Celebrate Valentine's Day with a screening of 'Casablanca' at the Cinema Arts Centre.
“Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.”
In honor of its 80th anniversary, Casablanca returns to select cinemas nationwide on Sunday, Jan. 23 and Wednesday, Jan. 27, courtesy of Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies and Warner Brothers.
Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) owns a nightclub in Vichy-controlled Casablanca, frequented by refugees desperate to escape German domination. Despite the ever-present human misery, Rick manages to remain uninvolved in World War II now raging across Europe and Northern Africa. But all that changes when his lost love Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) walks through the front door of Rick’s club. Rick must now choose between a life with the woman he loves and becoming the hero that both she and the world need.
The film won an Oscar for Best Picture, Best Director (Michael Curtiz) and Best Screenplay (Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein and Howard Koch) and received Academy Award nominations for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Humphrey Bogart); Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Claude Rains); Best Cinematography, Black-and-White; Best Film Editing; and Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture.
This special event includes exclusive insights from Ben Mankiewicz, host of Turner Classic Movies.
Locally the film will be screened at the AMC Stony Brook 17 on Jan. 23 at7:30 p.m. and on Jan. 26 at 7 p.m.; Island 16 Cinema De Lux in Holtsville on Jan. 23 at 4:30 p.m. and on Jan. 26 at 4 p.m. and 7 pm.; and Farmingdale Multiplex on Jan. 23 at 4:30 p.m. and Jan 26 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. To order tickets in advance, visit www.fathomevents.com.
Do you know a lot about movies? Then join the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington for Movie Trivia Night: At Home Edition on Monday, Jan. 3 at 8 p.m. hosted by Daniel French. Tickets are $10, $7 members. To sign up, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
How do I play?
It’s simple! When you purchase your ticket, you will provide a valid email address for admission. This email address will receive a Zoom meeting code and password.
What do I need to play?
You will need two electronic devices – preferably a computer/laptop/iPad and a smartphone. We will use the computer to stream the trivia over Zoom and we will use the smart phone to answer the questions (using the program AHASlides). This will be explained in more details when we get going, but for now, please know that you will need two devices to play.
Who can I play with?
Your ticket of $10 ($7 Members) gets your team access to Trivia. Your team will consist of whomever you are physically with right now. We will not be able to combine efforts with people you are not physically with. If you would want to play against the people you are with, that’s allowed as well.
What do I get if I win?
Well, we’re all winners when we play trivia and now you get to support the Cinema Arts Centre that you know and love. But in a more real way, the winning team will get up to four (4) CAC Gift Cards (1 Per Team Member) and bragging rights!
Is this anything like the monthly trivia?
Yes and no. Yes in that it is trivia hosted by Daniel French. No in that it will be structured a bit differently and will not have any other links to the monthly trivia (no sneak peeks, tournament of champions, etc.).
Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station will screen a series of holiday movies from Dec. 27 to Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. Join them for Elf on Dec. 27, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on Dec. 28, It’s a Wonderful Life on Dec. 29 and Miracle on 34th Street on Dec. 30. Open to all. Advance registration is required as seating is limited. To register, visit www.cplib.org or call 928-1212.
In honor of its 40th anniversary, On Golden Pond returns to select theaters nationwide for a special limited engagement on Sunday, Dec. 12 and Wednesday, Dec. 15, courtesy of Fathom Events, Turner Classic Movies and Universal Pictures.
Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn in a scene from the film. Photo courtesy of Fathom Events
Cantankerous retiree Norman Thayer (Henry Fonda in his final film) and his conciliatory wife, Ethel (Katharine Hepburn), spend summers at their New England vacation home on the shores of idyllic Golden Pond. This year, their adult daughter, Chelsea (Jane Fonda), visits with her new fiancée (Dabney Coleman) and his teenage son, Billy (Doug McKeon) on their way to Europe. After leaving Billy behind to bond with Norman, Chelsea returns, attempting to repair the long-strained relationship with her aging father before it’s too late.
Directed by Mark Rydell, On Golden Pond (1981) was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including best picture. Both Hepburn and Henry Fonda won Oscars for their performances, as did playwright/screenwriter Ernest Thompson. Dave Grusin’s beautiful score also received a well-deserved nomination.
The special screening includes exclusive insights from TCM host Ben Mankiewicz. Running time is 2 hours.
Locally, the film will be screened at AMC Stony Brook 17, 2196 Nesconset Highway, Stony Brook on Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; at Island 16 Cinema de Lux, 185 Morris Ave., Holtsville on Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. and Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.; and Farmingdale Multiplex Cinemas, 1001 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. To order tickets in advance, visit www.fathomevents.com.
A scene from Disney's 'Encanto'. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios
Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel
The question of “What is a gift?” is the driving force of Disney’s60th feature film, Encanto. Set in the mountains of Columbia, in an unspecified “once upon a time,” Encanto is one of Disney’s finest and most sophisticated animated musicals. Exquisitely directed by Byron Howard and Jared Bush (with a screenplay by Bush and Charise Castro Smith), this is a memorable story of family and responsibility.
Fleeing from marauding conquerors, Alma Madrigal loses her husband, Pedro, but saves her infant triplets. An “Encanto” is a charm; here, the spell is in a candle. The magical force of the candle creates the “casita”—a magic home for Alma and her children.
A scene from Disney’s ‘Encanto’. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios
The Encanto blesses each member of the Madrigal family with a special power. Together, these “gifts” help maintain the community. But what happens when that gift brings visions no one wants to know? Or, even more challenging, when a child seemingly has no gift at all? The latter is the case with granddaughter Mirabel, the heart of the narrative and, ultimately, the center and savior of family and village.
Mirabel is a quirky, frustrated young woman; smart and articulate but under-appreciated. Her mother, aunt, sister, and cousins outshine her with their showy skills. Julieta, Mirabel’s mother, heals any ailment with food. Gorgeous Isabela, Mirabel’s oldest sister, is considered perfect and makes flowers bloom. Just behind Isabela is Louisa, a girl of Herculean strength. Aunt Carolina’s emotions control the weather; she is often followed by her own cloud hovering over her head. Cousin Adassa has unparalleled hearing. Cousin Rhenzy is a shapeshifter, taking on the appearance of anyone he meets. Cousin Ravi-Cabot communicates with animals.
While seemingly wonderful, these powers carry burdens as well, shared in often hilarious and telling ways.
The action goes into gear on the day Cousin Ravi-Cabot is to receive his gift. Mirabel, his favorite cousin, gives him the strength to face whatever is to come his way. While everyone is celebrating, Mirabel sees the house beginning to crack and the candle in danger of being snuffed. Her alarm is revealed to be a vision, but most do not—or choose not—to believe her. She embarks on a quest to solve the danger, encountering her Uncle Bruno, who had disappeared after his prognostications were met with resistance.
With the knowledge gathered from Bruno, Mirabel understands her course and the dangers it includes.
Encanto is emotionally complicated and avoids preciousness. There is humor and plenty of magic, but the lessons it imparts are genuine.
A scene from Disney’s ‘Encanto’. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios
Encanto is perhaps the least saccharine of any Disney film. Visually, the film is extraordinary, exploding with color and action. The house itself is a dynamic character, with its communicating tiles, floorboards that deliver slippers, and an alarm clock that nudges the householders to move along.
The characters are charmingly animated, simultaneously broad and subtle. But, in the end, the film’s imparting is the all-important message that gifts do not have to be flashy and that miracles come from belief, perseverance, and love. The film never loses sight of these morals.
The vocal talent is exceptional. Stephanie Beatriz’s Mirabel is tremendous, portraying a struggling soul, imbuing her with perfect comedic timing and profound humanity. John Leguizamo’s Uncle Bruno uses twitchy antics to very slightly mask the character’s underlying sadness. Diane Guerrero’s seemingly vain Isabela finds new shades in her transformation.
In Luisa, Jessica Darrow shows the drain of never complaining. And Maria Cecilia Botero raises the grandmother above caricature, finding depth and pain in the matriarch who comes to terms with her misplaced iron will. (Many of the actors will be voicing the Spanish language version as well.)
Hamilton/In the Heights’ Lin-Manuel Miranda has fashioned a serviceable and pleasant score, but the film stands on its own. An attempt to introduce the roster in “The Family Madrigal” doesn’t quite succeed but establishes the world in which the tale occurs. The strongest numbers are “Dos Orguitas,” a haunting tune sung in Spanish, and the joyous finale “All of You.”
Preceding Encanto is Far From the Tree, a wordless short about a raccoon parent protecting its child with tough love. While simple and traditionally animated, the two pieces share how families relate and the deep-rooted desire to protect. They are perfect compliments, sharing overlapping cores, with Far From the Tree delicate and Encanto spark and sparkle.
In the end, Encanto teaches not just acceptance within a family but how family and community come together. These are big concepts, and younger viewers might not get them the first time. But like the best of family features—The Toy Story series, Coco, etc.—Encanto will be one that children will return to as they grow.
And that said, there is much for everyone to relish in this beautiful and beautifully told tale
Rated PG, Encanto is now playing in local theaters.
Veterans featured in the film arrive on the red carpet before the screening
Smithtown Supervisor Ed Werheim with Veteran Walter Zawol
A Veteran and his family at the screening.
Veteran Anthony Romano with his family
Veterans featured in the film arrive on the red carpet before the screening
Supervisor Ed Wehrheim greets a Veteran before the screening.
Veterans featured in the film arrive on the red carpet before the screening
The Theatre was filled with family members of the 22 Veterans, as well as members of the community.
On Nov. 21 the Town of Smithtown premiered War Stories, a documentary film devoted to the local heroes who served in combat throughout the various conflicts, at the Smithtown Center for Performing Arts. The production documenting the stories of local residents who enlisted to serve in the US Armed Forces during war time; from World War II to present day, will be available via Smithtown GTV and YouTube.
“This documentary is our way of saying ‘Thank You for Your Service.’ We hope that over time, we can build on this documentary, as a catalogue of stories from the story tellers themselves,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. “There’s an old saying that a soldier dies twice: once when he takes his last breath and again when he or she has been forgotten. Well this documentary is our oath to our veterans, our debt of honor, that you will never be forgotten.”
The theatre was filled with family members of the 22 veterans, as well as members of the community, who wanted to show their support and gratitude for the men and women within our community who served to protect our nation’s freedoms. Residents filled two large boxes with non-perishable items for donation, which were delivered to the United Veterans Beacon House Food Pantry.
War Stories Cast (In order of appearance)
Bernard Nagel [ aviation machinist mate ] WWII
Jim “Red” Dowling [ 2nd lieutenant, 8th Army Air Corps ] WWII
Eddy Reddy [ 2nd lieutenant, 8th Army Air Corps ] WWII
Howard Laderwager [ US Navy hospital corpsman ] WWII
Anthony Romano [ US Army PFC ] Korean War | WWII Occupation
John R Steele [ US Navy Seaman ] Korean War
Robert Creighton [ US Navy Aerographer’s mate 3rd class ] Korean War
Nick Balducci [ United States Army 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team ] [ 82nd Airborne Regimental Combat Team ] Korean War
Salvatore Scarlato [ B Company, 1st Shore Party Battalion, 1st Marine Division – private ] Korean War
William Harnaiz US Army [ Fifth Regimental Combat Team ] Korean War
Frank D’Aversa [ United States Navy Lieutenant ] Vietnam War
Jack Toomey [ United States Army | Specialist 4 ] Vietnam War
Ed Wehrheim [ US Navy Aviation Director 3 ] Vietnam War
Walter Zawol [ United States Marines Corporal ] Vietnam War
Kevin O’Hare [ United States Army 25th Infantry ] Vietnam War
Victor Noce [ US Marine Corps Private First Class ] Vietnam War
Jack Stevens [ US Navy Electronic Technician 2nd Class ] Vietnam War
Bill Ponce [ US Army Full Bird Colonel ] Kosovo, Iraq War
Grace Mehl [ Commander United States Navy ] Kosovo
Joseph Zawol [ United States Marines | Sergeant ] Iraq War | Afghanistan War
Megan Shutka [United States Navy | Lieutenant commander ] Iraq War | Afghanistan War
Eric Ryan [ United States Marines | Sergeant ] Iraq War | Afghanistan War
The Town began production of the veterans documentary, interviewing service members from World War II, through to modern day conflicts in 2019. The film was directed, edited and produced by Smithtown Public Information Officer Nicole Garguilo, and co-produced by Brian Farrell and Margo Gordon. Smithtown Public Safety Park Ranger Charles Kang was instrumental in orchestrating the interview process of Korean War Veterans.
Additionally, Kings Park resident and Gulf War Veteran Eric Burnett assisted with arranging a number of interviews for the documentary. War Stories has been dedicated in memory of two World War II Veterans; Eddy Reddy and Howard Laderwager, who starred in the documentary, but have since passed away.
The Smithtown Performing Arts Council graciously volunteered their time, space and efforts to premiere the documentary. If you would like to make a donation to help Save the Smithtown Theatre, visit www.gofundme.com/f/save-smithtown-theatre.
From left, reporter Tom Cullen, editor Art Cullen and publisher John Cullen of the Storm Lake Times.
Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel
“Readers decide our future. Not any branch of government.”
Sixty-five million Americans live in news deserts—counties with only one local newspaper or none at all. In the past fifteen years, one in four newspapers has shuttered in the U.S. Storm Lake, the fascinating documentary by Jerry Risius and Beth Levison, follows The Storm Lake Times, a family-run paper located in Buena Vista County, Iowa. Operating at break-even, The Times, a twice-weekly paper, is one of the last of its kind.
Editor Art Cullen at his desk at the Storm Lake Times
Located in the northwest corner of the state, Storm Lake is home to about 11,000 residents. Originally an almost exclusively Caucasian community, it now contains a large Latino population. Tyson Foods employs over 2,200 workers at its hog slaughterhouse, meatpacking plant, and turkey processing plant.
In ninety well-crafted minutes, Storm Lake offers a portrait of the small-town newspaper industry and a family whose goal is to keep it alive. Founded in 1990 by John Cullen, The Storm Lake Times’ face and voice is Art Cullen, John’s brother. Art, a benign curmudgeon and county’s Democratic voice, presents somewhat like a hippie Mark Twain. At age 59, he received the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing. He “ask[s] the big questions, speak[s] truth to power, and share[s] the struggles and successes of his unique community.” The paper is a liberal bastion in the predominantly conservative area.
The Times has ten employees, including Art’s son, Tom, who is the main reporter. Founder John explains that he donates his salary because he is on Social Security. Art’s wife, Mary, can be seen taking pictures and writing features. Art’s sister-in-law provides the recipe column. The family dog, Peach, lolls on the office floor or rides along with drop-offs.
Leisure editor Mary Cullen of the Storm Lake Times
The film smartly divides its focus between the big and small pictures. As a result, the day-to-day life of the paper contrasts with larger events. Advertising is the lifeblood of any paper, and The Storm Lake Times grapples with filling its quota. Most of the revenue derives from mom-and-pop stores, but large corporations have driven many out of business.
There are many happy stories: births, local celebrities, “Miss Pigtails,” educational advancements, and county fairs. Local government is given the same weight as national politics. For their readers, garbage pickup is more important than a presidential hopeful’s visit. “Local journalism is the heart of telling the local story.” The report on Ice Out Day, when the ice melts, encompasses a reference to climate change. The Times follows a local Tyson plant worker who is moving forward on a Spanish language talent show.
The paper never shies away from addressing issues of prejudice, extremely important in its growing immigrant community. The story of eight-year-old Julio Barroso, who was deported along with his family, is highlighted; the staff tracked him down in Mexico twenty-two years later. In addition, a partnership is developed with the Spanish paper La Prensa to share content and ads.
The staff listens to its community and responds to their thoughts and criticism. “There are consequences for everything we do, and we feel that feedback immediately,” says John.
Storm Lake Times editor Art Cullen interviews Elizabeth Warren in a scene from the film.
Broader politics included the coverage of The Heartland Presidential Forum, with major Democratic candidates speaking: Art Cullen was the draw. He interviewed Elizabeth Warren, Julio Castro, and Amy Klobuchar, among others. The Iowa Caucus occupies much of the middle and latter half of the film. But even here, there is a discussion about the cutting down of the paper’s TV listings from eighty channels to thirty-one to save space and money. Risius and Levison never lose sight of the myriad challenges.
The end of the film deals with the COVID crisis, and specifically, the Tyson plants. The Storm Lake Times reported on the disproportionate number of immigrants endangered by their work in unsafe conditions. Art states that this is “subtle racism—but racism all the same.” The Tyson operation became the hottest spot in the country for COVID cases.
The denouement shifts briefly to the paper’s labors to survive the pandemic when “ads fell off a cliff,” and Art and John thought of closing the paper. Fortunately, with a go-fund-me and other support, The Storm Lake Times survived. With its new website, it reaches 1.2 million readers per month.
Storm Lake contains the expected filler of printing and binding papers, along with stacks dropped off in stores and machines. Occasionally, there is something meta about the documentarians shooting the television on which Art appears on a talk show. But there are wonderful extended quotes from many of Art’s insightful and passionate editorials. In addition, the documentarians know when to let the film breathe: a talk about feeding the dog, a discussion of a new shirt, or briefly watching Art pick the cashews out of a can of mixed nuts all add to the humanity.
In a world where people want their news for free, Storm Lake is a powerful and important reminder about local journalism’s responsibility, value, and contribution. The film ends on the hopeful note that good journalism elevates a community by reporting on what is good.
“You can change the world through journalism. The reporter is the cornerstone in a functioning democracy. And without strong local journalism, the fabric of the place becomes frayed.”
For a free viewing of the film, visit www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/storm-lake/.
Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce. Member- elves are hard at work at the antique Chamber Train Car preparing for the movie 'The Polar Express.' Pictured: Jennifer Dzvonar Owner -President of Bass Electric and Chamber President, Board Director Kristin Winter V.P. Branch Manager of Flushing Bank Port Jefferson Station and Board members Dee Earle Owner of Your CBD Store Port Jefferson Station
Board Director Kristin Winter V.P. Branch Manager of Flushing Bank Port Jefferson Station
The entrance to the train car.
Get in the spirit of the holidays with a screening of The Polar Express in a real train car!
The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce will host screenings of The Polar Express in the Chamber Train Car, corner of Nesconset Highway and Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Fridays, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at 6 p.m.; Saturdays, Nov. 27, Dec. 11 and 18 at noon, 3 and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. $15 per person includes popcorn, a cookie and hot cocoa. To reserve your tickets, visit www.pjstchamber.com.
Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer in a scene from the film.
In celebration of its 60th anniversary, West Side Story will return to select cinemas nationwide on Sunday, Nov. 28 and Wednesday, Dec. 1, courtesy of Turner Classic Movies, MGM and Fathom Events.
This electrifying musical, with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics from Stephen Sondheim, sets the ageless tragedy of Romeo and Juliet in the slums of 1950’s New York.
West Side Story explores the rivalry between two teenage street gangs — the Jets and the Sharks. When a member of the Jets falls in love with the sister of the Sharks’ leader, things look hopeful at first, but rapidly go downhill. Illustrating the events are many memorable song and dance numbers such as “America,” “Somewhere” and “I Feel Pretty.”
Starring Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno, Russ Tamblyn, Richard Beymer and George Chakiris, the film went on to win 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, ans was the highest-grossing movie of the year on its original release in 1961.
This special anniversary event will feature exclusive insights from Turner Classic Movies. Locally, the film will be screened at AMC Stony Brook 17, 2196 Nesconset Highway, Stony Brook on Nov. 28 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. and Island 16 Cinema De Lux, 185 Morris Ave., Holtsville on Nov. 28 at 3 p.m. and Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. To order tickets in advance, visit www.fathomevents.com.
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The screening is the perfect precursor to Steven Spielberg’s much anticipated adaptation of the beloved film which is expected to hit theatres on Dec. 10. Featuring Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler as leading love-interests Tony and Maria, the star-studded cast not only includes Dance Moms alum Maddie Ziegler and Hamilton’s Ariana DeBose, but also features a special appearance by Rita Moreno who played Anita in the original film.
The Town of Smithtown will premiere its Veterans Documentary, entitled War Stories, on Sunday, November 21 at 6 p.m. at the Smithtown Center for Performing Arts, 2 East Main St., Smithtown. The documentary focuses on local residents who enlisted to serve in the US Armed Forces during war time, from World War II to Present Day.
“I’m forever grateful to the men and women all across the Country who have served in our US Armed Forces. This began as an interview process, so we could document and preserve the stories of patriotism, camaraderie and strength of our brave hometown heroes, for future generations. But it has become so much more. This is our way of saying Thank You for Your Service to our local heroes… for we owe them everything,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.
Tickets are free and members of the public are encouraged to attend the premiere to show support and gratitude for the Men and Women within our community who served in protection of our Nation’s freedoms. Residents are encouraged to bring non-perishable items for donation, which will be delivered to the United Veterans Beacon House Pantry.
The Town began production of the Veterans documentary, interviewing service members from World War II, through to modern day conflicts. Filming for the documentary began in 2019 on Veterans Day, November 19th. The film is dedicated in memory of two World War II Veterans; Eddy Reddy and Howard Laderwager, who were filmed for the documentary, but have recently passed away.
Tickets are free and members of the public are encouraged to attend the premiere to show support and gratitude for the Men and Women within our community who served in protection of our Nation’s freedoms. Residents are encouraged to bring non-perishable items for donation, which will be delivered to the United Veterans Beacon House Pantry.
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