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Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Archives for April 2016

20 Places To Celebrate Mother’s Day Brunch

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MOthersDay

Looks like you’ve found our 2016 Mother’s Day story. For the 2019 story, please click here.

 

Mother’s Day is the busiest brunch day in the restaurant business and the 3rd most popular restaurant day, after Valentine’s Day and New Years Eve.  It’s become a tradition for families to go out for brunch and enjoy each other’s (and their mother’s) company while they eat.

According to Open Table 54% of Mother’s Day brunch reservations are made a week in advance and 25% are made the day before.  The average restaurant will do 3 1/2 times the number of meals on Mother’s day than on a typical Sunday.
We’d like to help you make plans by suggesting the following restaurants, which are offering special Mother’s Day events:

 

Sunday May 08, 2016
Mother's Day Buffet Mother’s Day Buffet

Young’s Jersey Dairy
Sunday May 08, 2016 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Mother's Day Buffet Brunch Mother’s Day Buffet Brunch

The Caroline
Sunday May 08, 2016 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Mom's Eat Free Mom’s Eat Free

Beef O’ Brady’s
Sunday May 08, 2016 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Mother's Day and UD graduation Brunch Mother’s Day and UD graduation Brunch

Coco’s Bistro
Sunday May 08, 2016 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Mother's Day at Mother’s Day at

Meadowlark
Sunday May 08, 2016 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Mother's Day Brunch Mother’s Day Brunch

Coldwater Cafe
Sunday May 08, 2016 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Mother's Day Brunch Mother’s Day Brunch

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Sunday May 08, 2016 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Mother's Day Brunch Mother’s Day Brunch

The Old Arcana
Sunday May 08, 2016 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Mother's Day Brunch Mother’s Day Brunch

Ele Cake Co Bistro & Wine Bar
Sunday May 08, 2016 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Mother's Day Brunch Mother’s Day Brunch

Hilton Garden Inn
Sunday May 08, 2016 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Mother's Day Buffet Mother’s Day Buffet

Amber Rose
Sunday May 08, 2016 10:30 AM -02:00 PM
Mother's Day & UD Graduation Brunch Buffet Mother’s Day & UD Graduation Brunch Buffet

Wheat Penny Oven and Bar
Sunday May 08, 2016 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Mother's Day Brunch Mother’s Day Brunch

One Bistro
Sunday May 08, 2016 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Mother's Day Brunch Mother’s Day Brunch

Dayton Art Institute
Sunday May 08, 2016 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Mother's Day Brunch Mother’s Day Brunch

De’Lish Cafe
Sunday May 08, 2016 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM
Mother's Day Brunch Mother’s Day Brunch

One Bistro Xenia
Sunday May 08, 2016 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Mother's Day Buffet Mother’s Day Buffet

El Meson
Sunday May 08, 2016 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Mother's Day Brunch Buffet Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet

The Dayton Woman’s Club
Sunday May 08, 2016 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
4 course Mother's Day Meal 4 course Mother’s Day Meal

The Melting Pot
Sunday May 08, 2016 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Mollion Mom Mother's Day March Million Mom Mother’s Day March

Good Neighbor House
Sunday May 08, 2016 3:00 PM – 1:00 PM

‘The Trip to Bountiful’ Review –Dayton Theatre Guild – Homeward Bound

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3eprxfj7tjwqfhrqqc57s14kd3v4es2nCarrie Watts, a feisty widow, takes matters into her own hands by embarking on a bittersweet journey to her past in Horton Foote’s tender, touching drama “The Trip to Bountiful,” set in 1953 Texas and admirably presented by the Dayton Theatre Guild through Sunday, May 1.

 
Before Carrie (Gayle Smith) ventures on her titular excursion to her childhood home, which is the absolute heart and soul of the play, Foote humorously reminds us why on earth she’d want to take such a leap of faith. It seems as if she’s simply had enough of being a bother, a sheer inconvenience, to her dutiful son Ludie (Ray Geiger) and persnickety daughter-in-law Jessie Mae (Amy Askins) inside their cramped Houston apartment. Although she provides Ludie and Jessie Mae with a portion of her monthly government check, Carrie realizes her life and what she can contribute is worth so much more than a dollar amount. She can’t even sing her favorite hymn, “No Not One,” without Jessie Mae scolding her. So, with great conviction and determination, she boldly bolts from the apartment, her prison of conflict and confinement, to find some semblance of peace and happiness in her beloved Bountiful, a small town 12 miles from Harrison. Situations don’t go according to plan, but there is a feeling of contentment within Carrie’s spirit nonetheless as she comes to terms with an emotional tug-of-war derived from battling memory and reality.

 

Trip to Bountiful Photo

(front row left to right) Angela Dermer, Gayle Smith, Amy Askins, (top row left to right), Ryan Shannon, Scott Madden, and Ray Geiger comprise the cast of the Dayton Theatre Guild’s production of “The Trip to Bountiful” (Photo by Craig Roberts)

The delightfully folksy Smith lovingly conveys Carrie’s endearing resilience, particularly as others attempt to set her back. In Smith’s capable hands, particularly in Act 2’s dramatic passages, it’s easy to understand why Carrie longed to break free and make a change if only to restore her dignity and purpose. The effectively understated Geiger delicately uncovers Ludie’s relatable agitations and disappointments, specifically his concerns about job security and not having fathered a child. A terrifically overbearing Amy Askins ensures Jessie Mae’s insensitivity doesn’t dissipate, but she also paints a vivid portrait of a cooped up housewife longing for more (particularly time with her husband and friends) who needs to flee just as much as Carrie. In addition, Angela Dermer charmingly portrays the kind if underwritten Thelma, a military wife who befriends Carrie. Scott Madden (Sheriff) and Ryan Shannon (Roy/Harrison Ticket Man) aid in authenticity.
Director Craig Smith doesn’t guide the slow-going, off-kilter Act 1 with enough flavorful interplay between Smith, Geiger and Askins, but his vision for Act 2 establishes stronger connections, specifically his staging of the poignant final scene. His commendable artistic team includes scenic designer Del Johnston, lighting designer Scott Wright, costumer Carol Finley, and sound designer K.L. Storer.

 
In the play’s haunting, heartbreaking final moments, Carrie stands in front of her Bountiful home with immense fondness and pride. What she views as a sight of magnificent glory would appear to the average person as nothing more than a symbol of deterioration, dilapidation and neglect. But if beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, I proudly side with Carrie.

 
“The Trip to Bountiful” continues today at 5 p.m. and tomorrow at 3 p.m. at the Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton. Both acts run roughly 55 minutes. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $13 for students. For tickets or more information, call (937) 278-5993 or visit www.daytontheatreguild.org.
 

McCoy on Movies: Keanu

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Visionary sketch duo offer up laughs (but in a less-than-purr-fect) big screen feature debut

“Whaa … Comedy Central was gonna give us the money Dave Chappelle didn’t take if we stayed on the air longer? Son of a …” Clarence (Keegan Michael-Key) and Rell (Jordan Peele), with the titular character, get some new information in a scene from director Peter Atencio’s action-comedy KEANU. Credit: Steve Dietl. © 2016 Warner Bros. Pictures and Ratpac-Dune Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved. 


WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:



KEY CAST MEMBERS: Keegan Michael-Key, Jordan Peele, Method Man, Tiffany Haddish, Will Forte, Jason Mitchell, Luis Guzmán, Anna Faris, Rob Huebel and Nia Long

WRITER(S): Jordan Peele, Alex Rubens

DIRECTOR(S): Peter Atencio

WEB SITE: http://keanumovie.com/
60 SECOND PLOT SUMMARY (OR AS CLOSE TO THAT TIME AS ONE CAN MAKE IT): The first feature length offering starring the two leads behind Comedy Central too short-lived hit sketch series Key & Peele, Keanu stars Jordan Peele as Rell, a man who has just been dumped by his girlfriend and is down in the emotional doldrums as a result. Fortunately for Rell, his cousin Clarence (Keegan Michael-Key) is determined to cheer him up with his can-do attitude … And love of George Michael. But before Clarence can reach Rell, his cousin gets an unexpected visitor in the form of an adorably cute kitten which Rell names Keanu. And it blossoms into a beautiful relationship which uplifts Rell’s spirits in a tremendous – some might almost say dangerously obsessive – fashion.


Then Rell and Clarence go out one night – and come back to Rell’s home to discover that the place has been ransacked and Keanu is gone.


Checking with his drug dealer/neighbor Hulka (Will Forte), Rell learns that Keanu might be in the hands of the 17th Street Blips gang, run by a notorious drug kingpin named Cheddar (Method Man of Wu-Tang Clan fame). And once they realize their initial plan of going in to ask for the kitten back won’t work, Clarence and Rell launch a hair-brained scheme on the fly that just might work: pose as the notorious Allentown hitmen (also played by Key and Peele) that just shot up a rival drug dealer’s church hideout. In exchange for their service, Cheddar agrees to give the duo the kitten back, provided they show his crew – Hi-C (Tiffany Haddish), Trunk (Darrell Britt-Gibson), Stitches (Jamar Malachi Neighbors) and Bud (Straight Outta Compton‘s Jason Mitchell) – how to do things like real gangsters.


Now all Clarence and Rell have to do is survive … And prove that when it comes to the drug game, they are the cat’s pajamas. 

WHO WILL LIKE THIS FILM THE MOST? Key & Peele fans; Luis Guzman fans; people who can enjoy a silly comedy; kitten lovers; PETA; anyone looking for something … Different … At the movies this Spring.

WHO WON’T (OR SHOULDN’T) LIKE THIS MOVIE? People who hate movies with silly plots; people who don’t like Anna Faris; people of all races uncomfortable with the use of the “n” word (don’t like you don’t know what I’m talking about) for comedic purposes; those who like comedies that don’t spend an extended period of time setting up the remainder of the movie.
SO, IS IT GOOD, BAD OR ABSOLUTELY AWFUL? A film that is not what even the most die-hard Key & Peele fan would expect, Keanu is a ridiculously silly film about a man’s love for his cat … That more often than it does not hits with entertaining jokes. 


As anyone well-versed in Key & Peele’s five season run on Comedy Central (or, prior to that, their respective time on the under-appreciated MADTV), the duo was prone to find humor in just about anything (and I do mean, anything) – but their best work was unquestionably in exploring different racial constructs and deconstructing various avenues of African-American/ethnic culture, such as the East-West college football game, their formerly-of-an-inner-city-school-and-now-in-the-suburbs substitute teacher, the world’s two biggest Liam Neeson fans and of course, President Obama’s anger translator. Keanu, however, really doesn’t do that as much simply present the duo in roles that in anything other than a really silly (and in turn, mostly fun for the audience) situation and watch them work their way out of it. ‘


Now, when I say silly, I mean “silly” with a capital “S.” This is a story of a grown-ass man. Who goes into the nest of a drug dealer. And gets his cousin to go along with him. To rescue a kitten. If you cannot get past that idea because it is admittedly too silly, you should stop here. If you are willing to look past that and just go with it, however, you will eventually be treated to a mix of physical and situational humor that will feel like (or at least, what I assume) a comedic acid trip is like thanks to plays on traditional action movie staples like gun battles, what villains act like and getting out of sticky situations. It will, however, take a moment to get to those moments as for a 1 hour, 38 minute film, Keanu drags a bit for the first half of the film with a lot of needless filler that could be wrapped up quicker (see the Anna Faris scene … Or rather, just see the latter half of it, anyway). 


Other than that, there’s not a whole lot else you need to know about Keanu – stand-up comic Tiffany Haddish does a decent job in her role as do Method Man and Will Forte, but this is really Key and Peele’s show (no pun intended). The duo expands upon their abilities to play things comedically by playing them out as if they are simply just regular guys dealing with extreme circumstances while staying true to the nature of their characters (and in turn, their respective selves).


And if you’re expecting me to end this on a “they’re the coolest cats in the comedy game” bad joke, well … I’m not. But they have laid an interesting foundation that should make comedy fans interested to see what they do next. OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

Crafted & Cured Opens The Doors

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Chef Lee Anne House first shared some insights about this new Wayne Avenue business a few weeks ago, and we posted some pictures from their Friends and Family night last Saturday, and now you can make visit Crafted & Cured at 531 Wayne Ave.

Open daily from 3- 9pm daily stop in and grab a growler from their selection of 60 taps, featuring ales, stouts, ciders, sours and meads.  Or peruse the beer wall of bombers, six packs and singles. If wine is more your taste, the Wine Wall is filled with bottles or red, white, rose and champagne.  They  plan to  feature many small  wineries, giving you a chance to expand your knowledge and your palate.  Crafted & Cured isn’t really a bar, but more of a bottle shop/growler fill station, where you can stop by and stock up on some great  liquid treats.

This is just the beginning, soon the Dietz building will add cured meats and fine cheeses.  After that, look for the opening of District Provisions, modeled after turn of the century style neighborhood markets.  Further plans include the addition of a local butcher and a Latin market.   Cheers to Andy & Christian – wishing you much success!

 

Beer Release Blow Out At Hairless Hare

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Saturday will be a big day at the Vandalia brewery as Matt Harris, Master Brewer and Owner of Hairless Hare Brewery, hosts a special 5 beer release.  Don’t let the strip mall location across from the airport fool you. These guys, who opened their brewery in 2013, make some awesome beers and were voted the Best Brewery in 2015 at BEER! A Celebration of Dayton Brewing.

beer

On tap when the brewery, located at 738 W. National Road, opens at 1pm will be:

Maple Brown Ale:   Made with  Maple Syrup from Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm, *100% of the proceeds of this first day of sales of the Maple Brown Ale to support Aullwood’s education programs.

GO2 Brew IPA: This IPA was made for GO2 Technologies which is a local company that builds custom machines for many types industries.
Barrel Age Barley Wine: This barley wine was aged in Weller bourbon barrel received from the Century Bar.

Brown Barrel Bomber: a brown ale aged in a Woodford Reserve bourbon. This is a 2nd release for this beer,  it sold out in record time the first time and expect it will do so again.

Clown Shoes White Tail Unidragon: , a 12 percent ABV Russian imperial stout brewed with rye malt as well as Cascade and Columbus hops before being aged in bourbon barrels

Pairing perfectly with these beers, Hairless Hare offers some pretty tasty gourmet pizza.  The Smoked Salmon Pizza, Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pizza and Chicken Curry Pizza are some of the most popular or you can munch on chicken wings, the BBQ Smoked Brisket Sandwich or just nibble on  Hummus & Pita Chips. Don’t forget to bring a growler to be filled, or just pick one up there to add to your collection.

 

 

 

LaRosa’s 40+ Year Spaghetti Pigout Tradition

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All you Can Eat Spaghetti Mon & Tues at LaRosa’s

LaRosa’s Family Pizzeria has had the best dinner deal in town, for four decades.  It is called “Spaghetti a  Plenty” Nights.  We decided to revisit this weekly special and see if it is still “bowling” folks over.

We found out, kids love it, grown ups love it.. so what’s going on here?

Oodles and oodles of noodles… enough for several Food Adventures, that’s what’s going on here.  It is a chance to indulge at a nominal price.

Since the 1970’s LaRosa’s has been serving up the Monday and Tuesday “All-You-Can-Eat” Spaghetti deal for adults and for kids.  The Big Ragu remembers those 70’s nights in Centerville and Lebanon taking advantage of the special treat.  If you love pasta, this place has been the mecca for your craving at the beginning of each week.  It is a tradition to “pig out” and loosen your belt after the meal….

Do you love your spaghetti with chunky marinara sauce, full of tomatoes?  Or are you the meat sauce type, even loving a big old meatball in the middle of your spun noodles.  This dinner has all the fixings and is crazy cheap.  How Cheap?  99 cents cheap for kids and $5.19 for adults.  From the Oregano to the Parmesan, this night will have you and your family dancing in your booth seats.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Looks like it is Meatball Mania on this Food Adventure

WHAT: “SPAGHETTI-A-PLENTY” NIGHTS at LaROSA’S PIZZERIA.. it’s ALL-U-CAN-EAT Spaghetti!  Capeesh?

WHEN:  MONDAY and TUESDAY’s from 4pm – close.

COST: 99cents for  kids, $5.19 for adults. (Sometimes they charge you $1 for meat sauce)

Ok , so The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and Chef House have super secret codes and we are gonna share with you the way to get the most of this special if you are a pasta lover.  We will channel your inner Italian …especially like the Italian in us!

 

ROUND 1: DINNER SALAD –  This isn’t your typical “side salad.”  They are generous with shredded mozzarella, covering your mixed greens plate, and serving your favorite dressing on the side.  Dig it, it is cold, refreshing and delicious.  Even served with an olive or 2, make sure you shake, shake shake some of that Parmesan cheese on top.

 

ROUND 2: SPAGHETTI WITH TOMATO SAUCE:  Order this first.  A big portion, how we like it, with a LOT of sauce.  Buddy LaRosa’s own family recipe of sauce, that has stood the test for 6 decades. Ask for the TEXAS TOAST here and work it into your noodle spinning.  Did we forget to mention.. sprinkle the oregano, hot pepper, and Parmesan cheese on your “Sketty Mountain.”

 

Salad Included.. Do it up !

ROUND 3: SPAGHETTI with MEAT SAUCE:  Finish strong, even asking for a meatball in the middle.  They serve this and other “refills” as half portions.  So hey, deal with it… meaty, so good.  Ask for the BREADSTICKS option on this round, so you take advantage of all the amenities

 

**NOTE: Your kids don’t like sauce?  No problem!  They have a butter sauce available, so the noodles are served plain… go ahead, if you want it this way, put your “lunch hooks” in the air and wave…

That’s our system, after this you are on your own.  You could keep going, ordering more servings or eat forkfuls off your kids plates and a pound of spaghetti like Hungry Jax.   Another option is spill half of it down your chest like The Big Ragu, leaving stains as memories of past Food Adventures.

Want something besides spaghetti?  Well we have a few patented “Must Eats” that you want to sink your teeth into.   And away we go ….

 

Pepperoni Pizza – it put Kings Island on the International food map

MUST EATS: (BESIDES SPAGHETTI A PLENTY) 

— PEPPERONI PIZZA: Why just pepperoni? Because it is the pizza that put Kings Island on the International food map.  Come on, the pizza tastes so good.  Whether you are sitting in a wet bathing suit on a bench after “Waterworks” water park, or in a booth with your favorite pizza pal.

— GARLIC FRIES: Dripping with freshly minced garlic and butter, what’s not to love.  Your breath might be rank, but your mouth will be smiling.

— LASAGNA: A brick of lasagna, smothered in sauce and cheese.  Try it and get lost in gooey, cheesey, saucy heaven.  A labor of love, brought to you by Buddy LaRosa.

 

But this week it was all about the spaghetti.  It was about fork spinnin, sauce drippin’, bread dippin’ good eats.  “Spaghetti A Plenty” is a CHEAP, fun way to get the family together.  It has been going on for 40 years.. why don’t you stop at LaRosa’s Pizzeria and see why ?  See you at tables….

Chef House says follow Food Adventures on INSTAGRAM HERE if you know whats good for you.  Be a Facebook fan with our entourage of foodies by clicking HERE

All you want, endless “Spaghetti A Plenty”

Forkfull

Menu shot

Tomato Sauce

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big Ragu and his ancestor ????

Pepperoni Pie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garlic Fries

Fun for the whole family

Meat Sauce.. but of courrrse !

Breadstick for dipping, CHECK !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buddy Larosa

The Starch Stare

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hungry Jax and her daughters run on PASTA POWER !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meat Sauce

We love our breadsticks

Hangry? Get Texas Toast

Get to twirling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello Mr bubbly

Cheese , PLEASE

I see a MEATBALL on top…

Lasagna – ohh baby

The Three Wiseman of LaRosas

Fresh, cold, crisp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About That Abs Class…

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The other night someone stopped by my gym to ask about what kind of training I do. After explaining that I focus primarily on personal training with a strength focus, the person asked if I do training sessions specifically focused on “abs.”

photo-1459173422306-0ce3fb37f832

This made me think about the gap between what people want and what they actually need. I can tell a lot about whether a person is committed to goals and process or their comfortable routines based on what types of exercise they do.

Generally, I’ve found that devotees to classes and cardio machines are addicted to their routine. They like their 7 PM Zumba class, their elliptical session while watching Morning Joe, or their abs sculpting class at noon. These things make them sweat and generally make them feel good. These aren’t bad things.

The problem is that they’re not going to be particularly effective either. Hopefully, you know me well enough to understand that I’m not here to shame or belittle anyone’s choice of exercise. I’m not. And hopefully, you also know me well enough now at this point to realize that I’m not dogmatic about exercise. My non-negotiable is that everyone ought to be doing some sort of progressively overloaded weight-bearing exercise, but that can look like a lot of different things for different people based on goals, interests, and experience.

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Zumba is only going to work for so long before it stops changing your body. It’s not that it’s not challenging, but that it’s difficult to progressively overload and it’s not weight-bearing in the sense that you’re targeting your central nervous system, bones, muscles, and joints for adaptation. One can lack mobility in significant areas but still complete a Zumba class. This is what makes it a great option for someone who’s never exercised–but not as their ONLY form of exercise. Because if one lacks mobility, one ought to work to gain mobility. That’s not going to happen in a class like Zumba.

Abs classes might make your belly burn, but chances are you’re not going to flatten out anything if you’re not also doing squats, lunges, presses, and pulls along with a healthy dose of well-balanced eating that includes a lot of vegetables. You might view your stomach as your “problem area,” but that pathway to a flatter midsection is paved in the kitchen and in the strength training facility or yoga studio–not the abs class.

That morning elliptical ritual you have is great if you’re using it to clear your head and get a good start on the day. But don’t think that you’re going to elliptical your way to the body you want without also a good bit of strength training or yoga. The more you use the elliptical, the more efficient your body gets at handling it–which is the death knell for forcing an adaptive response.

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My sense of why people opt for routine instead of actual change is they’re afraid that they’re somehow the people for whom fitness doesn’t actually work. Why commit to an actual goal only to be disappointed? This is fear talking to you. Don’t listen to it. I’m here to tell you that if you lift progressively heavier weights or practice yoga with a good teacher; if you sleep seven to eight hours a night; and if you eat vegetables and protein at every meal (and your protein can come from the right veggies) you can change your body.

Don’t resign yourself to routine when you can accomplish. Don’t settle when you can achieve. Don’t give up when you can succeed.

So before you sign up for that next abs class, ask yourself this: Do you want to do what you like? Or do you want to do what works?

Grover Plays Free Show at Trolley Stop

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Screen Shot 2016-04-26 at 7.32.21 PMInsider tip! There is a FREE show at Trolley Stop this Friday April 29th, 2016 with two incredible bands, Grover and Common Center. Plus that fabulous patio? It’s a no brainer for Friday night fun!

On the fringes of the jam band scene, local rock quartet Grover, blend funk, soul, and jazz, in a down and dirty rock band that comes across unpolished and “garage” as much as they do highly-skilled, almost veteran.

Common Center is a group of individuals from Covington, Kentucky that gather to form a collection of sonic exploration. Their all-original material arises from a vast array of influences morphing together to create a unique sound previously unheard, but longed for, by the ear. They combine powerfully upbeat as well as tranquil themes with mystic, other-world intertwining melodic elements from instrumental and vocal harmonies.

Enjoy a beautiful evening with some of the region’s funkiest talent!

Performance Schedule: 
Common Center – 9:30pm
Grover 11:30pm

Grover performs free at the Trolley Stop (Photo by Dayton Music Connection)

Grover performs free at the Trolley Stop (Photo by Dayton Music Connection)

Volunteers Needed For Strawberry Festival

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truth_main1Interested in helping LOTS of local nonprofit organizations raise much-needed funds to run their programming?

The Troy Strawberry Festival, which hosts up to 150,000 guests each June, needs volunteers to assist with load-in prior to the festival and to serve as ambassadors at multiple shuttle sites throughout the event.

Although there are pre-festival events which take place in May, the Strawberry Festival officially begins on Friday night with food and entertainment for the whole family on our beautiful Great Miami River Levee! Two full days of events follow beginning with Open Ceremonies on Prouty Plaza. From there the main action continues on the Historic Streets of Downtown Troy and along the Great Miami River Levee! Browse over 200 high quality art and craft booths. If you can make it with strawberries, you will find it at the Troy Strawberry Festival. More than 70 food booths offer everything from strawberry salsa, chocolate covered strawberries, strawberry BBQ sauce, and of course the famous strawberry donuts! Great family entertainment, two stages of free entertainment, free shuttle service and free admissions.2015Strawberry-1024x683

The Festival is more than just a weekend of fun. It serves as a major fund-raising event for many of the area’s civic and charitable groups. Committees work year-round to prepare for the weekend when as many as 150,000 people come to Troy to take part in our festival.

You can personally impact the experience of each festival guest for our 2016 event through these positions. We’ll treat you well too! Snacks and water are provided, and load-in volunteers even earn a free T-shirt.

Spread the word!  Corporate groups, church groups, service organizations, families, and groups of friends are all welcome!

Saturday, June 4th – 10:00am – 8:00pm

Sunday, June 5th – 10:00am – 6:00pm.

Sign up for your shift at this link, and share the love with your Facebook friends too! Thanks!

Big Lens Film Festival Sunday at Neon

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The seniors from the award winning Motion Picture program at Wright State University are showcasing their thesis work at the annual Big Lens Film Festival. The film festival is returning on May 1st, 2016 at the Neon in downtown Dayton. There will be work from Joe Cook, Alan Lewin, Mitch Centers, Sydney Waltz, Brian Roll, C. B. Hovey, Jessica Barton, Michaela Scholl, and Eric Risher.
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SSome of the films you can expect to see:

THE TOOTH MAN COMETHAn aging salesman believes that stealing a baby tooth will make him become visible to others.

Director/Writer: Mitch Centers
Produced by: Jessica Barton and Liz Lowe
Director of Photography: Joe Cook

IN A WARM DARK PLACE
“In a Warm Dark Place” is psychological thriller about a mother and her relationship with her newborn son.
Written/Directed by: Sydney Waltz
Produced by: Sydney Waltz & Randy Miller
Cinematographer: Eryn Montgomery

TO CHILDREN ARDENT
Two young brothers turn their game of war into a mission to find out what has happened to their father.
Written by: Joe Cook
Directed by: Alan Lewin
Produced by: Michaela Scholl
Cinematographer: Joe Cook

The past participants in Big Lens Film Festival have won awards at festivals such as Slamdance, Student Academy Award, and Sundance. Tickets are $7 at the door and can be purchased at the Neon starting April 5th. After Big Lens please celebrate with us at our after party at the Dublin Pub from 9:45-12am. Appetizers will be provided and a cash bar will be available.If you would like more information on Big Lens contact Michaela Scholl, Production Manager at 614.302.8916 or [email protected]
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Dive Bar Tuesday – Diplomat Lounge

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Welcome to the Diplomat Lounge!

Welcome to the Diplomat Lounge!

After an extended hiatus, we are back! Of course, that is one of the best things about any good dive bar you go to. Any bar, really. They become more than a place to just get a drink after work; you get to know the bartenders. You start to discover that other patrons are from a town near yours, or enjoy Game of Thrones as much as you do, or weep quietly every Sunday after a Browns loss. Whether you go to the best wine bar in town or a venue where their craft beer is Budweiser Lime-A-Rita, you are going for more than the product they are offering. You are going for the comfortable feeling it provides. Of all the bars my friends and I have gone to so far, the Diplomat Lounge has felt the most comfortable.

The Diplomat Lounge (2766 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, OH., 45419) was located a little further down the road on Smithville Rd., just past where it splits from Wilmington Pike. There was some major construction in the mall area they were located, changing an old Kroger and the surrounding stores into a small neighborhood. The Diplomat moved down the street and has been there since. Where many of the other bars we have gone to were more focused on pool, this is a place where darts appear to be king. They offer BYOP dart tournaments once a month on the second Saturday of the month (the next one will be May 14, 2016), and Luck of the Draw tournaments on Sunday nights. Have no fear, pool players. There are a couple of tables for you in the back half of the bar. But there are darts on both sides.

Diplomat Lounge Pool Tables

Back room pool tables, and the doorway to the “secret patio”.

When I say both sides, the bar cuts the space in half. If you are not familiar with the space, you may think that it is a little small, until you realize there is this great space on the other side of the bar as well. This is where the pool tables are, and it is a slightly darker, more intimate space. You are tucked away from the storefront windows and people coming in and out of the bar. Service was on both sides, which would be great on a busy Friday or Saturday night when you are trying to get a beverage while tossing darts or warming up your pipes for karaoke. The weekends may have all the action, but there are liquor and beer specials all week. Every night there is a liquor with a little discount and a beer that is just a dollar. My personal choices are fifty cents of tequila on Tuesday and $2 cans on Monday. Feel free to drop in and check out their other daily specials.

If you are looking for a menu, this is not the place. They do have a menu for their specials on their Facebook page, but that is the one menu we found. Their food options are limited to pizzas and chips (perfect fuel for long nights of drinking), but there are plenty of other food options nearby if you want to eat before you show up or stop somewhere after you leave. There was not a cocktail menu to be seen, and if you ask the bartender they will share the beer list with you. It offers little in the way of craft beers or cocktails, but it that really why you are going here? No, no it is not.

Diplomat Lounge Liquors

They have a few bottles for you to choose from…

Two things to note when you plan on making the trip to the Diplomat. The first is that motorcycle riders are welcome here. If you have been looking for a place to stop with your bike on a ride around town, we have found another place for you. Though you most likely knew it already. It is about three miles from 675 or 35, just a hop, skip, and jump. The other thing to note is that once you have discovered the back room, keep going because there is a patio! It is a great enclosed space that has a cozy feel to it, the outside world being held at bay by a wooden fence. One other thing I have found in every bar we have gone to is that each has a little surprise inside.

The Diplomat Lounge is a great place to hang out for a few hours, enjoy a few drinks on a quiet patio, and leave the world behind. If you are so inclined, they are creating summer dart leagues right now! What are you doing Tuesday nights that is more important? And who knows, maybe this is the comfortable after work spot you have been seeking. You know there will be some dart fans or motorcycle riders there to meet.

The Diplomat Lounge is located at 2766 Wilmington Pike, Dayton, OH 45419. They are open 1 PM to 2:30 AM Monday through Friday, and 12 PM to 2:30 AM Saturday and Sunday. You can visit their Facebook page for more information, or call (937) 293-2508.

Urban Farm Internships Available at Garden Station

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gardenstationGarden Station is a 2 acre community garden & urban farm, art park, sustainable living education center, and community meeting place in the heart of downtown Dayton, Ohio. We have demonstration gardens featuring permaculture design, natural building and educational murals. We teach over 60 free hands-on, DIY sustainable living classes each year on a variety of topics including beekeeping, organic gardening, permaculture, food preservation and preparation, herbal remedies and more; 40 of those classes occurring at EarthFest, which attracts over 4000 visitors.
Our urban farmer’s cooperative, “Dayton Urban Grown”, helps to subsidize new urban farmers through sharing of resources and equipment. Over 500 volunteers come each season to visit, take a guided tour and work for 3-5 hours at a time. Our core team are also all volunteers, we are an Ohio Non-profit organization, have no paid staff and operate entirely by community donations and small community grants. Our founder is a Master Organic Gardener, Permaculture Certified and has taken classes in urban agriculture from Will Allen and Jean Martin Fortier, natural building classes at Blue Rock Station and is a graduate of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance Seed School. This season (2016) will be our first spring and summer with our new hoophouses and we will be constructing a wash/pack station and walk-in cooler. We are working with several partners to develop a training program in small scale, no till, intensive urban farming. We grow organically but are not certified.
Internship Starts: ASAP Internship Ends: Negotiable, would like at least 4 month commitment Number of Interns: 1 with room and board for 20 hours/week and 2 or more at 5 hours a week Minimum Length of Stay: Three months. At least four would be desired.
Meals: Meals are not provided, with the exception that many of the ingredients are as a weekly produce share.
Skills Desired: We would love someone with a strong work ethic and attention to detail who is willing to learn! You need to be in good physical condition as the work is mostly manual labor; and self-motivated, with the ability to problem solve but willing to take direction. It is likely you would also be supervising high school age workers. There may be some organizational work to do with the farmer training program and workshop series as well.
Educational Opportunities: We would love to help someone get started with their own urban farm and will share our knowledge. All our workshops are available to our interns as well.
Stipend: This is considered a volunteer position but we are willing to provide a stipend of $40/ week as well as a share of the harvest as a thank you for at least 5 hours of work per week. For twenty hours a week we will provide room and board as a shared house with one of our volunteers as well as $600 for the season. You will be responsible for taxes. Bonuses may be given based upon our success.
Housing: Housing is available for the twenty hour per week position only.
Preferred method Of Contact: Email is best, [email protected]
Internship Details: We would love someone who has a real interest in learning how to grow produce using organic methods for market! You will work a regular schedule, probably at least 5 consecutive hours in a day from 7 am – noon on a weekday (probably Monday through Wednesday), or Friday early evening to harvest for Saturday Market. You will be planting, weeding, harvesting, mulching, watering, maybe doing light construction or supervising school age volunteers. We also could use help scheduling and marketing the workshop series.

Mystery Monday – April 25, 2016

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Welcome to Week 13 of Mystery Mondays.  The answer to Week 12’s Mystery Photo is: The Hartman Rock Garden in Springfield. I took this photo on November 2, 2015.

DMM Mystery Monday-12

We congratulate our randomly drawn winner Tricia Orihood of Dayton! Rapid Fired Pizza certificates are coming your way!

The Hartman Rock Garden is an American Folk Art site located on 1905 Russell Avenue in Springfield. Open 365 days a year from dawn until dusk, admission is free but donations are encouraged to maintain this work of art. The garden is one of the nation’s most intriguing and revered works of in situ folk art, an outsider art phenomena where self-taught artists construct fascinating worlds out of concrete, metal, stone, and whatever else they can find. Harry George “Ben” Hartman started work on the garden in 1932 during the Great Depression when he was laid off from his job as a molder. He worked on the project for 12 years until his death in 1944. Learn more about the history behind the Hartman Rock Garden by visiting hartmanrockgarden.org.

We challenge you to tell us where in the Dayton area this photo was taken by filling out the form below.  We’ll do a random drawing from all those with a correct answer and the winner will get 2 pizzas from Rapid Fired Pizza.

Enter here:

http://goo.gl/forms/dyU55fzc48

We’ll post the winner next Monday with details about the photo as well as a new photo to challenge your knowledge of the Dayton area.

Thanks for playing and good luck!

Here’s our Mystery Photo for Week 13:

DMM Mystery Monday-13

Photo by Tom Gilliam of DaytonGram & Tom Gilliam Photography.

10 Course Food Adventure at North China

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Crab Rangoon and Honey Teriyaki Chicken Wings

We don’t monkey around.  Everyone who knows us, know we do things original and right.

Today, we announce one of the biggest and boldest Food Adventure dinners yet…. and it just happens to be at one of our favorite spots.  North China Restaurant in Centerville will host the “Year of the Monkey” Celebration dinner, with 10 courses of food !

Since 1987, North China Restaurant has been pleasing Dayton area foodies, with tastes of Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine.  May 19th they team up with our crew for an epic eating extravaganza!  From appetizers to entrees, this “Year of the Monkey Dinner” promises to be a throwback to 80’s Chinese American restaurants, with a touch of family style dining.

Tickets are PRE-PAY only and can only be bought online at this link —> CLICK HERE.   There is limited seating, so get your tickets before we sell out.

Just what kind of Food Adventure have we come up with?  Let’s get the scoop…

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Mongolian Chicken

— WHAT: 10 Course Food Adventure Dinner Event at North China Restaurant

— WHERE: 6090 Far Hills Ave, Centerville, OH 45459, next to Woodbourne Library.

— WHEN: 6:30pm THURSDAY MAY 19th

— WHY:  Celebrating “The Year of the Monkey” … and a chance to eat some good food!

— COST $29 per person & includes tip.  Water and Hot Tea included.  Alcohol and Soft Drinks, additional cost.

TICKETS CAN ONLY BE BOUGHT ONLINE—> CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS

 

How are your chopstick skills?  It doesn’t matter, because you will get forks and spoons too… so get ready here are the 10 courses of MUST EATS during the Year of the Monkey !

 

TEN COURSES OF MUST EATS AT NORTH CHINA: (sorry, no substitutions)

Top of the Entrance to a Dayton Original

1)  SIZZLING RICE SOUP:  A light brothed soup with vegetables, rice and chicken.  A perfect start to awaken your taste buds and senses.

2) EGG ROLL: The best in Dayton, bar none.  Handmade, hand rolled, and stuffed with pork, cabbage and a touch of peanut dust.

3) CRAB RANGOON: Handmade, on site, this cheesey goodness should be dipped in sweet and sour sauce with a dash of soy sauce.

4) HONEY TERIYAKI GLAZED CHICKEN WING: The delicate sweetness, the savory deep fried morsels…. ’nuff said

5) MU SHU PORK:  A wrapped “Chinese burrito,” The wrapper is rubbed with a plum and hoisin sauce, and pork and vegetables are added, and the “tortilla” is gently wrapped and served.  One of the most special delicacy attractions at North China.

Crispy Shrimp Entree

6) MONGOLIAN CHICKEN ENTREE: North China’s best selling dish.  Prepare to become addicted.

7) CRISPY SHRIMP ENTREE:  Deep Fried Shrimp, in a sweet and spicy, yellowish, brown sauce.

8) PEPPER STEAK ENTREE: Sauteed beef slices with onions and green peppers

9) KUNG PAO CHICKEN ENTREE: Cubed, stir fried chicken in a slightly spicy brown sauce

10) SHRIMP WITH VEGETABLE ENTREE: A lighter dish, served with broccoli, snow peas, water chestnuts and bamboo shoots.

Entrees will be served with STEAMED WHITE RICE and shared family style.

Dinner will end with the all familiar fortune cookie… which will probably say “you just ate too much on a Food Adventure.”

 

Chef House, Hungry Jax and The Big Ragu will be passing out door prizes, t-shirts, gift certificates and more.

Please join us for this epic Food Adventure celebrating “The Year of the Monkey” at North China Restaurant.

Join the 6,200 Foodies in the Dayton area following Food Adventures on Facebook, “like” us HERE.

“We are not food critics, we are just three people who love to eat at Dayton’s best spots.  No Rules!”

Soy, Sweet N Sour, Hot Mustard, & Tea – your accessories!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sizzling Rice Soup

2016 : The Year of the Monkey

Pot Sticker.. pot steeeeka !

The greatest egg rolls in the world

Hand Made Crab Rangoon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mu shu Pork

Sign of good things coming

Pot Stickers – so good

North China never dissapoints

Mongolian Chicken

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entrance to Food Adventure Bliss

Shrimp and Lobster Sauce

Crab Rangoon

Chicken and Broccoli

Happy Family Dish

Hot Tea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

McCoy on Movies: EVERYBODY WANTS SOME

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The “Spiritual Sequel” to Dazed & Confused offers up plenty of funky outfits, music and fun despite a lack of emotional depth

“Yeah, boy – let’s rock these horrible 80s pastels & get busy, fellas!” Plummer (Temple Baker), Roper (Ryan Guzman) and Jake (Blake Jenner) get ready to rock the disco in a scene from writer/director Richard Linklater’s “spiritual sequel” to Dazed & Confused, EVERYBODY WANTS SOME. Credit: Van Redin © 2015 Paramount Pictures. All rights reserved. 


WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:



KEY CAST MEMBERS: Will Brittain, Zoey Deutch, Ryan Guzman, Tyler Hoechlin, Blake Jenner, J. Quinton Johnson, Glen Powell, Juston Street, Tanner Kalina, Forrest Vickery and Wyatt Russell

WRITER(S): Richard Linklater 

DIRECTOR(S): Richard Linklater 

WEB SITE: http://www.everybodywantssomemovie.com/

60 SECOND PLOT SUMMARY (OR AS CLOSE TO THAT TIME AS ONE CAN MAKE IT): The “spiritual sequel” to his beloved (by many) 1970s opus Dazed & Confused, Everybody Wants Some begins by introducing us to Jake (Blake Jenner), a 1979 second team high school all-star baseball player preparing to enter his first year in college in his native Texas. Moving into one of the two off-campus houses the baseball team occupies, Jake meets a cast of colorful characters within minutes of each other. 


This includes Roper (Ryan Guzman) and Finnegan (Glen Powell), the unofficial leaders and ladies men of the house who are always down for a good time; Reynolds (Tyler Hoechlin), a strong, Mike Schmidt-styled mustachioed power hitter; Jay Niles (Juston Street), a Detroit-born pitcher who tells everyone who will listen that the “raw dog” is a top pro prospect; resident knuckles game champ Nesbit (Austin Amelio), Dale (J. Quinton Johnson), the resident cool black guy/second baseman; heavy sleeper Coma (Forest Vickery), fellow freshman outfielder Brumley (Tanner Kalina); Willoughby (Wyatt Russell), a California transfer who’s got many tricks up his sleeve and Beuter (Will Brittain), Jake’s country roommate who has very strong opinions on following the coach’s rules. And over the course of the next three days, Jake and his newfound cast of merry men will party hard and often now that they are away from home with no direct adult supervisor to lord over them.


And Beverly (Zoey Deutch) is an alluring young woman on her own … But where could she possibly fit into Jake’s newfound world of beer, babes and baseball? The weekend is young – and he’s got plenty of time to figure that out. 
WHO WILL LIKE THIS FILM THE MOST? People who enjoyed Dazed & Confused; those who enjoyed the 70s portion of Boogie Nights before they hit the 80s second act; children of the late 70s/early 80s; people who like upbeat, coming-of-age stories filled with nostalgia; those who enjoyed 70s-era disco and country music and fashion; anyone in search of a light-hearted romp that is more focused on the fun aspects of youth than truly “growing up” 

WHO WON’T (OR SHOULDN’T) LIKE THIS MOVIE? Those looking for a direct Dazed & Confused link in terms of tone or character development; people who find 70s/80s nostalgia a bit over-romanticized; those who wish the film dived into deeper levels of what it meant to grow up during the time period depicted 
SO, IS IT GOOD, BAD OR ABSOLUTELY AWFUL? A film that is essentially a 2 hour party on film that celebrates all the debauchery, care-free spirit and optimism of being young and male at the onset of the 1980s – as well as how guys become friends – Everybody Wants Some is a fun diversion of a film … Even if it doesn’t say or represent nearly as much as it could. 


Whereas Dazed & Confused had a feeling of “this is how many kids in the 1970s felt about growing up and being on the verge of adulthood,” Everybody Wants Some essentially has one vibe: It’s time to party – and party it does. For if there has been a film that has embraced the mantra of letting the proverbial good times role more than Linklater’s 117 minute homage to bad 80s fashion, Smokey and the Bandit-style hair and the national pastime, you’d be hard to find one that has as much fun doing so. Jenner does a strong job presenting Blake as just a guy – not a bad guy, not a good guy but a decent guy – venturing out into the world on his own for the first time.


Much akin to the fashion that Steve Carell’s character was embraced in The 40 Year-Old Virgin by his co-workers, Jake is quickly swept under the tutelage of his newfound chums, each of which adds their own unique element to the mix, save for a few oddballs that add their own sense of humorous lunacy to the proceedings. Whether its Glen Powell channeling his inner Brad Pitt/Matthew McConaughey while spouting off romantic and/or philosophic witticism, Johnson being the cool black guy who isn’t defined by his melanin or dual butts of many jokes Austin Amelio and Juston Street being, well, the butts of many jokes, everything works well together to add to the fun. 


This makes Everybody Wants Some much more of an outright comedy than Dazed ever was, but in turn fails to give it as much impact on your conscious. (You won’t leave the theater pondering anything other than how much time did it take to get those clothes and get the actors’ hair to have that perfect fall 1980s look.) While Deutsch adds a nice balance that adds a little depth to both the film and Jake as he discovers meeting someone who at first is your opposite but may be the perfect person for you once you get to know and realize your commonalities, Everybody Wants Some isn’t here to be deep.


It’s here for you to have fun – and if you’re looking for some, this is what you and everybody you’re going to the movies with should want.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

McCoy on Movies: THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER’S WAR

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Unexpected prequel/sequel to Snow White & The Huntsman turns in an entertaining, estrogen-filled experience

 
“I’m gonna hold your face real still … Now work that celery out of your teeth!” Sara (Jessica Chastain) embraces her fellow huntsman – and husband – Eric (Chris Hemsworth) in a scene from THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER’S WAR. Credit: Giles Keyte. © 2016 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.


WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:



KEY CAST MEMBERS: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt, Nick Frost, Rob Brydon, Alexandra Roach, Sheridan Smith and Sope Dirisu

WRITER(S): Evan Spiliotopoulos, Craig Mazan (screenplay), Evan Daugherty (characters)

DIRECTOR(S): Cedric Nicolas-Troyan

WEB SITE: http://www.thehuntsmanmovie.com/#!/
60 SECOND PLOT SUMMARY (OR AS CLOSE TO THAT TIME AS ONE CAN MAKE IT): A prequel AND a sequel at the same time, The Huntsman: Winter’s War once again stars Chris “I’m more than Thor!” Hemsworth as Eric, a.k.a. the Huntsman who once helped save and then fight alongside (a mostly absent for this go-round) Snow White against the evil Queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron). But that’s not where this story starts.


No, it goes back in time a few years earlier when Ravenna was the unquestioned ruler of the land after the unfortunate passing of the king. Her younger sister Freya (Emily Blunt), however, was not as concerned with ruling as she was in love with William (Sam Clafin), who her sister correctly predicted would bear her a daughter. But, as Ravenna also predicted, he would not – despite his promises – break off his engagement with the woman he was supposed to marry for Freya, leading Freya to have an epic breakdown that transformed her into “the Ice Queen.” Leaving Ravenna before her demise, Freya would head to the north and encapsulate the entire land into a frozen wasteland where the children she would “save” would grow into a powerful army for her and live, provided they never broke one rule: Letting their hearts be open to the idea of love – which is what turned Freya into a woman so feared they were afraid to speak her name – was forbidden.


Fast forward a few years later and Freya is now on the warpath to take the one thing she has never tried to before: Snow White’s kingdom. And to do so, she seeks the one thing that Snow White has cast out of her kingdom: The mirror that once belonged to Ravenna, hence the reason Eric and his dwarf sidekicks Gryff (Rob Brydon) and Nion (Nick Frost) are out tracking – or hunting, if you will – where it could be since someone (or something) has stolen it in hopes of finding it before Freya does.


There’s just one little thing that none of the trio counted on getting in their way: Sara (Jessica Chastain), the female huntsman Eric thought was dead … That also just so happened to once be his wife. 

WHO WILL LIKE THIS FILM THE MOST? Fantasy film and cosplay enthusiasts; films where female characters drive the story; those looking for a date night activity that will have enough to keep the attention of both sexes (or those in the LGBT community – this is not an exclusionary review!) by catering to traditional male and female story elements of interest; people who enjoyed the more serious, straightforward tone of the first film but wanted a bit more humor at times to balance out the swordplay

WHO WON’T (OR SHOULDN’T) LIKE THIS MOVIE? People who were not that enthused with the first Huntsman movie; those who are “too grown” to watch a long adaptation of a story based on a fairy tale and/or simply aren’t interested in the subject matter … And anyone who suffers from Achondroplasiaphobia (look it up for yourself; I took the time to type that in correctly!)
SO, IS IT GOOD, BAD OR ABSOLUTELY AWFUL? The original Snow White & The Huntsman was a surprisingly entertaining tale that did what little thought could – or perhaps, more accurately, should – be done: Put a new spin on a told-to-death (no pun intended) story. That being said, one could be forgiven for wondering who (besides Universal Pictures given the previous installment’s success) was actively clamoring for a follow-up, especially one that serves as both a prequel in its first half and a sequel for the second act.


Well, if you were among those who in fact was in that camp, I have news that once again may be surprising as it was the first time: Winter’s War is a fairly entertaining tale that manages to wrap itself up happily ever after. 


For a film that delves more into the Huntsman’s background, Winter’s War is essentially a feminist power movement … That just so happens to be draped in a world of goblins, fairies and mystical characters. For while Hemsworth character does pretty much everything you’d expect – be charming, smile and be self-deprecating while exhibiting powerful strikes and just enough emotion to let you know he’s likable like John Cena at his non-movie day job. However, Hemsworth’s character is not really so much the star of Winter’s War as much a necessary component of a story that dives into a tale that explores sibling rivalry, relationships and the good ol’ element of good vs. evil – all of which is essentially driven by Winter’s War‘s female characters. 


Whereas Chastain plays alongside Hemsworth as his equal and personal protagonist, Blunt and Theron work as extremely well as the films’ overarching villains. Chastain provides a great personal rival for Hemsworth to keep him in check in regards to both his past and present as they work through their respective issues without ever feeling hokey. Whereas you can feel the emotion crack in Blunt’s character’s psyche, you can feel the pure, unabashed and unflappable evil flowing out of Theron with each sneer, calculated body movement and verbal spear. The biggest scene stealer, however, is Sheridan Smith as Mrs. Bromwyn, a fellow dwarf who sparring sessions with Rob Brydon’s Gryff are at times the best parts of the film. The four ladies really produce a nice spectrum of a range of talent in the film that makes things enjoyable and interesting, which is something that most things pertaining to the words “Snow White” are absent for just about anyone over the age of 13 (or at least should be). But back to what matters …


This is not to suggest Hemsworth is capable in his role by any means; it’s simply to acknowledge just how much Winter’s War smartly uses its female stars in ways that showcase their talent and make them integral as much more than any typical damsel in distress. Whereas the roles of women in film is still something of constant debate – just look at the online scuttlebutt regarding Hemsworth’s upcoming other summer film, the all-female Ghostbusters reboot – Winter’s War is another example that quality acting is quality acting, which is all that ultimately should and does matter at the box office. Yes, the film isn’t perfect– there are a few fairy tale staples that are easy to foresee – but thanks to the well-paced melodrama and special effects as executed under the direction of first-timer Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, Winter’s War is a welcome addition to the spring movie season.


Feel free to bite this apple with no worries of a poisonous aftertaste. 

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):