Las Vegas Headlining Magician Jen Kramer

Jen Kramer is pure entertainment. Good for all ages, this lovely young 28-year-old will amaze and entertain everyone who sees her. She turns the impossible into the impossible-to-ignore, making audiences laugh, joke, and sometimes jump out of their seats with her contagious smile and world-class sleight-of-hand.

Named Female Magician of the Year by the International Magicians Society, Jen graduated with honors in Theater from Yale University and has been featured on television shows including Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Masters of Illusion, and NBC’s TODAY Show. She was also named a 40 Under 40 honoree by VEGAS INC, and serves on the Advisory Board for the nonprofit organization Magicians Without Borders.

Jen has her own show in Las Vegas at the massive Westgate Resort & Casino, formerly the Hilton and the International where Elvis once performed. She is now in her 5^th year there and looks like she will continue for many more.

The Magic of Jen Kramer features mind-boggling magic and mentalism, comedy, and audience participation. You’ll be amazed as Jen predicts what you’re thinking, makes a signed hundred-dollar bill magically appear inside a tube of lipstick, and even creates a larger-than-life social media page on stage. Her performances are full of unforgettable magic and jaw-dropping fun! I have seen every magic show in Las Vegas over the years, but have never seen a single trick that she performs on stage. This is great entertainment for all ages.

Jen graduated with a Theater degree from Yale University and serves as Founder and President of the Yale Magic Society. The Magic of Jen Kramer, is a Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award featuring some mind-boggling magic.

Ms. Kramer speaks English, French, Spanish, and Swahili. Shows are Fridays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays at 3 p.m.

Frank Marino Drag Brunch

Shelley Stepanek

Frank Marino’s new show “Red Carpet Brunch,” at the Westgate Las Vegas is a great way to spend part of your day on the weekends.

Long-time female impersonator, Frank Marino, and his troupe of impersonators opened his new drag show and this is sure to be a hit. In the hotel, it has taken over the Mexican restaurant that closed a few years back on the ground floor. Newly decorated and with a stage, the room can hold a little over a hundred and is perfect for this type of show.

The room is now the Frank Marino Theater, with music, feathers, glamour and the star power of Frank, the performers get up close and personal as they come off the stage and mingle with the audience.

I have seen Frank Marino’s shows for over 30 years, and he never fails to entertain. The closeness of this supper club-style theater, with the performers just feet away, gives you a feeling of being right up on stage with them. Frank has performed in Las Vegas longer than anyone else in the whole city.

The menu is varied with at least 14 items, I myself chose the Monte Carlo with fries and it was more than I could eat.

In between each impersonator’s performance—Liza Minnelli, Cher, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Taylor Swift, Tina Turner, and many more—Marino appears in another of his probably thousand costumes, engaging in some hilarious banter with his audience. Shows are on Saturday and Sunday both 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and last 2 1/2 hours on April 24, 30th and May 1.

By the time you read this, Frank will be touring, but will return later in the summer, so be sure to check back if you are coming to Las Vegas. Show packages range from $49.99 to a $99.99 VIP package, which includes bottomless mimosas. There is a free meet and greet and photo op available after the show with ALL the performers.

As we all know, Frank also has his Divas Legends in Concert nightly, except Tuesday, at the Tropicana at 7:30.

A big thanks goes out to Frank Marino & his Divas, Alan and Kathi Glist, Gordon Prouty, and Leah Koza who is always there to support Frank. The Glists also produce Bronx Wanderers at the Westgate and Menopause the Musical at Harrah’s.

Belmont Park on the Water in San Diego

Shelley Stepanek

Designed for every kind of event imaginable, from corporate, to weddings, concerts, graduations, mixers, presentations and social events, Belmont Park has four unmatched beachfront venues that create the most fabulous venue in Southern California experiences. Enjoy luxurious cabanas, fire pits, and a live entertainment stage on the surf and sand of Beach House. Take your event to new heights on the rooftop of Cannonball where every seat offers an ocean view. Looking for an indoor location? Draft offers 6,000 square feet of oceanfront views and brews on the boardwalk and can hold up to 400 for a party. Situated between the Mission Beach boardwalk and Giant Dipper roller coaster is the Coaster Terrace rooftop. What a place to see the ocean or a gorgeous sunset with their sliding doors and a full open terrace. And before, after, or during you can find endless rides and attractions through the whole park.

Featuring pre-fixed buffet style menus perfect for any event, their team of chefs and experts will create a custom menu ranging from a small party to an elegant style masterpiece. With the sight of breathtaking ocean from every venue, plenty of free parking, on-the-sand and water sounds and smells, delicious fare, unique elements and a full-service staff equipped to take care of all your needs, Belmont Park Entertainment offers more than just an event, it offers an unforgettable experience.

Belmont Park has FIT gym, a full-size pool, rock climbing wall, roller coaster, plenty of surf and t-shirt shops, ice cream, pretzels, lemonades, and pizza locations. There is a terrific morning coffee shop, Draft Coffee, with fresh baked goods open all day. They serve Italian Café Vergnano espresso beans direct from Italy.

Stay from morning till night. Lots of benches to rest on, giant stone water globes, and numerous vendors for everything from sunscreen to hats to bathing suits. It is totally free to enter, just buy your ride passes as you go.

Providing genuine service to each and every guest—if you have a group that might be interested in booking one of the venues, you can always get in touch with me at shelleystepanek@aol.com.

The Batman – Movie Review

Ray Schillaci

HARSH REALISM

Movie Review – The Batman

Review by Ray Schillaci

Warner Brothers/DC step away from the Zack Snyder universe and join the grim realism of 2019’s Joker with The Batman. That’s not to say that anyone in the film brings to the table an Oscar-worthy performance, as Joaquin Phoenix did. But, co-writer/director Matt Reeves who wowed us with the last two Planet of the Apes movies, continues his streak of reinvention with a Batman that we have never seen before, bringing the caped crusader to his actual roots as a detective. This is also thanks to co-writer Peter Craig (The Town, Top Gun: Maverick). That’s right, Batman was originally introduced in Detective Comics back in 1939 and was never intended to be a campy romp as the ’60s TV show and what the late Joel Schumacher gave us with the painful Batman Forever and Batman & Robin.

Reeves gives us a very realistic Gotham: run-down, crime ridden with splashes of neon accentuating the slime of the city. We are also set in a time where it is only the second year Bruce Wayne has been a fierce fighter of crime. He’s not infallible. He makes mistakes, gets hurt and questions his existence. He’s also so obsessed with righting the wrongs of Gotham, he has no time to be a playboy or run Wayne Enterprises. He’s on cruise control, his only high being beating the hell out of the criminal element without killing them.

On Halloween night the mayor of Gotham is brutally murdered and the serial killer has left a riddle. The mayor will not be the first victim of illustrious Gothamites to fall thanks to the Riddler, an illusive killer that purposely leaves a trail of riddles for the Batman. The masked vigilante works with Lt. James Gordon of Gotham City Police Department (GCPD), and many in the department disapprove. Soon Gordon and the Batman discover a (literal) thumb drive that reveals pictures of the mayor coming out of a notorious nightclub with a girl that has gone missing. Digging deeper they discover Gotham is worse than anyone can imagine.

It turns out many of Gotham’s finest frequent the Iceberg Lounge run by a low life gangster, the Penguin. That odd looking fat man answers to only one, the top mobster of Gotham, Carmine Falcone. In the mix is a slinky server, Selina Kyle, who happens to be the missing girl’s roommate. She will go on the hunt for her friend and this Catwoman will do anything to bring down anyone that may harm her friend and even go toe-to-toe with the Batman.

The players are set and the deadly game begins without costumes or prosthetics making people look like their name. That’s right, the Penguin is not waddling around with little penguins chasing after him. Selina is not draped in black leather or form fitting rubber suit, surrounded by felines. The Riddler is not decked out in green with a big question mark. All of these people are grounded in an ugly reality. The Batman is the only one that wears a cowl, his suit streamlined and the outfit is for intimidation only.

He, Gordon and Alfred, Wayne’s butler, are the only ones trying to unravel the mystery before it turns any deadlier. Whether or not the writers were inspired by David Fincher’s Se7en and Zodiac or Leigh Whannell & James Wan’s Saw or even Robert Towne’s Chinatown, it does not matter, the mystery and the kills add to the grittiness of the whole dark affair. We see Bruce Wayne go through a complete character arc and that’s what makes Matt Reeves’ The Batman all the more special. A nearly three hour movie has never gone so fast and it doesn’t rely on tons of action to keep our attention.

Even the opening is unlike any other DC movie and the music is not a bombastic superhero theme. It’s more of a mood piece that you would find in a good film noir. Reeves avoided the bizarreness of Tim Burton and the theatrics of Christopher Nolan. He’s given us the Batman from comics and graphic novels that so many have yearned for.

Robert Pattinson plays Bruce Wayne and the Batman with a dark moodiness and it’s a relief to get a Batman that doesn’t sound like he’s gargling a toad. It’s easy to see why criminals fear him and the police of Gotham are leery of him. Batman declares that he is vengeance, but does not resort to an armed response as did Zack Snyder’s Batman did, slaughtering any in his way. This Bruce Wayne/Batman has a conscience and he struggles with his human side. He also remains loyal to Lt. Gordon, well played with honor by Jeffrey Wright. He also keeps Selina Kyle at a distance since she appears to waver as to who’s side she is on.

Zoë Kravitz could not be a better Catwoman/Selina Kyle. She is desperate, cautious and can be deadly. She is every bit as real and dangerous as Paul Dano as the Riddler or John Turturro as Carmine Falcone. As unhinged as Dano is, Turturro plays it even more unsettling. Perhaps the only player in the pack that does not come off as realistic is Colin Farrell in a fat suit and under a ton of makeup. His Penguin feels more like something out of Warren Beatty’s Dick Tracy.

Matt Reeves’ The Batman has plenty of surprises in store. There’s not just one big reveal, there are several. This new iteration of Batman is a rousing welcome for comic book and graphic novel fans and should be seen on the big screen with plenty of concessions from the snack bar to prepare for the nearly three hour presentation. Add to that commercials and trailers, and you have one helluva movie marathon and an exciting time at the movies.

Visit Ray’s blog at themonsterinmyhead.com

Directed by: Matt Reeves
Release Date: March 4, 2022
Run Time: 176 Minutes
Rated: PG-13
Country: United States
Distributor: Warner Brothers Pictures

The Movie Guys live at TheMovieGuys.net, where movies and comedy collide. Follow them @TheMovieGuys, FB.com/TheMovieGuys and Instagram.com/TheMovieGuys. iTunes: https://www.bit.ly/1l0hCpG

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Wynn Las Vegas Debuts Two New: Aft Cocktail Deck and Bar Parasol

Shelley Stepanek

The Venues Join Overlook Lounge To Complete The Cocktail Collection On The Lake Of Dreams

Wynn Las Vegas premiered Aft Cocktail Deck and Bar Parasol, two distinctive lounges that feature an elevated craft cocktail program. The new additions join the recently unveiled Overlook Lounge to complete the Cocktail Collection on the Lake of Dreams.

Overlook Lounge photo credit: Robert Miller

“We consistently challenge ourselves to deliver unique experiences that encourage a sense of discovery for our guests,” said Brian Gullbrants, president of Wynn Las Vegas. “Our new collection of lounges offers just that: beautiful new spaces, spectacular cocktails and a singular location that can only be found at Wynn.”

The new lounges were designed by president and chief creative officer of Wynn Design and Development Todd-Avery Lenahan and feature inventive cocktail menus from resort mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini.

“Aft Cocktail Deck is inspired by the parties hosted on the aft of super-yachts, while Bar Parasol is inspired by an intimate grotto in a fantastical garden setting,” said Lenahan. “Together with Overlook Lounge, the Cocktail Collection on the Lake of Dreams offers three unique destinations and personalities.”

Located on an outdoor patio overlooking the water, next to the Lake of Dreams the terraced seating at Aft Cocktail Deck offers everyone a beautiful location for viewing the Lake of Dreams show. Aft, aptly named after someone boating, shows off the nautical color scheme of blue, white and periwinkle; and features swivel deck chairs, luxe banquettes, and nautical flags which spell out “Wynn LV” flying overhead. Umbrellas come out for the spring and summer months and seat warmers in the cooler months.

“I love to be inspired by the spaces I’m creating for, so when making the cocktail menus for Aft Cocktail Deck and Bar Parasol, I drew inspiration from some of the most glamorous and revered locales around the globe,” Mercer Boarini said. “I also wanted to reinvent classic cocktails to offer guests new experiences that are reminiscent of familiar favorites.”

At Aft Cocktail Deck, you can try the Turks & Caicos, a guava mojito with Bacardi Tropical Rum, pink guava, passionfruit, mint, fresh lime and sugarcane; the Monaco, a seaside spritz with Belvedere Lemon Basil Organic Vodka, St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, lemon verbena, fresh lemon juice, ginger, butterfly pea blossom, and finished with a spritz of Mediterranean Sea inspired edible parfum; and the Ibiza, a take on the classic Spanish carajillo made with Madagascar Vanilla–infused Absolut Elyx Vodka, Kahlua Blonde Roast Coffee Liqueur, Licor43 and cold brew espresso. There are small bites that can be ordered.

Bar Parasol is the next step up from the previous occupant, Parasol Down. You might order bites with caviar at this lovely bar. Elements such as rock crystal lamps, tiles gilded in 24-karat gold fit right in with the garden-inspired color scheme and all of the new greenery.

Like Aft Cocktail Deck, the cocktail menu at Bar Parasol travels around the globe, such as the Havana, a rum take on the Old Fashioned for two made with El Dorado 12 Year Rum, Bacardi 8 Rum, Amaro Meletti, cardamom and cassia and finished tableside with cherry wood smoke; and the Catalina, a verde Bloody Mary with Grey Goose Vodka, Ancho Reyes Verde Chile Liqueur, house-made heirloom green tomato Bloody Mary mix, green apple, pineapple and seaside accoutrements; and the Jet Set, a bump of Kolikof Premium Sturgeon Caviar served alongside a shot of Perrier Jouët Champagne. You can also order a “flight” at Bar Parasol, by enjoying a tasting of Champagne or vodka with two tier choices for either: First Class and Upper Deck.

Aft Cocktail Deck and Bar Parasol are open Sunday through Thursday from noon to 2 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from noon to 3 a.m. Light bites are served daily from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Overlook Lounge, the first of the new lounge concepts that debuted back in August is another one to try. With crystal chandeliers, stunning artwork and a classic array of vintage European design elements that compliments the other two bars. Menu favorites include the Evangelista with Empress 1908 Gin, St. Germain Elderflowers, citrus, sparkling rosé, finished with the Paris aperitif parfum; the Hudson, comprising El Tesoro Blanco Tequila, grapefruit liqueur, thyme, pink grapefruit bubbles, finished with the Milan aperitif parfum; and the Brando, a take on the New York sour made with Whistlepig Rye Whiskey, lemon, cardamom and malbec wine.

Overlook Lounge is open Sunday through Thursday 2 p.m. to 3 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 a.m.

*Top photo credit: Barbara Kraft

*Photo 3 credit: Barbara Kraft

*Cocktail photo credits: Sabin Orr

X Burlesque- Most Beautiful Girls in Las Vegas Perform at the Flamingo

Shelley Stepanek

Monday night, X Burlesque celebrated its 20th anniversary on the famous Las Vegas strip at the Flamingo. This show can still surprise us with the beautiful girls, great numbers, and “entertaining” costumes. The show was honored by Caesars Entertainment’s President of Entertainment, Jason Gastwirth, along with Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom, who presented Matt and Angela Stabile, creators and producers of X Burlesque, with a Key to the Las Vegas Strip.

I’ve known Angela since she first started the show, and can vouch that the team of her and her husband do everything to perfection. They also have a second show, X Country which performs at Harrahs, and also represent Piff The Magic Dragon, who has an earlier show at the Flamingo.

We were all treated to a rousing performance of the production inside the X Burlesque Theatre, featuring three new dance numbers, including a new hip-hop number, “Tap In” by Saweetie; a new bed number set to Adele’s “Easy On Me”; and a new solo, “I Just Want To Make Love To You” by Etta James.

Prior to the performance, guests celebrated with a red carpet reception at Bugsy & Meyer’s inside Flamingo Las Vegas. What a restaurant this is! This was my fourth time there and everyone had a great time.

The X Burlesque dancers were joined on the red carpet by Matt and Angela Stabile; show producer and manager Tiffany Mondell; and show choreographer, manager, and producer Anthony Cardella. Comedian Rich Little, musician Frankie Sidoris, Flamingo Las Vegas headliner Piff the Magic Dragon and Jade Simone, Harrah’s Las Vegas headliner Tape Face, professional BMX rider Ricardo Laguna, the Australian Bee Gees, dancers from FANTASY, magician Murray SawChuck and wife Dani Elizabeth, magician Douglas Leferovich, international pinup model Sabina Kelley, cast members from Raiding the Rock Vault, and dancers from X Burlesque’s sister show, X Country at Harrah’s Las Vegas, all attending. There were drinks and fantastic appetizers.

Anyone who has not seen this show when in Las Vegas, should be sure to go next time around. The famous Wayne Newton also performs in the same showroom earlier in the evening. X Burlesque is x-rated but very tastefully done.

Created and produced by husband and wife team, Matt and Angela Stabile, X Burlesque performs at the Flamingo Las Vegas Thursday through Monday at 10 p.m., with additional 7 p.m. shows Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Tickets start at $56, plus tax and fees, and can be purchased at the Flamingo Box Office.

*Photo credits: Edison Graff

The Duomo, An All-New Live Music Venue and Italian Dining Experience

Shelley Stepanek

The Duomo, An All-New Live Music Venue and Italian Dining Experience, Announces June 16 Opening Date at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino

Owner Tony Sgro, along with Damian Costa’s Pompey Entertainment, proudly announces The Duomo, an all-new music venue at Rio All-Suite Hotel &Casino beginning on June 16, 2022. This great new 300-seat club will feature a massive center bar, nostalgic arcade and an Italian casual dining restaurant, Cupola Café, featuring a menu and flavors designed by celebrity-chef Mimmo Ferraro.

“The Duomo is the club Las Vegas visitors and residents have been yearning for,” Sgro said. “It’s a place where nationally acclaimed musical performances can be enjoyed in a genuinely intimate and personal atmosphere. It combines culinary and entertainment experiences to create a uniquely sexy and sociable environment.”

Costa, President of Pompey Entertainment and former Vice President of Entertainment Operations at Caesars Entertainment Corporation, has been around Las Vegas for decades. When Sgro called him up for a cup of coffee, and heard the name “Duomo,” an Italian term for a cathedral, he couldn’t have been faster to say yes. Thus began this new journey.

“’My music, my church’ is something I’ve heard from musicians, and that inspires me. I feel that such a phrase exemplifies The Duomo, a place where people from all walks of life come together to enjoy great music, exquisite food and timeless fun,” Costa said.

The Duomo will feature a wide variety of live bands, including rock, pop, country, and alternative and will be announcing its first roster shortly.

Cupola Café, a trattoria style Italian eatery, will offer high quality Italian cuisine in a quick-service format.

“We expect Mimmo Ferraro’s Cupola Café to be an instant sensation,” Sgro said. “It’s a place where you can enjoy an Italian espresso and pastry in the morning, a delicious pizza lunch in the afternoon, and a romantic dinner, accompanied by live music, in the evening.”

The Duomo is located at the gorgeous Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino at 3700 W. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89103. The opening of the venue will be managed by Joy Schaefer of Pompey Entertainment. Lineup and ticketing information is forthcoming.

MicroSummit 2022 Las Vegas

Shelley Stepanek

MicroSummit is an annual convention of micronations started in Helsinki, Finland, in 2003 which was held for the first time in Las Vegas in 2021. The great success of last year’s event has led to the annual event being scheduled once again for Las Vegas August 5-7 at the host hotel, Hampton Inn by Hilton Tropicana at Dean Martin. It is only one block over the freeway from the strip, and the closest hotel to the new Allegiant Stadium.

Micronationalists from all over the world attend. The three-day event has a diplomatic reception Friday evening with the main slate of activities taking place on Saturday. In addition to micronations having informational tables exhibits which the general public may view free of charge, this year’s main activities include a memorial for DeWayne Corbett who passed away in 2021. Mr. Corbett was the host of the first MicroSummit held in the United States in 2009.

There are lectures on topics of interest to micronationalists as well as display and sales of micronation coins, currency, and stamps. Later Saturday evening, scheduled at the Excalibur Hotel Casino on the fabulous Las Vegas strip, is a Gala dinner at Buca di Beppos private room followed by a Gala dance with a Neil Diamond impersonator providing the entertainment.

There will be plenty of socializing, lectures and activities for all who attend. Anyone wishing to attend or for more information can contact me at shelleystepanek@aol.com.

The event concludes on Sunday with the general public once again being able to attend and view display tables free of charge.

Draft Restaurant

Shelley Stepanek

I was in San Diego at Belmont Park, right on the sand in Mission Beach, and cruised throughout the whole park. My friends and I stopped at three separate on-the-water restaurants and sampled a little beverage and food at each.

At DRAFT, the San Diego brewery and craft beer movement is out front and well worth going to. Featuring over 69 beers, this is the place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. The food is terrific and the view of surf and sand is unlimited.

We tried the Baby Gem Caesar, with full leaves of lettuce separated and stacked on the plate drizzled with plenty of Caesar dressing. The giant grand pretzel is monstrous, served with three dipping sauces, green olives, and spiced crudités. We also split one of the pastrami sandwiches that you can see pictured. There is Lobster mac and cheese, Cobb Greek wedge salads, pistachio crusted salmon sandwich, and Wagyu sandwiches to name a few.

Join them on the boardwalk to experience craft beer paired with elevated cuisine in a family friendly environment. Fresh, tasty, and flavorful, with plenty of tables and high chairs to pick from, great music. They are open from 11-8, Monday through Thursday, until 9:00 p.m. on weekends and open at 9 a.m. for weekend brunch. Mostly local breweries to pick from.

Enjoy panoramic beach views just 20 feet from the sand alongside a 31-foot LED screen, perfect for the big game.

CODA — Movie Review

Ray Schillaci

Movie Review – CODA

Review by Ray Schillaci

AppleTV+ gives us the best picture of 2021 with CODA, an acronym for Child of Deaf Adults. Here is a picture that puts you through a rollercoaster of emotions. You’ll find yourself laughing, crying, and feeling great by the time it ends. Perfectly cast with the wonderful Marlee Matlin (Children of a Lesser God) turning in as marvelous a performance as she did in her screen debut that won her the Oscar for Best Actress. Here, she has matured and plays the loving mother and wife of her deaf family. Ruby, the daughter, is the only one that can hear and is relied on to interpret for the family fishing business.

But, Ruby is a senior in high school and not only has a love for music, but she is slowly discovering herself. Sadly, she suffers from insecurity, not being sure if she is any good at singing. She only joins the school choir because of a boy she is interested in. The music teacher recognizes the possibilities in her and offers to coach her for an audition for Berklee College of Music. As exciting as this is, the offer becomes a big conflict in her life. Her family cannot afford college, they need her for their business and they do not understand why she would want to sing. They just can’t relate.

The family dynamic in the movie is touching, funny, heartbreaking, and very relatable. Many of us have family members that are odd and we may hesitate to introduce them to our friends. Ruby and her older brother, Leo, happen to have parents that are real characters. They can’t keep their hands off one another after years of marriage and even though they are deaf, they have no bones about telling people what they think. They are completely unfiltered which makes for much hilarity and embarrassing moments for the kids.

Then there is the eccentric music teacher, Bernardo Villalobos aka “Mr. V,” who demands that anyone wanting to be coached must also be dedicated. This is hard for Ruby while juggling school and work. She can barely stay awake in class with the hours she keeps. Mr. V has enormous faith in her, but little patience for her untimeliness. Too add to Ruby’s complications, the teacher pairs her for a duet with the boy she is interested in.

Kudos must go out to writer/director/producer Sian Heder who successfully brings all the emotions and humor to the English remake of the 2014 French film, La Famille Bélier, which received six nominations at the 40th César Awards. Her film genuinely captures Emilia’s struggles all the while delivering the heartwarming and heart wrenching view of the family and the endearing love they have for one another. It’s not easy to breathe new refreshing life into a foreign film. Many have tried and failed miserably, i.e. the lackluster City of Angels (a ’98 remake of the German film Wings of Desire), ’96s ridiculous remake of the classic French film Diabolique, and the awful 2013 remake of the South Korean masterpiece Oldboy, to name a few. Heder’s adept retelling gives us the best film of the year.

Not only does Ms. Heder give her all to this wonderful story, the entire cast is a pure joy to watch. It’s hard to say if anyone of them stands out because they are all so good. Emilia Jones as Ruby captures our heart the moment she comes on screen. Troy Kotsur as her outlandish father Frank is warm and hysterically funny, and so is the wonderfully dynamic Eugenio Derbez as the music teacher Bernardo Villalobos (Mr. V). I cannot heap enough praise on Marlee Matlin as the mother Jackie along with the passion of Daniel Durant as Ruby’s brother, Leo.

CODA is not artsy, mind bending, or controversial. The film tells a simple story in a beautiful way and makes it very relatable. Ruby’s journey will lift your spirits and her family will warm your heart. What more can you ask for? At this time, CODA is playing in limited theaters and on Apple+ and that alone is a good enough reason to start a subscription.

Visit Ray’s blog at themonsterinmyhead.com

Directed by: Sian Heder
Release Date: August 13, 2021
Run Time: 111 Minutes
Rated: PG-13
Country: United States/France/Canada
Distributor: Apple TV+

The Movie Guys live at TheMovieGuys.net, where movies and comedy collide. Follow them @TheMovieGuys, FB.com/TheMovieGuys and Instagram.com/TheMovieGuys. iTunes: https://www.bit.ly/1l0hCpG

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HARSH REALISM

Movie Review – The Batman

Review by Ray Schillaci

The Venues Join Overlook Lounge To Complete The Cocktail Collection On The Lake Of Dreams

The Duomo, An All-New Live Music Venue and Italian Dining Experience, Announces June 16 Opening Date at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino

Movie Review – CODA

Review by Ray Schillaci

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