone, a movie lacking shocks and huge surprises, but one that makes up for that by creeping us out, from start to finish. It’s a film of extreme close-ups of a blister being popped, of fear for characters who pop into the frame, ready to solve Charlie’s mystery (only to never have the chance) — of a daddy longlegs spider’s slow progress through India’s field of vision. Goode’s occasional furtive glance hints at nefarious plans.

Wasikowska’s pale, pokerfaced stare beneath her long, dark hair deepens the sense that this is a Goth girl gone wrong.

Kidman manages a lovely hopelessness here. She’s lost, and the one person

she should be able to cling to — her daughter — has nothing to do with her.

Wasikowska’s exquisitely expressionless reaction to what transpires makes us question her motives, her morality. The plummyvoiced Goode has a disarming surface charm, something Park and screenwriters Wentworth Miller and Erin Cressida Wilson undercut by giving away his menace early on. And Park’s showy technique doesn’t wholly gloss over this lack of mystery. But while the director is no Hitchcock — not yet, anyway — the modest chills of “Stoker” do suggest he’s learned from him and could someday be his own “Master of Suspense.”

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in this long-running film series to make you glad it’s still around. Bruce Willis dusts off the toughguy attitude to reprise his most iconic role, Detective John McClane — a man who always seems to be in the wrong place at the right time. This time, he travels to Russia in hopes of saving his estranged son, Jack (Jai Courtney), from life in prison. He ends up in the middle of a political and military mess — the norm for McClane.

It’s been a quarter of a century since McClane first yippee-ki-yayed his way into action film lore with his quick quips and even quicker trigger finger.

He’s a little older, but the verbal and bullet barrages haven’t slowed down.

From a chase scene that destroys almost 200 cars to the helicopter attack at the end, director John Moore has made “A Good Day to Die Hard” a high-caliber thrill ride.

go o movies

Fox Searchlight Pictures/Associated Press

Mia Wasikowska, left, and Matthew Goode appear in a scene from “Stoker.”

aplomb he dashes into battle determined to cut the big boys down to size. Jack, smitten with Her Loveliness, volunteers for the mission.

Also on the climb is Roderick (Stanley Tucci), a dastardly nobleman soon to be Isabelle’s husband through arranged marriage. The dry Tucci and droll McGregor offer the film’s best moments of “Princess Bride”-style self-satire. There are several good gags as the humans skirmish against their oafish yet dangerous goliaths. The film promises to settle into a princessand-pauper romance, but “Jack” is afflicted with the contemporary movie disease of multiple redundant endings.

‘Stoker’ HHH (R for disturbing violent and sexual content). The Stoker

house is in mourning.

Widow Evelyn (Nicole Kidman) has crawled into a bottle, weeping.

Teenage daughter India (Mia Wasikowska), already withdrawn from Mom, pulls further into her sullen shell.

She hates to be touched, becomes even more of a loner at school, and loses herself in memories of her newly deceased dad (Dermot Mulroney) and the heightened sense of the outdoors that he taught her to love. Then Dad’s brother (Matthew Goode) shows up, all sympathy and smiles. He consoles Evelyn. What does he want from India?

“To be friends.” She falls under his spell, and his protection. That school where it seems every boy wants to taunt or molest her, the mother who never “got” her? Uncle Charlie makes up for all that. India is intrigued. It’s a pity she’s too young to have seen Hitchcock’s “Shadow of a

‘A Good Day to Die Hard’

HH (R for violence, language). The plot of “A Good Day to Die Hard” has more holes than a 25-year-old pair of favorite socks. But just like those tattered toe covers, there’s something about the latest

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go o music

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

Flutist Galway hits UGA Brenau Choir to fill your

spirit with spring concert

From staff reports Flute virtuoso James Galway will bring his Legacy Tour to Athens at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 7 at Hodgson Concert Hall.

Sir James will be joined by his wife, Lady Jeanne Galway, and the Galway Chamber Players for a concert that will include Mozart’s Flute Quartet in D Major, Debussy’s “Clair de Lune,” Bizet’s “Carmen Fantasy” and Henry Mancini’s “Pennywhistle Jig” and “Baby Elephant Walk.”

Galway is recognized around the globe as the supreme interpreter of the classical flute repertoire and an entertainer whose appeal crosses all musical boundaries. Through his extensive touring, more than 30 million albums sold and frequent international television appearances, he has endeared himself to millions worldwide.

Born in Belfast, Galway studied in London and Paris and began his orchestral career with the Royal Philharmonic and London Symphony orchestras. He has shared the stage with a wide array of entertainers, including Stevie Wonder, Henry Mancini, John Denver, Elton John, the Chieftains, Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell,

From staff reports

Associated Press

James Galway’s Legacy Tour When: 8 p.m. March 7 Where: 230 River Road, Hodgson Concert Hall, Athens How much: $20-59 Contact info: pac.uga.edu, 706-542-4400, 888-2898497

Jessye Norman, Cleo Laine and Andrea Bocelli. He performed with Pink Floyd at the Berlin Wall, was part of the Nobel Peace concert in Norway and performed at the G Seven Summit hosted by Queen Elizabeth in Buckingham Palace.

Galway has been honored twice by Queen Elizabeth with the Order of the British Empire in 1979 and again in 2001 with knighthood.

Mary Helen Still, a graduate assistant in

concert calendar This week

Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Tara Winds, Atlanta. 8 p.m. March 7. Rialto Center for the Arts, 80 Forsyth St. NW, Atlanta. Free. 404413-5901, www.music.gsu.edu.

Stevie Monce, Listening Room

The Brenau University Gospel Choir will perform its second spring concert at 7:30 p.m. March 11 in Pearce Auditorium.

The program, free and open to the public, features contemporary gospel numbers like William Murphy’s “You Reign” and Maurette Brown-Clark’s “I Just Wanna Praise You.” The group also plans to perform “Thou Most High,” an original piece composed and arraigned by director Portia Burns, a Brenau University alumna and choral director for Gainesville Middle School.

Barbara Steinhaus, chair of the Brenau Music Department, said concertgoers can expect an evening filled with uplifting and spiritual music. She noted that previous performances by the unique choir, an interracial, multigenerational ensemble that performs music in the African-American spiritual tradition “have been special and

Brenau Gospel Choir spring concert When: 7:30 p.m. March 11 Where: Pearce Auditorium, Brenau University, 500 Washington St., Gainesville How much: Free Contact info: 770-538-4764, www. brenau.edu/music

moving experiences for the community.”

The choir includes students, faculty and community members and welcomes new members at the beginning of each semester. The group practices at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesdays in the John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts.

For information on Brenau’s music department, contact 770-538-4764 or www.brenau.edu/music.

The Brenau University Gospel Choir performs for faculty and students during the 2013 Winter Convocation in Pearce Auditorium on the historic Gainesville campus.

musicology at UGA, will give a pre-concert lecture 45 minutes prior to the performance. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Galway’s concert will be recorded for broadcast on American Public Media’s Performance Today.

Tickets are $20-$59 with discounts for UGA students. They may be purchased online at pac. uga.edu or by calling the box office at 706-5424400 or toll free at 888289-8497.

Concert, Dahlonega. 8:30 p.m.

March 8. The Crimson Moon, 24 North Park St., Dahlonega. $10 in advance, $12 day of concert. www.thecrimsonmoon.com.

Graduate Chamber Recital Heather Willyard, Atlanta. 8 p.m. March 8. Rialto Center for the Arts, 80 Forsyth St. NW, Atlanta. Free. 404413-5901, www.music.gsu.edu.

Chamber Singers Concert Series, Dunwoody. 7 p.m. March

9. Dunwoody United Methodist Church, 1548 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody. Donation $10. 770394-0675.

Michelle Malone, Dahlonega. 8:30 p.m. March 9. The Crimson Moon Cafe, 24 N. Park St., Dahlonega. $20-$25. 706-864-3982, www. thecrimsonmoon.com.

Graduate Orchestral Conducting Recital Wilson Tong, Atlanta. 3 p.m.

March 10. Rialto Center for the

For Get Out

Arts, 80 Forsyth St. NW, Atlanta.

Free. 404-413-5901, www.music. gsu.edu.

Senior Recital Micah Martin, Atlanta. 8 p.m. March 10. Rialto Center for the Arts, 80 Forsyth St. NW, Atlanta. Free. 404-413-5901, www.music.gsu.edu.

Chamber Recital Jean Gay, Nina Ray, and Grace Tian, Atlanta. 3 p.m.

March 11. Rialto Center for the Arts, 80 Forsyth St. NW, Atlanta.

Free. 404-413-5901, www.music. gsu.edu. neoPhonia New Music Ensemble, Altanta. 8 p.m. March 12. Kopleff Recital Hall, 10 Peachtree Center Ave., Atlanta. Free. 404-413-5901, www.music.gsu.edu.

Senior Recital James Taylor Moseley, Atlanta. 8 p.m. March 13. Rialto Center for the Arts, 80 Forsyth St. NW, Atlanta. Free. 404413-5901, www.music.gsu.edu.

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

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Help beautify Cornelia YMCA to offer classes for Casino Night raises funds for facade From staff reports A few games of chance can help spruce up downtown Cornelia.

The second annual Casino Night fundraiser to benefit the Cornelia Facade Grant Program is set for 6-10 p.m. Friday, March 8, at the Community House.

CCP Events will provide professional gaming tables and dealers for roulette, blackjack, poker, craps and slots, with the basement set up for bingo. Attendees can play to win tickets for chances to take home prizes donated by area businesses, with a grand prize of $1,000.

Other items include goody baskets and vouchers to local businesses. Prize winners will be drawn between after 9 p.m.

Tickets are $25 each before March 7, $30 at the door. Tickets include $4,000 in fun money (poker chips), five raffle tickets, one beverage ticket and finger foods. Donations can be made for additional tickets at the door for additional chips and drinks.

Cornelia Casino Night Fundraiser Where: 7-10 p.m. March 8 When: Cornelia Community House, 601 Wyly St., Cornelia How much: $25 per person, includes $4,000 in fun money, raffle tickets, drinks and food Contact info: 706-778-8585, bht@corneliageorgia.org, www.explorecornelia.com.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to the program.

Tickets can be purchased online at corneliacasinonight. eventbrite.com for a service charge, or can be purchased in person with cash or check at 102 Hodges St, Cornelia, GA 30531 from the Office of Downtown Development (please call to confirm a time for purchase.)

Sponsorships and door prize donations are being accepted for any interested businesses or individuals wishing to help raise funds for the revitalization efforts in Cornelia.

The city’s Better Hometown/Downtown Development Authority

family events This week

Lion Week, Gainesville. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

March 7-8. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, 999 Chestnut St. SE, Gainesville. $1 with paid admission to museum, INK members are free. 770-536-1900.

Sneak Preview Days, Cleveland. March 9, 16, and 23. North Georgia Zoo, 2912 Paradise Valley Road, Cleveland. 706348-7279.

St. Patrick’s Day Week, Gainesville. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 11-15. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, 999 Chestnut St. SE, Gainesville. $1 with paid admission to museum, INK members are free. 770-5361900.

implemented the program as a reimbursable grant available to businesses or commercial properties located in the downtown Cornelia area that need assistance with exterior refurbishments or improvements to property visible from public right of ways. It can include repair or installation of signage.

With money previously raised, the board has been able to fund four projects downtown.

For more details on the event, to make a donation or set up a time to purchase tickets, contact Heather Sinyard at 706-778-8585, ext. 280, email, bht@ corneliageorgia.org or visit www.explorecornelia.com.

“Elachee Explorers” Preschool Program for 4-5 year-olds, Gainesville. 9:30 a.m. to noon. Tuesdays and Thursdays. March 12 through May 9. Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville.

Families have an option to enroll children for the two-day program, Tuesdays and Thursdays or the one-day program, Tuesdays or Thursdays. $150-$250. 770535-1976, www.elachee.org.

“Mommy and Me” Preschool Program for 2-3 year-olds, Gainesville. 10-11:30 a.m.

Every second and fourth Wednesdays of the month through May 8. Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville. $10 one child and parent to each individual program. $5 per additional parent or preschooler. 770-535-1976, www.elachee.org.

new and would-be moms From staff reports

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The J.A. Walters Family YMCA is offering a “Fit For Two” program, a series of wellness classes designed for women who are pre- or postpregnancy or hoping to become pregnant, from 8-9 a.m.

Tuesdays and Fridays in Studio A at 2455 Howard Road, Gainesville.

The YMCA has been offering prenatal exercise programs since 1986. The “Fit for Two” program offers expecting mothers a fitness regimen designed to target muscle groups weakened by pregnancy and increase flexibility.

The classes also educate women on the importance of prenatal nutrition as well as the physical and psychological changes that take place during pregnancy.

Tuesday classes will consist of general fitness for woman who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, while Friday’s class will consist of Yoga specific to the needs of pregnant women. Also on Fridays, a 30-minute discussion on nutrition will follow the class.

“Fit for Two” is free to YMCA members, or available in a six-week package of classes for $540.

For further information, call 770-2979622 or email Angie Beccue at Angie@ gamountainsymca.org.

Associated Press

‘Fit For Two’ When: 8-9 a.m. Tuesdays, Fridays Where: J.A. Walters Family YMCA, 2455 Howard Road, Gainesville How much: $540 for six weeks, free to members Contact info: 770-297-9622, angie@ gamountainsymca.org

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BRENAU

Thursday, March 7, 2013

UNIVERSITY

GOSPEL CHOIR Director, Portia Burns

presents

A Musical Celebration of Easter

Monday, March 11, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

Brenau University’s Pearce Auditorium, Gainesville Campus free and Open tO the public / infOrmatiOn 770.538.4764 / www.brenau.edu