This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Whether you're a local or visiting Salt Lake City to watch your team play in the NCAA Tournament, we're here to help you plan your weekend, with best picks from our entertainment reporters, critics and bloggers. For more event listings, visit http://www.sltrib.com/entertainment. Sports listings can be found here.
Salt Lake City International Tattoo Convention
Flaco Productions LLC will present the Salt Lake City International Tattoo Convention. The event will be held in Exhibit Hall 5. This year the theme for the show is MAGIC, we will have live magic performances on the stage through out the weekend. Visit 24tix.com for information.
When • Friday, March 22 from 3 p.m.- 11 p.m.
Where • Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $20.00; bit.ly/ZuwbWx
Camp Floyd State Park Geocache Treasure Hunt
The Utah State Parks will sponsor the Camp Floyd State Park Geocache Treasure Hunt. Participants are encouraged to bring their own GPS units, however Magellan will offer GPS units on loan. Participants will be given coordinates to the first cache and each subsequent cache will provide clues to the next site. Visitors who complete the treasure hunt earn a special prize.
When • Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Where • Camp Floyd State Park and Stagecoach Inn Museum, 18035 W. 1540 North, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $2.00; $6 per family;
First Robotics Competition
Dubbed a varsity Sport for the Mind, the FIRST Robotics Competition combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Teams of 25 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program a robot to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. For more information, visit http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc or contact frcteams@usfirst.org.
When • Friday, March 22 at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 a.m.
Where • Maverik Center, 3200 S. Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City
Tickets • Free
Utah Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Meeting
The Utah Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics will hold its Annual Meeting. Topics include the National School Lunch Program, diabetes, the Affordable Care Act, genetically modified foods, orthorexia, bariatric surgery, and social media. Visit http://www.eatrightutah.org for a link to a complete conference agenda.
When • Friday, March 22 from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Where • Weber State University - Shepherd Union Ballroom, 3848 Harrison Blvd., Ogden
Bonsai Show
Explore the millennia-old art form of Bonsai at Red Butte Garden and learn how to take care of your own tree. Members of the Bonsai Club of Utah will display trees from their collections, answer questions, and demonstrate different Bonsai techniques. Trees and supplies will be available for purchase. Visit http://www.redbuttegarden.org or call 801-585-0556 for information.
When • Friday, March 22 from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sunday, March 24 from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Where • Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $10.00; *Members are free;
Shaping America: Art and Identity
The exhibition will examine American identity, emphasizing the multicultural perspective intrinsic to the American experience. It will showcase approximately 80 works of art, including painting, sculpture, and photography.
When • Friday, March 22 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Where • Brigham Young University Museum of Art, North Campus Drive, Provo
Tickets • Free
Gem Faire
Fine jewelry, gems, beads, crystals, silver, rocks, minerals & much more at incredibly low prices. Classes & demonstrations throughout the weekend. Displays & demos by Wasatch Gem Society. Jewelry repair while you shop. For more information, visit http://www.gemfaire.com or call 503-252-8300 or email info@gemfaire.com.
When • Friday, March 22 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sunday, March 24 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Where • South Towne Expo Center, 9575 S. State St., Sandy
Tickets • $7.00; http://www.gemfaire.com/coupon/index.html
Kick Butts Day
Out of the Smoke, the Utah Pride Center's anti-tobacco group, is inviting youth, ages 14 to 20, to a super hero-themed costume party in honor of Kick Butts Day. The party will include food, dancing, a photo booth and prizes. The event honors a stand against smoking.
When • Friday, March 22 from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Where • Utah Pride Center, 355 N. 300 West, Salt Lake City
Tickets • Free
Local Chocolate Masters - Millcreek Cacao Roasters & Mini's Cupcakes
Dana Brewster and Mark DelVecchio, owners of Millcreek Cacao Roasters and Leslie Fiet, owner of Mini's Cupcakes and Maestro of Mid-50's Fashion, oversee the simmering and serving of some of the most luscious sweets. Visit harmonsgrocery.com or call 801-617-0133 for information.
When • Friday, March 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Where • Harmons Bangerter Crossing, 125 E. 12800 South, Draper
Tickets • $29.00; bit.ly/13nCyvv
Enchanted Sleeping Beauty
The American Fork Youth Theater Premier Troupe will present "Enchanted Sleeping Beauty." For pre-sale tickets call 801-763-3081.
When • Friday, March 22 at 7 p.m.
Where • American Fork Junior High, 20 W. 1120 North, American Fork
Tickets • $3; $5 at the door;
Wizard of Oz
The Farmington Youth Theater will present the Wizard of Oz at the Community Arts Center. Visit http://www.farmington.utah.gov for information.
When • Friday, March 22 at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 23 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where • Farmington Community Arts Center, 120 S. Main St., Farmington
Tickets • 1.usa.gov/YGMMnY
The Scarlet Pimpernel
The Draper Arts Council will present the Scarlet Pimpernel, the tale of Sir Percy Blakeny, and his swash-buckling efforts to save French aristocrats from the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. Along the way, he has to assure himself of his new wife’s loyalty, and dodge the agents of Robbespierre’s Directoire. Tickets are available at http://www.draperartscouncil.org/tickets.
When • Friday, March 22 at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 23 at 7 p.m.
Where • Summit Academy, 1285 E. 13200 South, Draper
Tickets • $10.00; *bit.ly/14aQFop
Huntington's Disease Benefit Concert: A Tribute to Woody Guthrie
The Huntington's Disease Society of America will present a fundraising concert, "A Tribute to Woody Guthrie." The concert features The Swinging Lights, The Weekenders and The Neighbors. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.hdsa.org/utc or contact KayCee Burnside at 801-916-5705 or email at kayceeburnside@gmail.com.
When • Friday, March 22 from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Where • Murray High School, 5440 S. State St., Murray
Tickets • $8.00; $10 at the door;http://www.hdsa.org/utc
Russell Stevenson - Author
Weller Book Works will host a multi-media presentation by Russell Stevenson on the life of Elijah Ables. The presentation is based on Stevenson's article "A Negro Preacher: The Worlds of Elijah Ables," due to be released in the Spring issue of Journal of Mormon History.
When • Friday, March 22 at 7 p.m.
Where • Sam Weller's Book Works, 665 E. 600 South, Salt Lake City
Tickets • Free
Spitfire Grill
Heritage Theatre will present Spitfire Grill. Percy, upon being released from prison, goes to the small town of Gillead, to find a place where she can start over again. She is taken in by Hannah, to help out at her place, the Spitfire Grill. Call for reservations daily except Tuesdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at 435-723-8392. Visit heritagetheatreutah.com for information.
When • Friday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Where • Heritage Community Theatre - Perry, 2505 S. Highway 89, Perry
Tickets • $10.00; *$9-$12;heritagetheatreutah.com
The Servant of Two Masters
The Brigham Young University Theatre and Media Arts Department will present Carlo Goldoni's "The Servant of Two Masters." The streets of Venice bustle with the hysterical adventures of a voracious and bumbling servant. Visit arts.byu.edu for information.
When • Friday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where • Brigham Young University Pardoe Theatre, Campus Drive and 1200 North, Provo
Tickets • $15.00; bit.ly/KC0hnx
Pirates of Penzance
SCERA's high school company, Acting Up, will present Gilbert & Sullivan's comic musical, "The Pirates of Penzance." Visit http://www.scera.org/events/view/269 for information.
When • Friday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Where • SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 S. State St., Orem
Tickets • $8.00; *bit.ly/TNLwx4
The Hanging of El Bandito
Pickleville Playhouse will present "The Hanging of El Bandito," a high-energy, shoot-'em-up musical adventure. Visit http://www.cachearts.org/event_hangingelbandito.html for information.
When • Friday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Where • Cache Valley Center for the Arts, 43 S. Main, Logan
Tickets • $18-$22;bit.ly/Xte6tL
My Fair Lady
The Terrace Plaza Playhouse will present "My Fair Lady," the Lerner and Loewe musical about misogynistic and arrogant phonetics professor Henry Higgins and flower girl Eliza Doolittle. Reserved tickets are available at Terrace Plaza Playhouse by calling 801-393-0070 or visit http://www.terraceplayhouse.com.
When • Friday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Where • Terrace Plaza Playhouse, 99 E. 4700 South, Ogden
Tickets • $7-$12;
Noises Off
The Echo Theatre will present "Noises Off," the show follows the cast and crew of "Nothing On," a comedy about mistaken identity, taxes, and lots of sardines. Comedic mayhem ensues as relationship drama offstage inevitably interferes with the drama happening onstage. Visit http://www.TheEchoTheatre.com for information.
When • Friday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Where • Echo Theatre, 145 N. University Ave., Provo
Tickets • $10; $12 at the door;
The Comedy of Oedipus
Weber State University Department of Performing Arts presents "The Comedy of Oedipus" March 22-23, 26-30, 2013. There will be a curtain talk immediately following the March 28 performance. Tickets are available at Dee Events Center Tickets, the Browning Center Box Office, 1-801-626-7000 or weberstatetickets.com or at the Browning Center Box Office beginning one hour before the performance.
When • Friday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Where • Weber State University - Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts, 3750 Harrison Blvd., Ogden
Tickets • $9-$12; weberstatetickets.com
i love you because
Utah Repertory Theater Company will present "i love you because," a modern-day musical that takes place in New York City and is based on Jane Austen's book "Pride and Prejudice," with the gender roles reversed. Visit utahrep.org for information.
When • Friday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where • Murray Theater, 4961 S. State St., Murray
Tickets • $15-$18; children under 5 not allowed;utahrep.org/tickets
Micro-Dance
Dance Theatre Coalition will present Micro-dance, contemporary choreography created for one very small stage. New works by Jerry Gardner, Ai Fujii Nelson, Emily May, Ashley Mott, and Kimberly Schmit. The event will held in the Rose Wagner Black Box Theater. Visit http://www.dancetheatrecoalition.org for information. Call 801-355-ARTS or visit arttix.org for tickets.
When • Friday, March 22 at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 23 at 8 p.m.
Where • Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. 300 South, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $15; bit.ly/XQ4SWZ
The Odd Couple
Pioneer Theatre Company will present Neil Simon's comedy "The Odd Couple," the story of sloppy sportswriter Oscar Madison and uptight neat freak Felix Ungar who decide to move in together but it turns out the laughs are on them. Visit http://www.pioneertheatre.org or call 801-581-6961 for information.
When • Friday, March 22 at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 23 at 2 p.m.and 8 p.m.
Where • Pioneer Theatre Company, 300 S. 1400 East, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $25-$44 in advance and $5 more when purchased on the day of the show;bit.ly/WWmkIR
Anjelah Johnson
Laugh all night long when Anjelah Johnson brings her stand-up comedy to Kingsbury Hall. Visit smithstix.com for information.
When • Friday, March 22 at 8 p.m.
Where • Kingsbury Hall - University of Utah, 1395 E. President's Circle, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $29.50-$32.50;bit.ly/10i6Foa
Amazing Home Race
Teams in the Utah's Amazing Home Race compete in a series of mental or physical challenges. The first team to reach the finish line with all the tasks completed will win $10,000. All entrants must be from Utah County and intend to purchase a home. Visit http://www.press.fitmarketing.com/uahr/second-annual-utahs-amazing-home-race or facebook.com/pages/Utahs-Amazing-Home-Race/169721853146614 for information.
When • Saturday, March 23 at 8 a.m.
Where • Vivint Technologies, 4931 N. 300 West, Provo
Tickets • Free
Redrock Writers Guild Seminar
The Redrock Writers Guild will hold a creative writing seminar held at the Pioneer Opera House, 47 E. 200 North, in St. George. There will be a faculty reading on March 22 and the seminar will be held March 23. Contact Barbara Funke at 435-652-2109 or at bfunke2@gmail.com for information.
When • Friday, March 22 at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 23 at 8:15 a.m.
Where • Redrock Writers, 474 Rolling Hills Drive, St. George
Tickets • $60; http://www.redrockwriters.org
Birding by Ear Workshops
Ever wondered what that bird is singing outside your window? Come and join us for our "Birding by Ear" workshops; an interactive setting in which learning and fun are combined to develop auditory skills to identify common Utah birds by ear. Register at http://www.tracyaviary.org/birding-by-ear-workshops. Register by Feb. 20, 2013. If you need more information, email Carolina Roa at carolinar@tracyaviary.org.
When • Saturday, March 23 from 8:30 a.m.- 11 a.m.
Where • Tracy Aviary, 589 E. 1300 South, Salt Lake City
RootsTech Conference
The RootsTech conference will bring together customers, technology developers and family history enthusiasts to define the next generation of family history-related applications, products, and services. A full schedule of conference activities can be found at http://www.rootstech.org.
When • Friday, March 22 from 9:45 a.m.- 4 p.m., Saturday, March 23 from 9:45 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Where • Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $19-$219;bit.ly/PS1WVy
Egg-cellent Adventure - Birds not Bunnies Egg Hunt
Join the Ogden Nature Center's teacher/naturalists on a true egg hunt challenge. In this activity participants will learn about nesting birds found around the Nature Center and then try their hand at bird identification. Several nests with painted wooden eggs will be the object of the hunt as you make your way along Nature Center trails. Locate and record your finds from each nest to win a prize. Make and take crafts and bird stuff to explore. Please RSVP by 5 p.m. on March 22.
When • Saturday, March 23 at 10 a.m.
Where • Ogden Nature Center, 966 W. 12th Street, Ogden
Tickets • $5.00; $3 members ;http://www.ogdennaturecenter.org
The Art of Pruning
This class will address specific pruning needs of flowering trees and shrubs, vines and groundcovers. Each session includes a hands-on outdoor component. Saturdays from 10AM-Noon. This class is co-sponsored by the University of Utah Continuing Education Lifelong Learning program. Preregister at 801-587-5433 or online at http://www.continue.utah.edu.
When • Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Where • Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $74; $67 for members;bit.ly/XSJ8s1
Sundance Resort Author Series - Norman Ornstein
Norman Ornstein is a longtime observer of Congress and politics and is known for a bipartisan approach to public policy. He will discuss his book "It's Even Worse Than It Looks?" Call 866-734-4428 or visit http://www.sundanceresort.com/create/hap_literary.html for information.
When • Saturday, March 23 at 11:30 a.m.
Where • Sundance Resort, 8841 N. Alpine Loop Road, Sundance
Tickets • $75; bit.ly/SD7pUk
Logan Film Festival
The Logan Downtown Alliance and Logan City will host the Logan Film Festival, March 21-23, presenting independent film screenings, community events and educational workshops. Film line-up and ticketing will be available Feb. 15, 2013 at http://www.loganfilmfestival.com or call 435-752-2161 x 4.
When • Friday, March 22 from 1 p.m.- 11:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23 from 1:30 p.m.- 11 p.m.
Where • Caine Lyric Theatre, 28 W. Center St., Logan
Tickets • Cinema Pass is $15; VIP Pass is $100;loganfilmfestival.com/tickets
Music and Mystery
An Evening of Music and Mystery will feature Utah Shakespearian Festival's actor and singer/songwriter J. Michael Bailey, and The Venetian's Paul Draper, magician and mind reader from Las Vegas, NV. For reservations, call 801-569-1482 or visit http://www.zigarts.com. Proceeds will benefit the theater's renovation project.
When • Saturday, March 23 at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 23 at 7 p.m.
Where • Ziegfield Theater, 3934 Washington Blvd., Ogden
Tickets • $12-$15;http://www.zigarts.com
Boy Scout Troop Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
Boy Scout Troop #231 located in Kearns, will hold a fundraiser pancake breakfast that includes pancakes, french toast, bacon, eggs, coffee or juice. Donuts or coffee is 75 cents.
When • Sunday, March 24 from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m., Sunday, March 24 from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Where • St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4501 W. 5215 South, Kearns
Tickets • $5
Letter Carriers Rally
The National Association of Letter Carriers will hold a "Delivering for America Rally" to preserve six-day delivery. Contact Kim Mortensen at 801-336-6738 for information.
When • Sunday, March 24 from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Where • Downtown Post Office, 230 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City
Tickets • Free
How to Brew Beer
Learn how to create refreshing beer in your home from beer making enthusiasts and professionals. Take "microbrewing" to a whole new homespun level as you learn what equipment you need to start home brewing, the recipes to get you started and how to trouble shoot. Please bring a photo ID that indicates your age to class. To register, call 801-587-5433 or visit lifelong.utah.edu.
When • Sunday, March 24 from 4 p.m.- 7p.m.
Where • Salt City Brew Supply, 750 E. Fort Union Blvd. , Midvale
Tickets • $44.00; bit.ly/WIdL42
Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner
The Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner Series, a fundraiser for the James Beard Foundation, will be held in Park City. Chef Seth Adams of Riverhorse on main will host chefs Scott Shields (Blue Moon Beach Grill, Nags Head, SC) Jodie Rodgers (Dear Valley Resort, Park City, UT), and Caroline Fey (The City Kitchen, San Francisco, CA). Visit celebritycheftour.com for ticket information.
When • Sunday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Where • Riverhorse on Main, 540 Main , Park City
Tickets • $195.00; Tickets are inclusive of pairings, tax and tip. ;bit.ly/10IItiG
MUSIC • Listings by David Burger
Emancipator
Spotlight show • He has no ties to the movie "Lincoln" or the 16th president, yet Emancipator is still coming to Utah with a lot of buzz. The electronic musician just released a new album, "Dusk to Dawn," that features his signature down-tempo trip-hop and nontraditional instrumentation. IWhen • Friday, March 22, at 9 p.m.
Where • Urban Lounge, 241 S. 500 East, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $15 at 24Tix
K. Flay
K. Flay, a rapper, producer and Stanford University alum, will bring her bass-heavy hip-hop to Salt Lake City. Atheist and Dumb Luck will open.
When • Friday, March 22, at 7 p.m.
Where • Kilby Court, 741 S. Kilby Court, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $10 at 24Tix.com
The Story So Far
The Story So Far and Man Overboard co-headline the pop-punk Suppy Nation Tour. Opening acts include The American Scene, Tonight Alive and Citizen.
When • Friday, March 22, at 6:30 p.m.
Where • Club Sound, 579 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $12 at SmithsTix.com
The Brothers Comatose
This bluegrass quintet was started by brothers Alex and Ben Morrison. Based in California, the band is touring to promote its latest album, "Respect the Van."
When • Friday, March 22, at 8 p.m.
Where • The Garage, 1199 N. Beck St., Salt Lake City
Tickets • $5 at 24Tix.com
Guitar Masters' Summit
Jazz SLC brings together four jazz guitarists: Bucky Pizzarelli, Howard Alden, Gene Bertonicini and Frank Vignola.
When • Saturday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m.
Where • Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $30 at ArtTix.org
The Moth & The Flame
Back from SXSW, this local indie band is headlining a hometown show. Polytype opens.
When • Saturday, March 23, at 8 p.m.
Where • Velour Live Music Gallery, 135 N. University Ave., Provo
Tickets • $8 at 24Tix.com
1964, the Tribute
This Beatles cover band re-creates pre-"Sgt. Pepper"-era feel with period instruments, clothing and hairstyles.
When • Saturday, March 23, at 8 p.m.
Where • Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $30-$40 at ArtTix.Org
Darude
Park City Live hosts Darude, a Finnish EDM DJ and producer.
When • Saturday, March 23, at 9 p.m.
Where • Park City Live, 427 Main St., Park City
Tickets • $10 at SmithsTix.com
Peelander Z
Although all of the band members live in New York, they describe their sound as Japanese punk.
When • Sunday, March 24, at 7 p.m.
Where • Kilby Court, 741 S. Kilby Court, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $10 at 24Tix.com
MOVIES • Listings by Sean P. Means
The pumped-up controversy that is "Spring Breakers" arrives in Salt Lake City today — along with a lot of other new movies.
"Spring Breakers" is indie writer-director Harmony Korine's biggest stab at the mainstream, and it's a button-pushing drama that dances between art and exploitation. It centers on four college girls who want to get to Florida for spring break — even if it means robbing a local diner to fund the trip. The four (played by Disney princesses Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens, "Pretty Little Liars" star Ashley Benson, and Rachel Korine, the director's wife) fall into the party scene fast, until an arrest leads them to be bailed out by a skeevy drug dealer (James Franco), who introduces them to his violent world. Korine self-consciously breaks taboos as he saturates the film with lurid images and banal dialogue. The results makes for an interesting cultural artifact, but not a good movie.
The best movie this week is "Admission," which is Tina Fey's first foray into full-blown romantic comedy - but it's smarter and warmer than your usual rom-com. Fey plays a detail-obsessed Princeton admissions officer who is told that an applicant (Nat Wolff) is the child she gave up for adoption when she secretly gave birth in college 16 years earlier. She learns this bombshell from the student's teacher (Paul Rudd), a globe-hopping do-gooder with whom Fey's character strikes instant sparks. Fey and Rudd have a comfortable chemisty, and Fey also works well with a solid supporting cast that includes Wallace Shawn and Lily Tomlin.
For kiddies, there's "The Croods," DreamWorks' latest computer-animated tale — this time following a family of cavepeople who must migrate when natural forces threaten to destroy their home. The visuals are exquisite, but the storyline is simple to the point of stupidity.
But for really stupid, it's hard to beat "Olympus Has Fallen," an insanely over-the-top action thriller that imagines a terrorist takeover of the White House. The only hope for the President (Aaron Eckhart) and the world is one Secret Service agent (Gerard Butler) who slips into the White House, "Die Hard"-style, to take down the bad guy (Rick Yune). Director Antoine Fuqua ("Training Day") amps up the rah-rah patriotism and the excessive bullet-to-the-brain violence into an orgy of overkill.
The Southern Gothic thriller "Stoker" is also amped up severely, as Korean director Park Chan-Wook (in his U.S. debut) tosses Hitchcock references freely in a sweaty tale of a mother (Nicole Kidman) and daughter (Mia Wasikowska) dealing with the sudden arrival of the handsome and mysterious Uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode). The results are often fascinating, but wildly uneven.
The art-house list is topped by "Lore," an absorbing German drama set at the end of World War II, focusing on a teen girl (Saskia Rosendahl) who must confront the lies her Nazi parents have taught her as she leads her siblings across the wartorn country. Australian director Cate Shortland burrows deep into Rosendahl's character, having to think on the fly as her ordered world comes apart.
The left-leaning documentary "Greedy Lying Bastards" exposes the people who deny climate change and the oil-industry fat-cats who fund them. Director Craig Scott Rosebraugh makes some solid points, even if his efforts at creating a Michael Moore-like spectacle fall short.
Several Megaplex theaters are screening "Upside Down," a sci-fi/romantic thriller starring Kirsten Dunst and Jim Sturgess as lovers from different planets. And at a few theaters is the comedy "InAPPropriate Comedy," starring Rob Schneider and Adrien Brody. Neither was screened for Utah critics.