I believe that we live in the greatest country in the world. I just spent a week in Ecuador on a mission trip. I was with a team of medical doctors, dentists and eye doctors. They were providing medical services for some of the tribes of the Quechua Indians in the mountains around Riobamba. It made me really appreciate the opportunities that we have here in America. Some lived in homes made with concrete block or bricks and some even lived in mud huts with grass roofs. They had no heat other than the fire they would use to cook and warm the house with. Most houses were one room houses where everything was all in one room and the bathrooms were all outside. There were some who needed medicine for medical issues, and some who were not able to see that received glasses. There were many who needed dental care and received fillings and there were a lot of extractions of teeth that were not able to be saved. Most of the Quechua Indians’ only mode of transportation was to walk wherever they needed to go.

The most amazing thing I learned is that the people in these villages we visited were all happy and not one had their head down about how they had to live or how cold it was in the mountains of Ecuador.

Most of the people in the villages have a good relationship with God and their contentment was in the fact that they trusted God, and they were very happy with God and God alone.

We are very spoiled here with all the stuff that we have. Last year, I wrote about the fireworks display at Deerfield Beach and how many people show up to watch the show. I was not able to go this year because I was in Ecuador, but my wife and two children told me that there were just as many people this year as last year.

When the fireworks are over, then it is over, but, if we could find a way to get all those people into a church, they would be given something that would last for more than 30 minutes worth of entertainment. More people need to have a relationship with God and learn how to be content with God and God alone.

Our country was founded on God and on His holy word – the Bible. We say we are the land of the free. How, then, have we gotten to the point that everything we have done for 235 years in this country is now suddenly wrong and unconstitutional? We are “One nation under God.” Why don’t we just tell those who do not believe in God to sit down and be quiet? Oh, that’s right, if I tell someone who does not agree with me to be quiet, they will say that I have no tolerance. Yet, that same person will tell me that I need to remain silent. It seems a bit confusing and very hypocritical if you ask me, but that is just my opinion. Everyone is entitled to have their opinion on any matter, but, facts are facts. The facts are that our wonderful country was founded on God and godly principles and that will always be true. Please don’t forget to pray for our soldiers who are still fighting for our freedom to come home safe and soon.

Tony Guadagnino is a pastor at Christian Love Fellowship Church. 801 SE 10 St., Suite 4, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

By Gary Curreri

Adrienne Cerra believes Pompano Beach can become the mecca of beach tennis and a springboard for an Olympic sport.

Cerra, the International Federation of Beach Tennis- U.S.A. president, said players from all over the U.S.A., as well as Brazil, Italy, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Aruba, Peru, Columbia and Germany, represented their countries at the recent 6th annual IFBTUSA Beach Tennis World Cup event on Pompano beach.

“We are growing every year and we are really happy,” Cerra said. “We are getting more sponsors and the local business people are very positive. The hotels, restaurants and transportation … it also creates an awareness about the community. We also had food trucks this year, which was new and exciting. People loved it. It added a nice touch to the event.”

The categories included Men’s and Women’s Open Doubles, Men’s and Women’s Open Singles, Women’s and Men’s “A” (advanced) Singles, Women’s and Men’s “A” Doubles, Mixed Doubles and Juniors. Singles matches were held on Friday, Doubles on Saturday and Mixed Doubles on Sunday.

“We had more than 100 players in Deerfield and more than 250 players in Pompano from all over the world,” Cerra said. “We had another 200 in Clearwater. There were a lot of international players. The prize money was $5,000 for Pompano, $1,000 in Deerfield Beach and $2,500 in Clearwater. “This was the first time we had the Triple Cup tour and it was a great success.”

Cerra said it was nice to have Pompano Beach as a host. The 10 permanent courts make it the largest beach tennis training center in the United States.

“This is what we have been shooting for since we started,” Cerra said. “Finally, we are established. We have courts all over the United States, but not this many.”

They will hold a tournament nearly every month all along Florida, in addition to tournaments throughout the United States in California, St. Louis, New York and internationally in Barcelona, Cancun and Puerto Rico. Cerra said the sport is continuing to grow and that more and more children are starting to play.

There were a total of 25 juniors from the tri-county area who played in the tournament. Among them were Pompano Beach brothers Ryan and Christopher Mays. They have been playing beach tennis for the past two years after their father Jay introduced them to the sport. They finished second in the tournament after dropping the championship match 5-3 to Gaspar Cecchi and Florencia Labellia.

“This is so much fun,” said Christopher Mays, 12, who also plays basketball, baseball and soccer. “I like hanging out with your friends and playing around. I don’t mind getting dirty. I just go wash off in the water. It is hard when it accumulates.”

Ryan Mays, 10, said he rides his bike to the beach to practice. He plays soccer, baseball, beach tennis and also swims. He and his brother have played in six tournaments and placed second in the past two tourneys.

“I like beach tennis the most,” Ryan Mays said. “It is like tennis, but, in my opinion, it is easier and more enjoyable. I learned that you can’t do everything. Your partner has to do some stuff.”

“A lot of these young kids are the ones who could be playing in the Olympics,” Cerra said. “We are hoping it will be an Olympic sport in 2022. How cool would it be if people came from Pompano to represent their country? Good things are coming for sure.”

“We are growing every year and we are really happy,” Cerra added. “We are getting more sponsors and the local business people are very positive. The hotels, restaurants and transportation…it also creates an awareness about the community. We also had food trucks this year, which was new and exciting. People loved it. It added a nice touch to the event.”

The next tournament is slated for Pompano Beach on July 20.

For more information, send an e-mail to MyBeachTennis@aol.com.

Ryan Mays looks to return a shot during the 6th annual IFBT-USA Beach Tennis World Cup event on Pompano beach recently. Photo by Gary Curreri

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Twenty-five summers ago, 105.9 WAXY FM sponsored a blockbuster concert at the Sunrise Musical Theater, starring The Four Tops and Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons. The show was magnificent and the people were dancing in the aisles. Minus The Four Tops, the same concert experience can be shared at your local movie theater with the screening of Jersey Boys this 4th of July weekend.

Based on a Tony Award winning show, Jersey Boys opens in Belleville, New Jersey in 1951. Tommy DeVito (Vincent Piazza) breaks the 4th wall and talks directly to the audience about the birth of the band that would eventually become known as The Four Seasons. Tommy tells us about young Francesco Stephen Castelluccio (John Lloyd Young), who would grow up to become the legendary Frankie Valli.

Growing up in the streets of Jersey, Frankie, Tommy and two other Jersey Boys sing “Doo Wop” songs on the street corner, which is used as a distraction for their petty criminal activities. While Tommy and the other Jersey boys rotate in and out of the penitentiary, Frankie continues his career as a singer with a unique falsetto voice.

Enter Bob Gaudio (Erich Bergen), the lyricist who penned “The Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Polka Dot Bikini.” Gaudio joins the band and forms a tight friendship with Frankie. As Bob and Frankie become more successful, the egos of the other Two Seasons destroy the group.

With Director Clint Eastwood’s unfussy direction, this is the best musical on the big screen since Mama Mia. While his directorial representation rests on violent movies, Eastwood has always been a jazz and musical enthusiast. With Jersey Boys, Eastwood is able to direct a project that satisfies his own desires and that pays benefits for ticket buyers.

Having originated the role in the Broadway play, John Lloyd Young is able to capture the charisma of Frankie Valli in a subdued medium. With three pivitol scenes, Christopher Walken steals scenes as Gyp DeCarlo, a gangster with a soft spot for Frankie Valli’s singing.

A talented dancer in his own right, Walken performs in the final “curtain call” as the closing credits roll. Closing the show on an upnote, Jersey Boys is a nice air-conditioned distraction this 4th of July weekend.

By Emily Rosen

ERosen424@aol.com

www.emilyrosen424.com

I can still recall those fanciful BSP days — Before Smart Phones – when the fun of taking a road trip – for me – was keeping the map on my lap and following it as the car wheels rotated. I’d “X” our departing point — and circle our destination – and study the names of all the towns and route numbers along the way. Blessings on AAA – and their tour books.

Excellent “navigator” that I was, I also became a historian and thespian, as I read aloud to my trusty driver from the great literary texts that related all the salient historical and recreational information about even the most obscure underpopulated hamlets along the byways.

That was “then.” But it is now 2014 –the age of “Siri” and any number of voices projected by the invisible ones. Thus, on a trip this past weekend through Central Florida with my very grown-up, No. 1 son, I had to endure his constant assurance that “The Droit will get us there.”

I hand-held his old, hidden-under-the-seat, humongous 2005 Walmart Road Map Book of the USA, flipping immediately to Florida. (MY handy accessible fold-up AAA map having been disposed of when I moved, assured by my progeny that maps were passé) I easily spotted the “Winter” town of our destination, (there’s Winter Park, Winter Haven, Winter Springs, Winter Garden) while HE was busy trying to get the Droit Talking Lady to direct us to our “spot.” Relying completely on his mantra: “The Droit will get us there,” I closed the map book and my eyes, and relaxed.

Alas, we went 25 miles out of our way before I woke up, looked around at the signs and realized that he had confused his “Winters.” (How would the Droit lady know THAT? – and I was asleep!) And so, with dogged persistence and time a-wastin,’ he managed to convey a new message to “The Voice,” as we turned back from Winter Haven towards Winter Garden, our Winter of choice. (More on that nice choice at another time.)

Some of you may love Siri and the Droit Lady. I, for one, harbor great antipathy for both. Siri doesn’t understand a word I say, despite my “elocution”– trained speech. I am sick to death with having to repeat myself to her – and then getting no response anyway. And the Droit Lady (this goes for all navigation voices, of course!) is one big nag, interrupting conversation as she engages in redundant directions and shutting up only when we need to know immediately — if we turn left or right. That’s when she takes her break!

Don’t get me wrong. I love living in the Internet age. I love what my computer can do – and even what my smartphone can do. But golly gee-whiz — I really miss my maps.

Have a happy July 4th — at home—or travelin’ SAFE.

When I was a kid growing up in the Midwest, we played a lot of sports, but soccer sure wasn’t one of them.

Then, one day, some young soccer star from out of the country appeared on one of the talk shows. And let me tell you something, I might have learned to shoot baskets in school, I might have learned to hit a ball with a bat, and I sure as shooting learned to duck from those games of dodge ball, but when I saw this soccer star doing what he was able to do using only his feet, well, it was miraculous.

You might not be aware of it, but the Torah talks about soccer, at least, sort of.

After all, do any of you remember the name of the man who brought soccer to America? That’s right, his name was Pele. The name Pele in Hebrew is Peli, or Peles, and means, “miracle.” And as we read about the rebellion against Moses that was led by Korach, we find the name of O’ne Ben Peles. Hmmm, could that have been who soccer legend Pele was named after?

O’ne Ben Peles is mentioned right along with Korach and Dasan, and Aviram. And, at the end of this horrific rebellion, Korach dies, Dasan dies, and Aviram dies. But O’ne son of Peles does not get consumed. How is it that the son of Peles survives when the others do not? Well, according to the Talmud, a good wife can literally be the difference between life and death.

You see, Korach’s wife kept hocking him a chinick, she kept pushing him with lines that in our modern day might go like this, “Why are you such a bum? Where is your ambition? Why aren’t you doing more to be in a higher position with higher pay, and more power? I would have been much better off if I had married Moses instead of you. You are nothing but a little grasshopper.”

But, O’ne Ben Peles’ wife does not make her husband feel small. She does not belittle him. She softly advises him, letting him know that if he continues to be involved in the Rebellion, he will gain nothing, because if Moses wins, Moses will be the leader, and, if Korach wins, Korach will be the leader. But, either way, you will not be the leader. You will be O’ne Ben Peles and I happen to love O’ne Ben Peles just as you are.

Korach probably had times that he had to listen to his wife kvetch and didn’t like it. But O’ne Ben Peles’ wife had a good goal in mind and she kept her eye on the ball and on her husband as well.

In the Talmud (Baba Metziah 59 b), we read, “Thy wife is short, so bend down and consult her.” O’ne Ben Peles was wise enough not only to bend down to consult with his wife,’ he was wise enough to take her advice.

Around the time we light the Sabbath candles, a husband recites an ode to his wife called “A Woman of Valor” (an Eishes Chayil). Fire in Hebrew is Aish. Wife in Hebrew is Eesha. For they light a fire within us. A fire can be used to warm someone or to prepare nourishment. A fire can also burn and be destructive.

On this Independence Day, let’s celebrate safely and may all our fires be warm and nourishing like those of an Eishes Chayil.

Shalom, my friends, and a very joyous 4th of July.

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.

Pompano Beach’s Lara Annunziata won the Dorothy Dodson Award for the highest score in the Intermediate Division at the recent Sunshine State Games Figure Skating competition at the Ellenton Ice & Sports Complex. Photo by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

Don’t let Lara Annunziata’s size fool you.

The 11-year-old Pompano Beach girl recently came up big at the recent Sunshine State Games Figure Skating competition at the Ellenton Ice & Sports Complex.

Annunziata brought h o m e the most prestigious honor from the Sunshine S t a t e Games as she captured the Dorothy Dodson Award for the highest score in the Intermediate Division. She finished third in the short program and won the long program in the division. “I wasn’t surprised I won it because I work hard every day,” said Annunziata, who will be entering the sixth grade at Shepherd of the Coast Christian School. “I like trying new things. I like doing jumps.”

“It was a surprise,” Annunziata added. “The day before I was working on my double axel and I couldn’t do it. The day I was going to compete, I landed them. I was so shocked.”

Annunziata landed the element in practice, but fell in both the short and long program. It still didn’t take away from her efforts.

“I was happy that I landed it in practice because it was clean,” Annunziata said.

Her performance at the Sunshine State Games didn’t go unnoticed by Nancy Mariani, the director of skating development for the Panthers Figure Skating Club.

“The fact that she won the (Dorothy Dodson Award) is huge since it is her first year in the division,” Mariani said.

Annunziata was a bronze medalist in the juvenile division last year at regionals and a finalist at sectionals where she placed seventh. The top 4 qualify for Nationals. This is her first year in the intermediate division and she’s been skating for six years. She got her start at the same time her sister, Gabby, 14, began skating. Gabby is taking a break from the sport.

“I want to skate in the Olympics,” Annunziata said. “I will have to try new jumps.”

After coming so close to advancing to nationals last year, there is hope of making it this year.

“Hopefully, I will make it,” Annunziata said. “I will have to land all of my jumps.”

Annunziata also has post- Olympic plans.

“After the Olympics, I want to coach,” said Annunziata, who trains three hours a day, every day. “Sometimes, I go to school and get out an hour early. Sometimes, I will miss some work in school and, sometimes, I can’t go to parties. I take ballet class once a week and that helps me with my skating too. It is all worth it though.”

LOCAL GOLFERS FARE WELL IN JGA COMPETITION

Several local golfers recently turned in strong performances in the Junior Golf Association of Broward County tournament at the Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club and Springtree Golf Club.

Pompano Beach residents Isak Nilsson (40-41-81) and Wyatt Rubin (36-45-81) tied for third in the Boys Championship Division.

Pompano Beach’s Dylan Glatt carded a 47 to finish in a tie for fourth in the Boys A Division, while Deerfield Beach’s Katie Williamson carded a 39-39-78 to win the Girls Championship Flight.

Pompano Beach’s Lara Annunziata won the Dorothy Dodson Award for the highest score in the Intermediate Division at the recent Sunshine State Games Figure Skating competition at the Ellenton Ice & Sports Complex. Photos by Gary Curreri

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

It was during the ending of the first movie that I realized that How to Train Your Dragon was going for something deeper. With the onslaught of animated motion pictures, one felt a sense of diminishing returns, although the visuals, humor and musical score made the original Dragon film a cut above most offerings at the time. Would How to Train Your Dragon 2 survive high expectations?

It is the first moments of both brilliant and supple animation that one knows they are going on an epic journey. The first view is that of Nordic water. As the scope expands, one sees the depth of details on the island village of Berk. Our hero,

Hiccup (voiced again by Jay Baruchel), and his best friend, Toothless the dragon, are surveying uncharted isles. The two run afoul dragon poachers, who want to enslave dragons to take over Hiccup’s hometown. Hiccup warns his father and tribal chief, Stoick (Gerard Butler) and sidekick Gobber (Craig Ferguson) about the threat. When the name of “Drago” (Djimon Hounsou) is mentioned, Stoick prepares for the worst, (as Stoick said earlier, “Men who kill without reason are men you cannot reason with”).

Dragon 2 takes on a darker tone with a touch of Scottish melancholia. Parents be warned, there is a traumatic scene that is as stunning as Lassie getting shot in the paw. Somehow the film ends in triumph that does not seem forced.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a full epic presented in 98 minutes, with a score worthy of an Oscar nomination. Guillermo Del Toro and Drew Suzen are acknowledged in the credits for their contributions, most likely for so many visual Easter eggs. How to Train Your Dragon 2 has earned it’s box office and critical success.

A French comedy with English subtitles, Le Chef opens tomorrow. It stars Jean Reno and Michael Youn as bickering chefs who unite to challenge the status quo of snooty food critics and corporate downsizing. Based on a true story, this light comedy provides much mouth-watering close-ups of French cuisine.

Living is Easy with Eyes Closed (Vivir es Facil con los Ojos Cerrados) is inspired by John Lennon’s visit to Spain, circa 1966. Spoken in Spanish with English subtitles, a classroom teacher uses Lennon’s lyrics to teach English to his students. Planning a road trip to meet the myopic Beatle, the teacher takes two passengers on his quest, a runaway and a pregnant teenager.

There are plenty of dramatic choices this weekend at the movies.

“They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

[Revelation 7:16-17]

I am one of those weird people who loves hot weather.

I love it when the sand on the beach is so hot it burns the bottom of my bare feet. The easy fix is with an inexpensive pair of flip flops in order to trade a scorched Earth run for a leisurely stroll to refreshing ocean water. But who hasn’t seen and heard the inexperienced tourist’s barefoot run “Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch” with every rapid step? Remember, don’t laugh at the tourists!

Despite a thousand things to do in South Florida year-round, the pace slows in the summer. And it is easy for me to marginalize the heat. I don’t work outside. Those who do work outside understand that the famously inviting Florida sunshine can be oppressive, even dangerous, if not respected.

Several decades ago, God planted Community Presbyterian Church a few blocks south of Hillsboro Boulevard between the Intracoastal Waterway and the beach. It is a perfect gathering spot to “Meet to Beat the Heat” in more ways than one.

Several years ago, the church and Montessori school decided to open church grounds Saturdays at Six p.m. in the heat of summer. This summer’s gatherings will be held the fourth Saturday of each month, the first being Saturday, June 28.

What to expect when you come? First of all, Meet to Beat the Heat is free, just like God’s grace and love. Even more important, Meet to Beat the Heat is wholesome fun. Face painting for children, great food, sodas and snow cones, music inside and out, even a short funny but meaningful video program with prizes for seniors all ensure an enjoyable outing. And to be certain we Meet to Beat the Heat, especially for the seniors, the video program is inside, where the air is cool.

Another feature of every Meet to Beat the Heat is to highlight community nonprofits and public health and safety services. Police officers, firefighters and the Bloodmobile are regulars. We’re thrilled this year to have Milo’s Dog Rescue committed to bring pets for adoption at each of our Meet to Beat the Heat gatherings. We are also looking forward to demonstrations this year by Grupo Capoeira Revelacao.

So come a bit early or stay late for a walk on the beach. There is no danger of burning your feet. And if, by chance, you need a prayer or a new friend to care, then this is the place for you. You may even become one of those weird people who love hot weather.

Reverend Dennis Andrews

Reverend Andrews is a minister at Community Presbyterian Church of Deerfield Beach (Steeple on the Beach) located five blocks south of Hillsboro on A1A.

By Gary Curreri

Herman Robinson and Danielle Domino each look forward to the Highlands Christian Academy basketball camp every year.

Robinson, 16, of Deerfield Beach, and Domino, 15, of Parkland, are both sophomores and starting point guards for their respective boys’ and girls’ teams at the school.

“This is good,” said Robinson, who attended the camp in his fifth grade year and the past three years from his 7th, 8th and 9th grade years. “I get a lot of drills out of it and I get better. It depends on how hard you work.”

Robinson, who has attended Highlands Christian Academy since the fifth grade, followed up his week of learning with a week of giving back. It is also his second year working the camp.

“It’s interesting because I get to see what I am like to the coaches that are here,” Robinson said. “I also see what I was like when I was their age. I want to give them my full attention and teach them things that I already know like respect.”

“Basketball delivers hard work and patience and mostly everything, including teamwork,” Robinson added. “I have a passion for it … a strong passion for it. I want to go all the way to the professional ranks, whether it is NBA, D-League or overseas.”

Domino is the youngest of three siblings to play at the school. Her older brother, Derek (college football) and Drew (college basketball) also prepped at the school. She’s been at the school since the 2nd grade and been on the varsity since the 7th grade after she moved up late in the season from the JV and has been on the varsity ever since.

“It teaches me to work hard and how to work with people,” said Domino, who has attended the camp since the 2nd grade. “Especially when we are playing 5-on-5, it builds teamwork and good work ethics.”

This is her 3rd year working the camp.

“It is a lot of patience because I am with the little kids, the third graders, but I like working with them because I get to show them how it is done and build them up for the future,” Domino said. “I like to teach them to work hard. You just have to be quick with it (your message) because they have a short attention span. We teach a lot of the fundamentals. Whatever you do best, you try and teach them.

“I love working with little kids,” Domino added. “I want to coach when I get older, if I am not playing. I want to go to the WNBA, but college is my first priority right now. I want to play college basketball.”

Jim Good has been Athletic Director at the school for the past four years and the school’s varsity boys’ basketball coach for a decade.

The camp featured 53 boys and girls in its first week of camp, including students in grades 7 through 12. It has nearly 50 children in this week’s camp, including students in grades 2 through 6.

Good said it was rewarding to have students/athletes who grew up attending the camp now coaching the younger campers in the second week. Good has been involved in the camps for the past 17 years.

“Any time you have a player who goes through that camp and then comes around the next week and switches roles and now they are the coach, it’s rewarding as a coach, to see them give back,” Good said. “They are great role models for the younger kids.”

It marked the 29th year of basketball camps at Highlands Christian Academy. Former athletic director and boys varsity basketball coach Reg Cook started them in 1985. It is the most popular of all the summer athletic camps offered by the school.

The camps featured a morning devotion followed by warm-up runs and stretches, followed by an emphasis on ball handling and dribbling. The group was divided up into stations to work on lay-ups and shooting. A certain skill was emphasized each day. Several contests were done throughout the week, which included 1-on- 1, 2-on-2, free throws and hot shots. Full court, 5-on-5 full games were played in the afternoon after lunch.

“We update the drills and we also had an all-star game with the older group,” Good said. “We select the 10 best players in the high school groups, break out the uniforms, and they play the coaches. The coaches are undefeated in the four years we have played.”

Good said about 70 percent of the campers attend Highlands Christian Academy and the remaining players attend schools in the surrounding communities. The two most notable campers to attend the Highlands Christian Academy basketball camp include Brandon Knight (Milwaukee Bucks) and Andrew Smith (now a senior at Liberty University).

Knight attended the camp when he was in the 4th grade and went on to star at Pine Crest School, and played a year at Kentucky, before being a first round pick of the Detroit Pistons.

It is the only two weeks of basketball that the school offers. In future weeks, they will offer softball, soccer, track and field, volleyball and golf.

“We have three goals,” Good said. “One is for them to have fun, the second is to work hard and the third is to glorify God

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

When Pan’s Labyrinth was released seven years ago, fairy tales were allowed to explore the dark side of metaphor if the film was successful. Some of Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales presented gruesome descriptions of a wicked step-sister who sliced off her toes to fit into Cinderella’s slipper.

Maleficent is Walt Disney’s attempt to interpret the dark side of Sleeping Beauty. Maleficent tells the story of a flying fairy. When she confronts the heart of darkness, she is betrayed by “true love’s first kiss.” Proving that hell hath no fury like a fairy scorned, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) plots revenge upon her lost love, King Stephan (Sharlto Copley), who marries a Queen and has a daughter. When Princess Aurora is born, Maleficent places a curse upon the child.

From this point forward, the film creates a dead pan comedy showcase for Angelina Jolie. With excellent cinematography and artistic design, Jolie takes the underwritten material and creates a memorable character. Maleficent is not a great movie, but it’s a fun summer movie at a matinee price.

In the past nine years, it seems as if Tom Cruise, science fiction and summer are synonymous with the release of War of the Worlds, Oblivion and now Edge of Tomorrow. While Edge of Tomorrow has proven to be a box office disappointment, it will likely be remembered fondly as a DVD/Blu-ray release.

Tom Cruise plays a propaganda officer who is drafted to the front lines to combat an alien evil. He is killed in the field of battle. He comes back to life to fight again … and again … and again.

Things go slightly differently each time and the film takes on a similar tone to a Warner Bros. Road Runner cartoon, with Tom Cruise as Wile E. Coyote. Then Edge of Tomorrow tries to get serious again for a climactic moment, but one wonders if the climax is merely an illusion created from a well-intentioned dream.

For those seeking more grounded entertainment, Ida opens tomorrow. This Polish fi lm with English subtitles features a novice nun who learns that her family was a victim of Nazi war crimes. Directed by Pawel Pawlikowski, Ida is a search for truth and identity.