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AT THE FLICKS By David Schultz, film critic

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson

THE HUNGER GAMES:
CATCHING FIRE (***)
Even though “Hunger Games” set the groundwork for what’s to follow, “Catching Fire” seems to do a better job in establishing the whole thing under Francis Lawrence’s direction. Suzanne Collins’ dystopian young adult novel trilogy turned movie franchise is a sturdy centerpiece and visual and creative spectacle that defies most of the characters’ positions.
After “doing what she had to do to win” the 74th hunger games, Katniss returns home barely able to relax with family and friends in District 12. When she already has a visitor waiting to meet with her privately — President Snow (Donald Sutherland) who felt she cheated to win with poison berries.
But Snow also feels threatened by her popularity among the common folks. As Snow sets out to alter and destroy her radical image to one in league with The Capitol that would discredit her with the people.
Katniss is obviously the film’s “chosen one” to oppose the Capitol. But for now, she’s given the task to embark on a “victor’s tour” through each district with her combatant partner and wannabe love interest, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) to convince Snow and The Capitol of their love. Even though the reality of this is different between the couple since Peeta knows he’s playing second fiddle to Katniss’s true love and miner, Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth) who appears late in the second half whom has to be rescued by Katniss from a medieval arena –type whipping from interfering with the thug-like enforcer known as the Peacekeeper
But at the beginning of each tour stop, Katniss and Peeta goes off script and encounters crowd that hold up the mocking jay hand sign of defiance that quickly leads to public executions . Yet, the couple is trapped by their commitment that if not followed; could lead to the destruction of their district and their family and friends. So the couple hopes to appease the President by publicly announcing their wedding engagement. But eventually, from his view on the balcony and the slight shake of his head, President Snow isn’t buying it like everyone is.
Added to the cast is now Phillip Seymour Hoffman as the head of game makers, Plutarch Heavensbee who appears to be in league with President Snow who decides to alter the upcoming 75th Hunger Games with a unique competition called ‘the Quarter Quell’.
In which each pair of past winners from their district are put through a survival test leading in the survivors battling through task and creatures that befall them in a sea clock that lasts one hour being monitored and observed by Snow and Plutarch in an conservative effort rewrites the rules on Katniss and a rebellion is beginning to swell amongst the people in the poverty stricken district the some starling news.
Even though it is a bit long winded for its two and a half hour running time, Director Lawrence manages to bring out socio-politico message and misguided lure of sports and competition to further Collin’s underlining philosophy and themes from her books.
Along with the interplay and trauma of the main characters in this intricate script that equally lays the foundation well along with the improvement to the technical aspects of the film. And abrupt climaxes on the book fans and moviegoers who might still hunger for a little more than what they were left with.
PG13; 146min. A Lionsgate Release – Presented at selected theaters
NEBRASKA (***1/2)
There is a sense of simplicity and grace that smoothly unfolds, while viewing the latest film from director Alexander Payne who gave us “Sideways” and “The Descendents”.
Centered and titled in the filmmaker’s home state, “Nebraska” is a beautifully, scenic black and white photographed movie that visually echoes director Peter Bogdanovich’s 1971’s “The Last Picture Show” and seems to capture the empty despair in rural America felt by the diminishing population and economy today as the end of innocence.
These same surroundings seem to reflect the uselessness presence of Woody Grant (Bruce Dern), an aging, stubborn feeble minded alcoholic who is living past his prime. When he suddenly receives one of those Publishers’ Clearinghouse-type notices that he mistakenly believes he’s won a million dollars that gives him a purpose.
Even though Woody has been told countless times that he’s won nothing. Woody remains undeterred. making various attempts to “walk” (not run) away from his home and his long suffering wife, Kate (June Squibb) and his two grown sons, David (Will Forte) who thinks his father only wants to live for something. While older brother Ross (Bob Odenkirk), a temporary TV anchorman thinks a nursing home is the best place for his father. Still, Woody continuously slips out on foot headed toward the company’s headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska to collect his prize money in person.
The film initially open with Woody (Bruce Dern) trudging down the emergency lane of the Montana highway. Only to be stopped by the sheriff who takes him into his squad car and back to the station.
Where his son, David (Will Forte) eventually takes his father on a road trip to Nebraska. Already knowing the outcome for his father. But using the time to escape his own mundane life working in a dead end job as an electronic shop clerk, his failed attempt to regain his wife who left him, and a chance to get to know his father better.
Veteran SNL player, Will Forte does a credible acting job through his nuanced performance that plays well off of Bruce Dern’s crusty role exterior. Reportedly, the role was originally offered to Gene Hackman; Bruce Dern is the right touch in a memorable, simplistic performance this film needed.
Clearly, his years as a veteran character actor serve him well here. Where a bigger marquee name might have out-shadowed and discredit the story.
At age 77, this is the kind of life achievement role that should earn Bruce Dern an Oscar nomination that would a highlight A slight altercation occurs when Woody suffers a head injury but refuses to go home. Instead, a rest stop is arranged for a family gathering at Woody’s hometown of Hawthorne, Nebraska. Where Woody’s millionaire status becomes headline news that brings out all levels of moochers from relatives to a former business partner, Ed Pegram (Stacy Keach), each making their claim from early years of helping Woody during his drinking binges. But it takes his wife, Kate to set everyone straight when they all tried to gang up on Woody
Of course, we’ve already got the scent early on that Woody was hardly the perfect father, husband and/or friend with those that crossed his path or part of his life.
Eventually, Woody learns the truth for himself when he and David finally reach the company office in Lincoln. While David also learns the reason for his father’s action was the hope to make up to his family, by leaving something for them. While only wanting a new truck and an air compressor.
It’s a bit idealistic and impractical considering David’s own financial state. How he suddenly he steps up near the film’s finale; to trade his car to provide the truck and a compressor his dad always wanted While at the same time, giving Woody a chance at dignity and self worth, enough to drive out through the center of town in a fitting “driving off into the sunset” finale.
“Nebraska” is a funny, personal and poignant, cinematic ode to living through aging, instead of aging without living. Somewhat, but then again, not -so different kind of movie from director Alexander Payne that is quirky and authentic as his previous films. Honest, heart-felt and funny “Nebraska” becomes a road movie that is his wanderlust to his home state and rural roots that we all can relate to.
PG-13; 114min. A Paramount Pictures Release – Presented at selected theaters
DELIVERY MAN (**1/2)
A humanely funny, often thoughtful romantic comedy, “Delivery Man” puts on a different twist to a familiar premise with some moral and social overtones.
In potentially one of his better (and potent) screen performances, Vince Vaughn plays David Wozniak, the well-meaning but unreliable underachiever truck driver for his family’s meat business who is ridiculed and teased for his ineptness by his two chunky brothers over his ineptness.
While secretly David is also in debt $80G’s to loan sharks. The latter isn’t played out well with much creditability to the text of the film.
But when he visits his girlfriend, Emma (Cobie Smulders), a rookie female cop who reveals to him that she’s pregnant. David hesitates in his Ultimately their discussion leads Emma to feel David is not suitable father material and decides she will raise the child alone.
However, David claims he thinks might want the child. Even through soon after, his best friend and lawyer in training, Britt (Chris Pratt) tells David that he’s not disciple enough. David replies that all he needs is order in his life.
One would think becoming a father would lead to such a conclusion that would straighten out most “boys-to-men” slackers and a definite “game changer”. Still, David’s life-so-far is viewed by others indicates his best intentions are more lip service than action.
Until David returns home to his apartment to find a visitor waiting on him. (It’s really strange how easy people can be in David’s apartment before he arrives.). A lawyer from a fertility clinic reveals twenty years ago, David collected a large sum of money from countless sperm donations there under the Now, David learns he happens to be the biological father to 533 kids. In which 143 of them have filed a lawsuit seeking to know “who their daddy is”.
At first glance, the premise sounds far-fetched. But fact is stranger than fiction and the timing might help this movie from the recent news reports of a man’s sperm donation fathered over 150 kids. Just like the real-life1979 nuclear plant meltdown that occurred before the release of “The Chinas Syndrome”.
Now, David has something to prove to himself that he’s not the slacker he is. After he given an envelope with the description of each of the plaintiffs, David secretly begins to seek out and observe each plaintiff.
Initially, David is curious and becomes excited that his sperm helped produce a young NBA star. This initial discovery embolden him to not reveal his true identity, but to take a different stanza when he takes a chance in believing a drug addict has a new job at Bloomingdale; tries filling-in for a wannabe actor working at a coffee shop on his first audition.
These and other small gestures makes David he could be their “guardian angel”, lending support without revealing his connection to each plaintiff from the envelope. Using his encounter to prove to himself that he’s not as incompetent as everyone thinks he is.
And to show Emma that he can be “the true and involved father’ beyond his sperm donations to her child. Eventually, David’s efforts lead to a public and personal revelation.
An interesting comedy that has something to say about our beliefs and behavior that was based upon the 2011 indie movie, “Starbuck” with the same writers. Still, I felt watching “Delivery Man” seems to take the long way around to reach its point.
PG-13; 103min. A DreamWorks Picture Released through Touchstone Pictures – Presented at selected theaters

In Loving Memory of Dorothy Norment

Dorothy was born in Tieplant, Mississippi on February 12, 1954 to proud parents, Ardelia & Joe Conley (who preceded her in death). Dorothy was the youngest of four. Her eldest sibling, Joanne Phillips, Pearl Conley (preceeded her in death, and Billie James Conley welcomed her with open arms.

She married Esrkine Norment Sr. and he become her soul-mate and best friend. Together they raised seven beautiful children, Ronda Rocquemore (Terrell), Sonya Norment-Jackson (Terry), Janine, Sylvia, Nikia, Nicole Midderhoff (Jason), and Erskine Jr. Dorothy was a strong woman who provided stability to her family.

She was an instrumental force in the North Lawndale community. During the 90’s, she spent most of her time in volunteering at Matthew

A. Henson elementary school through various activities. She was an active member of the PTA , Local School Council, and an Advocate for educating youth. Everyone could depend on her and she was always willing to help out. She dedicated her life to her family as a wife, a mother, a sister, and grandmother. She was always laughing, smiling and being a mother to everyone in the community.

She was an intelligent, loving and nurturing woman. She was courageous and energetic. She loved the sound of the electric guitar. Her hobbies, arts & crafts, and collecting movies gave her peace and the peace to be creative and imaginative. Dorothy also loved plants and flowers. She was a self-proclaimed horticulturist and this was evident by the landscaping outside of her home and the beautiful kitchen she maintained full of plants.

On October 8th, 2013, Dorothy took her last breath. It was her turn to bless heaven with her presence. While the family mourned their loss of Dorothy, they knew she would soon join her parents and older sister.

Dorothy leaves behind her five grandchildren (Deja, Kamari, Kameron, Chase and London), and a host of nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Letter to the Editor : CPS’ Restructuring of Local Networks Hurts North Lawndale Schools

CPS has just restructured its networks to better align its academic goals and geographies of existing neighborhoods. They reduced the number of existing networks from 19 separate networks for elementary schools and high schools to 13 networks that encompass Pre-Kindergarten education through Grade 12. CPS hopes the new structure will allow for a more “coherent, continuous delivery of instruction for students starting in Pre-Kindergarten through the 12th grade.”

Some school types will operate under their own organizational structure. The Alternative Schools Network has been renamed the Department of Option Schools, and will report to the Office of Innovation and Incubation. Service Leadership Academies (Military) will be counted in the new Network structure, but will operate as a separate unit within the District. Lastly, AUSL schools will no longer be included under the new Network structure and will instead receive support directly from the Chief Officer of Network Supports. To date, AUSL operates 4 schools in North Lawndale: Chalmers School of Excellence, Collins Academy, Johnson School of Excellence and Herzl School of Excellence.

The Lawndale Alliance really likes the idea of creating networks that address education from pre-k-12. For too long there has been a huge disconnect between early childhood education, elementary education and high school education. Many of the issues that are uncovered in elementary and high school have their foundation in a child’s formative years. We think approaching education from pre-k-12 could help to better align curriculum as a child moves from pre-school through high school graduation.

It would be helpful to share the new organization structure and staff names so that we have a better sense for how this “looks” on paper, and thus, get a better understanding for how this will “work” from an operational standpoint.

We are deeply concerned that this new structure could potentially cause more division within a system that is already dangerously polarized. Maybe “polarized” is not a good choice of words, as it seems to connote choosing between 2 extremes. We have many divisions in our system. This restructuring will allow many silos within single communities and result in less transparency to CPS stakeholders. Even worse, communities like North Lawndale don’t have a traditional neighborhood high school. This new restructuring–with AUSL, charters and alternative schools that ostensibly serve the same communities, but report to different network chiefs– could undermine the alignment that your pre-k-12 structure seeks to achieve. You also compound the potential for traditional neighborhood schools to continue to be under-resourced while other schools continue to get more resources at their expense. And who at the CAC level would know, since the AUSL schools, charters and alternative schools are all part of different networks?

North Lawndale is in an especially serious situation, because this new structure has separated our neighborhood high schools from the elementary schools. Collins High School is an AUSL school, and will only be reaching out to other AUSL elementary schools. For all intents and purposes, AUSL will be operating as an island unto itself in and around Douglas Park (with the exception of Herzl). North Lawndale College Prep and other charters will be isolated into their own network, creating alignment among charter elementary schools and North Lawndale College Preparatory Charter High School.

Guess what? There is no traditional high school in North Lawndale with which the remaining traditional elementary schools may be aligned. What is the plan to prepare children from traditional elementary schools in North Lawndale for high school? With what high school does CPS propose to align them?

It’s bad enough that CPS closed 50 schools and developed a master facilities plan that does not adequately align capital resources with a strategic education plan that lifts ALL boats. Now, we have to live with a structure that compounds segregation in a hopelessly segregated system. (This time, its along sponsorship of school type). How does this improve education for all? A school system is only as strong as its weakest link. This structure weakens the majority of its members, and cannot be sustained.

Sincerely,

Valerie F. Leonard

Co-Founder, Lawndale Alliance

Roll Call/Healing Temple Church to Rehab Gym

Members of Roll Call and Pastor of Healing Temple Church Rev. Vincent Kirkwood Black outfit – center, inside gym above church seek to rehab it for area youth programs.

By Todd Thomas

Life in the inner city has never been tougher than it is today and youth are facing an uphill battle to stay on the right path. But organizations like Roll Call in North Lawndale are helping to maintain some positive momentum with programs to help guide area youth to more successful futures.

Roll Call is only a few years old, but they have already touched the lives of many people on the West Side. They have worked with youth between the ages of 5-24, and they have also worked with seniors, but their motto “empowering the ex-offender in order to prevent the next offender,” is geared primarily toward at-risk youth and young adults.

The organization has provided school supplies, taken youth on field trips and held community events like barbecues, but perhaps the most significant program currently running is the work program where they place area youth with local businesses.

They had participants working at Wallace’s Catfish Corner, Harold’s Chicken, and the North Lawndale Community News. “It teaches youth how to be responsible, how to value a job, and how to conduct themselves in the workplace,” said administrative director, Linda Weatherspoon.

Always looking for ways to expand the program, Roll Call is now planning to rehab an old gymnasium which is above the Healing Temple Church, and adjacent to the Roll Call offices. They have the support of Church Pastor Vincent Kirkwood Sr., and are in the beginning phase of rehabbing the gym and using it as a place for vocational training and recreation.

“It will save lives — the gym will save lives,” said Roll Call executive director Milton Golden. “If you’ve got over thirty or fifty people participating in the gym program or vocational program then you’ve got thirty or fifty people that are not out there on the streets.”

Golden also said the gym will not just be another unstructured place to play ball.

“It’s not just a gym and it’s not just about sports,” he said. “The gym is just to get their attention and put them in an environment to succeed. This gym is going to be vocational, educational, and recreational.”

Weatherspoon also points out several areas where the gym can be a positive place for youth. “Sports are good because nowadays kids spend a lot of time on computers. I would like to see them get back into exercising to help prevent obesity.”

She also thinks having the gym as an outlet could help stem the ever-growing tide of violence in the community. “A lot of our youth have anger issues. I honestly believe that if they’re punching a bag instead of punching on each other that will help them release some frustration. What they have now is violence, but the gym will be a place for them to come to release some anger and frustration,” Weatherspoon said.

The gym, which will be called “Project Safehouse,” is in pretty bad shape now and hasn’t been used for some time. Contractor Chuck Mincy of Chuck Construction recently toured the facility and believes that it can definitely be rehabbed and brought up to code.

The facility will need new floors, windows, heating and air conditioning, among other things. “It’s a doable thing,” said Mincy. “If they get the budget for it, it’s a doable thing.”

Mincy has over 35 years in construction and he’s been teaching young men and ex-offenders the basics of construction in Chuck Construction Involvement since 2003. He thinks the gym project would be a good place for youth in the community to learn the trade.

They would learn all facets of construction such as dry walling, painting, electrical work, basic wiring, plumbing, carpentry, and demolition. “It can help young men from instead of getting ready to go to jail to getting ready to go to work,” he said

Roll Call plans on initially approaching Menards to donate materials for the project and they have gathered signatures from over 1000 west side residents to demonstrate the communities support for the gym.

Making Project Safehouse a reality and growing Roll Call overall will take a lot of work, but Golden said he’s in it for the long haul.

“It’s my responsibility and I love it,” he said. “I love what we do — it’s a passion for me.”

Magic Johnson Brought to Tears at New Bridgescape School in Lawndale

Ex-NBA superstar/businessman Ervin Magic Johnson is overwhelmed by Bridgescape student Haman Cross’ introduction.

North Lawndale Bridgescape Academy student Haman Cross at podium giving a heartfelt speech before introducing ex-NBA superstar Magic Johnson (right of Hayman). Rapper Common also listening (white shirt).

By Isaac Lewis, Jr

An inspiring intelligent speech was given by 18 yr old Haman Cross, a student who attends the new Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academy in North Lawndale, located at one of their two schools in the Chicago area, targeting high school dropouts.
Ex-NBA superstar, now successful businessman and philanthropist Magic Earvin Johnson could not hold back the emotional tears. He was caught off guard by the speech and introduction by Haman to the podium. Johnson was overwhelmed with emotion for 46 seconds before uttering out the words “God is so good.” Johnson and Haman marked the high point in the press conference launching Johnson’s “Friends of Magic” initiative.
“When something wonderful happens, we always want to share it with our friends. When we need help with something important, we often call on our friends. Today something wonderful is happening and Mr. Johnson is inviting friends to join him and help a critical national issue, high school dropouts….,” stated Natalie Williams, Vice President Strategic Alliances and Company Excellence with EdisonLearning, Inc. and in charge of the coordinating the press conference for Magic Johnson.
EdisonLearning, Inc. is a strategic partner with the Bridgescape Schools. Magic Johnson Bridgescape core curriculum is provided by EdisonLearning e-Courses. EdisonLearning is also accredited as a Learning Service Provider by the Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). EdisonLearning is also accredited as a Distance Education School by the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC), an accreditation division of AdvancED. Ms. Williams has been selected to head the “Friends of Magic” initiative.
Even though a report by the National Education Association on June 10, 2013 headlines that the U.S. Graduation Rate Highest in 40 Years, 25% of U.S. students are not graduating from high school, that’s one in four, proving the need for schools such as Magic Johnson’s Bridgescape Academy. The dropout rate in America is still in crisis and the rate in Chicago is even more alarming despite recent improvements, according to a report and research done by America’s Promise. 65.4% of Chicago Public Schools students graduate from high school in four years. Only 38% of African-American males in Chicago earn a diploma compared to the national average of 48%. Over 38% of Chicago high school students are at risk of dropping out each year. 50.9% of African-American Males are at risk.
Johnson stated that he is passionate about what he does and everything he does is in urban America. “I’ve built ten Starbucks here in Chicago. I’ve owned three hotels and built mixed-use projects here and put many people to work and I will continue to do so,” said Johnson.
There are Magic Johnson Bridgescape schools across the country already and growing. Magic Johnson also made a heartfelt promise to financially provide for Haman Cross’ education and said, “Young man you don’t have to worry about your education.” Johnson was recently on the new Arsenio Hall show and stated that he had met with President Obama about education and when asked by NLCN about it he stated, “I had already had this in place…. We’re going to still do some great things together and we’re building that right now….The President is really serious about education and also putting people to work, especially in these inner cities because we need those peace jobs for these people.”
Media from across the country were in attendance and many VIPs including Gov. Pat Quinn, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt, 28th Ward Ald. Jason Ervin, and 24th Ward Michael Chandler, where the Lawndale School is located. Ald. Chandler’s office was instrumental in helping the Lawndale Bridgescape School expedite the necessary city approvals to open up on time with only days left before it was to open. Also in attendance was Sidney Green, former Chicago Bulls player, now the Bull’s team ambassador.
“We just heard how important education is, there are two forces in life on one side there are the movers and the shakers and on the other side there are those who are moved and shaken. And the difference between them is a good education. It’s important that we make sure every boy and girl get a diploma, a high school diploma… This Bridgescape program is really committed to using online techniques to help our young people learn what they have to learn to get that diploma,” said Gov. Quinn.
Chief Development officer for Bridgescape Academy, Matt Given introduced Jack Elsey, Chief Innovation and Incubation Officer at CPS who said, “We recognize that students take different pathways to success and that sometimes, everyone can fall off track. But it is in those instances that we have a collective responsibility, as a school system, as a community, as a city to help our kids get back on a path to success.
The very first friend of the “Friends of Magic” organization is rapper and actor, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr. more famously known as “Common,” offering support along with his organization Common Ground to assist the Bridgescape program. Common’s mother, Dr. Mahalia Ann Hines was also in attendance at the event. “When you are friends with somebody, you get to understand what they are truly about,” said Common.
Opening up the press conference was 24th Ward Alderman Michael Chandler stating, “Our children’s educational achievement is critically important, I am pleased to put my stamp of approval on this innovative educational program designed to address student dropout rates and the hope it brings to the future students and families it will serve. Our children are our most important resource. The Bridgescape program will give our youth another vehicle to enhance their educational options and to become contributing positive and productive members of our community.”
Also in attendance, behind the scenes and instrumental in the launch of the two schools in Chicago were Will Polite, Vice President Business Development at Bridgescape and assisting in recruitment and community relations building were Revin Fellows who also introduced NLCN to Bridgescape and Polite. Fellows, a Chief Operating Officer at Books over Balls program along with Family Focus was instrumental in recruiting Haman Cross.
The North Lawndale Bridgescape Academy had initially hired former principal Beverly Jordan of Pope Elementary School, who lost the Pope School position when it closed as part of the recent mass Chicago Public School closings. She was recently rehired by CPS in another position. Replacing her is Cory Gold as Director of the North Lawndale Bridgescape Academy. “We already have over 20 students who have completed at least one course toward their graduation, said Gold. He also recited a poem Diamonds in the Wilderness as an introduction for Haman Cross. “I enrolled at MJBA because I need a diploma. I needed a bridge to cross the gap between traditional schooling and a diploma,” said Cross. To open such a school in the Lawndale Community is a beacon of hope and encouragement to the young student body and to the community,” said Cross.
There are three ways to enroll at the school, online at http://magicjohnsonbridgescape.com, or in person at Lawndale enrollment office at 2177 S. Millard Ave. The school campus is located at 3210 W. Roosevelt. The second school is expected to open in Roseland on November 4, confirmed by Will Polite. The enrollment office is located at 1750 E. 71st Street, Suite 204. The Southside campus will be located at 10928 S. Halsted. You can call for enrollment at either school at (773) 238-2677.

Rapper Tony B “Laid Back”

Extraordinary people go to extraordinary measures to make their dreams come true! Tony Butler was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1995. Tony attended School in Chicago Illinois. Tony B began rapping at the age 12 years old when he was inspired by seeing big name rap artist on MTV Cribs and seeing the lifestyle that he could have. Since that time Tony has been unstoppable!

He started his own record label (HTM Record Label) since the group split and went their own direction. He change his company name to Live Life Entertainment with the help of his Mother/Manager Yolanda Strickland. “Tony B” frequently appears and performs in parks/venues around the Chicago land area. Tony B also toured with WGCI radio host & pop singer Demi Lobo, R & B singer Jacob Latimore and rap artis Ace Primo. Tony B has a powerful message for his peers to always dream big and never let anyone kill your dreams. Tony B has defiantly shown that your never too young to be a CEO!

To check out TONY B go ONLINE to http://www.reverbnation.com/tonybyungceo

At the Flicks by David Schultz

WORLD WAR Z (**1/2)

Ever since George Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead”, zombies have been mostly used as a metaphor on social, political, racial commentary. Quite visually, “World War Z” brings forth the zombie apocalypse as an incurable viral epidemic raging on a global scale like “Contagion”.

Only there doesn’t seem to be an explainable reason (only suggesting some virus born out of the environment) for the rise of the undead population that has begun to devour like a ravenous tsunami on major cities during traffic congested rush hour.

Caught in such a moment is Brad Pitt who plays Gerry Lane, a ex- U.N. investigator who used to work” dangerous places” who retired to be with his wife, Karen (Mireille Enos) and their children. But I guess because of Gerry’s profession, danger has a way of finding a person like him.

Gerry with his family finds themselves on route stuck in traffic. Suddenly a fleeing cyclist suddenly rips off his driver’s mirror. And then when a cop on a cycle advises Gerry to stay in his vehicle. The cop gets bulldozed by an out of control truck. These are sudden, shock moments that we observe that drives this

And almost like a scene from 9/11 cloud burst and thunderous sounds heads toward the cars to show a wave of fast moving zombies washing upon and turning people into them.

Gerry and his family find refuge with a Latino family in a hi-rise project. Where Gerry gets a phone call from his former boss, Thierry (South African actor Fana Mokoena in an impressionable performance here) who blackmails Gerry back into action in order to provide sanctuary for his family on a UN ship monitoring the events.

Gerry is placed on a global search for the cure, when he’s paired with a young doctor who knows something about this Zombie epidemic. The trek begins in South Korea aboard a plane where the doctor fighting with the soldiers against the zombies upon landing there; accidentally stumbles with a gun and kills himself.

But soon after and throughout the film, Gerry learns some key dialogue from the deceased doctor and on of the elite force soldiers (James Badge Dale) and a jailed CIA agent (David Morse) for selling ammo to the enemy that is obviously mentioned in a matter that will come into play later for Gerry.

Gerry is then advised to travel to Jerusalem where the Israelis managed (so far) to keep the zombies out with their Great Wall they’ve built in advance of the one word e-mail warning of “zombies’.

Until Gerry arrives and gets paired with a female commando, Segen (Daniella Kertesez) who gets bite that Gerry chops her hand off to prevent the infection from spreading.

But not before another doctor tells and soon after arranges an airplane to take Gerry somewhere near Wales to the W.H.O institute.

Naturally, somehow a lone zombie is suddenly released from the locked toilet in the coach section that leads to an unsuccessful attempt to keep quiet while trying to barricade.

These moments of coincidence are washed over to be less obvious than they become in the film

Still, director Marc Forster handles the action and grandeur of this doomsday nightmare with better skillfulness and tighter scenes than what he did with the James Bond opus “Quantum of Solace”. Although there are missteps made that were more the writers’ fault than his efforts that both should have caught.

Reportedly, the film had difficulties with its ending. The writers who altered the proceedings from Max Brooks’ 2006 novel (Yes, he’s the son to Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft) find a cheap way out that doesn’t solve the zombie problem but provides some kind of hope of its resolution to the cheers of its gullible audience.

When a doctor takes Gerry to see the worst disease in action on the blackest man kept in isolation. Maybe it was, unintentional, but still comes off a bit as an unfair racial slap in the face. Since out of all the plague infected zombies that were white.

This film finds and dramatizes the sickness with the darkest black man with the bulging eyes. The filmmakers and writer should have known better in taking a step backwards in this manner that could be misinterpreted (racially offensive) and laughed at.

And I guess, this is what probably makes Gerry sacrifice himself for humanity more than his family (moved to a concentration camp in Nova Scotia when he was thought to be dead) has to travel through quarantine corridors of the institute. Where contaminated scientists turned into zombies are the obstacles that Gerry must wage through to get the serums with the worst disease that might camouflage the humans from being noticed by the zombies.

“World War Z” is quite visually remarkable and suspenseful. But it’s not gory and/or graphic as this genre tends to be for it’s ravish fans who are currently dining on AMC’s “Walking Dead”. It’s also not enough to make up for some of the movie’s shortcomings during this apocalypse. Even though “World War Z” is quite the popcorn movie to watch.

PG-13; 115min. A Paramount Pictures Release – Presented at selected theaters

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (**1/2)

“Monsters University” is the hollow halls of this year’s offering from Pixar Animation Studios that is an inventive and amusing “pre”-quel to the characters we enjoyed in their introduction to us in their 2001 hit “Monsters Inc.”. Essentially, this is “When Sully met Mike” in what is more parody than farce on college life revolving around the relationship of these ghoulish scarers-in-training.

After seeing his destiny as a child monster on a field trip, Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) grows into a social outcast considered not scary enough to fulfill his dream of being a scarer but is determined to prove otherwise.

When Mike arrives at the college and enrolls into the School of Scaring; he initially shares a dorm room with Randy (Steve Buscemi), the chameleon reptile that can make itself invisible who befriends Mike in the beginning. Only to leave him to be part of the cool kids from Roar Gamma Roar and serves a reminder us as Randy’s future villain status in “Monsters Inc.”.

Soon after Mike meets hot-shot James P. “Sully” Sullivan (John Goodman) making a grand entrance in class; acting cocky and confident as the new “big ghoul on campus” whose living off his father’s reputation and initially becomes Mike‘s chief adversary to prove who can out-scare the other in Professor Knight’s (Alfred Molina’s lab class. Briefly interrupted by the university’s stern dean, Abigail Hardscrabble (Helen Mirren). But like most of the characters she’s little more scary than evil.

As it turns out, Mike’s the brainiac to Sully’s brawn. Mike is studious enough to pinpoints Sully’s mental weakness from not studying in their classes. Even though, Mike’s mental ability can’t off set Sully’s natural talent and physicality over his diminutive size and lack of menacing appearance.

But when an accident occurs in class to the Dean’s prized scare canister caused by Mike and Sully that gets them placed Hardscrabble’s bad side. Hardscrabble advises the classroom that her final scare” exam will be the determining factor on who passes or will be expelled from the school.

I know that I might be pre-dating myself, but this film’s inspiration might have came from some old Harvey Comics cartoons from Paramount Pictures during the 1960’s that featured a similar premise with Casper the Friendly Ghost and his “boo” experiences in school with varied pun jokes. Some of that kind of in-joke humor and puns should have been, but aren’t apparent enough here.

Anyway, secretly fronting off out of fear, “Sully” makes himself sought after by the top frat house group, Roar Mecca Roar led by their pompous leader, Johnny (Nathan Fillion) who always wins everything from Scare Games to the finals.

While Mike is relegated to the lowest frat house of misfits on campus, Oozma Kappa who is relatively defined characters in their moments like in “Toy Story”. Where all of Andy’s bedroom toys would always followed Woody’s lead.

Now Mike intends to be their leader and initially proclaiming he’ll carry the team to victory. When Sully is made to join their ranks. Eventually during the scare games Oozma Kappa manage to be the last surviving team left against Roar Gamma Roar. Only the Oozma Kappa ultimately loses when Mike realizes there is no “I” in “team”.

But also eventually, from these spoils develops a friendship between Mike and Sully with the group members who begin to find ways to meet the varied challenges in the finals.

Even though throughout the film, Mike periodically hears that he’s not scary enough to be a scarer. This echoes discouraging words all kids have heard before. Whether one is too short, too small, too fat , too slow, not coordinated enough etc.

It’s almost like a cinematic page out of the 1993 football movie “Rudy” that fails to come across here. Instead, the movie show Sully receives a warning from Dean Hardscrabble about Mike that makes Sully cheat to help Mike win for their team in a scream –off competition that he later admits to.

In order for Sully to admit his insecurities and what he lacks in one area Mike surely makes up the difference in other area that makes him worthy. When Sully and Mike break into Monsters Inc. to go behind one of the doors leading to a sleeping human child that is a security breach Dean Hardscrabble locks the door on the two trapped ghouls who have to figure an alternative to get back over to their side

Although entertaining at times, “Monsters University” is not one of Pixar’s strongest films in recent years. Maybe the animators and brain trusts at Pixar are in a rut.

After 20 years, Pixar’s audience has gotten older and may feel a little nostagliac at times. But there is not enough balance here to suggest that the animators might be inadvertently overlooking their next generation of young children who may not find enough to enjoy for themselves this time around. Only tolerate for the sake of their parents who might feel differently.

Well, this is what I sort of over heard in the theater. As parents who usually ask their young ones what they thought of the movie they were brought to view. And it’s the kids that were the ones responding in a neutral, almost diplomatic-like comment more like their adults would do to their kid flicks. Now that’s kinds scary

The feature opens with a another gentle mini short, “The Blue Umbrella” about another in-adamant object leading into romantic expressions on the city streets like last year’s Oscar winner short, “Paperman” that is cute but might be going to the same well once too often here.

G; 110min. A Pixar Animation Studio Picture – Preleased through Walt Disney Pictures –

Presented at selected theaters

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (***)

Doing mega-budgeted fantasy-action adventure movie blockbusters like “The Avengers” is more of a logistic nightmare with actor reacting behind green screen background that is later inserted with massive special effects wizardry.

Obviously, filmmaker Joss Whedon who came from comic books and TV horror and sci-fi creation that has given him cult status with “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, “Angel”, “Firefly” and “Serenity” and now working on Marvel’s “Agents from S.H.I.E.L.D” for ABC and scripting “The Avengers 2”.

Before the latter two projects began, Whedon artistically felt the need to scale down and challenge himself on this personal pet project. The end result is a remarkable well tailored and engaging “The Big Chill”-type ensemble from Whedon’s stable of TV actor alums from his series doing Shakespeare on a shoestring budget

With a contemporary look filmed at Whedon’s own Santa Monica mansion with a royalty-like attitude from his cast that are wearing suits and casual wear over medieval armor and gowns. Shot in twelve days; photographed in glorious black and white and taken from the Bard’s own text

Shakespeare’s comedy of the eventual wooing from the sparing matches between Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and Beatrice (Amy Acker) amidst a cast of mismatched characters with their own motives and desires. Such as the cruel scheme of Don John (Sean Maher) to sabotage the passionate courtship of the lovesick Claudio (Fran Kranz) and Hero (Jillian Morganese), the beautiful daughter of Leonato (Clark Gregg).

Whedon’s screen variation does not have enough energy and rowdy high spirit as star/ director Kenneth Branagh’s 1993 British made, all star version set in an Italian villa in Tuscamy Also some cast member aren’t up to the Bard’s text and tend to lean on their facial impressions.

Also this film could have benefited from a more spacious and forestry locale somewhere in the Hollywood hills or the Hamptons in upstate New York. But Whedon’s attempt to bring this literary work into contemporary sensibilities retains much of the humor as intended and the genuine performances that make this screen treatment mature and entertaining.

R; 109min. A Roadshow Attractions Picture Released through Lionsgate –

Presented at selected theaters

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