NOW PLAYING
Reviews of movies showing in theaters or streaming online
‘ALINE’: There’s an episode of “30 Rock” that features the character Jenna Maroney announcing she’s been cast in an unauthorized Janis Joplin biopic, but since the filmmakers don’t have the rights to Joplin’s life, Maroney is playing a Joplin-like character named “Jackie Jormp-Jomp.” But what was a silly gag for the NBC comedy has now become real, in the form of “Aline,” the unauthorized biopic “inspired by” the life of French Canadian singing superstar Celine Dion. The film follows the life of Aline Dieu, the youngest of 13 children, a child prodigy who takes the world by storm with her powerful voice, falls in love with and marries her much older manager, sings the most famous movie song in the world, and takes up a residency in Vegas, while mothering her three boys, including twins, and reckoning with the mortality of her older husband. It’s the Celine Dion story, with a few names changed, and a couple of snippets of her most famous songs — fairly standard biopic fare. In French with English subtitles. 2:08. 2 ½ stars. — Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service
‘ALL THE OLD KNIVES’: In “All the Old Knives,” exlovers and spies Henry and Celia meet for dinner in an upscale California beach town. They reminisce, haltingly, but this is no ordinary get-together. Celia (Thandiwe Newton) left the job years ago and shed her ties to the CIA in favor of marriage and children; Henry (Chris Pine) is still on the job and he has been tasked with investigating a deadly airline hijacking from nearly a decade back, when they were both based out of Vienna. Turns out, there was a leak that sabotaged their efforts for a better outcome. Over sips of wine, fine dining and subtle mutual interrogation, this reunion is meant to shed light on the mole’s identity. Who double-crossed whom? 1:41. 1 ½ stars. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video. — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune
‘FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE’: The third installment in the “Harry Potter” prequel franchise, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore,” arrives four years after the second film, “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.” The plot concerns Grindelwald’s grasps at power in the magical world because he essentially wants to start a race war with the muggles (humans). Set in the 1930s (or thereabouts), the fascist vibes are thick in the air as the motley crew of Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law), magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), Newt’s brother Theseus (Callum Turner), Hogwarts professor Lally Hicks (Jessica Williams), and muggle baker Jacob (Dan Fogler) set out to foil Grindelwald’s plans by confusing his visions of the future. Does the plan work? Not really, but honestly, who’s to say? After all the running around they still end up at some rigged election in Bhutan in which a magical creature will select the “pure of heart” to lead the magical world, if anyone still cares. There is nothing of consequence that occurs in this movie, as everyone involved seems to be going through the motions in order to cash a check and fulfill their obligations. 2:22. 1 ½ stars. — Katie Walsh
‘FATHER STU’: “Father Stu”? He’s not a regular priest, he’s a cool priest. A priest who swears, a priest with a history of boozing and boxing. That’s the story told, at least by the film’s poster, which features a diptych of star Mark Wahlberg, looking rough and rueful in a mug shot, and then beatific in Catholic clergy apparel. The journey between the two photos is the dominion of “Father Stu,” the directorial debut of Rosalind Ross, who also wrote the screenplay, though there’s more to the story of Catholic priest Stuart Long. There is a profound grace to be found in “Father Stu,” when everyone gets out of the way to let the message of suffering as spirituality just breathe. But one can’t help but feel like that comes too little and too late to have any significant impact. 2:04. 2 stars. — Katie Walsh
‘THE NORTHMAN’: In
1982, “Conan the Barbarian” enticed audiences with a poster promising four phases of a rough man’s rough life: “Thief. Warrior. Gladiator. King.” “The Northman,” which wanders narratively but, as cinema, basically eats “Conan” for breakfast, follows what might be considered a similar career path: Prince, followed by Slave, then Viking Marauder, and finally Newly Sensitized Lover and Potential Family Man. Alexander Skarsgard takes the title role, as well as taking a fair bit of on-screen punishment en route to a climactic battle at the Gates of Hel (one “l” in this hell, for the record). There, at Hel, Amleth, played by Skarsgard, wields his mighty sword against his kingdom-usurping uncle (Claes Bang) surrounded by rivers of flaming molten lava. They’re nude, discreetly silhouetted, and as in much of “The Northman” the scene’s melding of digital and practical effects and design strategies doesn’t lead to the usual fantasy generica. Robert Eggers creates worlds that used to be, or never were, but thanks to his chosen medium, there they are, vivid and alive. 2:16. 3 stars. — Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune
‘SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2’: Based on the Sega video game franchise about a speedy blue creature, “Sonic the Hedgehog” raced into theaters in 2020. A mix of live-action and digital animation, “Sonic” was a reasonably fun family friendly adventure that benefited from a wonderful voice performance from Ben Schwartz as the heroic Sonic and generally enjoyable cartoonish shenanigans from Jim Carrey as his nemesis, the villainous Dr. Robotnik. With “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” we get a sequel that is, of course, bigger. And, unfortunately, longer. In the movie’s production notes, producer Toby Ascher speaks of efforts to create “a Sonic cinematic universe,” because, we can only assume, the world has too few cinematic universes at this point. Well, guys, if we are to see more of Blue Justice and his buddies, a little less may prove to be a bit more next time. 2:02. 2 stars. — Mark Meszoros, Willoughby News-Herald
‘THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT’:
Now 58, with nearly 100 film credits since he was “Brad’s bud” in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” in 1982, Nicolas Cage has handled a lion’s share of money grabs in a career distinguished by a gratifying number of movies worth seeing, often just for him. Good material, bad material, big-budget studio clangers, low-budget indies on wry: The man does not coast. The central gag in the occasionally funny action-comedy “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” imagines Cage, playing a variation on himself named Nick Cage at a career impasse. Divorced, with a tenuous, tetchy relationship with a (fictional) teenage daughter played by Lily Mo Sheen, the movie’s
version of Cage has run up a $600,000 tab at a fancy Los Angeles hotel and needs a job. His agent, Fink (Neil Patrick Harris), comes through with a prospect: For a cool, gallingly easy million, his client is to attend a super rich Cage fan’s birthday party on the island of Mallorca, Spain. There Cage will be the special guest star, required only to small-talk about his career, get some sun and sweat his future. Through it all, Cage gives his all, which hardly needed saying. He takes on two roles, plus a cameo, playing “himself ”; a pushy, digitally de-aged ’90s version of himself, named “Nicky”; and a peppy, aged Italian crime boss with terrible fashion sense. Cage never stops trying things, whether its eccentric physical details or idiosyncratically timed punchlines. 1:47. 2 stars. — Michael Phillips
RATINGS: The movies listed are rated according to the following key: 4 stars, excellent; 3 stars, good; 2 stars, fair; 1 star, poor.
OPENING A Glimpse Through Glass:
By looking at glass through the lens of art, culture, and community the exhibit explores the forms, functions, and social history of different types of glass. Opening reception, 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 28. Through Aug. 28. Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, 427 N. New St., Bethlehem. 180-0360. historicbethlehem.org.
ONGOING
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF DREXEL UNIVERSITY, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. 215-2991000. Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss: Explore newly discovered life forms, thermal vents, deep-sea research submersibles, and shipwrecks including the Titanic. Through July 24. ansp.org.
ALLENTOWN ART MUSEUM, 31 N. Fifth St., Allentown. 610-432-4333. Eclectic Collecting: Curiosities from the Vault: From gemstones and seventeenth-century German tankards to ancient Pompeian oil jars, this exhibition celebrates wonderful and unusual artworks that don’t often make it on display. Through Sept. 18. allentownartmuseum.org.
ART SCHNECK OPTICAL COMPANY, 720 Harrison St., Emmaus. 610-9654066. Gina DeNave:
Through May 31.
ARTHAUS, 645 Hamilton St., Allentown. 610841-4866. Similar But Different: Michael Lebson celebrates the beauty of uniqueness within people, nature, technology, and other vital themes of our time through paintings, mixed media, NFTs, and collaborations. Through May 1.
ARTSQUEST CENTER, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. 610-332-1300. Floating Blue: Thomas Pickarski exhibit centers on what is called “The Blue Hour” occurring during the last stages of twilight when the sunlight is indirect, casting a blue shade on to the frozen peaks in the artic regions. Through May 15. bananafactory.org.
BANANA FACTORY, 25 W. Third St., Bethlehem. 610-332-1300. Abecynnia:
Illustrations by William Harris for his upcoming novel that follows the story of two sisters as they embark on an intergalactic adventure to save their kingdom. Through May 22. My Mind is an Escape Room: Chronicles Kailey Atkinson’s experience with mental and physical illness, as well as body image struggles and societal issues through a body of mixed media collage work created from 2019 to the present. Through May 15. bananafactory.org.
BERKS HISTORY CENTER, 940 Centre Ave., Reading. 610-375-4375. A Snapshot in Time: The Photography Collection of Dr. William A. Haman: Showcase of Haman’s unique glass plate negatives and glass lantern slides, each developed into a crystal-clear image that offers a glimpse into the daily lives of diverse people in Berks County and beyond during the late 1800s. berkshistory.org.
BETHLEHEM TOWN HALL ROTUNDA GALLERY, 10 E. Church St., Bethlehem. . Bethlehem Area School District Student Art Exhibition:
Students from kindergarten through high school. Through May 12. bfac-lv.com.
EMMAUS PUBLIC LIBRARY, 11 E. Main St., Emmaus. 610-965-9284. Paintings by Pamela Albert and Giclee Prints by Kristine Miller-Siple: Through April 30. emmauspl.org.
GOGGLEWORKS CENTER FOR THE ART, 201 N. Second St., Reading. 610-374-4600. Tell Me A Story: Marilyn J. Fox abstract paintings based on natural occurrences such as weather patterns and migratory birds, to music, friendship, and an intuitive process. Through April 27. goggleworks.org.
HAWK MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY, 1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton. 610-756-6961. Youth Art Exhibit: The winners from the Youth Art Month Contest on display in the Visitor Center to celebrate Earth
Day and the spring season. Through May 22. http:/hawkmountain.org.
JEFFREY GROVE, 184 Main St., Emmaus. 610-9674600. Deborah Garlicki: Through May 31.
KALMBACH MEMORIAL PARK COMMUNITY CENTER, 200 Cotton St., Macungie. 610-965-1140. Jeanne Stock and Howard Ellsworth: Through May 31.
KETTLE CREEK ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 570-629-3061. Capturing the Music in Nature: Exhibit by Nancy Embich. Through April 30. mcconservation.org.
LEHIGH UNIVERSITY MAIN ART GALLERY, ZOELLNER ARTS CENTER, 420 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem. 610-758-3615. Young, Gifted and Black: Young, Gifted and Black: The Lumpkin-Boccuzzi Family Collection of Contemporary Art: Works in a variety of mediums by emerging artists of African descent, alongside works by established artists who have paved the way for the younger generation. The exhibit is accompanied by the book “Young, Gifted and Black: A New Generation of Artists,” featuring over 100 artworks from the Lumpkin-Boccuzzi Family Collection in all media that explore representation, race and the history of art. Through May 27. luag.lehigh. edu.
LEHIGH UNIVERSITY, DUBOIS GALLERY, MAGINNES HALL, 9 W. Packer Ave., Bethlehem. 610-758-6880. Gloria Naylor: Other Places: The exhibition will feature primary source materials from the Naylor archive, as well as creative response and community engagement from a range of perspectives. Through May 27. Hear Me
Roar: Women Photographers Part I: A series of exhibitions focusing on individual women photographers represented in its collection in honor of the 50th anniversary of the first class of undergraduate women at Lehigh University. Through May 27. luag.lehigh. edu.
LEHIGH UNIVERSITY, FAIRCHILD-MARTINDALE STUDY GALLERY, 8 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem. 610758-6880. Hear Me Roar: Women Photographers Part IV: A series of exhibitions focusing on individual women photographers represented in its collection in honor of the 50th anniversary of the first class of undergraduate women at Lehigh University. Through May 27. luag.lehigh. edu.
LEHIGH UNIVERSITY, SIEGEL GALLERY, IACOCCA HALL, 111 Research Drive, Bethlehem. 610-758-6880. Hear Me Roar: Women Photographers Part III: In honor of the 50th anniversary of the first class of undergraduate women at Lehigh, LUAG presents a series of exhibitions focusing on individual women photographers represented in its collection. Through May 27. luag.lehigh.edu.
LIBERTY BELL MUSEUM, ZION’S CHURCH, 622 W. Hamilton St., Allentown. 610-435-4232. Shepherds of Liberty: Chronicles the history of Zion Reformed/ UCC (Liberty Bell)‘s pastors. libertybellmuseum.org.
LOWER MACUNGIE LIBRARY, 3450 Brookside Road, Macungie. 610-9666864. Betty Allender: Through April 30.
LUTHER CREST RETIREMENT COMMUNITY, 800 Hausman Road, Whitehall Township. 610-391-8202. Abraham Darlington: Through April 30.
MICHENER ART MUSEUM, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown. 215-340-9800. Keith Harding: A Radiant Legacy: A private collection of more than 100 works, the show contains unique and notable pieces, including two rare Subway drawings, complete suites of many of the artist’s icon print series and Medusa Head (the largest print in the artist’s oeuvre). Through July 31. michenerartmuseum.org.
MORAVIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 214 E. Center St., Nazareth. 610-759-5070. Charting the Unknown:
Early Moravian Maps: Exhibition explores surveying techniques, the conflicts between indigenous communities and Europeans, and the Moravian contributions to surveying, early cartography, and town planning through archival documents, historic maps, and objects from the collection of the Moravian Historical Society. Through Dec. 29. moravianhistory.org.
MUSSELMAN JEWELERS, 420 Main St., Bethlehem. 610-248-3460. Levity: Collective works by Tina Cantelmi and Teri Haddad celebrates optimistic art and is representative of faith, hope, and conviviality. Through June 24.
NATIONAL CANAL MUSEUM, 2750 Hugh Moore Park, Easton. 610-9233548 x 224. Beyond Rosie & Rivets: Industrial Women of the D&L Corridor: Tells the stories of industrial women from our past and present. Through May 22. canals.org.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF INDUSTRIAL HISTORY, 602 E. Second St., Bethlehem. 610-694-6644. The Works of a Mechanical Genius:
The Legacy of John Fritz: Explore the early decades of the Bethlehem Iron Company and examine John Fritz impact on work, technology, defense, and the rapid cultural changes experienced during the 20th Century. Through Oct. 15. nmih.org.
NEW ARTS PROGRAM,
173 W. Main St., Kutztown. 610-683-6440. Out of Fashion: Sculptor, photographer, installation by Betty Beaumont. Closing reception, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 24. newartsprogram.org.
NEW HOPE ARTS CENTER, 2 Stockton Ave., New Hope. 215-862-9606. Members Salon Exhibition: A multi-medium salon exhibition featuring over
140 artist members in oil, watercolor, photography, bronze, ceramics, mixed media, wood, more. Through May 1. newhopearts.org.
NURTURE NATURE CENTER, 518 Northampton St., Easton. 610-253-4432. Climate Conversations:
A collaboration of eight mid-career female artists from the Midwest and East Coast strangers to each other until the formed a book discussion group over Zoom to wait out the pandemic and offer each other insight and support. Through June 30. nurturenaturecenter.org.
PENNYPACKER MILLS, 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville. 610-2879349. Stereographing America: A 3D History of Stereocards: Discover the evolution of 3-D devices from the original Wheatstone stereoscope, fly past the Brewster stereoscopic design, and move on to the popular Holmes hand-held model to learn how modern 3-D technologies have become household commodities. Through Jan. 31. montcopa.org.
READING PUBLIC MUSEUM, 500 Museum Road, Reading. 610-371-5850. Dinosaur Explorer: Examines how environmental, biological, and behavioral circumstances influenced dinosaur daily life, and asks: where do we see similarities in our world today? Through May 8. Roots of Wisdom: Native Knowledge. Shared Science: Multiple, interactive displays created by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) for the purpose of educating visitors on environmental practices that foster sustainability within Indigenous communities. Through April 24. readingpublicmuseum.org.
RONALD K. DE LONG GALLERY, 2809 Saucon Valley Road, Center Valley. Penn State Lehigh Valley Student Art Exhibition: Drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, metalwork, sculpture, graphic design. Through May 7.
SIGAL MUSEUM, 342 Northampton St., Easton. 610-253-1222. ACE Small Works Show: Showcases the diversity of the artist membership through small works of various media in many styles. Through June 18. Another American’s Autobiography: Selections from the Petrucci Family Foundation’s Collection of African American Art.: Selected works explore American patriotism and identity as it relates to the Black American experience and addresses the challenges of Black patriotism and the circumstances that complicate the relationship between Black Americans and this country. Through July 10. sigalmuseum.org.
SOUTH BETHLEHEM GREENWAY, Bethlehem. Thinking Through Drawing:
South Bethlehem Greenway: Think through the many forms and functions of drawing, exploring examples from the Lehigh University Museum collection and the community with works by Natalie Alper, Keith Haring, Jose Clemente Orozco, Yingyi Cao, Maurice Prendergast, George Segal, Anita Weschler, more. Self-guided tour begins at either South New Street, or Trone Street, walking the length of the Greenway. Through Aug. 31. luag.lehigh.edu.
ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH FINE ARTS GALLERY, 330 Ferry St., Easton. 610-905-1767. Then There is the Woman:
Art by the women who are part of the Journey Home program, a reentry program for women inside and outside of the county jail. Through June 5.
STONY RUN WINERY,
150 Independent Road, Breinigsville. 610-398-7231. Exhibit: Edith Roeder, Valarie Schramak and Betty Allender. Through June 4.
STOVER MILL GALLERY, 852 River Road, Erwinna.
215-766-3892. Side by Side:
A Celebration of Work from Our Studio: Emily and George Thompson highlight their different painting styles and techniques ranging from traditional to contemporary. Through May 1.
STUDIO B FINE ART GALLERY, 39A E. Philadelphia Ave., Boyertown. Reflection:
Exhibit challenging artists to present an aspect of the word that the Oxford English dictionary devotes six columns to defining. Through June 19. studiobbb.org.
THE ART ESTABLISHMENT, 945 Broadway, Bethlehem. 610-807-9201. Sweet Distress:
Works on paper and playable art guitars by Doug Boehm and new works by Anthony Smith, Jr. on display through April 30. Through April 30. theartestablishmentstudios.com.
THE BANANA FACTORY, 25 W. Third St., Bethlehem. 610-332-1300. Heroes:
A project of artworks, educational and public programming and outreach events that feature the experimental work of Bart Cooper. The installment invites viewers and attendees to examine heroes in popular culture. Toying the line between the real and fictional worlds, Cooper uses mixed media methods to create portraits of powerful black women, matching them up to suitable Marvel characters to highlight the connection between America’s favorite comic characters, and the country’s history of powerful, gritty, brave black women leaders. Through May 22. bananafactory.org.
THE GALLERY AT RAUCH BUSINESS CENTER, LEHIGH UNIVERSITY, 621 Taylor St., Bethlehem. 610758-6880. Hear Me Roar:
Women Photographers Part II: A series of exhibitions focusing on individual women photographers represented in its collection in honor of the 50th anniversary of the first class of undergraduate women at Lehigh. Through May 27. luag.lehigh.edu.