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Harrison Ford in a scene from 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny'. Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm Ltd. / Disney

Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

The Indiana Jones films are among the most popular blockbusters of all time: beginning with Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), followed by the prequel Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), then Indiana Jones and the Lost Crusade (1989). It was almost twenty years before the fourth chapter was released: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008). This last received the poorest reviews and the weakest response. Stephen Spielberg directed all four films, with Harrison Ford starring as Dr. Henry Walton “Indiana” Jones, Jr., an archeology professor. Worldwide grosses have approached two billion dollars. 

In between the third and fourth films, a television series, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, followed Jones as a child and youth. Twenty-eight episodes and four made-for-television films ran from 1992 through 1994. In addition, dozens of books, comic books, toys, and other tie-ins surround the Jones icon.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, as Helena, and Harrison Ford, as Indiana Jones, star in ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.’ Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm Ltd./Disney

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny opens in the closing days of World War II. Jones faces Nazi adversaries as he attempts to recover the Lance of Longinus. The German officers reveal Hitler believes the relic to contain extraordinary powers that could reverse the course of the war. The Lance is a fake, but Nazi astrophysicist Jürgen Voller has found half of Archimedes’ Dial, an invention of the ancient Syracusan mathematician said to be able to locate fissures in time. 

After an extended fight and chase on a train, Voller is killed (spoiler alert: he is not), and half of the Dial is supposedly lost (spoiler alter: it is not). Of course, Jones and sidekick, archaeologist Basil Shaw, survive.

The action jumps from 1944 to July 1969, just after the moon landing. Borderline alcoholic Jones, a passionless professor at New York City’s Hunter College, instructs indifferent students on the eve of his forced retirement. His son, Mutt, died in Viet Nam, and his wife, Marion Ravenwood, left him. Enter his goddaughter, Helena Shaw, Basil’s only child. Helena seeks the Dial, and while Jones had promised the near-insane Basil to destroy it, he preserved it in the college storeroom.

While retrieving it, Jones and Helena are attacked by muscle sent by Voller, now a scientist working for NASA. During this melee, Helena reveals herself to be less a student of archeology and more a mercenary treasure hunter planning to sell the Dial fragment in a Tangiers black-market auction. What ensues is a world-crossing journey, with a plethora of fights and escapes. These—the film’s raison d’être—are slightly cartoonish but grandly, energetically executed. However, they are too long. Much, much too long. 

Somewhere along the way, the series traded its signature humor and bold but neatly developed characters for impressive but bloated action sequences: extended chases in narrow streets and open spaces, replete with rooftop leaps, helicopters, planes, motorcycles, and innumerable cars. There is even an escape on horseback through a parade, invading the New York City subway.

With a few exceptions, the body count is composed of expendable characters. The almost bloodless violence borders on heightened slapstick, with square-landed punches usually followed by an attempt at a wry quip. The core villain, Voller, could be straight out of a Hollywood propaganda film; his henchmen are the usual obedient thugs. Helena’s sidekick, Teddy Kumar, vaguely replicates Short Round from the earlier films.

So much of The Dial of Destiny is an homage to Indiana Jones, one through three. While the trio paid tribute to the serials of the 1930s and ‘40s, Dial celebrates the trilogy. As soon as the chords of John Williams’ unmistakable underscore play, Jones saves the day (or at least the moment). But building an entire two hours and twenty minutes on waves of nostalgia comes up, if not empty, certainly less than satisfying. The film’s climax, a bizarre sword-and-sandal sequence, becomes uncomfortably comical and slightly clumsy.

While Ford announced this would be his final performance in the role, he remains in fine form as the curmudgeonly Jones, with his have-hat-and-whip-will-travel presence. He continues making the most incredible situations palatable. (Perhaps the CGI that renders the prologue’s younger Jones is the most extraordinary special effect.) 

Phoebe Waller-Bridge creates a quirky, amoral Helena, a great foil for Jones. She infuses the grifter with a mix of noir femme fatale and girl-next-door charm. Mads Mikkelsen’s Voller succeeds as the typically erudite fascist with requisite lip-curling contempt. Ethann Isidore manages to avoid precociousness as Teddy.

The supporting cast play mostly enlarged cameos. Antonio Banderas twinkles as Renaldo, a boat captain. John Rhys-Davies is delightful in his return as Jones’ old friend, Sallah. Toby Jones strikes the right balance between sanity and madness as Basil. Shaunette Renée Wilson gives one of the more dimensional performances as a government agent. 

While forging no new ground, those looking for another chapter in the saga will be either disappointed with its failure to compete with the earlier films or delighted with its improvement over the fourth, ill-conceived outing. With exotic locations, Teutonic villains, time travel, giant bugs, eel-filled waters, and enough stolen car chases for a dozen films, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny neither improves nor weakens the franchise. 

Disney recently announced that The Dial of Destiny is the final entry. And while not perfect closure, it is good enough to draw the curtain on four decades of epic adventure.

Rated PG-13, the film is now playing in local theaters.

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CIVIL WAR FLICK Theatre Three hosts a special screening of ‘I Now Take Up My Pen’ on July 10. Photo courtesy of Darren St. George
Ongoing

Huntington Summer Arts Festival

Heckscher Park’s Chapin Rainbow Stage, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington hosts the Huntington Arts Council’s 58th annual Summer Arts Festival with music, theater and dance Wednesdays through Sundays from July 1 to 30. Free. Bring seating. For the full schedule, visit www.huntingtonarts.org. 631-271-8423

Thursday July 6

Harborside Concerts

The Village of Port Jefferson kicks off its annual Harborside concerts at the Show Mobile at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson at 7 p.m. with a performance by Solid 70s. Bring seating. 631-473-4724 www.portjeff.com

Dennis Cannataro Concert Series

The Dennis Cannataro Family Summer Concert Series returns to the Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown with a concert by Just Sixties tonight at 7:30 p.m. with a preshow at 7 p.m. Bring seating. 631-360-2480 ext. 150

Northport Community Band

The Northport Community Band will host a concert at the Robert W. Krueger Bandshell in Northport Village Park tonight, July 13, July 20 and July 27 starting at 8:30 p.m. Bring seating. Rain location is Northport High School. www.ncb59.org

Music Behind the Barn

Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead hosts a free outdoor concert featuring Black and Sparrow at the historic Naugles Barn from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and seating. No registration required. 631-298-5292

Friday July 7

Musical Moments

Musical Moments in Kings Park return to Russ Savatt Park, 14 Main St., Kings Park from 7:30 to 9 p.m. tonight with a free concert by Endless Summer, courtesy of the Kings Park Civic Association. Bring seating. 516-319-0672

Happenings on Main Street

Northport Arts Coalition continues its Happenings on Main Street series, free concerts at the Northport Village Park Gazebo at the harbor at 7 p.m., with a performance by Ashley Monique Menard (opener Jasmine Goare) Bring seating. 631-261-1872, www.northportarts.org

Long Island Comedy Festival

The 17th Annual Long Island Comedy Festival returns to Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson at 8 p.m. for yet another hilarious installment featuring top comedians from around the country including Dennis Rooney, “Banjo” Les Bayer, Kendra Cunningham, Mick Thomas, and John Zeigler. Tickets are $49. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Saturday July 8

Early Summer Seasonal Stroll

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington hosts a seasonal stroll from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. with a focus on summer wildflowers. $4 per person. Adults only. Advance reservations required by calling 631-423-1770.

Antique & Working Truck Show

The Long Island Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society presents its 21st annual Antique, Classic & Working Truck Show today and July 9 at 5951 Sound Ave., Riverhead from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Held in conjunction with the Long Island Antique Power Association’s 31st Annual Antique Farm Tractor Show & and Hit & Miss Engine Run with garden and large tractor pulls, truck and engine exhibits, kids corner and craft vendors. Admission is $10 adults, children under 12 free. 631-339-3065.

Sherwood-Jayne House Tour

Preservation Long Island will host tours of the Sherwood-Jayne House (c. 1730), 55 Old Post Road, Setauket at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. with a self-guided tour at noon. The house contains period furnishings and features original late eighteenth-century hand-painted floral wall frescoes. Tickets are $10, $5 children ages 6 to 15, under age 6 free at www.preservationlongisland.org/tours. 

Rocky Point Garden Tour

Rocky Point Civic Association will host  its annual Rocky Point Garden Tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are available at Flowers on Broadway, 43 Broadway, Rocky Point and Heritage Paint, 637 Route 25A, Rocky Point. $20 per person, children under 12 free w/parent. 631-521-5726

Heckscher Museum turns 103

In honor of the 103rd anniversary of the Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington, the community is invited to enjoy free admission today and July 9 from noon to 5 p.m. August Heckscher and his wife, Anna, dedicated the Heckscher Museum to the people of Huntington, “and especially the children,” on July 10, 1920. 631-380-3230

Corn Festival & Pow Wow

Join the Setalcott Nation for their 16th annual Corn Festival & Pow Wow at the Setauket Elementary School, 134 Main St., Setauket today and July 9 from noon to 6 p.m. The weekend will feature Aztec Dancers, Taino Dancers, storytelling, specialty dances, flute players, traditional drums and audience participation. Grand Entry at noon. Bring seating. Free will donation. 917-415-5139, 631-698-5517

Saturdays at Six Concert

All Souls Church, 61 Main St., Stony Brook continues its Saturdays at Six concert series with a performance by Tom Manuel and the Gospel Road ensemble at 6 p.m. The group brings together a wonderful mix of some of the most impressive performers from the scenes of jazz, bluegrass, country, gospel and western traditions. Free. Call 631-655-7798 for more information.

Concert on the Lawn

As part of its annual Summer Concert Series, The North Shore Community Band will present an outdoor concert at Wading River Congregational Church, 2057 North Country Road, Wading River at 7 p.m. Enjoy an evening of patriotic favorites. www.northshorecommunityband.org

Sunday July 9

Antique & Working Truck Show

See July 8 listing.

Heckscher Museum turns 103

See July 8 listing.

Corn Festival & Pow Wow

See July 8 listing.

Mustang and Shelby Car Show

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will host a car show by the Mustang and Shelby Club of Long Island on the Great Lawn from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors pay only museum admission of $10 adults, $9 students and seniors, $7 children 12 and under, which includes estate-grounds access. 631-371-1432

Weaving Demonstrations

Huntington Historical Society (HHS) will host Historic Weaving Demonstrations at The Arsenal, 425 Park Ave., Huntington on today and Aug. 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. HHS Curator Emily Werner will be weaving a historic plain weave linen fabric just like the linen sheeting and chemise exhibited in the Society’s current exhibit From Farm to Fabric: Early Woven Textiles of Long Island at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building. Free. 631-427-7045

Northport Garden Tour

Join the Northport Historical Society for its 2023 Summer Splendor Garden Tour from noon to 4 p.m.  Enjoy a one-of-a-kind summer experience as you explore the gardens of homeowners in and around Northport on this self-guided tour with refreshments and raffles. Fee is $45 in advance, $50 day of event. 631-757-9859, www.northporthistorical.org

Ray Lambiase in Concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will host a concert by Ray Lambiase from 3 to 4 p.m. Free with admission to the museum. For more information, call 689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org.

Wind Down Sundays

The popular summer concert series continues at Hap’s historic Red Barn at Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket with Eric Dubin and the Whiskey Crows at 5:30 p.m. Bring seating. 631-689-6146, www.frankmelvillepark.org

Summer Concert on the Green

Summer concerts are back in front of the Stony Brook Post Office at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main Street, Stony Brook from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Sunday through Aug. 20, courtesy of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization. This week’s concert features the Just Sixties Band. Free. Bring seating. 631-751-2244, www.wmho.org

Monday July 10

Monday on Main 

The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce presents Monday on Main from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy an antique car show, Art in the Park, live musical performances, rides and games for the kids. 631-269-7678, www.kingsparkli.com

Northport Fireman’s Fair

The Northport Volunteer Fire Department will hold their 97th annual Firemen’s Fair today through July 15 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the fire department grounds on Steers Ave, off of Ocean Ave in Northport. The six day event will feature carnival rides by Blue Sky Amusements, festival food, carnival games and more. 631-261-7504

Civic Association Meeting

Sound Beach Civic Association will hold a meeting at the Sound Beach Firehouse, 152 Sound Beach Blvd., Sound Beach at 7:30 p.m. On the agenda is the NYS Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program. All are welcome. For more information call 631-744-6952.

Tuesday July 11

Northport Fireman’s Fair

See July 10 listing.

Job Fair heads to PJS

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station hosts a Job Fair on Tuesday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet job recruiters from Stony Brook University, New York State Police, AHRC Suffolk, American Regent, Options for Community Living, SCO of Family Services, U.S. Army and many more at this event offered by the Suffolk County One-Stop Employment Center. Bring a resume and dress to impress. No registration is required. 631-928-1212

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to come dance and enjoy the wonderful songs of one of Long Island’s favorite singers and entertainer Susan Capri in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Community Band Concert

The Smithtown Community Band continues its 37th annual concert series, By Land, Sea, & Sky, on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society’s Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown at 8 p.m. Free. Bring seating. 631-275-0443

Concerts at The Gazebo 

Enjoy Tuesday night concerts at The Gazebo, 127 Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset through Aug. 15 kicking off with That 70s Band tonight at 7 p.m. Rain dates are the next day. 631-672-5197, www.nesconsetchamber.org

Wednesday July 12

Northport Fireman’s Fair

See July 10 listing.

Sunset Concerts

Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council continues its Sunset Concerts at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson from 6:30 to 8 p.m. with Quarterhorse. Held rain or shine. Bring seating. 631-473-5220, www.gpjac.org

Paint Night Wednesday

Join the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce for Paint Night with One River School of Art & Design at the Chamber Train Car Park, corner of Nesconset Highway and Route 112, Port Jefferson Station from 7 to 9 p.m. $10 per person. Reservations required. 631-821-1313, www.PJSTChamber.com

Music Under the Stars

Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach celebrates summer with its Music Under the Stars concert series in its parking lot featuring Bon Journey (Bon Jovi and Journey Tribute) at 7 p.m. Food trucks will be on hand for attendees to grab a bite to eat, Bring seating. 631-585-9393

Thursday July 13

Northport Community Band

See July 6 listing.

Northport Fireman’s Fair

See July 10 listing.

Art History Lecture

The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook hosts a free art history lecture with award winning artist and Art History enthusiast, Kevin McEvoy from 6:30 to 8 p.m. McEvoy will discuss Brunelleschi and the creation of Duomo. Light snacks will be served for your enjoyment. No reservations required. 631-751-7707

Music Behind the Barn

Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead hosts a free outdoor concert featuring the Yazoo Brothers at the historic Naugles Barn from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy the music and the beautiful North Fork sunset over the farm fields. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnics, blankets, and chairs to set out on the field. No registration required. 631-298-5292

Summer SWAP Concert

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook continues its “Summer Stage With a Purpose” (Summer SWAP) concerts on its front lawn from 6 to 8 p.m. with Nikos Chatzitsakos Tiny Big Band. Guests may purchase refreshments in the Basie Garden beside the venue. Bring seating. 631-751-1895, www.thejazzloft.org

Dennis Cannataro Concert Series

The Dennis Cannataro Family Summer Concert Series returns to the Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown with a concert by Any Way You Want It tonight at 7:30 p.m. with a preshow at 7 p.m. Bring seating. 631-360-2480 ext. 150

Harborside Concerts

The Village of Port Jefferson continues its annual Harborside concerts at the Show Mobile at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson on Thursdays at 7 p.m. with a performance by the Bangos. Bring seating. 631-473-4724

Theater

‘Macbeth’

The Carriage House Players continue their 34th annual Summer Shakespeare Festival in the mansion courtyard of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport with Macbeth on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. from July 7 to Aug. 6 Tickets are $20, $15 children under 12 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

‘Escape to Margaritaville’

Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is Escape to Margaritaville from July 13 to Aug. 27. This upbeat and energetic new musical features all your favorite Jimmy Buffett classics including “Volcano,” “Fins,”,“Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and of course “Margaritaville.” Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘Laughter on the 23rd Floor’

Minstrel Players presents Neil Simon’s Laughter on the 23rd Floor at Trinity Episcopal Church’s Houghton Hall, 130 Main St., Northport on July 22 and 29 at 8 p.m. and July 23 and 30 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and students. To order call 516-361-7232.

Film

‘Tower to the People’

Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington in celebrating Nikolas Tesla’s birthday with a screening of Tower to the People on July 10 at 7:30 p.m. Discover the truth about Nikola Tesla’s most ambitious experiment for humanity at a lab called Wardenclyffe in Shoreham. Featuring Q&A with filmmaker Joseph Sikorski and Jane Alcorn of the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe. Tickets are $25, $20 members. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

‘I Now Take Up My Pen’

Join the Port Jefferson Documentary Series and the Historical Society of Port Jefferson for a special screening of I Now Take Up My Pen, the heart-wrenching tale of two Long Island brothers who fought in the Civil War, at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson on July 10 at 7:30 p.m. followed by a Q&A. Preceded by a reception downstairs at Griswold’s Cafe (cash bar) from 6 to 7 p.m. and a musical performance by Fairchild and Becherer at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com or at the door (cash only). 631-473-5220

‘Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein’

As part of its Comic Gems series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will screen Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein on July 12 at 7 p.m. with an introduction from film historian Glenn Andreiev. Tickets are $15, $10 members. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

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Pixabay photo

Who doesn’t love sunflowers? Lenny Bruno Farms, 740 Wading River Road, Manorville hosts a Sunflower Festival on July 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  This year’s Sunflower Festival features a variety of family-friendly activities.

Admission to the festival area is $10 per person, children ages 2 and under free, and includes live music, strolls through a sea of sunflowers, 5 oz. tasting, vendors, toddler play area, petting zoo, jumbo garden games, unique photo opportunities, food trucks, artisan vendors, face painting, other children and teen activity vendors, hayrides, u-pick, jumbo garden games, and more! 

For more information, call 631-591-3592.

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Margot Robbie in a scene from 'Barbie'. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment

By Tim Haggerty & Jeffrey Sanzel

This summer’s cinematic offerings range from blockbusters to independents, with Hollywood stars intermingled with well-known character actors and a handful of up-and-coming personalities. 

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

First up is the fifth installment of the Indiana Jones franchise: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Three decades in, Harrison Ford continues his adventures three decades in as the titular professor of archeology, Dr. Henry Walton Jones, Jr. Approaching retirement, Indy must don his hat and pick up his whip once more to make sure an ancient and powerful artifact, the Antikythera, doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Phoebe Waller-Bridge plays his goddaughter.

Rated PG-13 · Release date June 30

Insidious: The Red Door

Patrick Wilson makes his feature directorial debut with The Red Door. Wilson and Rose Byrne appear in this last entry of the Insidious run, in which the original Lambert family attempts to (finally?) exorcise the demons plaguing them. (As with most horror movies of this ilk, demons surprisingly can be resurrected by decent box office returns.)

Rated PG-13 · Release date July 7

Joy Ride

Joy Ride stars Oscar-nominated Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once) joins Ashley Park, Sherry Cola and Sabrina Wu in a buddy comedy about a quartet of friends who embark on a trek across Asia to help one of their group search for her birth mother. Directed and co-written by Adele Lim (Crazy Rich Asians).

Rated  R · Release date July 7

Mission: Impossible 7

Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Rebecca Ferguson join headliner Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning, Part One. Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his team embark on “their most dangerous mission,” tracking down a weapon that threatens humanity in this action-franchise. The claim is that Dead Reckoning, Part Two (due out June 28, 2024) will be the final chapter. 

Rated PG-13 · Release date July 12

Theater Camp

Budding thespians are the target of the satirical Theater Camp which follows the eccentric staff of a rundown theatre camp in upstate New York as they come together with a less-than-theatrically-inclined member of the camp family to keep the program going following the sudden absence of the beloved founder with Dear Evan Hansen’s Ben Platt playing a counselor guiding the campers in their summer’s big show. 

Rated PG-13 · Release date July 14

Oppenheimer

Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer promises to be a dark, powerful, and cutting-edge biopic of the scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, chronicling his work on the atomic bomb and the repercussions on his professional and personal lives. Cillian Murphy plays Oppenheimer, supported by an extraordinary cast: Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Kenneth Branagh, Florence Pugh, Benny Safdie, Gary Oldman, Rami Malek, and Josh Hartnett.

Rated R · Release date July 21

Barbie

Possibly the most anticipated release is Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. With an all-star cast—Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Will Ferrell, Dua Lipa and many others—the meta-comedy shows a particular Barbie (Robbie) and Ken (Gosling) as they venture into the real world. If the trailers reflect the finished production, it should be one of the summer’s best.

Rated PG-13 · Release date July 21

Haunted Mansion

Haunted Mansion is Disney’s latest foray into bringing amusement park rides to the big screen. A woman and her son enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters. All -star cast includes LaKeith Stanfield, Danny DeVito, Owen Wilson, Rosario Dawson, Jared Leto, Winona Ryder, Tiffany Hadish and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Rated  PG-13 · Release date July 28

Talk to Me

The Australian horror film Talk to Me was a hit at the Sundance Film Festival and has already garnered excellent reviews. The traditional plot centers on friends who unwittingly unleash malevolent forces when conjuring spirits with an embalmed hand.

Rated  R · Release date July 28

TMNT: Mutant Mayhem

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle phenomenon returns with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. The movie’s revival is due to longtime fans Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg and is computer animated feature emphasizing the “teenage” element of the original comics.

Rated  PG-13 · Release date August 2

Strays

Will Ferrell leads an all-star voice cast (Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, Josh Gad, Will Forte, Sofia Vergara) in the adult live-action animal adventure Strays. A naive border terrier (voice of Ferrell), abandoned by his deadbeat owner, decides to trek back home to exact his revenge. 

Rated  R · Release date August 18

Blue Beetle

Those seeking a superhero infusion will embrace Blue Beetle. Cobra Kai’s Xolo Maridueña plays the title character in this DC origin story about a recent college grad who becomes possessed by the Scarab, an ancient alien biotechnological relic, which turns him into the Blue Beetle. With Susan Sarandon and George Lopez.

Not Rated  · Release date August 18

Bottoms

After her dark comedy Shiva Baby, director Emma Seligman’s sophomore outing is Bottoms. Seligman reunites with Shiva Baby’s Rachel Sennott for this teen sex comedy in which two high school seniors create a fight club so they can hook up with cheerleaders.

Not Rated  · Release date August 18

Brief Encounters

Brief Encounters is the summer’s most unusual opening. Filmed in 1967, the movie was banned in the Soviet Union and is finally getting its formal American release. Romanian-born director Kira Muratova (generally identified as Ukranian) sets a romantic triangle amid the casual shortages and shoddy apartments of professional-class Odessa.

Not Rated · Release date August 25

With a mix of comedy, drama, thriller, and pure escape—along with the usual sequels—summer 2023 promises something for every filmgoer. 

This article originally appeared in Summer Times, TBR News Media’s seasonal guide supplement.

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Scarlett Johansson in a scene from the film. Photo courtesy of Focus Features

Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

Auteur Wes Anderson’s first feature film was Bottle Rocket (1996), based on a short he made in 1994 with Luke and Owen Wilson. His sophomore outing, Rushmore (1998), brought him to prominence. The quirky, line-crossing comedy follows a high school student (Jason Schwartzman) with a crush on a fifth-grade teacher (Olivia Williams).The film featured Bill Murray in the first of nine collaborations with the director. 

With a focus on (and often delight in) the dysfunctional and a sense of heightened reality, Anderson’s works (for which he not only directed by served as writer and producer) have included The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004), The Darjeeling Limited (2007), The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), and The French Dispatch (2021).

His films have received fifteen Academy Award nominations (winning four, all for The Grand Budapest Hotel). In addition, the works have 20 BAFTA nominations (winning five) and 10 Golden Globes (winning two). 

To discuss Anderson’s latest offering, Asteroid City, two terms are helpful. The first is “meta.” Definitions of “meta” vary slightly. The most accessible is Merriam-Webster’s informal explanation: “showing or suggesting an explicit awareness of itself or oneself as a member of its category; cleverly self-referential.” It goes on to cite various examples:

“The Bar?” she said. “I know the place. Been meaning to drop by. Love the name. Very meta.” — Gillian Flynn

A new comedy about fantasy football, which follows a group of armchair quarterbacks as they try to tackle life. How meta would it be if people started betting on what was going to happen on the show? — TV Guide

Leave it to Larry [David] to contort public desire for a Seinfeld reunion into a meta plot that chronicles his not-necessarily-noble struggle to pull off a Seinfeld reunion. —Dan Snierson

The second term is “shaggy dog story.”

Again, let us turn to Merriam-Webster: “of, relating to, or being a long-drawn-out circumstantial story concerning an inconsequential happening that impresses the teller as humorous or interesting but the hearer as boring and pointless.”

And therein explains the meta-comedy/shaggy dog story Asteroid City, one hundred and five minutes of tedious indulgence that evokes an occasional strained chuckle but otherwise ceaselessly plods to a non-conclusion. 

A Rod Serling-like host (Bryan Cranston) introduces a television show following the creation of a play penned by world-famous writer Conrad Earp (Edward Norton). The black-and-white framing device evokes the earliest days of television. Earp’s play, Asteroid City (presented widescreen in vivid shades of sherbet), tells of the titular desert town hosting a youth astronomy convention. The action shifts between the presentation of the play and the television special. Some might complain that the documentary gimmick interferes with the narrative action. However, this is a minor cavil since the story plays in virtual stagnation.

Anderson creates a story where everything means something, even if it doesn’t. The 1955 world of the Cold War, atom bomb testing, a movie star, singing cowboys, a grieving widower, and a host of odd types and situations parade limply through the convoluted plot. Eventually, the assorted characters end up under government quarantine when an alien briefly appears, stealing a meteorite fragment. 

There is enormous potential for commentary and outrageous, pointed humor between the two worlds- the theatrical and the narrative. However, Anderson misses on almost every count. Even his concept of a three-act play bears no sense of understanding, with its only true reference to the indication of scenes.

He has assembled an all-star cast (many veterans of his films), headed by Jason Schwartzman (as the widower) and Scarlett Johansson (as the movie star), supported by first-rate talents including Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright, Tilda Swinton, Adrien Brody, Liev Schreiber, Hope Davis, Matt Dillon, Steve Carell, Hong Chau, Willem Dafoe, and Margot Robbie. 

Sadly, they all give the same performance—or rather, the idea of a performance of a performance. Everyone speaks in an identically flat cadence, lips barely parting like poorly skilled ventriloquists, mouthing pretentious dialogue, wanting—but failing—to be outrageously quippy or metaphorically deep. Rarely has so much talent gone for so little. 

The only interest rests in the two-dimensional visuals, alternating between crisp black-and-white and hyper-rich colors, the work of cinematographer Robert Yeoman. A few whimsical pieces—vending machines that dispense martinis complete with lemon twists or others that offer valueless desert real estate—evoke a weary smile. But again, not enough to sustain the short but interminable running time.

Great art manifests best when the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. What happens when there is no center? When the whole is a hole? Several times, the lead actor complains, “I don’t understand the play.” The director’s response: “But just keep doing it.” Well, perhaps not.

Rated PG-13, the film is now playing in local theaters.

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Pixabay photo

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

June is cataract awareness month. How much do you know about how to reduce your risk?

A cataract is an opacity or cloudiness of the lens in the eye, which decreases vision over time as it progresses. Typically, it’s caused by oxidative stress, and it’s common for both eyes to be affected. As we get older, the likelihood we will have cataracts that affect our vision increases.

In the U.S., 24.4 million people over the age of 40 were afflicted in 2015, according to statistics gathered by the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health (1). Approximately 50 percent of Americans have cataracts by age 75.

Cataract prevalence varies considerably by gender, with 61 percent of cases being women, and by race; 80 percent of those affected are white. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome; steroid use; and physical inactivity can contribute to your risk. 

The good news is that we can take an active role in preventing them. Protecting your eyes from the sun and injuries, quitting smoking, and increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables can improve your odds. Here, we will focus on the dietary factor.

How does meat consumption affect cataract risk?

Diet has been shown to have substantial effect on the risk reduction for cataracts (2). One of the most expansive studies on cataract formation and diet was the Oxford (UK) group, with 27,670 participants, of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) trial. Participants completed food frequency questionnaires between 1993 and 1999. Then, they were checked for cataracts between 2008 and 2009.

There was an inverse relationship between cataract risk and the amount of meat consumed. In other words, those who ate more meat were at higher risk of cataracts. “Meat” included red meat, fowl and pork. These results followed what we call a dose-response curve.

Compared to high meat eaters, every other group demonstrated a significant risk reduction as they progressed along a spectrum that included low meat eaters (15 percent reduction), fish eaters (21 percent reduction), vegetarians (30 percent reduction) and finally vegans (40 percent reduction).

There really was not that much difference in meat consumption between high meat eaters, those having at least 3.5 ounces, and low meat eaters, those having less than 1.7 ounces a day, yet there was a substantial decline in cataracts. This suggests that you can realize a meaningful effect by reducing or replacing your average meat intake, rather than eliminating meat from your diet.

In my clinical experience, I’ve had several patients experience cataract reversal after they transitioned to a nutrient-dense, plant-based diet. This is a very positive outcome and was confirmed by their ophthalmologists.

Do antioxidants help prevent cataracts?

Oxidative stress is one of the major contributors to cataract development. In a review article that looked at 70 different trials for the development of cataract and/or maculopathies, such as age-related macular degeneration, the authors concluded antioxidants, which are micronutrients found in foods, play an integral part in eye disease prevention (3). The authors go on to say that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as well as lifestyle modification with cessation of smoking and treatment of obesity at an early age, help to reduce the risk of cataracts. You are never too young or too old to take steps to protect your vision.

Among antioxidant-rich foods studied that have shown positive effects is citrus. The Blue Mountains Eye Study found that participants who had the highest dietary intake of vitamin C reduced their 10-year risk for nuclear cataracts (4).

How effective is cataract surgery?

The only effective way to treat cataracts is with surgery; the most typical type is phacoemulsification. Ophthalmologists remove the opaque lens and replace it with a synthetic intraocular lens. This is an outpatient procedure and usually takes about 30 minutes. Fortunately, there is a very high success rate for this surgery. So why is it important to avoid cataracts if surgery can remedy them?

There are always potential risks with invasive procedures, such as infection, even though the chances of complications are low. However, more importantly, there is a greater than fivefold risk of developing late-stage, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) after cataract surgery (5). This is wet AMD, which can cause significant vision loss. These results come from a meta-analysis (group of studies) looking at more than 6,000 patients.

It has been hypothesized that the surgery may induce inflammatory changes and the development of leaky blood vessels in the retina of the eye. However, this meta-analysis was based on observational studies, so it’s not clear whether undiagnosed AMD may have existed prior to the cataract surgery, since they have similar underlying causes related to oxidative stress.

If you can reduce the risk of cataracts through diet and other lifestyle modifications, plus avoid potential consequences from cataract surgery, all while reducing the risk of chronic diseases, why not choose the win-win scenario?

References:

(1) nei.nih.gov. (2) Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 May; 93(5):1128-1135. (3) Exp Eye Res. 2007; 84: 229-245. (4) Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Jun; 87(6):1899-1305. (5) Ophthalmology. 2003; 110(10):1960.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.

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SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF SUMMER St. Anthony’s Feast and Festival returns to the grounds of the Trinity Regional School in East Northport June 29 to July 1 with fireworks on July 1.
Thursday June 29

St. Anthony’s Feast and Festival

Fr. Thomas Judge Knights of Columbus celebrates its 30th annual St. Anthony’s Family Feast and Festival  at Trinity Regional School, 1025 Fifth Ave., East Northport tonight and June 30 from 6 to 11 p.m. and July 1 from 3 to 11 p.m. Featuring rides, games, food, craft beer, live music and circus shows. Fireworks on July 1. Free admission, pay-one-price rides or individual rides. 631-261-1077

Northport Community Band

The Northport Community Band will host a concert at the Robert W. Krueger Bandshell in Northport Village Park tonight, July 6, July 13, July 20 and July 27 starting at 8:30 p.m. Bring seating. Rain location is Northport High School. www.ncb59.org

Friday June 30

St. Anthony’s Feast and Festival

See June 29 listing.

Sounds on the Sound

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce presents its annual Sounds on the Sound Port Jefferson Sunset Cruise on Friday, June 30 from 6:30 to 9:15 p.m. featuring a performance by Dr. K’s Motown Revue (Motown tribute band). For ages 21 and over. General tickets are $45, VIP tickets are $65 at www.portjeffchamber.com. For more information, call 631-473-1414.

Musical Moments

Musical Moments in Kings Park return to Russ Savatt Park, 14 Main St., Kings Park from 7:30 to 9 p.m. tonight with a free concert by Mystery Play, courtesy of the Kings Park Civic Association. Bring seating. 516-319-0672

Happenings on Main Street

Northport Arts Coalition kicks off its annual Happenings on Main Street series, free concerts at the Northport Village Park Gazebo at the harbor Friday evenings at 7 p.m., with a performances by The Haymakers, Bring seating. 631-261-1872, www.northportarts.org

Saturday July 1

St. Anthony’s Feast and Festival

See June 29 listing.

Sherwood-Jayne House Tour

Preservation Long Island will host tours of the Sherwood-Jayne House (c. 1730), 55 Old Post Road, Setauket at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. with a self-guided tour at noon. The house contains period furnishings and features original late eighteenth-century hand-painted floral wall frescoes. Tickets are $10, $5 children ages 6 to 15, under age 6 free at www.preservationlongisland.org/tours. 631-692-4664.

All Souls Poetry Reading

The Second Saturdays poetry series returns to All Souls Church in Stony Brook via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon. Suffolk County Poet Laureate Richard Bronson will be the featured poet. An open-reading will follow; all are welcome to read one of their own poems.  For more information, call 631-655-7798.  Participants can access the program through the All Souls website https://www.allsouls-stonybrook.org/

Huntington Summer Arts Festival

Heckscher Park’s Chapin Rainbow Stage, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington hosts the Huntington Arts Council’s 58th annual Summer Arts Festival with music, theater and dance from July 1 to 30. Opening week schedule features Sunny Jain’s Red Baraat tonight at 8 p.m., Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra on July 2 at 7 p.m.; Huntington Community Band on July 5 at 8 p.m, Huntington Men’s Chorus on July 6 at 8 p.m. and The Englishtown Project on July 7 at 8 p.m.  For the full schedule, visit www.huntingtonarts.org. 631-271-8423

Sunday July 2

Huntington Summer Arts Festival

See July 1 listing.

Sushi Savant Concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will host a concert by Sushi Savant from 3 to 4 p.m. Free with admission to the museum. For more information, call 689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org.

Wind Down Sundays

The popular summer concert series returns to Hap’s historic Red Barn at Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket with the Claudia Jacobs Band at 5:30 p.m. Bring seating. 631-689-6146, www.frankmelvillepark.org

Monday July 3

Movie Trivia Night

Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a Movie Trivia Night at 8 p.m. Try to answer 50 questions based all around film, actors and actresses, awards, and everything else associated with the world of film. Challenge like-minded film fans in a battle of wits for cash and other prizes. You can form teams, so bring some friends and work together. Feel free to come alone and play solo as well! Hosted by Dan French. Tickets are $10 per person, $7 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org. 631-423-7610.

Tuesday July 4

Fourth of July Parade  

Grab yourself a lawn chair and head down to Main Street so you don’t miss a moment of the Port Jefferson Fourth of July Parade at 10 a.m. Fire trucks, dancers, bagpipe players, classic cars and more. The event is sponsored by Port Jefferson Fire
Department. 631-473-1414

Celebration of Hometown Heroes

VFW Post 6249, 109 King Road, Rocky Point and the Rocky Point Sound Beach Chamber of Commerce present A Celebration of Hometown Heroes at 11 a.m. Followed by a live reading of the Declaration of Independence. Refreshments will be served. 631-729-0699

Fireworks at Bald Hill

Celebrate Independence Day at the Long Island Catholic Health Amphitheater at Bald Hill, 1 Ski Run Lane, Farmingville with a high-energy concert by Mean Machine and The Chiclettes starting at 5:30 p.m. followed by fireworks by Grucci at 9:15 p.m. Free. 631-676-7500

Wednesday July 5

Huntington Summer Arts Festival

See July 1 listing.

Author Visit

Join science writer and artist Erica Cirino as she discusses her book Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis at Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport at 4 p.m. Plastic pollution is not confined to the oceans, but is prevalent in our air, food, and soil as well. Learn about the real story of the plastic crisis and gain hope hearing about what is being done across the world to address the problem. Open to all. To register, call 261-6930.

Author Talk

Join CNN Senior Political Analyst and author John Avlon as he discusses his new book, Lincoln and the Fight For Peace, at the Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A  Q&A and book signing will follow the lecture. Free and open to all. Registration required. 631-585-9393

Sunset Concerts

Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council kicks off its Sunset Concerts at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson from 6:30 to 8 p.m. with The Well Diggers. Held rain or shine. Bring seating. 631-473-5220, www.gpjac.org

Thursday 6

Northport Community Band

See June 29 listing.

Huntington Summer Arts Festival

See July 1 listing.

Dennis Cannataro Concert Series

The Dennis Cannataro Family Summer Concert Series returns to the Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown with a concert by Just Sixties tonight at 7:30 p.m. with a preshow at 7 p.m. Bring seating. 631-360-2480 ext. 150

Harborside Concerts

The Village of Port Jefferson kicks off its annual Harborside concerts at the Show Mobile at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson on Thursdays at 7 p.m. with a performance by Solid 70s. Bring seating. 631-473-4724 www.portjeff.com

Film

‘Every Body’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents a special screening of the documentary Every Body, a revelatory investigation of the lives of intersex people, on July 5 at 7:30 p.m. The film tells the stories of three individuals who have moved from childhoods marked by shame, secrecy, and non-consensual surgeries to thriving adulthoods after each decided to set aside medical advice to keep their bodies a secret and instead came out as their authentic selves. With Director Julie Cohen in person. Tickets are $15, $10 members. www.cinemaartcentre.org.

‘Brothers In Blues’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will screen the documentary Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan: Brothers in Blues on July 6 at 7:30 p.m. Brothers Jimmie and Stevie went from a small, post-war house in Oak Cliff, Texas to selling millions of records and playing alongside the likes of David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jackson Browne, Carlos Santana and more. Featuring newly revealed photos, home movies and interviews. Tickets are $15, $10 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Theater

‘The Sound of Music’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is The Sound of Music from May 18 to July 2. The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” and “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.” Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’

The Carriage House Players continue their 34th annual Summer Shakespeare Festival in the mansion courtyard of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport with The Two Gentlemen of Verona from June 4 to 30. Young Valentine travels to Milan to find his fortune, but instead falls for the fair Silvia, daughter of the Duke. His world is turned upside down when his best friend, Proteus, abandons his love, Tickets are $20, $15 children under 12. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Class Reunions

•Hauppauge High School Class of 1978 will hold its 45th reunion on July 22, 2023 with a reunion party on July 21 and a reunion picnic on July 23. For details, email [email protected].

•Port Jefferson High School Class of 1973 will hold its 50th reunion on the weekend of August 4-6. For information, email Lori Sternlicht Lucki @ [email protected] or call 631-495-8604.

•Ward Melville High School Class of 1973 will hold its 50th reunion at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket on Sept. 9, 2023 from 6 to 11 p.m. For ticket information, contact Tibo Dioguardi at [email protected].

•Save the date! Port Jefferson High School Class of 1964 will hold its 60th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 17, 2024. For more information, email Mike Whelen at [email protected]

Vendors Wanted

■ Vendors are wanted for the 2nd annual Port Paws Dog Festival at Joe Erland Park in Port Jefferson on July 15 and 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fee is $350 for 10X10 booth for both days. Visit portpawsdogfest.com/vendors or text 516-939-8960.

■ Spirit of Huntington, 2 Melville Road, Huntington seeks artists, musicians, and vendors fort its Spirit of Summer Art Festival on Aug. 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $125 fee for 8’ by 10’ area. Rain date Aug. 13. Deadline to apply is July 28. Visit www.spiritofhuntington.com.

■ Northport Arts Coalition is now accepting applications from artists and artisans for its annual Art in the Park event at Northport Village Park on Sunday, Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All crafts must be handmade by the artist — no kits, manufactured items, purchased pieces, imports or resale items will be permitted. 10’ X 10’ artist space is $100, $80 for NAC members. Only 40 spaces are available. Deadline to apply is June 30. Visit www.northportarts.org for an application or call 631-261-1872.

■ The Village of Lake Grove seeks arts & crafts, food and community vendors for its 2023 Lake Grove Summer Festival at Memorial Park, 980 Hawkins Ave., Lake Grove on Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit lakegroveny.gov for an application.

■ Vendor applications are now available for Sunshine Prevention Center’s Family Fall Festival at 468 Boyle Road, Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain date Oct 15). Fee is $50 for a 10 x 10 space, no charge for Agency Resource tables. Bring your own tables, tents, chairs. All vendors must also donate a prize ($20 value) for a raffle. Register at www.sunshinepreventionctr.org or email [email protected]. 

■ Craft and new merchandise vendors are wanted for the St. Thomas of Canterbury Church Fall Car Show and Craft Fair, 90 Edgewood Ave., Smithtown, on Oct. 14  from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $50 per booth (10’ by 10’ space). For more information, call 631-265-4520 or visit www.Stthomasofcanterbury.net.

Volunteers Wanted

The Greenlawn Centerport Historical Association seeks volunteers for its Summer Gardiner Farm Stand. One volunteer is needed for each shift to work alongside a GCHA rep. Shifts are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning the week of July 1. High school students can earn community service credit! For more information, call 631-754-1180 or email [email protected]

CALENDAR DEADLINE  is Wednesday at noon, one week before publication. Items may be mailed to: Times Beacon Record News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733. Email your information about community events to [email protected]. Calendar listings are for not-for-profit organizations (nonsectarian, nonpartisan events) only, on a space-available basis. Please include a phone number that can be printed.

 

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Photo by Julianne Mosher
Photo by Julianne Mosher

Julianne Mosher captured these scenes at the 2023 Seaside Hunter Derby at Old Field Farm in Setauket on June 18. The event was held in conjunction with Gallery North’s 19th annual Wet Paint Festival, giving over 40 artists much inspiration for their plein air painting.

Send your Photo of the Week to [email protected]

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STAR POWER Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington will host legendary movie star Jacqueline Bisset at a screening of her new film, Loren & Rose, on June 25. Photo from CAC
Thursday June 22

Summer Thursdays at the LIM

Kick off your summer with a free outdoor concert featuring Ray Lambiase on the grounds of the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Pack a picnic supper, enjoy the concert and view the latest exhibits at the History Museum. In the case of rain, concert will be held in the Carriage Museum’s Gillespie Room. Free admission.  631-751-0066

Summer Swap Concert

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents a free “Summer Stage With a Purpose” (Summer SWAP) concert featuring the Equity Brass Band on the front lawn of the museum from 6 to 8 p.m. Grab a lawn chair and come on down! Sponsored by Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine. The concert series continues with Nikos Chatzitsakos Tiny Big Band on July 13, and the Melanie Marod Ensemble on Aug. 10. 631-751-1895, www.thejazzloft.org

Native American Drumming 

All Souls Church will host an evening of Native American Drumming Meditation at its Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook on Thursday, June 22 from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer, Ric Statler, drumming meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. 631-655-7798

Friday June 23

Friday Night Face Off

Friday Night Face Off, Long Island’s longest running Improv Comedy Show, returns to Theatre Three’s Second Stage, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson tonight at 10:30 p.m. Using audience suggestions, FNFO pits two teams of improvisers against each other in an all-out championship! Recommended for ages 16 and up, due to adult content. Tickets are $15 at the door – cash only. 631-928-9100

Saturday June 24

Benefit Car Show

The Police Surgeons Benevolent Association in association with the Centurion Cruisers Car Club hosts a benefit car show at St. Anthony’s High School, 275 Wolf Hill Rd., Huntington featuring cars, trucks, street rods, muscle cars, police/fire service vehicles and antiques from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $5 for spectators. All proceeds will benefit the family of slain NYPD Officer Adeed Fayaz. 631-368-8617

Sherwood-Jayne House Tour

Preservation Long Island will host tours of the Sherwood-Jayne House (c. 1730), 55 Old Post Road, Setauket at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. with a self-guided tour at noon. The house contains period furnishings and features original late eighteenth-century hand-painted floral wall frescoes. Tickets are $10, $5 children ages 6 to 15, under age 6 free at www.preservationlongisland.org/tours. 631-692-4664.

Artisan Vendor Market

Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville hosts its first local Artisan Vendor Market featuring planting propagation, wool felting, and floral painting demonstrations, local plant and product sales, and more on from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 631-878-6644.

UCC Steeple Showcase Concert

Mt. Sinai Congregational Church, 233 North Country Road, Mt. Sinai kicks off its UCC Steeple Showcase Concert Series with Steve Subject playing your favorite soft rock classics in the church parking lot from 4 to 6 p.m. Join them for this fun late afternoon concert. Bring a chair, a snack and sit back and relax! Concert will be moved indoors if it’s raining. 631-473-1582

‘Laser Taylor Swift’

The Vanderbilt Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents the premiere of Laser Taylor Swift tonight at 9 p.m. If you can’t score tickets to the Eras tour, Laser Taylor Swift is the next best thing! With more than 200 million records sold, a shelf full of Grammys, and an army of fans, Taylor Swift is an inspiration for generations. This dynamic show takes her biggest hits and brings them to life in dazzling laser light. Tickets are $18 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Sunday June 25

Mike Nugent Concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will host a concert by Mike Nugent from 3 to 4 p.m. Free with admission to the museum. For more information, call 689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org.

The Dedications Concert

Celebrate St. James  kicks off its summer concert series at Celebrate Park, 369 Lake Ave., St. James with The Dedications (50s, 60s, 70s) featuring lead singer John Zollo from 6 to 9 p.m. Free. Bring seating. 631-984-0201, www.celebratestjames.org

Monday June 26

Family Pride Picnic

Town of Smithtown’s Anti-Bias Task Force and Youth Bureau will host the 2nd annual Family Pride Picnic at Schubert’s Beach, Long Beach Road, Nissequogue from 5 to 7 p.m. Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month with food, crafts and music at this family-friendly community gathering. Pack a picnic dinner and they will take care of beverages, snacks and dessert. Call 631-360-7595 to register.

Tuesday June 27

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a presentation by Michael Wertheim of the Main Street Financial Group of Smithtown titled “Investing in a Turbulent Market” in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Talks Over Tea

Join the Huntington Historical Society curator, Emily Werner, for a presentation on the history of textile production on Long Island at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington from 2 to 4 p.m. Werner will discuss her experience putting together the Society’s newest exhibit, From Farm to Fabric: Early Woven Textiles of Long Island. Attendees will learn how to “read” textiles by identifying things like fiber content, weave structure, and designs specific to Long Island coverlets. A selection of textiles from the Society’s collection will be on display for attendees to view up close. $15 per person, members free. Register at www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Community Band Concert

The Smithtown Community Band kicks off its 37th annual concert series, By Land, Sea, & Sky, on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society’s Frank Brush Barn, 211 E. Main St., Smithtown at 8 p.m. Free. Bring seating. 631-275-0443

Tribute to Simon & Garfunkel

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents a concert by Forever Simon & Garfunkel celebrating the best selling duo in rock’n’roll history at 8 p.m. with iconic songs including “The Sound Of Silence, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Mrs. Robinson, I Am A Rock, The Boxer, Homeward Bound, Cecilia, Hazy Shade Of Winter, Feeling Groovy, Me & Julio, Kodachrome,” and many more! Tickets are $45. 631-261-2900, www.engemantheater.com

Wednesday June 28

Author Talk

Join CNN Senior Political Analyst and author John Avlon as he discusses his new book, Lincoln and the Fight For Peace, at the Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A  Q&A and book signing will follow the lecture. Free and open to all. Registration required. 631-585-9393

St. Anthony’s Feast and Festival

Fr. Thomas Judge Knights of Columbus celebrates its 30th annual St. Anthony’s Family Feast and Festival  at Trinity Regional School, 1025 Fifth Ave., East Northport today through June 30 from 6 to 11 p.m. and July 1 from 3 to 11 p.m. Featuring rides, games, food, craft beer, live music and circus shows. Fireworks on July 1. Free admission, pay-one-price rides or individual rides. 631-261-1077

Barn FRIENDraiser

Join the Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket for a FRIENDraiser event from 6 to 8 p.m. Come learn about the history of the Dominick-Crawford Barn, c.1840, and how it was saved from ruin. Enjoy live music by Donna Lee, food trucks, beer and wine, children’s play zone, docent-led tours of the exhibits and hard hat tours of the barn build. To RSVP, email [email protected]. 631-751-3730

Thursday June 29

St. Anthony’s Feast and Festival

See June 28 listing.

A Night of Pride

Join Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for a A Night of Pride from 6 to 9 p.m. Celebrate love and community with an evening filled with games, fun, history, art, food trucks, and Laser Shows featuring the music of Queen, David Bowie, and Taylor Swift. Tickets are $10 adults, children under 5 free. All proceeds will be donated to local LGBTQIA+ charities. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Film

‘Loren & Rose’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will screen Loren & Rose starring Jacqueline Bisset on June 25 at 4 p.m. A single meal frames this three-act story of the indelible bond between Loren (Kelly Blatz), a promising filmmaker, and Rose (Bisset), a storied actress looking to reinvigorate her career. Followed by a Q&A with Jacqueline Bissett and Kelly Blatz in person with director Russell Brown.  Tickets are $30, $20 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org. 631-423-7610

Theater

‘The Sound of Music’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is The Sound of Music from May 18 to July 2. The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” and “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.” Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘Something Rotten!’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its Mainstage productions with Something Rotten! from May 20 to June 24.  Living in the shadow of Renaissance rock star The Bard, two brothers set out to write the world’s first musical in this hilarious mash-up of sixteenth-century Shakespeare and twenty-first-century Broadway. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being to thine own self be true. Contains adult humor and situations. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and up. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’

The Carriage House Players continue their 34th annual Summer Shakespeare Festival in the mansion courtyard of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport with The Two Gentlemen of Verona from June 4 to 30. Young Valentine travels to Milan to find his fortune, but instead falls for the fair Silvia, daughter of the Duke. His world is turned upside down when his best friend, Proteus, abandons his love, Julia, in Verona to woo Silvia for himself. With a pair of bumbling servants and a dog, it’s a lively Shakespearean comedy about the complexities of love, lust, and friendship. Tickets are $20, $15 children under 12. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

‘Princess Ida’

The battle of the sexes will break out into open warfare when the Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island brings its 2023 production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s classic Princess Ida to the Star Playhouse at Suffolk Y/JCC, 74 Hauppauge Road, Commack on June 25 at 3 p.m.  The production will feature a 23-piece orchestra. Tickets are $30, seniors and students $25. To order, visit  www.gaslocoli.org. 516-619-7415

Class Reunions

•Hauppauge High School Class of 1978 will hold its 45th reunion on July 22, 2023 with a reunion party on July 21 and a reunion picnic on July 23. For details, email [email protected].

•Ward Melville High School Class of 1973 will hold its 50th reunion at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket on Sept. 9, 2023 from 6 to 11 p.m. For ticket information, contact Tibo Dioguardi at [email protected].

•Save the date! Port Jefferson High School Class of 1964 will hold its 60th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 17, 2024. For more information, email Mike Whelen at [email protected].

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Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

Sarah Beth Durst’s over two dozen books include writings for children, teenagers, and adults, many in the fantasy genre. Among the prolific author’s works are The Bone Maker, The Deepest Blue, The Stone Girl’s Story, and Even and Odd (all reviewed in this paper). With The Lake House (HarperTeen), Durst has crafted a first-rate young adult thriller.

Author Sarah Beth Durst

The novel follows three teenagers sent to an “enrichment retreat” in Maine, a place to “learn new skills, have new experiences, make new friends.” Claire Dreyer is the center: “Claire excelled at three things: ballet, homework, and identifying all the ways there were to die in any given situation.” Claire’s self-awareness is both insightful and crippling. “[She] thought longingly of her bedroom with all her books and a door that closed everyone out.” Ultimately, she hopes the opportunity to be “a new Claire here, a never-before-seen version of herself who made friends easily and didn’t freak out about every little thing.”

Two contemporaries join Claire. The pessimistic Reyva Chaudhari doesn’t “do performative emotions.” But, after some prodding, she discloses her passion: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighting—an endeavor that turns out to be of great value. Reyva’s wry humor and tendency to find amusement in the darker possibilities contrasts with Claire’s need for constant order. Mariana Ortiz-Rodriguez, a Californian transplant, is the perkiest of the three. Fascinated by cars and engines, her skills become vital in the climax. 

All three share complex backgrounds with various parental pressures and complicated home lives. Their parents make choices they perceive as good for their offspring but often fail consideration of their children’s emotional needs. As they venture forward, the girls reveal secrets, voicing fears they have never previously shared. Their vulnerability strengthens their bond, allowing for a genuine evolution of well-placed trust. 

Insightfully—and with no malice—Mariana evaluates Reyva: “My guess: your parents have opinions on what you’re allowed to feel, as well as what you do, and so you respond by controlling what you show the world. Do you want us to think nothing phases you? Fact is, you care a lot, and you’re terrified that someone will realize it and use it against you. Like, you know, I’m doing right now.”

The girls arrive at the end of June, planning to remain through the end of August. A young man, Jack, takes them to the island on his boat, leaving them on the shore. They hike the short distance up a trail to discover the Lake House burned, with the charred remains still smoking. With no cell service or communication with the outside world, the trio contemplates their short- and long-term fates. They discover a dead body in the surrounding woods: a woman dead from a gunshot from an unknown assailant. 

Secluded in a national forest, miles from civilization, they face natural trials: dehydration, starvation, insects, and weather. Additionally, they must accept that they are not alone and are targets of one or even two dangerous island inhabitants. 

Eventually, Durst introduces a fascinating supernatural element. The malevolence merges a camp ghost legend and the concept of “the sins of the father.” Their struggle combines “the strain of the lack of food, and the constant supply of fear.” 

Durst quickly ratchets up the tension, plunging into a face-paced narrative fraught with challenges and revelations. Fortunately, she writes about people, not tropes. As in all her work, the characters have dimension and texture—recognizable but individual. 

While The Lake House is a thriller, it portrays perseverance and rising to extraordinary circumstances. The story lives not in the isolation of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet or the savagery of William Golding’s The Lord of the Flies. It avoids the world of Mean Girls and Robinson Crusoe. Instead, the book celebrates the ability to thrive on mutual reliance. The mantra is “stick together, and we’ll survive,” and Claire, Reyva, and Mariana grow because they see themselves through the eyes of others—companions who value their potential.

The Lake House offers three strong young women facing a range of demons, both personal and real, in a location that is both doom and destiny. Finally, they learn, “I am enough exactly as I am.” Durst, a gifted storyteller, neatly balances thrills and introspection in this entertaining and engaging story.

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Sarah Beth Durst is the award-winning author of over twenty books for kids, teens, and adults. She lives in Stony Brook with her husband, her children, and her ill-mannered cat. Pick up a copy of The Lake House online at www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com. For more information, visit www.sarahbethdurst.com.

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