TFF Last Day: In ‘Northwest,’ Crime Is Chosen Way

A mother (Lene Maria Christensen) turns a blind eye on her son's (Gustav Dyekjær Giese) misdeeds in "Northwest." Photo provided by Tribeca Film Festival.

MICHAEL Noer found the leads in his latest film, “Northwest,” through Facebook.

“I got this call from this woman who said I have two sons who might be right for the roles.”

The young documentarian, who continues his foray into the genre of feature-length crime films following his well-received prison drama, “R,” was looking for brothers around 17 and 18 who were one year apart in age.

“These two guys came in,” he explained yesterday after the third screening of the film at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival, “and they were arguing and pushing each other. One didn’t have directions and the other had a hangover. We just watched them, and then they said ‘so, what do you want us to do’? I told them that had done it; I want you in the film.” (See video below).

The northwest of the title is a crime-ridden neighborhood of Copenhagen where brothers Casper and Andy, played by Gustav Dyekjær Giese and Oscar Dyekjær Gies, respectively, live. The older Casper undertakes pretty crime to support his closeknit family. That includes a mother and little sister. One day, bigger fish come calling, and Casper will eventually bring the heretofore sheltered Andy into the scheme.

It’s now ON! as the haunting “Northwest” chronicles their reception into the bosom of the Copenhagen crime underworld. The film has its last screening this evening at 2013 TFF.

“Northwest” does not have a Hollywood story ending. MN is keepin’ it real. “I wanted to present the film from the point of the main characters; they are not thinking about their feelings” or being plagued by crises of conscience around issues of right and wrong. In other words, it is what it is.

“Northwest” is based on the story of real-life siblings. In fact, some of the scenes were shot in their apartment where the director and stars spent some nights. “That little sister’s bed, that’s where I slept,” MN gleefully explained about several scene from the film.

Not only are the Giese brothers amateur actors, much of the “Northwest” cast is, too. Some are real-life gangsters, hoods and residents. The brothers on whose exploits “Northwest” is inspired were essentially film consultants. Working with amateurs can be tricky, and the “Northwest” production was no exception. Often enough, MN just went with their flow, a savvy move because this in part accounts for a certain authenticity in “Northwest.” It lends the film a cinéma vérité quality.

“This is their life. The film is shot in the neighborhood where they live. They are not thinking that I am going to be in a picture,” he stressed.

MN, who clearly admires his subjects and has about him the air of the geek who gets to hang out with the cool kids, saw in his cast acting techniques that came naturally. He recalls disclosing to one of the girls playing a prostitute that one particular day was her last day of shooting. Later in a scene, her line was to ask someone not to leave. “It was perfect. She was also asking me not to leave her. I liked the way that they brought what was happening in their lives into the film.

In “Northwest,” the viewer is privy to the decisions and circumstances that inform choices that can lead to the cemetery or to prison cells like the ones in “R.” There is, too, the added burden of knowing that many of these events are all-too real.

Uneasy partners in crime in "Northwest."

“This is the only life these guys know,” MN asserted about the events depicted in "Northwest." “It’s not like they were good and when they were 8 they turned bad. They were already bad. They love films like “The Godfather” and “Scarface.” They idolize gangsters; they idolize Tony Montana.”

“Northwest” has its final screening this evening at 6. Visit http://www.tribecafilm.com/festival to learn more about it and the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival, including tickets and schedule. Rx.

TFF Day 11, 'Why He Is The Greatest: 'The Trials of ... Ali'

Muhammad Ali (center) faced religious persecution when he converted to Islam. Photo provided by Tribeca Film Festival.

WATCHING the riveting “The Trials of Muhammad Ali,” my mind kept returning to “42.”

It’s unfortunate that tonight is the final screening of the Ali film during its world premiere run at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival. Most viewers won't see it until it premieres on PBS next year. It has one strong similarity to “42,” the film about Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. (http://www.ow.ly/jZyqh)

Both provide a glimpse of the fight of black Americans for basic human rights in this country. Both MA and JR had a hellish time. The former did not have to fight for the right to participate in his chosen sport, based on his skin color. His fight was over freedom of religion, self-determination and principles, as well as a fight to be called Muhammad Ali and not Cassius Clay, once he had repudiated that name.

Director and co-producer Bill Siegel uses MA’s refusal to fight in the Vietnam War and the court trials that followed as a jumping-off point to examine a young man’s evolution from a bodacious, loquacious boy from Louisville, Kentucky to the dignified, laconic man the world knows today as The Greatest.

BS, a Minnesota native and self-professed research geek, brings a piece of American history to life, revealing much about the man most don’t know, particularly those born from the 70s forward. Through the film, the viewers learns why Ali was The Greatest and is The Greatest. Insights are provided into how he made a living when he was banned from boxing. One thing he did was a bit of acting. His strong suit is boxing.

Though "The Trials of Muhammad Ali" ostensibly refers to his court appearances, other trials are apparent. He was tried by the media, some fellow blacks, sports peers and America.

Muhammad Ali withstood his trials with defiance and determination. He's a great example to us all.

“The Trails of Muhammad Ali” has its final screening tonight at 9. Visit http://www.tribecafilm.com/festival to learn more about it and the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival, including tickets and schedule. Rx.

Matthew McC, the ACTOR. His Name and Film Are 'Mud.'

IT’S as if a few years ago Matthew McConaughey went to his agent, Jim, and the conversation went something like this:

MM: Hey Sally (Jim’s secretary and General Miss-Do-It-All)

SALLY: Good morning, Matt. How are you today?

MM: I’m OK; is he in?

SALLY: Yes, he’s expecting you; go on in.

MM: Thanks, Sally

(MM opens door to Jim’s office and the man is on his feet in front of his desk smiling).

JIM: Look who’s here. What’s up? You see the game last night?

(Taking a seat and lowering his Lakers cap on his forehead) MM: Yeah, the Lakers pulled it out again.

JIM: What’s wrong? Your girlfriend break up with you?

MM: Naw, man. Nothin' like that?

(With a concerned look) JIM: What then? You don’t look like yourself.

(Shrugging his shoulders, not making eye contact) MM: It’s nothin' …

(Arms folded; waiting) JIM: Yeah? …

(Looking up as he worries the tattered threads on the right knee of his faded Levi’s): MM: It’s my career.

(Walking around his desk to sit down; looking uneasy) JIM: What about your career? It’s booming. You’re a movie star.

MM: That’s the problem, Jimmy. I’m a movie star.

Matthew McConaughey and Zac Efron as brothers in “The Paperboy.” Photo from The Paperboy Facebook page.

JIM: That’s the problem?! Do you know how many chumps want to be a movie star? I thought we agreed 15 years ago that this is what you wanted. Is this a joke?

MM: I know and I’m grateful. I know there are a lot of cats out there who would love to switch places. I’m just tired of ….

(Cutting off MM) JIM: Tired of what?

MM: I want to be an actor.

(Staring at MM incredulous) JIM: What’s with you guys? You come to this town hungry. HUNGRY, sayin' you wanna make it in pictures, to see your name in lights. Then you get there and you wanna be an actor. Everybody wants to be Laurence friggin' Olivier ... Do you know how many actors there are in this town working for tips at Spago?

MM: I know. I know. That’s not what I want. I want real, solid roles. I wanna make movies that mean something to me, something I can sink my teeth into. I want something that not any pretty face in town can do. Roles that won’t land me on the cover of People magazine as the Sexiest Man Alive. Not that I’m not grateful, Jimmy. I just wanna do some work that I can be proud of.

(Getting up and walking over to MM and putting his hand on his shoulder) JIM: OK, my friend. I got a coupla ideas. I think we can make you into an actor. But don’t come cryin' to me if you don’t like it!

(Smiling, giving Jim a man hug) MM: Thanks, Jimmy. That three-pointer that Kobe sank at the buzzer was amazing.

Fast forward to now and MM is an actor with a capital “A.” For the last few years, he has been starring in mostly meaty independent films. The latest is “Mud,” which had its world premiere at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. It opens in select U.S. theaters today.

MM plays a quirky drifter on the run. He has a cock-and-bull sounding story that two teen boys have trouble buying; nevertheless they agree to help him, then all hell breaks loose. It’s another actorly performance from the man who clearly must have wanted to shed his movie star skin going into the second decade of the 21st century. (See video above).

Last year was a watershed year for the Texas native. He put in a stunning performance as a closeted gay reporter in Lee Daniels’ “The Paperboy.” He won a couple of Best Supporting Actor awards, including the Independent Spirit Awards and the New York Film Critics Circle, for his work as a strip club owner in “Magic Mike.”

The Independent Spirit Awards rewarded him with a Best Actor nomination for his portrayal of a hit man police detective in “Killer Joe.” The New York Critics also bestowed on MM the Best Supporting Actor award for his role as district attorney Danny Buck Davidson in Richard Linklater’s “Bernie.” The actor and director have a special relationship, dating as far back as MM's big screen debut in “Dazed and Confused” in 1993 and “The Newton Boys” in 1998.

It is in the early ’90s when MM began to gain notice. He was making the kind of films that he is making now. Of course, back in the day he was paying his dues. He would scrape together enough fare or credits, then the Hollywood big movie budget machine came calling for a guy who had aspirations of being a director.

During most of the first decade of the 2000’s, much of MM's work was forgettable fare along the lines of “The Wedding Planner,” “Reign of Fire,” “Tiptoes,” “How to Loose a Guy in 10 Days” “Sahara,” and “Failure to Launch.” Occasionally, he did some solid acting work such as “Frailty” and “Thirteen Conversations About One Thing.”

After the regrettable “Ghost of Girlfriends Past” in 2009 with Jennifer Garner, who has not done one interesting piece of work since her TV show, “Alias,” MM appears to have gone on sabbatical. During this period, a shift seemed to occur in his career. It is around this time that he likely had the above exchange with his agent.

Et voila!, the actor in MM re-emerged, starting with “The Lincoln Lawyer” in 2011. Incidentally, MM quit law school at the University of Texas to study film. He stars as Mickey Haller, the title character who does a certain job out of the backseat of a certain make of automobile. Mickey's has been an unremarkable career until the biggest case of his life drops into his lap or on his backseat.

Coming later this year are two films that are based on real life events. MM has done a number of those. He's in Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street,” based on the memoir of The Street bad boy, Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio.

The actor teams up again with Lee Daniels and fellow thespian John Cusack in “The Butler.” It is based on the life of Eugene Allen who had served seven sitting U.S. presidents by the time he retired in 1986. “The Butler” has an uber star-studded cast headed by Forest Whitaker. It is not yet clear what MM’s role is to be.

In “Mud,” MM plays a quirky and possibly dangerous son of a gun. If the film brings to mind Mark Twain it should. Arkansas native and writer-director Jeff Nichols was channeling the author. The film is set in Mississippi but was filmed in Arkansas. It also stars Reese Witherspoon as well as newcomers Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland.

All in all, MM is probably pleased with his career. If not, he should be.

“Mud” is rated PG-13 for some violence, sexual references, language, thematic elements and smoking; visit http://www.mud-themovie.com/ to learn more about the film. Rx.

Keeping It Real: Tell the FDA to Label GE Salmon

DON’T we all like our smoked salmon, grilled salmon, salmon tartare, salmon sushami and so on? Yes, we do!

Wanna keep it REAL and not GE? If so, beseech the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) NOW. The public comment period is through 26 April – that’s Friday. Hurry; don’t dither. (http://www.bit.ly/X63rBn)

The agency is thisclose to allowing AquaBounty Technologies to put its AquaAdvantage GE (genetically engineered) Salmon on supermarket shelves without any labels. Let’s repeat that: WITHOUT ANY LABELS. (See video above of various celebrities supporting labels for all GE foods).

This means the so-called Frankenfish will be in the fish case right next to that Altantic salmon without proper identification. The consumer – that means you – will be none the wiser. This is important because AquaBounty’s salmon is untested despite the company’s comments to the contrary. No one really knows the ill effects of GE salmon (or any GE food), a fish that is engineered to produce growth hormones the whole of the year. This salmon will be twice the size of the one that God created. Do we want food that has been engineered? Really?

Let your voice be heard about GE salmon, too. Archive photo.

Know anyone who takes or has taken hormones of any kind? Were there any side effects? Of course, there were! "She's hormonal," goes the saying. Think GE salmon tricked out on hormones will have zero side effects? If so, please shop to your heart's content with that Confederate currency. GE salmon has not been sufficiently tested. Lean on the government for the sake of your health and that of everyone you care about and love. And we won't even wade into the whole question of how GE salmon will affect real salmon and other fishes in the sea.

Too many unanswered questions and too much at risk to allow a biotechnology company to thrust a fake fish on the market for the sake of a gazillion bucks. Just sayin’.

(Shaking head) To think that the U.S. government will allow GE salmon at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s and Safeway and Albertson’s and Food Emporium and A&P and Fairway and Walmart with no labels! Does anyone else have heartburn? But what am I saying. This is a government that is bought and sold by the highest bidder. Let that be you, the consumer.

Something fishy is going on and it's not real salmon. Photo from Just Label It.

Please join the well-meaning folks at Just Label It and ask the FDA to allow more testing and to require a label on GE salmon. It’s too fast, simple and easy not to do so. And hurry! (http://www.bit.ly/X63rBn).

Visit http://www.justlabelit.org/ to learn more about Just Label It; visit http://www.aquabounty.com/ to learn more about AquaBounty Techologies; visit http://www.fda.gov/ to learn more about the FDA. Rx

TFF Day 9: In 'The Pretty One,' Atypical Twin Drama

Zoe Kazan doing double duty as Laurel and Audrey in "The Pretty One." Photo provided by Tribeca Film Festival.

HERE’S a story that is rarely told in the movies or anywhere else: Twin loss.

No, no, no. Not the apparent relief of the good twin after, left with little choice, s/he throws the bad one into a vat of hot liquid, forever destroying the demon, provoking cheers from viewers.

Rather, when the loss of the remaining twin cuts to the core, making her feel that part of her has died. When the twins love each other truly, madly, deeply. When there is no good twin-bad twin dynamic.

When there is no evil twin to drive the drama in the narrative. Don’t see that very often, right?

Perhaps things are beginning to change with director Jenée LaMarque’s enchanting feature film debut, “The Pretty One.” It has its last showing during its world premiere run at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival tomorrow night.

Zoe Kazan is illuminating as both the vivacious Audrey and languid Laurel in this modern-day fairytale … More shortly.

“The Pretty One” has its final screening on Thursday (25 April at 9 p.m.). Visit http://www.tribecafilm.com/festival to learn more about it and the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival, including tickets and schedule. Rx

TFF Day 5: Discovering True Honor in ‘Before Snowfall’

OFTEN enough, real life is so incredibly disturbing, senseless and shocking that it is better digested through the prism of entertainment, whether it be film, television, theater, verse, etc.

Such is the case with “Before Snowfall” ("Før snøen faller") which addresses honor killings. The film is showing today at 4 pm. in the second of four screenings at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival (TFF). The large number of screenings suggests the popularity of the film and the curiosity about its subject matter. (See video above).

"The film for me is not about honor killings,” director Hisham Zaman said, though honor is an important theme in his work. “It is about this boy in this society who must become a man. This circumstance in this village is pushing him into this way.”

A fascinating element of the haunting “Before Snowfall” is the extreme lengths that some men will go to in the name of honor. It suggests that women who have been accused of dishonoring their families cannot escape a man who demands satisfaction, no matter where they hide, no matter how far away they flee to do so. There are eyes everywhere. In these societies exists an underground that stretches across the world.

The underground in the film brings to mind the Underground Railroad of escaped slaves that existed in the United States in the 19th century. The difference, of course, is that in the West the latter is commendable while the former is detestable.

Incidentally, “Before Snowfall” is not set in India but not that far away either. HZ’s story, co-written with Kjell Ola Dahl, begins in Iraqi Kurdistan, then travels to Istanbul and into Europe, including Norway and Germany, before returning to Kurdistan where a troubling cycle continues.

A runaway bride (Bahar Ozen) in "Before Snowfall." Photos provided by Tribeca Film Festival.

The story that would become "Before Snowfall" had been rooting around in HZ’s head for six years. In the interim, he made four other films. “I was thinking about this boy and a border and he would come of age and he was going to do something bad."

Indeed! The main character in “Before Snowfall” is 16-year-old Siyar (newcomer Taher Abdullah Taher), the man of his family. He is honor bound to defends his family’s name after his older sister goes on the run rather than submit to an arranged matter. Or should it be said that the men from the jilted man’s family push the boy in this direction and provide him with the means to carry out his act?

In pursuit of Nermin (Bahar Ozen), Siyar has some experiences and chance encounters that cause him to question his mission. Alas, they will cost him dearly. Siyar’s struggle between deeply entrenched tradition and potent external emotions is at the heart of “Before Snowfall,” which features many amateurs, including the exotically handsome TAT. He is a natural.

At great risk to himself, Siyar (Taher Abdullah Taher) must carry out what tradition dictates in "Beyond Snowfall."

After deciding against another boy he’d chosen for the role, the director set out again in pursuit of his Siyar and found him in Kurdistan in a group home for boys, some of whom had acting ambitions. It is not clear whether TAT, who had never been outside of Kurdistan before he filmed “Before Snowfall,” was an acting hopeful.

HZ was interviewing various boys, “then I saw this boy standing there and watching us …”

“Before Snowfall” is in Kurdish with English subtitles; It has additional screenings on Friday (26 April at 4 p.m.) and Saturday (27 April at 10 p.m.). Visit http://www.tribecafilm.com/festival to learn more about it and the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival, including tickets and schedule. Rx.

TFF Day 3: Demise of an American Way in 'At Any Price'

“EXPAND or Die.” These three words have resonated across the heartland of the United States like a wildfire, destroying much of the country’s breadbasket and contributing to the spoilage of the U.S. food supply.

This mantra is played out in “At Any Price,” which makes its New York debut tonight at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival (TFF). "The English Teacher," starring Julianne Moore in the title role as a dedicated and newly reinvigorated educator at a smalltown Pennsylvania school, will receive its share of notice. Martin Scorsese’s restored version of The King of Comedy is the festival closer, that is its last premiere. TFF shutters on 28 April.

At the center of “At Any Price” is the Whipple family of Iowa. The patriarch is Henry (Dennis Quaid). He’s running a prosperous farm and covets even more prosperity. Henry has no compunctions about selling Liberty Seeds’ GMO (genetically modified organism) corn to meet his ends. Any recording in his conscience that might suggest that GMO corn is not the way forward is being ignored. (See video above).

Henry wants his elder son to join him in the family business, especially since it's about to expand. Favorite son Grant (Patrick Stevens) will have no part of farming and leaves Iowa to see the world. Left at home is second son Dean (Zac Efron) who has NASCAR dreams. Henry sneers at his son’s choice of career and just about everything he aspires to; nevertheless Henry tries to pen his dream on a reluctant Dean.

From here, a web of drama unfolds in “At Any Price,” which sometimes throws the main thurst of the film off track. The main storyline is the death of the family farm at the grubby hands of agribusiness. To sex up the story, however, director Ramin Bahrani adds to it infidelity, a sex kitten, opportunism and destructive family traits.

Occasionally, the film is overwrought in making its point. Yet, it is an important story, additives notwithstanding. Practically, it may be able to tell this story better than a million documentaries along the lines of “American Meat,” “Food Inc., and others. (Additional screening on Tuesday).

“At Any Price, a window on the lowdown, dirty business of destroying an American institution, comes to a head at an annual picnic where Henry has to decide once and for all what kind of man he is going to be.

Also showing this evening at 6:30 (additional screenings on Monday and Tuesday ) is “Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me.” The doyenne of theater takes her show on the road, telling tall tales along the way about the way it was. ES staged her last show a couple of weeks ago at the Carlyle Hotel in New York. ES is retiring back to her native Michigan. “Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me” is not one to be missed.

The 2013 TFF features 53 world premieres, 15 North American premieres, eight New York premieres, seven international premieres and six U.S. premieres under various categories, including the competitive World Narrative and Documentary.

One of three documentaries to watch is “Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic,” making its world premiere. Director Marina Zenovich presents a touching, if disturbing portrait of the iconic comedian straight outta Peoria, then to the top, then to rock bottom, then through a cycle of self-reflection and redemption. Contemporary comics, particularly those who traffic in the expletive in and of itself as the joke form of comedy, PAY ATTENTION; learn from a master.

Elaine Stritch has some parting words in “Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me.” Photo provided by Tribeca Film Festival.

What would a film festival be without Shorts, right? Right. Meanwhile, Cinemania has been rechristened the Midnight section. Films shown late or ‘round midnight. Pretty creepy, horrific fare along the lines of Danny Mulheron’s “Fresh Meat.” Herein, city slicker lawbreakers hightail it to an uppercrust suburb where the denizens have a taste for human flesh. Yuck!

Movies that merge filmmaking with the latest technologies, creating interactivity and the newish transmedia are under the rubric of Storyscapes. Goes far beyond Web movies, but they figure in the mix. Storyscapes is the wave of the present that few are aware of. Thankfully though, the film industry is adapting to this new medium much faster than the print journalism industry cottoned to New Media.

The man from Peoria in "Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic." Photo provided by Tribeca Film Festival.

A one to watch in the Special Screenings” section and the second noteworthy documentary is “The Trials of Muhammad Ali.” Much notice over the years has been taken of the Rumble in the Jungle. Little attention, however, has been drawn to the price the boxer formerly known as Cassius Clay paid when he refused to fight in Vietnam. Director Bill Siegel shares his take on that chapter in this world premiere.

Another popular feature at TFF is the slate of “Tribeca Talks.” This year’s Directors Series stars Clint Eastwood jawing with Darren Aronofsky. I repeat: CLINT EASTWOOD. That has the potential to be some chat. Arrive early!

Sitting for one of the “Tribeca Talks: After the Movie” panels is Whoopi Goldberg to chat about her directorial debut, “I Got Somethin' to Tell You,” the third of the aforementioned documentaries. Relying in part on interviews with various funny folk and found footage, it is a love letter and moving tribute to one Jackie “Moms” Mabley.

She is the grandmother of all female comedians. In this documentary, making its world premiere tomorrow evening (6:30), is a piece of comedy history about a woman who broke many barriers and who uttered many quotable lines, including the film’s title. One other MM bon mot: "There ain't nothing an old man can do for me but bring me a message from a young one." (See video of Moms Mabley performance above).

Elsewhere, the 2013 TFF freebies are in play: Tribeca Drive-In (through 20 April), Family Festival Street Fair (27 April), Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day (27 April) and Family Screenings (21 and 27 April).

Visit http://www.tribecafilm.com/festival to learn more about the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival, including tickets and schedule. Rx.

Friends, They Keep You In Check and Keep You Healthy

Girlfriends: Charity Shea, Denise Vasi and LisaRaye McCoy of "Single Ladies." Photo courtesy of VH1.

REGARDLESS of what else you neglect, do not neglect your friends.

Why? Because they keep you from doing all manner of stupid and harmful things such as making that call/sending that text, slashing those tires, breaking car windows. And spending money you can ill afford or spending your hard-earned coin on something truly awful.

Friends are there for your highest highs and your lowest lows. They tell you like it is when no one else will. Friends talk you off of ledges.

Further, friends should not be neglected because they are good for your health, according to An Empirical Analysis of the Association Between Social Interaction and Self-Rated Health. It is an article about a study published in the latest edition of the American Journal of Health Promotion, http://www.ajhpcontents.org/toc/hepr/27/4

Real Bromance: The "Entourage" of Adrian Grenier, Jeremy Piven, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon and Jerry Ferrara. Photo from "Entourage" Facebook page.

What the study found is that respondents who self-reported good or excellent health also reported closer contacts with friends over memberships and social activities.

Previous studies about personal (friends, family, neighbors) connections as well as impersonal connections and social activities (organizations, unions, fraternities, sports, youth groups clubs, etc.) showed that all contributed to overall improved health.

However, this latest study, conducted by Swati Mukerjee, found that in both categories, friendship connections had the greatest impact on good health. Sports club membership is the lone organizational connection found to increase the likelihood of a report of good to excellent health.

Best girlfriends ever: Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis and Kim Cattrall of "Sex in the City." Photo from "Sex in the City" Facebook page.

“We all ‘know’ that friendships are ‘good for us,’ but there’s a gap between this accepted wisdom and researched fact, ” SM told the Health Behavior News Service at Bentley College. SM is an associate professor in Department of Economics at the university.

SM examined the role of personal and impersonal connections in the lives of people of different genders, ages, races and education. ”In most demographic groups, friendship turns out to be very important” for self-reported health status, she said.

What’s the takeaway? Keep your friends close, of course. Rx

Family Reunion at 'Motown: The Musical' Opening Night

The Motown family and pretenders after the opening night performance of "Motown: The Musical." Photos from Broadway World.

14 April 2013/NEW YORK – MOTOWN was in the house!!! last night at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre for opening night of
“Motown: The Musical.”

This is the story of one of the most successful record companies in the history of the music bidness, as told by founder Berry Gordy.

Last night, he was joined by the closest members of his family. Heard of Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson? Were Marvin Gaye still of this world, he would have been watching an interpretation of himself on stage, too.

Diana Ross and the woman who plays her, Valisia LeKae.

Gladys Knight was in the audience, as was Mary Wilson. Stevie Wonder. In fact, last night was SW’s second appearance. During the soldout previews, he attended the family and friends night performance on 5 April.

VEVLYN’S PEN theater critic Tamara Beck will review the musical shortly.

After the music stopped, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and "Motown: The Musical" ensemble member, Ryan Shaw, hang out.

Expectations are that the show is going to be a hit, reviews notwithstanding. How can it not be with all of those classic songs?! Even if the acting is atrocious, “Motown: The Musical” will doubtless attract fans of the sound.

Psst, psst: Valisia Lekae, who looks nothing like Diana Ross, does a spot-on impression of the legend. Close your eyes while she is on stage and be transported to a Diana Ross concert.

Visit http://www.motownthemusical.com/upgrade.html to learn more about “Motown: The Musical.” Rx

'Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella' Is Age Appropriate

BY TAMARA BECK

THE point of fairytales is, as the old Disney tune has it, that “they can come true.” As a rule they don’t feature a self-reliant heroine or an overly introspective hero

However, this is the 21st century, and things have changed – at least with the “Cinderella” story.

Douglas Carter Beane has updated the book and added some songs, written with David Chase, to “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.” The musical is making its Broadway debut in an open run at the Broadway Theatre. (See video clips above).

This Prince Topher (Santino Fontana) – short for Christopher and a string of amusing monikers – is a lovely young dragonslayer who wishes he “could do more with my life.” Once the Prince meets Cinderella (Laura Osnes) his resolve to do better grows. The two will rid the kingdom of corruption.

Laura Osnes and Santino Fontana as a power couple in “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.” Photos by Carol Rosegg.

Of course, it is very likely that most know the other parts of the story. The evil stepmother, Madame (Harriet Harris) and her daughters, Gabrielle (Marla Mindelle) and Charlotte (Ann Harada); the fairy godmother, Marie (Victoria Clark), the pumpkin that becomes a coach and the mice that turn into snow-white horses. All are iconic parts of the Cinderella tale.

Rodgers + Hammerstein first created their version of the classic love story for a live television broadcast in 1957 with Julie Andrews in the lead. Most of the the songs are romantic and lyrical or funny and delightful. “Ten Minutes Ago” is simply a wonderful song, as is “The Stepsister’s Lament.”

Cinderella (Laura Osnes) has a sweet song in her heart despite her bitter reality.

Some of the additional material rises to the occasion as a fairytale for the times. The subplot of the “Occupy the Kingdom” character Jean-Michel (Greg Hildreth) is a well-wrought modernization.

Under the able direction of Mark Brokaw, all in the “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella” cast acquit themselves admirably. LO is natural as Cinderella both in rags and rich gowns. SF is a dreamy prince. They and the entire ensemble make this bedtime story leap off the pages into real life.

Cinderella (Laura Osnes) gets a little TLC from her godmother (Victoria Clark).

The costumes by William Ivey Long are breathtaking and quick-change friendly. Anna Louizos’ sets have a picture-book quality.

“Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella” is an opulent and elegantly done production that is beautiful and pleasantly told.

Visit http://www.cinderellaonbroadway.com/ to learn more about “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.” Rx

'42' Can Learn Some Folk Who Don't Have a Clue

ONE day after the day (11 April) in 1947 that Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson broke the color barrier in then modern baseball and three days before Jackie Robinson Day (15 April) in Major League Baseball, “42” arrives in U.S. movie theaters.

The film stars Chadwick Boseman as the slugger and Harrison Ford as the man who recruited him, Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey. It purports to tell the life story of JR. (See video above).

Actually, “42” mostly tells the story of the baptism by fire that JR endured in the name of what was civilized, right and decent. No doubt, many baseball fans, and perhaps sports fans in general, will see the film.

It is hoped, however, that people of color (non-Europeans) – particularly those who arrived in this country after Jim Crow and overt discrimination in every facet of American life were outlawed – will have a look. “42” can be a mind-altering history lesson where a disturbing gap in knowledge exists.

Living in New York City, one commonly encounters people from all over the world who make Gotham their home. In fact, sometimes it is difficult to get simple directions because most of the people on the street do not have a firm enough grasp of English to offer assistance. Incidentally, this isn’t a screed against new immigrants or immigration in general.

The United States is a nation of immigrants. Unfortunately, some folk seem to forget this in their determination to deport as many darker-hued mainly Spanish-speaking people as possible, the distorted faces of illegal immigration in the United States.

The point is that the world lives in New York City. Much of this world arrived on these shores long after overt institutional discrimination, the sort that “42” provides a glimpse of, was outlawed. Many of these newcomers have not a clue about the struggles of black Americans. Too often, they only know what they see: black Americans are a societal scourge.

To the minds of many of these people – who’ve emigrated from Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Europe, Middle East – Black Americans are the poorest, the sickest, the dumbest, the most criminal and on and on. The worst of the worst.

Of course, they get most of their information about black Americans from entertainment and media. Those who get firsthand accounts are mainly poor. They can only afford to live where poor people, including poor black people, live. Poverty ain’t pretty, and they have been witness to some pretty ugly behavior.

They do not live among most black Americans, people who are working-class, middle-income, upper-income and wealthy and who are less likely to engage in the ugly behavior that has so marked us as bad people. Rarely do our friends pause in their rush to judgment to challenge themselves to suss out what would cause people to act like animals, the preferred keyword when describing the bad behavior of black folk.

When President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the G.I. Bill of Rights, life improved for a lot of Americans, but not all. Photo courtesy of the Libary of Congress.

What “42” does to some extent is provide insight into the effects that crippling institutional discrimination and racism have had on a people, a people that built this country, incidentally. “42” has the potential to do far more educating and enlightening than any lecture on Redlining, U.S. Slavery, Reconstruction, Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement.

The film can illustrate to these newcomers, particularly those from the Caribbean, the sacrifices that black Americans have made; the horrors and terrorism they suffered to make this country a far more livable place for people like them and all newcomers of color.

Do A-Rod, Sammy Sosa and all of those Major League Baseball players from places such as Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic understand that if it were not for Jackie Robinson or some other black man, they would not be playing in the league? One wonders.

This baseball film can do in two hours what a million lectures on the discriminatory nature of the GI Bill and FHA (Federal Housing Administration) cannot. Such programs as these helped people who at the time were only marginally white, like Italian Americans and Irish Americans, out of poverty.

These Great Society program were the bootstrap that so-called white Americans used to pull themselves up. They were given low- and/or no-interest loans to pursue education, buy property, start small businesses, to keep a farm going and so on.

Through these programs, they were able to build equity and a little wealth that they could pass along to future generations. Overwhelmingly, black Americans couldn’t avail themselves of these programs for no other reason than that they were black. Period.

Most newcomers (and frankly, old heads) to this country who have such disdain for black Americans have no knowledge of this ugly side of the GI Bill and the FHA. Nor have they heard of Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Black Wall Street or any of the other black business districts that thrived in the early 20th century.

They are ignorant of the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921. In fact, very few people in general know that during this tragic episode poor and working class whites destroyed this booming community in Oklahoma out of envy and spite. Of course, “42” does not address these events.

Tulsa, Oklahoma's Greenwood Avenue was "The Street" back in the day. Photo courtesy of the Beryl Ford collection.

The film does, however, pack enough historical punch to at the very least cause well-meaning people, particularly those from the African Diaspora, to start to rethink their negative attitudes toward black Americans. To realize that people of all groups will behave badly, and there is no good excuse for bad behavior.

But more important to understand the hardships that black Americans, through no fault of their own, have endured in this great country. Hardships that now allow newcomers like themselves a far greater measure of comfort, opportunity and freedom.

On this point alone, “42” scores a homerun.

42 is rated PG-13 (for thematic elements including language); visit http://www.42movie.warnerbros.com/ to learn more about the film. Rx

Betsey Johnson SS13 Dress Collection. Ha! Seriously.

HEAD’S UP: Was there any doubt that after debuting “Glimpses of Fall” last year that there would be a “Glimpses of Spring?” Of course, not! Same deal; different season: To help trade and to help VEVLYN’S PEN readers and followers (potential shoppers), Yours Truly will be bringing to your attention over the next few weeks or so various spring collections. Most Thursdays through Memorial Day or the first week of June – I haven’t decided yet; stay tuned – I’ll provide a peek at a line/brand/shop that I deem captivating and worthy of your notice. Happy shopping!

FOR the doubters, introducing the Betsey Johnson SS13 Dress Collection. Yes, dresses – and not a cheerleader costume in the mix. Actual. Dresses.

BJ is actually capable of designing clothes that real women – not extremely young females or drag queens – will wear.

Mixed media sundress. Some vital stats: V-neck, full skirt, smocked back. Top, 92% polyester, 8% spandex. Skirt, 70% cotton, 30% spandex. Photos from Betsey Johnson Web site.

Recall that she likes to have fun, and that was what she was doing all of those seasons when it seemed to many that she was not designing at all. When the rap on the former dancer and cartwheel specialist was that she was just feeding her ever-expanding branding machine. No one is denying any merit in such observations.

Color block tank dress. Some vital stats: accordion pleats, scoop neck, dropped waist; 100% polyester

Her eponymous brick&mortars may be no more, but BJ is still holding it down online and in Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and Macy’s amongst other places. In fact, a few weeks back, the Macy’s windows at New York’s Herald Square flagship store went all-out BJ.

Striped dress. Some vital stats: twist allusion, crew neck; 95% rayon, 5% spandex

At Macy’s, BJ declared to all who had ears, “I'm back!!! Doing my dress thing. Pretty and punk, sweet and sexy, always rock 'n' roll."

Who knew BJ had gone anywhere? In any case, she's undertaken a little makeover or simply returned to some fundamentals. Indeed, a brush with insolvency and irrelevance can send a body back to the sewing room. Make a date to meet Zip Front Tank; Floral w/Peplum' Striped; Color Block Tank; Mixed Media Sundress and others.

Confetti print dress. Some vital stats: assymmetry, draping ruching; 95% polyester, 5% spandex

The fetching assortment is fun, flirty, insouciant. And wearable, proving that BJ can have her fun and produce a serious frock, too.

That’s worth at least two cartwheels, no?

Visit http://www.bit.ly/YAiG6W to learn more about Betsey Johnson SS13 Dress Collection. Rx

Keuka Village (2011) Is Spring’s Saucy Little Red

Keuka Village Red (2011) and truffles make nice. Photo from Ravines Wines.

BY TAMARA FISH

EARLY spring is such a tease. Winter’s gray skies burn off into gorgeous incandescent blues. Warm breezes park themselves above us, foretelling hot days ahead.

But ever the faithless flirt, spring flits the scene, leaving us once again with a windchill, the threat of flurries at night, and the baffling sensation of having been stood up. Nevertheless, if spring ever wanted to come around again, there we would be, following without question.

Saucy, fun, playful and light, who wouldn’t want to bask in spring’s glory? Now there’s a wine that’s perfect for these fun, fickle but promising times. Typically, rosés have been the fashionable choice for the past three years, but let me introduce you to a novel alternative: a curious wine from the Finger Lakes region.

Narrator: Finger Lakes. Are you a Riesling?
Curious Wine (CW): Mais non, cherie. (I did say the wine was a flirt?)
Narrator: Red or white?
CW: Rouge. Red.
Narrator: Wait – you’re not French?
CW: Non, non, non! Moi, je suis Americain. New York.
Narrator: OK. Whatever. Finger Lakes, NY, and not a Riesling. Are you a Lemberger?
CW: Good guess, but not quite (batting eyelashes).
Narrator: Awww, come on!
CW: Do you give up?
Narrator: Yeah.
CW: So easily? (Pouting a little – just a little.)
Narrator: Ya got me.
CW: Well, alright. Ravines Wine Cellars' Keuka Village Red 2011. I’m just a basic red.

Yeah, and you fell for that. Like I said, this wine is saucy.

A Different Type of Fruit Forward
The label reads wine, but understand that the first impression – the aroma from the bottle (nose) – is redolent of grapefruit. Ripe, juicy, luscious grapefruit.

Like spring flowers, the Keuka Village Red suggests something wonderful. Photo courtesy of Swirus71.

Thankfully, the hands know the difference between a wine bottle and a juice jug because by now the brain is fully scrambled. Which one to trust? The nose or the fingers? Can they possibly go together? I mean, really now: grapefruit? In a wine? Seriously? Is Ravines Wine Cellars putting one over on us?

The grapefruit nose continues to tumble out of the bottle, as if a freshly peeled skin lay nearby. Red wine, but of a curiously light shade, tumbles into the glass, more reminiscent of red currant juice than the rich deep tones of a Petit Syrah. Intriguing, but then again, it’s time for a reality check. We’ve all had our wine hopes dashed before.

Then the first sip. Confirmed: like spring that sneaks up and surprises, the Keuka Village Red is like a grapefruit twist in a dry (not sweet) red wine. A few more seconds after the first sip (middle palate) and a hint of black pepper, reminiscent of a Pinot Noir, creeps in. Then, like a flash, the pepper’s gone and the lingering taste (long finish) scrawls a fleeting reminder: “Citrus was here.”

Keuka Village Red (2011) puts step into spring. Photo from Ravine Wines.

Blast from the Past, Updated
Now, before instantaneously dismissing the combination as disgusting, think back to all those retro ‘80s wine spritzers. What was that, if not wine with a lemon twist? Simply forgo the diluting seltzer, switch the wine from a white to light red, and change the lemon to grapefruit. Voilà!

Hmmm. Not quite sure what to do with this one? Can Keuka Village Red seem like a beautiful spring day full of promise that has everybody scrambling for jackets, completely confusing the senses? Well, yes, I’ll buy that, but in this case, let me provide a bit of context. Think of an appetizer or entrée that would benefit from a splash of citrus, especially grapefruit:

Ceviche
Hummus with roasted peppers and pine nuts
A mild cheese with apples and olives
Baked sea bass
Roast duck
Country sausages
Artisanal pizza with drizzled olive oil

The slight grapefruit undercurrent in the light red wine would cut through both oiliness and heaviness, leaving a refreshingly clean taste.

What's missing from this spread? Keuka Village Red! Photo by Lenka Pužmanová.

Like that stunningly unanticipated spring day, Keuka Village Red is a bold refreshing choice for those who take chances on something new or different. Some will welcome the change of pace, while a few might find its novel twist too striking. What to do? Cover your bases. For only $13, buy it; buy a favorite backup “Plan B” bottle, open both, and let your friends try them for themselves.

Ravines Wine Cellars 2011 Keuka Village Red: such a flirt, but a (charmingly) unexpected one, too.

Ravines Wine Cellars
2011 Keuka Village Red
(Cabernet Franc & Noiret blend)
$13; Order directly from the producer, http://www.bit.ly/12OL6jZ

Next up: Wine 101: What's in a year? Rx

I Like Me! I Really Like Me, After a Facebook Lift!

Facebook has the power to make us feel better about ourselves, a study finds.

THE world beating you down? Mucking with your self-esteem?

Well, don’t just wallow there, feeling lower than a snake's belly. Sign on to the computer and/or mobile device and visit your Facebook page. One simple visit can reaffirm that you are super, fine and wonderful. In effect, you are SOMEBODY and somebody good.

Essentially, this is a result of a study by no less an authority than a Cornell University communications expert. Jeff Hancock reported these findings in last month’s issue of the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, http://www.bit.ly/16LTwqX.

According to an article in the March 2013 issue of the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Facebook membership has its privileges.

"The conventional wisdom is that Facebook use is merely a time sink and leads to an assortment of negative consequences. But our research shows that it can be a psychologically meaningful activity that supplies a sense of well-being at a relatively deep level," says study co-author JH, who teaches communication and computer and information science. "The extraordinary amount of time people spend on Facebook may be a reflection of its ability to satisfy ego needs that are fundamental to the human condition."

JH and study co-author Catalina Toma reached these conclusions after two experiments with university undergraduates that involved a speech on which they were critiqued. In both experiments, undergrads who received negative feedback were either less defensive if they’d visited their Facebook page before the critique or were more likely to seek solace on Facebook afterward. Facebook had no involvement with the study.

On the surface, the study – "Self-affirmation Underlies Facebook Use" – might seem trivial. However, as the researchers point out, this has the potential to eradicate a lot of societal problems such as teen smoking. Not to mention sex abuse and all manner of crimes and generally stupid behavior that humans indulge in.

Rather than break the car windows of an ex or run someone over with a car, or slit a wrist over on-the-job frustrations, visit Facebook. It may be just the thing to keep you from going over the deep end and taking a few folk with you..

"As a widely available, everyday source of self-affirmation, Facebook appears to be a useful instrument in people's efforts to preserve self-worth and self-integrity," JH says ... Rx

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