Movie Reviews by Cinema Siren

'Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters' — Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Chic

R-rated film released Friday in movie theaters nationwide.

Sometimes a movie is just...bad. We can all watch it and see what they had in mind, how the pitch went, how the director and producers signed on, and talked some pretty big stars into taking part.  And we can see the whole thing derail through to post production, delayed release, and as we watch the finished product with an ever-dwindling vestige of hope. Such is the case for Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters.   Why Cinema Siren is reviewing this movie at all is a fair question. I go on record as saying there is always a chance a good movie will find its way to the multiplex in January. Not the ones that were in limited released in LA and New York in December to qualify for the Oscars….Those are the movies everyone is busying themselves …

• Photos (1)
• Videos (1)

Constituents Corner

Progress on U.S. 1 Funding, New Bills, and Redistricting Surprise

Del. Scott Surovell talks funding for the Route 1 widening.

Legislation has started to move through the legislature as the hard work of legislating began during the second week of session.  First, we made some progress securing state funding for the next study required to widen U.S. 1.  We hope to have this locked in by the end of session, but I am very optimistic and we are setting up meetings with Fairfax County to confirm the process.  At the beginning of the week, I presented my legislation that would allow Virginians to vote to repeal Virginia’s 2006 constitutional amendment prohibiting any recognition of same-sex relationships.  In committee, I argued that marriage is about loving, committed couples who want to make lifelong commitments to each other in good times and bad.  I also feel that …

• Photos (1)

Sen. Puller's General Assembly Update: V3 Bill and 911 Outages

Virginia State Senator Toddy Puller asks constituents to write to local officials to push for 911 functionality.

This is an exciting week in Richmond with many important issues facing the General Assembly. There is one of particular note that I know everyone around the Commonwealth is talking about right now — the reconfirmation of Helen Dragas. The vote took place Monday, and as I have mentioned before, I will not support her confirmation. I believe her actions during the summer and since then have damaged the reputation of our stellar flagship university. These are serious matters and should not be rewarded with a reappointment. Several of my bills on military and veteran issues are gaining support and moving ahead. My “V3” bill (Virginia Values Veterans) SB 829, will create a pilot program in the Commonwealth to reduce the high unemployment among …

• Photos (1)

2013 General Assembly Gets Underway

An update from Virginia State Senator Linda "Toddy" Puller.

The Virginia General Assembly convened in Richmond last Wednesday. So far one of the major issues is whether or not to lift the moratorium on mining uranium. The bill before us is one that would go forward to set up regulations should the ban be lifted. Many people have contacted me regarding this issue sharing studies and concerns pro and con. Another issue gaining a lot of attention is Governor Robert McDonnell’s reappointment of Helen Dragas to the University of Virginia Board of Visitors. Her reappointment must be confirmed by the General Assembly. After meeting with Ms. Dragas and considering the damage that has been done to our stellar, flagship public university, I have decided that I cannot vote for her confirmation and have …

• Photos (2)

Constituents Corner

Transportation Solution Debate Begins in Richmond

Del. Surovell discusses Gov. McDonnell's transportation plan.

Governor McDonnell’s transportation proposal dominated the first three days of session. I welcome this long-overdue debate.  The improvement of Route 1 is exactly the kind of project that has been stalled because of the lack of state money because it cannot be tolled or cannot be improved by a public-private partnership.  It will only happen with real money from new tax revenue. Virginia’s gas tax, one of the lowest in the nation, has been at 17.5 cents since 1985.  As roads crumble and Metro struggles to move more passengers, Virginians cannot expect to have a reliable transportation system without infusing more funds.  This means we all have to face up to increasing the gas tax.  The preliminary results of my constituent survey are that …

•  3 Comments
• Photos (1)

Letter to the Editor: Too Big To Ignore — The Dodd-Frank Act

The Dodd-Frank Act was intended to be transformative in such a way that hasn’t been seen since the Great Depression.

While there has been much discussion about the “Fiscal Cliff” and the Affordable Care Act aka “Obamacare,” there has been a lack of coverage on a bill that affects nearly every citizen of the world: the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010.  How does this 2,000-plus page law affect you? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the financial industry employs about 6 million people but as an industry it touches all of us.  The Dodd-Frank Act was intended to be transformative in such a way that hasn’t been seen since the Great Depression.  To understand the intent of the transformation, it helps to revisit a little history.  The Banking Act of 1933 (Glass-Steagall Act) was meant to separate commercial banking …

• Photos (1)

Constituents Corner

Legislative Preview Part II: Budget Cuts, Road Shortfalls, and Uranium

Del. Surovell takes a look at some of the broader issues in play during this legislative session.

Last week, I wrote about a few of the bills and budget amendments I’m going to be carrying this session. This week, I am going to write about some of the broader issues in play this session. First, the State Budget has dominated legislative sessions since I was elected in 2009 and that is not likely to change.  Although revenues are up over the last year by $340 million, due to the constitution and laws on the books, most of that money is already committed to the “Rainy Day Fund,” transportation, water quality improvement, and repaying the state retirement that was not funded in the 2010-2011 budget biennium.  The remaining amount is $40 million or about $400,000 per delegate seat – that’s it. To make more room for adjustment and new …

• Photos (1)

Taking a Tech Break During the Holidays

In the week before New Year's, be sure to enjoy some time away from your screens

I will not be going cold turkey. Technology is a part of my daily routines and during holiday times it is a treat to see updates from friends and family that I am unable to see in person. But I will be making an effort to step away from the tech that just passes time. Some of us either are, or know someone who is, a bit compulsive about 'checking in.' It becomes a part of our busy lives, engaging or entertaining us in the midst of work emails and projects. A distraction from our pressing responsibilities is welcomed during the rush but when work pressures ease and emails are answered with out-of-office notices, it might help to step away from the keyboards to truly enjoy our time off. Time flies when you click links and flip virtual pages…

• Photos (1)

Review: Is Les Misérables Oscar-worthy?

Great acting makes you join in their crusade.

For you non-"Mis" folk, the story is of Prisoner 24601 Jean Valjean, who breaks parole, is hunted relentlessly by Inspector Javert and encounters various troubled and impoverished characters in post-revolutionary France.  Based on the 1862 novel by Victor Hugo, it is beloved by generations of musical theatre fans. The musical version of the movie was a risky undertaking, but now promises a huge pay-off to the studio, cast, and crew, thanks largely to a career topping job by several of the lead actors. The endless marketing about the actors singing live has also piqued many filmgoers' interests. Character Fantine sings, "I dreamed a dream of life gone by...". I dream, too, of when no one made such a big deal about people acting and singing …

• Photos (1)