Monthly Archives: February 2009

February 27, 2009 · 10:38 am

Nevada Opera averts disaster

In late January, Nevada Opera officials announced that the 41-year-old company was on the verge of collapse and would close if it didn’t raise $100,000 in just four weeks. Today, the message is more upbeat.

The group surpassed its $100,000 goal, meeting the requirements for a $50,000 challenge donation, and will produce “La Boheme” in April. Opera board president Randi Thompson said the group has $165,000 and received pledges for about $20,000 more.

For full story, click here: http://www.rgj.com/article/20090227/NEWS/902270428/1321/news

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February 26, 2009 · 5:09 pm

Movie extras needed in Reno

Sparks-based Integrity Casting is looking for about 100 non-union extras to work in Reno Friday and Saturday on a thriller directed by Mario Van Peebles and starring Bill Pullman. The film is called “Kerosene Cowboys,” and Integrity is specifically looking for clean-cut men with a military look and women who are fresh-faced, girl-next-door types. Eighteen- to 30-year-olds in great shape are preferred. To be considered, call 322-1515 or e-mail toni@integritycasting.com with body dimensions and a current picture. The job pays minimum wage.

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February 25, 2009 · 8:28 pm

Poll: What film has you drooling?

I’m pleased to kick off a new feature on ForrestHartman.com: Polls.

Vote today, then check back and see whether you’re with the majority or the minority.

This is a tough one for me, but I’m going to have to go with “Star Trek.”

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February 24, 2009 · 12:36 am

Oscar winners: A complete list

Winners of the 81st Academy Awards (all nominees listed with winners in bold)

Performance by an actor in a leading role
Richard Jenkins in “The Visitor” (Overture Films)
Frank Langella in “Frost/Nixon” (Universal)
Sean Penn in “Milk” (Focus Features)
Brad Pitt in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
Mickey Rourke in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)

Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Josh Brolin in “Milk” (Focus Features)
Robert Downey Jr. in “Tropic Thunder” (DreamWorks, Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Doubt” (Miramax)
Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.)
Michael Shannon in “Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)
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February 22, 2009 · 9:36 pm

Video Verdict: New DVDs for Feb. 24

Ashley Schneider is a baaad girl in "Extreme Movie."

Ashley Schneider is a baaad girl in "Extreme Movie."

It’s not spring yet, but DVD manufacturers have love — or at least sex — on the brain. This week’s crop of new releases features two teen sex comedies, a minor-league horror film and a direct-to-DVD cartoon for adults.

 

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February 22, 2009 · 10:29 am

Oscars: Who will win tonight?

Dev Patel, left, and Anil Kapoor in "Slumdog Millionaire," Forrest's pick to win Oscar's best picture race.

Dev Patel, left, and Anil Kapoor in "Slumdog Millionaire," Forrest's pick to win Oscar's best picture.

Predicting who will win the Academy Awards is a lot like predicting the weather. No matter how sure you feel, there’s always a surprise. A low pressure front that moves in unexpectedly, a fast-moving hail storm, ridiculously strong winds.

Still, there are signs that a skilled prognosticator can read to get things right at least some of the time.

 Yes, its that time of year when I put my reputation on the line and offer my best guesses as to who will win cinema’s biggest awards. So, without further delay, my predictions for tonight’s Oscars in several key categories.

Click here to read more: http://rgj.com/article/20090222/ENT/902220303/1056

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February 15, 2009 · 8:36 pm

Video Verdict: New DVDs for Feb. 17

Leonardo DiCaprio, left, and Russell Crowe in "Body of Lies."

Leonardo DiCaprio, left, and Russell Crowe in "Body of Lies."

This is a good week for home video, as most of the mainstream offerings are solid and several are downright outstanding.

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February 15, 2009 · 1:34 pm

On the boards in Reno

In “As You Like It,” William Shakespeare wrote that “all the world’s a stage,” and while he clearly was being metaphorical, there does seem to be a lot of theater in Reno these days. So, I thought it would be fun to give you a rundown of several noteworthy productions that are either playing now or coming soon to a stage near you.

Click here for the complete list: http://rgj.com/article/20090215/ENT/902150308/1056

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February 8, 2009 · 2:30 am

Video Verdict: New DVDs for Feb. 10

Josh Brolin plays former President George W. Bush (front) and Toby Jones plays Karl Rove in the new political drama "W."

Josh Brolin plays former President George W. Bush (front) and Toby Jones plays Karl Rove in the new political drama "W."

This week’s DVD releases include one of comedian Bernie Mac’s final screen appearances, a meditation on the life of former President George W. Bush and a fantastic war drama by director Spike Lee.

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February 6, 2009 · 9:44 am

New service offers free show tix in Reno

With prices to concerts and special events rising while incomes are declining, free show tickets sound pretty good, and Bill Nagel says he’ll get them for you.

Nagel is the local operator of House Seats (www.houseseats.com), a Las Vegas-based company that now gives subscribers the opportunity to claim free tickets to concerts and sporting events in Northern Nevada and Northern California. The catch? Members pay a subscription fee ranging from $89 to $169 per year, and tickets are handed out on a first-come-first-served basis. The $89 level entitles subscribers to two tickets per show and the $169 level comes with four tickets. There’s no limit on the number of shows a subscriber can attend.

Click here for full story: http://www.rgj.com/article/20090206/ENT/902060417/1056

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