Breaking News

Entertainment

‘My Penguin Friend’ is a film about bonds

I don’t know if penguins are the most popular animal, but I imagine they’re up there, following household pets like cats and dogs. In 2005, “March of the Penguins” was a massive commercial success, something that rarely happens for documentaries, and there is no shortage of funny videos featuring these odd little birds. I expect the appeal of the penguin, combined with his love for Brazil, to be what led director David Schurmann to create the film “My Penguin Friend,”  which is based on a true story.  When João (Jean Reno) discovers a lost, oil-covered penguin, ...

‘The People’s Joker’ meets definition of art

Heath Ledger’s Joker quipped, “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stranger.” Vera Drew has internalized that line in her outrageous parody of Todd Phillips’ “Joker,” “The People’s Joker,” which is now available on VOD and for purchase on Blu-ray, DVD and VHS.  I wasn’t sure what to expect from this movie, only knowing that after its premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, it has been playing on the independent scene to critical and audience praise.  When the Young Joker (Griffin Kramer) suggests that “boy” is not the correct ...

Viral sensation Jake Kohn performs Sunday at 123 Pleasant St.

If you search for Jake Kohn reaction videos on YouTube, you will find one person after another watching this young singer-songwriter in disbelief. And it’s easy to understand why —  it is hard to square his young, 17-year-old face with the raspy, deep baritone  you hear.   However, that does not negate the power of his performance. This Sunday, he brings his distinctive voice to 123 Pleasant St. in Morgantown.  You can purchase tickets for his show at 123pleasantstreet.com.  Kohn came onto the scene when a YouTube video of his song “Frostbite,” ...

Filmmaker portrays struggle with invisible illness in latest project

Zach Kornfeld has been making videos with The Try Guys for a decade on YouTube, and they have been viewed by millions of people. But premiering his short film “OUCH!” at the Fantasia Festival in Montreal feels much more intense.  “It’s funny to me. I’m used to 100,000 people seeing something, but the idea of 200 people in one room scares me,” Kornfeld said.   In 2017, Kornfeld was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, an autoimmune disease that causes significant pain to those suffering from it.   In “OUCH!” he uses a variety of visuals to ...

Alpaca Acres to open Peanuts Gang-themed corn maze this fall

Kicking off fall festivities for the upcoming 75th anniversary of Charles Schulz’ “Peanuts,” the beloved comic strip, Peanuts Worldwide and Alpaca Acres Farm and Fun announces the opening   of a “Peanuts”-themed maze, created in collaboration with the world’s largest corn maze consulting company, The MAiZE Inc.   Alpaca Acres Farm and Fun’s main maze, which will feature the iconic scene of Snoopy on top of his dog house, will cover 4 acres. And for the kids, or those of you who prefer a shorter trip, you can enjoy the farm’s “mini maze” which is ...

Morgantown Arts Walk: High Street comes alive with local artists and vendors

Main Street Morgantown hosted another Arts Walk Saturday, saying the monthly events are  better than ever thanks to funding from the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History and the National Endowment for the Arts.  The walks run for four hours and feature area artists and crafters, allowing them to show and sell their wares and giving the public a chance to see what they have to offer.  Saturday also featured music by Dem Donkey Boys and Power Forward.   Three more Arts Walks are scheduled this year. They are  Sept. 14, Oct. 19 and Nov. ...