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  • Venom: The Last Dance - A Ferocious Finale?

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated Nov 20, 2024

    While Venom: The Last Dance doesn't quite reach the heights of its predecessor, it still delivers a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. Directed by Kelly Marcel and starring the ever-charismatic Tom Hardy, this film continues the entertaining dynamic between Eddie Brock and his symbiote alter ego. The screenplay was co-written by Marcel and Hardy. The heart of the movie remains the comedic and often heartwarming interplay between Eddie and Venom. Like the other movies this...

  • "We Live In Time" Offers Romantic Drama

    Jennifer Nanek, News film critic|Updated Nov 11, 2024

    John Crowley's "We Live in Time" is a beautiful romantic drama starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. The film follows the intertwined lives of Almut, a talented chef, and Tobias, a divorced executive, as they navigate the complexities of love, family, and the passage of time. Garfield and Pugh deliver exceptional performances, their relationship is fun. Their early encounters ar filled with budding romance, shared laughter, and the hot love scenes are undeniably...

  • "Bold, Young, Murdered" Fills Theatre Stage With Action, Laughs

    Robert Connors|Updated Nov 9, 2024

    A rollicking send-up of all things "soap opera" will entertain theatre-goers for three weekends as Lake Wales Little Theatre offers "The Bold, The Young, and the Murdered" to begin the adult plays for its 47th season. The show is directed by David Smith and features an ensemble cast of 13, and an inside peek at the imagined tensions on a television studio set filled with high-maintenance actors and giant egos. Each character presents an obvious personality flaw that produces...

  • FallFest Happens This Saturday in Lake Wailes Park

    Special to the News|Updated Nov 6, 2024

    The 3rd Annual Fall Fest will feature a day of fun in Lake Wailes Park, offering food trucks, face painting, a DJ, carnival games, bouncy houses, vendors, petting zoo, selfie photo spots and more on Saturday, November 9. The event runs from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and is sponsored by the GFWC Lake Wales Junior Woman's Club. "The club is excited for the event and we look forward to seeing the community," said President Shelley Clemons Proceeds from the event will support our...

  • The Wild Robot Entertaining for Kids and Adults

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated Nov 5, 2024

    Even though I don't have kids, I still enjoy a good children's movie-especially as I feel I'm still a kid at heart in many ways. Recently, I watched the animated film The Wild Robot and found myself completely drawn into its heartfelt story. Directed by Chris Sanders, this film features the voices of Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, and Kit Connor, with special appearances by Bill Nighy and Mark Hamill. The movie is based on Peter Brown's 2016 book and follows the journey of a...

  • Your Monster is a Quirky Blend of Genres

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated Oct 29, 2024

    Your Monster, written and directed by Caroline Lindy, is a quirky blend of horror, comedy, and drama. Starring Melissa Barrera, Meghan Fahy, and Tommy Dewey, the film delves into the tumultuous aftermath of a painful breakup. Inspired by Lindy's personal experiences, the film follows Laura, a woman recently diagnosed with cancer who is abandoned by her boyfriend, Jacob. Jacob is a musical theater director who has a show going on that he wrote with Laura's help. Seeking solace...

  • Saturday Night a Fun Focus on the History of Legendary Comedy Show

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated Oct 22, 2024

    I recently watched Saturday Night, which focuses on the first taping of Saturday Night Live (SNL) back in 1975. Directed by Jason Reitman, it stars Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, and Corey Michael Smith. I've never really watched SNL. I've seen clips here and there but never followed it regularly. However, I recognize its cultural significance as a groundbreaking show that helped launch the careers of numerous iconic comedians. Watching this film felt a bit like tuning into...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: Joker: Folie à Deux – Shared Madness on Screen

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated Oct 14, 2024

    When Joker first hit theaters, it was a cultural phenomenon. Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Arthur Fleck, a troubled man teetering on the edge of madness, captivated audiences and sparked conversations about mental health and societal neglect. Directed by Todd Phillips, it masterfully depicted how a person struggling at the fringes of society could spiral into chaos, a tragedy that felt both deeply personal and disturbingly reflective of the world around us. Phoenix's...

  • Finding hope in the dark: A Review of White Bird

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated Oct 7, 2024

    White Bird is a World War II/Holocaust film set in Nazi-occupied France, centered around the experiences of children trying to survive under harrowing conditions. Directed by Marc Forster, the film stars Helen Mirren, Gillian Anderson, and Ariella Glasser. At the heart of the story, a grandmother recounts her childhood to her grandson, aiming to teach him about the importance of courage and finding one's voice in the face of injustice. Through her memories, we see her young...

  • "Stuck on These Islands" Offers a Charming Evening of Youth-filled Entertainment

    Casey Gist|Updated Sep 27, 2024

    Offering a joyful evening that will bring a smile to all who attend, "Stuck on These Islands" is the newest offering of the annual children's production at Lake Wales Little Theatre, opening tonight for a two-weekend run at the intimate theatre at 411 North Third Street.. With a cast of youngsters guaranteed to steal hearts, the play depict a cast of tiny insect who find themselves marooned, requiring them to cooperate in a variety of ways to find their way off their isolated...

  • Reagan Biographical Film Captures President's Folksy Charm

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated Sep 3, 2024

    Dennis Quaid delivers a compelling performance as Ronald Reagan in the biopic Reagan. The film, directed by Sean McNamara and based on Paul Kengor's 2006 book The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism presents a celebratory portrait of the former president. Quaid captures Reagan's folksy charm and charisma, while Penelope Ann Miller provides a nuanced portrayal of Nancy Reagan. The film's production values are impressive, with convincing makeup and sets that...

  • Movie Review: Twisters: Chasing the Storm Again

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated Aug 19, 2024

    The new movie Twisters is what is being called a legacy sequel of the movie Twister from 1996. Twisters is directed by Lee Isaac Chung and stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell. I recently watched the original Twister movie from 1996 starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton to prepare to watch this movie. Twister really set the stage for disaster movies. The plots for the two movies are pretty much identical. The only connective tissue between the two movies is the fact that the...

  • Movie Review: Deadpool and Wolverine Earns Five Stars

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated Aug 7, 2024

    As a long-time Marvel fan, I was eagerly anticipating Deadpool and Wolverine. With the deluge of Marvel movies over the past few years, it's refreshing to have a single, standout entry this year. Surprisingly, I've missed the cinematic Marvel Universe, and this film felt like a much-needed reunion. The marketing leaned heavily into the joke that Deadpool is "Marvel Jesus," here to save the franchise, a reference many have seen in the trailers. This isn't just a clever...

  • Movie Review: "Horizon: An American Saga Part 1

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated Jul 24, 2024

    Watching part one of Kevin Costner's 3-hour Western epic, "Horizon: An American Saga," is quickly realized that this is a movie that would have been better suited as a mini-series on a streaming service. There's simply too much going on. The film juggles three or four different plot threads, each with their own side plots, making it a bit difficult to keep track of everything. This project is very much Kevin Costner's brainchild. He financed the movie, wrote part of the...

  • FILM REVIEW: Inside Out 2 is a Nostalgic Return, With Growing Pains

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated Jul 5, 2024

    "Inside Out 2" is a delightful return to "the interior of Riley's mind," this time navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence. This movie is certainly not as good as the original, but still I enjoyed it very much. In this new chapter we see the lead character Riley turn 13 and transition out of middle school. She starts to enter puberty as she goes off to hockey camp. Inside her brain we have the same characters from the last movie, although some have different voices,...

  • Movie Review: A Look at "The Bikeriders" -Revving Up or Running on Empty?

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated Jun 25, 2024

    I recently saw this movie as part of Regal Cinema's movie mystery night. This movie is directed by Jeff Nichols and stars Austin Butler, aka Elvis, Jodie Comer, Michael Shannon and Tom Hardy. Everybody delivers strong performances in this movie. This is a fictionalized story of real events about an author who wrote a book about a very real motorcycle gang. The lead character, Kathy, is based on that author. This plot revolves around the 1960s subculture of bike riders, and a...

  • Movie Review: 'Am I Ok?' A Sweet Exploration of Friendship and Self-Discovery

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated Jun 14, 2024

    Am I Ok?" is a charming new dramedy from directors Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne, starring Dakota Johnson. It recently landed on Max after premiering at the Sundance Film Festival and other film festivals in 2022. I watched this because I love the director and guest star of the movie Tig Notaro. Notaro is a chief engineer on Star Trek Discovery. She is very funny in that part. This film is a bit more heartfelt. This story centers on Lucy (Johnson) and Jane, best friends...

  • Lake Wales Little Theatre Offers Comedic Hit

    News Theatre Critic|Updated Jun 7, 2024

    Lovers of laughs and comedy, be it stand-up or SNL varieties, will enjoy a fun outing to Lake Wales Little Theatre to see "Just Another High School Play," which is anything but that. Performed by an ensemble cast of 26 talented young actors, the play is based upon the premise that their opening night has found them without a director and unprepared to perform. A box full of old un-matching scripts gives each actor an excuse for the often-hysterical chaos that follows. In what...

  • Talent Show Auditions and Performances Scheduled, Bring Your 'A' Game

    Special to the News|Updated Jun 6, 2024

    Area residents with special talents will have another opportunity to showcase their skills as the Lake Wales Public Library hosts their annual summer talent show, this year with the assistance of the GFWC Lake Wales Junior Woman's Club. The show is scheduled for Saturday, July 27, but auditions will be held on Saturday, June 22 at the Lake Wales Recreation Center. If you can sing, dance, juggle, or have any other special talent, the stage is waiting! This is your chance to...

  • The Orange Blossom Revue Announces Lineup for 10th Annual Concert

    Special to the News|Updated Jun 4, 2024

    The local favorite Orange Blossom Revue is poised to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a jam-packed musical lineup of bands featuring JJ Grey & Mofro, The War and Treaty, Robert Earl Keen, Steep Canyon Rangers and more December 6-7, 2024 in Lake Wales, FL. Held annually amidst the bounty of Spanish moss, palmetto trees, and citrus groves that define the central Florida landscape, the boutique music and arts festival has steadily become a cultural cornerstone that reflects th...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: Challengers - Serve and Volley Isn't Your Standard Tennis Flick

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated Jun 3, 2024

    Luca Guadagnino's "Challengers" isn't your standard tennis flick. It's a deft volley between ambition, love, and betrayal, played out against the backdrop of the glamorous, cutthroat world of professional tennis. This movie is about tennis, friendship and sex and not always in that order. Zendaya reigns supreme. Her portrayal of Tashi, a tennis prodigy turned coach, is captivating. This is very much Zendaya's movie as she is the lead actor and a producer. The movie also stars...

  • Camp Squeeze Offers Kids a Summer of Fun

    Special to the News|Updated May 31, 2024

    Giving young kids safe and fun outlets to help them burn off all that extra energy is a challenge that may have a solution. Parents may rejoice thanks to a new summer program offered by staff the City of Lake Wales' Family Recreation Center. Kids entering kindergarten through 5th grade are eligible to attend Camp Squeeze. Camp Squeeze will offer campers an array of themed science, art, and sporting activities. They'll learn how to make their own Mars rovers during Space Week,...

  • Ridge Brass to Offer Free Patriotic Memorial Day Concert At Lake Wales Arts Center

    Special to the News|Updated May 22, 2024

    A free patriotic concert on Memorial Day weekend will be offered to the public to mark the Memorial Day weekend. The Ridge Brass will offer "many familiar standbys of American music that will stir hearts to renewed love of our great country," said Arts Council spokesperson Carrie Ingley. The Ridge Brass was formerly known as the Lake Wales Brass Ensemble, and is familiar to many music-lovers in the area, having accompanied the Lake Wales Chorale at many past performances. Spon...

  • Lake Wales Arts Council Offers "Summer Studio Pass" to Unleash Your Creativity

    Special to the News|Updated May 22, 2024

    Area residents with a desire to unleash their creative side are invited to participate in a summer program at the Lake Wales Arts Center. Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting your creative journey, the Summer Studio Pass offers "a supportive environment where you can explore different art media, collaborate with fellow makers, and grow as an artist," according to Arts Council Executive Director Tommy Frank. You are invited to immerse yourself in the world of...

  • MOVIE REVIEW: A Brutal Look at a Divided Future: Alex Garland's Civil War

    Jennifer Nanek, News Film Critic|Updated May 15, 2024

    A frightening imagining of a Civil War among the states that could happen in the very near future, this movie stars Kirsten Dunst and is written and directed by Alex Garland. Garland cleverly sidesteps real-world political labels, focusing instead on the human cost of ideological division. The film paints a chilling picture of a future where regional alliances shift and violence becomes commonplace. Dunst is joined by a stellar cast, including Wagner Moura and Stephen...

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