A number of new movies will hit theaters this week, including the following films opening in wide release:
A number of new movies will hit theaters this week, including the following films opening in wide release:
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance Genre: Action, adventure, thriller and adaptation Cast: Nicolas Cage, Fergus Riordan, Ciaran Hinds, Violante Placido, Idris Elba and Johnny Whitworth Director: Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor Rated: PG-13
Nicolas Cage reprises his role as Johnny Blaze in “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.”
In this gritty new vision for the character, directed by Neveldine/Taylor (Crank), Johnny is still struggling with his curse as the devil’s bounty hunter - but he may risk everything as he teams up with the leader of a group of rebel monks (Idris Elba) to save a young boy from the devil and possibly rid himself of his curse forever.
The Secret World of Arrietty Genre: Adventure, animation and adaptation Cast: Bridgit Mendler, Amy Poehler, Carol Burnett, Will Arnett, David Henrie and Moises Arias Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi and Gary Rydstrom Rated: G
Residing quietly beneath the floorboards are little people who live undetected in a secret world to be discovered, where the smallest may stand tallest of all.
From the legendary Studio Ghibli comes “The Secret World of Arrietty,” an animated adventure based on Mary Norton’s acclaimed children’s book series “The Borrowers.”
Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler), a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents (voices of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper (voice of Carol Burnett). Like all little people, Arrietty (AIR-ee-ett-ee) remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to “borrow” scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts. But when 12-year-old Shawn (voice of David Henrie), a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers his mysterious housemate one evening, a secret friendship blossoms.
Fox Searchlight Pictures recently acquired worldwide rights to the inspirational true story “The Surrogate.”
Directed and written by Ben Lewin, “The Surrogate” stars John Hawkes as Mark O’Brien, Helen Hunt as Cheryl Cohen Greene and William H. Macy as Father Brendan. The film was produced by Judi Levine of Suchmuch Films and Stephen Nemeth of Rhino Films and is scheduled to be released in 2012.
“Ben Lewin has created a touching, uplifting look at one man’s desire to experience life to the fullest,” said Gilula and Utley. “The brave and indelible performances by John Hawkes, Helen Hunt and William H. Macy left us floored.”
Fox Searchlight Pictures recently acquired U.S. rights to the fantastical drama “Beasts of the Southern Wild.”
Directed by Benh Zeitlin and written by Lucy Alibar and Zeitlin, “Beasts of the Southern Wild” stars Quvenzhané Wallis and Dwight Henry. The film was produced by Michael Gottwald, Dan Janvey and Josh Penn. Philipp Engelhorn, Paul Mezey and Michael Raisler are executive producers. The film is scheduled to be released in 2012.
“In his feature film debut, Benh Zeitlin has crafted a visually stunning and deeply poetic film that captured our hearts,” said Utley and Gilula in a press release. “The amazing performances by newcomer Quvenzhané Wallis and Dwight Henry are a wonder to behold.”
There is a reason why “Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos” is only being shown at one venue in the Tampa Bay area: It’s target audience is exceedingly limited.
The 2011 anime film “Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos,” directed by Kazuya Murata, will be presented Friday, Jan. 27, 10 p.m., at Clearwater Cinema Café, 24095 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater.
Based upon the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise, the film is being distributed in America by Eleven Arts Inc.
“Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” isn’t laden with pulse-pounding chase sequences, fiery earth-shattering explosions or protracted shoot-outs.
Its divergence from all the deep-seated conventions of Hollywood blockbusters make this low-key, cerebral film appealing and distinctive.
The film’s distributor, Focus Features, hasn’t exactly gone out of its way to hype it, but “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” is getting noticed - for good reason. It is one of the smartest, most multifaceted narratives to hit the big screen in some time. A clever espionage thriller, it is based on the 1974 novel of the same name by John le Carré. Set in 1973 at the height of the Cold War, the story opens with a shake-up within Britain's Secret Intelligence Service, code-named “the Circus.”
Becky Shaw “Becky Shaw,” by Gina Gionfriddo, presented by freeFall Theatre Company, Feb. 2-19, at freeFall, 6099 Central Ave. Performances are Thursday, 7 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. Matinees are Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. Ticket prices vary according to performance date and time. Call 498-5205 or visit www.freefalltheatre.com. Starting with a fateful blind date, Becky and Max are subjected to a series of comically unfortunate events.
Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival 20th annual Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 18-19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Main Street in Downtown Dunedin. The event is free and open to the public. This juried outdoor craft showcase will feature original crafts, handmade in America. Attendees will find unique and affordable gift items and a vast array of craft media including folk art, pottery, handmade jewelry, paintings, personalized gifts, handmade clothing, scented soaps and body products. The show will host 100 crafters from 30 different states and all crafters will be on site for the duration of the festival. For information, visit www.artfestival.com.
Knology Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival Knology Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 18-19, at Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater. This years festival headliners include Buddy Guy, Janiva Magness and Curtis Salgado. While enjoying great live performances, attendees also have an opportunity to experience Gulf Coast cuisine as vendors dish up jumbo shrimp, crab cakes, oysters and crawfish and gumbo. Admission is free. There is limited reserved seating available for purchase. Visit www.clearwaterseablues.com.
Lie, Cheat and Genuflect “Lie, Cheat and Genuflect,” by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore, presented by Early Bird Dinner Theatre, Jan. 5 through Feb. 26, at the Italian-American Club, 200 S. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Seating for performances is Thursday through Sunday, 4 p.m. Seating for matinees is Thursday and Saturday, 11 a.m. Cost is $29.90 a person. For reservations, call 446-5898. Visit www.earlybirddinnertheatre.com. The Buckle brothers, Billy and Tom, are in big trouble: Tom's infallible eye for slow horses has drained away all of Billy's savings and he has borrowed from loan shark Pizza Face Petrillo, who now wants his money back or else. There's plenty of money in grandfather Buckle's will, but these two black sheep are pretty sure they'll never see any of that. What else to do but dress Billy up as a nun and have him pose as their cousin who is to inherit the entire fortune?
Mardi Gras Ball Mardi Gras Ball, Saturday, Feb. 18, 7 to 11 p.m., at the Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. This flamboyant Mardi Gras charity event will bring Big Easy style fun to Pinellas. The event will feature Louisiana cuisine courtesy of Bayou Catering, door prizes, dancing and live music. Party-goers will enjoy authentic Cajun, Zydeco, blues and jazz music. Colorful masks and elegant costumes are optional. Tickets are $25. For tickets and information, call Carol Reynolds at 647-1014. Proceeds will benefit Kiwanis childrens charities.
Model train exhibit CLEARWATER - The Clearwater Main Library will host a model railroad exhibit on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 17 and 18, noon to 4:30 p.m., at 100 N. Osceola Ave.
“The Artistry of Model Railroads” is a model train show on the librarys first floor, with experts Rick Moock and Barry Laderer. They will be on hand to answer questions and demonstrate the miniature working displays.
The exhibit will feature three themes: Fun and disasters, the battle of Gettysburg, and Thomas and friends.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. Call 562-4970.
POSH open house SAFETY HARBOR - The Players of Safety Harbor invite the public to an open house on Saturday, Feb. 18, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Safety Harbor Public Library, 101 Second St. N.
Entertainment includes excerpts and a special on-act presentation from their March production of “Harvey,” a comedy by American playwright, Mary Chase. Participants can try their luck in a chance drawing for “Harvey” tickets, meet the producers and discover volunteer opportunities with the troupe. Wine, cheese and refreshments will be served.
Performances of “Harvey” will be held on Saturdays, March 17 and 24, 8 p.m.; Friday, March 23, 8 p.m.; and Sunday, March 25, 2 p.m., at the library. Suggested donations are $8 a ticket at the door.
Call 724-1525, ext. 112 or email upstage111@yahoo.com.
Roaring Twenties Night The Knights of Columbus celebrates its second annual Roaring Twenties Night Saturday, Feb. 18, 6 to 11 p.m., at St. Patricks Catholic Church, 2121 16th Ave. SW, Largo.
Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7. Each dinner includes a salad, garlic bread and sausage. The music of the 1920s will be provided. For tickets, call Ron Klemm at 804-4804 or John Scozzafva at 422-3753.
Saints and Sinners Ball The seventh annual Saints and Sinners Ball, Saturday, Feb. 18, 6 p.m., at the Conmy Center, Our Lady Of Lourdes Church, 750 San Salvador Drive, Dunedin. This yearfs theme will be Moulin Rouge. The event will feature a gourmet buffet, top-shelf bars and a richly decorated atmosphere that aims to depict the ever-famous Moulin Rouge. Attendees also may indulge in gaming tables or participate in live and silent auctions as well as a 50/50 raffle. Entertainment will include the swanky sounds of Clearwaterfs own The Black Honkeys. Individual tables start at $1,250. Individual seating is available for $125. For ticket reservations or more information, call 738]6159 or visit www.thesaintsandsinners.com.
Seven Guitars “Seven Guitars,” by August Wilson, presented by American Stage Theatre Company, Jan. 20 through Feb. 26, in the Raymond James Theatre, 163 Third St. N., St. Petersburg. Performances are Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. Matinees are Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Call 823-7529 or visit www.americanstage.org. Floyd Barton is a natural musician with a hit song and, in the expansive atmosphere after World War II, he dreams of the big time. But as the play begins, his wife and friends mourn his death. In Wilsons only play constructed in flashback, “Seven Guitars” takes us back to explore what happened. Who killed Floyd Barton, but more importantly, why? This play contains mature subject matter and language.
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