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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 5, 2016)
ENTERTAINMENT Saturday, November 5, 2016 MOVIE REVIEW East Oregonian Page 3C PENDLETON Arts center’s gala event gets rockin’ East Oregonian Jay Maidment/Disney/Marvel via AP This image released by Disney shows Benedict Cumberbatch in a scene from “Doctor Strange.” ‘Doctor Strange’ dazzles with mind-bending visuals By SANDY COHEN AP Entertainment Writer No affinity for superheroes or familiarity with Marvel mythology is required to enjoy the visual spectacle that is “Doctor Strange.” Being open to mysticism and the possibility of parallel dimensions might help, though. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the title character in this origin story, where plot is secondary to dazzling special effects that invert gravity, reverse time and twist buildings like blocks in a Rubik’s Cube. It’s worth it to watch the film in 3-D, and on an IMAX screen if possible (as this critic did), for an immersive, almost psychedelic experience. Two spectacular action sequences in the third act are enough to justify the ticket price. Each of the city sequences look great, but the New York scenes are truly phenomenal. In the hands of director Scott Derrickson and the special-effects artists who worked on “Guardians of the Galaxy,” the Big Apple becomes mesmerizingly Escher-esque: a disjointed, gravity-ignorant collection of streets and buildings. “Doctor Strange” ★★★☆ PG-13, 115 minutes While some of the magical elements may be far out (a levitating cape, for example), the Ancient One’s messages are grounded in contemporary pop psychology and spirituality. She says things like, “We never lose our demons, we only learn to live above them,” and “Silence your ego and your power will rise.” Coming from a bald Tilda Swinton, it sounds more insightful than preachy. The film addresses such sweeping concepts as death and time, but only to define the characters’ motives. Some of the messages may be worth contemplating, but “Doctor Strange” is not a message movie. It is a visual delight, where the spiritual notion that not all can be explained by science allows for an “Inception”-like unraveling of reality. Be sure to stay through the credits for two delicious Marvel “Easter eggs.” One involves a massive, self- refilling beer and the other teases a possible “Strange” future. A rockin’ time is planned during a fundraising event for Pendleton Center for the Arts. The Rockin’ Auction & Gala features live music by Robin Barrett & Coyote Kings with Tiph, who will cap off the night with a full set of music. The recom- mended attire is anything from red carpet wear to grunge — and everything in between. Tickets are $40 each. In addition, business table sponsorships are available. “We’ve outgrown the capacity of the arts center, and we’re excited about the additional activities that we’ll be able to include in a larger space,” said Executive Director Roberta Lavadour. The Rockin’ Auction & Gala is Saturday, Nov. 12 with the silent auction opening and hors d’oeuvres being served at 6 p.m. at the Pendleton Convention Center, 1601 Westgate. The live auction starts at 7:45 p.m. and the music kicks off at 8:30 p.m. Among the auction items people can bid on will be vacation packages, foodie delights and lots of other unexpected treasures in both the live and silent auction. In addition, the event provides an opportu- nity for the community to pick up artwork by local favorites, including Hiroko Cannon, Jenny Morgan, Lorie Baxter and Shari Dallas. Also, gift certif- icates from Pendleton’s best restaurants and quality merchandise from local businesses will be up for bid. Every other year, Pend- leton Center for the Arts Contributed photo Bonnie Day, education coordinator, catalogs items for the Rockin’ Auction & Gala, a Nov. 12 fundraiser for Pendleton Center for the Arts. Rockin’ Auction & Gala WHEN: Nov. 12, 6 p.m. WHERE: Pendleton Convention Center TICKETS: $40 each Contributed photo Robin Barrett and Coyote Kings w/Tiph will perform during the Rockin’ Auction & Gala, a Nov. 12 fundrais- er for Pendleton Center for the Arts. The event will be held at the Pendleton Convention Center. hosts the event to raise money that supports the free art and music program- ming that the nonprofit organization provides for the community, including the popular Rock & Roll Camp. “One of the most frequent comments we get about Rock & Roll Camp is that people wish we had one for adults,” Lavadour said with a laugh. With that thought, Lava- dour and other organizers decided it would be fun to feature a rock ‘n’ roll theme for the gala event. And, for the first time, the event WHAT TO DO Festivals Whiskey Wednesday Game Night Fall Release Weekend •Wednesdays; 3-7 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston No cover. Xbox 360, Ninten- do Wii, PlayStation 3 and Nin- tendo 64. •Nov. 4-6 •Various wineries in Mil- ton-Freewater, Walla Walla re- gion www.wallawallawine.com Some events free. Cellar doors are open and new releas- es are available for tasting. Cele- brate the end of harvest season with special pours, winemaker dinners, live music and more. Digital Karaoke •Thursdays and Fridays, 8 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston Mac’s Trivia Night Hermiston Festival of Trees Mark Rogers/Summit via AP This image released by Summit shows Andrew Garfield in a scene from “Hacksaw Ridge.” Mel Gibson roars back with bruising ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ By JOCELYN NOVECK AP National Writer Is “Hacksaw Ridge” Mel Gibson’s redemption? Is it his atonement, or perhaps his miracle? Don’t worry, we won’t be making any such weighty theological pronouncements — though these terms have all been bandied about in the run-up to Gibson’s first directorial effort in the 10 years since “Apocalypto.” That movie came out in 2006, only a few months after news broke of Gibson’s drunken anti-Semitic rant, which has plagued his career ever since. But “Hacksaw Ridge,” the latest contribution to the canon of big World War II films, doesn’t need any redemptive backstory. Whatever you think of Gibson, and whatever your position on the relevance of his personal flaws to his art, his filmmaking prowess is evident. This big, bruising, viscerally violent yet also often moving film should be judged on its merits. “Hacksaw Ridge,” starring the goofily appealing Andrew Garfield as the real-life character Desmond Doss, may not be a perfect movie, but it strikes an unusual balance. It’s a violent film whose hero — and moral core — espouses non-violence. It’s a war film that will also appeal to a faith-based audience. It’s a film that at moments can feel “Hacksaw Ridge” ★★★☆ R, 138 minutes relentlessly corny — and a second later, painfully, horribly real. Doss, a Seventh-day Adventist, was the first conscientious objector to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. An Army medic, he refused to touch a weapon, believing he should be saving lives and not taking them. Though his exploits are a matter of record, we won’t spill all the details here. After an early introduction to Doss as a boy in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, we pick up in young adulthood. When war breaks out with Japan, the young man feels compelled to enlist, despite the objections of his loving but abusive father (an excellent Hugo Weaving), a World War I veteran who was ruined by the experience. Doss is also going against the wishes of his new fiancée, Dorothy (fresh-faced Teresa Palmer), who begs him to stay. Many fact-based movies end with some real-life footage. It’s always welcome, but here, it’s truly exciting to see Doss, alive and speaking (he died in 2006). His is a story you probably didn’t know, and will be glad you did. Gibson does well by it. features a live band. Lavadour stressed the importance of raising money to help with things like paying for lights, heat, maintenance and staff sala- ries — something grants typically restrict. Also, she said many program grants require a dollar for dollar match from the local community in giving an award. “The Gala Auction helps us raise those important funds while having a great party in the process,” Lava- dour said. For more information or to reserve a ticket, call 541-278-9201 or stop by the arts center at 214 N. Main St., Pendleton. •Saturday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m.; dinner, gala event •Sunday, Dec. 4, noon; Fam- ily Day •Hermiston Conference Cen- ter, 415 S. Highway 395 www.facebook.com/hermis- tonfestivaloftrees $35/dinner, reservations available for tables of 8 (avail- able for sale Nov. 1 at the con- ference center and Good Shep- herd Medical Center). Features dinner, tree viewing and live/ silent auction. Family Day is $5 suggested donation per family. Pendleton Festival of Trees •Friday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m.; cele- bration & auction •Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Family Day •Pendleton Convention Cen- ter, 1601 Westgate www.sahpendleton.org Additional information to fol- low. Art & Museums Contributed photo The New West Guitar Group, which features Pend- leton native John Storie, will perform Nov. 11 at Pendleton Center for the Arts. New West Guitar Group returns PENDLETON — One of the nation’s premier guitar ensembles, which features Pendleton’s own John Storie, will perform at Pendleton Center for the Arts. The New West Guitar Group plays recognizable covers, jazz standards and exciting originals. Their signature sound comes from an innovative style that highlights rhythm, beauty and virtuosity through combining acoustic and electric guitars. The group, which has played numerous times in Pendleton, also includes Perry Smith and Will Braham. The group will perform Friday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. at the arts center, 214 N. Main St., Pendleton. Tickets are $12. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 541-278-9201. For more about the trio, visit www. newwestguitar.com. First Saturday Spin-In •Saturday, Nov. 5; noon-4 p.m. •Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St. Fiber-obsessed folks can drop in and bring a project to work on. Coffee, tea and work space provided. “Borderline” •Thursday, Nov. 10, 4:30- 6:30 p.m. opening reception •Monday-Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. •Betty Feves Memorial Gal- lery, BMCC, 2411 N.W. Carden Ave., Pendleton. Free. In conjunction with a mental health awareness cam- paign on campus, Michigan art- ist Jill Miller work examines an autobiographical understanding of depression through a series of figurative paintings. Gallery also open by appointment by calling 541-278-5952. Runs through Dec. 8. “The Infinite Possibilities in Clay” •Monday-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. •Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, 2020 Auburn St., Baker City www.crossroads-arts.org Free. A handful of clay artists are featured. Much of the art- work is for sale. Runs through Nov. 30. Batik Convergence •Tuesday-Sundays, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. •Peterson’s Gallery, 1925 Main St., Baker City www.petersonsgallery.net Free. Features a collective of regional batik watercolor artists. Runs through Nov. 30. Sandra Spencer •Monday-Thursdays; 11 a.m- 7 p.m., •Friday-Saturdays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. •Hermiston Public Library, 235 E. Gladys Ave. www.hermistonlibrary.us Free. Artwork of Sandra Spencer, who won the grand prize at the 2016 Eastern Ore- gon Arts Festival, is on display in October. Arts Portal Exhibit •Saturday & Sundays; noon- 5 p.m. •Arts Portal Gallery, 508 N. Main St., Milton-Freewater www.facebook.com/ArtsPor- talGallery Free. Exhibit features the works of David Partridge (oil paintings) and Nancy Kessler (fabric art). Runs through Oct. 30. Music Brass Fire •Saturday, Nov. 5; 7-10 p.m. •Red Lion, 304 S.E. Nye Ave., Pendleton No cover. Features regional horn band, playing the music of Santana, Chicago, Elvis, Earth Wind & Fire. Carrie Cunningham •Saturday, Nov. 5; 8 p.m. No cover •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. “Worth the Wait” •Sunday, Nov. 6; 7:30 p.m. •Vert Auditorium, 480 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton www.oregoneastsymphony. org $20/adults, $15/students, seniors, $45/family. Oregon East Symphony concert. The pro- gram includes Rebekah Schaub as featured soloist on Richard Strauss’ “Horn Concerto No. 1.” Willow Creek Symphony •Saturday, Nov. 5; 4 p.m. •McNary Heights Elemen- tary School, 120 Columbia St. Umatilla •Sunday, Nov. 6; 4 p.m. •Ione Community School, 445 Spring St. www.inlandnorthwestmusi- cians.com Free, donations accepted. Features preparatory orchestra of Inland Northwest Musicians. Colt “Elwood” Haney w/ Brent Smith •Friday, Nov. 11; 7:30-10 p.m. No cover, all ages. •Great Pacific Wine & Coffee Co., 403 S. Main St., Pendleton Hair Nation •Friday, Nov. 11; Saturday, Nov. 12; 8 p.m. No cover •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. Robin Barrett and Coyote Kings w/Tiph •Saturday, Nov. 12; 6 p.m. •Pendleton Convention Cen- ter, 1601 Westgate www.pendletonarts.org $40. The Rockin’ Auction & Gala features Robin Barrett and Coyote Kings w/Tiph. Event is a fundraiser for Pendleton Center for the Arts. It features live/silent auction, hors d’oeuvres and live music. Night life DJ music •Saturdays, 8 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston •Thursdays, 8 p.m. No cover •Mac’s Bar & Grill, 1400 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton 21 and older. East. Drink. Think. Teams of 2-8 compete in trivia contest with other teams. Live host and prizes. Wine tasting •Fridays, 4-8 p.m. •Sno Road Winery, 111 W. Main St., Echo. Open Mic •First/third Friday each month, 8 p.m.-midnight •The Packard Tavern, 118 S.E. Court Ave., Pendleton www.facebook.com/groups/ pendletonopenmic Karaoke •Fridays 8 p.m. (9 p.m. if game on) •Riverside Sports Bar, 1501 Sixth St., Umatilla DJ and dancing •Fridays, 8 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston Theater & film “Ravenscroft” •Nov. 10-12, 17-19; 7:30 p.m. •Saturdays, Nov. 13, 20; 2 p.m. •BMCC, Bob Clapp Theatre 2411 N.W. Carden Ave. $15/adults, $10/children, students. College Community Theatre presents a murder mys- tery who-done-it gone horribly awry. Murder on Sno Mountain •Saturday, Nov. 5; 7 p.m. •Sno Road Winery, 111 W. Main St., Echo $35/couple. A murder mys- tery party. For tickets, contact info@snoroadwinery.com or 541-376-0421. “Nutcracker” •Dec. 11-13 •Richland High School, 930 Long Ave. www.midcolumbiaballet.org $27/adults, $13/children, $18/students & seniors. The hol- iday classic is presented by the Mid-Columbia Ballet. Tickets for shows, which typically sell-out, go on sale Nov. 1. Hot tickets •Amy Grant Holiday Show (with Michael W. Smith & Jordan Smith): Nov. 17, Toyota Center, Kennewick. $30-$130 via www. ticketmaster.com •Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: Dec. 30, Moda Center, Portland; Dec. 31, Key Arena, Seattle. $41-$76 via www.ticketmaster. com ——— Want to get your event listed in our calendar? Send information to tmalgesini@eas- toregonian.com, or c/o Tammy Malgesini, 333 E. Main Street, Hermiston, OR, 97838.
