Leigh Ann Rassler

MOVIE REVIEW: 'A Star Is Born' is a Love Story Rock Epic, lady gaga

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘A Star Is Born’ is a Love Story Rock Epic

Soaring into Theatres: October 5, 2018 Running Time: 2 hour and 16 minutes Rated R for language throughout, some sexuality/nudity and substance abuse Screenplay by Eric Roth, Bradley Cooper & Will Fetters Produced & Directed by Bradley Cooper Grade: A++ “Hey, I just want to take another look at you” I experienced A Star is Born in a Dolby Theatre before the October 5 release. It might be categorized as a musical drama category, but it is at its core a love story and a rock epic. I can’t stop thinking about this film. In his directorial debut, delivers a career-best …

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JTA Plays Prominent Role in Revitalizing Historic LaVilla Community

BY LEIGH ANN RASSLER, Public Relations Manager Jacksonville Transportation Authority Last month, hundreds attended the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s (JTA) ribbon cutting ceremony for the Intercity Bus Terminal, Phase One, at the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center (JRTC). Greyhound Lines Inc. leases the 9,961 square foot bus terminal from JTA. The terminal features an indoor waiting area, ticketing offices, a cafeteria, restrooms, nine bus bays, parking, and a customer drop-off area on Stuart Street. Phase Two, currently under construction, will feature JTA’s administrative headquarters and main bus transfer facility with an enclosed passenger waiting area, ticket vending machines, operator lounge, public restrooms, …

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MOVIE REVIEW: ‘A Simple Favor’ Starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively

Release Date: September 14, 2018 Running Time: 1 hour and 57 minutes Rated R For sexual content and language throughout, some graphic nude images, drug use and violence Directed By: Paul Feig Grade: B We All Have Secrets To Hide Stephanie Smothers is a widow and therefore a single mother. Living off her deceased spouse’s life insurance money, Stephanie hosts a housekeeping vlog that shares household tips and recipes during the days while her son, Miles, is at elementary school. One day she meets Emily Nelson through the friendship that her son shares with Emily’s son Nicky. Emily invites her …

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MOVIE REVIEW: Nick Hornby’s Novel ‘Juliet, Naked’ Comes to the Silver Screen as Relatable Romantic Comedy

A comic account of life’s second chances Annie () is stuck in a long-term relationship with Duncan () – an obsessive fan of obscure rocker Tucker Crowe (). When the acoustic demo of Tucker’s hit record from 25 years ago surfaces, its release leads to a life-changing encounter with the elusive rocker himself. Based on the novel by Nick Hornby, Juliet, Naked is a comic account of life’s second chances. Juliet, Naked is a delightful romantic comedy set in a small English seaside town. The film stars Rose Byrne (Spy, Bridesmaids), Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids, Molly’s Game), and multiple Academy Award …

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MOVE REVIEW: ‘The Meg’ is Suspense, Drama, Action, and a 75-foot Prehistoric Megalodon Shark

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘The Meg’ is Suspense, Drama, Action, and a 75-foot Prehistoric Megalodon Shark

That living fossil ate my friend Jonas is an experienced rescue diver who is called in to help when he learns that his ex-wife, Lori, is trapped six miles beneath sea level in a submersible craft. Lori is part of a team of scientists led by Dr. Zhang, who are exploring the depths of the Mariana Trench where they believe there are interesting and valuable creatures that dwell beneath a thermal layer. When Jonas rescues the submersible by creating a distraction, he unknowingly opens up the thermal layer to allow a few sharks to rise above it and into the …

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Movie Review: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

Running Time: 1 hour 53 minutes Genre: Romance, Comedy, Musical Rated PG-13 for some suggestive material Grade: B Written and Directed by Ol Parker Based on the original musical by Catherine Johnson Do What Makes Your Soul Shine Ten years have passed since opened in theaters in July 2008.  The story, with hits from the popular super group ABBA and based on the smash-hit stage musical, was nominated for Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical by the Golden Globes.  It went on the gross $615 million, becoming the fifth highest-grossing film of 2008. The beloved characters are back to …

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The Oak Ridge Boys “Shine the Light” At Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts

For 75 years, the music of The Oak Ridge Boys has delighted audiences around the world. Founded in 1943 as the Oak Ridge Quartet, the current lineup has been together since 1973. The quartet consisting of Duane Allen (lead), William Lee Golden (baritone), Joe Bonsall (tenor) and Richard Sterban (bass) continue to record and tour with the Mighty Oaks Band. I grew up listening to their legendary blend of gospel, blues, and country rock, but never had a chance to see them live until now. Why did I wait so long? The performance opened with a witty introduction by Darrick …

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Lizards On The Loose! Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Movie Review

Grade: A Release Date: June 22, 2018 Running Time: 2 hours 8 minutes Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of science-fiction violence and peril Genre: Action Adventure Sci-Fi Produced by Steven Spielberg and Colin Trevorrow Directed by J.A. Bayona Screenplay by Colin Trevorrow & Derek Connolly Based on characters created by Michael Crichton If you enjoyed Jurassic World, then you will love Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.  The trailers promised an exhilarating film and Fallen Kingdom delivers.  This may be the first film since the Dark Knight Rises that I watched on the big screen two nights in a row. Fallen Kingdom …

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Monty Python’s Spamalot Brings Laughs To The Island Theater

Directed by Tricia Williams Choreographed by Javier Fernandez Music Direction by Christine Phillips Monty Python’s Spamalot was entertaining and provided a lot of humorous moments intertwined with amazing choreography and musical numbers. I really enjoyed watching the actors as I tried to figure out the plot.  is loosely based on Camelot. I do not want to spoil it for others that have never watched it on screen before, but I will say it is a bit naughty with some interesting twists. The play was comprised of two Acts. Act I contained 15 songs and Act II 12 songs. I don’t …

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Tomb Raider: Her Adventure Returns

Release Date:  March 16, 2018 Running Time: 1 hour and 58 minutes Rated PG-13 Grade B– You shouldn’t have come here but I’m glad that you did. Lara Croft mourns her father’s disappearance seven years.  She works as a bicycle courier and trains at a martial arts gym, even though she can’t afford the monthly dues. Ironically, a business empire awaits Lara if she will only sign documents stating that her father, Lord Richard Croft, is deceased.  After a brush with the law and encouragement from her father’s business partner, Ana Miller, Lara agrees to meet and sign the documents.  …

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