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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 24, 2018)
ENTERTAINMENT Saturday, November 24, 2018 East Oregonian Michael B. Jordan punches up MOVIE REVIEW Now a Hollywood heavyweight, ‘Creed’ star brings big ideas to production company Barry Wetcher/Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures This image released by Met- ro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures / Warner Bros. Pictures shows Florian Munteanu , left, and Michael B. Jordan in a scene from “Creed II.” ‘Creed II’ is the match of the franchise Stephen Caple Jr.’s entry into this now eight-film franchise follows Adonis Creed as the new champion of boxing. But old rivals come to strike back as Victor Drago, the son of Ivan from “Rocky IV,” challenges Creed in a title match that pushes everyone to the limit. As I have said since the first entry, “Creed” is the perfect way to reboot the franchise. The sequel takes that initial premise, of the son of Apollo Creed being trained by Rocky, and runs with it. The premise of the sequel feels like a “no duh” situation. The story felt like a natural evolution of the narrative. Some critics have espoused that the film doesn’t do anything new, but I would argue there is so much you can do with training montages that have been the lifeblood of the franchise. This film also adds something that the rest of the franchise hasn’t done and that is: “What happens to the loser of a fight?” This adds a good amount of dramatic weight as the Drago’s story is more fleshed out and makes the events of “Rocky IV” more impactful. I don’t have much negative to really say. The cinematography is good, the fights are intense, the performances by Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren and Tessa Thompson are great, and the music is well used. The one thing though I would caution the producers about is making a sequel to this film. I know it is tempting to make a third entry, but “Creed II” ends in such a way that I felt satisfied with not having another entry ever. It felt definitive and a true passing of the torch from Rocky to Adonis. As it stands, “Creed II” is a near knockout. Sporting great fights and character moments that I feel any fan of this series will appreciate. “Creed II” gets an A-. Nicholas Jennings Pendleton By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer NEW YORK — If Michael B. Jordan’s path to this moment was condensed and edited, it might look, appropriately, like a training montage. Images of Jordan cutting his teeth on the Baltimore streets of “The Wire” and the Texas football fields of “Friday Night Lights,” fol- lowed by hints of a soaring talent (“Red Tails,” “Chronicle”), shat- tering breakthroughs (“Fruitvale Station”) and setbacks (“Fantastic Four”) before reaching, with a pair of haymakers (“Creed,” “Black Panther”), heavyweight status. Parallel to Jordan’s steady rise has been the 31-year-old’s expand- ing sway behind the scenes in Hol- lywood. His production company, Outlier Society Productions, was among the first to embrace the inclusion rider, adopting the pledge to seek diverse casts and crews just days after Frances McDormand referenced it at the Oscars. Jordan was also influential on a similar agreement by WarnerMedia, mak- ing Warner Bros. the sole major studio thus far to sign up. “He’s always been a big-idea guy,” says Ryan Coogler, who directed Jordan in “Fruitvale Sta- tion,” “Creed” and “Black Pan- ther.” “He’s always been conscious of his own responsibility.” “Creed II,” which opened in theaters Wednesday, finds Jordan’s character, Adonis Creed — like the actor, himself — adjusting to Film club changes meeting day PENDLETON — Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the Pendleton Film Club will meet again in December. In addition, the group has changed its meeting day to Saturdays starting Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. The club meets in the Community Room at the Pend- leton Public Library, 501 S.W. Emigrant Ave. The group wel- comes anyone who is 15 or older that has an interest in films, the movie industry or working on short film projects. For more information, con- tact Nicholas Jennings at spir- itman2015@gmail.com, 541- 379-1012 or search Facebook for “Pendleton Film Club.” Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File In this Jan. 30, 2018 file photo, Michael B. Jordan poses for a por- trait at a press junket at the Montage Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, Calif. his newfound prominence: reach- ing the pinnacle of his profession while still having to fight for what he believes in. As Steven Caple Jr.’s boxing drama prepared to open in theaters, Jordan went door- to-door in Georgia urging people to vote in the midterm elections. “You’ve been doing one thing for 20 years. Constantly working at it, trying to grow and become suc- cessful, or whatever your version of success is. And then you have a moment in time where everything seems to be coming together at the same time. Everything seems to be happening. But you live in a soci- ety, in a world that’s kind of going to s---,” Jordan said in a recent interview. “So to be able to use one to help the other, is something. To try to find your voice.” It’s an answer with shades of Jordan’s typical performance: ear- nest, thoughtful, tinged with pain. Then he exhales. “I don’t know, man,” says Jor- dan. “Honestly, there’s a lot going on right now and I’m trying to find my place in all of it, professionally and personally.” A big part of Jordan’s quest was “Black Panther,” in which he played Erik Killmonger. The part is ostensibly a villain, but in Jordan’s hands, Killmonger — a wounded, fatherless warrior bent on reparations through vio- lence — has a depth uncommon if not outright alien to comic-book films. Between Killmonger and the Wakanda leader T’Challa (Chad- wick Boseman) is a larger dia- logue, one fraught with history, between African identity and the African diaspora. “Making a movie, you rarely come out the other side the same. You either grow or regress. I came out a different man,” says Coogler. “The conversation that was had between T’Challa and Killmon- Festivals Winter Market •Dec. 7-9 •Various wineries in Mil- ton-Freewater, Walla Walla re- gion www.wallawallawine.com Some events free. Amidst the festive atmosphere of the season, winemakers and cellar staff provide samples of future releases straight from the wine barrel. •Friday, Nov. 30; 4-7:30 p.m. (ladies only) •Saturday, Dec. 1; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. •SAGE Center, 101 Olson Road, Boardman www.visitsage.com Free. Features boutique clothing, homemade gifts, home decor, beauty products, jewelry, specialty items and more. Ladies Night Out in- cludes door prizes, live music and refreshments. Family Day includes a photo booth and ex- hibit displays (541-481-7243). Holiday Stroll •Friday, Nov. 30; 4:30-7 p.m. •Downtown Pendleton www.facebook.com Free. Celebrate the holiday season with tree decorating, visit from Santa, tree lighting (6 p.m.), raffle drawings and hot chocolate. (541-304-3912). Hermiston Festival of Trees •Saturday, Dec. 1, 6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 2, noon-4 p.m. •Hermiston Community Center, 415 S. Highway 395 www.facebook.com $40/dinner & auction. Tick- ets are sold-out for the dinner, but adults may attend the auc- tion at 8 p.m. No-host bar avail- able. $5/suggested Family Day donation, featuring tree view- ing, holiday crafts and activities, pictures with Santa. •Friday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m.; Sat- urday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. •Pendleton Convention Center, 1601 Westgate www.sahpendleton.org/ foundation/winterfest $40/gala event. Formerly the Festival of Trees, features prime rib/salmon dinner, silent/ live auction, music, dancing, table games, gift shopping. Free/Family Day, with lots of holiday-related activities. (541- Holiday Barrel Tasting Winterfest Light Parade & Chili Feed •Saturday, Dec. 8; 6 p.m. •Downtown Pilot Rock Free. Enjoy the lighted pa- rade followed by hot chocolate and a chili feed in the council chambers. (541-443-5832). Welcome Santa Drive •Saturday, Dec. 8; 6-8 p.m. •Main Street Boardman to SAGE Center Free. SECO Pallets sleigh delivers Santa Claus to the SAGE Center parking lot, 101 Olson Road for pictures, hot chocolate and goodies (541- 303-3221). Art, Museums & Authors Art of the Gift •Tuesday-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturdays, noon- 4 p.m. •Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St. www.pendletonarts.org Free. The holiday exhibit and art/craft sale runs Nov. 23- Dec. 31. (541-278-9201). Christmas Art Show & Sale •Saturday, Dec. 8; Sunday, Dec. 9; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. •Oxford Suites, 1050 N. First St., Hermiston Free. Features paintings, jewelry, prints, Christmas cards, Western art and metalwork by local artists. Refreshments served com). (janbeitel@outlook. Whitney Minthorn Photo Exhibit •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. To recognize National Native American Month, display features the work of the profes- sional photographer/re-toucher who grew up on the Confeder- ated Tribes of the Umatilla Indi- an Reservation. Runs through Nov. 30. “Seeds of Culture: The Portraits and Voices of Native American Women” •Monday-Saturdays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. •Tamástslikt Cultural Insti- tute, near Wildhorse Resort & Casino. www.tamastslikt.org $10/adults, $9/senior citi- zens, $6/youths. Matika Wilbur, a visual storyteller from the Swinomish and Tulalip peoples of coastal Washington, has been traveling and photograph- ing Indian Country as part of her Project 562. The portraits are accompanied by written narratives and audio of the in- terviews. Runs through Jan. 5. “Yellowstone In Winter: Solitude, Struggle, and Surprise” •Monday-Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. •Pendleton Art + Frame, 36 S.W. Court Ave. Free. Features work of Pendleton photographer Deb- bie McIntosh. Runs through Nov. 30. Music Terry Robb •Saturday, Nov. 24; 7 p.m. •Great Pacific Wine & Coffee Co., 403 S. Main St., Pendleton Wildhorse reels in holiday movies eomediagroup.com “It’s a Wonderful Life” with James Stewart and Donna Reed will be shown at the Wildhorse Cineplex in December. MISSION — During the weeks leading up to Christmas, a trio of holiday-themed movies are featured during Reel Classic Matinée Movies at the Wildhorse Cineplex The film screenings are Wednesdays at noon at the theater at Wildhorse Resort & Casino, located off Interstate 84 Exit 216. Upcoming movies include Dec 5: No cover. All ages. Plays some mean, hot blues with feel- ing and conversely, ice-cold in- strumentals so impressive that he could be called an “acoustic guitar master.” Expertease •Saturday, Nov. 24; 8 p.m. No cover •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. No cover. Live Music Thurs- day-Naughty Pine •Thursday, Nov. 29; 7-9 p.m. •40 Taps, 337 S.W. Emigrant Ave., Pendleton No cover. Richland band plays a mixture of “lover’s rock” and chill reggae. James Dean Kindle, Roger Conley, Aaron Engum, Peter Willis •Friday, Nov. 30; 7 p.m. •Great Pacific Wine & Coffee Co., 403 S. Main St., Pendleton No cover. All ages. Pend- leton musicians bringing talent and experience to the stage — playing country, jazz and traditional Norteño. Expect the unexpected! DJ Alan •Friday, Nov. 30; Saturday, Dec. 1; 8 p.m. No cover •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. purchase. Brass Fire •Saturday, Dec. 1; 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. Demo CD avail- able for $8. Dan Galucki •Wednesday, Dec. 5; 7 p.m. •Great Pacific Wine & Coffee Co., 403 S. Main St., Pendleton No cover. All ages. After years of playing drums for Wooden Indian Burial Ground and Run On Sentence, Dan Galucki brings his own musical project. Hermiston Community Christmas Concert •Friday, Dec. 7; 7 p.m. •Hermiston High School au- ditorium, 600 S. First St. w w w. h e r m i s t o n . o r. u s / parks-recreation/home Free. Adults and youths 14 and older have been warming up their voices for the annual holiday concert. Donations ac- cepted for Agape House. Funk Factory •Friday, Dec. 7; Saturday, Dec. 8; 8 p.m. No cover •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. Ring Praise Music Min- istry Night life •Saturday, Dec. 1; 2:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 201 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendle- ton. •Sunday, Dec. 2;11:30 a.m., Grace Presbyterian Church, 703 S. Main St., Milton-Freewa- ter. •Monday, Dec. 3; 6:30 p.m., Faith Presbyterian Church, 1005 S.E. Ninth St., Hermiston. www.ringpraiseministry.org Free. Christmas concert featuring Phyllis Tincher on handbells and Sean Rogers on keyboards. CDs available for Saturday Night Trivia •Saturdays; 9 p.m. •Midway Bar & Grill, 1750 N. First St., Hermiston Free. Show what you know for fun and prizes. Karaoke w/DJ David •Saturdays; 8 p.m. •Riverside Sports Bar, 1501 Sixth St., Umatilla Wino Wednesdays •Wednesdays, 2-6 p.m. •Echo Ridge Cellars, 551 N. Thielsen St., Echo Fishtrap offers fireside readings MOVIE REVIEW Liberty Films The most valuable and respected source of local news, advertising and information for our communities. ger, what it means to be African — I didn’t know I needed that movie as much as I did until after I made it. I look back and I say: ‘Man, I really needed that. I needed that conversation.’” The performance has made Jor- dan one of this year’s leading sup- porting actor contenders for the Academy Awards. Coogler praises his friend’s vulnerability in a com- plicated role. “He was one of the few Afri- can-American characters and he was carrying the weight of that cul- tural representation,” says Coogler. “Mike brings a lot of the empathy with him, as a person and as a per- former. That’s one of the things that makes him special. Almost as soon as you see him, you empa- thize with him.” A sequel to the acclaimed 2015 spinoff (it grossed $173.6 million worldwide on a $35 million bud- get), “Creed II” was fast-tracked by MGM in part to capitalize on the success of “Black Panther” and Jordan’s growing profile. Caple, whose feature debut was the 2016 indie film “The Land,” had his first meeting with producers around Thanksgiving last year. By the first week of January, he was in Phila- delphia getting ready to shoot. Caple preserved and expanded upon Coogler’s naturalis- tic approach, and the film’s best scenes unlock raw intimacies out- side the ring. Especially notable is the chemistry between Jordan and Tessa Thompson, who plays Adonis’ girlfriend (“Mike feeds off of Tessa a lot,” says Caple), and the surprising pathos of the father-son relationship between Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) and Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu). In an echo of “Rocky IV,” the younger Drago is Adonis’ foe this time. WHAT TO DO 278-2627). Pendleton WinterFest PENDLETON Page 3C “Scrooged” starring Bill Murray; Dec 12: “It’s a Wonderful Life” with James Stew- art; and Dec 19: “A Christmas Story” fea- turing Peter Billingsley. Tickets are $5 and include a small foun- tain drink and a small popcorn. For more information, visit www.wildhorseresort. com/cineplex. ENTERPRISE — Three Wallowa County writers with diverse back- grounds will share their works during the upcom- ing Fishtrap Fireside. Those featured are Tan Hermens, Daniel Iacob and Rob Taylor. The fireside also includes an open mic for audience members to share their stories. The free event is Friday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at 400 E. Grant St., Enterprise. Light refresh- ments are available. Raised on a farm in Pennsylvania, Hermens ventured West, where she lived among Tlingit Indi- ans in Alaska and then taught Yupik Eskimos on the Yukon Delta. She is an oral storyteller influenced by her connection to the Yupik people. Born in Romania, Iacob moved to the U.S. at age 9 after Romanian Revo- lution and collapse. He later received a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and a master’s in poetry. His long prose poem, “Lost in America,” was a Top 10 finalist in a contest judged by Sam Moulton, editor of Outside. Taylor was born and raised in New York City — eventually finding is way to northeastern Ore- gon in 2002 where he took a job with The Nature Conservancy. Wander- lust took him briefly to work as a restoration ecol- ogist at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Ref- uge in the Pacific Islands before returning to Wal- lowa County. The Fishtrap Fireside takes place the first Friday of each month from Octo- ber trough April. For more information, contact Mike Midlo at mike@fishtrap. org, 541-426-3623 or visit www.fishtrap.org.
