BARBER’S BEST BETS: Carrey: “Bah-humbug!“

By JOE BARBER

For the News & Messenger

MOVIES

Opening Nov. 6

Director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump,” “Back to the Future”) tries to bring a new twist to an old tale in “A Christmas Carol.” Jim Carrey stars as Scrooge and several other characters and the film
utilizes the capture motion animation style used in “The Polar Express.” 

George Clooney, Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey are some of “The Men Who Stare at Goats.” This wildly offbeat tale looks inside the U.S. military’s attempts to harness telekinetic abilities and Eastern
philosophies in the 1970s and ‘80s to create a troop of “super warriors.” Ewan McGregor plays a reporter who investigates the scheme. 

“The Box” is an adaptation of a Stephen King short story about a couple offered a million dollars if they will press a button in a box. If they do, they’ll get the cash — and someone, somewhere will die.
Frank Langella, (“Frost/Nixon”) and James Marsden (“27 Dresses”) star.

In Theaters Now

“Michael Jackson: This Is It” has been incorrectly described as a documentary. 

It offers no critical comments on Jackson or his life. A more accurate description would be to call it a memoir of what might have been. 

Culled from hundreds of hours of rehearsal footage as Jackson prepared for a comeback concert tour, the film gives viewers a tantalizing and largely satisfying view of what they would have seen and heard
on stage had the concerts taken place. 

Directed by choreographer and producer Kenny Ortega, the movie offers a portrait of an artist seemingly in command of his music and his world. 

The music, largely drawn from Jackson’s work with his brothers and the albums “Thriller” and “Bad,” sounds sensational as the live performances add a touch of energy to the numbers. The special
effects, including a 3-D reworking of “Thriller,” are quite impressive. 

Forget the scandals and enjoy the music while you can. The film will be in theaters through Nov. 10 only. MPAA Rating: PG for some mildly adult language. 

Joe’s Rating: Three and One-Half (*** ½) Stars.

VIDEOS

This week’s arrivals on DVD include the loud and overwrought “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra,” with Channing Tatum, Dennis Quaid and Sienna Miller. Also just released: the sub-par family comedy “Aliens
in the Attic” and the low-key romantic comedy “The Answer Man.”  The week’s best release is the thought provoking documentary, “Food, Inc.,” which looks at the economic and health dangers related to
the diet of Americans, largely made up of processed foods from giant agricultural conglomerates. This is one of the year’s best documentaries. MPAA Rating: PG for some adult material and disturbing
images. Joe’s Rating: Three and One-Half (*** ½) Stars.

THEATER

Signature Theatre in Arlington continues its 20th season with a new version of the first great “book” musical in Broadway history, “Show Boat.”  The tale of life on the Mississippi and on stage and back
stage on Cap’n Billy’s floating vaudeville palace opens at Signature on Nov. 10 and runs through Jan. 17.

The Washington Shakespeare Company, based at the Clark Street Playhouse in Arlington, will kick off its production of “Lulu” with four “pay what you can” previews, starting Nov. 12.  This tale of a
girl “gone way, way wild” runs at WSC through Dec. 13.

The Keegan Theatre Company presents John Steinbeck’s immortal tale of good, evil, innocence and loss, “Of Mice and Men,” at the Church Street Theatre, 1742 Church St., NW in the District. The
production opens Nov. 5 and continues through the 29th. For directions and more information, visit http://www.keegantheatre.com.

Finally, closing this week are “Adding Machine: A Musical,” at Studio Theatre in Washington, and the comedy “A Flea In Her Ear,” presented by Constellation Theatre Company at the Source Theatre on
14th Street in the District. Both plays end their runs on Nov. 8.

CLUBS & CONCERTS

The Patriot Center on the George Mason University campus welcomes Matchbox 20 front man Rob Thomas for a solo concert on Nov. 10.  The legendary Bob Dylan arrives for a show on the 11th. The
Barns at Wolf Trap hosts ‘60s pop idols Chad and Jeremy on Nov. 6 and singer/songwriter Janis Ian on the 7th.

The Birchmere is alive with activity, starting with soul vocalist Gerald Albright on the 5th. Dar Williams and guests do a two night stand on the 6th and 7th. Mathew Sweet and former Bangle Susanna Hoff
take the stage in support of their second Sid and Susie album on Nov. 8. Guitar prodigy Jonny Lang performs on the 9th, and Brazilian music legend Milton Nacimento takes the stage on the 11th. 

The Nicolas Payton Quartet performs at Blues Alley in Georgetown on Nov. 5 and 6. Comic hypnotist Flip Orley headlines at the DC Improv through the 8th. Family audiences can head to the Verizon
Center for two shows with The Wiggles on Nov. 5.

The Music Center at Strathmore Hall presents the Duke Ellington Orchestra on Nov. 5 and singer Dee Dee Bridgewater for a birthday tribute to Billie Holiday on Nov. 6.  Michael Feinstein brings The
Sinatra Project to Strathmore on the 8th and the Paris Piano Trio is spotlighted on Nov.9. 

The Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis presents Susan Tedeschi on Nov. 5 and sponsors a joint appearance by Jonny Lang and Robert Cray at Chesapeake College on the 7th.  Jazz great Stanley Jordan
takes the Rams Head stage on the 11th. Enjoy!

Joe Barber covers entertainment in the DC area for the news & Messenger and can be heard regularly on WTOP-FM Radio.