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22 Jump Street Takes A Huge Leap Into Sillinessby Art Byrd

I have to confess that I never saw 21 Jump Street going in to see its sequel 22 Jump Street. It didn’t matter because in an unusual move in movies. The beginning of 22 Jump Street gave a recap of what happen in the first movie.

I could see the chemistry between Jonah Hill and Canning Tatum. The movies are based on the TV series, 21 Jump Street from the late 80’s, where real cops go undercover as students.

In 21 Jump Street, Schmidt played by Hill and Jenko played by Tatum went undercover as high school students. Now in 22 Jump Street, they are going to college.

I like Ice Cube as their menacing commanding officer, Captian Dickson. He gives Schmidt and Jenko the assignment of infiltrating a college to find out who is dealing a drug called “Why Phy” which sounds like “Wi Fi,” which has its own punch line throughout the movie.

As Schmidt and Jenko adjust to college life and investigating “Why Phy.” Jenko finds a kindred soulmate in Zook played by Wyatt Russell. While, Schmidt hooks up with Maya, an art student played by Amber Stevens. Later, we find out who Amber’s dad is and it is totally hilarious.

A Byrd’s Eye View

ABOUT MOVIES, TV, ARTS AND EVENTS IN THE VALLEY

“My heroes are Bill Murray and Dustin Hoffman. Those are the two actors that both do comedies and dramas, seamlessly. Also John C. Reilly and Philip Seymour Hoffman. They're all just great actors, neither comedic nor dramatic. They're just great actors.”

Actor Jonah Hill, who is currently starring in 22 Jump Street in theaters now.

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There is a funny on-going bit as both Schmidt and Jenko have found other people and question their relationship and if they are suppose to be together. Throughout the movie, they have dopey scenes as if they are a real couple on the verge of breaking up.

22 Jump Street goes very overboard with the humor which at some times can be border being a little much.

The supporting cast can make a movie like 22 Jump Street better then it is. One cast member, I really liked was Jillian Bell who played Mercedes, Mya’s roommate, who was constantly telling Schmidt, he is too old to be in college. Mercedes and Schmidt get into a fist off, where she hits Schmidt and dares him to hit her. He doesn’t want to hit her because she is a girl. When, he does, it becomes a funny scene with an awkward moment.

22 Jump Street was fun and stupid and would have worked better on TV with commercials and without some of the gross parts.

If you do go, you have to stay through the ending credits as they show the different made up Jump Street sequels.

Hill, Tatum and the supporting cast make 22 Jump Street work through its total silliness.

First Movie Will Be FrozenThe 2014 Outdoor Movie Series begins Monday, June 23rd

on the Covelli Centre front lawn. Grab the family, lawn chairs, blankets, and head Downtown to enjoy great movie entertainment, FREE under the beautiful summer stars, every Monday at dusk through September 15th. Concessions are available for purchase, courtesy of Touch The Moon Candy Saloon.

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Godzilla Makes A Great Return To The Big ScreenBy Art Byrd

As a kid, I remember on sunny afternoons and being in a dark basement watching monster movies that ran on the Saturday movie matinees on TV. Now, I am dating myself, but this is before the VCR. If you wanted to see a movie, you had to sit there and watch it.

My favorite monster was Godzilla because he was crushing buildings, stepping on army jeeps and fighting other monsters.

As an adult, I saw the 1998 Godzilla movie directed by and co-written by Roland Emmerich of the movie Independence Day. I thought Godzilla was in capable hands. Wrong. Godzilla was having babies in Madison Square Garden. Where was the menacing, stomping on buildings with the loud roar monster I wanted. I was so disappointed.

Now in 2014, Godzilla is back. I didn't have much faith. The cast is good with Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Elizabeth Olson (Martha Marcy May Marlene) and Aaron Johnson from Kick-Ass.

Godzilla turned out to be a good movie. It had the elements that a monster movie has such as: the phenomena happens, a scientist that tells people what is it is, but they don’t believe him and think he is crazy and someone unexpected saves the day.

The story starts in 1999, ground tremors rock a nuclear power plant in Japan, where Joe Brody played by Cranston and his wife, Sandra played by Juliette Binoche are scientists. They have a young son, Ford.

Joe figures out some unusual sound waves in a seismic reading to indicate that is not an earthquake as his colleague believe. So, Joe sends Sandra and her team to check things out near the reactor. A meltdown occurs and Sandra doesn’t survive.

Fifteen years later, two scientists played by Ken Watanable and Sally Hawkins discover some radioactive remains that later turn into a monster. Joe’s son, Ford played by Johnson, is now a Navy lieutenant specializing in bombs, married to Elle (Olson), a nurse and they have a four year old son.

Joe, who is still in Japan and obsessed with finding the source of the power plant disaster, out of guilt for sending Sandra into the reactor.

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He does discover a cover up that something is feeding on nuclear reactors labeled MUTO or massive unidentified terrestrial organism. We find out that there are two MUTOs, one large and another larger one. They start tearing things apart. The question is how will they be stopped?

It takes a long time in the movie to get to Godzilla because in monster movies, things have be explained. Finally, Godzilla make a cool entrance as the sea rises, the music gets louder and parts of Godzilla are seen.

Then, there is some serious fighting begins the MUTOs and Godzilla. They cause a lot of mayhem and destruction. The interesting thing about Godzilla (2014) is that action happen in different locations, Japan (of course), Nevada and San Francisco.

In the end, Godzilla starts off being feared and goes back into the sea as an hero. Depending on the box office, we may see Godzilla come back out of the sea to save the world and knock down some buildings again.

Godzilla was a long movie and it took awhile to get to the monsters. Just to see Godzilla on the big screen is the worth the ticket admission.

Steel Valley Super Nats Are Roaring Into The Valley

Hot Cars and some Hard Rock Music are making a pit stop for the 9th annual Steel Valley Super Nationals at Quaker City Raceway in Salem. There may be over 3000 hot rods, street rods and motorcycles coming. There will be Bret Michaels, Poison’s lead singer and Vince Neil from Motley Crue as part of the entertainment at the event. The Nats runs all weekend. Admission is $15 each day. Weekend passes are available.

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Inner Circle Serves Up Outstanding Pizza, Sandwiches

By Monnie Ryan

Editor’s note: To read the full version of this review, visit http://mahoningvalleyeats.blogspot.com

My first experience with Inner Circle Pizza happened quite a number of years ago when my husband Jack was teaching freshman English classes at Youngstown State University. The final “class,” at which students turned in the research papers on which they’d been working during the quarter, usually took place at the Inner Circle that at the time was across from the campus. When Jack stopped classroom teaching and switched to supervising student teachers in the English Department, our visits there ended as well, although we stopped once or twice at the Inner Circle that was open for a while in the Eastwood Mall complex and at the Mahoning Avenue location in Austintown.

One location we hadn’t visited is Canfield, and it’s  noticeably different from the others. First and foremost, the wide variety of pizzas has been pared down considerably. My all-time favorite, the IC Hot, for instance, isn’t on the menu - although happily, my second favorite, spinach and tomato (spinach, fresh-cut tomatoes topped with cheese, spices and garlic is still there. I went with the small 6-inch version ($4.75) so I could add a cup of wedding soup to start ($3.95). Remembering how great the burgers used to be, Jack ordered the Circle burger for $7.75. Sandwiches here don’t come with fries, but you can add them for $2.49; because he wasn’t all that hungry, he declined.

The wedding soup was quite tasty with lots of broth, fresh greens, celery, chicken and those tiny meatballs in a generous-sized cup. I would have preferred it much hotter - it was just a cut above lukewarm - but II made short work of it anyway. Next up was my pizza, neatly cut in four pieces. Our server told Jack his burger would take “a few more minutes,” and I finished half of my pizza before it arrived with an apology from the server. It was, however, worth the wait, loaded with mushrooms, onions, peppers and melted cheese.

As for the pizza, it was as yummy as ever - the flavored dough is especially wonderful. There’s enough spinach to taste but not turn the whole thing green, and it’s topped with very thin whole slices of tomato, plenty of cheese and enough garlic to add zest but not overwhelm.

Our meal had a sweet ending as well - an order of cinnamon dippers, fried warm breadsticks loaded with cinnamon sugar and a container of ooey-gooey white frosting to dip them in ($3.99). They’re a treat I enjoyed back in those YSU days, and they’re just as yummy today.

If you go: Inner Circle Pizza 6579 Ironwood Blvd. Canfield, Ohio 44410(330) 533-7575 http://innercirclepizzacanfield.com

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King Drives Mr. Mercedes to Winner’s Circle

By Monnie Ryan

5 stars out of 5

Nothing beats knowing within the first few pages that you're going to enjoy a book from start to finish. That pretty much sums up every book by Stephen King I've ever read, and this one is no exception. It starts when a car plows into a crowd of unemployed folks who are lined up to get into a job fair - killing eight, including a mother a baby, and seriously injuring a number of others. Months later, the perpetrator hasn't been found and the woman whose Mercedes was stolen and used to commit the horrendous drive-through commits suicide - presumably because she is consumed with guilt for leaving her car unlocked and the key inside.

Then, retired police officer Bill Hodges gets a letter from someone who claims to have been the driver and threatens to do something even worse. Hodges, who finds retirement boring and unproductive, rises to the challenge of finding the culprit, with more than a little help from his 17-year old neighbor and the sister of the woman whose car was stolen and driven through the crowd.

Of course, it's quite a chase that leads to dead ends and, not insignificantly, dead people. Whether Hodges and his under-the-table crew will identify and stop the killer before something awful happens kept me on the edge of my recliner for the duration.

In between the action is some fun stuff: The lyrics for the song "Kisses on the Midway" are by King and Shooter Jennings, the child of country music stars Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter (for those who don't know, King has some serious music chops, from playing in a rock band to collaborating on music videos and plays with heavyweights like Michael Jackson and John Mellencamp). And, King manages to get in a few zingers here and there as well; the perp's note to detectives, for instance, "...may not be high-class literature, but his writing is a lot better than the dialogue in shows like NCIS or Bones."

I must point out, though, that those who are expecting spooky stuff, supernatural critters that go bump in the night or cars that drive themselves will be disappointed. In fact, this one is an almost straightforward police procedural that is, dare I say, a bit predictable despite plenty of action and angst. But it's still classic King, and by golly, that's plenty good enough for me.

Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King (Scribner, June 2014); 448 pp.

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What’s Happening Around the The Valley: June 20-26

Friday, June 20

Juneteenth 2014 FestivalJuneteenth commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865. The event will happen at Veterans Square in Farrell, Pa. The Best Kept Secret will play on Friday June 20 and the Gordon James Blues Band, Swagg and the Total Package will play on June 21. There will be entertainment, food vendors and music by J.B. Smooth. 724-983-2703.

Saturday, June 21Kayak TripsMill Creek MetroParks is having Kayak Trips for all skill levels are invited on these naturalist & volunteer-escorted trips. Single kayaks and a tandem are available. Age restrictions apply. Registration/payment due 36 hours before program at Ford Nature Center. Fee: $12 per person R; $15 per person NR; second person in tandem ½ price.The trips are from 9am to 11a.m

Simply SlavicSimply Slavic will be celebrating the rich ethnic heritage of all Slavic people in the Mahoning Valley from 12:00 noon until midnight in downtown Youngstown. In its fourth year, the festival will feature delicious ethnic food, ethnic marketplace and heritage tent, folk dancers, music and dancing, and educational exhibits. Folk bands will perform, showcasing the concert and dance music of Eastern Europe. 

Please visit www.simplyslavic.org for complete details and performance schedule.

Travel Idora Bus Tour

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society, Mill Creek MetroParks and the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation are hosting a bus tour through the Idora Neighborhood starting at 2 p.m. Travel Idora takes a comprehensive look at one of Youngstown’s most unique neighborhoods; stops include Mill Creek MetroPark’s Ford Nature Center, YNDC’s Iron Roots Urban Farm, and a historic home under renovation by YNDC. Free parking is available at the Youngstown Playhouse where WRTA buses will depart and return. Seating on the buses is limited and is first come first served, participants are also welcome to follow the buses in their cars. For more information contact the Historical Society at 330-743-2589 or visit www.mahoninghistory.org.

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What’s Happening Around the The Valley: June 20-26 (cont’d)Sunday, June 22

Outdoor Poetry Reading

Poetry Til’ Sunset will feature area poets and spoken word artist from 5 p.m until sunset at Courthouse Square gazebo in Downtown Warren every other Sunday. Admission is free and those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Monday, June 23

100th Anniversary of WWI: Causes and Outbreak of the Great War

The Leetonia Community Public Library will have several history programs commemorating the 100th anniversary of World War I. The first, covering the causes and outbreak of the war, will be 6 p.m. June 23. The second covers the U.S. entry into the war as well as the end of the conflict and is 6 p.m. July 15. A 6 p.m. July 1 will explore the Battle of Gettysburg in the Civil War. Paul Rohrbaugh is the presenter for all of the events.The Leetonia Community Public Library is located at 181 Walnut St. Leetonia, Ohio For more information call: 330-427-6635

Tuesday, June 24Ohio Chautauqua Workshop For AdultsOhio Chautauqua Workshop For Adults at the Warren Public Library are having daytime workshops presented by the Ohio Chautauqua scholars will be presented each day during Ohio Chautauqua week at 2 p.m. The workshops will not be in character and each day will focus on a specific historical figure or era. Complete workshop descriptions can be found on the library website at www.wtcpl.org. No registration necessary.

The Warren Public Library is at 444 Mahoning Ave. NW , Warren

Thursday, June 26Women Artist: A Celebration! After Hours Viewing Party A new art series at the YWCA of Youngstown will accompany the 32nd Annual Women Artists: A Celebration! Art show. It will include: A free special after hours viewing party featuring live piano music by Daniel Shapira, 5 to 6:30 p.m. June 26. Collage workshop with Brenda Myers Cohen, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 10. Registration required by July 7, cost is $10 for supplies. Bring a bag lunch if desired. A free vocal and keyboard performance in the YWCA Garden with Rayna Brooks, noon to 1 p.m. July 17.

YWCA Youngstown is located at 25 W Rayen Ave, Youngstown , OH

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On StageThe Victorian Players: The Days of Wine and RosesThe Victorian Players brings to the stage The Days of Wine and Roses. The play looks at the disease of alcoholism, from the beginning to the sordid desperation and betrayal where it leads. The Days of Wine and Roses studies a couple who both yield to the temptation of the bottle. The play goes into its final weekend June 20-22. Performance times are June 20-21 at7:30 p.m and Sunday, June 22 at 2:00 p.m.The Victorian Players located at 702 Mahoning Avenue, Youngstown

The Youngstown Playhouse: Tuesdays with MorrieTuesdays with Morrie is starting at the Youngstown Playhouse. The play is the autobiographical story of Mitch Albom, an accomplished journalist driven solely by his career, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor.  Sixteen years after graduation, Mitch happens to catch Morrie's appearance on a television news program and learns that his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig's Disease.  Mitch is reunited with Morrie, and what starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life.

Performance dates: June 20-21 and 27-28 at 7:30 pm; June 22 and 29 at 2:30 pm

The Youngstown Playhouse is at 600 Playhouse Lane in Youngstownwww.theyoungstownplayhouse.comFor tickets: box office: 330-788-8739

Das Dutch Village Inn: St. John’s Revival with the Walking Roots BandDas Dutch Village Inn presents St. John’s Revival. Ted & Company is thrilled to team up with The Walking Roots Band to bring this foot-stomping show to audiences. St. John’s Revival is a combination of comedy sketches, Biblical theater, and original music built around a fictional struggling church – St John’s.

Performance times: June 20th & 21st 7:00 p.m, July 16th & 17th 12:00 p.m, and July 18th & 19th 7:00 p.m.

Das Dutch Village Inn is at 150 E State Route 14, Columbiana OH 44408For tickets: 866-482-5050 ext. 310 or email: theater@dasdutchvillage.com

Crown Theater Productions: The Music ManCrown Theater Productions presents “The Music Man” at the Main Street Theater in Columbiana. The musical will be playing for three days, June 20-22. Show times are Friday & Saturday 8:00 p.m and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

Main Street Theater is located at 5 North Main Street, Columbiana, Oh.

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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/

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.

The e-mail addresses we have are NEVER shared in any way with anyone, nor are they sold. All copies of the newsletter are sent as blind carbon copies, so that no one receiving the newsletter knows the addresses of anyone else receiving it.

If you have received this free newsletter as a forward and would like to subscribe, please send a blank e-mail with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line to artbyrdagain@yahoo.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.

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.

Movie reivews from A Byrd’s Eye View can be read in The Buckeye Review Newspaper, available throughout the Valley at various newstands.