Get Out The TImes

State parks will offer a variety of holiday activities, PAGE 15

Sounds of the season Musical groups perform holiday favorites to warm the heart.

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Thursday November 22, 2012

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get out Northeast Georgia’s entertainment guide

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Thursday, November 22, 2012 | gainesvilletimes.com/getout

on the web www.mint.com

Fully automatic spending tracker and budgeting tool. Mint tracks your budget, monitors your spending, gives advice on how you can save and lots more.

family

Take the kids out for an educational weekend with the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center’s “Young Architects: Designing the Future,” exhibit by the Children’s Museum of Cleveland.

PAGE 6 Keep the learning going with Atlanta’s Fernbank Museum of Natural History and celebrate global holiday traditions at “Winter Wonderland: Celebrations & Traditions Around the World.”

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movies

This isn’t the typical sappy, warm-the-heart movie it appears to be.

“Silver Linings Playbook” gives us some hefty performances from unusual actors.

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on the cover

Northwinds band, Gainesville State and North Georgia Chamber Symphony offer up holiday tunes to put us all in the mood for turkey, shopping and giving.

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outdoors

The Associated Press

Find different ways to work off that Thanksgiving meal with hikes, bikes and races.

PAGE 15 Find more fun at gainesvilletimes.com/getout.

gainesvilletimes.com/getout •

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Dear Friends, There is no greater deed we can do this holiday season than share with those who are less fortunate here in our own community. Please join me in participating in the 54th annual Mayors’ Motorcade. The money and gifts you donate will be delivered to the consumers of state mental health services residing in Gainesville-Hall County group homes. If it weren’t for your donations many of these people would receive nothing during the holiday season.

Gift ideas include personal care items, sleepwear and bathrobes, comfortable clothing, hair items, board games, baseball caps, stationary, tote bags, watches, CD’s, DVD’s (PG or G only), hats and gloves. Unwrapped gifts, wrapping paper and wrapping supplies should be dropped off at the following location by Monday, December 10: Gainesville-Hall County Community Service Center – 430 Prior Street S.E. Tax deductible monetary contributions should be made payable to Gainesville-Hall County Community Service Center (CSC) and mailed by December 3 to: Community Service Center 430 Prior Street S.E. Gainesville, GA 30501 For more information call Motorcade Coordinator Carol LaMonica at 770-503-3330.

On behalf of the entire City Council thank you for making Gainesville such a caring community.

Mayor C. Danny Dunagan Jr.

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ETC EVENTS THIS WEEK

Community Contra Dance, Sautee Nacoochee. 6:30-11 p.m. Nov. 24.

Historic Gym. Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, 283 Ga. 255 N., Sautee Nacoochee. Potluck dinner, lessons, dancing. $8 adults; $7 members, $4 students. 706-8783300, www.snca.org

UPCOMING

Christmas at the Cabin, Sautee Nacoochee. Dec. 1. Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, 283 Ga. 255 N., Sautee Nacoochee.

African-American Heritage Site. 706878-3300, www.snca.org Nacoochee Center Community Hall Pot Luck Lunch and Program, Sautee Nacoochee. Dec. 4. The Community Hall, 283 GA 255 N., Sautee Nacoochee. Bring your favorite dish to share, plate and eating utensils.

Donations welcomed. 706-878-3300.

Herbal Lotions, Salves & Lip Balms, Athens. Session 1: 9-11:00 a.m., Session 2: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 6.

Visitor Center, Classroom 2, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 South Milledge Ave., Athens.

CONCERT CALENDAR THIS WEEK

Montana Skies, Dahlonega.

8 p.m. Nov. 23. The Crimson Moon Cafe, 24 N. Park St., Dahlonega. $14 in advance $16 at the door. 706-864-3982, www. thecrimsonmoon.com.

Larkin Poe Acoustic Trio, Dahlonega. 8 p.m. Nov. 24. The Crimson Moon Cafe, 24 N. Park St., Dahlonega. 706-864-3982, www.thecrimsonmoon.com.

Jazz Jam Session, Dahlonega.

7-9 p.m. Nov. 25. The Crimson Moon Cafe, 24 N. Park St., Dahlonega. $5. 706-864-3982, www.thecrimsonmoon.com.

Jackie Evancho And Orchestra: Songs from the Silver Screen, Atlanta. Nov. 25. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com Gainesville State College Holiday

$27. Discover a variety of recipes for using herbs and essential oils for health and beauty. 706-542-6156, botgarden.uga.edu Greenery Wreaths, Athens. 5:307:30 p.m. Dec. 7. Visitor Center, Classroom 2, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 South Milledge Ave., Athens. Wreaths are constructed on wire frames with greenery collected from the Garden.

Materials are harvested just prior to the class to ensure they will last throughout the holiday season. Bring pruning shears. $27. 706-542-6156, botgarden.uga.edu Forgotten Skills: Keeping Traditions Alive, Class 5, Gainesville. Dec. 15.

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 Make Your Own Holiday Centerpiece, Athens. 9 a.m. to noon. Dec. 20.

Visitor Center, Classroom 2, The State Botanical Garden of Community Contra Dance, Sautee Nacoochee. 6:30-11 p.m. Dec. 29.

Historic Gym. Sautee Nacoochee

Concert, Gainesville. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26. John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts, Hosch Theatre, Brenau University, Gainesville.

Brenau University’s Spectrum Singers, Vocal Chamber Ensemble and musical guests from community. Free. 770-5384764, www.brenau.edu/music Northwinds Symphonic Band Holiday Concert, Gainesville.

7:30 p.m. Nov. 27. First Baptist Church, Gainesville. Free.

UPCOMING

Opera Workshop, Demorest.

5 p.m. Nov. 29. Brooks Hall, Piedmont College Chapel, 165 Central Ave., Demorest. Free. www.piedmont.edu North Georgia Chamber Symphony concert, Dawsonville. 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 29, Grace Presbyterian Church, Dawsonville. Seasonal music, sing-along with Christmas music, Vivaldi’s Guitar Concerto, Mahler’s Song of the Wayfarer, Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite. 706867-9444, northgeorgia chambersymphony.org

Community Association, 283 Ga. 255 N., Sautee Nacoochee. Potluck dinner, lessons, dancing. $8 adults, $7 members, $4 students. 706-8783300, www.snca.org

ONGOING

Northeast Georgia’s entertainment guide

Dahlonega Old Fashioned Christmas, Dahlonega. December. Downtown Dahlonega. Holiday lights, decorated shops, extended shopping hours, Santa, carolers, entertainment, wine sampling, live theater events.

706-864-3513 or 706-482-2707, dahlonega.org 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.

Buford Lanier Woman’s Club monthly meeting, Buford. 9:30 a.m. second Wednesdays. Buford Community Center, 2200 Buford Highway, Buford. Meetings start with coffee and fellowship. www. bufordlanierwomansclub.com.

North Georgia Chamber Symphony concert, Blairsville. 7 p.m. Nov. 30. Old Courthouse on the Square, Blairsville.

Seasonal music, sing-along with Christmas music, Vivaldi’s Guitar Concerto, Mahler’s Song of the Wayfarer, Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite.

706-867-9444, northgeorgia chambersymphony.org Voices of North Georgia 2012 Christmas Concerts, Gainesville.

7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. St. Paul United Methodist Church, 404 Washington St., Gainesville.

Orchestral accompanied pieces from a variety of music styles including compositions from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras, as well as popular holiday favorites. $15 general admission, $12 seniors/students, $5 children younger than 11. Tickets available at the door or by phone. 678-5911545 North Georgia Chamber Symphony concert, Gainesville. 3 p.m. Dec. 1. Dahlonega United Methodist Church. Seasonal music, singalong with Christmas music,

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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

Vivaldi’s Guitar Concerto, Mahler’s Song of the Wayfarer Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite. 706867-9444, northgeorgia chambersymphony.org North Georgia Chamber Symphony concert, Dahlonega. 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 1. Dahlonega United Methodist Church, Dahlonega.

Seasonal music, sing-along with Christmas music, Vivaldi’s Guitar Concerto, Mahler’s Song of the Wayfarer, Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite.

706-867-9444, northgeorgia chambersymphony.org John Berry in Concert, Gainesville.

7:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Brenau University’s Pearce Auditorium. www.johnberry.com.

Service of Lessons & Carols, Demorest. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7-8.

Piedmont College Chapel, 165 Central Ave., Demorest. Piedmont Chorale, Brass, Sewell Organ and guest performers. Free. www. piedmont.edu North Georgia Barber Shop Singers, Cumming. 8 p.m. Dec. 11.

Cumming Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming. $15. 770-781-

9178, www.playhousecumming. com Sounds Of Sawnee Christmas Concert, Cumming. 8 p.m. Dec. 13.

Cumming Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming. $15. 770-7819178, www.playhousecumming. com Cumming Playhouse Singers Christmas Concert, Cumming.

8 p.m. Dec. 14. Cumming Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming. $15. 770-781-9178, www.playhousecumming.com Community Chorale Concert, Sautee Nacoochee. 8 p.m.

Dec. 14-16. Center Theatre.

Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, 283 Ga. 255 N., Sautee Nacoochee. $14, $8 members, $4 ages 12 and under.

706-878-3300, www.snca.org 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. 706878-3300, www.snca.org

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gainesvilletimes.com/getout | Thursday, November 22, 2012

Do you hear what I hear?

GSC performers offer 2 turtle doves of festive holiday music From staff reports Two nights of festive music will get you in the holiday mood next week at Gainesville State College’s Ed Cabell Theatre.

Both are free and open to the public.

The first holiday concert is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27. It will feature the brass ensemble under the direction of Donald Strand, and the chorale directed by Benjamin Schoening and accompanied by Joanna Kim Doyle.

The theme for the program centers on “Before the Marvel of This Night.”

It will feature a combination of both traditional and new holiday pieces.

“The holiday season is about the spirit of giving and of giving of oneself, and there is no greater gift that can be given than the gift of music,” said Schoening, assistant professor of music and director of choral and vocal activities.

So, in the spirit of the holidays, the GSC Chorus and members of the GSC Brass Ensemble invite the greater community to join us for an evening of song which is sure to set the mood for the season.”

The second concert is scheduled for at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29.

The performances will include the percussion ensemble directed

by Chuck McKissick, and the symphonic band under the direction of John Mashburn.

Gainesville State College holiday concerts When: 7 p.m. Nov. 27 and 29 Where: Ed Cabell Theater, 3820 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood How much: Free Contact: 678-717-3930

“The students have been working very hard on their second performance of the semester,” symphonic band director John Mashburn said. “This is an amazing group of performers who represent themselves and the entire GSC community with their wonderful talents and musical abilities.”

For more information, contact the GSC Music Department at 678-7173930.

‘The holiday season is about the spirit of giving and of giving of oneself, and there is no greater gift that can be given than the gift of music.’

Benjamin Schoening GSC assistant professor of music and director of choral and vocal activities

Northwinds to greet the season

Community band ushers in the holidays From staff reports Say hello to the holidays this week. The Northwinds Symphonic Band is ready to greet the season and wants the community to help.

The group’s seasonal concert, titled “Holiday Greetings,” will show off the talents of Northeast Georgia musicians.

Conducted by Ronald J. Evans and assisted

by Mercer Crook, the performance will take place in the banquet hall of the First Baptist Church, 751 Green St., in Gainesville.

The band will play a selection of holiday favorites that is sure to put even the grumpiest Scrooge in the spirit of giving.

The free performance will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 27.

In addition to good music, the concert will feature a guest performer.

Vocalist Jonathan Jackson will sing alongside the symphonic band.

Evans founded the band in 1984 because he felt there were few outlets at the time for the many area musicians.

The group of volunteer musicians continues to grow with the help of

‘Holiday Greetings’ Northwinds Symphonic Band When: 7 p.m. Nov. 27 Where: First Baptist

Church, 751 Green St., Gainesville

How much: Free More info: www. northwindsband.com

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A gift for the ears

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North Ga. Chamber group will unwrap the season From staff reports

The North Georgia Chamber Symphony has scheduled three holiday concerts in Northeast Georgia over the next several days.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 29 at Grace Presbyterian Church in Dawsonville; 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 30, at the Old Courthouse on the Square in Blairsville; 3 p.m. Saturday Dec. 1 at Gainesville State College’s Performing Arts building; and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Dahlonega United Methodist Church.

All concerts are free and open to the public.

The concert will begin with Vivaldi’s Concerto in

D Major, featuring Emma Maftei’s harp solo. She will also join in on several other pieces, including Gustav Mahler’s “Adagietto” from his Symphony No. 5.

Contralto Jeanne Luke will solo on Samuel Barber’s “Sure on this Shining Night,” and “Must the Winter Come so Soon” from Barber’s opera “Vanessa.” She also sings Franck’s “Panis Angelicus,” “O’ Holy Night,” and will lead the annual singalong, which begins with “Winter Wonderland” and “Let it Snow.”

The orchestra will be featured on Gustav Holst’s rousing “St. Paul Suite,” based on several folk tunes, and includes “Greensleeves” in the finale.

Piedmont offers up ‘troubled’ opera There is “Trouble in River City” again as the Piedmont College Opera and Musical Theatre Workshop class presents an evening of music with a theme of “Trouble.”

The free concert is set for 5 p.m. Nov. 29 in Brooks Hall in the Center for Worship and Music at the Piedmont campus in Demorest.

Singers will present the classic song about trouble from “The Music Man,” along with other trouble-themed selections from Handel, Mozart, Verdi, Sullivan, Harold Arlen, and Aaron Copland.

From staff reports

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Enjoy a designer weekend Exhibit puts building blocks in young hands From staff reports Is there a future architect in your home looking to follow in the footsteps of Frank Lloyd Wright, Thomas Jefferson, Frank Gehry, I.M. Pei or Zaha Hadid?

The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center presents “Young Architects: Designing the Future,” an exhibit designed by the Children’s Museum of Cleveland and sponsored by the GEHC Foundation.

The exhibit highlights famous architects as inspiration and offers various block-building media for hands-on interactive learning experiences for children and adults.

The exhibit is on display through Jan. 19.

“Young Architects” is divided into three main areas — live, work and play — with each area highlighting one or more renowned architects accompanied by photographs of their iconic buildings. As children observe the various structures, they will be challenged to contemplate its design, use and materials used in construction.

Hundreds of building blocks — wooden, plastic, foam, and more in a huge variety of colors, shapes and sizes — inspire visitors to either replicate designs or create their own.

GEHC will also display various buildings in the Atlanta area designed out of LEGOs, including a LEGO replica of the

Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center.

“As guests prepare to enter the exhibit, the GEHC staff thought it would be fun to let visitors see a different perspective on design creativity,” said Jason West, director of programming and development. “The GEHC replica is amazing in its detail and contains more than 13,000 LEGO bricks.

“This exhibit is a great opportunity to expose young children to building properties, building media, and a possible career path for later in life.”

Admission to the traveling exhibit and LEGO display is included in the price of admission, with members admitted free.

For more information, visit www.gwinnettEHC. org.

Fernbank opens Winter display From staff reports Atlanta’s Fernbank Museum of Natural History will celebrate holiday traditions from around the world at “Winter Wonderland: Celebrations & Traditions Around the World.”

The exhibit, which runs through Jan. 6, features trees, displays and other programming to reveal how people around the world celebrate holidays, events and traditions.

This year, Winter Wonderland also features new programming, including holiday photo opportunities, a children’s art exhibition and kidfriendly train rides.

The exhibition

Winter Wonderland Exhibition Where: Fernbank Museum, 767 Clifton Road, Atlanta When: Through Jan. 6. Hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sundays How much: $17.50 adults, $16.50 students and seniors, $15.50 ages 3-12, free for ages 2 and younger More info: fernbankmuseum.org/winter, 404-9296300, 404-929-6400 (tickets)

features dozens of trees decorated with a variety of cultural ornaments that recognize the diversity of celebrations. An activity guide helps visitors explore the decorations and significance of the trees during a family-friendly search.

Festive programming includes dancing,

music, demonstrations, storytelling and more on select days, including Caroling and Cookies Weekend on Dec. 1-2 and a special concert with Laughing Pizza on Dec. 8.

Admission is included with museum admission, with fees for additional activities.

FAMILY EVENTS THIS WEEK

Thanksgiving Week crafts, Gainesville. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nov. 19-23. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. $1 with paid admission, members free. 770-5361900, www.inkfun.org.

Appalachian Thanksgiving, Dawsonville. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 22. Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge, Dawsonville. Handmade folk toys and churning butter. Reservations required lodge’s Thanksgiving Buffet. $5 parking. 706-344-1505.

Christmas in Downtown Clayton. 5-8 p.m. Nov. 23. Clayton Merchants & Business Association. 706782-1520.

Annual Lighting of the Village, Helen. 6 p.m. Nov. 23.

Downtown Helen. 706-8782181.

Festival of Trees, Helen. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 23Dec. 8. Unicoi State Park and Lodge, Helen. View beautifully decorated trees throughout Unicoi Lodge. $5 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.

X-Ray Week crafts, Gainesville. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nov. 26-30. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. $1 with paid admission, members free. 770-5361900, www.inkfun.org.

UPCOMING

Flowery Branch Christmas Tree Lighting & Roll ‘n’ Stroll.

2-6 p.m. Dec. 1. Downtown Flowery Branch. 678-6981387, flowerybranchga.org.

Festival of Trees Gala, Gainesville. Dec. 1. Buisson Barn, 6354 J.F. Jay Road, Gainesville. Silent and live auction. $85. 770535-8372 ext. 109, www. challengedchild.org Deck the Halls, Helen. 3-5 p.m. Dec. 1. Unicoi State Park and Lodge, Helen.

Holiday celebration includes making holiday crafts, hayrides and live music. $5

parking. 800-573-9659 ext.

305.

Annual Christmas Parade, Helen. 2 p.m. Dec. 1.

Downtown Helen. 706-8782181.

Annual Christmas in the Mountains Festival, Cleveland.

3-8 p.m. Dec. 1. Downtown Cleveland. Parade, Christmas characters, floats, vehicles, Santa, Christmas lights. 706-865-5356.

Marketplace Christmas, Cumming. 3:30 p.m. Dec. 1.

Jingle Jog 5K, Cumming Christmas Parade, Celebration of Lights. www. marketplacechristmas.com Habersham County Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting, Cornelia. 4-7 p.m.

Dec. 1. Downtown Cornelia.

Decorated floats, Christmas tree lighting at Depot, visits with Santa, cocoa & cookies.

Christmas On The Square, Blairsville. 1-6 p.m. Dec. 1.

Downtown Blairsville. Living Nativity at Mountain Life Museum and Historic Court House, pictures with Santa, parade. Free.

Christmas at the Cabin, Sautee Nacoochee. 3-7 p.m. Dec. 1. Heritage Site, Sautee Nacoochee.

Annual Christmas at the cabin celebration. Gourds, garlands of greenery, and primitive decorations will adorn the Nacoochee cabin and Christmas trees.

Holiday Open House, Athens. 2-5 p.m. Dec. 2.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 South Milledge Ave., Athens.

Tropical conservatory will be filled with seasonal décor

and holiday music created by the Georgia Children’s Chorus, the Solstice Sisters, and the Classic City Band.

Free to the public. 706-5421244, botgarden.uga.edu Christmas Card Week crafts, Gainesville. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dec. 3-7. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. $1 with paid admission, members free. 770-5361900.

Christmas in the Park, Cornelia. Dec. 7-9, 1416. Community House & Cornelia City Park. Ice skating $10, crafts, visits with Santa, holiday market. www.explorecornelia.com Christmas at the Fairgrounds, Cumming. 4-10 p.m. Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 8. Cumming Fairgrounds, Cumming.

Arts and crafts, free photos with Santa. $1, ages 12 and younger free. www. cummingfair.net or www. christmasincentralpark.com Christmas in the Park, Maysville. Dec. 8.

Christmas for Travelers, Toccoa. 1-5 p.m. Dec. 8.

Travelers Rest Historic Site, Toccoa. Visitors will enjoy live music and period dances by the 1860s Civilian Society. $2-$4. 706-3564362.

Christmas Tree Lighting at Vogel, Blairsville. 4-6:45 p.m. Dec. 8. Vogel State Park, 405 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville. Tree lighting, caroling, hayrides, Santa Claus visit, bonfires, hot chocolate and cider.

Free. 706-745-2628, www.

GeorgiaStateParks.org

goo the arts ARTS EVENTS THIS WEEK

“The South American Song,” Gainesville. Through the month of November.

Works by artist Cecillia Espinosa Murphy. Inman Perk Cafe, 102 Washington St., Gainesville. Free. 770532-1636.

UPCOMING

Open House at The Gourd Place, Sautee Nacoochee.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 1. Guest Cherokee artist Nancy Basket will show her work and tell stories.

706-865-4048, www. gourdplace.com Quinlan Christmas on Green Street Children’s Holiday Arty Party, Gainesville. 5:30-7 p.m. Dec. 2. Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. Galleries and gift shop open to all.

Children ages 5-14. Free.

770-536-2575, www. quinlanartscenter.org Dog and Pony Show, Gainesville. Reception opening Dec. 6, 5:30-7 p.m. Through Feb. 16.

Call for artists to submit work relating to animals.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia. $10 for one, $15 for two. Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. 770-536-2575, 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 “Mountain Matters,” 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 “Dreamwork” opening reception. 5-7 p.m. May 23.

Helen Arts and Heritage Center, 25 Chattahoochee

St., Helen. 706-878-3933, www.helenarts.org or info@ helenarts.org

ONGOING

Juried Student Design Show, Gainesville. Nov. 6 to Dec. 6. Simmons Visual Arts Center, Sellars Gallery, Brenau University, Gainesville. Free. Reception 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 15. 770534-6263, www.brenau. edu.

Oconee Student Art Exhibit, Watkinsville.. Nov. 8-30.

Oconee Campus Gallery, Gainesville State College, 1201 Bishop Farms Parkway, Watkinsville. 678717-3438, gallery@gsc.edu “Imminent Overgrowth” Art Exhibit, Oakwood. Nov. 1-28.

Roy C. Moore Art Gallery, Gainesville State College, 3820 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood. Artwork by Heather Deyling. Free. 678717-3707, www.gsc.edu 65th Annual Members’ Exhibition, Gainesville.

Through Dec. 1. Showcase of Quinlan members’ artwork. Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. Free.

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

Exhibit: Palmetto Hands Fine Crafts, Gainesville.

Simmons Visual Arts Center, Sellars Gallery, Brenau University, Gainesville. 770-534-6263, www.brenau.edu. Free.

Oil Painting from Still Life with Mary Ellen Rand, Sautee Nachoochee. 1-4 p.m.

Tuesdays. Comprehensive oil painting instruction working from a still life.

Although it is helpful to have had prior oil painting experience, beginners are welcome. $35 per class. snca.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.

Third annual North Georgia Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition, Dahlonega. Through March 2013. North Georgia College & State University’s campus. Free. 706-8672832.

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.

Open Studio at Gallerie 110, Gainesville. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays. Aspiring artists will meet, mingle and work on endeavors.

Gallerie 110, 224 Main St., Gainesville. Free. 678-9365153, www.gallerie110. com.

Friday Sketch Club, Gainesville. 1:30-3 p.m.

Fridays. Bring supplies.

Quinlan Arts Center, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville. $5. 770-536-2575, www. quinlanartscenter.org.

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THEATER EVENTS THIS WEEK

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2200 Buford Highway, Buford. Musical version of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” Production by Fifth Row Center. $15, $20 and $25. 770-9456762, info@fifthrowcenter.com or www. fifthrowcenter.com “The Nutcracker,” Gainesville. 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 2.

Pearce Auditorium, Brenau University, Gainesville. $12 children, $18 adults, $14 seniors. 770-532-4241, www. gainesvilleballet.org.

Sautee Stars Children’s Theatre Performance, Sautee Nacoochee. 8 p.m. Dec. 1. Center Theatre. Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, 283 Ga. 255 N., Sautee Nacoochee. 706-8783300, www.snca.org “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Dahlonega. 8 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays.

Dec. 7-9, 14-16, and 21-23. The Holly Theater, 69 W. Main St., Dahlonega. $15.

“Madeline’s Christmas,” Atlanta. 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. Dec. 8-30. Horizon Theatre Company. $15 adults, $12 children. 404584-7450, horizontheatre.com.

Sanders Family Christmas, Cumming. 8 p.m. Dec. 17-22. Cumming Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming. $25. 770-7819178, www.playhousecumming.com.

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“Over The River and Through The Woods,” Blue Ridge. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23-Dec. 9. Blue Ridge Community Theater. $18 general admission, $9 students. 706-632-9223, www.BlueRidgeCommunityTheater.com “The Curious Savage,” Gainesville. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 27-29. Gainesville Performing Arts Center, 830 Century Place, Gainesville. $5. ghstheatre@bellsouth.net

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Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” Lawrenceville. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Nov. 29 to Dec. 16. 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. $15. 678-226-6222, www.auroratheatre. com “A Christmas Story,” Clarkesville. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 2.

Habersham Community Theater, 1370 Washington St., Clarkesville. 706-8391315, www.habershamtheater.org “Narnia,” Buford. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1-9.

Buford Community Center and Theater,

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family

movies

music

Festival of Trees, Helen. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 23-Dec. 8. Unicoi State Park and Lodge, Helen.

Annual Lighting of the Village, Helen. 6 p.m. Nov. 23. Downtown Helen. 706-878-2181.

Christmas in Downtown Clayton.

5-8 p.m. Nov. 23. Clayton Merchants & Business Association.

706-782-1520.

For Get Out

Montana Skies, Dahlonega. 8 p.m. Nov. 23. The Crimson Moon Cafe, 24 N. Park St., Dahlonega. $14 in advance $16 at the door. 706-864-3982, www.thecrimsonmoon. com.

I can’t say that “Silver Linings Playbook” avoids all of the inherent negatives of the “feel-good movie,” but it transcends our expectations for this kind of film to become something rare: a movie worthy of awards which also satisfies a wide audience.

REVIEW, 10

Jackie Evancho And Orchestra: Songs from the Silver Screen, Atlanta. Nov. 25. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

‘Silver Linings Playbook’

Community Contra Dance, Sautee Nacoochee. 6:3011 p.m. Nov. 24. Historic Gym. Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, 283 Ga. 255 N., Sautee Nacoochee. Potluck dinner, lessons, dancing. $8 adults; $7 members, $4 students. 706-878-3300,

Larkin Poe Acoustic Trio, Dahlonega. 8 p.m.

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

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

Jazz Jam Session, Dahlonega.

7-9 p.m. Nov. 25. The Crimson Moon Cafe, 24 N. Park St., Dahlonega. $5. 706-864-3982, www.thecrimsonmoon.com.

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

WEEKEND PLANNER

Northeast Georgia’s entertainment guide

gainesvilletimes.com/getout

Forgotten Skills: Keeping Traditions Alive, Class 5, Gainesville. Dec. 15. 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

John Berry in Concert, Gainesville. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4.

Brenau University’s Pearce Auditorium. www.johnberry. com.

Christmas on Green Street, Gainesville. 5-7:15 p.m. Dec. 2.

Enjoy carols, parade, crafts, food and of course, Santa, as the homes on Green Street light up their Christmas displays. 770 503-1319, hchsgeorgia@aol.com.

DEC. 15:

DEC. 4:

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NOV. 30-DEC. 2:

For Get Out

“A Christmas Story,” Clarkesville. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 2.

Habersham Community Theater, 1370 Washington St., Clarkesville. 706839-1315, www.habershamtheater.org

LOOKING AHEAD

Walk Off That Turkey Hike, Tallulah Falls. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 23. Tallulah Gorge State Park. Guided hike is strenuous and involves climbing over and under rocks and logs, jumping from rock to rock and possibly getting your feet wet. Participants must be 10 or older.

Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

“Over The River and Through The Woods,” Blue Ridge. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23-Dec. 9. Blue Ridge Community Theater. $18 general admission, $9 students. 706-632-9223, www.BlueRidgeCommunityTheater.com

Northwinds Symphonic Band Holiday Concert, Gainesville.

7:30 p.m. Nov. 27. First Baptist Church, Gainesville. Free.

‘Holiday Greetings.’

Second annual Talkin’ Turkey Bike Ride, Gainesville. 10 a.m.

Nov. 22. Leaves from Dewberry Church on the corner of Clarks Bridge Road and Glade Farm Road. 15-20 mile leisurely ride. No ride in the rain. Chicken City Cyclists. 770-534-7075, or unnoldl@charter.net.

DEC. 2:

TUES:

outdoors

theater

www.snca.org

“Titus Andronicus,” Atlanta. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 3-25. The New American Shakespeare Tavern, 499 Peachtree St., Atlanta. $20 adults, $15 students, $5 parking. 404-874-5299, www.shakespearetavern.com.

View beautifully decorated trees throughout Unicoi Lodge. $5 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.

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Thursday, November 22, 2012 | gainesvilletimes.com/getout

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‘Silver Linings’ is feel-good done right JEFF MARKER jmarker@gsc.edu

Film Review I’m the kind of person for whom the phrase “feel-good movie” is a negative term. I like to feel good, and I especially like to feel good by the time a movie’s end credits roll.

But “feel-good movies” are without doubt the most predictable of all film categories.

The nature of the ending, after all, is given away right there in the term.

These movies strive to inspire us. They feature characters who endure trials and traumas with which we can relate, then they show those characters overcoming their emotional Jennifer Lawrence, left, smiles at Bradley Cooper in “Silver Linings Playbook.” turmoil in ways that encourage us to do likewise in our real lives.

However, “feel-good movies” wife cheating on him and Diagnosing Pat’s mental are usually self-defeating. experienced a psychological health becomes even more They undercut their primary breakdown. difficult once he meets Tiffany goal by reassuring us at the The movie opens with Pat (Jennifer Lawrence), who also outset that the characters’ leaving a mental institution has a history of mental illness emotional foes will, inevitably, and moving back in with his caused by devastating trauma. be conquered. They also tend parents. Pat Sr. (Robert De Niro) Pat and Tiffany bond over to feature some of the most is an obsessive bookmaker how strong their antipsychotic painfully on-the-nose, dumbedwho places crippling pressure drugs are. Is this healthy? Pat down dialogue one will ever on Pat Jr., and Dolores (Jacki and Tiffany might be helping hear.

Weaver) is constantly caught in each other heal their wounds, or I can’t say that “Silver Linings the crossfire of the two tightly they might be driving each other Playbook” avoids all of the wound men of the house. back into the abyss. inherent negatives of the “feelAs we spend more time “Silver Linings Playbook” is a good movie,” but it transcends with his family, it becomes moving love story, an unflinching our expectations for this kind of abundantly clear why Pat has examination of mental illness film to become something rare: issues. and a dysfunctional family a movie worthy of awards which Raised on Philadelphia comedy. It’s almost incidental, also satisfies a wide audience.

Eagles football, Pat approaches rather than inevitable, that it’s Based on Matthew Quick’s his mental recuperation like a also a “feel-good movie.” debut novel, “Silver Linings linebacker psyching himself It shouldn’t be terribly Playbook” tells the story of up for a game. His attitude is surprising that “Silver Linings former teacher Pat Solitano positive yet forced and frenzied, Playbook” is an exceptional (Bradley Cooper) trying to to the point where it’s borderline genre movie when we look at put his life back together. manic. Even his good days are the cast and crew. Everybody is Years earlier, he caught his worrisome. slightly out of their comfort zone.

‘Silver Linings Playbook’

The Weinstein Company

This romantic movie at first seems like a stretch for writerdirector David O. Russell, who is better known for cerebral comedies (“I Heart Huckabees” and “Flirting with Disaster”), the highly underrated war film “Three Kings” and the comeback movie “The Fighter.”

But to “Silver Linings Playbook” Russell brings the same distinctive wit, dramatic intensity and impeccable craft that has marked his entire career.

Cooper excels in his most demanding dramatic role yet. Lawrence gets to play someone more mature than herself in what must have been a welcome break from playing Katniss Everdeen in the “Hunger Games” movies.

De Niro and Weaver have covered this type of ground before, but it has been too long since we’ve seen them do it.

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Julia Stiles, Chris Tucker Rated: R, for language and some sexual content/nudity Runtime: 2 hours Bottom line: One of the best of the holiday season

Chris Tucker breaks away from his usual motor-mouthed, wise-cracking type to provide a genuinely dramatic, yet quietly funny supporting role.

The movie’s sports theme grows a bit tiresome and stretches beyond believability, and to a degree, the ending is telegraphed worse than a Philip Rivers pass.

In the end, I didn’t care that “Silver Linings” sticks to the playbook. As Pat learns, the destination isn’t the point of life.

It’s the journey that matters.

Take this journey.

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 ( ).

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

Argo (R) Thu.-Sun. 2:00-4:45 Flight (R) Thu.-Sun. 1:00-4:00-7:00-9:30 Here Comes the Boom (PG) Thu.-Sun. 4:45 Life of Pi (PG) Thu.-Sun. 1:15-4:15-7:15-10:00 Life of Pi 3D (PG) Thu.-Sun. 12:45-4:00-7:00-10:00 Lincoln (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 12:30-3:45-7:00-8:00-9:30 Red Dawn (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 12:45-3:00-5:15-7:30-9:45 Rise of the Guardians (PG) Thu.-Sun. 12:30-2:45-5:00-7:1510:00 Rise of the Guardians 3D (PG) Thu.-Sun. 1:45-4:15-6:45-9:15 Skyfall (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 12:45-1:30-3:45-6:45-8:00-9:30 Taken 2 (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 2:15-4:45-7:15-10:00 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 12:30-1:00-1:30-3:45-4:15-4:45-6:30-7:00-7:30-9:00-9:3010:00 Wreck-It Ralph (PG) Thu.-Sun. 2:00-4:30-7:00-9:45

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

Flight (R) Thu. 1:10-4:10-7:15-10:30 Life of Pi (PG) Thu. 11:20-2:10-4:10-5:00-7:50-9:50 Fri.-Sun. 10:30-4:10-9:50 Life of Pi 3D (PG) Thu.-Sat. 11:00-1:20-1:50-4:40-7:00-7:3010:20-12:40 Sun. 11:00-1:20-1:50-4:40-7:00-7:30-10:20 Lincoln (PG-13) Thu. 12:45-4:00-7:10-10:25 Pitch Perfect (PG-13) Thu. 10:40 Red Dawn (PG-13) Thu. 11:15-11:45-1:50-2:20-4:25-4:55-7:057:35-8:00-9:40-10:10-10:35-12:15-12:45-1:10 Rise of the Guardians (PG) Thu. 12:30-1:00-2:50-5:10-5:407:30-9:50-10:20-12:10 Fri.-Sat. 12:30-2:50-5:10-7:30-9:5012:10 Sun. 12:30-2:50-5:10-7:30-9:50 Rise of the Guardians 3D (PG) Thu. 12:00-2:20-3:20-4:40-7:008:00-9:20-11:40-12:40 Fri.-Sat. 12:00-2:20-4:40-7:00-9:2011:40 Sun. 12:00-2:20-4:40-7:00-9:20 The Sessions (R) Thu. 12:30-2:55-5:10-7:25-9:45-12:10 Silver Linings Playbook (R) Thu. 11:30-2:10-4:50-7:35-10:151:00 Skyfall (PG-13) Thu. 12:00-1:05-3:20-4:20-6:30-7:25-9:4010:40-12:50 Skyfall: The IMAX Experience (PG-13) Thu. 12:35-3:50-7:0010:05-1:05 Taken 2 (PG-13) Thu. 12:50-3:10-5:35-8:05-10:25-12:40 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (PG-13) Thu. 1:00-1:201:40-4:00-4:20-4:40-7:00-7:20-7:40-10:00-10:20-10:40-1:00 Wreck-It Ralph (PG) Thu. 11:10-1:45-4:25-7:05-9:45-12:15 Wreck-It Ralph 3D (PG) Thu. 12:10-2:50-5:25

Movies 400 678-513-4400

415 Atlanta Road, Cumming

Flight (R) Thu.-Sun. (12:15-3:25) 6:35-9:45 Hotel Transylvania (PG) Thu.-Sun. (12:10-2:35-5:00) Life of Pi (PG) Thu.-Sun. (12:20-3:20) 6:20-9:20 Life of Pi 3D (PG) Thu.-Sun. (12:50-3:50) 6:50-9:50 Lincoln (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. (11:50-3:10) 6:30-9:50

The Weinstein Company

Jacki Weaver, left, and Robert De Niro sit on a couch in “Silver Linings Playbook.”

Red Dawn (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. (1:00-4:00) 7:15-10:05 Rise of the Guardians (PG) Thu.-Sun. (12:00-2:30-5:00) 7:40 Rise of the Guardians 3D (PG) Thu.-Sun. (12:30-3:00-5:30) 8:10 Skyfall (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. (12:00-3:25) 6:45-10:00 Taken 2 (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 7:40-10:10 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. (12:30-1:00-3:20-3:50) 6:10-7:00-9:00-9:50 Wreck-It Ralph (PG) Thu.-Sun. (2:45) 8:05 Wreck-It Ralph 3D (PG) Thu.-Sun. (12:00-5:25)

Habersham Hills Cinemas 6 706-776-7469

2115 Cody Road, Mount Airy Schedule not provided by theatre; call theatre for movies and times.

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

Flight (R) Thu.-Sun. 1:10-4:05-7:05-9:20 Life of Pi (PG) Thu.-Sun. 1:00 Life of Pi 3D (PG) Thu.-Sun. 4:10-7:10-9:55 Lincoln (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 12:50-4:00-7:05-9:30 Red Dawn (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 12:05-2:15-4:30-7:05-10:00 Rise of the Guardians (PG) Thu.-Sun. 12:00-2:20-4:35-7:0010:00 Rise of the Guardians 3D (PG) Thu.-Sun. 12:30-2:45-5:057:35-9:50 Skyfall (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 12:30-4:00-7:00-9:15 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (PG-13) Thu.-Sun. 12:00-12:45-2:30-3:30-5:00-6:15-7:30-9:00-10:00 Wreck-It Ralph (PG) Thu.-Sun. 1:30-4:00-7:00-10:00

‘Breaking Dawn’ sucks up $141 million in debut weekend LOS ANGELES — “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 2” earned $141 million domestically over opening weekend, putting the final “Twilight” in the eighth position on the list of all-time domestic debuts.

The top 10 movies at 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 Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 2,” Summit, $141,067,634, $141,067,634, one week.

2. “Skyfall,” Sony, $41,104,513, $160,941,621, two weeks.

3. “Lincoln,” Disney, $21,049,406,

$22,468,242, two weeks.

4. “Wreck-It Ralph,” Disney, $18,582,937, $121,750,227, three weeks.

5. “Flight,” Paramount, $8,802,881, $61,523,691, three weeks.

6. “Argo,” Warner Bros., $4,046,366, $91,998,846, six weeks.

7. “Taken 2,” Fox, $2,126,620, $134,651,009, seven weeks.

8. “Jab Tak Hai Jaan,” Yash Raj Films, $1,283,585, $1,941,805, one week.

9. “Pitch Perfect,” Universal, $1,267,855, $61,084,213, eight weeks.

10. “Here Comes the Boom,” Sony, $1,172,656, $40,991,671, six weeks.

Associated Press

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Thursday, November 22, 2012 | gainesvilletimes.com/getout

NOW SHOWING Movie reviews from Associated Press. Stars out of four.

OPENING

‘Silver Linings Playbook’ ■ Review, 10

CONTINUING

‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 2’

HHH (PG-13 for sequences of violence including disturbing images, some sensuality and partial nudity.) Finally — finally!

— the “Twilight” franchise embraces its own innate absurdity with this gleefully over-the-top conclusion.

This is by far the best film in the series. This does not necessarily mean it’s good. But as it reaches its prolonged and wildly violent crescendo, it’s at least entertaining in a totally nutso way. The first four adaptations of Stephenie Meyer’s mega-best sellers about the girl-vampirewerewolf love triangle were, for the most part, laughably self-serious affairs full of mopey teen angst, stilted dialogue and cheesy special effects. Now, Bill Condon (who also directed last year’s “Breaking Dawn

— Part 1”) finally lets his freak flag fly. Here is the Condon of “Gods and Monsters,” the one who loves lurid horror. Here is the Condon of “Dreamgirls,” the one with an eye for panache. His final “Twilight” movie dares to have a little fun — it actually makes you laugh intentionally for once, teetering on selfparody as it does. Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) are now married vampires and parents to a newborn daughter, Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy). With the help of the bloodsucking Cullen clan and vampires gathered from around the globe, they must band together with Edward’s former romantic rival Jacob (Taylor Lautner) and his werewolf buddies to protect the half-human, halfvampire spawn from the evil and suspicious Volturi.

‘Smashed’

HH(R for alcohol abuse, language, some sexual content and brief drug use.)

The title refers not so much to the nearly perpetual state of inebriation that a young husband and wife put themselves in but rather to the way the wife

finds her existence truly shattered when she tries to get sober. Staying at least slightly drunk all the time is easy, as Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s character knows well. It’s a blissfully ignorant existence, one big party. But once you stop drinking, the reality you’ve shoved aside returns with a vengeance. This battle with the bottle (and with bottledup demons) is a frequent film topic, and “Smashed” deserves some credit for mostly avoiding the sort of histrionics that can be staples of the genre. The bottom isn’t low enough, the struggle isn’t difficult enough. “Smashed” is the rare movie that feels too short, too thin and it ends on an unsatisfying and rather unconvincing note, despite some recognizable, raw moments that preceded it. But Winstead (“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” ) gets to show the full range of her abilities in her heaviest dramatic role yet as a first-grade teacher who finds her marriage and her work in jeopardy when she tries to stop drinking.

Aaron Paul of “Breaking Bad” does the best he can with an underwritten role as her hard-partying husband.

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Summit Entertainment

From left, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Peter Facinelli, MyAnna Buring, Casey LaBow and Christian Camargo in a scene from “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2.”

CMYK gainesvilletimes.com/getout •

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Paramount Pictures

Denzel Washington, as Whip Whitaker, stands next to a plane in the Paramount Pictures film, “Flight.”

‘Skyfall’

HHHH (PG-13 for intense violent sequences throughout, some sexuality, language and smoking.)

To borrow a line from Depeche Mode, death is everywhere. James Bond’s mortality has never been in such prominent focus.

Simultaneously thrilling and meaty, this is easily one of the best entries ever in the 50-year, 23-film series, led once again by an actor who’s the best Bond yet in Daniel Craig.

So many of the elements you want to see in a Bond film exist here: the car, the tuxedo, the martini, the exotic locations filled with gorgeous women.

Adele’s smoky, smoldering theme song over the titles harkens to the classic 007 tales of the 1960s. In the hands of director Sam Mendes, it almost feels like a reinvention of the series.

With Mendes collaborating once again with the great cinematographer Roger Deakins, it’s definitely the most gorgeous. This time, James Bond must try and protect his nononsense boss, M (the always intelligent and dignified Judi Dench), from what feels like a very personal attack, even as it seems that she may not necessarily be protecting him in return. Javier Bardem pretty much steals this entire movie away from a cast of esteemed and

formidable actors as the villainous Silva, the former MI6 agent getting his revenge against this staid, old-fashioned organization in high-tech, ultra-efficient ways that make him seem unstoppable.

‘Flight’

HHH½ (R for sex, nudity, drugs, alcohol, profanity, adult themes). “Flight” is a high-wire drama about a commercial airline captain — Denzel Washington, in an extra-ordinary, Oscarworthy performance — who crash-lands a jet carrying “102 souls,” saving all but six. But not only were his alcohol levels off the charts, blood tests show he had been using cocaine before the flight left Orlando for Atlanta.

“Flight,” bracingly directed

by Robert Zemeckis, begins with the alarm buzzing in Whip’s motel room, where he has spent the night in the company of a coworker in an orgy scene of substance abuse. “Flight,” with its surprisingly raw depiction of binge drinking, of the ingestion of illegal drugs is a movie about addiction. It examines the nature of faith, and the failures and flaws of human beings, plagued by self-deception, selfdestruction. Washington, as he demonstrated in “Training Day,” is at his best when he is exploring

moral compromise and corruption, when he plays someone gone bad, given in to temptation, to despair.

The road to redemption in “Flight” is an exceedingly rocky one, and Zemeckis is smart enough to have us believe for a time Whip might never get there.

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Thursday, November 22, 2012 | gainesvilletimes.com/getout

‘Lincoln’

HHH (PG-13 for an intense scene of war violence, some images of carnage and brief strong language.) The movie is actually a wonky, nuts-and-bolts lesson about the way political machinery operates than a sweeping historical epic that tries to encapsulate the entirety of the revered 16th president’s life. That was a smart move on the part of Spielberg and Pulitzer prize-winning screenwriter Tony Kushner.Talky and intimate but also surprisingly funny, “Lincoln” focuses on the final four months of Abraham Lincoln’s life as he fought for the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, and sought to unite a nation torn apart by the Civil War. This tumultuous period provides a crucible to display everything Lincoln was made of, both his folksiness and fortitude. Totally unsurprisingly, Daniel Day-Lewis inhabits the role fully. He disappears into it with small details and grand gestures, from his carriage to the cadence of his speech, and the Academy should probably just give him the best-actor Oscar now and get it over with. Although “Lincoln” itself often feels too conservative, stagey and safe, Day-Lewis’ performances is full of so many clever choices that he keeps it compelling. Of course, the film has all the top-notch technical hallmarks we’ve come to expect from Spielberg: It’s handsomely staged and impeccable in its production design. But this is a movie that’s easier to admire than love; it’s impressive but not exactly moving. Tommy Lee Jones, James Spader, John Hawkes and David Strathairn are among the supporting cast that might be too crammed with gifted character actors.

‘Seven Psychopaths’ HH½ (R for strong violence, bloody images, pervasive language, sexuality, nudity and some drug use.) In his second movie, Irish playwright Martin McDonagh has mangled together a comic, self-aware revenge flick that’s half Guy Ritchie, half Charlie Kaufman. It’s manic and messy. But it’s also filled with deranged wit and unpredictable genre deconstruction that make it, if not quite a success, a fascinating mutt of a movie. Colin Farrell plays Marty, a hard-drinking screenwriter in Los Angeles. He has his movie title — “Seven Psychopaths” — but little else. He gets sucked into the hijinks of his friend Billy (Sam Rockwell), whose dog-napping scheme turns bloody when Billy and his friend Hans (Christopher Walken) swipe the Shih Tzu of a pooch-loving gangster (Woody Harrelson). Rockwell — enthusiastic and deranged — is exceptional. In the film’s meta narrative, he’s a kind of stand-in for movies, themselves: violent, funny, crazy and irresistible. When the action decamps to the desert, the film finds its footing. The writer-director is best in such Beckett-like limbos, heavy with Catholic guilt, an enthralling talent even when obscured by all the self-aware playfulness here. After breaking apart the crime film, he puts it back together again for a conclusion worthy of the genre.

‘Argo’

HHHH (R for language and some violent images.)

Directing his third feature, Ben Affleck has come up with a seamless blend of detailed international drama and breathtaking suspense, with just the right amount of dry humor to provide context and levity. He shows a deft

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handling of tone, especially in making difficult transitions between scenes in Tehran, Washington and Hollywood, but also gives one of his strongest performances yet in front of the camera as the film’s star. It’s exciting to see the confidence with which Affleck expands his ambition and scope as a filmmaker. “Argo” reveals his further mastery of pacing and storytelling, even as he juggles complicated set pieces, various locations and a cast featuring 120 speaking parts. And the story he’s telling sounds impossible, but it’s absolutely true (with a few third-act tweaks to magnify the drama). When protestors stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 people hostage, six employees sneaked out a back door and sought refuge at the home of Canadian Ambassador Ken Taylor (Victor Garber). Longtime CIA operative Tony Mendez (Affleck) comes up with a crazy scheme to rescue them: He’ll fly to Tehran, pretend that they all entered the country together to scout locations for a schlocky sci-fi movie called “Argo,” then walk right out the front door with them and fly home.

Bryan Cranston, John Goodman and Alan Arkin are among the excellent supporting cast.

‘Wreck-It Ralph’ HHH½ (PG for some rude humor and mild action/ violence.) Zany, rambunctious and visually stunning, “Wreck-It Ralph” plunders the world of arcade video games to create a fantasy/ comedy where onscreen avatars party like merry hell after the playland closes.

Think “Tron” with belly laughs. John C. Reilly delivers an inspired vocal turn as the title character, a Popeyearmed lummox whose role is to damage a building that players repair with the help of Fix-It Felix Jr. It’s a repetitive, unappreciated gig, and Felix gets all the adulation from the game’s other characters. Ralph yearns for his own taste of heroism. He gets little help from the members of his Bad Guys Support Group (attendees include “Street Fighter’s” burly Zan¬gief, a “House of the Dead” zombie and Inky the Ghost from “Pac-Man”) So, moving through the games’ circuitry, he infiltrates a futuristic war game and makes off with a hero’s medal.

Disrupting that game’s reality sets off a domino chain of collateral disorder. The only way to set things right is to enter a racing game a few cabinets over and join forces with a spunky underdog girl driver (Sarah Silverman in delectably bratty form) who glitches out in moments of high stress. There’s a quick cameo by the new electronica star Skrillex (who contributed a song to the soundtrack) and jokes for duffers who memorized the up-down, leftright secret codes for Sega Genesis game pads.

DreamWorks, Twentieth Century Fox

Daniel Day-Lewis, center, as President Abraham Lincoln, looks across a battlefield in the aftermath of a terrible siege in this scene from director Steven Spielberg’s drama “Lincoln.”

goo outdoors OUTDOORS EVENTS THIS WEEK

Clayton Clucker’s Turkey Trot “Almost 5K” race, Clayton. 9 a.m. Nov. 22.

Clayton Merchants & Business Association. 706782-1520.

Walk Off That Turkey Hike, Tallulah Falls. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 23. Tallulah Gorge State Park. Guided hike is strenuous and involves climbing over and under rocks and logs, jumping from rock to rock, and possibly getting your feet wet. Participants must be 10 or older. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

UPCOMING

Full Moon Hike, Tallulah Falls. 6–8 p.m. Nov. 28.

Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls. Enjoy the gorge in the magical, shimmering light of the full moon. $5 admission, $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk, Lawrenceville. 8 a.m.

Dec. 1. 2125 Tribble Mill Parkway, Lawrenceville.

Wear a holiday-themed costume and tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Adults

$30, ages 18 to 6 $25, 5 and younger $10. 678-2374458, pmcadams@arthritis. org or www.jbrwgwinnett. org Spice Up the Holidays for your Health, Helen. 10 a.m. to noon. Dec. 1. Smithgall Woods State Park, Helen.

Explore traditional and modern uses of common holiday spices like cinnamon and ginger for medicinal purposes. $25, $5 parking. 706-878-3087.

Holiday Hustle 5K, Gainesville. 8:30 a.m.

Dec. 1. 2801 Allen Creek Road, Gainesville. 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Georgia Firefighter’s Burn Foundation. $30, $75 family rate. 770531-6838, Active.com or aaaraceservices.com HO HO Hustle 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run, Oakwood. 4:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Oakwood City Park, Railroad Ave., Oakwood. 5K event under the lights of Oakwood to benefit the Disability Resource Center of Hall County. 5K $20 before Dec. 1, $25 after. Active. com or aaaraceservices. com Family Hiking Club, Athens.

9-11 a.m. Dec. 8. Fountain in front of the Visitor’s Center, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 South Milledge Ave.,

Athens. Bring along friends and family of all ages to learn about hibernation, bird migration, evergreen plants, and more. In case of rain, we will meet on the following Sunday. $5, $15 for families. 706-542-6156, botgarden.uga.edu Holi-Day Camp, Helen. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 19-20.

Smithgall Woods State Park, Helen. Kids ages 9-12 can enjoy a bit of fun and skill in orienteering.

Advance registration required. $45 for both days or $55 after Dec. 5. 706878-3087.

ONGOING

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.

Triathlon Club, Gainesville.

No experience necessary.

Meets 7 p.m. second Tuesdays, Fit 2 Tri Store, 1292 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville. 770712-9129, fit2tri@gmail. com.

ISI Cycling, Gainesville.

7:30 a.m. Saturdays; 7:30 a.m. Sundays, Corinth Baptist Church, Thompson

Show thanks for nature’s bounty State parks offer ways to appreciate Ga. nature From staff reports Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all the blessings we have in our lives. For many, that includes an appreciation for nature’s bounty and the beauty around us.

Georgians are fortunate to have a wide variety of scenic wonder nearby, from waterfalls and lakes, to mountains and marshes. This month, take time to appreciate all that nature brings to our lives with a getaway to one of Georgia’s State Parks.

Throughout November and around Thanksgiving, park rangers have planned

a bounty of events that will get you into the great outdoors and encourage quiet reflection.

To plan a nature-filled getaway, stay overnight in one of the parks’ varied accommodations. Curl up next to a roaring fire inside a cabin, or make gooey campfire s’mores with your kids.

Those who appreciate more traditional getaways can reserve hotel-style lodge rooms. The lodge restaurants even have special Thanksgiving buffets for overnight guests (reservations required).

For a full calendar, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.

gainesvilletimes.com/getout | Thursday, November 22, 2012

Bridge Road; Thursdays 6 p.m. Dewberry Baptist Church, Clarks Bridge Road. Free. www. isicycling.com.

Elachee’s Trail Crew Work Day. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. first Saturday each month. Bring water, lunch, gloves and rain gear. Tools,

training, and refreshments provided. Free. Under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Call to preregister. Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville, 770-535-1976. www. elachee.org.

First Saturday Hike,

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Gainesville. 10-11:30 a.m. first Saturday each month.

Guided hike. $5 adults, $3 ages 2-12, younger than 2 and Elachee members free.

Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville. 770535-1976. www.elachee. org.

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get out

• gainesvilletimes.com/getout

Thursday, November 22, 2012

MONDAY, NOV. 26, 7:30 P.M. featuring

Brenau University Spectrum Singers and Vocal Chamber Ensemble – Bobby Ivey, Conductor

Chestatee High School I Cantori – Beth Williams, Conductor

John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts Hosch Theatre 429 Academy St., Gainesville, Ga.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC / INFORMATION 770.538.4764 / www.brenau.edu