Mountain Views News          Saturday, March 12, 2011

11

ARTS & ENTERTAIMENT

 Mountain Views News Saturday, March 12, 2011 

SEAN’S SHAMELESS 

REVIEWS


Without 
hesitation, 
“The Fighter” 
is the most 
outstanding 
boxing movie 
since “Rocky”. 
In many ways, 
it even triumphs 
over the timeless 
classic. “The 
Fighter” stars 
Mark Wahlberg 
as Micky Ward, 
a down on his 
luck boxer from working-class town Lowell, 
Massachusetts. He is all heart, but unfortunately 
isn’t living up to his complete potential. His half-
brother, Dicky Eklund, played meticulously by 
Christian Bale is Micky’s trainer. While Dicky was 
a prominent fighter in his own day (proclaiming 
throughout the movie that he knocked down 
Sugar Ray Leonard), he took a turn for the worse 
by quickly falling into the drudgery of hard drugs 
that ultimately wasted any chance of a promising 
career. The astonishing Melissa Leo plays Alice 
Ward, Mickey’s controlling mother and manager. 
She may be difficult and a true pain to deal with at 
times, however in the end, she does have the best 
intentions for her son. Lastly, there is Charlene 
Fleming, characterized by the beautiful and ultra 
talented Amy Adams as Micky’s love interest and 
muse. She’s one tough chick that packs her own 
one-two punch. Adams is intoxicating to watch 
in a role she’s really never tackled before. Toward 
the third act, “The Fighter” does drift into familiar 
inspirational movie territory. However, it really 
doesn’t matter because by the end, you’re rooting 
and cheering for not only Micky, but also the 
entire family. “The Fighter” is less about boxing 
and more about a struggling family trying to 
stick together and make something truly special 
happen. To say the absolute least, the acting 
performances by the entire ensemble are the 
year’s unequivocal best. It’s the small and intimate 
moments in “The Fighter” that truly make it an 
undisputed winner.

 Mark Wahlberg had been physically training 
for the movie for over four years. It had been an 
uphill battle to get this story on to the big screen, 
but fortunately, director David O. Russell, best 
known for his superb satirical Persian Gulf War 
movie, “Three Kings”, took the reins (after the 
departure of Darren Aronofsky) and guided 
Wahlberg and company in the making of this film. 
This is Wahlberg and Russell’s third collaboration 
together. Arguably, Wahlberg’s best work has come 
from under Russell’s direction. In this particular 
case, it’s no different. Wahlberg throws it all out 
on the table and convinces the audience that he 
does possess some acting prowess despite a string 
of less-than-average films over the past few years. 
After both Brad Pitt and Matt Damon dropped 
out due to scheduling conflicts, Christian Bale 
entered the scene to play Dicky Eklund. Allow me 
to say, Bale IS Eklund. Bottom line, Bale seeps into 
the role perfectly and effortlessly and produces his 
best acting performance to date (recently awarded 
his first Academy Award for the role). There 
is a perfect rhythm to his portrayal of Eklund. 
Bale does such an incredible job mastering and 
mimicking all of Eklund’s mannerisms, nuances, 
and quirks. The movie is terrific, but it’s Bale’s 
presentation that is stellar, poignant, heart 
wrenching and utterly spectacular. This is what 
Oscar performances are made of. 

Filmed in 33 days for less than $20 million and 
shot on location, the movie accurately depicts 
the working-class life of Lowell. Additionally, 
David O. Russell does an exceptional job in 
keeping a raw, yet authentic appearance within 
all of his scenes. It truly creates a definite mood 
and distinctive setting for the viewer to feel as if 
they’re right at home with the actors. For a movie 
about the relationship of two brothers and the 
core of the story being more directed toward 
family life than boxing, one could easily write off 
the movie as another tired cliché, underdog sports 
drama. However, be it as it may, “The Fighter” 
throws you punch after punch that you never see 
coming. It’s an original piece of storytelling that 
will bring you sadness and heartache, but also 
provide you with laughter, happiness, motivation 
and most of all, inspiration. In the end, “The 
Fighter” is a brilliantly beautiful and rare movie 
with a plethora of powerhouse performances that 
will have you both smiling and possibly shedding 
a tear or two. Now when’s the last time you felt 
that way watching a film? Do yourself a favor and 
go watch (or preferably purchase on DVD or Blu-
ray) the best movie of 2010! 

Grade: 5 out of 5

I hope I didn’t miss anything! Keep those cards and letters coming.....

 

 SUN. 3/13 - BARRY “BIG B” BRENNER @ FIREFLY BISTRO IN SOUTH PASADENA, 11am - 2pm. 1009 El 
Centro. 626-441-2443. Sunday BLUES Brunch! http://www.bigbbrenner.com/ 

 

SUN. 3/13 - “OPERA TO BROADWAY” VOCAL PERFORMANCES @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 
7-10pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Full bar and great Italian food. Every Sunday evening. Get 
there early - they pack ‘em in! 

 

TUES. 3/15 - MATT DENNY’S ANNUAL ST. BALDRICK’S DAY FUNDRAISER - HAVE YOUR HEAD 
SHAVED TO RAISE MONEY FOR KIDS WITH CANCER. A VERY WORTHY CAUSE. CALL 626-462-0250 
FOR MORE INFO.

TUES. 3/15 - “TUESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA” @ CAFE 322 with QUIZMASTER DEANNA, 8pm. $2 per person to 
play, up to 4 on a team, CASH or gift certificates to the top 3 teams. Fun and educational! 322 W. Sierra Madre 
Blvd. 626-836-5414.

...with music immediately following, as ALUMINUM MARSHMALLOW & THE AGE OF AQUARIUS HORNS 
hold band practice in front of a live audience! Watch and listen as they work out the bugs and get a sneak peek 
at their Wistaria Festival set.

WED. 3/16 - LISA FINNIE & JOHN PALMER re-duet @ RED CARPET WINE & SPIRITS IN GLENDALE, 
7 - 8pm. 400 E. Glenoaks Blvd. Indoor musical delights and three-option tastings via the in-house Enomatics 
in the Red Carpet Wine Bar. Outdoor temptations available just outside courtesy of Vizzi Food Truck. www.
redcarpetwine.com

 

WED. 3/16 - The Mellow D’z @ Oceanview Bistro in Montrose from 7:30-10:00 PM. 3826 Ocean View Blvd. 818-
248-2722. Great food and drinks to go with cool acoustic jams. www.ovbistro.com

 

“WEDNESDAY NIGHT PLATTER PARTY” @ THE BUCCANEER, 9pm. Bring your favorite vinyl records and 
play an entire side on the house turntable, commercial free! 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045. No cover, 
full bar, friendly service!

THURS. 3/17 - ST. PADDY’S DAY PARTY @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE with THE MELLOW D’z (Dave 
Osti & Deanna Cogan) 5:30 - 7:30, SNOTTY SCOTTY & THE HANKIES, 8 - 10pm and more... 322 W. Sierra 
Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414.

 

THURS. 3/17 - BARRY “BIG B” BRENNER @ FIREFLY BISTRO IN SOUTH PASADENA, 6 - 9pm. 1009 El 
Centro. 626-441-2443. Burgers, Brews & BLUES Every Thursday. http://www.bigbbrenner.com/ 

 

THURS. 3/17 - St. Patrick’s Day at Matt Denny’s Ale House in Arcadia, with The Nackers Irish Band, 6 - 11p.m 
under the ginormous tent in the parking lot. 21 & over with I.D. after 4:00 p.m. 145 E. Huntington Dr., between 
1st & 2nd Aves. 626-462-0250. Always a heck of a party!

 

THURS. 3/17 - ST. PADDY’S DAY PARTY with GROOVY LEMON PIE @ T. BOYLE’S TAVERN IN PASADENA, 
9pm. 37 N. Catalina Ave., just N. of Colorado Blvd. (formerly Toe’s Tavern and the Handlebars) Gregory James, 
Tom Jenkins, Jorge Mena, Gary Putman. Classic Rock and beyond! www.glpie.com

FRI. 3/18 - THE MELLOW D’z (Dave Osti & Deanna Cogan) @ Cafe 322 in Sierra Madre, 5:30 - 7:30pm. 322 
W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Great happy hour discounts on food and drinks from 4:30-6:30. Acoustic 
Rock faves.

FRI. 3/18 - Day After St. Patrick’s Day Rock and Roll Patio Party and Dinner with Horses on Astroturf Trio @ The 
American Legion in East Pasadena. Featuring a traditional Irish corned beef and cabbage dinner. Raffle prizes 
including a 50/50 cash prize, a steamer trunk filled with a variety of assorted spirits and more. $7 donation for 
dinner and the band or $3 donation just to see the band. Band begins at 7:30...dinner begins about 5:00. Band 
will be on the patio...heaters provided...weather permitting. 179 N. Vinedo Ave. 626-792-9938.

 

FRI. 3/18 - MERCY & THE MERKETTES DANCE PARTY @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 9pm - Midnite. 
322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Full bar and great Italian food. R&B, Disco, Motown, Rock, Blues. Last 
month was a gas!

 

SUN. 3/20 - BARRY “BIG B” BRENNER @ FIREFLY BISTRO IN SOUTH PASADENA, 11am - 2pm. 1009 El 
Centro. 626-441-2443. Sunday BLUES Brunch! http://www.bigbbrenner.com/ 

 

SUN. 3/20 - ANNUAL WISTARIA FESTIVAL IN DOWNTOWN SIERRA MADRE, 9am - 5pm. Arts & crafts 
fair, food booths, tons of live music and purple blossoms! ALUMINUM MARSHMALLOW, HORSES ON 
ASTROTURF, ? AND THE WISTARIANS, LEN MENDOZA, DAVE SHELTON and many more. I drove by the 
world-famous vine today and I think it’s going to be a great bloom this year.

 

SUN. 3/20 - “OPERA TO BROADWAY” VOCAL PERFORMANCES @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 
7-10pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-

5414. Full bar and great Italian food. Every Sunday evening. Get there early - they pack ‘em in! 

 

TUES. 3/22 - “JC & Friends Songwriter Serenade” @ MATT DENNY’S ALEHOUSE & RESTAURANT IN 
ARCADIA, 7 - 9:30pm. 145 E. Huntington Dr., between 1st & 2nd Aves. 626-462-0250. Full bar & kitchen, all 
ages. A weekly acoustic show of songwriters playing original songs, either as a solo or duo act, outside on the 
covered, heated patio. This week’s artists: Brooke Williams, Jeffrey Michaels, and Sweet Potatoes. http://www.
jchyke.com/

 

WED. 3/23 - LISA FINNIE & JOHN PALMER re-duet @ RED CARPET WINE & SPIRITS IN GLENDALE, 
7 - 8pm. 400 E. Glenoaks Blvd. Indoor musical delights and three-option tastings via the in-house Enomatics 
in the Red Carpet Wine Bar. Outdoor temptations available just outside courtesy of Vizzi Food Truck. www.
redcarpetwine.com

 

FRI. 3/25 - THE MELLOW D’z (Dave Osti & Deanna Cogan) @ Cafe 322 in Sierra Madre, 5:30 - 7:30pm. 322 
W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Great happy hour discounts on food and drinks from 4:30-6:30. Acoustic 
Rock faves.

 

FRI. 3/25 - SWING DANCE PARTY with FLAT TOP TOM & HIS JUMPCATS @ CAFE 322, 8 - 11pm. 322 W. 
Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Full bar, great Italian food, dance floor. 

 

SUN. 3/27 - “OPERA TO BROADWAY” VOCAL PERFORMANCES @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 
7-10pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Full bar and great Italian food. Every Sunday evening. Get 
there early - they pack ‘em in! 

 

WED. 3/30 - LISA FINNIE & JOHN PALMER re-duet @ RED CARPET WINE & SPIRITS IN GLENDALE, 
7 - 8pm. 400 E. Glenoaks Blvd. Indoor musical delights and three-option tastings via the in-house Enomatics 
in the Red Carpet Wine Bar. Outdoor temptations available just outside courtesy of Vizzi Food Truck. www.
redcarpetwine.com

 

WED. 3/30 - The Mellow D’z @ Oceanview Bistro in Montrose from 7:30-10:00 PM. 3826 Ocean View Blvd. 818-
248-2722. Great food and drinks to go with cool acoustic jams. www.ovbistro.com

*****NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR THE 2011 DOO DAH PARADE! Parade Day is Saturday, April 
30th, 11:00am in East Pasadena. Be part of one of the most colorful and unique experiences around! Go to: 
pasadenadoodahparade.info -- and under “Entry Form” sign up now! Queen tryouts will be held on Sat. 4/2 @ 
the American Legion.

 

ADAMS’ PACK STATION at Chantry Flat, Angeles National Forest is now booking music for the Spring/
Summer season. Email Deb Burgess for info. dburgess@burcon-group.com (From the 210 Fwy in Arcadia/
Sierra Madre, Take Santa Anita Avenue North until it dead-ends at the parking lot.) Stay tuned to the Music 
News for artists, dates and times. JC Hyke, Jeannie Willets, 2 Frets Lower, Tom Renaud, Lisa Turner & Friends, 
Tim Tedrow and many more! 

 

Please remember to call and verify all info. before making plans. Everything is subject to change. This is show 
biz, after all... Hope to see you out & about, SierraMadreSue sierramadresue@yahoo.com 

Sean Kayden

The Fighter 

Theatrical Release Date: December 17, 2010
Directed by: David O. Russell
Screenplay by: Scott Silver, Paul Tamasy, 
and Eric Johnson

DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: March 15, 2011


The Book Report

Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of 
an Owl and His Girl 
by Stacey O’Brien

In this book 
biologist and barn owl 
expert O’Brien relates 
her rescue of an 
adorable, abandoned 
baby barn owl and 
their amazing and 
unprecedented 
nineteen year life 
together. Told 
with both wit and 
wonder, this memoir 
relates the touching, 
frustrating, and funny events of Wesley’s growing 
up. After being rescued from a fall that ensures he 
will never be able to survive in the wild, Wesley 
finds a new home with biologist O’Brien. With 
affection and a scientist’s eye, O’Brien narrates 
Wesley’s growth from a helpless ball of fuzz to 
a playful and clumsy adolescent and finally to 
an adult owl. Along the way, Wesley’s caretaker 
makes important discoveries about barn owl 
behavior, intelligence, communication skills, and 
emotions. Ultimately, the biologist who saved the 
life of a helpless baby bird is herself rescued by 
the insistent love and protective strength of this 
wild animal. O’Brien’s anecdotes are enhanced 
by wonderful photos. This is a surprising story 
of a complex non human being capable of 
reason, love, communication, and loyalty, sure 
to be cherished by animal lovers everywhere. 
O’Brien is a biologist, wildlife rescuer, and animal 
rehabilitation expert specializing in owl research.

Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain 

The book begins 
with a brief history 
of the river from its 
discovery by Hernando 
de Soto in 1541 and 
then describes Twain’s 
career as a Mississippi 
steamboat pilot, 
the fulfillment of a 
childhood dream. The 
second half of Life on 
the Mississippi tells of 
Twain’s return, many 
years after, to travel 
the river from St. 
Louis to New Orleans. By then the competition 
from railroads had made steamboats passe, in 
spite of improvements in navigation and boat 
construction. Twain sees new cities on the river, 
and records his observations on greed, gullibility, 
and bad architecture. This is a romantic history 
of a mighty river, an autobiographical account of 
Twain’s early steamboat days, and a storehouse 
of humorous anecdotes and sketches, here is 
the material from which Mark Twain wrote his 
finest novel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. 
Told with insight, humor, and candor, Life on the 
Mississippi is an American classic.


JOHN WALKER OF THE WALKER BROTHERS AT CAFÉ 322

 Fans of 60s music are in for a 
treat: Local resident and Universal 
recording artist John Walker 
will be performing his hits from 
the 60s and 70s at a special engagement 
at Café 322 in Sierra 
Madre. This show will mark his 
first since being diagnosed with 
advanced liver cancer in 2010. 
It will also mark the first show 
with his newly formed “The 
John Walker Band”. 

 Walker, who usually tours in 
the UK, Europe, and the east 
coast, was forced to cancel his 
scheduled concerts abroad 
when he learned of the cancer 
and began treatment. Through 
it all, he has put together a show 
featuring top Walker Brothers 
hits, originals, and audience 
favorites from the 60s and 70s. 
His “The John Walker Band” 
will kick off the evening at 8:00. 
Reservations for the event are 
required.

 Walker formed “The Walker 
Brothers” in 1963, after having 
already established himself as 
a recording artist, bandleader, 
singer, songwriter, and guitarist. 
Rock and roll was taking 
America by storm then, 
and John, with fellow “Walker 
Brother” Scott Engel, made regular 
appearances on the early 
music shows like “Shindig” and 
“Ninth Street A GoGo”. Newsweek 
Magazine featured 
their press photo in an article 
about the new rock and 
roll craze. 

 The band, which included 
Al “Tiny” Schneider on 
drums, also became the 
house band at the legendary 
“Gazarris” on La Cienega’s 
Restaurant Row. Audiences 
lined up around the block 
each night to see them play. 
John and Scott signed to 
Mercury in 1964 and began 
recording their songs in a 
radically new style, known 
as The Wall of Sound, that 
was emerging on the west 
coast with other artists like 
The Beach Boys, The Righteous 
Brothers, and producer 
Phil Spector. At the invitation 
of local drummer Gary Leeds, 
the singing duo moved to England 
and continued recording a 
series of dramatic chart topping 
ballads, including the iconic 
NO. 1’s “The Sun Ain’t Gonna 
Shine Anymore” and “Make It 
Easy On Yourself”, and top hits 
like “My Ship Is Coming In” 
and “No Regrets”.

 Walker moved back to America 
in the 80’s and has lived in 
the LA area for several years. 
He is the only Walker Brother 
still performing , recording 
CD’s, and making television 
appearances.

 In 2009, John Blake Publishing 
in London released Mr. 
Walker’s autobiography (“The 
Walker Brothers No Regrets 
Our Story by John Walker and 
Gary Walker”), a fascinating 
collection of stories recalling 
the early days of the LA music 
and club scene, and living in 
London and the south of France 
in the “Swinging 60s” during 
the group’s height of popularity.

Official sites: www.thewalkerbrothersjohnwalker.
com www.
johnwalkerinternational.com European 
Site: www.john-walker.org


Photo by Mike Abbott