By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Based on a graphic novel by Alexis Nolent, “Bullet to the Head” has all the elements of a pulp noir crime drama. When you factor 66- year-old Sylvester Stallone as your noir protagonist, one expects a world-weary perspective about the mean streets.

Ironically, Stallone seems to be the most energetic actor in the movie.

He portrays a hit man in New Orleans. After shooting a corrupt policeman, his partner is killed. Given that it was a police shooting, a federal investigator (Sung Kang) gets involved with the muddled investigation. Through happenstance, the New Orleans hit man and the federal investigator realize it is better to work together for mutual survival.

Given we spent last weekend watching the beauty of New Orleans from Super Bowl 47 coverage, Bullet to the Head presents sights not approved by the Louisana Tourist Board. Prostitutes, perversions and pain are the focus of the Big Easy in this film.

Guilermo Del Toro presents Mama, a ghost story in the vein of The Orphanage, The Devil’s Backbone and Don’t be Afraid of the Dark. There are genuine scary moments that will make audience members jump, but Mama is also a personal story about the family dynamic.

Raised in a forest with a dubious past, two feral girls are adopted by Lucas (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and his punk rock girlfriend Annabel (Jessica Chastain). Lucas harbors guilt about the children’s current disposition; his brother (also played by Coster- Waldau) tried to kill the girls.

When Lucas is hurt in a mysterious accident, the punk rock girlfriend (with NO maternal instinct) becomes an instant nanny. Through querulous circumstances, the punk rock nanny learns that these two children have a guardian devil.

While not Oscar quality, both Bullet to the Head and Mama exemplify genre expectations. Of the two movies, Mama is the better produced and most thought provoking.

DEERFIELD BEACH

Feb. 1 A man reported that his home at 2704 SW 15 St. was broken into and a PS3, i-Pad and electronic games were stolen.

Feb. 1 A woman reported that her home at 612 Lake Pointe Lane was broken into and an i-Pad and jewelry were stolen.

Feb. 2 A Kenworth trailer was reported stolen from 1900 SW 43 Terr. The trailer contained tools, a television and CB radio.

Feb. 2 The Sumo Restaurant, 3354 W. Hillsboro Blvd. was broken into and coins taken from the cash register.

Feb. 2 A man reported his motor scooter stolen from 500 Lock Rd.

Feb. 3 A man reported that he left his home at 1001 NW 45 Ave. When he returned, he noticed his laptop computer missing. The man believes his father may have sold it.

Feb. 3 A woman reported that her former boyfriend stole her cell phone from her home at 331 N.E. 48 St., Apt. 102.

Feb. 3 A woman reported that a man entered her home but nothing was stolen.

DEERFIELD–District 4

Jan. 27 Commercial burglary was reported at Lenny’s Sub Shop,1101 S. Powerline Rd. After responding to an alarm at 3:03 a.m., investigation revealed that unknown subjects entered the business via rear entrance and took the safe. Loss was approximately $1,500.

Jan. 28 Residential burglary took place at the Hammocks at Riverglen, 4000 Block, on NW 1 Place. At 4:35 p.m., unknown subjects smashed out rear slider door glass, entered house, ransacked rooms and took computers, iPod, jewelry and checkbooks. Subjects left via front door.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Jan. 25 A woman reported that her vehicle was burglarized while it was parked at T.J. Maxx at 3722 N. Federal Hwy. and that three pair of sunglasses, one pair of reading glasses and three new pair of pants were stolen.

Jan. 28 A woman reported that her husband took their daughter to the Lighthouse Point Tennis Center at 2700 NE 34 St. While the car was parked there, it was broken into and the woman’s purse with 13 credit cards, a Florida driver’s license, house keys and a wallet were stolen.

Jan. 31 A delayed auto theft was reported at Phil Smith Kia/Audi at 4230 N. Federal Hwy. A woman purchased a vehicle and gave the dealership $2,000 as a down payment and financed the remaining amount of $19,710. Fifth Third Bank notified the dealer that the check was written on a closed account. All efforts to contact the woman were unsuccessful. The vehicle is considered stolen. Remember, if you see anything suspicious, call 911 immediately.

Local airman completes basic training

Dear Editor:

Air Force Reserve Airman Jose A. Santiago has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX.

He is a 2011 graduate of Olympic Heights Community School in Boca Raton. Santiago is the son of Ana Melendez-Pinto of Liberty Court, Boca Raton and grandson of Nora Vega of NE 48 Street, Pompano Beach.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Joint Hometown News Service

Ft. Meade, MD

“Thank You” Deerfield residents

Dear Editor:

The 33rd Annual Festival of the Arts was held on the beach on Jan. 26 and 27.

The city of Deerfield Beach Cultural Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all residents of Deerfield Beach and the surrounding areas whose attendance and participation at the Festival helped to make it an absolutely outstanding success.

It is important for you to realize that all monies raised by the Cultural Committee, an all-volunteer committee, are filtered back into the community to produce cultural events or scholarships. Your support of our events is greatly appreciated. Your support of our events, in full circle, benefits the whole community.

We would also like to thank the BSO COPs, the BSO PAL kids, the BSO Explorer Honor Guard, the DFB Kiwanis Key Club students, DFB Kiwanis members, Ms. Precious Baker, the sand sculpture artist, Jon May of Living Sands, all of our sponsors and restaurants who contributed so generously. And a special “thank you” to all the volunteers.

Each of these components is vitally necessary to produce a successful hometown event.

Our next event is the Second Annual Story Telling Festival to be held on March 9 at the Arboretum at Constitution Park in Deerfield Beach. Festival of the Arts event posters, T-shirts and carry bags remain available. Call City of Deerfield Beach Parks and Recreation at 954-480-4429 for event information or sale items. Thank you for your support. Wait until you see what we have planned for next year!

Cultural Committee

Deerfield Beach, FL

P.S. Speaking of people without whom the Festival of the Arts couldn’t happen, the Cultural Committee offers a heartfelt thanks to Citizens on Patrol (COPs). Deerfield Beach citizens comprise this organization which volunteers their time and efforts to assist BSO with crime prevention by patrolling our neighborhoods and providing traffic control at special events. We don’t do an event without calling upon them.

They were with us at the 2013 FOA from 9 a.m. on Saturday through 5 p.m. on Sunday. They are volunteers who are giving their time to help Deerfield Beach. So, when you see them at various events, say “thank you.”

No more ballot boxes

Dear Editor:

The Robb Campaign committee has decided to eliminate the use of lockboxes for the March 12 municipal election.

This action is being taken in order to comply with the wishes of the Supervisor of Elections.

Our sources tell us that the opposition had plans to challenge any of the ballots that were placed in the ballot boxes.

In order to prevent any of our voters from being disenfranchised, as they were with the 10 percent utility tax, we are asking our supporters who have requested absentee ballots to place the proper postage on the envelope and send the signed and sealed ballot to the Supervisor of Elections’ office so that their votes can be counted.

Jean Robb

Deerfield Beach, FL

PB CRA breaks ground on MLK Cooridor

Thursday, Feb. 7 – 10 a.m.

E. Pat Larkins Ctr. 520 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (Hammondville Rd.) Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Followed by reception with lunch and refreshments served. RSVP: 954-786-7824.

Movies in the Park: Mirror Mirror

Friday, Feb. 8 – 7 p.m.

Villages of Hillsboro Park 4111 NW 6 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Family film. Bring blankets, lawn chairs. Refreshments and glow merchandise available for purchase. 954-480-4495.

“Give a Box, Get a Box”

Friday, Feb. 8 – 5 to 9 p.m.

Duffy’s (select locations)

Donate a box of Girl Scout cookies to a military person and receive one FREE box. Also, for 3rd year, Duffy’s is offering Samoa cookie cupcake dessert, based on the Girl Scout cookie in its restaurant.

Concert Series

St. Nicholas Episcopal Church 1111 E. Sample Rd., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

• Friday, Feb. 8 – 7 p.m.

Elisabeth Von Trapp, granddaughter of Van Trapp singers, Sound of Music. Complimentary light dessert, coffee reception to follow. FREE admission; free-will offering taken.

• Saturday, Feb. 9 – 4 p.m.

Gold Coast Jazz Society. $15 (includes wine and cheese reception) following concert. Info 954-942-5887

Plants & People Day

Saturday, Feb. 9 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sample-McDougald House/Centennial Park 450 NE 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33061

FREE. Entertainment, food, drinks available for purchase.

Florida Renaissance Festival opens

Weekends, Feb. 9 to Mar. 17 – 10 a.m. to sunset

Quiet Waters Park 401 S. Powerline Rd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

REN FEST SCHEDULE:

• Romance Weekend – “Wine & Chocolate” – Feb. 9-10

• Pirates Weekend – “Pillage the Village” – Feb. 16, 17 & 18

• Wenches Weekend – “Bodacious Bodices” – Feb. 23 & 24

• Time Travelers Weekend – “From Steampunk to the Stars” – March 2-3

• Explorers Weekend – “VIVA Florida – Florida’s 500th Birthday” – March 9-10

• St. Patrick’s Weekend – “We’re going Green” – March 16-17

Ren Fest has added a 6th weekend! Adults-$20, Ages 6 to 11 years – $7, Ages 5 and younger – FREE. www.ren-fest.com or 1-800-3-REN-FES.

“About Boating Safely”

Saturday, Feb. 9 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Spanish River Park HQ Bldg. 3001 N. A1A, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Hosted by Coast Guard Auxiliary. $35. For questions or RSVP, call 561-391-3600 and leave a message.

Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, Feb. 10 – 9 a.m. to noon

Elks lodge 700 NE 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Hosted by the Benevolent Patriotic Order of DOES Drove 142. Adults-$5/Children-$2.50. Open to the public. 954-587-1121.

Sunday Matinee Music Series Concert

Sunday, Feb. 10 – 3 to 4 p.m.

Spanish River Library 1501 NW Spanish River Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33431

Featuring: The Les Mack Trio. FREE admission. 561-299-8684.

Nature at Night Hike

Saturday, Feb. 9 – 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Deerfield Island Park 1720 Deerfield Island Park, Deerfield Beach 33441

For all ages, $5/person. Must be at Sullivan Park dock 6:30 p.m. to catch shuttle to Park. Sturdy shoes a must. Pre-registration required. 954-357-5100.

PB Garden Club me ets Monday, Feb.11 – 12:30 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Open to the public. The program “Hybrid Hibiscus” will be presented by Winn Soldani, owner of Fancy Hibiscus. Refreshments served. 954-943-0029.

94th Year Birthday Celebration of Women’s Club of DB

Tuesday, Feb. 12 – 1 p.m.

Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach 910 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Speaker: John Cutrone “Book Arts Road Show.” Free event, light refreshments served. Guests welcome. 954- 421-4700.

Important meeting RE: Future of Deerfield Park Elementary School

Tuesday, Feb. 12 – 6 p.m.

Deerfield Park Elem. School 650 SW 3 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Call 754-322-6150 for more information.

Zonta Club of Boca Raton meets

Wednesday, Feb. 13 – 6 p.m.

The Holiday Inn 2809 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach, FL 33487

Meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month for dinner. 561 482-1013 or info@zontabocaraton.org.

I want to share a poem with you today. It was written by a woman by the name of Lilyan Davidson. (Lil’s daughter gave me the okay to use her mother’s poem). It was written back in June of 2010.

Now, before you read the poem, let me tell you that, in my years as a Professional Health Care Chaplain, I have had the blessing of working with some of the most angelic therapists in the world right down here in Sunny Florida.

I am a Chaplain at St. Anthony’s Rehab Hospital and the therapists there are incredible. I work with the therapists at Sunrise Health and Rehab Center and, again, the therapists there are simply amazing. Lil was a patient at Park Summit in Coral Springs, a sister facility of The Forum in our own Deerfield Beach … and, yes, you had better believe that the therapists who work there are also a pure joy to watch.

The therapist spends a full hour at a time with their patient and, during that time, they not only get them doing things they never thought they would ever be able to do again, but they also prove to be the greatest of motivators.

So often, I see people looking at therapy as a waste of time, but let me tell you something, I have seen people go into therapy feeling so low in spirit that it would seem that nothing would be able to lift them up. But then, the therapist gets a hold of them (whether they like it or not) and, before long, I see a whole new attitude in a large number of those very same patients.

Lil was one such patient. She would do anything to avoid having to go to the therapy room. But, while Lil may have given up on herself, the therapists had not given up on Lil. And after struggling to avoid therapy with every excuse she could think of (including, “The dog ate my wheelchair,”) she finally saw what the therapists had known and had been trying to tell her for a couple of weeks already, that she was on her way to being more independent than she ever thought she would be again.

So please read Lil’s poem. It just might move you or a loved one to rise again:

Love your therapist – By Lil Davidson

(In Thanks to the Therapists at Park Summit, June 30, 2010)

To love your therapy person is not easy.

Sometimes, they make you feel a little bit queasy.

The therapy people are relentless, that much is true.

No matter where you hide, they’ll find you.

So don’t think about going to your room and closing the door.

They have ways to get in, even under the floor.

You can run, but, you can’t hide.

Correction: You can’t run … yet.

You may as well give up, and meet your fate,

for the therapy people who lie in wait.

They are dedicated to restore your health.

That much is true. They only want what is best for you.

They want to make you well, though you protest.

When you recover, it will be best. Though you protested, LOOK, you’re walking! Now, was it worth all of that squawking?

I hope and pray you will take Lil’s words into your heart, and into your arms and legs as well. Now, get moving.

Shalom my friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

Rabbi Ezring is a member of the National Association of Jewish Chaplains and of the Association of Professional Chaplains, He works professionally in this capacity with a number of healthcare facilities in the area, and with hospice. He is the Spiritual Leader of Temple Beth Israel of Deerfield Beach.