Hi everyone. I hope you had great weekend. I saw the number one film of the weekend twice! I know call me a Star Trek geek!! There was the IMAX preview Wednesday Night and the big premiere night at Lansing mall Cinema Thursday night. Just about everyone likes this film and when you read the reviews below, you will probably understand why. For some extra fun, check out the "news" video about this film on "The Onion" After returning to this planet, I was in the opening night audience for "The Glass Menagerie" and caught "Fiddler on the Roof" from Lansing Civic Players Saturday night. Both were good shows, but Fiddler was a little more to my liking.
If you saw these shows or another show or movie, share your thoughts.
Mail your guest review to MIentertainment@comcast.net.
Remember, some guest reviewers get Lansing Mall Cinema movie tickets, OutShiner car washes and other great prizes.
Lots going on this week. The Birthday Bash for Kresge Art Museum is Thursday, Friday night I plan to see the season ender from Dewitt High School Friday night and on Saturday, we will celebrate the 150th birthday of Lansing! I am proud to be one of the announcers along the parade route. Join me, my radio buddy Jack Ebling and my pal Bill Albin right near city Hall. The details are below for all of this fun
Don't forget to join me and Jack Ebling this week from 6:35 until 6:45 p.m. on Thursday on 1320 WILS Radio
Have a great week everyone!
If you see me in the crowd say Hi! (and ask me if I have Lansing Mall Movie Tickets or OutShiner Carwashes to give away).
This month, www.MIentertainment.biz turns five years old. We have come a long way since I sent out Jim's Email from the TV station once a week and had to share a corner on another website. As we get older, we get better. Later this week, you will see the all-new www.MIentertainment.biz. We will expand to bring you entertainment news from all over Michigan without sacrificing our home town charm. OK click and take a peak at: www.mientertainment.biz/Site2/. It's not all done, so no snickering or comments yet. The first page will direct you to the region you want to view. For you MIentertainment veterans this will be Mid Michigan. But maybe you are going to see Aunt Martha in Saginaw for the weekend. Then you can check out the previews and reviews there.
I am happy to welcome several talented people to report from all across the state. My long time friend and Grand Rapids radio personality, Tony Burke, will be reporting from West Michigan. He will be joined by Darcy Sullivan, who was my co-host when we did the TV Show “Entertainment Express” in Lansing. Another alumni of that show, reporter Bill Albin, will be helping to cover events with me in Mid Michigan and Mike Paglia will be doing some music reports from the Motor City.. Stephanie Ahearn and Grant Kenney will be giving us the information from Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, and other areas of the Thumb. Nolan Cooper will continue to keep the cameras rolling, and Kevin Hile will keep us informed on the Michigan book scene. Soon, I will tell you who will be reporting from Ann Arbor, and we will be adding an additional music reporter or two to the mix very soon. All the good things will remain, and you will see better quality video, more photos and stories and less scrolling!
This is the place where I remind you that advertisements on www.MIentertainment.biz reach thousands at a very low cost. We will be glad to have you join us. Since we are turning five, We will give a 5% discount to every ad order over $100 placed in May. (Some restrictions apply. Call 517.316.0508 for details)
There were many skeptics who said The Lansing Civic Players could not pull off "Fiddler On The Roof." They were wrong. The troupe did a wonderful job ending their season with this Tony Award winner.
Fiddler On The Roof is the story of the Jewish people’s forefathers on the brink of change in Anatevka, a village in Russia in 1905. It begins with “Tradition,” and gives us classics like “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “If I Were A Rich Man,” and “Sunrise, Sunset.”
My first hats off goes to d director Dan Pappas He put together a talented cast that excelled. His best choice was Charlie Slocum as Tevye. He is the star and he holds the show together like the glue used in a fine model. Barbara Stauffer is his wife Golde who charms us with "Do You Love Me" This cast was together for this entire show. There was singing, acting and some amazing dances. The russian dance was especially exciting. The choreography for that and the rest of the dancing was the work of Elizabeth Todd and she deserves accolades for taking a group of community theater actors and making them look so darn good.
There were a few minor problems in this near perfect show like a missed sound cue and a noise from back stage, so I need to deduct a few pips for those, but I am gonna give back some for the dances, the singing and the sincerity that this cast shows and give this the perfect 4 out of Fordyce
This show runs again next weekend. Do yourself a favor and go and enjoy this musical. For exact show times and ticket pricing information call the Lansing Civic Players box office at 484-9191 or go to the Lansing Civic Players website at www.lansingcivicplayers.org
A MIentertainment Exclusive Interview Jim Talks with Paula Prentiss and Ross Benjamin
about "Glass Menagerie"
Now at Boarshead Theater in Lansing is Tennessee Williams’ American classic The Glass Menagerie.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning play follows Tom Wingfield, son to an overbearing mother and brother to a shy sister, who wavers between his consuming desire to escape and his obligation to his family.
MIentertainment's Jim Fordyce with Paula Prentiss and Richard Benjamin
Paula Prentiss plays mother, Amanda in a role tailor made to her talents. Ms. Prenitss has the poise, timing and stage presence to make this role her own. She is also an actress who is so good at what she does, she seems to instinctively knows when she is in charge of the stage and when she needs to fade into the background and let the other actors shine through. One of those actors is Prentiss’ son Ross Benjamin. He plays her on stage son with just the right mix of emotions. Also on stage is Daryl Thompson as “the gentlemen caller” This young local actor is does a fine job as Jim O’Connor, as does Charlyn Swarthout as the desperately shy Laura. While you are watching take note of the original glass artwork on stage by Lansing artist Craig Mitchell Smith and enjoy the hauntingly beautiful original music by Lansing resident Sergei Kvitko While I liked the set, I found the lighting a little disconcerting. There were some strange shadows off the stage. This show moves a little slowly at times taking it to almost 2 and ½ hours and quite frankly I have always found this play to be depressing. I keep hoping it will somehow change and have a happy ending, but it does not. I give this one a good 3 out of Fordyce The play can be seen Wednesday through Sunday, until May 31, at the theater. Ticket prices for “The Glass Menagerie” are $12 to $30. Ticket reservations may be made by calling the BHT Box Office at 517.484.7805. Box Office hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Information may also be acquired by logging on to www.boarshead.org.
The Big Parade of the Decades to celebrate the 150th birthday of Michigan's Capital city is this Saturday May 16. The fun begins when the parade steps off at 11:30 am. Everyone is invite to join the celebration by viewing the Parade anywhere on the Parade Route which
begins on Michigan Avenue at Pennsylvania. The Parade will then go west on Michigan Avenue to Capitol Avenue, turn left and go south one block on Capitol Avenue then turn right and proceed west on Allegan past Pine to the Michigan Historical Museum.
Jim Fordyce, Jack Ebling and Bill Albin from MIentertainment.biz and WILS Radio will be among the celebrity announcers.
The Parade will showcase much of Lansing's 150 year history, culture, ethnic diversity, music, famous people and events, military traditions, schools, religious organizations, medical providers, businesses and governments. Dancing clowns, ancient steam engines and threshers, historical floats, armor-plated humvees, marching bands, and much more will be in the Parade.
The DeWitt High School Theater Department challenges both actors and audience with the final show of the season. The Curse of the Starving Class, by Pulitzer Prize winning author Sam Shepard and winner of the Obie Award will run from May 14-17 at the DHS auditorium. This gritty deep drama, although full of its share of intensity and sadness, also offers elements of irony and humor.
The play is set in a farmhouse somewhere in the American West inhabited by a dysfunctional family who is “starving” is more ways than one. The script is epic and unpredictable with elements of absurdity, which contributes to the plays unique style. Illusions distract the hungry, while family members try to cope with the inevitable fate which leads to their destruction.
The play is plentiful when it comes to metaphors, as many elements address the concept of trying to attain self-contentment in hopes of fulfilling the American Dream which remains beyond reach. Seating is general admission. Thursday evenings performance will feature a talk-back session with the cast immediately after the performance. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. The curtain goes up at 7 pm. This production is rated PG-13 due to mature content. You don't want to miss this electrifying drama by one of America's most renowned playwrights.
Call 668-3169 for more information
The Friends of Kresge is throwing a party in honor of the museum’s 50th anniversary! As part of the celebration, we challenged local bakers to design artful, edible masterpieces befitting the museum’s 50th. Charlie Seebeck from the Lansing Potters’ Guild, local artists Vivian Dwyer and Gail English and MSU Clay members will present decorative cake platters designed to commemorate the anniversary.
Come stroll through the gardens, enjoy cake (generously donated by A Piece O’ Cake) and refreshments, and take home your winning cake or platter. FREE TO ALL – EVERYONE WELCOME
Bakers participating: Country Club of Lansing, Cookies by Design, James Avenue Catering, L&L Food Centers, A Piece O’ Cake, Cakes-A-Bloomin, Roman Cake Designs, The Bunt Man, Sweetie Pie Pantry, Golden Rose, Okemos Kroger and Silver Service Catering.
It all takes place Thursday, May 14, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the MSU Radiology Building & GardensFor additional information, call (517) 353-9834 or visit www.artmuseum.msu.edu
“The Copa,” will conclude the 2008-2009 Dark Night Series at BoarsHead Theater. The play was written by Second Company member Kristi Starnes, it will be presented on May 18 and 19. Based on the once popular gay-friendly nightclub of the same name in Flint, “The Copa” brings to life the interviews of those who experienced the special qualities of the community that formed at the business that thrived during the 1980s at the height of the AIDS crisis.
The performance will also serve as a fundraiser for the Lansing Area Aids Network. Local LGBT and allied groups will have information tables in the lobby at 6:30 p.m. and at 7 p.m. Jake Distel, executive director of LAAN, will head a panel of LAAN staff in a discussion of HIV then and now. The performance of “The Copa” will begin at 8 p.m. Admission is free but donations are accepted.
Flyover, USA: Voices from Men of the Midwest is the next show slated to take the Stage at the Williamston Theater
Hot on the heels of last season's award-winning Maidens, Mothers and Crones: Voices from Women of the Midwest, the premiere of the groundbreaking Voices From the Midwest series, comes the second installment, Flyover, USA: Voices from Men of the Midwest! As we begin the 21st Century, men's roles in business, family and social environments have evolved. Playwrights Dennis North and Joseph Zettelmaier have built this piece around submissions from men all over this part of our country. It will explore the stories, journeys and lives of men from the Midwestern United States and ask the question: "What is it to be a man in the 21st Century Midwest?".
This production will begin with five Preview performances starting Thursday, May 21. During the first four Previews audience members will have the opportunity to take part in the process of creating a show by participating in a talkback session with the director following each performance. The Official Opening Night is Friday, May 29 with the show scheduled to run through Sunday, June 14. Performances will run Thursday and Friday evenings at eight o’clock, Saturday matinees at three o’clock and evenings at eight o’clock, and Sunday matinees at two o’clock. Please note there will not be a three o’clock performance on Saturday, May 23.
Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can for Thursday, May 21. Remaining Preview tickets are $15.00! Starting Opening Night, regular tickets prices are $24.00 on Friday and Saturday evenings, $20.00 on weekend matinees and $18.00 on Thursday evenings. Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more for most performances. Tickets can be ordered by calling (517) 655-SHOW (7469), Monday – Friday from 12 – 6pm. Williamston Theatre patrons will find ample parking on the street and in several municipal lots throughout the city. The theatre is located in downtown Williamston (exit 117 off of I-96) just south of Grand River Avenue.
Click For Tickets or by calling (517) 655-SHOW (7469).
3 MONTHS OF ADVERTISING on the Latest News Page or Photo Album Page (rotates each week)
ONLY $199 PER MONTH
Call 517- 316-0508 AND GET 10% OFF THE FIRST MONTH
Eminem to to Take Michigan Folks to LA
DETROIT (AP) - Eminem says he and Jimmy Kimmel will fly about 200 laid-off autoworkers to Los Angeles for Friday's taping of his appearance on Kimmel's show.
The Michigan rapper says he and Kimmel want to remind everyone that real people are being affected by what's going on in Detroit.
He tells the Detroit Free Press, through his publicist, that news reports ignore people who have lost their jobs without getting big payouts after dedicating themselves to the auto industry.
Eminem says he and Kimmel also want to show some of the autoworkers "a good time while we're at it."
He's promoting the upcoming release of "Relapse," his first studio album in four years.
Eminem will also appear on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on May 19 and May 22.
It was the Art Walk in Williamston May 1 and 2, 2009. Downtown businesses welcomed 24 artists for a one-of-a-kind extravaganza. As shoppers walked into stores, they were treated to displays and demonstrations by local crafters. From Potter to Woodcarving there was something for everyone. There was also 50-50 drawings and an art raffle at Gracie’s Place. It was all sponsored by the Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce. The MIentertainment cameras were there.
Click for more photos and video.
Lots of plays coming next year from Mid Michigan's off beat theater company , Icarus Falling.
Speed the Plow by David Mamet will open the season in October 2009
Hollywood mid-level producers Bobby Gould and Charlie Fox engage in a verbal boxing match centered on the eternal debate of art versus money.
In February 2010 look for "Power Plays"
by Elaine May & Alan Arkin
This show consists of three short plays: The Way of All Fish, Virtual Reality
and In and Out of the Light,
Things will wrap up in May with " The Late Henry Moss"
This sam Shepard play is about 2 antagonistic brothers, Ray and Earl, who are brought together after their father, HenryMoss, is found dead in his seedy New Mexico
home. Henry was a harassing, arrogant drunk, and his sons have inherited his worst qualities.
Click on the Vid to Hear from IF Founder
Jeff Croff
Capital TheaterWorks had "An Improv-able Fundraiser" Sunday Night
This evening of sketch comedy and improvisation at Moriarty's Pub in Lansing was a wonderful. The event raised money to help fund Capital Theater Works' 2009 Season of Free Summer Theater at the Ledges Playhouse. If you missed the event, you missed a treat. But you can still donate. Click here to help: www.capitaltheaterworks.org
For photos of the event and and interview with Kevin Burnham: Click Here
Add 5 more acts to the Common Ground Line Up. Just announced:
David Cook, the seventh season winner of “American Idol,” will take the Capital Region International Airport stage on Friday, July 10. Cook’s accomplishments include 14 record-breaking debuts on Billboard’s Hot Digital Songs survey, 11 songs on the Hot 100 and the second-highest amount of simultaneous hits since the Beatles in 1964. His single, “The Time of My Life,” instantly became the highest debuting title of 2008, entering the Hot 100 at No. 3. Cook is also known for his hits: “Light On” and “Come Back To Me.”
Saving Abel will perform Thursday, July 9 on the Pearle Vision stage. These American rockers created a sound combining big riffs and memorable melodies; a polished combination of Southern and Alternative rock. They are known for such hits as: “Addicted,” “18 Days,” “Running From You” and “Drowning Face Down.”
Taddy Porter, also appearing with Saving Abel on Thursday, July 9. The four-member band, from Stillwater Oka., draws influences from The Black Keys and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The band’s hit songs include: “Whatever Haunts You,” “Mean Mix,” “King Louie” and “What Gets You High.”
Framing Hanley, of Nashville, Tenn., also appearing with Saving Abel. The band has produced the singles “Hear Me Now” and “Lollipop.”
Red, a Grammy-nominated modern rock band also from Nashville, Tenn., also appearing with Saving Abel. Red is known for radio hits such as: “Breathe Into Me” and “Already Over.”
Kenny Wayne Shepherd will open for Huey Lewis and The News on Monday, July 6. Shepherd has produced many blues and blues-rock albums, including the platinum Ledbetter Heightsalbum and his Grammy-nominated albums Trouble Is… and Live On.
The Common Card, a general admission seven-day pass for Common Ground Music Festival, is on sale now. The pass can be purchased for $85 in advance and $95 beginning July 1, while supplies last.
Single-day general admission tickets are on sale now. Individual, single-day general admission tickets for July 6–9 are $26 per day in advance, increasing to $32 beginning July 1.
Children age ten and under are admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. All Common Ground Music Festival tickets are limited and available at the following locations:
The Common Ground Music Festival is a seven-day celebration including nightly concerts, a variety of fun family entertainment and an assortment of food vendors. Anyone interested in volunteering at Common Ground can contact the festival office at 517-267-1502, ext. 202. For more detailed information about the Common Ground Music Festival, log on to the official Web site at www.commongroundfest.com.
For 2009-2010, the Lansing Symphony Orchestra invites listeners to “Escape the Everyday” and come together in the concert hall for an experience that will be anything but ordinary.
The 2009/2010 season – the LSO’s 80th season – will bring together great works, fantastic artists and a momentum the Lansing Symphony has been building for the past few seasons under the direction of Music Director & Conductor Timothy Muffitt. The MasterWorks Series will present – among other things –
legendary pianist Christopher O’Riley, Ravel’s Boléro, Poulenc’s magnificent Gloria paired with Holst’s epic The Planets, return engagements by Ilya Kaler and Amit Peled for Brahms’ Double Concerto, an Evening with Mozart, Barber’s Violin Concerto, a performance by a 2010 Gilmore Young Artist and a season grand finale
performance of Beethoven’s Fifth.
This season the LSO will present three Pops concerts – A Night at the Movies: Take II, the annual Holiday Pops, and Rocket Man: The Music of Elton John. In addition, the LSO will present a four-concert Chamber Series, two Big Band concerts, a Halloween Spooktacular! Family Concert and a special spring performance of
Handel’s Messiah with the MSU College of Music.
Mason Author Publishes Potter Park Zoo History (posted Jan 2)
Mason, MI – Little Zoo by the Red Cedar: The Story of Potter Park Zoo is now available for readers of all ages to enjoy.
In Little Zoo by the Red Cedar, you will learn how Potter Park Zoo was established in 1920 by a grumpy lumber baron, how the zoo got its first elephant, how it became a leading wildlife conservation center, and much more!
The book, published by Strategic Book Publishing, is the work of notable mid Michigan author Kevin Hile. It can be purchased online at http://www.strategicbookpublishing.com/
LittleZooByTheRedCedar.htm or at many area book stores, including “Everybody Reads” at 2019 E. Michigan Ave, in Lansing, Michigan.
The Mason resident considers this project his special contribution to Michigan history.
As a docent at Potter Park Zoo, Hile has long appreciated how special the 19-acre zoological park is. Before moving to the Lansing area in 1998, he had been a volunteer at the Detroit Zoo, and he had read the history book about that zoo years ago.
He then discovered nothing had ever been written about Potter Park Zoo, even though it is the oldest zoo in Michigan accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Since he was a writer and knew a lot about the zoo, Hile decided to address this problem by tackling the project himself. He began writing the book in 2006, interviewing staff and volunteers, past and present, and discovering amazing things about Potter Park Zoo.
“I’ve written and edited several books over the years,” said Hile, “but I’m really proud of Little Zoo by the Red Cedar. I feel like I’ve contributed something to both Michigan and zoological park history.”
MIentertainment.biz is looking
for a part time, free lance sales person who would be interested
in selling on line advertising for this web site. You would be
an independent contractor working for a generous commission. You
would also be able to sell other products and services offered
by Media Matters of Michigan, LLC If you are interested e mail
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"Star Trek" A Perfect Trip Across the Galaxy (May 7)
As a died-in-the-wool Star Trek fan, I will admit I was nervous. A new "Star Trek" movie with Kirk, Spock, Scotty, Uhuru, Chekov, Sulu, and McCoy played by a virtually unknown cast? All I knew going in was Leonard Nimoy had a cameo. The preview audience was seated at the Science Center in Detroit, and after some Trek Trivia, the movie began on the IMAX screen. Start to finish this movie is action-packed with a plot to keep every sentient being thinking and smiling. While I will say very little about the plot because even the slightest hint might give the great story line away, I will say that it is well written, well thought out, and has the mix of drama, excitement, and fun we have come to expect from this franchise. Trekkies relax, in spite of rumors on subspace frequencies for months, there are no problems with continuity.
This cast here is superb. It is obvious they watched the original episodes and knew how their characters should act and how they should fit with each other. Although Chris Pine is good as Kirk and John Cho is very believable as Sulu, Zachary Quinto is dead-on as Spock, and Simon Pegg is a wonderful young Scotty. The stand out is Anton Yelchin as a 17-year-old Checkov.
You will also meet a young Sarek (Ben Cross), his human wife, Amanda (Winona Ryder), Captain Pike (Bruce Greenwood) before his accident, and Doctor McCoy (Karl Urban). Urban also worked hard to play the good doctor and delivers his lines just like he should. Before this movie is over you will know why Kirk calls him "Bones," and it is not the reason we have thought all these years.
If you are a "Trek" fan you will love this one, and if you just like a good movie you will love this one. All of us will love the fact that it was left wide open for more from this enjoyable cast to come back as the "original" crew. "Star Trek" gets a glorious and perfect four out of Fordyce. Go and enjoy it, then live long and prosper.
This Review by MIentertainment.biz Book editor, Kevin Hile
I was treated to a special preview of Star Trek at the IMAX at Detroit's Science Center last night. (If anyone is in the Detroit area this summer, by the way, they are running a “Star Trek” exhibition through September 8).
As someone who still loves the original series more than all the other spin-offs, I was extremely nervous and excited to see the new interpretation. Would I get over the fact that William Shatner is no longer Kirk, and all the rest of the cast is different, except for a notable cameo by Leonard Nimoy? That Uhuru really gets her groove on--and NOT with whom you'd think? And other liberal reimaginings? I worried that the film would be overly concerned with special effects, sacrificing character and storyline.
I need not have worried.
Star Trek ROCKS!
Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto are awesome as Kirk and young Spock, respectively. All the other actors--the only other name I recognized in the cast was Winona Rider, who has a short role as Spock's mother--are all brilliantly cast, obviously studied their characters, and lovingly--but not fawningly--portray them.
Yes, there are stellar special effects and great action sequences, but you'll be enthralled by the story line, too; you'll be shocked, but then pleasantly surprised. I won't say more or I'll screw it up for you, but definitely go and see it.
Is the movie perfect? No. I spotted two technical errors (I'll hint at one: check out the sky on Vulcan), and there is one really egregious plot coincidence that the filmmakers obviously don't want you to notice. But compared to what we all endured with Episodes I-III of Star Wars (aka, George Lucas says, "I don't give a monkey’s butt about my audience anymore cuz I'm rich”), this convenient plot device is forgivable. I let directors and writers get away with one bad plot device if the rest of the movie is excellent, which Star Trek definitely is!
So, I wish I could say more, but, like I said, I won't ruin it for you. I promise you, whether you're a diehard fan or merely like a good flick, you will have a wonderful time watching Star Trek!
This Editorial by MIentertainment.biz Sci-Fi & Gaming editor, Bill Albin
WARNING THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS!
I have been a trekie since before I was born. I got that way because my mom is pretty hard core when it comes to the crew of the Starship Enterprise. I grew up watching classic "Trek" then The Next Generation and a few of the offshoots. I say that to say this. I am not a newcomer to the franchise and when I decide to weigh in on the subject I am doing so from a position of authority. Now that I have that out of the way it is time to p*** off my friend Mike. Yes they changed the history through time travel but that's hardly without precident. The show and the movies have relied on time travel and alternate realities on many occasions and you never complained then.
It is true that this newest movie gives us a huge change and will take the cannon far off to the side and you could even argue that time travel was unneeded for the plot to work but I thought it worked well and certainly added to the flavor.
As for the crew itself, its a completely new cast. They are young and fresh and could very well reinvigorate the series for a younger audience. There was of course one cameo of a well known crew member but at least it wasn't Kirk. William Shatner could only have turned this movie into a cartoon and would have added nothing to the plot. I won't tell you who did make an appearance. You will have to see the show for yourself to find out. All in all it was a fun action packed adventure and I believe anyone who likes SciFi, Space Opera, Action Adventure, Etc. will have a good time. Just don't sit in the second row of the IMAX like I did. that was a bit too close.
X – Men Prequel Good for All, Great for Fans (May 1)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
I have always liked the "X Men" series. I have found them to be good movies with lots of action. I caught the first show of the new prequel at midnight and it did not disappoint.
In X-Men Origins: Wolverine Hugh Jackman reprises the role that made him a superstar — as the fierce fighting machine who possesses amazing healing powers, and retractable claws.
The movie begins in the mid 1800s and we immediately learn the beginnings of Wolverine’s complex relationship with Victor Creed. We also learn about the beginnings of the ominous Weapon X program.
Along the way, Wolverine encounters many mutants, some we have met before and some we haven’t.
This movie is full of action, amazing special effects, and, most of all, some good acting. There are also great lines that will make you laugh and situations that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Jackman is a wonderful talent. You can tell he loves playing this part. Liev Schreiber is stellar as Victor, and I guarantee you will HATE Danny Huston by the end of this action packed flick.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine is the perfect length; it moves along well in just under two hours. Once you add in some surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe, you have a movie that gets a good 3 out of Fordyce.
THIS REVIEW:
from MIentertainment Flint/Saginaw/Bay City Correspondent Grant Kenney
Rating: 1 BIG G out of Four
Walking into X-Men Origins: Wolverine, I didn't anticipate seeing something great. After all, I felt all three previous X-Men movies were mediocre. This film didn't let me down.
The film picks up very quickly with a degree of promise, showing how young Logan discovers his powers and runs off with his half brother, Victor Creed, AKA Sabretooth. The opening sequences of the two fighting in major wars actually got me really excited. They looked fantastic. However, this movie doesn't have much depth. Wolverine gets recruited into the Weapon X program to stay out of a military prison. He's disturbed by Victor's ruthlessness and decides to split. I won't give a full synopsis of the movie, but let's just say a lot of what we're presented with never adds up. Things just seem to happen without a reason. For example, Wolverine gets infused with the indestructible adamantium, escapes the facility, and immediately they want to kill him. As a general points out in the film, "You just spent half a billion dollars to make him indestructible." He escapes, and you want to ice him right away? Hmm ... no. Also, we're bludgeoned with so many bad and cheesy puns that I can’t take it seriously: "Unleash the animal Logan!" There’s even a degree of attempted humor built in that would work for a character like Peter Parker’s Spiderman, but not Wolverine. The movie attempts to make several twists, but they just come off as ridiculous and pointless. I felt the many mini-twists only detracted from establishing an actual storyline that makes sense.
Hugh Jackman reprises his role as one of Marvel Comics' biggest cash cows. However, he seems to be less into the role than he was in the abomination that was X-Men 3. Jackman never presents the surly, angry Logan that he at least hinted at in the first and second films, nor the Logan many people remotely familiar with the character expect. Jackman delivers a mild performance, never really convincing you that he's the bad ass Wolverine we want him to be.
Liev Schrieber is Sabretooth in this movie and is just terrible. I am not a huge fan of his to begin with, but he fumbles around the part and can't decide if he wants to kill Wolverine, or help him, or be him. He also gets a lot of really bad one liners: “Ooh, shiny.” They never attempt to make him look the part either. We saw Sabretooth in the first X-Men film looking incredible feral and exactly what we would want him to be. I kept expecting some final experiment to enhance him as they did with Logan, creating that look, but never got it. The two characters also don't even acknowledge one another in the first X-Men film, so we're left wondering at the end why Sabretooth—even with HIS memories intact—doesn't recognize his own brother.
I'm still not sure if this film is a reboot of the franchise with this Origin, or if there will be some sort of god-awful sequel where more is explained. The action is decent, many of the best scenes are played out in the trailer, and it strays a lot. I felt the CGI for most of it looked good, but Wolverine's claws looked TERRIBLE. I thought they did fine 10 years ago making them believable.
However, it's 2009 and they look like something taken out of a bad sci-fi channel film.
Overall, I wish I had not spent my
$8.75 to see this film and would have probably been disappointed even if I chose to rent it. I didn't go in expecting much, hoping for a surprise, but even those expectations were shredded by Wolverine. Granted, it wasn't as painful to sit through as Punisher: War Zone, so I give one big G out of four.
"Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" Cute and Funny (May 1)
Rating: 3 Out of Fordyce
The alternative to the X Men this weekend is the self admitted "chick flick" Ghosts of Girl Friends Past. At many theaters, the times coordinated so it was boys in one theater, girls in the other. As I was leaving both films I noticed happy lobby reunions from these two good movies. Ghosts is the story of photographer Connor Mead. Matthew McConaughey is great as the single guy who loves freedom, fun and women ... in that order. A committed bachelor whose brain is south of his beltline, this cad thinks nothing of breaking up with multiple women on a conference call while prepping his next date.
Connor's brother Paul is more the romantic type, and Connor heads to his wedding at the family estate. Just when it looks like Connor may single-handedly ruin the wedding, he gets a wake-up call from the ghost of his late Uncle Wayne, the hard-partying, legendary ladies man upon whose exploits Connor has modeled his lifestyle. Uncle Wayne is played perfectly by Michael Douglas, and it is worth the price of admission just to see him. In fact, I want to be among the first to say his name, Michael Douglas, in a sentence with the words "Best Supporting Actor." Uncle Wayne arranges for three ghosts to visit his nephew to teach him he was wrong and love is right. The ghosts and the visits are hilarious and the movie does come to a predictable happy ending. Go and enjoy this one. I give it a good 3 out of Fordyce.
I said I wouldn't see it, but I did. I wanted to see Obesessed, but the schedule didn't work and after all the flack I got for my comments on the radio about this being just a vehicle for woman (and some guys) to swoon over Zak Efron's anatomy, I went to see 17 Again and I was right. The first scene has the boy with his shirt off, and from there we once again do a tired remake of the "I switched bodies with myself, my mom, my daughter, my werewolf, Janice Lester, or what ever." This film managed to do that in a really horrible way and succeeded in doing it without an original thought. They rip off every other movie like this from It's a Wonderful Life and Damn Yankees to Teen Wolf and Back to the Future.
Efron looked like he was mentally counting his money rather than paying attention to his acting. I never once believed that Efron's character grew up to be Matthew Perry. Apparently, Perry didn't either and just acted enough to get his check. The rest of the acting was awful and the plot was so thin I left the Lansing Mall Cinema with paper cuts. The only reason this film packed them in last weekend was Efron's draw. What a a waste of his talent. And the only reason this did not get the dreaded "NO Dice" is because of the sub plot with the Sci Fi loving "Uncle," played by Thomas Lennon. He and his date had the best lines in the film. So his pointy ears and light saber boost this turkey to a 1 out of Fordyce.
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Hi everyone. I hope you had great weekend. I saw the number one film of the weekend twice! I know call me a Star Trek geek!! There was the IMAX preview Wednesday Night and the big premiere night at Lansing mall Cinema Thursday night. Just about everyone likes this film and when you read the reviews below, you will probably understand why. For some extra fun, check out the "news" video about this film on "The Onion" After returning to this planet, I was in the opening night audience for "The Glass Menagerie" and caught "Fiddler on the Roof" from Lansing Civic Players Saturday night. Both were good shows, but Fiddler was a little more to my liking. 
There were many skeptics who said The Lansing Civic Players could not pull off "Fiddler On The Roof." They were wrong. The troupe did a wonderful job ending their season with this Tony Award winner.
Now at Boarshead Theater in Lansing is Tennessee Williams’ American classic The Glass Menagerie. 
Flyover, USA: Voices from Men of the Midwest is the next show slated to take the Stage at the Williamston Theater 
It was the Art Walk in Williamston May 1 and 2, 2009. Downtown businesses welcomed 24 artists for a one-of-a-kind extravaganza. As shoppers walked into stores, they were treated to displays and demonstrations by local crafters. From Potter to Woodcarving there was something for everyone. There was also 50-50 drawings and an art raffle at Gracie’s Place. It was all sponsored by the Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce. The MIentertainment cameras were there.
Mason, MI – Little Zoo by the Red Cedar: The Story of Potter Park Zoo is now available for readers of all ages to enjoy.
I have always liked the "X Men" series. I have found them to be good movies with lots of action. I caught the first show of the new prequel at midnight and it did not disappoint. 
Rating: 1 BIG G out of Four
The alternative to the X Men this weekend is the self admitted "chick flick" Ghosts of Girl Friends Past. At many theaters, the times coordinated so it was boys in one theater, girls in the other. As I was leaving both films I noticed happy lobby reunions from these two good movies. Ghosts is the story of photographer Connor Mead. Matthew McConaughey is great as the single guy who loves freedom, fun and women ... in that order. A committed bachelor whose brain is south of his beltline, this cad thinks nothing of breaking up with multiple women on a conference call while prepping his next date.