Iceberg Slick, Arts Factory curator, debuts the first of a series of periodic, themed group shows by young local artists Friday. As our more astute readers may have already guessed, the inaugural theme is modern mythology, with artists rendering their favorite fictional heroes and villains in an all-ages show. Sorry, Oscar!
Super Hero and Villain Show
Where: Arts Factory, 101 E. Charleston Blvd.
When: 5-10 p.m. March 18
Price: Free
Info: [email protected]
DVDs |
High Roller (R) (2 stars)
The Stu Ungar Story
$19.98
Sopranos stalwarts Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa try mightily, but even their estimable presence—and the sudden emergence of poker as a TV staple—can't save this exhausting cautionary tale. We feel nothing but disdain for Ungar, a three-time world poker champ who pisses away every opportunity he's given for rehabilitation and redemption. No hubris, no tragedy, no fun to watch.
Metallica (NR) (4 stars)
Some Kind of Monster
$29.99
You don't have to be a metal-head to enjoy this compelling documentary about a dysfunctional rock 'n' roll family but it helps. A 2004 Independent Spirit winner, it captures Metallica simultaneously trying to record St. Anger, undergo group therapy and cope with the temporary loss of James Hetfield. It might be too touchy-feely for rank-and-file head-bangers, but they'll appreciate the generous selection of behind-the-scenes bonus features.
Spencer Davis Group (NR) (3 stars)
Gimme Some Lovin: Live 1966
$25.98
Apart from providing an early showcase for Steve Winwood, the Spencer Davis Group has a place reserved in rock heaven simply for recording "Gimme Some Lovin'," "I'm a Man" and "Keep on Runnin'." This entertaining compilation of English, Finnish and German TV clips captures the band just as it's about to explode in the US, and immediately after Winwood's move to Traffic.
THE PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY CRITIC |
This month's selection spices things up (literally) with Krema Hot & Spicy Peanut Butter, accompanied by Southern Grace Corn Cob Jelly. Although corn is sweet, it's not the most obvious choice for jelly, and I was curious what it would taste like. The Hot & Spicy Peanut Butter, though, overpowered all other tastes so all I got from the Corn Cob Jelly was a generic but pleasant sweetness. Krema's peanut butter more than lives up to its name, and while on its own, it's not a bad taste, it's not ideal for sandwich-making. Accompanying notes suggest using it in a variety of recipes; good old PB&J sandwiches, however, are not the ideal venues for spiciness. (2.5 stars)
For more info: www.lovepbj.com.
What a Wacky Web We Weave |
What to do when you end your talk show and your magazine flops? Why, start a blog, of course! At least, that seems to be the thinking of Rosie O'Donnell, who describes herself as "a fat, 42-year-old menopausal ex-talk-show host" and "married mother of four." Strangely enough, she left out "lesbian" and "failed Broadway producer." A quick glance reveals bad navel-gazing poetry ("fake name is my shrink / after columbine I needed meds / and got em / from her / whom I love"), that her occupation is now "artist," and a link to another website containing footage of little girls in bubble baths. Didn't they arrest Pete Townshend for the same sort of thing? Frankly, we'll stick to the bizarre creepiness of Melanie Griffith's site, where fans seek out the star of Body Double for help with their drug addictions.
FormerlyRosie
www.rosie.com/blog/rosie.html
Melanie Griffith
www.melaniegriffith.com