Film: So many films claim to be “based on a true story,” and Lee Daniels’ The Butler is one that bases itself very loosely on the biography of Eugene Allen, an African-American who served presidents from Eisenhower to Reagan. From his lofty perch in the White House, he had a unique view of the evolving civil rights situation in the country, and that is the heart of this … [Read more...]
‘Cat in Paris’ looks good, but dialogue’s worth a hairball
In just over three minutes, the short film The Extinction of the Saber Tooth Housecat, which precedes the animated feature film A Cat in Paris in its theatrical run, marvels with the unfettered joy of filmmaking. There is no dialogue, just an animated feline frolicking through a pristine, real-life field, while a meteor hurtles through space. The quickening editing scheme is … [Read more...]
‘Magnificat’ strong and sturdy as Master Chorale hymns holidays
In its concert this past weekend of J.S. Bach and holiday music, the Master Chorale of South Florida both continued in its traditions and explored a newer path that may pay bigger dividends for the group in the future. In its first appearance under its new director, Karen Kennedy, the chorale offered up a seasonal program that began with J.S. Bach’s Magnificat (BWV 243), … [Read more...]