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Vol. 10, No. 26 – Sept 27 – Oct 10, 2017 – Movie Review

IT
2 palm trees out of 4

by Manuel Reynoso

IT (2017) is an American supernatural horror film directed by Andy Muschietti, based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Stephen King. 7 Young children are terrorized by Pennywise, a being who has haunted the town of Derry for centuries. They come together to fight Pennywise off, and fight their own demons along the way.

I’m bad at watching scary movies. I mean BAAAD, like hands covering my eyes every time the music gets scary, bad. My cop out has always been that I don’t like the horror genre, but truthfully I’m just a wuss. So coming from a horror novice such as myself, I thought the movie was… fine. While the cast was great, and the visual effects were strong; the visuals weren’t backed up by strong cinematography, and the story gets a tad repetitive at points. It certainly not an awful movie by any means, and horror fanatics may find it more to their tastes.

The single best thing of this movie, is the way the cast just play off each other every minute. Jack Dylan Grazer, Finn Wolfhard, and Sophia Lillis in particular really carry the film with their performances. Jumping from humor to horror felt organic for the cast and was just a joy to see them perform on screen. Unfortunately Bill Skarsgård’s performance as Pennywise felt uninspired. It was serviceable but didn’t have any unique edge for it to stand out.

But while Pennywise didn’t stand out due to Skarsgard’s performance, his visual design was great, along with many of the practical effects used throughout the film. My main gripe however is that the camera work felt pretty safe, there wasn’t anything to compliment the striking imagery. So at times, a few of the spooks felt like a silly juxtaposition to the world around them, and it was difficult to figure out if it was intentional or not.

Now what I felt was the biggest narrative issue was the film’s repetitive nature. It doesn’t necessarily get old, but the second act seems to drag on a little longer than it should have. I felt myself unable to get very scared when each scare follows a very clear structure, and when someone as sensitive as me finds scares getting boring, that’s when you have a problem. Now you can make the argument that the “scares” weren’t structured to be frightening to the audience, but instead to move the plot forward. However, even following this logic, the problem with these scenes becoming repetitive still stands.

Now the biggest problem facing IT (2017) for me was the portrayal of Beverly in the film. Sophia Lilis’s isn’t at fault, instead the character of Beverly is inherently weak as a character. She’s unfortunately another casualty of Hollywood’s love of oversexualizing characters who have no business being sexualized. Along with her oversexulization, her fears felt unfocused and lead to pivotal scenes of the film feeling almost random. It’s a shame that IT didn’t feel as strong as it should have been. I enjoyed the film, but otherwise felt it was forgettable. Rated R 2h 15m

Vol. 10, No. 26 – Sept 27 – Oct 10, 2017 – Ojai News and Events

Shirley Waxman will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, to deliver a talk entitled “East Meets West: Japanese Inspired from Monet to Van Gogh.” Ms. Waxman comes to us via the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s Community Speakers Program.

When Japanese woodblock prints arrived in Europe they had a profound influence on avant-garde artists of the nineteenth century. Impressionists and post-impressionist artists such as Monet, Mary Cassatt, Degas, Pierre Bonnard, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Vincent van Gogh created art that in composition, color, and imagery, borrowed directly from the Japanese. This talk will explore the development of Japanese woodblock prints and the artists who were inspired by the craze for all things Japanese.

Opera Santa Barbara will return to the Ojai Library to present a Free Noontime Opera Concert on Thursday, October 5. The concert will begin at 12 p.m. in the main room of the library and will last approximately 45 minutes.

Spend your lunch hour listening to members of the Opera Santa Barbara Studio Artists, who will perform a selection of popular opera arias and duets as well as some musical theatre pieces, all accompanied by piano.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at 218-9146.

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Ave. Hours of service are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

The 18th Ojai Film Festival has selected the submissions for this year’s event. Each year the submissions grow creating an outstanding variety of features, documentaries and animated films for Festival attendees. The number of entries totaled 420 films from over 43 countries. The screenings and other Festival activities are held between the Ojai Art Center and Chaparral Auditorium. Kickoff night is November 2 with a free film at the Libbey Bowl and film screenings continue through November 12.

The 10-day Ojai Film Festival has a reputation for showcasing the best new films from emerging and established filmmakers, and has helped launch a number of careers over the last decade.

Along with screenings, the Festival hosts workshops and special events. and host regional filmmakers with a special day of screenings. Two lifetime achievement awards are being given out his year, one to famed cinematographer Johnny E Jensen and another to film and TV actor, Ed Asner.

Tickets are on sale now. People can purchase a VIP pass to all films, a ticket 6-pack or 4-pack, or individual tickets on the website. Trailers from the entries under consideration can be viewed on the Festival’s website: www.OjaiFilmFestival.com

Mall Muertos, created by artist MB Hanrahan during a free art class for Dia de Los Muertos

The Ventura County Arts Council is offering a variety of classes and activities that use art in various forms to help area residents understand, appreciate and celebrate the upcoming holiday Dia de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead.

Activities include free Dia de Los Muertos art classes that will focus on both traditional and contemporary art methods. Classes will be taught by local artists, including MB Hanrahan, who is also the driving force behind the collection of classes and events.

Musician Juan Mendoza will convene classes for youth that will focus on singing and the playing of musical instruments, while poet and writer Fernando Albert Salinas will guide participants in creating poems for the dearly departed.

All classes and events will take place at Pacific View Mall inside the Arts Collective Studio. The studio is located on the second floor of the mall by the Sears store.

Activities will run through Nov. 5 .

All workshops are free. Sign up for any or all of them by emailing the VCAC at [email protected], registering online at http://vcartscouncil.org/arts-collective/dia-de-los-muertos/ or by calling 676-1540.

The VC Arts Council’s Dia de Los Muertos activities will culminate in a special free community celebration on Sunday, Nov. 5 on the Pacific View Mall’s Center Court Stage.

Vol. 10, No. 26 – Sept 27 – Oct 10, 2017 – Person to Person

by Jennifer Tipton

I asked 6 Ventura Unified School District grads and students about their favorite high school subject and future plans.

Andrew Bergum
age 19
works at Play It Again Sports
Andrew just graduated from Buena High School June 2017. His favorite high school subject was anatomy and physiology, “I loved it so much! It was really cool!” Now at Ventura College and taking some difficult courses such as anatomy, intro to psychology, intro to kinesiology and statistics and communication, Andrew plans to transfer to a 4-year state school and major in prosthetics. He wants to take his prosthetics to third world countries one day!

Garrett Weinell
age 18
also works at Play It Again Sports
Garrett is also a recent grad, he graduated from Ventura High School June 2017. Favorite high school subject? “Government, because I like history and I’m more government inclined.” Now at Ventura College, he’s taking E.M.T. courses. When asked what happened to government Garrett said, “I don’t like politics” and denied running for office one day…

Jacob Somer
age 13
freshman at Ventura High School
“For my favorite subject, I have to go with math because I really like the teacher, Mr. Spellman. He plays music while we’re doing work and he’s friendly!” When asked how he likes his first year in high school he said, “It’s really different than middle school, but I like it.” Jacob is thinking of pursuing college for graphic design.

Sara McGuire
age 20
plays water polo for the V.C. Pirates
Sara is a Buena High School grad and tells me her favorite high school subject was physics, “It was kinda tough, I was the only girl in the class so it was special to me because I had to show up the guys!” She is currently taking music classes at V.C. and plans to get her Ph.D. at a private music conservatory. Sara wants to continue to water polo and adds, “I also play the cello.”

Paige Treloar-Ballard
age 21
another V.C. water polo player
Paige was a Foothill Technology High School graduate and for her favorite high school subject she said, “I really enjoyed physiology!” She just graduated from V.C. and is now headed to U.C.S.B. where her major is geography. When asked what happened to physiology, Paige tells me, “I’m very squeamish with blood, so I decided to explore other options. I took the geography class and really enjoyed it and the professor, Mr. “C”.”

Josie Thorp
age 17
student at Foothill Technology High School
Favorite class? “The sciences, especially life science because I like learning about life and I also get to work in the lab – that’s fun and interesting! I really like Mrs. Anderson for a teacher.” Josie currently works at the Ventura Aquatic Center as a life guard but plans to attend a 4-year college and do research someday in a lab, “that would be awesome!”

Harvest Festival celebrates 28th Annual Fall Showcase

Treasures range from stunning jewelry, ceramics, and blown glass to hand-turned wood and much more.

Shopping gets personal when the Ventura Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show comes to the Ventura County Fairgrounds October 6-8 featuring over 24,000 handmade original creations.

Close to three hundred artisans join in the 28th annual Ventura showcase that combines shopping and entertainment for limitless fun with live entertainment, contests, strolling performers, demonstrations, and a Kidzone with a pumpkin patch.

Treasures range from stunning jewelry, ceramics, and blown glass, to hand-turned wood, leather goods, clothing, specialty foods, eclectic art pieces, seasonal décor, ornaments and more. While crafting demonstrations inspire DIYers, many artists can also personalize items for the perfect gift. As the largest and most prestigious indoor showcase on the west coast, the Harvest Festival features artists and crafters who push the boundaries of creativity to spark excitement and new trends.

“We work year-round to create the quintessential shopping encounter that engages our patrons at every level,” says Harvest Festival owner Nancy Glenn. “It’s a feast for all the senses, whether you’re an avid art collector, a DIY devotee, or on a quest for that special handmade gift you won’t find anywhere else.”

The celebration gives back to the community by partnering with FOOD Share and the Boys & Girls Club of greater Ventura. Patrons who bring canned goods for donation receive $2 off general admission. Macaroni Kid and My Gym host the Kidzone complete with make “n” take crafting and a pumpkin patch for romping, courtesy of Green Thumb Nursery. Lowe’s of Ventura hosts an interactive “build it” area.

The outdoor stage comes alive with performances from Southern California’s favorite party band, HyJinx, and comedy entertainer John Park, featuring his funny waiter antics with audience participation.

Harvest Festival general admission tickets are $9, while seniors (62+) and military are $7, youths ages 13-17 are $4, and kids 12 and under are free. Tickets are good for the entire weekend and return visits. Information is available at www.harvestfestival.com or by calling 925/ 392-7300.

Festival Hours: October 6-8

Friday: 10:00am to 5:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am to 6:00pm; Sunday: 10:00am to 5:00pm

Ventura County Fairgrounds

ArtWalk Ventura 2017

If you love art, you won’t want to miss ArtWalk Ventura 2017. ArtWalk Ventura is one of Ventura’s signature events, drawing thousands every year. Run by an all-volunteer group, this weekend event is fresh and festive and focused on Ventura’s authentic cultural community. Now in its 24th year, ArtWalk Ventura is a fun, virtually free, self-guided tour of dozens of galleries, studios, pop-up venues and transformed PODS Containers in Ventura’s Westside Cultural District and historic Downtown.

Free the 3rd Annual ArtWalk Collector’s Reception will precedes ArtWalk. On Wednesday, Oct 4 from 6-8pm, the City of Ventura and the Museum of Ventura County will host the reception for a preview of juried works by 2017 ArtWalk featured artists. Hosted in the Smith Pavilion at the Museum of Ventura County, selected works will be on display from all ArtWalk venues. The event will begin with the Mayor’s honoring the 2017 ArtWalk Ventura Artist of Distinction Maribel Hernandez and Global Artist of Distinction Shamsia Hassani. The evening will include music, hors d’ouevres and a no-host beer and wine bar.

Also returning is the Bowl Hop, a unique fundraiser where you can buy a beautiful, hand-crafted Bowl Hop bowl and receive a punch card that allows visits to participating restaurants during the weekend for a delicious sampling of their cuisines! A Bowl costs $25, with all proceeds benefiting Downtown Ventura’s Family Reconnection Program, which has helped nearly 150 needy.

ArtWalk Ventura provides a free shuttle pick-up is at the parking lot entrance to the Museum of Ventura County .The shuttle goes from the Museum to Bell Arts Factory, dropping you within a block of Stoneworks Studios. The shuttle then heads over to Art City on Dubbers Ave and then to the WAV before it returns to the Museum.

For more information, directions and maps please visit www.artwalkventura.org.

Vol. 10, No. 26 – Sept 27 – Oct 10, 2017 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

9-06

 1:00pm, received report that the Harbor Patrol’s fireboat is back in full service. The vessel was in limited service for a few weeks with starboard engine problems.

9-07

 9:49am, officers responded to the entry feature at Harbor/Spinnaker to investigate a report of a transient camping in a tent. The officers also observed vandalism. PD was contacted and they were investigating the violations.

9-08

 8:44am, dispatched to a medical at Ventura Sportfishing, difficulty breathing. Officers responded and assisted Ventura Fire / AMR with a male having trouble breathing.

8:56pm, received a dispatch to a medical at the Ventura Yacht Club. Officers responded and assisted Ventura Fire / AMR with a 89 year old male suffering from chest pain. The patient was transported to local hospital.

9-09

 3:35pm, received a dispatch to a medical at 1575 Spinnaker Drive. Officers responded and assisted Ventura Fire /AMR with the call.

7:55pm, received a dispatch to a medical at 1559 Spinnaker. Officers responded and assisted Ventura Fire / AMR with a 60 year old male who suffered a syncope episode. He was released at the scene after vitals check.

9-10

 9:35am, received a request for a tow from a disabled motor vessel in the sandtrap. Officers responded, put the vessel en tow and safely delivered it to its slip in the keys.

1:45pm, received a dispatch to a medical at the Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded to a fall victim in the park. AMR transported the patient to local hospital via ambulance.

5:10pm, received a request for berthing on the emergency longdock from the captain of a 48ft motor boat whose fingers was pulled through the anchor windless. The captain was at Smugglers Cove and was en route to Ventura Harbor. After officers assisted securing the vessel and rendering first aid, the patient took a uber to local hospital. Eventually, the captain had surgery on his finger and will make a full recovery.

Vol. 10, No. 26 – Sept 27 – Oct 10, 2017 – City of Ventura Classes

Call 658-4726 or 654-7552 to register, if you already have an account online, visit www.cityofventura.net
Classes held the Barranca Vista Center ~ 7050 Ralston Street in Ventura unless otherwise noted.

Ghosts or Folklore 12 years-Adult
3/11-4/8 Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 pm $60 + $5 supply fee
Real or folklore, it’s for you to decide as Richard Senate discusses his 34 years of ghost hunting investigations all over Ventura County. Material fees cover handouts and booklet: How to Hunt Ghosts. The fifth class will be a local field trip TBD. Instructor Richard Senate.. Course# 36874

History of Ventura Through Crafts 6-10 years
3/12-3/26 Wednesdays 4-5 pm $30
Explore the five culture groups -Chumash, Spanish, Mexican, Chinese and American- that built today’s Ventura through the crafts and games of each culture plus a take-home coloring book of Ventura history. Instructor Richard Senate. Course# 36873

Young Creators: Sketch Comedy Workshop 10-13 years
3/20-5/15 Thursdays 4-5:15 pm $125
Students learn to write, film and edit a comedic digital short film with the fast setups and punch lines often associated with Saturday Night Live or MAD tv. No class 4/3. Course# 36459

Animation Creators: Stop Motion Animation 7-12 years
3/18-5/13 Tuesdays 4-5:15 pm $125
Students work together to create an original story around favorite toys through basic animation concepts such as camera angles, storyboards, scripting elements and theme. No class 4/1. Course# 36457

Julianne Martin and Tomi Murphy and watercolorist Lorna Amundso at Buenaventura Gallery Oct. 10-Nov. 11

Three Oxnard artists — photographers Julianne Martin and Tomi Murphy and watercolorist Lorna Amundson — will be featured in individual shows Oct. 10-Nov. 11 at the Buenaventura Gallery.

All three women plan to attend an opening reception 5-7 p.m. Oct. 14 at the gallery.

Works by many other BAA members will be presented in the remaining gallery space during these shows, after which the nonprofit will offer its annual Holiday Boutique in late November and December.

Buenaventura Gallery, 700 E. Santa Clara St., is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. For more about the Buenaventura Art Association, a 63-year-old artists cooperative, and its programs, visit www.buenaventuragallery.org or call 648-1235 during gallery hours.