TelegraphHerald.com • Telegraph Herald • Friday, February 21, 2020 1D Got a tip? Please contact us Megan Gloss, Features Editor TODAY’S [email protected] current 563-588-5638 or 800-553-4801 TIDBITS movie review opening Fans might connect with energetic ‘Sonic’ this weekend BY AUSTIN ELLIS Despite a drastically improved lead char- him and Sonic is painfully paint-by-numbers. For the Telegraph Herald acter design, the film fails to hook viewers I rolled my eyes at the clichéd writing more who aren’t interested in the video games. For than a few times. The latest video game-turned-fea- hardcore fans, it likely will entertain. Besides Carrey’s movie-stealing perfor- ture film adaptation leaves much to The biggest compliment I can give is with mance and a few decent action scenes, “Son- be desired with “Sonic the Hedge- Carrey’s performance. His over-the-top and ic” didn’t cross the finish line for me. Fans of h o g .” zany energy only reminds me how much I love the video game might be thrilled, but it doesn’t Tribune News Service After an energy eruption, the Carrey in his zone. offer much for the casual viewer. Harrison Ford stars in “The Call government is on Sonic’s furry tail. It’s a shame he doesn’t appear in more films The execution of the story is bland and for- of the Wild.” Leading the attempt to capture him these days, so this was a joy to see. He eats up gettable. Even at a short 100 minutes, I found is Dr. Robotnik. With the help of Sheriff Tom every line of dialogue to crazed perfection. A myself bored by the third act. Within a day I “THE CALL OF THE WILD” Wachowski, Sonic attempts to elude Robotnik particular scene where he expresses his joy for had forgotten about the film. Rated PG for some violence, peril, and the authorities. lattes had me laughing quite hard. “Sonic” boasts Carrey’s glorious return to thematic elements and mild lan- The film stars Ben Schwartz, Jim Carrey, Schwartz brings ample energy as the voice his comedic roots, but falls flat in most other guage. 100 minutes. ★★ James Marsden and Tika Sumpter. Jeff Fowler of Sonic. However, the immature humor that areas. The character redesign of Sonic is a big Much like our furry friends, makes his directorial debut. he recites didn’t land with me. The energy was improvement, through. movies about man’s best friend “Sonic” has had a hectic journey to the big present, but the material did nothing for me. At the end of the day, I can only recommend come in all shapes and sizes: Lost screen. Originally slated to release last November, This is clearly a movie aimed at youngsters. the film to fans of the video games. I give “Son- dog movies, talking dog movies, the film was delayed due to social outcry over Marsden is serviceable as the human ic the Hedgehog” 2.25 stars out of 5. The film is military dog movies, reincarnated Sonic’s original design. The extra months were companion to Sonic. This is a pretty standard rated PG and runs for 1 hour and 40 minutes. dog movies. taken to redesign the character to look less pho- role for him. He does have a few funny lines “The Call of the Wild,” directed to-realistic and more true to the source material. throughout. This said, the dynamic between Ellis is a freelance writer. by Chris Sanders and based on the classic novella by Jack London, is what one might call a literary dog movie, even if there is technically no actual dog in it. The star of “The celebrating black history month Call of the Wild,” Buck, is a CGI creation. And it’s only through the technology that his dangerous and harrowing adventures in the Alaskan wilderness during the Gold Rush, as outlined by London, could be realistically brought to the big screen, for better or for worse. Known for his work on the most recent “Planet of the Apes” films, accomplished motion capture performer Terry Notary brings Buck’s movements to life, and it’s a truly skilled performance. But Buck’s digital nature is noticeable right away. It’s initially off-putting. The computer-generated creation doesn’t have the weight, the heat, the feel of a real dog (or any crea- ture for that matter), though the movements, gestures and expres- sions are accurate. There isn’t much nuance or complexity to be found in “The Call of the Wild,” but it’s an old-fash- ioned animal-friendly adventure flick for kids, a modern-day and high-tech “Benji” based on a classic piece of literature. Although it’s hard to buy the animated Buck, the human performances save it, proving that even the most realistic technology will never replace the real thing on screen. OTHER RELEASES “Emma”: A young woman makes a mess of playing match- EILEEN MESLAR • Telegraph Herald maker in her small English village Owner Shamika Rainer works with client Isaac Redmond at Luxurious Hair Spa in Dubuque. Rainer has owned the business since 2015. in this new adaptation of the classic She also is involved in the community and mentors young girls through the Multicultural Family Center. Jane Austen novel. With Anya Tay- lor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Bill Nighy, Mia Goth, Miranda Hart. Written by Eleanor Catton. Directed by Autumn de Wilde. (2:04) PG. “Impractical Jokers: The Mov- ie”: The pranksters from the cable TV show bring their hidden-cam- era high jinks to the big screen. With Brian Quinn, Joe Gatto, James Murray, Sal Vulcano. Written by Blazing a trail Quinn, Gatto, Murray, Vulcano, Chris Henchy. Directed by Henchy. (1:33) PG-13. “Premature”: A young col- From hair to empowering young women, Shamika Rainer lege-bound Harlem woman shares a summer romance with a music producer who is new to town. With is embodying the change she wants to see in the community Zora Howard, Joshua Boone. Written by Rashaad Ernesto Green, Zora How- ard. Directed by Green. (1:30) NR. BY MEGAN GLOSS At 33, Rainer is a hairstylist and only see the finish line.” “I’m hard-headed. “Ride Your Wave”: A young [email protected] owner of Luxurious Hair Salon, Rainer’s fearless drive, coupled woman magically reconnects with located at 1464 Central Ave. It’s a with her infectious spirit, are quali- If you tell me ‘no,’ the lover she lost to the sea in this Editor’s note: In recognition of Black business she opened in 2015. Prior ties she claims she has always had. anime tale. Written by Reiko Yoshi- History Month, the TH is profiling to that, she owned and operated I think, ‘You mean da. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa. In leaders from the community who are Mi Amour Salon in Dubuque, after FINDING NEW GROUND not today? OK. Japanese with English subtitles. making an impact. Our next profile, graduating and teaching for a time A native of Chicago, Rainer relo- (1:34) NR. featuring Samaria Neely, will publish on at Capri College. cated to Dubuque when she was 18 So, tomorrow.’ “Standing Up, Falling Down”: Saturday, Feb. 22. Rainer said she was quick in to attend the University of Dubuque. A failed standup comic moves wanting to defy her mentors, With a 5-month-old in tow, she When I’m running, back home to Long Island where hamika Rainer has never met warning her that developing a new worked hard to put herself through he befriends his dermatologist. a challenge she couldn’t stare business right out of the gate wasn’t school, pay the rent and make the I’m never looking With Ben Schwartz, Billy Crystal, down. as easy as it looked. best of her situation. Eloise Mumford, Grace Gummer, In fact, when asked to However, Rainer had other ideas. It wasn’t long before the desire to at the spectators. Nate Corddry, Jill Hennessy, Debra Sdescribe what she does for a living, “I’m hard-headed,” she said, ultimately own a salon took hold. Monk, Kevin Dunn. Written by Pe- I only see the she exclaimed proudly, “I’m an with a laugh. “If you tell me ‘no,’ I So, she set her sights on enrolling at ter Hoare. Directed by Matt Ratner. entrepreneur. And a trailblazer.” think, ‘You mean not today? OK. So, Capri. finish line.” (1:31) NR. If only we all knew how to sum- tomorrow.’ When I’m running, I’m mon such confidence. never looking at the spectators. I See RAINER, PAGE 4D SHAMIKA RAINER Telegraph Herald wire services MORE NEWS BEHIND THIS SECTION: COMICS, 2-3D • COMMUNITY, 4D • RECORD, 5D Women and childreninDubuque need you! FREE Women's Giving Circle Open House Learn howyou canmakeadifference Complimentary horsd'oeuvres andrefreshments RSVP by March1atdbqfoundation.org/OpenHouseWGC Thursday, March 55:30-7:30 p.m. Dubuque Museum of Art, 701 Locust St. adno=140282.