‘The Mandalorian’ an adventure worth paying for

‘The Mandalorian’ an adventure worth paying for

By Chic DiCiccio Imagine a Venn diagram of “Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid Fans” and “Star Wars Fans.” The section that intersects would read “The Mandalorian Fans.” There is a moment in the first episode of Disney+’s highly anticipated series “The Mandalorian” that flat out copies the penultimate scene of that beloved western. Of […]

Talented young cast keeps ‘CATS’ memorable

Talented young cast keeps ‘CATS’ memorable

By Shari Goldstein Stern Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece, “CATS,” has audiences purring with delight at Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) through Nov. 17. Patrons are roaring about this North America Tour production, based on T.S. Eliot’s poetry. Those who have seen the show before, including London and Broadway productions, are praising it as the best […]

Director gives ‘Midway’ almost flippant treatment

Director gives ‘Midway’ almost flippant treatment

By Chic DiCiccio There’s really only one word to describe the first 30 minutes of “Midway,” and that word is tacky. The 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor is shown as if it’s a video game, complete with a ridiculous rope climb between burning naval ships. It’s silly to expect anything less from director Roland […]

Hungry Belly? New Korean favorite has amazing choices

Hungry Belly? New Korean favorite has amazing choices

By R. H. Lannen Even after many visits to Hungry Belly, I still have yet to scratch the surface of the menu. Four pages long and containing more than 100 different things to order, the list can seem a little daunting to wade through. The restaurant has selections from ramen to burgers and everything in […]

Aaron Paul drives overall success of ‘El Camino’

Aaron Paul drives overall success of ‘El Camino’

By Chic DiCiccio It took 62 episodes of “Breaking Bad” to watch Walter White (Brian Cranston) go from a timid, beaten high school teacher to an organized crime/drug kingpin. There’s an entire television series (“Better Call Saul,” which you most definitely should be watching) dedicated to explaining how the flawed, yet sweet Jimmy McGill (Bob […]

‘Zombieland: Double Tap’ goofy spoof on zombie movies

‘Zombieland: Double Tap’ goofy spoof on zombie movies

By Chic DiCiccio Here’s an interesting fact: 2009’s “Zombieland” was the highest grossing zombie-themed movie of all time until 2013. That’s when “World War Z” and Brad Pitt’s flowing locks overtook it, and “Zombieland” was destined to be a well-received yet forgotten comedy.  Then “The Walking Dead” happened. Its popularity has brought a decade long […]

‘In the Shadow of the Moon’ desperately tries to be good

‘In the Shadow of the Moon’ desperately tries to be good

By Chic DiCiccio “In the Shadow of the Moon” is an entry into the rare science fiction-police noir thriller-time travel mystery-social commentary genre. It’s so rare, this Netflix production could be the first of its kind. It’s also a convoluted, overwrought, overwritten and lazily directed B-movie that spirals into nonsense the longer that it goes.  […]

Lake House still finding its groove

Lake House still finding its groove

By R. H. Lannen The Lake House Bar and Grill may not be directly on White Rock Lake, but it has the persona of a relaxed, waterfront restaurant. The atmosphere is calm, and the staff is friendly and attentive. When I arrived, I walked straight through the restaurant and past the massive wrap-around bar and […]