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Movies
The gangster of Hollywood
FEATURE. Johnny Depp doesn’t know what time it is. Though he technically calls an adorable village in France home and owns an island in the Caribbean, the mercurial actor spends so much time working that his internal clock is all out of whack.
 
 
Movies
Directorial debut is a shot at the ‘Moon’
INTERVIEW. When directors are limited to a $5 million budget and a 33-day shooting schedule, they usually won’t do anything too arduous — especially for their first films. But director Duncan Jones, 37, tells us that he “wanted to do something with ambition” for his debut flick. So instead, Jones, who is the son of David Bowie, decided to make the sci-fi adventure “Moon,” which opens Friday. The affable Brit explains how.
 
The Word
The Beckhams’ island getaway
GOSSIP. According to the Sun, David Beckham is planning a trip to Necker Island, Richard Branson’s private island hideaway, to celebrate his 10th wedding anniversary with Victoria Beckham. And the best part? It only costs $51,000 a night to have the whole island to themselves.
 
Movies
Bale does light-lifting
 MOVIES. Christian Bale is more relaxed than usual, and with good reason. The heavy lifting in promoting his latest film, “Public Enemies,” falls to Johnny Depp. For once, the success or failure of the movie doesn’t rest on Bale’s shoulders. There’s no talk of on-set outbursts or franchise potential. And for that, he’s grateful — and cheerful.
 
Published 21:24, November the 1st, 2007
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Backseat driver supreme: Eaves confronts Carroll in “Brendan.” Backseat driver supreme: Eaves confronts Carroll in “Brendan.”
 

‘Brendan’ is gold at the end of the rainbow

REVIEW. The luck of the Irish is certainly with anybody smart enough to catch the Huntington Theatre Company’s production of “Brendan,” a warm, engaging comic tale of a young man’s immigration from Ireland to Boston.

Boston-based Irish playwright Ronan Noone has crafted a heartwarming look at the life of his title character, five years after the disastrous end of a bad relationship and strong encouragement from his overbearing mother forces him to make a fresh start in Boston.

As Brendan excitedly prepares for his citizenship, news from home changes everything in his simple, stable world of beer and classical music. With someone now looking over his shoulder, judging his every move, the shy awkward man is forced to make some changes or face the kind of bleak, lonely existence he left behind in his homeland.

Noone beautifully captures the essence of Boston with witty banter, delightful characters and enough local references to make even the crustiest Brahman sit up and take notice.

Alexander Dodge’s set immediately lets you know what city you’re in and still makes quick, clever transitions into Brendan’s living room, car and favorite watering hole.

But nothing captures the heart of this story quite like the stellar ensemble who give these lovable louts life. Dashiell Eaves is so charming as Brendan that you might just find yourself waiting at the stage door to take him out to the local pub for drinks after the show.

And local favorite Nancy Carroll is so convincing as his Irish mother that you’ll no doubt ask for her permission, though you probably won’t get it.

Ciaran Crawford also shines as Steveo, Brendan’s only friend in America, while Kelly McAndrew delivers more than the goods as good-time-girl Maria. Natalie Gold is perfect as his almost love interest, complete with the kind of awkward chemistry that fuels the romantic comedy genre.

Director Justin Waldman seems to have a solid understanding of what makes “Brendan” special and nicely captures its essence on stage.

Even the oft-used f-word sounds like music to your ears in this delightful Irish ditty, where you can’t help but root for the guy to get the girl.

You’ll have to see for yourself if he does.

“Brendan”
through Nov. 17th
Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA
527 Tremont St., Boston
MBTA: Orange Line to Back Bay
$15 to $50, 617-266-0800
www.huntingtontheatre.org

 
 
Music
MMMpod
The June edition of MMMpod features an interview with Perry Farrell on getting Jane's Addiction back together, as well as a talk with actor Ed Helms about his love/hate relationship with a capella music. We also have new music from Phoenix, Magic Magic, Lady Sovereign, and a classic from Booker T. & the MGs. As always, there's a chance to win a whole lot of free music.
 
 
Metro Life Panel
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