Get Out December 20 2012

Chicken City Cyclists calling it quits in 2013, page 5

Christmas at the movies Find out what’s hot, what’s not.

PAGES 10-14 Thursday December 20, 2012

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This Friday, people can search for the holy star by “thinking like a Magi” at the George E. Coleman Sr. Planetarium at North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega.

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family

Take the kids to the Northeast Georgia History Center to check out the Christmas decor.

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music

The Times catches up with Gainesville’s Carl Williams for a few questions about his adventures playing bass with the Cody McCarver band.

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arts

Local artist Tina Carlson-Griffeth’s work is on view through April 1 at the Quinlan mini-gallery located at Regions Center in Gainesville.

PAGE 15 The Associated Press

on the cover

If your family tradition involves heading to the theater after Christmas dinner, you may be pleasantly surprised ... or very disappointed.

PAGES 10-14

The city of Suwanee is searching for submissions for the upcoming SculpTour, which will now last 22 months.

PAGE 15

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Come Visit Santa!

December 22

10am-3pm

Main Street Market Downtown Square

SHOP DOWNTOWN! Support your Local Businesses os t o h P a $15 t n a S with ackage CD P

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etc events This week

Make Your Own Holiday Centerpiece, Athens. 9 a.m. to noon. Dec. 20. Visitor Center, Classroom 2, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 South Milledge Ave., Athens.

706-542-6156, botgarden. uga.edu Old Time Radio: Fibber McGee & Molly, Gainesville.

Dec. 22. Brenau University, Public Radio WBCX-FM 89.1. Holiday songs by Jennifer Ferrin and Dodi Pritchett. www.brenau. edu\wbcx Recycle Christmas Tree Drop-Off, Cleveland. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 22. and 26-29. North Georgia Zoo, 2912 Paradise Valley Road, Cleveland. Trees must be live, free of decorations, tinsel and chemical sprays and still green. 706-3487279, www.myfavoritezoo. com

Upcoming

Kwanzaa, Gainesville.

Dec. 29. Brenau University, Public Radio WBCX-FM

89.1. Learn about the recent revival of an age-old tradition from Africa. www. brenau.edu\wbcx Sparkling New Years Contra Dance, Sautee Nacoochee.

7:30-11 p.m. Dec. 29.

Historic Gym. Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, 283 Ga. 255 N., Sautee Nacoochee.

Potluck dinner, lessons, dancing. $8 adults, $7 members, $4 students.

706-754-3254 , www.snca. org Lakeshore Squares New Year’s Eve Square Dance, Gainesville. 8:30 to midnight. Dec. 31. First Presbyterian Church, 800 South Enota Drive, Gainesville. Refreshments provided. $10 advance tickets, $12.50 at door.

404-808-8689, www. lakeshoresquares.com Tack Cornelius, “Reading Seeing, Hearing, Writing,” Gainesville. 1-3 p.m. Jan. 2. Peach State Bank, 325 Washington St., Gainesville.

Free. Hosted by the Northeast Georgia Writers. www.negawriters.org.

Square Dance Class, Flowery Branch. 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 7. Mulberry Creek

concert calendar This week

Chad Bowmar, Dahlonega. 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 20. 706-867-7155.

Open Stage Night, Sautee Nacoochee.

7 p.m. Dec. 20. Center Theatre, Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, 283 Ga. 255 N., Sautee Nacoochee. Musicians, singers, songwriters, writers and performers welcome. Free. 706-878-3300, www. snca.org

Upcoming

Chad Bowmar, Dahlonega. 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 27. 706-867-7155.

Chad Bowmar, Braselton. 8 p.m.

Dec. 27. 706-824-0008.

Jamie Laval’s Scottish Solstice Holiday Celebration, Duluth. 8 p.m.

Dec. 29. Red Clay Theatre, 3116 Main St., Duluth. $20 in advance, $25 at door, $15 students.

Community Center, 4491 JM Turk Road, Flowery Branch. Singles and couples welcome, children ages 12 and older accompanied by adult taking class. 404-808-8689, www.lakeshoresquares. com Forgotten Skills: Keeping Traditions Alive, Class 5, Gainesville. 10 a.m. Jan. 19.

Northeast Georgia History Center, 322 Academy St. NE, Gainesville. Cooking meals outdoors using dutch oven and bamboo.

Class limited to 12. $65, $60 for members. Advance registration appreciated.

Ages 10 and older; 770297-5900, www.negahc.org or jcarson@brenau.edu Monarchs in Mexico, Gainesville. 12:30-2 p.m.

Jan. 24. Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville.

Land Protection Branch Environmental Outreach Coordinator Kim Bailey will discuss monarchs in Mexico. Bring lunch; $10 donation requested. 770535-1976, www.elachee. org Winter Birding in Georgia, Gainesville. 12:30 p.m. Feb.

John King Band, Clarkesville. 9 p.m.

Dec. 29. 706-754-3541.

New Year’s Eve with BlueBilly Grit, Dahlonega. 8 p.m. Dec. 31. The Crimson Moon Cafe, 24 N. Park St., Dahlonega. $15 in advance $17 day of show. 706-864-3982, www. thecrimsonmoon.com.

Jeni Michelson with Society Express Quartet, Gainesville. 8 p.m. Jan. 19. The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. $30. 770-534-2787, www.TheArtsCouncil.net Havana Son Trio, Gainesville. 8 p.m.

Feb. 1. The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. $30. 770-534-2787, www.TheArtsCouncil.net Classical guitarist Jeff Bianchi, Gainesville. 7 p.m. Feb. 23. Inman Perk Cafe, 102 Washington St. SW, Gainesville. Free.

P!nk ‘The Truth About Love’ 2013 North American Tour, Atlanta. March

21. Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville. Ornithologist Georgann Schmalz will discuss winter birding in Georgia. Bring lunch; $10 donation is requested. 770535-1976, www.elachee.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 environment policy.

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

Ongoing

Card games, Flowery Branch. 8:30 a.m. to noon. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Mulberry Creek Community Center, Mulberry Creek Park, 4491 JM Turk Road, Flowery Branch. $1. 770-965-7140 Tai Chi, Flowery Branch.

10:30-11:30 a.m.

Thursdays. Mulberry Creek Community Center, Mulberry Creek Park, 4491 JM Turk Road, Flowery Branch. $1. 770-965-7140.

1. Philips Arena.LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster.com Nuclear Cowboyz, Atlanta. March 2 and 3. Philips Arena.

Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Ball World Tour, Atlanta. March 11. Philips Arena.

LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster.com Evan Christopher Trio, Gainesville.

8 p.m. March 23. The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. $30. 770-534-2787, www.TheArtsCouncil.net Annie Sellick Trio, Gainesville. 8 p.m.

April 13. The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. $30. 770-534-2787, www.TheArtsCouncil.net Rihanna Diamonds World Tour, Atlanta. April 22. Philips Arena.

LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster.com Joe Gransden & Friends, Gainesville.

8 p.m. May 4. The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. $30. 770-534-2787, www.TheArtsCouncil.net

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

theater events This week

“Sanders Family Christmas,” Cumming. 8 p.m.

Dec. 20-22. Cumming Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming. $25. 770-781-9178, www. playhousecumming.com “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Dahlonega. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Dec. 21-23. The Holly Theater, 69 W. Main St., Dahlonega. $15. 706-8643759, www.hollytheater.com “Trouble in Toyland,” Lawrenceville. 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Dec. 22. Aurora Theatre, 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville. $7. 678-226-6222, www.auroratheatre. com

Upcoming

“Branson on the Road,” Cumming. Dec. 28-31.

Cumming Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming. $25.

770-781-9178, www.playhousecumming.com.

New Year’s Eve Event featuring Elvis, Cornelia. 8-10 p.m. Dec. 31. Habersham Community Theater, Cornelia. $25 per person, includes dessert and champagne. 706-839-1315, www.habershamtheater. org “The Tempest,” Atlanta. Jan. 4-27. The New American Shakespeare Tavern, 499 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. Directed by Laura Cole. 404-874-5299, www. shakespearetavern.com

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goo outdoors This week

Holi-Day Camp, Helen.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 20. Smithgall Woods State Park, Helen. Kids ages 9-12 can enjoy a bit of fun and skill in orienteering. Advance registration required. $55 for both days. 706878-3087.

“Star of Bethlehem,” Dahlonega. 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 21.

Coleman Planetarium, North Georgia College, 82 College Circle, Dahlonega.

Telescope viewing at the observatory will be available following the show, weather permitting. www. northgeorgia.edu

Upcoming

The Lanier Canoe Kayak Club 16th annual Polar Bear Swim, Gainesville. 2 p.m. Jan. 1. Lake Lanier Olympic Venue, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road. Jumpers receive T-shirt, chili, dessert and drink. $25.

770-287-7888, www. lckc.org.

First Day Hike, Blairsville. 9:15 a.m.

Jan. 1. Vogel State Park, Blairsville. Vogel Volunteers will provide lunch afterward. $5 parking. 706-745-2628.

New Year’s Day Hike, Dawsonville. 10-11 a.m. Jan. 1. Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge, Dawsonville. $5 parking. 706-265-1969.

First Day Hike, Helen.

10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Jan. 1. Unicoi State Park and Lodge, Helen.

Welcome the New Year with a 2 1/2-mile moderate hike around Unicoi Lake. Finish the trail with a small meal of black-eyed peas, greens and pork cooked in Dutch ovens over an open fire.

Register in advance. $5 parking. 706-878-2201 ext. 305.

PAGE Hgainesvilletimes.com/getout | Thursday, December 20, 2012

Chicken City Cyclists end the ride Group calls it quits after 25 years, but many biking options remain

BY SAVANNAH KING

sking@gainesvilletimes.com A cycling club around for more than 25 years in Gainesville plans to disband at the end of the year.

The Chicken City Cyclists have decided to quit meeting as a group because of low membership and activity.

Lloyd Unnold, the club’s secretary, said the “end of an era” is bittersweet but it’s conceivable some members may want to restart the club in the future.

The club had about 30 members in the end, Unnold said, but most were not regular riders.

Though the club has ended, Unnold said that the sport of

cycling is alive and well in the Gainesville area.

“In general it’s picking up more older folks. They’re realizing they can still do that and get groups together and ride,” Unnold said.

He explained some of the interest with older riders may be because cycling puts much less stress on knee joints and provides a great way for people to stay active.

Cycling can burn a lot of calories and improve physical fitness regardless of age. Beginners may want to work up to group rides because they often cover more than 15 mile stretches of road.

While the CCC may not be an option for cycling enthusiasts

go o outdoors

anymore, there are still several other options in Hall County and the surrounding area.

Iron Sharpens Iron Cycling in Gainesville holds three weekly rides that tend to vary in the winter months.

Dave Brannon, an active member of the group, said the weekend rides are usually the ones everyone comes to.

“It’s a neat time to fellowship and exercise at the same time. It seems to work out well,” Brannon said.

There is no fee to ride and more information can be found on the club’s website, www.ISIcycling. com.

Brannon said one of the biggest benefits to riding together in a group is safety. Motorists who share the road with cyclists may have difficulty seeing a single rider, but cyclists aren’t as easy to miss in a group.

“We’re on these roads all the

time. We feel like the cars out there are becoming more and more respectful,” Brannon said.

Group riding also motivates people who may not always feel like going on a 25- to 75-mile bike ride.

“We keep each other sharp out there, keep each other accountable to personal and physical goals.

That’s what its all about, just keeping people accountable and having a good time,” Brannon said.

Nathan O’Neill, cyclist service manager at Baxter’s Multisport on Limestone Parkway in Gainesville, also holds weekend rides.

O’Neill said the rides are split into two groups based on ability during the summer. The “die-hards” are typically the only cyclists to attend the winter rides.

“We welcome everybody. We do our best to cater to everybody and there are lots of opportunity around here,” O’Neill said.

Planetarium hosts Star of Bethlehem event

BY SAVANNAH KING

sking@gainesvilletimes.com Have you ever wondered what sort of an astrological event might have created the Star of Bethlehem?

This Friday, people can search for the holy star by “thinking like a Magi” at the George E. Coleman Sr. Planetarium at North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega.

The planetarium will present the third annual Star of Bethlehem Show at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday.

Joseph Jones, associate professor of physics, said the show is based on an annual Christmas planetarium show originally developed by several professors at Valdosta State University.

Jones said this program

Star of Bethlehem When: 7 and 8 p.m.

Dec. 21 Where: H&NS Building, room 234, North Georgia College & State University, Dahlonega How much: Free More info: www. northgeorgia.edu/ planetarium

has been expanded slightly and added an emphasis on some of the ideas presented in the book “The Star of Bethlehem: Legend of the Magi” by Michael R. Molnar.

“We begin by reviewing several ideas about possible

physical phenomena that may have been the ‘star,’ including the idea that the ‘star’ may have been a configuration of planets that had important ‘astrological’ interpretations,” Jones said.

Jones said an alignment or configuration of planets probably wouldn’t have been a visually impressive celestial event to grab first century astronomers’ attention.

“Perhaps that’s why the ‘star’ appears to have been unseen by (King) Herod and his court, who had to be informed of its appearance by the Magi,” Jones said.

Attendees will also get the opportunity to see how Biblical text related to the motion of the planets in the night sky as it was interpreted by the then “technical terminology” of

the Magi.

Jones said historical sources point to the birth of Jesus as taking place between 8 and 4 B.C. Attendees can observe the planetarium sky to see and how those dates were determined using significant configurations leading up to a planetary alignment

of April 17, 6 B.C., “Great Massing.”

The event is free and door doors will open at 6:30. If the weather permits, the university observatory will open for viewing the night sky at 8:30 p.m.

In the past the shows have almost filled up. There are 46 seats available.

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Thursday, December 20, 2012 | gainesvilletimes.com/getout

History Center ornaments tell a story From staff reports If you’re still looking for a place to get into the holiday spirit, check out the Christmas decorations at the Northeast Georgia History Center.

There are seven trees decorating the museum: a big tree in the rotunda and smaller trees in the halls and Education Center.

The rotunda tree and its ornaments were donated by John and Martha Jacobs when the History Center first opened in the present building. Some of the ornaments on the “children’s tree” were crafted by children attending a Christmas on the Homefront workshop in 2007.

As the trees were decorated Nov. 27, one of the center’s volunteers identified two ornaments she had donated in 2004, with a story behind it.

For several years, Tammy Slay worked at the Warren Featherbone factory during the production of Alexis baby clothing. Each year, her shift

supervisor, Opal Seabolt, gave an ornament she had crafted to each of her department’s crew.

Hanging on the children’s tree is a wreath of red, green and clear beads featuring a candle in the center, one of the ornaments Seabolt gave to Slay.

A second ornament, this one crafted by Slay, hangs on the “angel” or “Victorian” tree. It is yellow satin with green ribbon and sequins. She made it during her semester break from North Georgia College in 1974.

Ann Reynolds Barker identified many of the ornaments on the Victorian tree as ones her mother made. She pointed out one in particular of pink velvet, seed pearls, rhinestones and gold trim.

“She made that one when I was born,” Barker said.

Each year since the series began, volunteer Colleene Ivey has donated a Historic Downtown Gainesville ornament. This year the collection of ornaments adorn a tree in the museum’s gift shop.

family events This week

Christmas Stocking Craft Week, Gainesville.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 20-21. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770-536-1900, www.inkfun.org

Upcoming

TOM REED | The Times

Northeast Georgia History Center Where: 322 Academy St., Gainesville Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Admission: $5 adults, $4 ages 65 and over, $3 students ages 18 and under, free under age 6 More info: 770-297-5900, www.negahc.org

New Year’s Eve Craft Week, Gainesville.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 26-28. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770-536-1900, www.inkfun.org New Year’s Eve Celebration, Gainesville. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 31. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770536-1900, www.inkfun.org.

Zumbathon, Gainesville. 1-3 p.m. Jan. 5.

Frances Meadows Aquatic and Community Center, 1545 Community Way, Gainesville. Will benefit the Children At Play Fund. $5. 770533-5850 or 770-533-5850.

Growing Up Wild, Helen. Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31. Unicoi State Park and Lodge, Helen. An early childhood education program for kids age 3-7 aimed at getting children interested in nature. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-878-2201 ext.

305.

Princess Tea Party, Flowery Branch. 2-4 p.m.

Feb. 2. Spout Springs Library, 6488 Spout Springs Road, Flowery Branch. Meet your favorite princess, face painting princess style and princess crafts. $15 children, $10 adults.

770-532-3311 ext. 134.

Film depicts butterflies’ epic journey From staff reports “Flight of the Butterflies,” a giant screen adventure from SK Films, is flying into the IMAX theater Jan. 4 at Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta.

Based on a true story, the epic film tracks real monarch butterflies to their Mexican winter haven where hundreds of millions of live butterflies migrate.

It also chronicles the work of Dr. Fred Urquhart, who spent 40 years trying to discover the mysteries surrounding their journey and secret winter hideaway.

Through Giant Screen/IMAX technology, audiences are transported into the tiny world of the creatures.

Dana (Danaus plexippus) begins the journey north from Mexico, a voyage completed by her offspring as they migrate through the U.S.

to Canada and back south again, ultimately reaching the hidden butterfly sanctuaries 10,000 feet high in the mountains of Mexico.

The monarch, though weighing less than a penny, makes one of the longest migrations on Earth across a continent to a place it has never been, with pinpoint navigational accuracy. While much has been learned, scientists are still unraveling the many interrelated aspects of this phenomenon. As the film illustrates, it takes two to three generations of butterflies to migrate north from Mexico to Canada and one “super generation” to complete the migration back south to Mexico.

Moviegoers experience the journey up close and see the evolution from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly, captured through MRI and micro CT scans. The film team also travels high into the mountain ranges

and up tree canopies into the monarch sanctuaries of Mexico.

“It’s remarkable how such a small insect can migrate up to 3,000 miles to a place it has never seen. Just as amazing is Dr. Urquhart’s lifelong work to shed light on a scientific mystery by discovering the over-wintering grounds of the monarch butterfly. It’s real-life a detective adventure,” Fernbank biologist Becky Facer said.

“We hope by experiencing the ‘Flight of the Butterflies’ film, our visitors will gain a greater appreciation for of these extraordinary creatures, their habitats and the natural world as a whole.”

In 2008, UNESCO declared the monarch butterfly reserve in Mexico a World Heritage Site.

SK Films will donate significant portions of the film’s box office revenue toward monarch conservation through Mexico’s leading organization.

SK Films

‘Flight of the Butterflies’ When: shown daily Jan. 4-May 9 Where: Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road, Atlanta How much: $13 adults, $12 students and seniors, $11 ages 12 and under, $8 museum members; combo tickets $19-$23 include film, museum admission More info: flightofthebutterflies.com, fernbankmuseum.org, 404-929-6300

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PAGE Hgainesvilletimes.com/getout | Thursday, December 20, 2012

with Carl Williams, bassist for Cody McCarver From staff reports

After leaving the band Confederate Railroad, Cody McCarver struck out on his own to make a name for himself in the music industry. Along the way, he has picked up some local talent to join his efforts.

Gainesville native Carl Williams had played the Question: How did you end up playing with Cody McCarver and what has been the best part about it thus far?

Answer: I ran into Ted Tuck who is Cody’s guitarist after mutually playing a benefit show this past spring. Ted told me that Cody’s bassist was making a career change to make time for his new family. Ted later asked me if I would be interested playing a few shows with Cody to see how it felt. He gave me two CDs to learn and told me that we would be leaving for St. Cloud, Minn., in a week and a half.

So, since then, I have been ruining Cody’s reputation as a great performer to every audience that we’ve played for. The whole experience has been a lot of fun and it’s hard to say what the best part is. I have been able to witness places that I would never see otherwise.

Q: How many places and parts of the country have you

toured in as a band and is there somewhere you would especially like to play?

A: The most unique place I’ve played was Love Valley, N.C., which is modeled after the old Western towns. People even came to the show on horseback and by the end of the night there were hundreds of horses tied up along the street. It was different, for sure.

So far with this band I have played in Minnesota, Illinois, Kentucky, West Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Oklahoma and Missouri.

I would especially love to play the reconstructed Georgia Theater in Athens.

I played there once with Allen (Nivens) and the guys opening up for Eric Church about two months before it burned. So many great bands have played there.

Q: How would you best describe the genre of music you guys play and are there plans for future albums?

A: Cody’s music would most easily be described

guitar from a young age and switched to bass when he heard McCarver was looking for a bass player. Ever since, Williams has been traveling the country packing out shows. When he’s not playing with McCarver, he’s jamming with Allen Nivens around Hall County.

The Times caught up with Williams for a few questions about his adventures in music: as “outlaw country.” I would say Johnny Cash or Waylon Jennings mixed with rock. It is great music and a unique style. Like most acts, we play a handful of covers throughout the shows, but I definitely prefer his originals. I can be that complimentary because I didn’t have a hand in writing or recording any of his stuff!

He recently cut his second album called “I Just Might Live Forever,” which debuted this past summer and was recently made available on iTunes.

It is a very solid record and has had three No. 1 songs so far. He parted with Confederate Railroad only a few years ago to pursue his solo career and has been building steam ever since, so I expect you will hear plenty more from him in the future.

Q: You also play with Allen Nivens. How do you juggle both bands and does either one spill over into the other as far as your playing goes?

A: It has yet to be a problem playing with Allen and the guys to this date.

We all have children and full-time jobs so we are all accustomed to working around busy schedules.

The goal of this band is and has always been to have fun. This week, I leave for Illinois for shows on Friday and Saturday and then head home to play a show on Sunday (Dec. 23) with Allen ... here in Gainesville. I may be a little tired but definitely look forward to it.

Q: If there was one thing you could change about the current music industry, what would it be? What’s wrong with the music industry today?

A: It’s totally broken. It is way too hard to break into and get any radio play unless you fit into a narrow category decided on by a few record execs. Instead, listeners should be able to decide if they want to listen to an artist.

It would be great if radio stations would be more

‘It would be great if radio stations would be more open to taking chances on independent artists. There is a ton of great music out there that will never be heard.’

Carl Williams Bassist for the Cody McCarver band

go o music

For Get Out

open to taking chances on independent artists. There is a ton of great music out there that will never be heard. This industry has killed the diversity and creativity that we used to love. Auto-tune is also a terrible thing (thanks, Cher).

Everyone is using that now.

Q: What are Carl Williams’ plans for the future? Music?

Family?

A: It’s hard to say. To this point, nothing in my life has

gone as planned. I never planned on playing with a touring act, you know? It just happened. I was just in the right place at the right time.

On a personal level, I have a wonderful 3-yearold daughter that I can’t stand to be away from.

I will say that no matter what happens in the future, music is my outlet and I will always be drawn to it in one way or another.

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family

movies

music

If you’ve finished the shopping, take the kids to the Northeast Georgia History Center to check out the many trees on display. There are only a few days left!.

Christmas decor.

Open Stage Night, Sautee Nacoochee.

7 p.m. Dec. 20.

Center Theatre.

Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, 283 Ga. 255 N., Sautee Nacoochee.

Musicians, singers, songwriters, writers and performers. Free.

706-878-3300, www. snca.org Amy Andrews and The Scipperdees. 8-10:30 p.m.

Dec. 21. $7. The Crimson Moon Cafe, 24 N. Park St., Dahlonega. 706-864-3982, www.thecrimsonmoon.com.

Jason Kennedy Solo Acoustic, Dahlonega. 6 p.m. Dec. 21. Free. The Crimson Moon Cafe, 24 N. Park St., Dahlonega. 706-864-3982, www.thecrimsonmoon.com.

review, 10

The musical was written during the 1980s, a decade which produced numerous stage musicals. ... This isn’t the worst of them by any stretch, but it is typical of its period.

‘Les Miserables’

review, 11

“This Is 40” revives secondary characters from “Knocked Up,” a family of four who provided a grounding in reality in the former film.

Here, they are completely out of touch.

‘This is 40’

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

weekeND plANNeR

Northeast Georgia’s entertainment guide

gainesvilletimes.com/getout

page 5

CCC Saturday rides, Gainesville. 10 a.m.

Various loop routes from Dewberry Church on Clarks Bridge Road.

Distances, 8 to 50 miles, and difficulty, easy to strenuous, rider’s choice. Chicken City Cyclists 770-534-7075, or unnoldl@charter.net.

lOOkING AHeAD

“Sanders Family Christmas,” Cumming. 8 p.m. Dec. 20-22. Cumming Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming. $25. 770-781-9178, www.playhousecumming.com

“It’s a Wonderful Life,” Dahlonega. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m.

Sundays. Dec. 21-23. The Holly Theater, 69 W. Main St., Dahlonega. $15.

706-864-3759, www.HollyTheater.com

This Friday, people can search for the holy star by “thinking like a Magi” at the George E. Coleman Sr. Planetarium at North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega.

‘Star of Bethlehem.’

DeC. 29: JAN. 19: JAN. 24:

Monarchs in Mexico, Gainesville. 12:30-2 p.m. Jan. 24. Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville. Land Protection Branch Environmental Outreach Coordinator Kim Bailey will discuss monarchs in Mexico. Bring lunch; $10 donation requested. 770-5351976, www.elachee.org

Forgotten Skills: Keeping Traditions Alive, Class 5, Gainesville. 10 a.m. Jan. 19. Northeast Georgia History Center, 322 Academy St. NE, Gainesville. Cooking meals outdoors using the dutch oven and bamboo. Class limited to 12. $65, $60 for members. Advance registration appreciated. Ages 10 and older; 770-297-5900, www.negahc.org or jcarson@brenau.edu

Sparkling New Years Contra Dance, Sautee Nacoochee. 7:30-11 p.m. Dec. 29. Historic Gym. Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, 283 Ga. 255 N., Sautee Nacoochee. Potluck dinner, lessons, dancing. $8 adults, $7 members, $4 students. 706-754-3254, www.snca. org

Merry Christmas!

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outdoors

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Thursday, December 20, 2012 | gainesvilletimes.com/getout

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‘Les Misérables’ too big for its own good Grandiose musical, true to story and stage, will appeal to the faithful

JEFF MARKER jmarker@gsc.edu

Film Review Confession is good for the soul, so here goes. I do not like the musical “Les Misérables.”

I know, I know, I have just offended some of you deeply. I apologize for my blasphemy.

If you want to write nasty letters to me, that is of course your right, and my email can be found below. Rest assured, many people in my life, one of whom is very close to me (hello dear), have already told me how wrong I am.

Wrong or not, it’s very difficult to review a movie musical when you dislike the source material from which it is adapted.

The musical was written Universal Pictures during the 1980s, a decade Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean holding Isabelle Allen as Young Cosette in a scene from “Les Misérables.” which produced numerous stage musicals I can barely tolerate.

This isn’t the worst of them by (Amanda Seyfried), Marius (Eddie problem isn’t with the film at costumes, colors and general any stretch, but it is typical of its Redmayne) and others endure all, but with me. Tom Hooper’s spectacle are something to period. one awful, unjust misfortune after star-studded, much anticipated behold, especially when we reach While I don’t care for the music, another. film adaptation features an the revolutionary section of the trusted sources reassure me the It often seems like an attempt abundance of impressive craft film. film offers a faithful rendition of to stuff as much melodrama and and ambitious storytelling.

Perhaps the most ambitious the original stage musical. tragedy as possible into one film.

The scope of the film is aspect of the production, The story for “Les Misérables” It’s as if we are each wet rags and astounding, and it had to be to do though, is that all of the vocal comes from a Victor Hugo novel, the musical grabs us at both ends justice to the musical and Hugo’s performances were recorded which runs well over 1,000 pages and keeps twisting until we’re novel. during filming, something no in mass market paperback wrung dry. It becomes exhausting Where the musical had to other film has done on the same form. The narrative covers 17 rather than moving, as it should imply thousands of people in the scale. oppressively sad years and a be. street, Hooper has the luxury to It pays off. The actors revolution.

The film dashes so quickly actually use thousands of extras rise to the occasion and the To cover all of this story through its mountain of story and to shoot on location. Filmed performances are made stronger material, the musical shows that I found it difficult to throughout the UK and France, by their “live” quality. us episodes from the primary sympathize much with any of the the locations add a depth to the Jackman, Hathaway and characters’ journeys, and the film characters, despite their tragic film that probably has never been newcomer Barks are all incorporates as many of these circumstances. There simply reached on stage. receiving well-deserved praise. episodes as possible. isn’t much time for character Thanks to the locations and Hathaway is an early favorite for Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), development. wonderful cinematography by a Supporting Actress Oscar, and Fantine (Anne Hathaway), None of these flaws are the Danny Cohen (who worked with it’s hard to imagine Jackman not Éponine (Samantha Barks), fault of the film, really. And I will Hooper on “The King’s Speech”), being nominated.

Javert (Russell Crowe), Cosette freely admit it’s possible the the film looks sumptuous. The The only exception among the

‘Les Misérables’ Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Samantha Barks, Eddie Redmayne Rated: PG-13, for suggestive and sexual material, violence and thematic elements Runtime: 2 hours, 37 minutes Bottom line: Should please fans of the musical

cast is Crowe. He certainly has the presence of Javert, but his voice just isn’t strong enough for the role.

If you are a fan, you will likely be thrilled by the film. If you are not already a fan, you may leave wondering what the big deal is.

“Les Misérables” will please the faithful but won’t win over newcomers. It certainly didn’t win over this one.

Jeff Marker teaches film and literature at Gainesville State College. His reviews appear weekly in Get Out and on gainesvilletimes.com/getout.

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‘This is’ a shrill, empty, tone-deaf disaster

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JEFF MARKER jmarker@gsc.edu

Film Review “This Is 40” is among the worst movies bearing the name of writer/director Judd Apatow. And that is really saying something.

I don’t just mean the films Apatow has directed (“The 40Year Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up,” “Funny People”), all of which I have liked. I mean this is as bad as any film Apatow has had anything to do with.

That puts “This Is 40” in a category with “Year One,” “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan” and “Wanderlust.”

“This Is 40” revives secondary characters from “Knocked Up,” a family of four who provided a grounding in reality in the former Universal Pictures film. Here, they are completely out of touch.

From left, Maude Apatow, Iris Apatow, Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann in a scene from the film, “This is 40.”

Pete (Paul Rudd) started his own record label a few years apparently the only artist on Pete and Debbie’s daughters, Mercifully, Chris O’Dowd ago, and it’s failing. Debbie Pete’s label. played by Apatow’s and and Lena Dunham contribute (Leslie Mann, Apatow’s real Pete and Debbie have loads Mann’s real daughters, Maude some funny scenes as Pete’s wife) owns an upscale clothing of marital problems, too, all of and Iris, are somewhat more employees. boutique which is also doing which could be solved by an sympathetic, only because In fact, in one scene O’Dowd’s badly. honest conversation and some they are cursed with two selfcharacter berates Pete, telling Their marriage is dysfunctional scaling down of their lifestyle. centered idiots for parents. him to stop complaining about and Debbie is struggling with See, Pete doesn’t tell Debbie This is 134 minutes of his financial problems because turning 40. about his business problems screeching. he created them himself.

The movie is clearly an or that they need to sell their The movie consists mostly O’Dowd delivers the lines attempt to examine in a comedic house, which must be worth at of shrill, inane arguments. More hilariously, and his character way many of the common least half a million dollars. than one scene devolves into says exactly what we’re thinking. problems people experience Then, they go to a posh resort four actors screaming at each However, the scene around that seminal birthday. for a weekend getaway, get high other nonsensically. unintentionally undercuts the But this is a family that creates and order a feast from room They occasionally hit on entire movie because Pete never its own problems. service. something that resembles admits his own faults. Nor does Pete has placed the entire Wow, clearly times are hard. real marriage and seem to be Debbie. future of his company, an indie I can only conclude that headed toward exploring a truth This is needlessly gross. label housed in a needlessly Apatow and company have about middle age. Don’t fall for So many body jokes. large and costly office space, on grown completely out of touch it.

Among other affronts, there is Graham Parker (playing himself), with the problems of normal This is an empty movie. a montage of medical exams. who was once influential but people, because I haven’t seen Each time they meander near a Debbie gets a gynecological now has a small and dwindling a movie this tone deaf since truism, they quickly scurry back exam. A doctor examines following. And Parker is “Sex and the City 2.” toward pointlessness.

Pete’s prostate. Debbie gets a

‘This Is 40’ Starring: Leslie Mann, Paul Rudd, Lena Dunham, Jason Segel, Chris O’Dowd Rated: R, for sexual content, crude humor, pervasive language and some drug use Runtime: 2 hours, 13 minutes Bottom line: This is terrible

colonoscopy, and they show us what the probe sees. Seriously, do I need to see the inside of someone else’s digestive tract?

I get it. These are all facts of growing older.

But the movie dwells on the icky, sticky details so much it’s like a 12-year old boy making a movie about middle age.

Pete and Debbie never learn from their mistakes, the movie never says anything valuable about life at 40, and I laughed maybe three times in 134 minutes.

That is a failure by anyone’s standards. What a shameful excuse for a movie.

Jeff Marker teaches film and literature at Gainesville State College. His reviews appear weekly in Get Out and on gainesvilletimes.com/getout.

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Showtimes

Bargain shows denoted by parenthesis ( ).

Hollywood Stadium Cinemas 770-539-9200 120 Green Hill Circle NW, Gainesville

The Collection (R) Thu. 1:00-3:00-5:00-7:30-10:00 Flight (R) Thu.-Sun. 9:30 The Guilt Trip (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 12:15-2:30-4:45-7:00-9:45 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 12:00-12:30-3:45-4:15-7:30-8:00 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 3D (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 11:30-1:30-3:15-5:15-7:00-9:00 Jack Reacher (PG-13) Fri.-Sun. 1:00-2:00-4:00-5:00-7:008:00-9:30 Killing Them Softly (R) Thu. 1:15-4:00-6:45-10:00 Lincoln (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 12:30-3:45-7:00-9:15 Monsters, Inc. 3D (G) Thu.-Sun. 12:00-2:15-4:30-7:00-9:15 Playing for Keeps (PG-13) Thu. 1:30-4:00-7:15-9:45 Fri.Sun. 1:30-4:00-6:45-9:45 Red Dawn (PG-13) Thu. 12:45-3:00-5:15-7:30-10:00 Fri.Sun. 12:45-3:00-5:15-7:15-10:00 Rise of the Guardians (PG) Thu.-Sun. 12:30-2:45-5:00-7:15 Skyfall (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 12:45-3:45-6:45-9:15 This Is 40 (R) Fri.-Sun. 12:30-3:30-7:00-9:30 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (PG-13) Thu. 1:004:15-7:00-9:30 Fri.-Sun. 1:00-4:15-7:00-10:00 Wreck-It Ralph (PG) Thu. 1:45-4:15-6:45-9:45

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

Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away 3D (PG) Fri.-Sun. 12:00-7:00 Flight (R) Thu. 10:05-1:05-4:15-7:25-10:45 Fri.-Sun. 9:1512:25 The Guilt Trip (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 12:05-2:25-4:45-7:059:25-11:45 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG-13) Thu. 10:3012:00-1:00-5:00-8:00-9:00-10:30 Fri.-Sun. 12:00-1:001:55-5:00-8:00-9:00-9:50 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 3D (PG-13) Thu. 11:3012:30-1:30-2:30-11:00-3:00-3:30-4:00-4:30-5:306:30-7:00-7:30-8:30-9:30-10:50-11:20-11:50 Fri.-Sun. 10:00-11:30-12:30-11:00-3:00-3:30-4:00-4:30-6:10-7:007:30-8:30-10:50-11:15-11:45 Jack Reacher (PG-13) Thu. 12:01 Life of Pi (PG) Thu. 10:00-3:50-10:05 Fri.-Sun. 10:00-4:0510:05 Life of Pi 3D (PG) Thu.-Sun. 12:55-7:10 Lincoln (PG-13) Thu. 12:25-4:00-7:15-10:30 Fri.-Sun. 12:25-3:50-7:20-10:35 Monsters, Inc. (G) Thu. 12:30-5:10-9:50 Fri.-Sun. 12:355:15-9:55-12:15 Monsters, Inc. 3D (G) Thu. 10:10-12:00-2:20-2:50-4:407:00-7:30-9:20-12:10 Fri.-Sun. 10:05-11:20-1:50-2:554:10-6:40-7:35-9:05-11:30 One Shot Films (Not Rated) Fri.-Sun. 10:15-11:05-1:102:00-4:05-4:55-7:00-7:50-9:55-10:45 Playing for Keeps (PG-13) Thu. 11:20-2:10-4:45-7:20-9:5512:30 Red Dawn (PG-13) Thu. 10:40-1:15-3:30-5:50-8:10-10:35 Fri.-Sun. 3:50-9:20-11:40 Rise of the Guardians (PG) Thu. 10:20-11:30-12:45-1:55-

‘The Hobbit’ tops box office with record $84.6M NEW YORK — Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit” led the box office over the weekend with $84.6 million, a record-setting opening better than the three previous “Lord of the Rings” films.

The 3-D Middle Earth epic, the first of three planned films adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel, was the biggest December opening ever, surpassing Will Smith’s “I Am Legend,” which opened with $77.2 million in 2007.

The top 12 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. “The Hobbit: an Unexpected Journey,” Warner Bros., $84,617,303, $84,617,303, one week.

2. “Rise of the Guardians,”

Paramount, $7,143,445, $71,085,268, four weeks.

3. “Lincoln,” Disney, $7,033,132, $107,687,319, six weeks.

4. “Skyfall,” Sony, $6,555,732, $271,921,795, six weeks.

5. “Life of Pi,” Fox, $5,413,066, $69,572,472, four weeks.

6. “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2,” Summit, $5,136,074, $276,826,143, five weeks.

7. “Wreck-It Ralph,” Disney, $3,216,043, $168,721,592, seven weeks.

8. “Playing For Keeps,” FilmDistrict, $3,146,443, $10,737,535, two weeks.

9. “Red Dawn,” FilmDistrict, $2,408,882, $40,904,305, four weeks.

10. “Silver Linings Playbook,” Weinstein Co., $2,109,274, $16,979,323, five weeks.

11. “Flight,” Paramount, $1,910,666, $89,418,704, seven weeks.

12. “Argo,” Warner Bros., $1,170,175, $104,955,079, 10 weeks.

Associated Press

3:10-4:25-5:35-7:05-8:05-9:25-10:40 Fri.-Sun. 10:2011:15-12:45-1:55-3:10-4:25-5:35-6:50-8:05-10:30 Rise of the Guardians 3D (PG) Thu. 10:55 Silver Linings Playbook (R) Thu. 10:50-1:50-4:40-7:4010:25 Fri.-Sun. 10:50-1:50-4:40-7:25-10:15 Skyfall (PG-13) Thu. 12:20-3:35-7:00-10:10 Fri.-Sun. 12:20-3:45-7:40-10:45 This Is 40 (R) Thu. 12:01 Fri.-Sun. 10:45-12:15-1:40-3:204:35-6:30-7:30-9:30-10:25-12:25 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (PG-13) Thu. 11:152:05-4:50-7:45-10:35 Fri.-Sun. 7:15-10:00 Wreck-It Ralph (PG) Thu. 11:10-1:45-4:30-7:05-9:40-12:15 Fri.-Sun. 11:10-1:45-4:30

Movies 400 678-513-4400

415 Atlanta Road, Cumming

The Guilt Trip (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. (12:10-2:40-5:10) 7:4010:10 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. (12:00-1:30-3:40-5:10) 7:20-8:50

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 3D (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. (12:45-1:45-4:25-5:25) 8:05-9:20 Jack Reacher (PG-13) Fri.-Sun. (1:00-4:05) 7:10-10:15 Lincoln (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. (11:50-3:10) 6:30-9:50 Monsters, Inc. 3D (G) Thu.-Sun. (12:00-2:30-5:00) 7:30 Playing for Keeps (PG-13) Thu. (12:10-2:35-5:00) 7:25-9:50 Red Dawn (PG-13) Thu. (12:15-2:40-5:05) 7:30-10:10 Rise of the Guardians (PG) Thu.-Sun. (12:10-2:50-5:20) 7:50 Skyfall (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. (12:00-3:25) 6:45-10:00 This Is 40 (R) Fri.-Sun. (12:45-3:50) 7:00-10:05 Wreck-It Ralph (PG) Thu.-Sun. (12:00-2:40-5:20) 8:00

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

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG-13) Thu. 4:15-5:158:00-9:00 Fri.-Sun. 12:30-1:30-4:15-5:15-8:00-9:00 Jack Reacher (PG-13) Fri.-Sun. 1:15-4:15-7:00-9:45 Lincoln (PG-13) Fri.-Sun. 12:15-3:30-6:45-10:00 Playing for Keeps (PG-13) Thu. 3:45-6:05-8:20 Red Dawn (PG-13) Thu. 4:45-7:15-10:00 Rise of the Guardians (PG) Thu. 4:30-7:15-9:45 Fri.-Sun. 1:15-4:30-7:15-9:30 This Is 40 (R) Fri.-Sun. 1:00-4:00-7:00-10:00 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (PG-13) Thu. 5:007:30-10:00

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

The Guilt Trip (PG-13) Thu. 4:35-7:05-10:00 Fri.-Sun. 12:052:20-4:35-7:05-10:00 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (PG-13) Thu. 4:15-7:008:00 Fri.-Sun. 11:30-12:30-3:15-4:15-7:00-8:00 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 3D (PG-13) Thu. 3:457:30 Fri.-Sun. 12:00-3:45-7:30 Jack Reacher (PG-13) Fri.-Sun. 1:30-4:05-7:10-9:55 Lincoln (PG-13) Thu. 4:00-7:00-9:20 Fri.-Sun. 12:50-4:007:00-9:20 Monsters, Inc. 3D (G) Thu. 4:50-7:15-9:30 Fri.-Sun. 12:152:35-4:50-7:15-9:30 Playing for Keeps (PG-13) Thu. 5:00-7:25-9:45 Rise of the Guardians (PG) Thu. 4:40-7:00-10:00 Fri.-Sun. 12:00-2:20-4:40-7:00-10:00 Skyfall (PG-13) Thu. 4:00-7:00-9:15 Fri.-Sun. 12:30-4:007:00-9:15 This Is 40 (R) Fri.-Sun. 1:00-4:00-7:05-9:55 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (PG-13) Thu. 4:057:05-9:35

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now showing Movie reviews from Associated Press. Stars out of four.

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upcoming

‘Les Miserables’ ■ Review, 10

opening

‘This Is 40’ ■ Review, 11

continuing

Summit Entertainment

‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’

HH½ (PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence and frightening images.)

Stuffed with Hollywood’s latest technology, Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” prelude is some eye candy that truly dazzles and some that utterly distracts, at least in its test-run of 48 frames a second, double the projection rate that has been standard since silent-film days. It’s also overstuffed with prologues, flashbacks and long, boring councils among dwarves, wizards and elves as Jackson tries to mine enough story out of J.R.R. Tolkien’s mythology to build another trilogy.

Remember the interminable false endings of “The Return of the King,” the Academy Award-winning finale of Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings”? “An Unexpected Journey” has a similar bloat throughout its nearly three hours, in which Tolkien’s brisk story of intrepid little hobbit Bilbo Baggins is drawn out and diluted by dispensable trimmings better left for DVD extras.

Two more parts are coming, so we won’t know how the whole story comes together until the finale arrives in summer 2014. Part one’s embellishments may pay off nicely, but right now, “An Unexpected Journey” looks like the start of an unnecessary trilogy better

From left, Samuel Joslin, Ewan McGregor and Oaklee Pendergast in a scene from “The Impossible.”

Warner Bros.

From left, Dean O’Gorman as Fili, Aidan Turner as Kili, Mark Hadlow as Dori, Jed Brophy as Nori and William Kircher as Bifur stand on a mountain in a scene from the fantasy adventure “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.”

told in one film. Martin Freeman stars as homebody Bilbo, the reluctant recruit of wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) on a quest to retake a dwarf kingdom from a dragon. The 48-frame version offers remarkably lifelike images, but the view is almost too real at times, the crystal pictures bleaching away the painterly quality of traditional film and exposing sets and props as movie fakery.

‘The Impossible’

½H (PG-13 for violence, profanity, adult themes.)

Filmmaker J.A. Bayona, uses the real-life, inspirational story of the Belon family — a husband, wife, and their three young sons on vacation in Khao Lak, Thailand — martials a team of effects artists, stunt performers, and, most important, three amazing actors for a tale of epic disaster and heroic survival.

Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor are Maria and Henry, Brits living in Japan with their kids. A plane takes them to Thailand on Christmas Eve, where they’ve booked into a new

beach resort. It’s tropical heaven, with luxurious accommodations, a fine restaurant, a swimming pool, and sun-bleached sands spilling into a tranquil blue sea. And then, on the morning of Dec. 26, the world is upended. The resort is run through by huge roiling tidal waves; giant trees topple; cars and trucks, boats and houses, are tossed around like tiny toys. Death and destruction is everywhere, and Maria and Henry are separated — she with the oldest boy, Lucas (the remarkable Tom Holland), and Henry with the younger brothers (Samuel Joslin, Oaklee Pendergast).

But that’s only the beginning of their ordeal. “The Impossible” is primal stuff, a tribute to the power of family, to the determination of a mother and father, defying nature, defying the odds, driven by hope. Maria and Lucas, caught in the raging, muddy undertows as the tsunami crashes ashore, cry out to each other as bodies and debris rush past in the water. Still in shock, Maria doesn’t realize the extent of her own injuries.

Her son puts on a strong face — but his eyes can’t mask his crushing worry.

It’s some of the best work McGregor has done. Watts, too, is extraordinary.

‘Hyde Park on Hudson’

H½ (R for brief sexuality.)

Bill Murray’s subtly charming presence as FDR ends up being one of the stronger elements of this otherwise lightweight romance, which depicts one of the most revered

United States presidents with all the substance and insight of a lukewarm cup of tea. Director Roger Michell depicts a brief period in the secret affair between President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his fifth cousin, Margaret Suckley — or “Daisy” as she was known.

Unflaggingly loyal, earnest and supportive, she’s also mousy, quiet and a total bore — a huge waste of the versatile and vibrant talents of Laura Linney. The fact that Linney provides wall-to-wall voiceover doesn’t add much, as she’s stuck spelling out what should be pretty obvious on screen. “Hyde

Park on Hudson” focuses specifically on the June 1939 weekend when FDR hosted the King and Queen of England (Samuel West and Olivia Colman) at his family’s home in upstate New York, hence the title, just as World War II was about to erupt. Michell awkwardly tries to balance both the farce of cultural clashes and the jealous tension that arises as Daisy begins to understand that she’s not the president’s only paramour. Olivia Williams brings a nononsense presence to her portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt in a “Rushmore” reunion with Murray that’s a total letdown.

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‘Playing for Keeps’

Zero stars (PG-13 for some sexual situations, language and a brief intense image.)

It is truly baffling that all these talented, acclaimed people actually read this script and then agreed to devote their time to this movie, especially given its uncomfortably flagrant misogynistic streak. Judy Greer, Catherine ZetaJones and Uma Thurman couldn’t possibly need work this badly. And yet, here they are as soccer moms shamelessly throwing themselves at Gerard Butler and his tousled, manly mane. Butler, still struggling with comedy, stars as George Dryer, a once-great Scottish soccer star who’s now divorced and in financial straits.

He moves to suburban Virginia to reconnect with his ex-wife (Jessica Biel) and their young son (Noah Lomax). Naturally, a couple of things happen pretty quickly, accompanied by an intrusively jaunty score. First, George gets suckered into coaching his kid’s soccer team.

Then, the mothers of all the other 9-year-olds start brazenly hitting on him.

Director Gabriele Muccino veers wildly between wacky hijinks and facile sentimentality, and Robbie Fox’s script doesn’t feature a single character who resembles an actual human being.

‘Red Dawn’

H(PG-13 for sequences of intense war violence and action, and for language.)

The army invading the United States in this ill-advised remake of the campy 1984 original was changed in post-production from Chinese to North Korean. With a few snips here, a few re-dubs there, the filmmakers re-edited and reshot, fearful of offending China and its increasingly

Film District

Connor Cruise, left, and Josh Hutcherson stand with guns in a scene from “Red Dawn.”

he shares with James Gandolfini as a brazen but insecure hit man.

‘Hitchcock’

FilmDistrict

From left, Jessica Biel, Noah Lomax and Gerard Butler sit on a dock in a scene from “Playing for Keeps.”

important moviegoing market. The original, of course, was made at the height of Cold War paranoia and imagined a parachuting Soviet Union on American soil, with the likes of Patrick Swayze and Charlie Sheen (yes, truly the greatest generation) waging guerrilla warfare. Again, in director Dan Bradley’s remake, America turns to its high school football players in its darkest time of need. Josh Peck, Josh Hutcherson and Adrianne Palicki are part of the gang who dub themselves the Wolverines.

With the help of a returning Iraq veteran played by Chris Hemsworth, they mount an insurrection on the controlling North Koreans.

The implausibility is dizzying all around. Real wars like those in Afghanistan and Iraq go hardly mentioned, replaced by a game of toy soldiers with make-believe foes.

‘Killing Them Softly’

HH(R for violence, sexual references, pervasive language and some drug use.) Writer-director Andrew Dominik’s film is an incredibly stylish genre exercise set in the world of mobsters, junkies and lowlifes, but it’s also trying incredibly hard to be About Something. Not content merely to be profane, abrasive and occasionally, darkly amusing, it also wants to be relevant. And so Dominik has taken the 1974 crime novel “Cogan’s Trade” by George V. Higgins and set it in the days before the 2008 presidential election, just as the U.S. economy is in the midst of catastrophic collapse.

Every television and radio is tuned to then-candidate Barack Obama or President George W. Bush addressing the nation — even in bars and thugs’ cars — with the volume cranked way

up, commenting all too obviously on the film’s action. As if we couldn’t decipher for ourselves that organized crime functions as its own form of capitalism, “Killing Them Softly” turns on the mini-implosion that occurs when a couple of idiots rob a mob-protected card game. Scoot McNairy plays the jittery ex-con Frankie; his inept partner is a heroin addict played by Ben Mendelsohn. Both are aggressively grungy. The corporate types at the top of the syndicate want to restore order, so they ask Jackie Cogan, an enforcer played by Brad Pitt, to investigate the heist and punish the perpetrators.

This is one of those effortless Pitt performances that exemplify how beautifully he manages to be both a serious actor and a superstar. The film’s best scenes are the ones

HH½ (PG-13 for some violent images, sexual content and thematic material.) Starring Anthony Hopkins as Hitchcock and Helen Mirren as his wife and collaborator, Alma, the film puts a featherlight yet entertaining touch on the behind-the-scenes struggle to make the mother of all slasher films. Hitchcock’s very dark side gets superficial treatment as the film offers the cinematic equivalent of psychobabble to explore the director’s notorious gluttony, sexual repression and idolization of his leading ladies. Director Sacha Gervasi and his team know they’re riffing on Hitchcock’s merrily macabre persona and not examining the man with any great depth or insight. The film centers on Hitchcock’s professional and personal struggles while filming his great suspense thriller, with Scarlett Johansson and James D’Arcy offering eerie impersonations of “Psycho” co-stars Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins. Hopkins’ prosthetic makeup looks a bit fake, but the spirit of Hitchcock comes through in his sly performance, and

he captures the measured cadence of the filmmaker’s speech even though he doesn’t sound much like Hitchcock. As Alma says at one point, even “Psycho,” after all, was just a movie.

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gainesvilletimes.com/getout | Thursday, December 20, 2012

Regions exhibits pastel collection Local painter’s work on display at Quinlan mini-gallery From staff reports The work of local artist Tina Carlson-Griffeth, a pastel painter and Quinlan Visual Arts Center board member, is on view through April 1 at the Quinlan minigallery located at Regions Center, 303 Jesse Jewell Parkway, Gainesville.

Carlson-Griffeth is creative director and writer at Morton Vardeman & Carlson, a strategic marketing and advertising agency in Northeast Georgia.

“When I first got interested in painting about 12 years ago, I was very drawn to watercolor,” she said. “I took a few classes

at Quinlan and began to learn some different techniques. There are certain things that you can’t control in that medium which lead to intriguing surprises in the way the pigment mixes with water on paper.

“Over the last several years I have gravitated toward pastels. I love the richness, intensity and vibrancy of color you can use to re-interpret a subject in pastel. It opens up a whole new world of possibilities.”

This show is one of many that will feature emerging North Georgia artists in the small gallery.

The Quinlan Visual Arts

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For Get Out

Works by artist Tina Carlson-Griffeth, a pastel painter, is on view through April 1 at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center minigallery located at Regions Center.

Admission is free.

For more information, call 770-536-2575 or visit www. quinlanartscenter.org.

Suwanee seeks submissions for 2013 SculpTour From staff reports Suwanee’s Public Arts Commission seeks proposals from artists or teams of artists for original outdoor sculptures to be included in the third Suwanee SculpTour, a public art exhibit in downtown Suwanee.

The next SculpTour will be extended to a period of nearly two years, from May 2013 until March 2015.

“SculpTour has received an enthusiastic, positive response from visitors and the community,” said

Economic and Community Development Director Denise Brinson. “The current exhibit has been so popular that we’ll be sorry to see it go in March after only 10 months.

So, for that reason — as well as to make more efficient use of private funding resources — we’ve decided to extend SculpTour to a 22-month exhibit period.”

The deadline for submissions is Jan. 25. The request for proposals is available on the Business Matters/Requests for Proposals page at www. suwanee.com.

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arts events This Week

Pastel exhibit, Gainevsille. Works by artists Tina Carlson-Griffeth. Through April 1. Quinlan Visual Arts Center mini-gallery, Regions Center, 303 Jesse Jewell Parkway, Gainesville. 770-5362575, www.quinlanartscenter.org.

Upcoming

Center, 514 Green St., is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

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For Get Out

Robert Johnson “Still Life” Oil Painting Workshop, Gainesville. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 21-25. Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St., N. Gainesville. $650. Spaces limited, call for availability. 770536-2575.

“Understanding Oil Painting Materials,” Gainesville. 5:30-7 p.m. Jan. 24. Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St., NE Gainesville. An oil painting demonstration with instructor Nancy Speilman. RSVP is required. Free. 770-5362575.

2013 Youth Art Competition and Pottery Studio Exhibit, Helen. March 3-16. Helen Arts and Heritage Center, 25 Chattahoochee St., Helen.

Opening reception March 3. Free. 706-8783933, www.helenarts.org or info@helenarts.org

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• gainesvilletimes.com/getout

Thursday, December 20, 2012

On December 15, Brenau University officially begins its lease of the Georgia Mountains Center, which will continue to provide great facilities for community events, meetings and programs. And, Brenau offers other accommodations for a variety of activities on the historic campus, including Pearce Auditorium, Hosch Theatre, the Burd Center for Performing Arts and Brenau Galleries. www.brenau.edu

Call 770-531-3122 to book your event or get more information. www.georgiamountainscenter.com