By Jim Tortolano This hasn’t been a great year for memorable Hollywood blockbusters, but there have been some noteworthy “small” films that deserve attention. Here are two. “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” is […]
“Roman” and “Billboards” small film gems
Retorts: Two old and new “places to be”
The past may live on forever in the South, but here on the West Coast in general and in Orange County in particular, it disappears storefront by storefront. Two iconic eateries in […]
Dear Mari: Still living with my ex-hubby
Dear Marilyn, I have been divorced for about four years, and I am ready to start dating again. I have lost some weight, gained some confidence, and I am ready to try […]
Festive fun and Santa silliness at Gem
By Thom deMartino ‘Tis the season once again, and One More Productions at Garden Grove’s Gem Theater has once again brought back their popular yuletide musical, “The Holiday Gem.” This is the sixth […]
Retorts: Vultures and victims, wise up
There’s a line in the 1987 film “Broadcast News” in which Albert Brooks’ character stares sourly at a network segment and growls, “Sex, tears, yes, this is the news.” In a bit […]
Dear Mari: Any good marriages out there?
Dear Marilyn, I know that you have been married for a while now. So, I have a question. After all of your experiences in life, would you recommend marriage to a young […]
Good, but not great, guys win in “League”
By Jim Tortolano For years, the owners of the rights to the superhero movie franchises for Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, et al, have unaccountably been resistant to bringing those iconic characters together […]
Retorts: These lands are your lands ….
Disneyland, located in Upper Garden Grove, is truly a magical kingdom. We were there on Wednesday, Marilyn and I, and we marveled at the huge throng present on a workday in November. […]
Dear Mari: Family mooches off me
Dear Marilyn, Family means the world to me. I would rather hang out with my brother and my cousins than to hang out with my friends. The only problem is that they […]
Mesmerizing, magical “Macbeth” at GWC
By Thom deMartino There is no sound of breath; no creaking of chairs; no fidgeting of restless audience members. All is deathly silent in the theater: the audience bearing witness to a […]
