Movie Review "Ida"

This Polish black and white movie is about Anna, a young Polish girl who is on the verge of taking her final vows to be a Roman Catholic nun in 1962 Poland. Her Mother Superior informs her that she has one surviving relative- an aunt who is a ranking member of the Polish communist party. Her aunt is a hard living, hard drinking middle aged childless Jewess. Anna discovers that almost everyone, save the aunt, were murdered during the war. The remainder of the movie involves the search for what really happened to her family and the direction of her life. The cinematography is unusual. Besides being black and white, the format is actually “tall screen” rather than the usual wide screen. All lines are subtitled, but sparse. The plot and filmography stands almost alone without dialog. One of the better films of the season.

Brooks Museum: "The Eclectic Sixites" & "Wood Engravings by Thomas Bewick

THE ECLECTIC SIXTIES: This small collection of works includes bizarre pop and minimalist works. Controversial topics are addressed such as feminism, abuse of native Americans, civil rights and governmental abuse. Most of the items on display were not very interesting- the exception being David Parrish’s “The Eagle Has Landed.” It’s worth a few minutes of your time just to see this one painting. WOOD ENGRAVING BY THOMAS BEWICK: Thomas Bewick was a master engraver in 16th & 17 century England. Animals, farm scenes and birds predominate the engravings on display. The resulting prints are incredibly fine and detailed. This exhibition is small, but well worth the time.

Movie Review: "Secret LIfe of Walter Mitty"

This is a remake of James Thurber’s story of day-dreamer Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) who escapes his mundane life as a negative processor for Time magazine by creating an imaginary fantasy world. Mitty has been sent a set of photographic negatives by a world famous action photographer, one of which is to be used on the cover of the final edition of Time magazine. The negative is lost. Mitty embarks on a worldwide search for the famous photographer and the missing negative. Much like the Wizard of Oz, Mitty discovers that the qualities and adventures he craves has always been an arms length away. The story line is fairly well developed. Ben Stiller and co-stars Kristen Wiig and Sean Penn give better than average performances in their respective roles. There was very little if any profanity. It could have earned a “G” rating in my opinion.

Movie Review: "Nebraska

This black and white drama/comedy centers around a nuclear, but dysfunctional Midwest family. Bruce Dern, who plays Woody, the family’s alcoholic elderly father, is convinced he has won 1 million dollars in a contest by a Lincoln Nebraska magazine clearing house. Despite not having a valid driver’s license, he is determined to get to Nebraska to claim his prize. His younger son, played by Will Forte, volunteers to take him to Lincoln from their home in Billings Montana. On the way, they stop in his tiny hometown of Hawthorne, Nebraska. There he reunites with his extended family and old friends. June Squibb expertly plays Woody’s shrew of a wife. Through a series of domestic conflicts, the family discovers the presence of true affection and mutual self sacrifice. The wonderful black and white cinematography is reminiscent “Everything is Illuminated.” Dern and relative newcomer Squibb’s performances are superb. Story development is slow, but sophisticated. There was a lot of unnecessary profanity and innuendo- otherwise it would not have earned an “R” rating.

Movie Review: Gravity

This recently released movie is about two astronauts, George Clooney as Matt Kowalski and Sandra Bullock as Ryan Stone. They are set adrift in orbit after disaster strikes a shuttle mission. Initially, they are tethered together and tumble out of control. After regaining their composure, they try to conserve oxygen and find the resources to survive their ordeal. Clooney plays a seasoned space veteran with a great deal of composure, quick wit and the ability to calm Bullock’s character. Sandra Bullock plays a biomedical engineer who is new to space and somewhat reluctant to be in her position. The performance of both is over the top. The plot is well developed and appropriately suspenseful. The cinematography and special effects are breath-taking and innovative. I viewed it without the benefit of the 3D format. Probably one of the finest movies I have seen this calendar year.

Review: Broad Avenue Arts District

The stretch of Broad Avenue starting at Parkway has undergone quite a renaissance in the paste year or two. Several fine eateries are now located on the south side of the street. Memphis longtime favorite, Broadway Pizza, serves up custom pizzas with Elvis memorabilia along the booth lined walls. The owner of Midtown Bari Ristorante recently opened the Three Angels Diner. They serve an eclectic mix of plate lunches, sandwiches and spicey daily soups. T. Clifton Art is a gallery specializing in art glass pieces and custom framing. Stop by and visit with the friendly proprietors, Tom, Pat and their friendly giant St Bernard Argus. Their website is: www.tcliftonart.com. Metalworks creates custom furniture, yard art and banisters. Some of their work can be seen lining Broad Avenue. Jerry Couillard is the designer and metalsmith in residence. Their website is: www.mtlwriks.com My personal favorite is the gallery of local artist, Nancy Judy Woods. An Orange Mound native, she frequented her grandparents home outside Byhalia, MS while growing up. While working in a daycare and as a home nursing assistant, she started painting pictures of her childhood experiences in Mississippi. Despite any formal art training, her acrylics bring to life the joy and excitement of a young girl growing up in a Southern rural setting. It’s worth the stop at her gallery to see her work and meet her. Her website is: http://www.njwoods.com.

Review: Picturing America: Signature Works from the Westmoreland Museum of American Art

The Westmoreland Museum of American Art is located in Greensburg, PA. For over 50 years, this museum has collected works from American artist from the mid 18th through mid 20th century. The exhibit is fairly well organized. The first group on display is representative portraits- including a famous portrait of George Washington by Rembrandt Peale. A large exhibit of still lifes included some by John Singer Sargent and members of the Hudson River School. About a third of display included bird prints by John Audubon. This showing will end Sunday, October 6.