| October, 2019

CRIME WATCH

Posted on 24 October 2019 by LeslieM

Deerfield Beach

Oct. 8: A man reported that the tires and rims from his vehicle were stolen. The vehicle was parked at 865 Rich Dr.

Oct. 8: A man reported that someone entered his vehicle parked at 415 NW 1 Terr. and stole a security vest and a bulletproof vest with a knife, pepper spray and cell phone.

Oct. 8: A man reported that someone stole an A/C unit from his home at 224 SW 8 Ct. The home is under renovation.

Oct. 8: A man said that someone entered his vehicle parked at 274 SW 1 St. and stole his wallet.

Oct. 9: A man said that someone entered his vehicle parked at 342 SW 10 Ct. and stole a book bag containing two handguns.

Lighthouse Point

Oct. 11: Police made contact with a man inside a residence at 2331 NE 33 St. with the front door open and an alarm sounding. The male subject said he was the brother of a resident who was out on a vessel. Police cleared the scene.

Oct. 13: A neighbor called the police when an alarm went off at a residence at 2716 NE 29St. Police said a proper code was given and the alarm was set off accidentally.

Oct. 14: A bicycle was found at 3500 NE 27 Ave.

(This is a partial list. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

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FALL FESTIVITIES

Posted on 24 October 2019 by LeslieM

Halloween Happening

Thursday, Oct. 24, 6 to 8 p.m.

Dan Witt Park

4521 NE 22 Ave.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Costume Contest starts at 6:30 sharp. For more information, call 954-784-3439.

Boo Bash

Friday, Oct. 25, 6 to 9 p.m.

Sample-McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The annual, free family-friendly celebration will include haunted trail, carnival rides, photo booth, face painting, fortune teller, characters, games, costume contest & lots more! Street parking is also available. For more information, call 954-786-4111.

Trunk or Treat

Friday, Oct. 25, 5 to 8 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Elementary School

650 NE 1 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Come out for the PTA fall festival, including spooky games and activities. Food and beverages are available for purchase throughout the evening. Volunteers are appreciated. For more information, e-mail dbes.pta.update@gmail.com.

Halloween Festivities

Friday, Oct. 25, 6 to 8 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach FL 33441

There will be a scary haunted house, big screen video games, a magician, pie eating contest, arts & crafts, bounce houses and more. Wear your favorite costume for a chance to win! Costume categories are as follows: most magical, scariest, most unique and super hero for ages 2 & under, 3 – 5, 6 – 9, 10 – 12 and adults. For further information, contact the Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex at 954-480-4481.

Fall Festival

Saturday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

St. Ambrose Catholic Church

363 SE 12 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Come out for hamburgers, hotdogs, games, and pony rides (from 12 to 2 p.m).

Halloween HoeDown

Saturday, Oct. 26, 5 to 8 p.m.

Villages of Hillsboro Park

4111 NW 6 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

They usually have a costume

contest, hay rides, games & more.

Trunk or Treat

Sunday, Oct. 27, 3 to 6 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

(West Banquet Parking Lot)

1081 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Trunk or Treaters will be going from trunk to trunk, collecting candy from vehicle owners who have decorated their vehicles to serve as the backdrop for this family friendly event. For more information, call 954-786-4594.

A Hocus Pocus Halloween Celebration

Sunday, Oct.27, 2 to 5 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Wear your costume and watch Hocus Pocus.The evening will also offer Kid Friendly Halloween themed rooms, giveaways and trick or treating all to be enjoyed before the movie. Adult supervision is required and admission is free.

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HAPPENINGS

Posted on 24 October 2019 by LeslieM

2nd PlanIt Pompano

Community Workshop

Thursday, Oct. 24, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

E. Pat Larkins Community Center

520 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The City of Pompano Beach, along with its consultant team, will be holding the second of the Community Workshop series for the public to provide input to help prepare the latest update of their Comprehensive Plan. To register for the workshop or for more information, visit http://planitpompano.cgasolutions.com.

Open Mic

Thursday, Oct. 24, 2 to 3 p.m.

Percy White Library (Meeting Room)

837 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join the audience, rap, sing a song or read a poem.

Phantom of the Opera concert

Friday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m.

St. Nicholas Church

1111 E. Sample Rd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Featuring artists from the Romanza Lyric Opera. $10 at the door. Reception will follow in the fellowship hall.  The public is invited. For additional information, contact the church office at 954-942-5887.

Breast Cancer Awareness Walk & Survivors Celebration

Saturday, Oct. 26., 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Church of the Living God

176 SW 6 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Come out for food, bounce house and great music! Free event. For more information, contact Janice Fulmore-Tigner at 954-708-6915 or 954-478-9880.

Community Backyard Garage Sale

Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Historic Butler House

380 Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Organized by the Deerfield Beach Historical Society. For more information, e-mail judithofdfb@gmail.com or elilly707@aol.com.

Paws For a Cause

Sunday, Oct. 27, 3 to 8 p.m.

Baja Café Dos

1310 S. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Dog and cat adoptions, food specials, raffle baskets, Halloween pet/ person costume contest. Baja Café will donate a portion of their proceeds to Paws for a Cause. The event benefits local rescues. Sponsored by GFWC Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach.

Commercial Real Estate Broker Breakfast

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Hillsboro Community Center

50 Fairway Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join the City of Deerfield Beach as it celebrates the dealmakers that contribute to the city’s vibrant business. Breakfast will be served as attendees learn about the city’s new development projects. The staff will also share information on available programs and incentives for investment, as well as ongoing improvements in the city’s permitting process. This is an opportunity to create strong partnerships between real estate agents, developers, and municipal and community leaders. The event is free, but registration is required via Eventbrite: https://dfb-commercial-broker-breakfast.eventbrite.com. For additional information, contact Gigi Chazu at 954-395-6051orgchazu@deerfield-beach.com.

Meet & Greet

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Umberto’s Italian Restaurant

2780 E. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Greater Pompano Beach Sister Cities Inc. cordially invites you and your friends for a meet and greet to thank their supporters. One complimentary drink and delicious appetizers included. $25 per person. Proceeds benefit Pompano Beach Sister Cities. To R.S.V.P., e-mail tpnjp4@gmail.com or call 954-975-0578. Please makes checks payable to Pompano Beach Sister Cities, 2661 S. Course Dr. #408, Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Breast Cancer Panel Discussion

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 9 to 10 a.m.

Broward Health North- Conference Center

201 E. Sample Rd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Join experts for a comprehensive and open forum discussion on surgical options, breast reconstruction, treatment, coping and surviving with Breast Cancer. This event is free and complimentary breakfast and health screening will be provided. For further information, visit www.BrowardHealth.org.

Ranse Volleyball Classic

Saturday, Nov. 2 through Sunday, Nov.3, 6 p.m.

310 N. Ocean Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The beach volleyball Pro-Am tournament hits the beach again in memory of Ranse Jones, an avid beach volleyball player, who relocated to Florida to pursue his dream of playing professional beach volleyball. Registration is open until Oct. 31, at 4 p.m. To register, visit https://digthebeach.com/register/?evtid=76

AAUW Membership Meeting & Presentation

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 12:30 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6St.

Pompano Beach, FL, 33060

Come out for the first monthly membership meeting and educational presentation of the season!  After a brief membership meeting, Denise Elliott, of League of Women Voters, will discuss the Electoral College & the Interstate Compact.  New members welcome. No charge. To R.S.V.P., call 312-316-6229 or e-mail pompanoscholar@yahoo.com.

Pat Anderson’s Art Class

Tuesday, Nov. 5. 10:30 a.m. (Meet and Greet)

Sample-McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Come on out for Watercolors in the Butterfly Garden. Classes will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $40 a class, or $100 for all four classes. Art supplies, instructions and easel setup are included. Bring lunch for picnic tables under the shade of pines and Oaks. For information on November classes, visit http://patandersonartist.com. Pat will also have her paintings on display. To see them, it is $10 for admission to the house and it includes a lecture by Pat at 2 p.m. and tour of the historic home.

Deerfield Beach Woman’s Club Trip:

Day Trip to Bayside Market Place, Miami

Thursday, Dec. 5.

Shopping! Lunch at Bubba Gump, known for
Forest Gump movie, and a 1 ½ hour sightseeing boat tour. The price is $75 and all inclusive. To make reservations, call Sally at 954-427-2175.

Hurry! Seats for this trip will be going fast.

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Thank you, Pastor!

Posted on 24 October 2019 by LeslieM

In a recent session of the 116th Congress, Congressman Ted Deutch offered a public commendation in honor of the ministers, pastors and priests in his district. It was done in acknowledgement of Clergy Appreciation Day (also known as National Pastor Day) which annually falls on the second Sunday of each October. October is also nationally recognized as Clergy Appreciation Month, and congregations hold special services, events or activities to honor their ministers for the spiritual guidance and leadership that they give. Many of them provide valuable influence and service to the larger communities in which they minister as well. We are blessed to live in a nation that recognizes the significance of the faith community to the overall well-being of society. The work and influence of ministers, in general, should not be discounted because of the negative reports of some that occasionally make news headlines.

The Bible provides numerous descriptions of the qualifications and work of ministers. One of my favorites is Jeremiah 3:15,And I will give you pastors according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” In Jeremiah’s day, God was unhappy with His people’s rejection of the covenant relationship He had established with them, in favor of worship and allegiances with foreign deities. Much of their unfaithfulness was caused by leaders who led the people astray (see 2:8). After calling them to account, God promised to provide shepherds (leaders and pastors) who would give proper guidance to the people. In a recent pastor’s installation service, I shared three considerations from God’s description of pastors in Jeremiah 3:15. True pastors will fit and model this description.

Pastors are assigned by God. The clear revelation of Scripture is that pastors are called and assigned by God to proclaim His word, minister to His people, and lead His church. As Moses and Joshua were called by God to lead Israel in the Old Testament, and the disciples and Paul were chosen by Jesus in the New Testament, so, too, God still calls men and women to serve today. No one can call and confirm himself to any function or ministry of the pastorate. Evidence of God’s call must be recognized by others and confirmed by the church. God says, “I will give you.” Though the function of pastors may appear to be a job, and some may make it a career, the truth is that the pastor is fulfilling a divinely ordained assignment. He functions in response to an undeniable calling upon his life. He goes where he goes and does what he does because he is assigned by God.

Pastors have God’s heart. They serve according to God’s will and function in a manner to His liking. Since they are called by God, they are duty bound to serve according to His word and His way. Though they may serve the people, they serve in the interests of God. They must, therefore, be God-pleasers not men-pleasers. Pastors after the people’s heart will tickle their ears but pastor’s after God’s heart will touch their souls. Pastors after the people’s heart will give them what they want, but pastors after God’s heart will give them what they need. Pastors after the people’s heart will change their messages to fit the times, but pastors after God’s heart will proclaim the timeless truths of an unchanging God. Pastors will one day give account to God for their service. They must, therefore, faithfully proclaim God’s word, promote God’s interests and represent God’s heart.

Pastors feed God’s people. Like a shepherd who provides green pastures for the nourishment of his flock, so the pastor feeds God’s people with the milk, bread and meat of God’s word – the Scriptures. His sensitivity to the heart of God will enable him to communicate spiritual truth to the human condition. Faithfully preaching and teaching God’s word will turn converts into disciples and believers into mature saints. Jeremiah 3:15 notes that pastors will feed God’s people with knowledge and understanding. This enables them to become like the sons of Issachar (1 Chron. 12:32) who understood the times and knew what to do. Don’t underestimate the value of your pastor to your life. Appreciate his spiritual guidance. Take time to give honor and thanks for his service.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

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Baja Café Dos celebrates 20th anniversary

Posted on 16 October 2019 by LeslieM

Owner Julio Apaixonado & daughter Priscilla.

Photos by Katy Freitag

On Sept. 29, locals were trying Código Tequila, eating delicious Mexican food and having plenty of fun at Baja Café Dos in Deerfield as it celebrated two decades of being in the community. There even was a big George Strait bus outside. He is the spokesperson for Código Tequila. It was a fun night.

This restaurant knows how to be a good community partner. They are always giving back and offering nonprofits the ability to do fundraisers at their location, and giving proceeds back to them, including for local sports teams, Relay For Life, marching bands, Kiwanis, the Woman’s Club and more.

Julio Apaixonado, daughter Priscilla and bartender Lauren Rachel by George Strait bus.

They have two upcoming events. First is an Abaco Relief Party on Saturday, Oct.19 from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Twenty percent of proceeds will be donated to those in need. Second is the 5th Annual Paws For a Cause on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 3 to 8 p.m. sponsored by the local Woman’s Club and benefitting local animal rescues. People can adopt a cat or dog, win a raffle basket, and buy other goodies. There will be a Halloween Pet and Person costume content too.

Brian Paolini with daughters Brooke and Sierra.

Baja Café Dos is located at 1310 S. Federal Hwy. in Deerfield Beach. For more information, call 954-596-1304 or visit www.bajacafedeerfield.com/.

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RECORDTV Americas opens in Lighthouse Point

Posted on 16 October 2019 by LeslieM

By Rachel Galvin

Any Brazilian would have been thrilled to attend the 66th anniversary of RECORDTV Americas in its new headquarters in Lighthouse Point on Sept. 27. The star-studded event was hosted by top model and host of Hoje em Dia, Ana Hickmann. Other celebrities spoke, including actors Kadu Moliterno, Rayanne Morais and Felipe Cunha from the telenovela Topíssima, Portuguese basketball star Ticha Penicheiro, MMA fighters Fabrício Werdum, Renzo Gracie and Vitor Belfort, as well as Cake Boss chef Buddy Valastro.

The mayor of Lighthouse Point, Glenn Troast, who helped cut the ribbon, said, “We are very proud to have RECORDTV here in our city. We have worked with them over the last few years to get all the building right, and seeing how it turned out is really wonderful. With the vibrant Brazilian community we have in South Florida, the building will be a true icon for our city.”

Hundreds of guests attended the event, which was in Portuguese, including international journalists, Brazilian diplomats, politicians and company representatives. The President of the Brazilian Tourism Institute (Embratur), Gilson Machado; Ambassador João Mendes Pereira, General Consul of Brazil in Miami, RECORDTV Americas Executive Director Wilon Cardoso and CEO of RECORDTV International Marcelo Cardoso also spoke.

RECORDTV broadcasts content in Portuguese 24 hours a day.The company has been in the U.S. for almost 20 years and continues to expand what they have to offer. Their content can be seen in Portuguese-speaking communities in over 150 countries. They strive to utilize top of the line technology to keep up-to-date with today’s demands.

Visit their website at http://recordtvamericas.com.

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Saiko-i lends a helping hand

Posted on 16 October 2019 by LeslieM

By Rachel Galvin

Inside the front entrance of Saiko-i Sushi Lounge & Hibachi, you will find a larger-than-life gold Buddha statue covered with money. It seems people enjoy leaving some extra cash and making a wish in hopes of gaining some luck in return. That practice has proven lucky for another local group — Boca Helping Hands, a 501(c)(3) that gives back to those in need by providing food, helping those in crisis and even offering job training programs. Over the last year, Saiko-i owners husband and wife Tina Wang and Jason Zheng have already collected $2200, which they gave over to the organization in the form of a check to Boca Helping Hands Development Manager Karen Swedenborg and their Development Specialist Anna Campitelli Rubenstein.

Swedenborg said, “We thank Tina Wang and Chef Jason Zheng for their kindness … These funds will be used to help to feed our clients through our food programs.”

The restaurant, located at the Shoppes at Village Pointe, at 5970 SW 18 St., in Boca Raton, took over what used to be Gatsby’s. They have a huge 7000 sq. ft. space with an outdoor patio. Within the restaurant, there is a very large hibachi area, great for special events, and a more intimate area for regular dining. They have big booths with curtains for privacy, as well as tables and a full bar. Enjoy raw and cooked sushi, appetizers, entrees from the kitchen, noodles, stir fry, bento boxes for lunch and more. Ask about their specials. [Try the Bang Bang Shrimp for a sweet and not that spicy appetizer. Also, try out the very unique Matcha Green Tea Tiramisu. Ask about their specials].
Wang said she spends time in this location, while her husband stays at their other restaurant in Royal Palm Place called Yakitori Sake House. They will be opening another restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale called Koi soon.

For more information on the restaurant, call 561-393-5888 or visit www.saikoiboca.com.

FYI: They have a Halloween Party, called Saiko-i-ween, on Oct. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be a costume contest with prize money, extended happy hours, yummy food, sweet treats, candy and cocktails. There will even be a DJ.

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VG Vodka is on the scene

Posted on 16 October 2019 by LeslieM

By Rachel Galvin

Victor George Vodka (VG) is popping up everywhere it seems since its official launch back in September. The ultra-premium vodka, which took the silver medal at the San Francisco Wine and Spirits Competition this year, will be the official vodka of the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival,  30th Annual Swing for the Kids Golf Tournament at Lago Mar Country Club, Exotics on Las Olas, and will be featured at the Ft Lauderdale Intl. Boat Show and elsewhere. The locally-sourced vodka is gluten-free and uses all-natural ingredients. The filtration and oxidation process they utilize helps to purify and remove harsh congeners and free radicals to make a spirit that is headache and hangover free.

What is more interesting than the vodka is the man behind the brand – Victor George Harvey. His life has undergone a series of twists and turns, but he is back with a commitment to build South Florida’s largest locally owned liquor brand. This go-getter was a college athlete, a rapper (with the name Tai Pan) with a record called “The Rise, The Fall, The Rise,” and his own record label. He got involved in real estate and opened up his first vodka company, called V. Georgio Vodka in 2008.  His new vodka, VG Vodka, is already getting a lot of buzz and growing rapidly.

Currently, his vodka is being bottled out of South Carolina, and he is building and opening a distillery on historic Sistrunk Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale, which will house a tasting room, offices, cigar bar and restaurant. 

In addition, he and his two children, both business majors in college, have their own VG clothing line, including boxers, hats and T-shirts, with more merchandise coming soon. A book and movie about his life are in the works. He is certainly one to watch, and look for VG Vodka coming to an event, restaurant, bar or store near you.

For more information, visit www.victorgeorgevodka.com.

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Local football teams on win streaks

Posted on 16 October 2019 by LeslieM

Jaylan Knighton is hopeful of helping Deerfield Beach to a win over host St. Thomas Aquinas on Friday. Photo by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

Both the Deerfield Beach and Blanche Ely football teams are on a roll.

The Bucks (5-2) have won five straight games after starting the season 0-2, while the Tigers are 6-1 after winning their fourth consecutive game. Blanche Ely’s only loss this season was a 42-0 setback to Deerfield Beach in the third game of the season. Since then, they have reeled off four wins in a row, including a 48-7 win over Olympic Heights.

“The discipline has definitely improved, and we have a great senior class,” said Blanche Ely coach Clifford Wimberly after the Tigers finished 1-9 last year. “We’re taking one game at a time and finding the little things to help us improve.”

When they defeated Stranahan 26-24 two weeks ago, it marked their first win over a team with a winning record in 13 games, dating back to a 13-7 overtime win over Dillard in the Soul Bowl on Nov. 5, 2016. 

Tigers’ senior running back Shomari Lawrence scored on a 28-yd. run midway through the fourth quarter in the Stranahan game for the difference. He wound up with 20 carries for 94 yds.

Coming off a 64-0 manhandling of Spanish River, Deerfield Beach will face a still test this weekend when they face the nation’s 12th ranked team at St. Thomas Aquinas.

The Bucks will be led by senior quarterback Michael Pratt and senior running back Jaylan Knighton, in addition to a stellar receiving corps.

Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association results

The Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association held an individual play (Low Gross and Low Net in Classes) on the Pines Course on Oct. 9.

Gary Gill won the Low Gross for Class A with a 75. Winning the Low Net competition was Chuck Brown, who carded a 64, while Bill O’Brien shot a 75 to take second.   

The Class B Low Gross winner was Lance Naiman, who shot an 86 and won a tiebreaker. Jack Permenter and Charles Schaefer each shot 67s, but Permenter won in a tiebreaker to take Low Net in the Class B competition.                                                                                                   

In the Class C competition, Oscar Aleman won the Low Gross with an 88, while Jerry DeSapio won the Low Net with a 68 and Jim Blake was second with a 71.   

Bob Mascatello won the Class D Low Gross honors with a 92. Al DiBenedetto won the Low Net in the Class D with a 65, while Dennis Rooy was second with a 68.

The closest to the pin winner on hole (No. 7) was Charles Schaefer, whose tee shot came to rest 8ft., 10in. from the hole. He stepped up and made the putt.

Pompano Beach Women’s Golf Association results

The Pompano Beach Women’s Golf Association recently held a Cat Fight in Classes tournament on Oct. 15. The winner of the A/B Class was Janet Stuart with a +1, while Lynn Goodman won the tiebreaker over Deborah Brown. They both carded a -3 in the competition. Lori Tarmey won the C/D Class with an Even score, while Dianne Levanti at -3 was second.

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Oct. 11 was El Camino day!

Posted on 16 October 2019 by LeslieM

By “Cinema” Dave
http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

As late as Monday morning, Oct. 7, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie was supposed to open exclusively in Miami. Perhaps some studio executive read this column a few weeks ago because last Friday night, the film also opened locally, as close as the IPIC Boca Raton theater in Mizner Park. The first screening was packed and the ticket buyers were intimately aware of every nuance of this Breaking Bad history, while embracing some of the characters from Better Call Saul, a spin off.  This is noteworthy because El Camino also debuted on Netflix the same day — Friday, Oct. 11.

Like Rob Zombie’s 3 from Hell, Vince Gilligan’s El Camino is redefining the business model for a motion picture release. Neither film rivals the box office revenue of a Joker or The Addams Family, but both 3 from Hell and El Camino are relatively low budget productions, so the return of investment can be substantially larger, whereas a successful big budgeted studio production with many movie stars may never see a profit for many years after release.  Kudos to the independent streaks of Rob Zombie and Vince Gilligan for lighting the way for the creative part of the motion picture industry.

Despite being part of the Breaking Bad universe, El Camino is a standalone movie. One does not need to see the previous 62 episodes of the television series, but one will likely want to watch them now. The El Camino Jessie Pinkman (Aaron Paul) character is the gestalt of television version of Breaking Bad. Jessie, the boy, has become a man and is the whole of the sum of his 62 parts.    

El Camino opens  moments after the grand “Felina” of Breaking Bad. Jessie has escaped his captivity and is on the run from the police and sadistic criminal scumbags. After reuniting with his old buddies Skinny Pete (Charles Baker) and Badger (Matt Jones), Jessie seeks the services of Ed (the late Robert Forster), a man who runs his own private industry witness protection program.  

Given writer/director Vince Gilligan’s love of words, El Camino is a double entendre. While there is a Chevrolet car in the movie and the locations are set in New Mexico, El Camino is a Spanish word for “a path, a road or a journey.”

How Jessie goes from “Point A” to “Point B” is an entertaining story, yet this is a meditative story about potential redemption.  Throughout the film, various Breaking Bad characters appear in flashbacks. Each provide kernels of wisdom for Jessie’s journey to enlightenment.  

Sadly, the Oct. 11 release also marks the passing of Robert Forster. An actor with 50 years of motion picture experience, Forster provides a fine swan song performance as “Ed the Disappearer.” Suffering from Brain Cancer at the time of filming, Forster’s performance rings sincere and true. 

There are some great violent visuals to El Camino, but the quiet moments with Aaron Paul and Robert Forster will be the cinematic moments to savor. 

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