Daily Archives: July 2, 2005

‘War of the Worlds’ delivers

July 2, 200512:02 a.m.

OK, I take back what I said the other day about Hollywood’s decline and lousy remakes and all. Steven Spielberg’s done it again. His "War of the Worlds" is spectacular summer entertainment, and the scariest alien invasion movie ever. I’m not a big Tom Cruise fan, but he’s excellent and winning as a deadbeat dad who rises to the occasion, and child actor Dakota Fanning is another standout.
The special effects are simply stunning. You will believe.
Spielberg’s craftsmanship is in a league of its own. This is the kind of moviemaking excellence that will keep Hollywood alive.
Posted by Randy Scholfield

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments (4)

A voice that will be missed

July 2, 200512:01 a.m.

Civil War historian Shelby Foote’s whisky-smooth drawl was perfect for Ken Burns’ PBS series on the Civil War. Foote, who died this week, understood the power of good storytelling. He also understood the lingering power of the Civil War, which he called "the outstanding event in American history, insofar as making us what we are. The (American) Revolution provided us with a Constitution; it broke us loose from England, it made us free. But the Civil War really defined us."
His personal history and sympathies as a Southerner made his even-handed approach to the war all the more poignant and healing.
Posted by Randy Scholfield

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments Off

Eat up, Wichita

July 2, 200512:00 a.m.

Sampling Wichita’s great restaurant cuisine usually takes wheels and weeks. Not today. The city finally is getting its own Taste of Wichita, in the tradition of "taste of" food festivals in other cities, complete with art, music and a good cause; the $40 gate admission supports the Lord’s Diner. Such a summer celebration deserves to be a regular in Wichita. Check it out from 1 to 10 p.m. today (7/2) at the West Bank Stage and Delano Park; or at the Web site www.tasteofwichita.com.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Uncategorized | Comments Off