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A Quote By

“I studied English Literature. I wasn't a very good student, but one thing I did get from it, while I was making films at the same time with the college film society, was that I started thinking about the narrative freedoms that authors had enjoyed for centuries and it seemed to me that filmmakers should enjoy those freedoms as well.”

Director Christopher Nolan. The Dark Knight Rises, the final chapter of the Batman Trilogy, is in theaters now.

N e w s l e t t e r

The Dark Knight Rises Is a Satisfying Close to the TrilogyBy Art Byrd

It’s a big year for superhero movies, with The Avengers, The Amazing Spider-man, and the one I’ve been waiting for. A few weeks ago, I watched Batman Begins, the first of the trilogy. I‘ve also been watching The Dark Knight on and off for the past two years, prepping myself for The Dark Knight Rises (TDKR). TDKR is the perfect title for this movie, having a character that rises from the ashes.

I don’t care who the director, characters or actors are, if the storyline is lame, so goes the movie. But that is not the case here.

The TDKR storyline takes places eight years after Harvey Dent’s death and he’s remembered for his laws enacted to keep criminals behind bars, which are making Gotham safer. But in reality, in The Dark Knight, Dent became a villain known as Two-Face and died at the hands of Batman, who took the blame for his death so the laws could be enforced. Bruce Wayne/Batman, played by Christian Bale (The Fighter), has become a recluse with a cane.

During an event for the Harvey Dent Memorial at Wayne Manor, Bruce encounters a female cat burglar, aka Catwoman, played by Anne Hathaway (The Devil Wears Prada). She is amazing as Catwoman, committing thievery and showing fighting skills while delivering cool one liners. Hathaway’s Catwoman has below-the-radar sexiness and a great fight scene with some shady characters.

A Byrd’s Eye View

ABOUT FILMS, TV, ARTS AND EVENTS IN THE VALLEY

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The great thing about TDKR is how they brought back characters from the previous movies, especially Alfred, played emotionally by Michael Caine (Sleuth). Caine was at his best with his honesty with Bruce Wayne. You almost cry with Alfred as he tells Bruce his feelings and a secret involving Rachel, a past love of Bruce’s. With all cards on the table, a rift comes between Alfred and Bruce that adds more depth to the movie.

Then there is Lucius Fox, played by Morgan Freeman (Invictus), who is cool as ice as he is explaining the Bat Toys to Bruce. The Bat Toys are awesome, along with the Bat Scooter we’ve seen in the two previous movies. The introduction of the Flying Bat Machine called “The Bat-Wing” was great. Director Christopher Nolan has an awesome way of creating ingenious bat equipment that enhances the stories.

There are other newcomers, like upstanding cop John Blake, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Brick), who helps Commissioner Gordon, played again by Gary Oldman (Harry Potter), with trying to protect Gotham from impending danger.

Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard (La Vie En Rose) plays Miranda Tate, a wealthy lady trying to persuade Bruce to use a reactor to be green in his energy consumption. She is involved in a “I didn’t see that one coming” moment in the movie. I liked her, and then I didn’t.

Every superhero movie has a villain; TDKR has one of the most destructive ones in movies: Bane, played by Tom Hardy (Inception), is physically huge and wears a mask that reduces his pain and makes him sound like a low-budget Darth Vader. Bane is virtually unstoppable as he and Batman have an excruciating fight scene. You have never seen Batman in a situation like that.

Director Nolan doesn’t hold back the destruction in Gotham. It is so real and visually breathtaking.

Parts of TDKR filmed in Pittsburgh-the winter scenes and a football stadium scene -- were awesome. I liked the use of Hines Ward, the ex-Pittsburgh Steeler, as the field is falling apart. The scene was crazy. I know some local people who were extras in the scene.

TDKR made use of the first two movies for flashbacks that add to and move the plot along. To me, a great movie leaves no stone unturned, no questions left to the storyline, and hope for a brighter future. The closing of Nolan’s Batman trilogy was so satisfying, but it left openings for a possible movie that will never(?) be made. A bat fan like me could only wish. Thank you, Christopher Nolan, for one of the greatest cinematic rides ever.

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Savages Has Unpredictable Elements That WorkBy Art Byrd

Drugs and guns made for good B-movies in the 70s and 80s. In 2012, give a movie drugs, guns, a cute girl and director Oliver Stone, and you have a really good B-movie: Savages.

Two friends, Ben and Chon, played respectively by Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass) and Taylor Kitsch (Friday Night Lights), have a lucrative marijuana business. Their pot’s known as the best on the West Coast because of the expertise put into growing the product. Ben studied botany in college and uses that education, coupled with smuggled Afghanistan seeds provided by Chon, to grow top grade, must have hash.

Their partnership works because they have the very different personalities the business needs. Ben is Zen-like and uses part of his drug money for charity programs around the world. Chon is an ex-Navy seal who was a mercenary in special situations. He trusts no one. Ben and Chon have a good life with a house near the beach. Both share their love lives with one woman, O, played by Blake Lively (Gossip Girl).

A Mexican drug cartel is interested in expanding and wants Ben and Chon’s marijuana, along with their connections. The cartel is led by Elena, played brilliantly by Selma Hayek. Her main enforcer is Lado, play by Oscar-winner Benicio Del Toro (Traffic). Ben and Chon don't like the deal with the Mexican cartel and take O, the money, and run.

When Ben and Chon put their escape in motion, the cartel is onto them and kidnaps O. With the help of sleazy DEA agent Dennis, played by John Travolta, Ben and Chon start a war to get O back.

Oliver Stone does an amazing job of making the over-the-top tactics that Ben and Chon use shooting and staging a robbery seem realistic. Stone’s style of fast cuts and snappy dialogue is at its best.

The performances are great, especially Hayek’s Elena as she tries to prove that she is worthy as a drug Lord. Del Toro is frightening, ruthless and just crazy in his performance as Lado. A torture scene was a little bit much for me, but I was able to handle it.

Savages has an interesting ending; some of the audience thought the movie was over but it wasn't, so they had to sit back down. The Oliver Stone experience isn’t over until the credits roll.

Savages has the elements of a different and unpredictable movie, and it will keep you guessing as to what is what. That makes Savages a must see.

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Corky & Lenny’s: What a Fine PickleBy Monnie RyanTo read the full version of this review, visit http://mahoningvalleyeats.blogspot.com

Not long ago, my husband Jack and I had occasion to take I-271 home from Cleveland, and I insisted we pay a long-overdue visit to Corky & Lenny's restaurant and deli at the Chagrin Boulevard exit. I used to love the place, stopping just about every time my work took me anywhere near Chagrin Boulevard.

The first thing I noticed is that nothing much has changed since my last visit - with one exception: The bowls of kosher dill pickle chunks that were always on the tables are gone. Oh dear, I said - then read the menu and learned all you have to do is ask for them. "Please, and quickly," I fairly shouted at our server. Turns out they're spears now, not chunks; but just one taste and I’m still calling them the best doggone pickles I've ever had.

Just about everything here is close to enormous, from the variety of items to portion size. We were intrigued by the soup - some, like cabbage soup and Mish Mash, a classic with a matzoh ball, kreplach, noodles and rice, are served every day. Others, like mushroom barley and navy bean, get their own special day of the week.

Knowing how huge the sandwiches here are, we nixed the soup (besides, it was Wednesday and split pea day - yuck). All the sandwiches we’d come for are served on rye bread with lettuce, tomato and thousand island dressing and a cup of coleslaw or potato salad. Choosing just one is next to impossible; how do you pick when you're faced with possibilities like the Sammy Kay (hot pastrami, corned beef, Muenster cheese at $11.75)?

I knew what I wanted long before I walked in the door; nothing would do but a Reuben - you can get them with traditional corned beef or pastrami, turkey, chicken breast or brisket of beef, all with melted Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and a cup of potato salad for $10.10. Jack considered that as well, but ended up with pastrami and corned beef ($11.25).

You can get a burger here (though why anyone would want to is beyond me), and house favorites include beef and latkas, a Challah grill, borscht and sour cream, homemade blintzes and more. For the king-sized appetite, entrees include roast stuffed kishka, broiled or sauteed chicken livers and corned beef and cabbage - and lots more.

Turns out many of the goodies, like corned beef and pastrami, are sold by the pound at the deli counter as well. It's hard to walk on by, but walk we did. But not to worry - we'll be walking back in this wonderful place very soon!

If you go: Corky & Lenny's, 27091 Chagrin Blvd., Village Square Shopping Center, Woodmere, Ohio 44122; 216-464-3838; http://www.corkyandlennys.com; Open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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What’s Happening Around The Valley: July 27th-31st

OngoingNorthside Farmers MarketFirst Unitarian Universalist Church, 1105 Elm St., Youngstown; 330-518-6971. Every Saturday through the fall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This organization also offers a downtown farmers market every Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Central Square. Both feature fresh local produce, baked goods and small vendors. Accepts WIC and EBT. Free.

Irish MusicIrish music enthusiasts from the area get together every third Sunday of the month to play. Open to the public. 6-8 p.m. Free. Quinlan’s Irish Pub, 5154 Youngstown-Warren Rd., Niles; for more information call 330-757-9057 or 330-349-4500.

Lowellville  Cruisin’ the River Car ShowThis car show occurs every Monday through mid-October in downtown Lowellville. Features classic cars, hot rods, street rods, motorcycle and choppers. Registration is optional at $2 per vehicle. 6-9 p.m. Free. For more information, call 330-536-6811.

All WeekendSt. Demetrios Grecian FestivalSt. Demetrios Community Center, 3223 Atlantic St. N.E., Warren; 330-394-9021. This festival features Greek food, live music and dancing, rides, displays and games. July 25-29.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Festival343 Via Mt. Carmel, Youngstown; 330-743-4144. Bocce tournament, homemade wine-making contest, food vendors and music. July 26-29.

Ohio ChatauquaDowntown Warren: 330-675-3081. Performers will present living history performances that explore the lives and legacies of those who helped shape Ohio hertiage. July 24-28.

Friday, July 27th Sugar Beets Meet City Streets—A Summer Garden Party123 McKinley Ave., Mill Creek MetroParks, Youngstown; 330-740-7116. This celebration of urban gardens and local produce includes dinner, drinks, and music. Celebrate the two diverse vistas in Fellows Riverside Gardens at this spectacular fundraising event as you experience the connection from an urban garden in the city.  Call Fellows Riverside Gardens for reservations. 6:30 p.m. $70.

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What’s Happening Around The Valley: July 27th-31st (cont’d)Sunday, July 29th 80th annual Serbian Day PicnicHoly Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church, 53 Laird Ave., Youngstown, music, food, games. Noon.

7UP Summerfest Spectacular SeriesJulius Veal, Savoy and Rainbow Tribe, Morley Pavilion, Wick Recreation Area, Youngstown; 330-702-3000. Music ranges from R&B to jazz and soul to reggae. Julius Veal performs first, followed by Savoy. Rainbow Trine takes the stage at 8 p.m. 1-8 p.m. Free.

Monday, July 30th Computer Research 104 – E-GovernmentPublic Library, Boardman Branch, 7680 Glenwood Ave., Boardman; 330-744-8636. Discover how to find and access such government services as: Unemployment Benefits, Social Security, Driver’s License, Tax Forms and more.  6:30 p.m. Free.

Tuesday, July 31st Genealogy:  Genetics and GenealogyMain Library, Youngstown; 330-744-8636. Can DNA testing help you determine your ancestry? Discovering the level of genetic relationship you have with other individuals and cultures can be enlightening. The library will examine this process, acknowledging the benefits and drawbacks. Registration is required. To register, call 330-744-8636 and ask for Information Services. 6:30 p.m. Free.

Gardening JournalsFellows Riverside Gardens, 123 McKinley Ave., Mill Creek MetroParks, Youngstown; 330-740-7116. Design and construct a garden journal of your very own.  Different styles of bookbinding will be demonstrated and each participant will make a journal highlighted with botanical illustrations. Call Fellows Riverside Gardens to register. 6:30-8:30 pm. $12 R, $16 NR.

The Party Is on Again

Party on the Plaza is back on the Federal Plaza Friday. It will mark the grand opening of downtown Youngstown’s newest eatery, Dooney’s Downtown Grille and Bar.

The new bar and restaurant, located in the old BW3, will have an expanded menu that includes pizza and offer 18 televisions and big screens for viewing sporting events.

Dooney’s will open at 11:30 a.m. daily. It will close at midnight Sunday through Wednesday, 1 a.m. Thursday, and 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights.

Party on the Plaza will feature the bands Graphic Pink and Silencer getting started at 8 p.m.

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On Stage

The Victorian Players: Dog DaysThe Victorian Players is bringing an original play to the stage with Dog Days. The play was written by J.E Ballantyne Jr. It’s based on a true story about Albert Wickline, an aviator from Salem. The play shows the experience of an American soldier hiding from the Nazis in occupied France at the end of World War II. He was befriended by a French family that hid him in their barn. Dog Days will be playing until August 5. All military veterans and current military personnel with ID will be admitted to the play for a special price of $5. Other ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors. Showtimes and reservations can be made by calling 330-746-5455. Victorian Players is located at 702 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown.

The Rust Belt Players: Five One-Act PlaysThe Rust Belt Theater Company will present Five One-Act Plays running this weekend Friday, through Saturday, July 28th at 8 p.m. each night. The Five One-Act Plays, by Robert Dennick Joki the creator of How the Drag Queen Stole Christmas, are dark comedies and include The House Of Leviticus, Of Mice And Miss Daisy, Dating A Monster, Serial Monogamy, and Well Baby. Reservations and more information about these plays are available at (330) 507-2358. The Rust Belt Theater Company (in the Calvin Center) located at 755 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown.

Salem Community Theatre: Footloose, The MusicalThe Salem Community Theatre presents Footloose, The Musical. It is the story of high-spirited Ren McCormack, a teenager from Chicago who moves to a small, conservative town in Iowa where dancing and rock-n-roll are banned. Tickets and more information are available at (330) 332-9688. Footloose, The Musical, running from Friday, July 27th through Sunday, August 5th. Evening performances are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. SCT is located at 490 E. State Street, Salem.

Sunfest Rolls Summer Fun into One Day

Get your sunglasses out. Mill Creek Metropark’s Sunfest is back. A whole day of summer fun from 8 a.m-8 p.m.

Here’s the rundown:8-12 p.m. CLOSEST TO THE PIN. 9 Holes. Prizes for each hole. Fee: $5

9:45-11 a.m.—ZUMBA FEST.  All skill levels can join in these open dance sessions.

11 a.m.—SUNFEST HIKE.  Meet at the kiosk for an exploration of nearby trails. Easy rating, 1 mile.

Noon-3 p.m.—FUN IN THE SUN.  Fun & free children's activities and a craft.

1-4 p.m.—SAND SCULPTURE CONTEST.  Sculpt a pile of sand into a masterpiece and perhaps win a prize. Three age divisions: adult (over 18), youth (under 18) or family division (any ages mixed). Theme for all divisions is "Fun in the Sun in Mill Creek MetroParks." Sand and water is provided.  Call 330-740-7107 to reserve your sand.  Entry fee: $8

1-8 p.m.—7UP SUMMERFEST SPECTACULAR.  Julius Veal (1pm - 3:30pm/r&b variety) Savoy (5pm - 6pm/smooth jazz & soul) Rainbow Tribe (6:30pm - 8pm/reggae)

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PRIVACY POLICYSome of you on A Byrd’s Eye View newsletter mailing list came to us from other e-mails sent to us regarding stories about Arts events in the area.

We thought you would be interested in reading about additional Arts-related information of interest in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys, and added you. However, if you no longer wish to receive the newsletter, simply send a blank e-mail to artbyrdagain@yahoo.com with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

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Excerpts from A Byrd’s Eye View can be read in The Review,Newspaper, available throughout the Valley and online athttp://www.thereviewnewspapers.com/

Art Byrd Jr. has won awards as a filmmaker and journalist. After working many years as a videographer and director for WFMJ TV News, he retired from broadcasting to share his experience and insight with students as an instructor at Youngstown State University. Art has written and produced numerous Indie films, which have been shown at prestigious film festivals. In addition to teaching and writing/producing A Byrd’s Eye View newsletter, Art also does freelance media work. He is based in Youngstown, Ohio.

Michele Ristich Gatts began her full-time career in journalism with WKBN TV News, where she worked closely with radio news as well. After a decade in broadcasting, she branched into print, working five years for The Business Journal in various reporting and editorial capacities. Michele was fortunate to be recognized with a few prestigious journalism awards along the way, and has done a little teaching for YSU. She currently works as a freelance writer, editor and media consultant, and is based in Youngstown, Ohio. Contact her at michelegatts@yahoo.com.

Monnie Ryan retired in 2003 after 14 years as managing editor of The Business Journal in Youngstown, where she continues to contribute to the print and online editions. Articles she has written have appeared in more than 20 national publications and at several travel-related Web sites, and she has won numerous awards for photography. Contact her at mryan62692@aol.com.

Another Way To Get A Byrd’s Eye ViewExcerpts of our newsletter are now online in the form of a blog. You can view shortened versions of reviews and find documents from past newsletters. You can also give us feedback on the site. Be sure to bookmark us at http://www.artbyrd.blogspot.com