by Cory Woodroof | Jun 5, 2014 | Opinion
The most impressive cast member of the play War Horse, now at TPAC through Sunday, is a gigantic horse puppet. While that might not sound as glamorous as some of Broadway’s most memorable leading characters, the beating heart of the solemn, inspiring show lies directly with Joey, the horse with hooves of gold. Adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s book of the same name, War Horse is a devastating-yet-triumphant look at the horrors of war and the bond that can develop between a man and his trusted animal companion. Taking place in across Europe in the 1910s, the story follows Joey, a young horse who is sold into the care of the Narracott family. Throughout Joey’s days in the foal stage, the horse develops a strong relationship with Albert, son of the Narracotts. Like all great boy-and-his-dog relationships, Albert and Joey become an inseparable pair. But, when World War 1 begins, Joey is sold into the army without Albert’s knowing, and the young man begins a dangerous journey through the battlefield to find his galloping friend. Similar to Steven Spielberg’s 2011 film adaptation, the play primarily follows Albert and Joey’s journey through the war with various characters popping up at times, most representing different aspects of war and the toll it can take on a civilization. The play has a bleak picture to paint of war, and that image is skillfully woven into the narrative. The show also features one of this critic’s favorite scenes in fiction – one that finds two opposing soldiers in a climatic game of heads-or-tails that beautifully illustrates the good of humanity in one of life’s...
by Logan Butts | May 13, 2013 | Opinion
Hello, readers! I have decided to revamp the old Lumination staple that was the Redbox Report! In my darker, grittier rebooted version, I will be presenting two or three home-viewing options every week. At least one of the films will be a new release, and at least one will be a slightly older release (in case you are trying to play catch-up on last year’s films during the summer months as I am). So, with that in mind, I guess I should change the name to something more accurate. How about the home video update? I will work on the name. Without further ado, here are this week’s home video viewing options. New Release: Mama (PG-13, 100 minutes- starring Jessica Chastain) Admittedly, I am a pretty large fan of horror films. So, it may be a little bit biased that I am recommending this hauntingly creepy supernatural thriller. I really do believe that this is a solid choice for home video viewing if you are up for a quick scare or if you are a horror movie aficionado like me. It also doesn’t hurt that the always wonderful and recently Oscar-nominated Jessica Chastain stars. Slightly Older Release: Lincoln (PG-13, 150 minutes- starring Daniel Day-Lewis) If you have not yet seen Lincoln, it is a must see for any fans of film or American history. Lincoln was one of last year’s biggest success stories in film, grossing 270 million at the box office and garnering 12 Academy Award nominations, winning two. Daniel Day-Lewis was magnificent in the title role, taking home the Best Actor Oscar along with every other award...
