Annual 2010
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12/22/10Good riddance to the “partnership” that never wasSpree's Editor E. Licata weighs in again on Collins' choice to cut arts funding. Posted at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments: 1 |
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12/22/10Movie Review: Little FockersThe Focker family—more obnoxious than ever—arrives in time for Christmas. Posted at 07:28 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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12/17/10Movie Review: Yogi BearThe iconic bears unnecessarily make their way into the 21st century. Posted at 07:45 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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12/13/10Totally surroundedLast Wednesday's multimedia performance at Hallwalls left me overwhelmed but wanting more. Posted at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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12/10/10The weekend in movies 12/10A list of films opening in Buffalo this weekend, starting 12/10. Posted at 07:22 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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12/07/10Artsphere Extends Hours for HolidaysArtsphere is unique in that it is both a gallery and a studio space. Posted at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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12/03/10Most Anticipated Films of 2011Ten films to look for in the new year that don't involve superheroes. Posted at 08:03 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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11/24/10Movie Review: 127 HoursBased on the true story of Aron Ralston's harrowing five days trapped in a canyon. Posted at 07:05 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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11/19/10Criterion round-up: The magic and chaos of Bergman, Kubrick, and von TrierThe latest from the Criterion Collection. Posted at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments: 1 |
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11/19/10Movie Review: Fair GameThe story of former CIA agent Valerie Plame and her husband Joe Wilson at the cusp of the Iraq war. Posted at 07:24 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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11/12/10Movie Review: UnstoppableA hyper-cut action/thriller from Tony Scott and regular collaborator Denzel Washington. Posted at 06:06 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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11/05/10Movie Review: Due DateAnother romp from The Hangover's Todd Phillips. Posted at 08:04 AM | Permalink | Comments: 1 |
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11/04/10The Black Angels steal the showA show that lived up to the hype. Posted at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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10/29/10Movie Review: ConvictionA true story of one woman trying to prove her brother innocent of murder. Posted at 08:33 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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10/22/10Movie Review: HereafterClint Eastwood delves into the afterlife. Posted at 07:51 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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10/15/10Movie Review: A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle ShopComedic remake of the Coen Brothers' debut film. Posted at 07:57 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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10/09/10Something to “SHOUT!” aboutA hip musical revue takes audiences on a nostalgia ride through the 1960s, with bright colors and big voices. Posted at 05:51 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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10/08/10Movie Review: Never Let Me GoThe much anticipated adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s heartbreaking novel. Posted at 07:10 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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10/05/10The organically athletic Lehrerdance returns to UBThe dynamic dance company will return to the University at Buffalo’s Center for the Arts form October 8 to 10, after a year of touring the country. Posted at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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10/05/10More than a "Trace" of life, from Torn Space TheaterTorn Space Theater is original, adventurous and willing to ask tough questions. For proof, go see their latest production. Posted at 06:46 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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10/01/10Movie Review: The Social NetworkFacebook's genesis, according to Sorkin. Posted at 07:14 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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09/24/10A hard act to followDidier Pasquette is the sky-walking metaphor for Beyond/In's high aspirations. Posted at 10:16 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
09/24/10Robert Schwentke's RedIn a sea of business-as-usual action flicks, Robert Schwentke’s Red stands out. Posted at 10:16 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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09/24/10Movie Review: The Virginity HitAn American Pie-esque faux documentary about a high school senior's quest to become a man. Posted at 07:30 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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09/17/10Movie Review: The TownBen Affleck is back in Boston, showing his directing debut's success was no fluke. Posted at 07:42 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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09/13/10TIFF Day 4: The intense, brilliant "127 Hours," and moreIt's a story of surviving at any cost, and not just my choice for the best film of TIFF10, but easily the best I've seen this year. Posted at 02:28 PM | Permalink | Comments: 1 |
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09/13/10TIFF 2010: Day ThreeDay Three at TIFF sees a morning of heavy drama and a night of comedic fun. Posted at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments: 1 |
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09/10/10TIFF 2010: Day Two (so far)The best film we've seen so far this year, a rather conventional but solid flick, and who knew the continental breakfast wasn't free? Posted at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments: 1 |
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09/10/10Movie Review: FlippedRob Reiner returns to family-friendly fare with his adaptation of Wendelin Van Draanen's novel. Posted at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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09/09/10TIFF 2010: Day OneTIFF 2010: Day One is complete. Posted at 10:56 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
09/07/10TIFF10 PreviewSpree visits the Toronto International Film Festival for four days of coverage. Posted at 07:11 AM | Permalink | Comments: 1 |
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09/02/10Movie Review: The AmericanGeorge Clooney's aging assassin finds redemption through love in Italy. Posted at 03:40 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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09/01/10Re-entering the void of the 2009 Toronto Film FestivalA look back at the wild highs of TIFF09. Posted at 02:38 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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09/01/10Spree takes TIFF, next weekStarting one week from tomorrow—Thursday, September 9—we'll be spending four days seeing movies, writing about them, keeping our eyes peeled for famous faces, and, well, seeing more movies. Posted at 07:55 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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08/27/10Movie Review: TakersA team of high-risk thieves find themselves helping an ex-partner as they take on their biggest job to date. Posted at 07:34 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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08/20/10Movie Review: Nanny McPhee ReturnsEmma Thompson's prosthetic warts return—along with her incomparable skills. Posted at 07:18 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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08/13/10Movie Review: Eat Pray LoveThe much-anticipated adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert's memoirs. Posted at 07:19 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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08/09/10A homecoming for Peter CaseOn Friday, August 13 the acclaimed singer and Buffalo native returns for a concert at the Sportsmen’s Tavern. Posted at 07:15 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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08/06/10Engaging, challenging and fun: radio/ACTIVE pushes the needle into the red zoneAnother compelling multimedia production from Allentown's Gallery 164. Check them out tonight. Posted at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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08/06/10Movie Review: The Other GuysWill Farrell and Mark Wahlberg attempt to become New York City heroes—with wooden guns and pirouettes. Posted at 08:34 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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08/01/10A loverly production of "My Fair Lady"Shaw's classic Pygmalion, as interpreted by Lerner & Loewe, is still great fun—and well done! Posted at 12:42 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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07/30/10Movie Review: Dinner for SchmucksSteve Carell stars as an obnoxious eccentric, a formula that should equal big box office. Posted at 06:22 AM | Permalink | Comments: 1 |
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07/23/10No dilemma for the audience: a Shaw must-seeClassic GBS combined with travel, food, and shopping equals a Spree arts writer’s dream day. Posted at 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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07/23/10Review/Interview: Winter's BoneDirector Debra Granik speaks to Spree about her new critically acclaimed film Winter's Bone, one of the films opening this week in Buffalo. Posted at 06:33 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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07/16/10Movie Review: InceptionAnother visionary—and compelling—film from Christopher Nolan. Posted at 08:19 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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07/09/10Help Music is Art win bigAs the totals stood earlier this week, MiA sat in 173rd place, meaning the group would be awarded the $20,000. The totals are close, however, with merely about twenty votes keeping MiA in the top 200. So far, it is the only non-profit group from Western New York in the top 200. Posted at 07:18 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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07/09/10Movie Review: Despicable MeA charming, if somewhat derivative addition to the animated comedy ranks. Posted at 06:25 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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07/06/10A bittersweet tribute to a Buffalo icon: The Grand MannerNow playing at Lincoln Center: A.R. Gurney enlarges on his encounter with Katherine Cornell Posted at 03:32 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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07/02/10Movie Review: The Last AirbenderThe four Nations of Air, Water, Earth, and Fire are in turmoil—only the Avatar can return balance. Posted at 06:10 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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06/25/10The weekend in movies 6/25A list of films opening in Buffalo this weekend, starting 6/25 Posted at 08:02 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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06/19/10Rockin'at the Knox: An opportunity for partiers to stop and smell the artFreshly back from the annual music and beer fest, we reflect on the many revelers who are seeing museum's collection for the first time. Posted at 01:00 AM | Permalink | Comments: 2 |
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06/18/10Movie Review: Please GiveAn authentic, intertwined look at two matriarchs and their families, coping with life, love, and death. Posted at 07:15 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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06/11/10Movie Review: The Karate KidRelocating to China and switching to kung fu, the 80s classic is remade—without Mr. Miyagi. Posted at 06:18 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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06/08/10Remembering Goldie SempleThe Shaw Festival loses one of its greats. Posted at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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06/06/10"Life in the Chelsea Hotel" hits ElmwoodA new look and a new show at the Benjaman Gallery add up to excitement for Buffalo art-lovers. Posted at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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06/04/10Bare-bones and beautiful: Cherry Orchard at ShawA crisp translation and minimal production contribute to Cherry Orchard's subtle success. Posted at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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06/04/10Movie Review: SpliceA shocking—and enthralling—sci-fi flick paints a dark picture. Posted at 07:28 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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05/28/10Movie Review: Sex and the City 2The girls are back with more glitzy glam than ever. Posted at 07:08 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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05/21/10The weekend in movies 5/21A list of films opening in Buffalo this weekend, starting 5/21 Posted at 08:09 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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05/19/10Road Less Traveled Packs a Punch with "The Goat"Road Less Traveled Productions presents Edward Albee's "The Goat; or Who is Sylvia?" Catch it while you can. Posted at 08:51 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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05/17/10Movie Review: Just WrightQueen Latifah and Common star in a romantic comedy about a basketball all-star and the physical therapist that saves his career. Posted at 08:24 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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05/06/10The 360 | 365 George Eastman House Film festivalOpening night at the 360 | 365 George Eastman House Film festival featured James Ivory and his new film City of Your Final Destination. Posted at 07:42 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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04/30/10The weekend in movies 4/30A list of films opening in Buffalo this weekend, starting 4/30 Posted at 07:31 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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04/23/10Movie Review: The Back-up PlanJennifer Lopez is a successful woman looking to start a family by getting pregnant the new-tech way. Along comes Alex O'Loughlin as the perfect man to have helped her do it the old-fashioned way. Hijinks ensue. Posted at 09:50 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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04/19/10Long out of hiding, Rushdie concludes Just Buffalo’s Babel seasonSalman Rushdie came to Buffalo for the final installment of Just Buffalo Literary Center's Babel series' third season on Friday. Posted at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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04/16/10Movie Review: Death at a FuneralA remake of the 2007 film of the same name, Death at a Funeral sees Chris Rock trying his best to send his father off. Familial chaos ensues with the help of hallucinogens and the arrival of a strange visitor. Posted at 07:24 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
04/12/10The 4th Annual Buffalo Niagara Film FestivalThe fourth Annual Buffalo Niagara Film Festival arrives at Market Arcade and the Riviera Theatre from April 16-25. Posted at 09:51 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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04/09/10Movie Review: The RunawaysThe Runaways tells the story of teens Cherie Currie and Joan Jett as they begin their musical careers and show the world that girls can rock just as hard as boys. Posted at 06:21 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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04/02/10The weekend in movies 4/2A list of films opening in Buffalo this weekend, starting 4/2. Posted at 07:00 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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03/29/10"Children by the million sing for Alex Chilton ..."Spree's Bruce Eaton, author of a recent book on the band Big Star, remembers the band's iconic frontman at salon.com and his own blog. Posted at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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03/26/10Movie Review: A ProphetA Prophet, a front-runner for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars, finally hits Buffalo theaters. A scared kid behind bars becomes leader of the prison's crime world and beyond. Posted at 07:00 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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03/21/10The Big V is a Daily DelightViktoria Ciostek is a Buffalo photographer whose work focuses on issues of urban decay and the effects of modern development. She is now on a photo-expedition she calls The Big V, and you can travel right along with her via the internet. Posted at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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03/19/10The weekend in movies 3/19A list of films opening in Buffalo this weekend, starting 3/19. Posted at 07:22 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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03/18/10Thanks for stopping by, Mr. MeierUB, AKAG and BPAC brought renowned architect Richard Meier to Buffalo. Mutual admiration was the name of the game. Posted at 12:28 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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03/12/10Meet Breckenwood—a band on the riseSo what’s so special about the two eighteen-year-olds and the nineteen-year-old who make up Breckenwood? “We feel we have a unique style that’s different from most other bands in Western New York,” says Micah Kokeny, nineteen, of Orchard Park. Posted at 08:34 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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03/12/10The weekend in moviesA list of films opening in Buffalo this weekend, starting 3/12. Posted at 07:16 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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03/11/10Stamps of approval for AKAG's Abstract ExpressionistsFour works from AKAG's Abstract Expressionists collection are featured on new U.S. stamps. Posted at 03:12 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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03/08/10Finally, I’m in Buffalo! … Babel’s Azar NafisiJust Buffalo Literary Center welcomed Iranian author Azar Nafisi to Buffalo in order to speak on her process, beliefs, and works. Posted at 08:28 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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02/26/10A risky production triumphsA look at Torn Space Theater's Some Explicit Polaroids. Posted at 09:57 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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02/19/10Clapton and Beck pair up in TOClapton and Beck are the epitome of "guitar gods," and the idea of them collaborating on a short tour is pretty thrilling. The plan, apparently, is that Beck does a set, followed by Clapton, and the show finishes with a joint effort. Posted at 08:15 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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02/19/10The weekend in moviesA list of films opening in Buffalo this weekend, starting 2/19. Posted at 07:56 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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02/12/10Movie Review: Valentine's DayValentine's Day—clearly the most originally titled and themed film of the year—opens today, just in time for the holiday it steals its name from. With an all-star cast weaving in and out of each others' lives in LA, the film is pretty much what you'd expect it would be. Posted at 07:43 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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02/11/10Out of the way Carnegie worth the tripA review of two new exhibitions at the Carnegie Art Center in North Tonawanda. Posted at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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02/03/10Breaking down the Oscar nomsThree Spree writers handicap the 2009 nominees. Posted at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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01/29/10Movie Review: Crazy HeartCrazy Heart, with the award-winning performance of Jeff Bridges, opens today. Portraying a washed up drunk of a country singer, Bridges is as good as billed. Posted at 07:42 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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01/27/10Welcome back to Axl's jungleThe Guns 'N Roses that came onstage at 10:25 p.m. in Hamilton was fighting fit. And as the opening riff of "Chinese Democracy" shot out of the speakers, it was hard not feel goosebumps—it felt like this was the ultimate rock show. Posted at 09:39 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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01/22/10Extraordinary Measures: made-for-TV reaches for the big screenCBS Films' first foray in the feature film world, Extraordinary Measures, opens today. Based on the true story of one man's fight to save his children from Pompe disease, the movie follows his search for the cure. Posted at 07:44 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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01/21/10Two "Huh!" concerts—Ronnie Spector and Guns N' RosesInteresting concerts seem to come in pairs, and so it goes this weekend—Ronnie Spector at the Seneca Niagara Casino on Saturday (Jan. 23) and Guns N' Roses at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton on Sunday (Jan. 24). Posted at 12:08 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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01/20/10Here come three great bands, for five bucksComets + Son + Thermidors = an incredible concert—tickets only $5—at Mohawk Place, this Saturday, January 23. And it's for a great cause: the Food Bank of WNY. Posted at 07:55 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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01/15/10Fun work by established artistsA group show you don't have to think about too much—just go, and enjoy. Posted at 10:39 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
![Living one life was not enough … Los abrazos rotos [Broken Embraces]](/images/cache/032e1dd2c0453a4324f74e669c374f6a.jpeg) |
01/14/10Living one life was not enough … Los abrazos rotos [Broken Embraces]Pedro Almodovar's newest film Broken Embraces opens this Friday, 1/15, in Buffalo. Like most of his oeuvre, this film deals with the tragic and complicated relationships of artists in Spain told through flashbacks and the director's flair for the melodramatic. Posted at 10:16 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
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01/07/10You sweet angel of the lavatory … Youth in RevoltMichael Cera's newest film Youth in Revolt opens this Friday, 1/8, in Buffalo. Attempting to break from his typecast awkward teen schtick, Cera tries on a new persona of confident delinquency, adding some spice to his comedic repertoire. Posted at 10:46 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0 |
