'Downhill': It's all Relative

Yet, in taking its uncertain path to some hoped for humanistic revelation, it seems like it'd be much happier if only it could jump the tracks from classically cerebral comedy to safely domesticized farce.

Letter: Quit Smoking for Heart Health

Letter: Quit Smoking for Heart Health

If you want to quit and tried in the past, don't give up. It often takes several tries before you quit for good. However, with planning and support, you can become tobacco-free.

'Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn': With a Title Like That, Who Needs a Subhead?

Look for metaphors aplenty amidst the stylishly swaggering showcase of feminine power, with equal shares of the lib and fatale varieties sprinkled throughout the hyperkinetic doings.

'Gretel & Hansel': Grimm Doings

Only film critics and moviegoers in whom hope springs eternal won't consider cutting their losses by exiting the theater as soon as it becomes obvious that "Gretel & Hansel" is a lost cause.

'Oscar & The Greatest Movie that Might Never get Made'

That night at the dining room table, I perceived an especially proud look on Mrs. O'Shaughnessy's face as she served up extra helpings of lamb stew, and all those in attendance jovially pitched in, barn raising style, to help me make my Oscar predictions.

Guest Column: Statement on Sentencing in Steele-Knudslien Murder

In the two years since we lost Christa, the community has rallied around her memory and inspiration.

'Dolittle': Physician, Heal Thy Self

Appropriating some sort of Scottish brogue, made even less audible by a muttering, offhanded delivery a la Popeye, it seemed as if this otherwise naturally glib actor was attempting to trademark his Dolittle with an obscure detachment analogous to Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow.

'Little Women': The Halberstadter Excuse

What could this Philistine of a male know about the trials and tribulations of the intrepid March sisters — Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy — and about sisterhood, feminism, devotion to family and the desire to have an identifying career in a stultifying society that believed a woman's place was in the home? In short, while I know, my genes dictate that I don't really know.

Veteran Spotlight: Giardina Rolled Across Europe

Enrico Giardina served his country in the European Theater in Army from 1944 to 1946. Drafted right out of Pittsfield High School at the age of 18, he was sent to boot camp at Fort McClellan in Alabama for infantry training.

'Uncut Gems': Frenetic: [fruh-net-ik] Filled With Excitement, Activity, or Confusion: Wild or Frantic

What is this aberration, this bizarre concoction of what the human experience can turn into when internal wires cross and hormones contraindicate? There is no propriety, no adhesion to accepted rules of society except under duress or threat of death.

Guest Column: Jesus Brought Hope to the Forgotten

In their poverty and despair, they had hearts that were open to the news that salvation had come to the world.

'Richard Jewell': All That Sparkles …

"Richard Jewell," director Clint Eastwood's skillfully told account of how a hero was turned into a scapegoat following the murderous bombing at the 1996 Olympics, stokes that greatest fear upon which our judicial system is based: that an innocent soul might be convicted of a crime.

'Dark Waters': 'They Were All My Sons'

Fact is, we've been poisoning humankind's well since first we learned how to make a profit out of it while concomitantly rationalizing, if bothering at all, that we'll worry about it later. Well, it's later.

'The Irishman': At 3 Hours & 29 Minutes, it all Depends

The organized mobster rationalizes that the above-ground world is a con and weighted against his ilk. Whereas, in the agency of the Mafia, the playing field is evened.

Letter: Will the Bell of Liberty Still Ring?

In recent times we have seen an all out effort to diminish freedom in America. We have seen the democratic process erode into a dictatorial presidency in which honor, humanity and dignity are forgotten words.

'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood': What This World Needs Now

We can't help but wonder what great spiritual providence has created this humanitarian. Yet, the more we marvel, the more we're convinced he is the real deal. Whatever the genesis, he is here to help.

'Ford v Ferrari': Or, Goliath v David

The red-blooded American portion of me, the part that in my youth soaked up John Wayne movies, was gratified by the spirit of director James Mangold's studiously executed "Ford v Ferrari." Rah, rah and all that good stuff.

Letter: Problematic Proposed Lenox Short-Term Rental Bylaw

A town can regulate the number of days a short-term rental may be utilized under the newly passed statute: but this additional restriction based on who owns the premises is a regulation of ownership and not use.

'Parasite': For Richer or Poorer

Expect no answer to the problem in this film but just a good old college try courtesy of Joon-ho Bong who, with co-writer Han Jin Won, astutely delves into the complex tapestry of the relationship between the landed and the impoverished.

Veteran Spotlight: Seaman Nichols Witness to History

Nichols was on duty on Sept. 2, 1945, and about 100 feet from the signing of the Japanese surrender document on the Missouri.

'Motherless Brooklyn': Yes, Collusion

If you're that particularly obnoxious sort who has to let everyone in the theater know your uncanny skill at guessing the plot, shh! But for my kindred spirits who, like me, can't figure these things out for the proverbial million dollars, you have to decide whether or not to trust that the director will ultimately tie things up in a manner that will win your satisfaction. I voted in the affirmative.

Letter: Blackmer Brings Expertise to City Council

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, I encourage everyone to vote for Lisa Blackmer for North Adams City Council.

Letter: Blackmer Has the Vision for City Council

Letter: Women's Political Caucus Endorses Blackmer, Harpin

These women are demonstrably fierce advocates for social justice and passionate, collaborative leaders. With their voices in City Hall, they will ensure a bright and thriving North Adams for all.