6 men’s grooming shops that go beyond haircuts

Every man deserves to treat himself to a nice haircut. And hey, why not throw in a hot towel shave while you’re at it? You may as well finish it off with a shoeshine. These grooming shops are for fellas looking to be pampered. Buffalo Mane Barbershop The rugged and masculine feel at Buffalo Mane… Continue reading 6 men’s grooming shops that go beyond haircuts

REVIEW: IT Chapter 2 is a noisy, overdone ending to the first film

I’m riffing on Pirandello’s famous play, Six Characters in Search of an Author because this sequel to the first half of Stephen King’s 1986 door-stopper of a novel, IT, is searching not so much for an “author” but for an ENDING. In the opening minutes of the movie, director Peter Bogdanovich puts in a cameo… Continue reading REVIEW: IT Chapter 2 is a noisy, overdone ending to the first film

REVIEW: Joker’s bleak, nihilistic tone is attractive to some, but not all

Gotham City has a sound. It’s the grind of several double-bass instruments flailing away in the basement of their registers. And Gotham City has a laugh: a high, maniacal laugh emitted from the throat of a psychopathic killer named Arthur Fleck. In case his name is not familiar, try… Joker.  And Gotham City has a… Continue reading REVIEW: Joker’s bleak, nihilistic tone is attractive to some, but not all

KC Rep’s new artistic director redefines its future

Stuart Carden When Stuart Carden moved to Kansas City at the beginning of September, he got to work. He didn’t have a permanent place to live, and his family hadn’t followed him from Chicago yet, but he wanted to introduce himself to the city as the new artistic director of the Kansas City Repertory Theatre… Continue reading KC Rep’s new artistic director redefines its future

Kansas City festivals, concerts and more things to see in November 2019

November 2 Coalesce Every season, it seems like fashion moves further into the world of art. Designer gowns will become canvases for seven local artists at this one-night-only live performance, which will also feature the debut of a custom collection by local Wlaa Style. Illusions Unlimited, 1441 Burlington St., North Kansas City, Mo. 7 pm.… Continue reading Kansas City festivals, concerts and more things to see in November 2019

REVIEW: The Lighthouse is grim, uncomfortable and unlikeable — but I liked it anyway

I like The Lighthouse, although it is an unlikeable film. Young Ephraim Winslow (Robert Pattinson) has just come to a remote and windswept lighthouse to assist the grizzled old lighthouse keeper (Willem Dafoe) in his daily chores. There’s thunder in the air. Seagulls daily assault the property. Mermaids disport themselves on the rocks. And the… Continue reading REVIEW: The Lighthouse is grim, uncomfortable and unlikeable — but I liked it anyway