CHICO AND RITA – HOT ANIMATION

BOY WHAT A TEAM! IRRESISTIBLE! When Chico and Rita come out in the movie, it’s like a Super Nova has taken over the Latin Nightclub. Maybe it’s that “Krill” oil I’ve been urging them to take. Naa – I’m just joking. Be careful though – this unusual animation movie is so sexy, that you may have to re-adjust your trousers. Some scenes are in the nude. Not offensive, mind you – but nude. I think you know what I mean.

I sure hope that Chico and Rita get that Oscar for best-animated film. Everyone looks so real – so human. It looks almost like 3-D. The eyes are totally amazing for a movie like this. It’s a visual feast that I won’t ever forget – and you won’t either.

The famed Bebo Valdes supplies the Latin music along with others like Tito Puente. Together they keep you in a sensual mood. I say: “Give us more movies like this!” It definitely is from the heart. This movie is over the top gorgeous.

Oscar wining director Fernando Trueba is beyond masterful – he has put together a rainbow of Las Vegas, Hollywood and New York. The thrill of discovering the deep affecting music is really high level. Not once did I nod off. Oh no – not at all. Never in this enthralling and clever beautiful rainbow do you get bored.

Oh, by the way – the Soundtrack is really a must have. It’s now available on Calle 54 records (Sony Music – US/Latin).

CHICO AND RITA is playing at Landmark Theatres.

Rating: Four Boxes of Popcorn!!!! (highest rating) –trademarked-

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook Section and he has produced and hosted a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED)))

STAR STUDDED STREETS

WAR HORSE nominated for Best picture Oscar this year. And it should win. “The Artist” is getting a lot of Buzz – but it’s just a trifle. Nice to look at – but please, give us a few words out on the street. Silent movies -- does not mean that you can’t talk when you leave the studio. Back to “War Horse” – it is the best damned cinema photography that I have ever seen. And then there’s the Acting. Oh, my god – the entire cast is astonishing. They get everything right. This has got to be the #1 Movie in the world! The story about a Horse and a boy will bring tears to your eyes. The Marvelous acting is the best that I have ever seen. You’d be crazy not to see this film! Still playing at Theatres. Rating: Four Boxes of Popcorn!!!! (The Oscars will be on Feb. 26)

HUGO: FABULOUS – EXCITING MOVIE ABOUT A BOY WHO LOVES TO MAKE MACHINERY RUN. He lost his father and a drunken uncle who worked at the Station. With no one to help him, he hides in the catacombs of the fancy train station. He loves to wind the clocks. No one knows that he is there. He grabs what he can eat from vendors when they are not looking. Based on a true story – you will not likely find such an eye-popping movie like “Hugo.” It’s loaded with fun and excitement in this riveting journey. It’s poised between modern technology and science fiction, and it is a masterpiece. Rating: Four Boxes of Popcorn!!!! And have an extra Kernel on me.


Courtesy Photo from Berkeley Rep. Photo by: Kevin Berne; Actors Stephan Epp and Julie Briskman.

DOCTOR IN SPITE OF HIMSELF IS REMARKABLE AND RAPTUROUS

This play will blow your mind. “Doctor in Spite of Himself” -- at the Berkeley Rep, actually starts out in front of the Berkeley Theatre. Picture this: The PR guy is wearing a white doctors frock. As he handed me my press kit – I said: “Hey Doc – how about checking my BP?” Inside the Theatre the ushers were clapping and doing some mild dance moves. It sure put us in the mood for the “Doctor”.

You know the traditional story about an unwanted wedding? She feigns illness to get out of it. There is complete out of control nuttiness about this play. Especially in the new refreshing version that brings us to the world of politics and a puppet that has big boobs and hilarious statements like this: “I let that little bitch of a notary sign my life away!”

This version also has some wonderful music like “Dancing Queen” (live band) – that gives you another spark plug charge. Or as one actor says: “Quite please, get off of my balls!” It’s the music that really peps up the Moliere comedy. I kinda think that he would love to see his show reincarnated.

The so-called Doctor takes many liberties – like when he examines one of the women – he holds the stethoscope by her ‘box’. You’ll figure it out.

This stunning visual comedy is superb! It’s an aesthetic wonder with stunningly gorgeous visuals. This play cannot be missed. Here’s another quote: “He’s right there. He’s waiting to be hung.” She says: “My husband is hung?”

HERE ARE THE SIZZLING, MAGICAL ACTORS: Julie Briskman, Liam Craig, Steven Epp, Renata Friedman, Allen Gilmore, Chivas Michael, Greg C. Powers (Band), Jacob Ming-Trent, Justine Williams and Robertson Witmer (Band). Marvelous adaptation by: Christopher Bays and Steven Epp. The crisp and fantastic directing is by Christopher Bayes. They don’t come any more talented then this – ever!

NOW PLAYING AT THE BERKELEY REP

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) –trademarked-


Della Reese Photo courtesy of The Rrazz Room.

DELLA REESE is one of those singers who listen to their heart. Right from the beginning – the legendary Reese started singing at the family church at the age of six. And she hasn’t closed her mouth since. She’s toured with the great Mahalia Jackson when she was a Teen. She formed her own group. Reese began making records with the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra in the 50’. Reese has done it all – music from the 50’s Jazz and R&B to traditional Pop Singer. She has always been a lusty singer with sensational depth. Reese is at the Rrazz Room for three nights beginning tonight (Thurs, Fri, Sat). She doesn’t do a locked-in set. She sings songs from all genres and sings songs she does. I personally love “Suitcast full of Dreams” – it just tears me apart. Also a favorite that I hope you get to hear is “The Man I Love.” She tells stories during the show about how Jubilee Records screwed here when she made her first recording. Reese also tells wonderful stories about Frank Sinitra, Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole and Eartha Kitt. Oh, and there are more than I can fit in. She knew them all. They were my schooling, Della told the audience.

Reese is the ultimate performer. Her voice is amazingly powerful, expressive with flawless articulation. Each song is a story onto it’s own. She sings everything, from gospel, blues, jazz and even classical music. I know that she put a spell on me – forever! Her clear and powerful voice can’t be compared to others. Reese is individual. Her phrasing, the way she pauses encircles me. Talk about romantic – she’s got it!

AT THE RRAZZ ROOM Three nights only Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I’ll be looking for you.
http://www.therrazzroom.com/

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