‘Arts’ Archives
Sightseers
Sightseers (2013) ***** “Sightseers” Cast: Alice Lowe (Tina), Steve Oram (Chris), Richard Glover (Martin), Eileen Davies (Carol). Running time: 88 minutes. Country: UK. Director: Ben Wheatley. Studio Canal Drama/Thriller/Dark Comedy “Sightseers” is an uneasy comedy intertwined into one of the darkest of comedies. Mean-spirited is the order of the day from beginning to the end. One can be cynical saying what a “lovely” couple, Chris (Steve Oram) and Tina (Alice Lowe) are, taking a clue from Alice”'s invalid mother (Eileen Davies) who frowns on her and her new boyfriend. Chris and Tina jump into his van for a “vacation”. Carol blames her daughter for the accidental death of her dog “Poppy”. The parking lot incident when Chris hurriedly backs out killing a pedestrian is considered an accident by the courts. Yet there”'s a sinister quality in Chris”'s face after the fatal accident [...]
Spears and Commodore, at the Dakota and in the Community
By Raymond Jackson Dennis Spears and Ginger Commodore performed at The Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant May 18th. They sang many popular melodies, including a stirring rendition of, “Unchanged Melody”. . After receiving a personal backstage greeting representing The Alley Newspaper, I asked about their hometowns. Spears said, “I was born in Toledo, Ohio, but I grew up in Mangham, Louisiana. It”'s near the more familiar Monroe, Louisiana, so I say I”'m from Monroe.” They performed Louisiana style rhythms and scatting dedicated to Sue McClain who had died the day before. McClain had many remarkable and exciting accomplishments over the many years as a musical promoter for entertainers and audiences here in the Twin Cities. Spears said, “I was raised by my grandparents in Louisiana, but I have been here for 33 years, making me a Minnesnowtan, or whatever you call those foolish enough to stay here and survive the winters.” [...]
Mud
Mud (2013) ***** Lionsgate/Roadside Attractions. Cast: Matthew McConaughey (Mud), Tye Sheridan (Ellis), Jacob Lofland (Neckbone), Michael Shannon (Galen), Sam Shepard (Tom Blankenship) Reese Witherspoon (Jupiter), Joe Don Baker (King), Bonnie Sturdivant (May Pearl). Running time: 130 minutes. (PG-13) Director: Jeff Nichols. Jeff Nichols (“Take Shelter”) carefully and skillfully forms the story of two boys Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland) and their discovery of a fugitive Mud (Matthew McConaughey) who may have murdered a man. The movie takes place in the southern backcountry of Arkansas where the boys live similar to David Gordon Green”'s movie “Undertow”(2004). Mud has an undying love for a woman, Jupiter (Reese Witherspoon),who is a cheater as well as being victimized by a bad boyfriend. He has to see her risking his capture by authorities. To avoid being seen, he sends a handwritten letter by way of Ellis and Neckbone to [...]
