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‘Abby’s’ open for business in NBC’s new bar comedy
The
Sumter Scene March 24 - March 30, 2019
12
Third round shows ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ one more time
14
Ebenezer Middle reads same book at same timeto help children in need
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Now on Netflix .........2 New on Hulu ............4 Amazon Prime ..........6 Local Events .............8 Puzzles ........... 10 & 11 Movie Schedule ......13
‘Abby’s’ opens for business in new NBC bar comedy
See the Difference. Feel the Comfort.
Michaela McManus stars in “The Village,” premiering Tuesday on NBC.
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The Sumter Scene • March 24 - March 30, 2019 • 1
What’s New NOW on March 26 “Nate Bargatze: The Tennessee Kid” The Tennessee-born and -raised actor and comic takes aim at life’s absurdities with his characteristic deadpan style in this stand-up special taped last October at Infinite Energy Arena in Duluth, Ga. (ORIGINAL) New March 29 “The Highwaymen” Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson star, respectively, as former Texas Rangers Frank Hamer and Maney Gault, who join forces to bring down notorious criminals Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker, in this true 2019 crime drama from director John Lee Hancock (“The Blind Side”). Kim Dickens, Kathy Bates and John Carroll Lynch are also in the impressive cast. (ORIGINAL) Premiere “Osmosis” In Paris of the near future, a dating app matches singles with their soul mates by mining their brain data but it comes at a cost in this science fiction series from France. Hugo Becker (“Gossip Girl”), Agathe Bonitzer (“The Nun”) and Lionel Lingelser (“To Each, Her Own”) head the cast. Series Premiere “Traitors” A young Englishwoman (Emma Appleton, “Genius: Picasso”) helps an enigmatic American agent (Michael Stuhlbarg, “Boardwalk Empire”) root out a Russian infiltration of the British government at the end of World War II in this thriller series from across the pond. Keeley Hawes, Matt Lauria and Cara Horgan also star. Series Premiere
Coming Soon “Our Planet” (April 5) From the creators of “Planet Earth” comes this eight-part series that explores the unique wonders of our natural world. David Attenborough narrates. (ORIGINAL) “Someone Great” (April 19) Gina Rodriguez (“Jane the Virgin”) stars in this romantic comedy movie about a young woman who goes on an outrageous adventure in New York with her two best friends following a nasty break-up. (ORIGINAL) “The Perfection” (May 24) A cello prodigy’s (Allison Williams, “Girls”) quest for perfection takes her down a sinister path in this horror movie from director Richard Shepard (“Mercy”). Steven Weber and Rosario Dawson also star. (ORIGINAL) “Eli” (date TBA) A cutting-edge treatment may be the last hope for a boy suffering from an autoimmune disorder in this horror movie that stars Kelly Reilly, Lili Taylor and Charlie Shotwell. (ORIGINAL)
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2 • The Sumter Scene • March 24 - March 30, 2019
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Coming Soon “The Handmaid’s Tale” (June 5) Season 3 of the award-winning drama focuses on June’s (Elisabeth Moss) fight against the dystopian regime of Gilead as all the characters are forced to take a stand. Joseph Fiennes, Alexis Bledel, Yvonne Strahovski and Ann Dowd also return. (ORIGINAL)
March 27 “Movie: Monsters and Men” The shooting death of a black motorist by a police officer, which was filmed by a bystander, causes unrest in his Brooklyn, N.Y., neighborhood and prompts some to take a stand in this 2018 crime drama from director Reinaldo Marcus Green (“Stop”). John David Washington, Nicole Beharie and Anthony Ramos star.
“Woke” (date TBA) Lamorne Morris stars in this half-hour comedy inspired by the life and art of Keith Knight. Mixed with liveaction and animation, Morris plays a cartoonist living in San Francisco, who’s finally on the cusp of mainstream success when an unexpected incident changes everything. (ORIGINAL)
March 30 “Movie: Chef Flynn” A 10-year-old gains overnight fame as well as notoriety in the culinary world after he transforms his living room into a supper club using his classmates as line cooks in this 2018 documentary from director Cameron Yates (“The Canal Street Madam”).
“Less Than Zero” (date TBA) The culture of wealthy, decadent youth in Los Angeles is examined in this adaptation based on Bret Easton Ellis’ novel, from Ellis, “Greenleaf” creator Craig Wright and Fox 21 Television Studios. Lily Donoghue, Cooper Koch, Keenan Jolliff, Ronen Rubinstein and James Bloor star. (ORIGINAL)
“Cardinal” The third season of this Canadian crime drama finds Cardinal (Billy Campbell) dealing with a heartbreaking personal loss while trying to stay on top of the ever-present criminal activity in Algonquin Bay, with which he will need the help of police partner Lise Delorme (Karine Vanasse). Glen Gould and Eric Hicks also star. “Movie: The Last Race” Drivers at a small-town stock car track on New York’s Long Island struggle to hold on to the traditions of American racing as the world around them is transformed by globalization and commercialization in this 2018 documentary from producer/director/writer Michael Dweck.
“Four Weddings and a Funeral” (date TBA) Mindy Kaling (“The Mindy Project”) is the creative force behind this adaptation of the hit 1994 feature film about a group of friends and how their lives intersect over the course of five events. (ORIGINAL)
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What’s New NOW on Coming Soon March 29
“Hanna” A girl (Esme Creed-Miles, “Dark River”) raised in the Eastern European woods by her mercenary father (Joel Kinnaman, ”The Killing”) finds her survivalist skills put to the test when they’re targeted by a team of agents led by a rogue CIA operative (Mireille Enos, “The Catch”) in this eight-episode action series that’s based on the 2011 feature film of the same title. (ORIGINAL) Series Premiere
“American Renegades” A team of Navy SEALs must race to recover treasure from the bottom of a Bosnian lake before the enemy can catch up to them in this 2017 actioner from director Steven Quale (“Into the Storm”). J.K. Simmons, Sullivan Stapleton and Charlie Bewley star.
“Outlaws” The heir to the throne of an outlaw motorcycle gang must betray its president to save his son’s life in this 2017 Australian crime drama from director Stephen McCallum in his feature film directing debut. Ryan Corr, Abbey Lee and Simone Kessell star.
“The Domestics” If you can imagine what “Mad Max” would look like played out against a dystopian Midwestern American backdrop, you already have a handle on this 2018 suspense thriller starring Kate Bosworth (“Straw Dogs”) and Tyler Hoechlin (“Teen Wolf”) as Nina and Mark, a young couple desperately trying to avoid multiple perils as they make their way to some safe haven, much in the style of “The Purge” movie franchise. Lance Reddick, Sonoya Mizuno, David Dastmalchian and Laura Cayouette also star.
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“Invincible” (date TBA) The son of a superhero develops powers of his own shortly after turning 17 and enters into his dad’s tutelage in this series from Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker and is based on the comic of the same title. (ORIGINAL) “El Cid” (date TBA) From Spain comes this drama series that follows the adventures of the fabled Spanish nobleman and would-be king who was trapped between two worlds and two cultures. (ORIGINAL) “El Presidente” (date TBA) This true-crime series from Mexico examines the events and characters behind the 2015 “FIFA Gate” corruption scandal in soccer. (ORIGINAL) “Comicstaan” (date TBA) From India comes this competition series in which stand-up comedians perform before judges and a studio audience. (ORIGINAL)
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“Abby’s” on NBC (Words in parentheses not in puzzle)
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The Sumter Scene • March 24 - March 30, 2019 • 7
The Sumter Scene TOURNÉES FILM SERIES: ISMAEL’S GHOST Monday, March 18, 2019 5:30pm to 7:30pm The 2019 Tournées Film Series continues with Ismael’s Ghost. This film is rated R and includes nudity, sexual content, adult language and themes.
and reading. There will be a reception and book signing after the presentation. Books will be available for purchase.
Free & Open to the public March 18 at 5:30 PM in the Nettles Auditorium
SUMTER DISABILITIES BENEFIT GALA Thursday, March 28, 2019 6:00pm to 9:00pm Fifth annual black tie optional event, featuring fine food, beer and wine, live music and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit the developmentally disabled of Sumter County.
There will be a brief discussion about the film after it is finished.
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CLARENDON HALL Now Enrolling K-3 to 12th Grades Discounts for New Students
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https://www.facebook.com/ events/1138634522961514/ COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING Repeats every month on the fourth Tuesday until Tue Nov 26 2019. Tuesday, March 26, 2019 6:00pm County Council meets the second and fourth Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Council chambers on the third floor of the Administration building at 13 East Canal Street. www.sumtercountysc.org SPRING WRITER SERIES DAVID JOY Tuesday, March 26, 2019 6:30pm to 7:30pm 2019 Spring Writer Series with David Joy hosted by Dr. Ray McManus Tuesday, March 26 - 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Arts & Letters Building Lecture Hall David Joy will discuss a variety of topics including Southern Literature, the South and the current state of Appalachia. He will also read selections from his works. This will be a lively, entertaining and insightful discussion
8 • The Sumter Scene • March 24 - March 30, 2019
This event is free and open to the public. https://www.facebook.com/ events/339764476639085/
For more info, call Sumter County Disabilities and Special Needs Board, 803778-1669 8TH ANNUAL BOY SCOUT BBQ COOK-OFF Friday, March 29, 2019 All Day to Saturday, March 30, 2019 All Day Tickets for the 8th Annual Boy Scout BBQ Cook-off, Henry Shelor District can be purchased in advance at sumterbbq.com or at the gate on Friday, March 29th Friday Night - Wing Ding 6-9 pm (live local entertainment TBD) and Saturday, March 30th - Pork BBQ Tasting 11am to 3pm (live local entertainment TBD). Located at the American Legion Post 15, 34 S Artillery Drive (next to the Sumter Civic Center) in Sumter SC. For addition information and updates on the event like us on Facebook at “2019 Boy Scout BBQ Sumter SC “or contact Cleo Klopfleisch at 803-406-2177 AfficheSumterSC@gmail.com
Event Calendar
The 8th Annual Henry Shelor District BBQ Cook-Off funds raised will be used to support Camp Coker and to help support district camporees and the Pee Dee Council Programs. The district includes Sumter, Lee, and Clarendon Counties. Camp Coker is a year-round facility and plays host to a variety of scout events including: Unit Camping Opportunities, Training Courses, Council Events, District Events, and OA Functions. 7TH ANNUAL EVENING OPTIMIST CLUB CAR SHOW Saturday, March 30, 2019 9:00am to 2:00pm 7th Annual Car and Bike Show, presented by the Evening Optimist Club of Sumter. Come out and enjoy some awesome cars and trucks and bikes. Registration: $15, 9AM-12PM Trophies Awarded @ 2PM Concessions on site 50-50 raffle, where proceeds go to Sumter County Childhood Cancer Awareness. Categories: Top 20 Best of Show Best Rat Rod Best 4x4 Best Import Best Motorcycle For more info contact William McCoy 803-445-8000.
SUMTER COUNTY CULTURAL CENTER YARN BOMB INSTALLATION Sunday, March 31, 2019 All Day Come watch the Columbia Yarnbombers install the yarn art that Sumter County resi-
dents have been working on since March 2018. FREE event. Public is invited. ECHOES FROM SUMTER’S PAST Sunday, March 31, 2019 3:00pm Journey back in time with our period-dressed tour guides who share tales of history, mystery, and even murder of Sumter’s past residents. Located inside the Ross S. McKenzie Hall Tours are approximately 60 minutes Advance ticket prices: $8 for museum members, $10 for non- members, or $12 at the door Call: 803-468-8630, for Scheduled Times ADVANCE TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED AT: JAZZY CREATIONS 31 W CALHOUN STREET (BEHIND FLOWERS & BASKETS) THURSDAY 10 AM TO 2 PM FRIDAY 10 AM TO 4 PM OR SUMTER COUNTY MUSEUM 122 N WASHINGTON STREET DOWNTOWN DESIGN WORKSHOP Monday, April 1, 2019 1:00pm to 5:00pm Click on survey link at www. downtownsumter.org
BY JAY BOBBIN
WEEK OF MARCH 24 TO 30, 2019 THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: AQUARIUS, PISCES AND ARIES
ARIES You’ll start to be weary of dark and dreary weather. Lift your spirits by looking into last minute deals on a beach vacation.
TAURUS You’re due for a cleanup of your circle of friends and should avoid crowds this week. You’ll finally be motivated to complete those little tasks you’ve been putting off.
GEMINI A promotion will advance your career but the responsibilities will be daunting at first. With perseverance, you’ll succeed. In your love life, you’ll receive a sign of commitment.
CANCER Don’t be afraid of changes at work. Even if it’s hard to fit the required extra training into your schedule, it’ll be worth it and you’ll come out on top.
Raising a bar: NBC introduces the comedy
‘Abby’s’ “Abby’s” has echoes of another NBC sitcom, “Cheers,” and its makers don’t mind any such comparisons. Premiering Thursday, March 28, the show casts Natalie Morales – working again with “Parks and Recreation’s” Michael Schur, an executive producer of the series along with “Abby’s” creator Josh Malmuth – in the title role of a military veteran who comfortably operates an unlicensed backyard bar with a host of regular customers. “Comfortably” applies, anyway, until the site’s conservative new owner (Nelson Franklin) shows up with his own ideas for her business. Neil Flynn (“The Middle”) and Jessica Chaffin (“Big Mouth”) also are in the ensemble cast. “I was a bartender for a while, and a server, as I think a lot of actors have been,” Morales says, “so actually, this was very endearing to me and it made me very appreciative. I happened to be wearing the same set of Converse that I would wear when I was bartending (and would remember) going, ‘Oh, brother, when am I going to get out of this?’ And then I was back in it (with ‘Abby’s’), but I was getting paid a little better and I looked better doing it. So, it was good.” Interestingly, “Abby’s” is filmed before an on-site audience situated outdoors along with the performers. “The things we had to worry about were airplanes and
helicopters and sirens being noisy,” Morales muses of potential interference. “A fun fact is we shot this on Tuesday nights, as opposed to many multi-cams that shoot on a Friday night. We shot on the Universal lot, and Halloween Horror Nights was going on (at the Universal Studios attraction), and you would have heard the screaming. We avoided that, which was nice.” Another aspect of the Abby character figures into some of the stories more prominently than in others. “I think it’s the first time there’s an openly and casually bisexual lead on network TV, definitely (in a) comedy,” notes Morales. “We talked about it a lot, and not only is there a lack of representation in that department, but – especially where I’m obviously playing a Latina woman – I always like when it’s not about that, when I’m just a person.” Also an alum of “Santa Clarita Diet,” “The Grinder” and “Trophy Wife,” Morales adds, “I look for stories about marginalized people that are not about how they are marginalized, because we have seen that. It’s important to say, ‘This is a regular person, and you probably know someone just like this, and this is just them living their everyday lives.’ And yes, she may date women. She also dates men. So what? We are all multifaceted people. It’s time we see that on television.”
LEO With the end of your lease approaching, you’ll start looking into the option of moving and maybe even buying a home. You’ll find the comfort you’re seeking.
VIRGO Careful how you express yourself because what you say could be misunderstood. At home, some spring cleaning or a fresh coat of paint will lift your spirits.
LIBRA Spring collections are already on sale and you won’t resist the temptation to revitalize your wardrobe this week. You’ll have an opportunity to make yourself happy.
SCORPIO You’ll start the week ready to conquer the world and experience new adventures. You won’t lack ideas for projects both at work and at home.
SAGITTARIUS There will be lots of action surrounding an acquaintance. You’ll feel the need to change up your routine and with warmer weather approaching, you’ll start getting ready for outdoor activities.
CAPRICORN Fatigue and stress have accumulated, so let your partner and loved ones pamper you. You’re allowed to let yourself be spoiled by the ones you love.
AQUARIUS You’ll receive invitations for several different activities this week. If you’re single, you’ll be surrounded by suitors who are trying to impress you.
PISCES You’ll be optimistic about completing a new project. You can be an idealist, but you also work hard to accomplish your goals. You’ll have the support of your whole family.
The Sumter Scene • March 24 - March 30, 2019 • 9
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Report: Trump lawyers’ letter er to Mueller challenges subpoenaa BY JONATHAN LEMIRE The Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's lawyers composed a secret 20-page letter to special counsel Robert Mueller to assert that he cannot be forced to testify while arguing that he could not have committed obstruction because he has absolute authority over all federal investigations. The existence of the letter, which was first reported and posted by The New York Times on Saturday, was a bold assertion of presidential power and another front on which Trump's lawyers have argued that the president can't be subpoenaed in the special counsel's ongoing investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. The letter is dated January
Grasses are the most common cause of allergies.
THE HE ASSOCIATED PRESS
President Donald Trump, center, accompanied by Secretary ary of State Mike Pompeo, left, speaks to members of the media on the South Lawn outside the Oval Office in Washington on Friday after fter meeting with former North Korean military intelligence chief Kim m Yong Chol. After the meeting Trump announced that the Summit with ith North Korea will go forward. Read the full story at www.theitem.com. m.com. Department leaking my lawyers letters to the Fake News
d publicly have privately and n that the expressed concern
It’s sneezing zin ng sseason, e but the yellow stuff at causes caus your spring allergies isn’t what
Ragweed is the most common weed allergy. A doctor can determine whether you have a pollen allergy with a skin scratch test or blood test.
BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com
Allergy shot therapy has been available for more than 100 years.
Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com Four National Bank of South Carolina branch locations in Sumter and one each in Manning and Bishopville will soon get a facelift as the bank transitions its signage and other legal branding to its parent company’s name. Since January, Synovus has implemented a staggered brand transition across five states of all of its non-Synovus bank divisions, company spokesman Lee Underwood said Friday. With 38 branches in South Carolina, NBSC will complete that brand transition of signage, business cards, pens and other legal branding this month. The signage transition in Sumter County is scheduled for the middle of the month,
Underwood said. NBSC was actually founded in Sumter in 1905. Synovus acquired NBSC in 1995. Currently, NBSC has 340 employees. Having one brand name will help with marketing and customer recognition across the Southeast, according to Underwood. NBSC Sumter Market President Melissa White said she was proud of the reputation that NBSC has built in conjunction with Synovus and is looking forward to the future. “Adopting the Synovus name while maintaining our local, relationship-centered delivery model will increase awareness of our regional presence, our financial capabilities and our ability to meet the needs of customers and prospects,” White said.
‘ ’
POLLEN FACTS
Using central air-conditioning with a HEPA filter attachment can help reduce allergy symptoms.
NBSC sign change coming later this month in tri-county
S
EXCEPTIONAL EXCITING EXPERIENCED
Those who struggle with seasonal allergies suffer this time of year from symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes.
pring brings forth hm many any wonderful w ople fro om na at with its that cause allergies, according to experts. things to people from nature warmer temperatures, but peraaturees, b u there is at Tree pollen peaks in the spring, grass pollen peaks in the summer, and weed pollen peaks least one unwelcome me ccompanion om mpanio each in the fall. year — pollen. There are actually different types of pollen
SEE POLLEN, PAGE A6
No spring break for detention center students
Why militarization of border isn’t new ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)
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The Sumter Scene • March 24 - March 30, 2019 • 11
Movie Schedule
“IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK” Week of March 24
CAPTIVE STATE PG-13, 1 hr 49 min Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Thriller
FIVE FEET APART PG-13, 1 hr 56 min Drama, Romance
WONDER PARK PG, Action/Adventure, Animated, Comedy
CAPTAIN MARVEL (2019) PG-13, 2 hr 4 min Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
TYLER PERRY’S A MADEA FAMILY FUNERAL PG-13, 1 hr 42 min Comedy
FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY PG-13, 1 hr 47 min Comedy
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD PG, 1 hr 44 min Action/Adventure, Animated, Family
THE LEGO MOVIE 2: THE SECOND PART PG, 1 hr 47 min Action/Adventure, Animated, Comedy
WHAT MEN WANT R, 1 hr 57 min Comedy, Romance
US R, 1 hr 56 min Horror
Regina King, who had a great season on the movie-award trail that included an Oscar win, is an absolute standout in director Barry Jenkins’ (“Moonlight”) adaptation of the James Baldwin novel, which jumps back and forth in time as it revolves around a young 1970s-Harlem couple whose future may be derailed when the groom-to-be (played by Stephan James) is wrongfully arrested for sexual assault. His pregnant fiancee (KiKi Layne) leads the effort to clear him, helped by her mother (King). The solid cast also includes Michael Beach, Aunjanue Ellis, Diego Luna, Finn Wittrock, Emily Rios and Brian Tyree Henry (“Atlanta”). DVD extras: “making-of” documentary; audio commentary by Jenkins; deleted scenes. ›››› (R: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand)
“SECOND ACT” Earlier in her movie career, Jennifer Lopez had a good run in romantic comedies, and she returns to that genre in this easygoing tale that’s sparked by a case of mistaken identity. Believed to be a top consultant rather than the big-box-store manager she actually is, she’s enlisted to help advise an elite cosmetics firm. Vanessa Hudgens co-stars as a new colleague determined to come up with a winning formula first, with Milo Ventimiglia (“This Is Us”) as the Lopez character’s boyfriend, who has doubts about the charade she’s suddenly living. Leah Remini and Treat Williams also are in director Peter Segal’s up-to-par cast. DVD extras: four “making-of” documentaries. ››› (PG-13: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand)
“STAN & OLLIE” As any devotee of classic screen comedy can guess from the title, Laurel and Hardy are the subjects of this involving, seriocomic profile that focuses on the duo’s later years after they’d reached the peak of their tandem success. They stage live performances in England and Ireland while trying to mount another movie for themselves, with pressures building on Stan Laurel (Steve Coogan) and Oliver Hardy (John C. Reilly, who has earned some awards from critics’ organizations for his work here) to the point where their friendship and teamwork begin to buckle under their professional problems. Danny Huston co-stars as the duo’s longtime boss, producer Hal Roach, with Nina Arianda and Shirley Henderson as the respective wives of Laurel and Hardy. DVD extras: three “making-of” documentaries; deleted scenes; cast and crew Q&A. ››› (PG: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand)
“VICTORIA & ALBERT: THE WEDDING” It’s impossible to be at the actual nuptials of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, which occurred in the mid-19th century, but this recent PBS miniseries – made in association with England’s BBC – stands as the next best thing. Royal historian Lucy Worsley serves as guide to a re-creation of various aspects of the event, from the food and the wardrobe to the pageantry of the occasion overall. An actual restaging of the wedding is included in the program, which had an influence on British history that still is reflected by the monarchy in the present day. ››› (Not rated)
“LIFE AFTER FLASH” The “Flash” referenced by the title of this documentary is Flash Gordon, the space hero played in a 1980 movie by Sam J. Jones – who is the subject of this film. He became a pop-culture icon of sorts in the years afterward, and here, writer-director Lisa Downs examines such aspects as the clash Jones had with powerful “Flash Gordon” producer Dino De Laurentiis – whose alleged failure to pay Jones his weekly salary while shooting the movie led Jones to stage his own walkout, causing the picture’s budget to balloon and having a definite impact on Jones’ career. Other “Flash” actors appearing here include Melody Anderson, Brian Blessed, Topol and Peter Wyngarde – and also commenting is Brian May of rock music’s Queen, which supplied much of the “Flash” score. ››› (Not rated: P) (Also on Blu-ray)
DUMBO PG, 1 hr 52 min Family
UNPLANNED R, 1 hr 46 min Documentary, Drama
THE BEST OF ENEMIES PG-13 Drama
(UPCOMING RELEASES)
“BUMBLEBEE” (April 2) “THE MULE” (April 2) “VICE” (April 2) “HOLMES & WATSON” (April 9) “ON THE BASIS OF SEX” (April 9) “WELCOME TO MARWEN” (April 9)
“Bumblebee”
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The Scene
Entire Ebenezer Middle reads same book at same time, helps children in need
photos by Micah Green
14 • The Sumter Scene • March 24 - March 30, 2019
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Our community. Your hospital. Your maternity care. Who you trust to deliver your baby matters. As your neighbor, we’re here to care for you and your family. From prenatal care to childbirth classes to delivery and beyond, our skilled obstetricians and Birthplace team members are committed to providing you with the care and compassion we want for our families and ourselves – right here in Sumter. To learn more about how we can help prepare you for your baby, visit PalmettoHealth.org/Tuomey or call 803-774-CARE (2273).
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Cate Blanchett’s Top 10 Movies BY JAY BOBBIN
“Ocean’s 8” (2018): Blanchett supplies great fun as a no-nonsense member of a allfemale robbery crew headed by Sandra Bullock in this “Ocean’s Eleven” spinoff. “Truth” (2015): Some CBS employees understandably didn’t care for it much, but Blanchett does a fine job as Mary Mapes, Dan Rather’s producer on a story that landed them both in hot water. “Carol” (2015): Blanchett makes a strong emotional impact as a dissatisfied wife who has to fight for her rights as her deep attachments to other women become known. “Blue Jasmine” (2013): In her second Academy Award-honored performance, Blanchett is superb as a struggling ex-socialite in Woody Allen’s comedy-drama. “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008): Brad Pitt got attention for his extensive transformation in this age-reversal tale, and Blanchett also performs well under much makeup.
BY JAY BOBBIN
Third round shows ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ one more time There certainly has been no shortage of animated movies in recent years, but the “How to Train Your Dragon” series has carved a special place for itself – not only because of its unique theme, but because of characters and an animation style that are easy to embrace. “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” wraps up the trilogy by hitting a number of emotional high points and sending out the franchise in a satisfying way that, continuing the “Dragon” tradition, should appeal to viewers of all ages. Jay Baruchel is back as the voice of the Viking named Hiccup, whose friendship with the dragon Toothless remains strong.
“Elizabeth: The Golden Age” (2007): History repeated itself – in more ways than one – for Blanchett as she earned another Oscar nomination in the role of the British monarch. “The Aviator” (2004): Portraying someone as well-known as Katharine Hepburn is a mighty challenge, and Blanchett fares very well with it ... to the extent that she won an Oscar for it. “The Gift” (2000): Blanchett does a terrific job with a difficult role, playing a backwoods psychic who could be the key to solving a disappearance. “The Talented Mr. Ripley” (1999): In a cast packed with top talents, Blanchett distinguishes herself as the potential wrench in the plans of a schemer (Matt Damon). “Elizabeth” (1998): The part that put Blanchett on the map established her as a performer who could meet the most demanding roles head-on.
“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” Michael B. Jordan
Jamie Lee Curtis
“AQUAMAN”
A gigantic performer at the box office, this DC Comics saga of the water-based hero casts muscular Jason Momoa as a self-exile from Atlantis, where he returns to try to avert a war that’s brewing between the worlds above and beneath the sea. The impressive cast also includes Nicole Kidman as Arthur “Aquaman” Curry’s mother, Amber Heard as his true love Mera and Patrick Wilson as his battle-minded halfbrother, with Willem Dafoe and Dolph Lundgren also featured. James Wan (“Saw”) directed the film, which was made principally in Australia and stands out among other superhero movies for its surplus of special-effects sequences set in moist – if not fully drenched – surroundings. DVD extras: 11 “making-of” documentaries; “scene study breakdowns.” ››› (PG-13: P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) 12 • The Sumter Scene • March 24 - March 30, 2019
Though Toothless is thought to be the last of his kind, a female dragon proves that wrong – and both are eventually imperiled by a villain voiced by Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham. Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Kit Harington (“Game of Thrones”) and Craig Ferguson are among other returnees in the voice cast. The story of a boy and his dragon captured audiences’ imagination and affection right from the start, but it’s to the credit of the DreamWorksbased animators that they have invested the series with unique visuals setting it apart from all the other animated product that’s been out there. And there surely has been a lot of it, principally from such other studios as Disney (of course) and Universal (which, somewhat ironically, now distributes the DreamWorks fare). Also significant is the way in which the voices have been chosen. Baruchel has an eternally youthful sound, but he wisely has moderated that over the trilogy as Hiccup has become more selfassured. Butler and Ferguson have been welcome from the start for the atmosphere-appropriate sound their accents provide, and “Amadeus” Oscar winner (and Shakespeare veteran) Abraham is a commendable addition to the third round for the aurally imposing quality he gives the story’s chief bad guy. If “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” fares well enough, it’s possible that there could be future editions – after all, Hollywood never says “never” to success, especially at the box office – but at least for now, the fine finale reaffirms that the makers of the series took all their training to heart.