LES PAUL, A NATIONAL TREASURE

To excel at one’s craft is one thing to achieve iconic status and have a monumental impact is another. It has been nearly eight decades since guitar legend Les Paul first strapped on a guitar embarking on a storied career that has seen him record and perform with artists too numerous to mention. His creation of the classic Gibson Les Paul guitar and multi-track recording were groundbreaking when first introduced making Paul one of the great innovators of the 20th century. As he approaches his 93rd birthday Paul is as busy as ever continuing to captivate audiences with his live performances, designing new guitars and inventing better hearing aids. There seems to be no stopping Les Paul.
Paul was born in 1915 in Waukesha, Wisconsin to middle class family. From an early age Paul showed an interest in music. After brief attempts to play the harmonica and then the banjo, Paul found his true calling when he was gravitated to the guitar at the age of thirteen. It didn’t take him long to begin to master the instrument. By his late teens he was performing on stage as a country artist, both solo, and with locally established bands. Even as a young man Paul showed a desire to pursue a variety of musical directions rather than be labeled as a country artist. By the 1930’s Paul was playing live jazz on a Chicago radio station while starting to record with a variety of artists. It was at this time that Paul, who was dissatisfied with the choices of electric guitars that were available, started experimenting with his own designs. As the thirties came to a close Paul moved to New York landing a spot with Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians radio program. As he continued to tinker with his vision of building a guitar to his liking, Paul created one of the first solid body electric guitars in 1941, which, by the 1950’s lead to the Gibson Guitar Company producing the first Gibson Les Paul guitars, which have become a classic used by most every famous guitarist and a guitar by which all others are judged. Les Paul had now become an established guitar player working with Nat King Cole, the Andrews Sisters and Bing Crosby, with whom Paul developed a close friendship with until his passing many years later. With World War II now over and America on the verge of entering the prosperous fifties, Paul released the song “Lover (When You’re Near Me)” on Capitol Records. What made this so special was the fact that it started out as an experiment by Paul in his garage with Paul playing eight different guitar parts, some at half speed, and mastered at normal speed. This would be the birth of multi-track recording. In the winter of 1948 Paul was nearly killed in an automobile accident shattering his right arm and elbow. At Paul’s request doctors set the arm in a crooked manner so Paul would be able to continue to play after suffering through his eighteen month recovery. The fifties would prove to be Paul’s most successful decade. The introduction of the Gibson Les Paul guitar and the Ampex Company, with the backing of Bing Crosby, began to produce and market reel to reel audio tape recording based on Paul’s original concept, becoming the foundation of the recording studio the remainder of the decade and beyond. Paul and his wife Mary Ford on vocals had a run of hit records with “How High The Moon”, “Bye, Bye Blues”, “The World is waiting For The Sunrise” and “Vaya Con Dios”. Paul continued to develop the concept of multi-track recording paying the Ampex Company, out of his own pocket, to develop the first eight-track tape recorder, which took Paul three years to finalize. Rock and Roll replaced artists like Paul in popularity and he never had a hit record using his invention. He did have the satisfaction of seeing this technology used throughout the world for the next three decades. Paul and Mary Ford divorced in 1964. With Paul’s popularity in decline, he retired in the late sixties doing the occasional studio session. With the music industry going through constant changes things remained quiet for Paul. Had it not been for the Gibson Les Paul the public might have completely forgotten about this remarkable man. Long overdue accolades were bestowed to Paul and Mary Ford beginning with the 1978 induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame. It took another ten years for Paul to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by guitarist Jeff Beck who was quoted as saying, “I’ve copied more licks from Les Paul than I’d like to admit.” In recognition of Paul creating the solid body electric guitar he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2005. By now Paul was doing very little performing. Following heart surgery Paul’s doctor strongly advised him that returning to the stage would be good for his overall health and well being. Paul approached Fat Tuesdays Jazz Club in New York City. “I approached the boss of the club”, recalls Paul, “I said, ‘My name is Les Paul.’ He said, ‘The Les Paul?’ “I said, boy this is the fella I’m looking for.” I said, ‘I was thinking of going to work and this looked liked the perfect little place.’ He said, “That would be an honor let’s talk about it.’ I said, “I want to be here every Monday.” He said, ‘We’re not open every Monday.’ But I said, “We want to work for nothing.” He says, “We’re open Monday’s (laughs).” Paul became a fixture at Fat Tuesday’s doing two shows every Monday night. Following a ten year run ending in 1995, Paul and his band relocated to the Iridium Jazz Club at 51st and Broadway in New York City where he continues to perform to this day. “Since I’ve been doing this I look forward to Monday’s more than any other day.” Says Paul. “ It’s the perfect night since most entertainers are off. I have found that Monday nights jam and that has made us all very happy.” In 2007 a film documentary, entitled “Chasing Sound: Les Paul at 90” was completed by John Paulson Productions. “I had been planning to do a documentary for a long time”, says Paul, “Well, I’ll do it tomorrow.(laughs) And it just never gets done.” So a film crew followed me around for about two years. The camera would be rolling while we were doing shows or signing autographs. They followed me going home coming from home, my likes, dislikes and memories. So many wonderful stories, it would be impossible to cover everything.” The world premiere, which was held in Paul’s home town of Waukesha, Wisconsin, found Paul and his trio performing a ninety-minute set prior to the screening raising over $100,000 for an exhibit on his life at the Waukesha County Historical Society. “You have no idea what it means to be back here”, Paul told the sold out crowd. I think of the wonderful days I had here and the people who taught me and who I grew up with.” This past November Paul was a guest of President George W. Bush at the White House where he was the recipient of the 2007 National Medal of Arts Award, the highest award given to artists by the United States Government. President Bush was quoted as saying, “Your accomplishments remind us that freedom of thought and freedom of expression are two pillars of our democracy.
Every Monday evening Les can be found playing two shows at New York’s prestigious jazz club the Iridium, located at 51st and Broadway, to a packed room of guitar aficionados, casual fans and curiosity seekers that want to catch a glimpse of an icon who keeps going and going. On any given night Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton or Tony Bennett can be seen in the audience paying homage to a man that deserves all the accolades bestowed upon him. Paul typically plays a seventy-five minute set, which includes many classics from the day, as well as select hits he recorded with his wife Mary. One of the highlights of Paul’s set is emotional tear jerking interpretation of the classic Judy Garland song “Somewhere over the Rainbow”. “It is very rewarding to find that somehow I have accomplished something in all this craziness that is serious”, says Paul. “It’s something I don’t understand I just know that it’s happening. I’m just going about what makes me happy by performing for people and making them happy.” For further info on the Iridium and Les Paul go to http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com

Photos by Rob Nagy

Posted by
Rob Nagy

Movie Review

Taxi to The Dark Side
Directed by Alex Gibney


To begin, Taxi to The Dark Side is a fantastic piece of propaganda. Dictionary.com defines propaganda as “information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.”, but this does not mean it’s a bad movie, nor does it mean that it’s not worth watching. I know when I hear the word propaganda, I can’t help but think of Joseph Goebbels masterminding every headline, or a photo leading the country into absolute darkness and destruction. But this is not always the case; we are exposed to propaganda only a daily basis. We like to call it marketing.
As far as it’s classification as a “documentary”, the film is a bit flawed. It makes broad statements that at best can be defined as conjecture, and treats them as facts. But as a propaganda piece, the movie has a very clear message, or agenda, and makes it’s case in a very well structured and organized manner.
I have to imagine that those who go to see this movie already have their minds made up on the subject matter presented in the film. Some may feel that the United State’s involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq have been so poorly conducted that several high ranking officials need to placed in prison. On the other end of the spectrum, others feel that questioning these issues only weakens our defenses against a very real enemy.
My thoughts are that people are doing themselves a great disservice if they were to allow Alex Gibney’s opinion and views to eclipse their own feelings about the use of “torture” when interrogating a suspected terrorist. But I do feel that his unparalleled storytelling abilities and the evidence he uses to support his opinion makes this one of the most important films made this year.

For more information and show times, contact The Colonial Theatre 610-917-0223 www.thecolonialtheatre.com

Posted by
Matthew Byrd

Forgetting Sarah Marshall does bad breakups right

Universal Pictures’ Forgetting Sarah Marshall sits brokenhearted in second place during its debut at the box office this weekend.

The latest comedy by producer Judd Apatow (The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up) came up short with $17.3 million over the last three days.

Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) thought he had it all in his life. He underscores the music on a television show, “Crime Scene,” and is dating the star of the show, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell).

But what goes up must come crashing down. Sarah arrives home as Peter steps out of the shower, and she proceeds to break up with him. Not wanting to put clothes on (which would mean the break-up is complete), Peter begins a slow spiral into depression.

Lifting his spirits a tad is his step-brother, Brian (Bill Hader), who agrees to be his wingman at the bar one night. After several meaningless flings, Peter decides to take a trip to Hawaii that he had always planned to take with Sarah.

Just as Peter arrives at the posh resort, he meets customer service rep Rachel Jansen (Mila Kunis), and there is some chemistry already present. What enhances that chemistry is the fact that Sarah is at the same resort with her new beau, rocker Aldous Snow (Russell Brand).

While feeling that the resort is a bit too pricey for him, Peter ends up staying there anyway due to some assistance by Rachel.

It isn’t long before Peter’s misery soon makes him popular with several of the resort’s employees, including Kemo (Taylor Wily), Dwayne the Bartender (Davon McDonald) and surfer Chuck (Paul Rudd).

However, Peter seems to handle being at the same resort well, despite constantly running into Sarah and Aldous. In fact, Aldous makes half-hearted attempts to get along with Peter, despite Sarah’s resistance.

Aldous also has himself a huge fan in Matthew the Waiter (Jonah Hill), who’d love for Aldous to listen to his demo CD.

The plot definitely takes a sudden turn towards the end of the film, which affects both Peter and Sarah, with the possibility of bringing them back together again.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a film, in a lot of ways, that doesn’t depict the right way to handle a break-up. Granted, listening to sad songs is the norm, but perpetual flings don’t bring closure.

The movie really picks up once the setting is shifted to Hawaii, and Mila’s Rachel steals every scene. She comes off as sympathetic to Peter, and manages to bring him back to life.

Brand’s Aldous is also hilarious, as he wants to make nice with Peter, and yet becomes cynical towards the end. His attitude towards Matthew’s devotion is funny as well.

What gets lost among the characters is Sarah herself. At times seen as eye candy, Sarah’s overall personality is actually bland, to which makes you wonder why Peter was so broken hearted to begin with. In fact, you find yourself rooting him and Rachel on.

There is a lot of typical Apatow humor throughout, and unfortunately, the graphic nudity shown isn’t for the fellas’ sake.

So, how can you mend a broken heart? Go see Forgetting Sarah Marshall and laugh the hurt away at three and a half out of four stars.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall is rated R for sexual content, language and some graphic nudity. Running time is 1 hour, 52 minutes.

Last week’s No. 1, Screen Gems’ “Prom Night” lands at No. 3 with $9.1 million, and close to $33 million in the past ten days.

Sony Pictures’ “21” continues to fold, as it slipped to No. 6 with $5.5 million — its month-long tally is now at $70 million.

20th Century Fox’s “Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears A Who” fell from sixth to eighth place with $3.5 million — which brought its six-week total to $144.4 million.

Almost out of the game is Universal Pictures’ “Leatherheads,” as it lost yardage from No. 5 down to the ten spot with $3 million and $26.5 million over the three weeks.

For more information and show times, contact Regal Cinemas Marketplace 24, 180 Mill Road, Oaks, at 610-666-6697.

Dennis J. Wright can be reached at dwright@phoenixvillenews.com.

THE BODEANS HIT THE ROAD TO PROMOTE NEW RELEASE

If there ever was a band that epitomized good old American rock and roll at its best it is “The BoDeans”. Formed by singer songwriters and high school friends Sammy Lianas and Kurt Neumann, the BoDeans, which included Guy Hoffman on drums and Bob Griffin on bass, created a signature sound highlighted by the unmistakable harmonies of Lianas and Neumann. They soon amassed a significant cult following that would land them a major recording contract, national tours and a longevity few artists enjoy. After more than twenty years, with Lianas and Neumann still at the helm, the BoDeans have just released their eighth album “Still”, as they hit the road for a year of extensive touring throughout the U.S. and beyond.

The BoDeans first came into prominence in 1986 with their Warner Brothers debut “ Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams”, a title taken from the line of the Rolling Stones song “Shattered”. It didn't take long for the BoDeans to find fame. Music fans latched onto their fresh harmonies and simple songwriting while critics praised the band, exemplified by “Best New Band” honors from Rolling Stone Magazine. Their 1987 sophomore release “Outside Looking In”, featured the band as a trio with the departure of their drummer Guy Hoffman, went on to chart in the top 100. Rock legends U2 took notice enlisting the BoDeans as their opening act on the Joshua Tree Tour this same year placing the them in front of hundreds of thousands of rock fans that they would never have reached on their own. “When we toured with U2 we played shows in front of 80,000, 90,000 people” recalls Neumann. “It was an incredible six weeks.” Lianas added, “Just to be in that world that was the biggest tour at that time. We learned a lot just watching how they do it. It was an honor to be asked to open for U2. Here was a band that could have had anyone they wanted to open and they chose us.” Rock legend and co-founder of “The Band” Robbie Robertson, used the BoDeans on his self titled debut giving more credibility to a band on the rise. Subsequent releases and concert tours continued through the mid nineties as Lianas and Neumann performed and recorded with varied musicians to back them up. With the release of “Blend” in 1996, the BoDeans continued to perform live but they did not release anything new until 2004 when their Zoe Records debut “Resolution” came out. Their song “Closer To Free”, which was from their 1993 release “Go Slow Down”, became a hit when the TV show “Party of Five” used it as their theme song. With their most recent release “Still”, their first in three years, the BoDeans have offered up one of their finest works giving fans a collection of well crafted songs that are as strong and vibrant as anything they have done to date. Of the dozen tracks standouts include “Pretty Ghost”, “Round Here Somewhere”, “Waste A Lifetime”, “Willing” and “Lucille”. “I think it is our best record”, says Lianas. “All the songs work well together. I think it's a representative of all the things we do well with even more of our signature harmonies.” In this ever changing music climate with record sales remaining stagnant the BoDeans have have adapted to the times in order to make a living. “You don't make money selling records unless you sell a ton of them”, says Lianas, “Now that bands like us are doing it ourselves, if we can sell 10,000 we can do nicely, but you still have to go out there and make it happen. It is a fact across the board that the only way to make a living is to play live”, added Lianas. “We've always made more money from playing shows than records.”
On April 4th the BoDeans played to a sellout crowd at Philadelphia's World Cafe Live offering up a two hour set of BoDeans classics as well as selections from their new release “Still”. While most of the audience were visibly long time fans from back in the day, many wearing their vintage BoDeans concert t-shirts, there were a number of young fans representing the next generation. The BoDeans “Still” can be purchased through the Target retail store chain as well as the bands websites www.bodeans.com or www.myspace.com/bodeans To stay up to date with up and coming events at World Cafe Live go to www.worldcafelive.com

Posted by
Rob Nagy
Photos by Rob Nagy

Album Preview

NEGATIVE SPACE SUPPORTS NEW BREAKOUT RECORD WITH
EVENTS ACROSS CENTRAL PA



Lancaster, PA (April 18, 2008) Negative Space is releasing their highly anticipated full-length album Storylines on Tuesday April 22, 2008. They will be throughout Central PA promoting the album with a “Storytellers Acoustic Sessions” at Borders, interviews on local radio stations, and ending the week with a blowout CD Release Party. The details are as follows:

Sunday, April 20th:
10:00pm live on-air at WRVV/ Harrisburg

Monday, April 21st:
6:30pm live on-air with Bombs Over Baghdad on WIXQ/ Millersville University Radio Station
7:00pm live on-air with When Dinobots Attack on WIXQ/ Millersville University Radio Station

Tuesday, April 22nd:
Negative Space album STORYLINES available on iTunes and at Borders
6:00pm Borders Bookstore “Storytellers Acoustic Session” (940 Plaza Blvd Lancaster, PA 717-293-8022)

Saturday, April 26th:
7:00pm CD Release Party and performance at The Chameleon Club in Lancaster (223 N Water St Lancaster 717-299-9684)


Negative Space has reached the pinnacle in their songwriting with songs that deliver guitar-driven rock with the lyrics of maturity that reach fans young and old. Their intense blend of mainstream rock and indie-pop hooks are delivered with raw punk energy. Their style unites the mature driven rock songs of the likes of Foo Fighters with the energy and stage show of Green Day.


For more information, contact:
Ignition/Wavelength Entertainment
Mark Zuppe/ 781.789.1832/ mjz@markzuppe.com
Beth Bogdan/ 646-239-1278/ beth@wavelengthent.com

‘Prom Night’ a safe slasher flick

Screen Gems’ “Prom Night” was dressed to impress as it debuted as the No. 1 film at the box office this weekend.

The remake of the 1980 film attracted $22.7 million from moviegoers over the last three days.

Our film begins three years in the past, as young Donna Keppel (Brittany Snow) comes home from a movie and witnesses her mother being murdered by her obsessive teacher Richard Fenton (Jonathan Schaech). While her father and brother are already dead, Donna survives by hiding underneath the bed.

Mr. Fenton believes that his student Donna belongs to him and is willing to do anything to make sure that happens.

Three years later, Donna, who now lives with her aunt and uncle, is still having nightmares about the incident. However, she decides to put all of that aside to head to her senior prom.

So Donna, her boyfriend Bobby (Scott Porter), Lisa (Dana Davis), her boyfriend Ronnie (Collins Pennie), Claire (Jessica Stroup), and her boyfriend Michael (Kelly Blatz) all head to prom for the best night of their lives.

Yes, they’re in the limo and taking plenty of pictures and having a grand ole time. But little do they realize that danger is waiting for them at their destination.

The vengeful Fenton escapes from a maximum security prison and is longing to reunite with his long lost love.

With a newly shaven look, Fenton arrives at the Pacific Grand Hotel, manages to find out what floor Donna and her friends are staying on, and the body count soon begins.

First, it was the chambermaid, and then a student here and there. In the meantime, the police finally discover that Fenton is on the loose.

Detective Winn (Idris Elba) leads the charge over to the hotel, and although he sets up a good game plan, Fenton is still lurking about in his efforts to get at Donna.

“Prom Night” isn’t your typical slasher film because you don’t actually see a lot of hardcore slashing. Yes, you’ll see the occasional spray of blood, but you don’t see full blown stabbing and slashing.

These changes kept this film’s rating at PG-13, allowing some youngsters to see this when they wouldn’t have had the opportunity otherwise.

Snow does an excellent job as Donna, who obviously is still traumatized from witnessing her mother’s murder. She is literally terrified of Fenton, even after three years, despite the knowledge that he was supposed to still be incarcerated.

The rest of the young cast is somewhat forgettable, except for Davis’ Lisa, who has to deal with the popular rich girl for Prom Queen. While you end up rooting that she’ll win, it is a bit disappointing to discover that she isn’t around long enough to enjoy it.

Schaech’s Fenton is downright creepy. He steals every scene simply with a glare from underneath the rim of his ball cap. You’d hope that someone would recognize him, but he manages to get in and out of places with relative ease.

Some of the scares in “Prom Night” are hokey, but they are consistently hokey. In other words, there isn’t a lot of thought put into the scares, but they are consistent and effective. How many times does someone close the mirrored medicine cabinet door expecting to see Fenton’s face? You’ll have to watch to find out.

So while there is no need to get all dressed up for this film, “Prom Night” is definitely suitable at three out of four stars.

“Prom Night” is rated PG-13 for violence and terror, some sexual material, underage drinking and language. Running time is 1 hour, 28 minutes.

Last week’s No. 1, Sony Pictures “21” lost its hand on top and slipped to No. 3 with $11 million — its three week talley is now at $62.2 million.

Universal Pictures’ “Leatherheads” remains in the game at No. 5 with $6.2 million and $22 million over the last ten days.

20th Century Fox’s “Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears A Who” fell from fourth to fifth place with $6 million — which brought its five-week total to $140 million.

For more information and show times, contact Regal Cinemas Marketplace 24, 180 Mill Road, Oaks, at 610-666-6697.

posted by
Dennis J. Wright can be reached at dwright@phoenixvillenews.com.

Chatham County Line @ The World Cafe 4.6.08

It does make you feel kind of cool, sitting at the bar of upstairs of The World Cafe, drinking a Chimay that I can't really afford, and next to me a camera that I really have no idea how to use. I've spent the past three hours in the fantastic coffee shop next door, and I'm anxious for the show to begin.
The opening band is a groups of Philly locals who go by the monicker "The Great Unknown"; a four piece comprised of two guitars, a drummer, and a banjo. They play a simple, sweet kind of blue grass that keeps the crowd's attention, particularly the drunk sitting next to me at the bar.
The drunk is dressed in the "Traveling Business Man" uniform, complete with a spring pastel color button down shirt (collar loosened of course) and black suit pants, you could just picture the toiletry display that is still set on the sink in the his hotel room. In between songs the manager (who was dress similar to our business friend) informs the upwardly mobile traveler that he needs to stop shouting at the band before, during, and after the songs. Of course Foster Brooks takes great umbrage to being approached in such a manner, and leaves about a minute and a half before being thrown out.
There is a fine line between clever and gimmicky, this much being especially true when it comes to blue grass. But it is clear from Chatham County Line performance that evening that they avoid these pitfalls through strong song writing and sound that does not limit itself to the definitions of Blue Grass. The venue was the ideal setting to see a band that has a intimate sound. Most audience members had an enjoyable time, eating a late dinner and enjoying some evening refreshments.

Posted by
Matthew Byrd

Frog Holler @ Steel City 4.4.08

I may be the most qualified member on the staff to review the Frog Holler concert. I've been listening to them since I was about 15 or 16.

I was thrilled to hear they were coming into town, and playing right down the street at Steel City Coffee House. The venue is small enough that even those furthest away from the stage could still shout to the band and be easily heard.

In fact, there was quite a bit of banter between the band and the audience and I think this was one of the most refreshing parts of the show. The band was very accessible, even playing some of the audience's requests. They talked to the audience like everyone knew each other.

I was a bit worried about six guys fitting up on the stage and still having enough space to have energy, but I was presently surprised at the amount of energy they conveyed. The audience picked up on this too and by halfway through the first set, many people were leaving their seats to dance in the few open areas. This energy was most evident to me during their encore song "Knee High by July," dedicated to vocalist Darren's son, Eli. It was obvious the audience was sad to see them go, but loved how they ended.


Posted by
Laurie Perini

Movie Review

‘21’ hits the jackpot with dynamic cast

Columbia Pictures’ “21” hit the jackpot at the box office this weekend, debuting in the No. 1 spot. Inspired by a true story, “21” played moviegoers for an estimated total of $23.7 million over the last three days. Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess) is a brilliant yet shy student at M.I.T. in Boston, whose dream in life is to get into Harvard School of Medicine. We soon find out during Ben’s interview with a Harvard administrator that it’s going to cost Ben quite a bit of money to fulfill his dream. Although he’s been accepted to attend, paying for his schooling is another issue. Ben’s brilliance captures the attention of one of his math professors, Micky Rosa (Kevin Spacey), and soon Ben is recruited to join a group of the school’s most gifted students. These students head to Las Vegas every weekend armed with fake identities and the know-how to turn the odds at blackjack in their favor. The students are Fisher (Jacob Pitts), Kianna (Liza Lapira), Choi (Aaron Yoo) and Ben’s crush, Jill Taylor (Kate Bosworth). In fact, it’s Jill who goes to Ben’s job and entices him to join the group. With Rosa leading the way, they’ve cracked the code by counting cards and employing an intricate system of signals. However, Ben becomes seduced by the money, the Vegas lifestyle, and by Jill, so much that he forgets about a project on which he’s supposed to work with his two friends Miles (Josh Gad) and Cam (Sam Golzari). Soon enough, the casinos’ menacing enforcer Cole Williams (Laurence Fishburne) takes notice of the group of students, particularly Ben. In time, the luck of the students begins to run its course, and everything that Ben has earned becomes in jeopardy. While the premise of “21” was appealing in its trailers, the entire movie turned out to be one of great interest. First thing to note is the great job of casting all of the characters, from awkward and intelligent Ben and seductive Jill, to scheming Micky and tough guy Cole. Every actor/actress fits their role perfectly, and it’s about time someone gets it right. One thing that bothers me about some films is how there is a miscast that shouldn’t have happened. The acting in total was very good and believable. There were times where I felt that Sturgess’ Ben was too awkward for his own good, but made up with desperation in trying to “earn” money for school. Let me tell you that Bosworth steals every scene that she’s in. I found myself getting caught up a little bit in the whirlwind life the students were living while in Vegas, but was then brought back immediately to the realization that they are still college kids. That’s what makes this movie interesting — it can actually bring that excitement to you during the film. So take the gamble and see “21,” as it comes up aces for me at three and a half out of four stars. “21” is rated PG-13 for some violence, and sexual content including partial nudity. Running time is two hours and two minutes. Last week’s No. 1 film, “Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears A Who” fell to second place with $17.4 million — but eclipsed the $100 million mark in three weeks with $117.3 million. 20th Century Fox’ “Shutter” dropped from the top five from No. 3 to No. 6 with $5.3 million — its ten day total reaching $19.1 million. Warner Bros. “10,000 B.C.” begins its topple down the charts as it lands in No. 7 from No. 5 with $4.8 million. The pre-historic mammoth movie has earned $84.9 million the past month. For more information and show times, contact Regal Cinemas Marketplace 24, 180 Mill Road, Oaks, at 610-666-6697. Dennis J. Wright can be reached at dwright@phoenixvillenews.com.