Latest news with #GrumpyOldMen
Edmonton Journal
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Edmonton Journal
Review: A brilliant pair of performances shine in Teatro's The Odd Couple
One's messy while the other is tidy. One's bad with money, while the other has a keen eye for budgeting. One is loud and outspoken while the other is neurotic and demure. They are The Odd Couple. Article content It's both the final Teatro Live! production of the year, and the smash Broadway hit turned 1968 Hollywood classic starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. Thankfully, the new show navigates around the dated jokes, steers clear of cliches and comes through with a fresh and hilarious look at the lives of a pair of divorcees. Article content Article content The setting is New York in 1965, a time when a pair of grown men living together would have been seen as odd. Oscar, living on his own while his ex-wife has decamped to California with their children, hosts the Friday night poker game in his empty eight-bedroom apartment. Article content Article content Felix is late, uncharacteristic for their normally punctual and uptight friend. It turns out he has separated from his wife of 12 years, and after consoling him and calming him down, Oscar agrees to give him a place to stay. Article content It doesn't take long for the friction between the neat and tidy Felix to grate against the carefree and slovenly Oscar. Felix is constantly cleaning, picking up, tidying and generally making a nuisance of himself. Oscar doesn't care about the little details, about bills, about alimony payments to his wife, about how dinner is made. 'Spoon? You ignoramus, it's a ladle!' Felix shouts at him after a disagreement about dinner and cooking utensils. Article content Article content Alexander Ariate has incredible stage presence as Felix Unger, a thousand-watt smile lighting up the stage when he's happy and his frustration bursting out when things go south. He takes on a slight accent for the role, mild enough that it remains charming throughout. Think Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head in the Toy Story franchise. Article content Article content Andrew MacDonald-Smith plays his opposite, the ever tidy and uptight Felix Unger. He puts on a veritable clinic of slapstick comedy, nailing comedic timings and able to pull a laugh with just an expression. Article content The entire cast is great, from Kristin Johnston and Jenny McKillop as the sultry Pigeon sisters to the great group of supporting poker buddies of Mat Busby, Oscar Derkx, Bernardo Pacheco and Garrett Ross. But Ariate and MacDonald-Smith have done such an incredible job with their roles that they challenge even the greats of Lemmon and Matthau. I'd love to see this pair remake Grumpy Old Men.
Extra.ie
3 days ago
- General
- Extra.ie
Maybe we like the misery - The enduring popularity of the 'miserable git'
What does happiness look like? You could say that the answer is different for everybody. Some people find joy in the simple everyday things in life like a sunny day, a walk in nature, having enough money to live well and being healthy as a cricket. And then there are the other types. We all know them. The ones who seem to be miserable all the time, even if they have all of the good things in life. The Mrs Doyle character from Father Ted, who famously once said 'Maybe I like the misery' epitomises certain people, although her character was funny, she still managed to be a bit miserable about life in general. She did have Father Jack to contend with I suppose. What does happiness look like? You could say that the answer is different for everybody. Pic: Channel 4 A poem by the poet 'John Cooper Clarke' comes to mind where he describes that kind of person, the ones who are like a grey cloud descending, a 'miserable git' … 'Like a death at a birthday party, you have to spoil the fun, Like a sucked and spat out smartie you're no use to anyone' I've heard certain people described as the kind that would 'prefer to curse the darkness, than light a candle'. The movie Grumpy Old Men springs to mind, with the two old characters in that film epitomising what it means to be a cantankerous old so and so. The big blue eyed cat known as Grumpy, went viral for his face that looked perpetually cross. The Grinch also comes to mind for his 'loathe entirely' speech. We love them, in spite of their cantankerous personalities. he big blue eyed cat known as Grumpy, went viral for his face that looked perpetually cross. The Grinch also comes to mind for his 'loathe entirely' speech. We love them, in spite of their cantankerous personalities. Pic: Facebook/Grumpy Cat The book 'Are you a miserable old git', by Andrew John and Stephan Blake sums it up rather brilliantly, the book was published in 2006 but still reads very true to this day, and while it doesn't actively endorse being a grump, it still sees some value in that particular type of individual, if only comedic value. They say, 'Whether wielding the sly insult or offering direct contempt, pouring the coldest of water on the grandest of plans or spoiling the happiest of days, or else simply groaning and grumbling in the background in counterpoint to the cheerful bustle of lesser mortals' lives, the commentary of the grump adds wit and savour to everyday existence'. Such a colourful description almost makes one want to aspire to grumpiness, but then you would be lumped into that esteemed list of narky characters like Winston Churchill, W.C. Fields, and Groucho Marx. I've heard certain people described as the kind that would 'prefer to curse the darkness, than light a candle'. Pic: Ron Batzdorff/Imagine Ent/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock The authors go on to say; 'The world has always produced its share of grumpy, moody, grouchy, pessimistic, world-weary, cynical and curmudgeonly types. This marvellous menagerie of moaners will be sure to brighten your day, for the truth is – whether we're laughing with them or at them – miserable old gits are funny!' But while there is a certain humour in listening to a moaning Minnie, it does get tiresome after a while, it has a very short shelf life of usefulness, before it becomes wearisome and difficult to listen to. One of the worst traits of a cranky person can be holding grudges. These people can hold onto a grudge for years, or decades, never speaking of, or to, the person, who is probably totally unbothered by the fact that you don't like them, or have a 'bone to pick' with them, or something you are not willing to let go of. This is always only damaging to the person holding the grudge, as a wise old sage once said 'Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die' Worth a smile at least.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sonnen's Pet Shop, among city's oldest stores, closes after over 130 years downtown
After more than 130 years in downtown St. Paul and 91 under the ownership of the Sonnen family, Sonnen's Pet Shop, one of the city's oldest retail stores, has quietly closed. Second-generation owner David Sonnen, 81, has retired, and the last day for the store — a tiny alcove in the historic Hamm Building that sold birds, fish and other animal accessories — was in May. Up until its final days, the store famously looked nearly identical to how it had in decades past. But the city around it had changed, David Sonnen said, and downtowns in St. Paul and elsewhere simply no longer serve the same purpose they once did, as a city's main retail hub. 'When I think back 20 or 30 years ago, it was just constant people, all day long, walking back and forth,' he said. 'They came down to go shopping. Everything was down here. But then, of course, the (suburban shopping centers) came and people started going to those, and the online stuff now. Times have changed.' The business first began in the 1890s as an animal and seed store near what's now the corner of Cedar Street and Kellogg Boulevard, and moved several times. In 1934, amid the Great Depression, the then-owner's widow told young employee Louis Sonnen he could either buy the store or be out of a job. He took up her offer, renamed the store, stopped selling the cats and dogs he found smelly and, during World War II, moved the store to its longtime Hamm Building location. David Sonnen officially took over operations in the 1970s but his father, who died in 2001, remained active in the business. 'I liked being downtown, I liked the atmosphere and I liked taking care of the birds and the fish,' David Sonnen said. 'If things were better (downtown), I'd stay, because it was fun, and I grew up with it. But it just got to a point where it wasn't worth it anymore.' As for why David Sonnen decided to close the store rather than finding a new owner, all his kids pursued different career paths, and he felt it 'wouldn't be fair for somebody to buy the place when it isn't in a location that's any good anymore and you can't make a living at it,' he said. During its heyday, though, the store attracted not only everyday shoppers but the occasional celebrity, too. Jack Lemmon would stop in to buy dog food while shooting 'Grumpy Old Men' in the 1990s, David Sonnen said. As for David Sonnen himself, he now has more time to take care of projects around the house, he said. He doesn't currently have any pets at home, though, he said with a laugh. Expect traffic headaches Saturday with protest, sports, music, I-94 closure Twin Cities transit: The B Line replaces the Route 21 on Saturday MN Legislature: Xcel Energy Center shut out of bond funding for renovations World's largest woodturning expo comes to RiverCentre this weekend St. Paul Downtown Development Corp. seeks to acquire Alliance Bank Center
Belfast Telegraph
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Go shooter!': Happy Gilmore star surprises staff during Cliffs of Moher visit
Hollywood actor Christopher McDonald, best known as Shooter McGavin in Happy Gilmore, delighted Doolin Ferries staff while touring the Cliffs of Moher. A Hollywood actor has been spotted exploring the west of Ireland this week as he surprised staff onboard a ferry headed to one of its most famous tourist spots. Doolin Ferries staff were starstruck at the sighting of Happy Gilmore actor Christopher McDonald as he hopped onboard for the Cliffs of Moher boat tour over the weekend. The actor, known for his role as Shooter McGavin in the hit Adam Sandler movie, was all-too-happy to pose with staff for a photo as they were clearly over the moon at the encounter. Sharing a photo on social media, the ferry company said the team gave Christopher a warm welcome onboard as they wrote: 'It's not every day you meet a Hollywood actor! 'Doolin Ferry's Liam, Adrian and Niamh gave a warm welcome to Christopher McDonald, who played the villainous, professional golfer, Shooter McGavin in the comedy Happy Gilmore. 'He joined the Doolin Ferry boat tour beneath the Cliffs of Moher, enjoying the spectacular views of Ireland's most famous natural attraction.' News Catchup - Monday 5th May Fans of the film were clearly delighted at the photo as one commented: 'Go shooter!' McDonald has been in many high-profile Hollywood movies over the years, including Thelma and Louise, Grumpy Old Men, Quiz Show, Perfect Storm and About Last Night.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sunday Boredom Busters: March 9th
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) — The Summit League Basketball Championships wrap up today in Sioux Falls. The action starts at 3 p.m. at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center with the women's title game. That's followed by the men's championship game at 8 p.m. The Watertown Home Show features more than 10-thousand square feet of exhibits and prize giveaways. It's taking place at the Codington County Extension Complex and include kid areas. The hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5, free for ages under 18. It's still skiing and snowboarding season at Terry Peak. The Black Hills Ski Team is hosting races beginning at 9 a.m. MT with a giant slalom. Terry Peak is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open indoor skating at the SCHEELS IcePlex in Sioux Falls goes from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults and $7 for children. Skate rentals are $4. Sip, savor and vote in the Mash Madness drink competition in downtown Sioux Falls. Categories include craft beers, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverage creations at 29 participating businesses. Mash Madness runs through the end of the month. Explore Sioux Falls and South Dakota history courtesy of Siouxland Heritage Museums. The Old Courthouse Museum located downtown and the Pettigrew Home and Museum, in the Cathedral District, are both open from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Movies playing at the historic State Theater in downtown Sioux Falls include Grumpy Old Men, Raging Bull and Madagascar. The Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium at the Washington Pavilion features T-Rex, Mars: The Ultimate Voyage and 3-2-1 Liftoff. New movie releases playing at a theater near you include Rule Breakers, rated PG and Mickey 17, rated R. The Palace Theatre in Luverne, MN is showing Paddington in Peru, rated PG. Showtime is 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for children. The Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $15.50 for adults, $11.50 for children and free for ages under two. The Butterfly House & Aquarium in Sioux Falls is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $11 for children and free for ages under two. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
