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Top 10 Best and Worst films of 2023

By
Justin Hall
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Barbie. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. The Boy and the Heron. All were terrific times at the movies in 2023, and yet they missed the list by that much.

On the other hand, DiCaprio, De Niro, and Scorsese hit another cinematic home run. Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves prove they’re still head and shoulders above the rest with their action-packed franchises. Plus, quite a few Oscar hopefuls dominated my list.

Then, there were a few massive stinkers in the form of superhero movies, horror movies without horror, and one action series that is the very definition of expendable.

Yes, it’s that time again when we close the curtain on another year and the films that defined it.

I saw 68 movies in 2023, and as usual, 10 of those made me grateful for my job; the other 10, not so much. Plus, like every year, I have included my picks for runner-up.

Without further ado, let the countdown begin!

Top 10 Best:

1. Oppenheimer
2. Air
3. Killers of the Flower Moon
4. John Wick: Chapter 4
5. Mission: Impossible- Dead Reckoning Part One
6. The Holdovers
7. Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant
8. Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret
9. Dream Scenario
10. The Iron Claw
Runner-up: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Top 10 Worst:

1. Consecration
2. Five Nights at Freddy’s
3. The Expend4bles
4. Insidious: The Red Door
5. The Nun II
6. The Exorcist: Believer
7. 65
8. Shazam! Fury of the Gods
9. Haunted Mansion
10. The Marvels
Runner-up: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

And that’s a wrap on 2023. Most of my 10 best list is available on streaming and physical media, with the exception of The Iron Claw, which is still in theaters.

As for my 10 worst lists, just go back to the best list.

Throughout this new year, you can count on Now Habersham for more of my reviews to help guide you on what to see and what to skip. Who knows? Maybe I can save you a few bucks.

Here’s wishing you a safe and happy New Year. I’ll see you AT THE MOVIES!

Bobbie Pritchett Smith

By
Now Habersham
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Bobbie Pritchett Smith, age 77, of Clarkesville, Georgia, took her Heavenly flight home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 01, 2024.

Born on January 19, 1946, in Stephens County, she was the daughter of the late John Henry & Ethel Whisnant Pritchett. She attended Toccoa High School and was a 1964 graduate of Tallulah Falls School. She married the love of her life, Thomas David Smith, on November 19, 1965. While their marriage lasted only 30 years, their love and friendship carried on until each of their last breaths.

Bobbie loved the Lord and was a member of Shirley Grove Baptist Church. A devoted mother and grandmother, there was nothing she treasured more on this earth than her family and friends. Her greatest joy was being Nanny to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and children of all ages, who stole her heart over the years. Bobbie was a strong, hard-working, and talented woman whose love knew no bounds. Her passions included working in her yards, bowling, Coca-Cola, teaching and encouraging everyone to tackle whatever task was at hand with determination and without hesitation, and loving on all animals and babies. She fiercely loved her family and friends and was quick to brag on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as her most prized blessings. She worked various careers over the years, from telephone operator, inspector, and painter to circuit board assembly, but her heart was in helping people. As a firefighter and first responder, she touched many lives and inspired others. She was a force to be reckoned with, an incredible spunk and spitfire, but also the most sincere, non-pretentious, kind and loving woman and friend.

In addition to her parents, Bobbie was preceded in death by her brothers, Chaffin Pritchett and Royce “Doc” Pritchett, and sister, Mildred Mosley.

She is survived by beloved daughters & sons-in-love, Jerri & Shawn Beasley and Kristi & Daniel Cross; sisters Bernice Waters of Gainesville and Betty Hamrick of Hoschton; grandchildren, Austin Bailey, Jordan Beasley, Logan Smith, Joby McClellon, Brittany Malner; great-grandchildren Kyah Beasley, Hunter-Lee Smith, Ashton-David Smith, Magnolia Womack & Lincoln Womack; as well as several nieces, nephews & cousins including special nieces, Sheryl Newkirk, Sharen Hall and Joann Mosley.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 05, 2024, at Shirley Grove Baptist Church, with Rev. Bill Gravley & Rev. Donald Grizzle officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 04, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org/donate.

An online guest registry is available for the Smith family at www.HillsideMemorialChapel.com.

Arrangements are in the care & professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens of Clarkesville, Georgia. (706) 754-6256

The backup plan

By
Nora Almazan
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I purchased a house this morning. I guess I should say, “a tropical dwelling,” in Playa La Barqueta Chiriqui, Panama. Fully furnished 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with an open floor plan. A spacious terrace overlooking a private beach and garden. There is an office, internet, and flowering vines growing wildly covering an arbor just outside the window. A perfect setting to continue my writing career. Less than a mile down the beach is a fish market, where fresh products are brought in daily. The blue skies, endless stretches of sandy white…

The Alarm

It was at this very moment that my alarm blared its 5:00 a.m. warning, and the sand between my toes disappeared to the reality of my bedroom. My feet are cold, the covers having been kicked off during the night. The temperature outside our Northeast Georgia home is 31 degrees, and the day ahead is going to be a tough one. A continuation of the season of life I am currently living.

We all have them. Dreams of a better, different life. No stress. Doing what we long to do. No issues. No heartaches. Somewhere in the mid-fifties, I think many people look at their lives and realize all the plans and thoughts from the 20s age group are not working out. At times it can be disheartening. We ask ourselves, “Is this what God intended for my life?” For some of us, the answer is yes and for others, the answer is no. So, how do we get from where we are to where we want to be?

Yellowstone National Park

One of my favorite vacations years ago was to Yellowstone National Park. The kids were young and fascinated with science and nature. Our guide was an extremely intelligent nuclear physicist who seemed to know a little bit about everything. He told me about the Lodgepole Pine Trees that grew throughout the forest. 70 feet in stature, these trees produce two types of cones (male and female). One spreads its seed regularly but the other, only in extreme temperatures. The hardness of its outer shell cannot be cracked open by animal teeth or hammers, only in temperatures of 113 to 140 degrees. “The backup plan,” he called it with a wink. After a fire, the cones burst open and the seeds rain down to replant for the future. I took one home as a reminder.

Bad things happen

In our lives, bad things happen – unexpected events – obstacles in our agendas – tragedies. Whether it is an illness, job loss, divorce, death of a family member, or a stupid decision on our part or someone else’s, we all have times when the jolt of what is before us is nothing like we dreamed it would be. But, God has a backup plan. Sometimes it isn’t easily seen and other times it rains down just like the seeds of the Lodgepole Pine.

So, what do we do to get where we need to be?

1. Determine what’s in your junk drawer. We all have them. That one drawer in the house where we cram things that we don’t know what to do with. The one place we look for those odd items in our lives. Your heart is no different, and there is some junk in it. Psalm 139:23, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.” God knows what’s in your junk drawer. Pray diligently that He shows you what’s there and what you need to throw out, never to return.

2. Who is in your life? My grandmother always said if you are with someone that you wouldn’t want to be with when the skies part and Jesus comes back, you need to reevaluate your friendships. People influence our actions. If the person you are spending time with is not someone you want to stand beside on judgment day, cut them loose.  Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Always ask yourself, is this person worthy of the time I am giving?

3. Know what prize you are seeking. Some of us spend endless amounts of time looking for something better only to realize we had what we wanted the entire time. 1 Corinthians 9:24, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” What exactly is the prize you wish to obtain? Money? A new car? Big House? or time with your kids? Is your family together and intact? Is your life pleasing to God? What and why are you running this race and what prize do you want at the end of it all?

4. Never give up the passions of your heart. They are there for a reason. Determine if they are God’s passions for you or placed there by worldly desires. If they are of God, never quit. If you don’t give up, God certainly won’t. Ephesians 1:9, “And He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.” Understanding God’s word will help you to identify the plans and passions He has for your life.

5. Put away your stick. We’ve all made mistakes. We’ve all disappointed those we love and they have disappointed us. We are sinners – hypocrites, gossipers, judgers – we have our agendas, and we want what we want. True repentance comes in the request for forgiveness, not just to God, but to those you have harmed. The key is, however, “Go and sin no more.” Don’t play games with God. I assure you, you will not win. Stop beating yourself up. Stop feeling sorry for the way things are in your life. Talk to God. Straighten it out with those around you and move on. The greatest tragedy of any life is a person who does not realize the intense love God has for him or her and the mercy and grace that follows someone who truly repents of sins. Remember, it is a daily act. There isn’t a person alive who can say at the end of the day, “I didn’t sin today!” Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace in time of need. ”

God has a BACKUP plan for your life. So, no worries. Take on 2024 with everything you’ve got. Happy New Year!

SEE ALSO

The resolution list

White County first responders to conduct school safety training exercise Jan. 3

By
Dean Dyer
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(Daniel Purcell/NowHabersham.com)

CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County Public Safety and the White County Board of Education have announced they will be conducting a full-scale training exercise on the morning of January 3.

The exercise will take place at Mount Yonah Elementary School off Duncan Bridge Road.

“The purpose of this exercise is to improve coordination and communication among public safety agencies and the school system,” says White County Public Safety Public Information Officer Bryce Barrett.

Training efforts such as this are meant to foster a more resilient and responsive community in times of emergencies.

Officials say residents should be aware there will be an increased presence of first response vehicles around the school during this exercise.

Scientists want you to report monarch butterfly sightings this winter

By
Sofi Gratas
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A monarch butterfly in a lab at the University of Georgia. (Sonia Altizer/UGA Odum School of Ecology)

As millions of monarch butterflies make their way toward Mexico for the winter, butterfly scientists want those in their flight path to report monarch sightings. That includes people in Georgia. Doing so can help these scientists answer critical questions about seasonal behavioral changes.

Last year, the migratory monarch was classified as an endangered species.

“We could be losing this migration pattern,” said Susan Meyers, a volunteer with Monarchs Across Georgia.

Although monarchs have been migrating thousands of miles south during the winter for centuries, and the majority still do, more monarchs are staying in the southern U.S. during the winter as it gets warmer.

“We don’t want them here during the winter,” Meyers said.

Because many of the butterflies that stick around end up reproducing when they’re not supposed to, largely due to the prevalence of non-native milkweed. Monarchs rely on milkweed as a food source and as a place to lay their eggs, and non-native varieties are less likely to die off during the winter.

More butterflies might sound like a good thing. But Sonia Altizer with the University of Georgia’s Odum School of Ecology and Project Monarch Health has evidence that winter breeding actually puts monarch populations at risk.

“The winter breeding behaviors are actually amplifying or accelerating the transmission of this debilitating parasite that infects monarchs,” Altizer said.

The protozoan parasite is called Ophryocystis elektroscirrha. Altizer’s research shows as much as 100% transmission of OE in some winter breeding colonies along the coast of Texas and Florida. It first infects adult butterflies, then caterpillars, and so on.

“They tend to have wing deformities,” Altizer said. “They live shorter as adults and they migrate less well.”

On the other hand, there has been evidence of some winter monarch colonies that miss their migration but also instinctually enter sexual diapause, a delay in reproduction function due to environmental conditions such as climate, like normal. Altizer is specifically interested in learning more about these groups.

“It’s this coastal overwintering that I think is super interesting and could be really important for monarch conservation and the persistence of monarch migration,” said Altizer.

These monarchs actually have less transmission of protozoan OE than some populations that do make it to Mexico, promoting healthy populations for spring breeding and, hopefully, future migration.

“I think places like Georgia and neighboring states are going to become increasingly important, and we need to pay attention to what’s happening to monarchs here and monarch habitats here,” Altizer said.

Meyers said it’s also important to pay attention when reporting a monarch sighting this winter.

“Are they just resting or roosting?” Meyers said. “Are they drinking nectar from flowers? Or are you seeing them mating?”

The biggest takeaway for monarch enthusiasts? Stop planting non-native milkweed.

“We want people to build habitat for monarchs and for pollinators, but that should be in the spring, summer and fall,” Meyers said.

Monarch sightings can reported through Journey North, while parasite testing kits are available through UGA’s Project Monarch Health.

This article comes to Now Habersham in partnership with GPB News

Brenda Faye Chitwood Garrett

By
Now Habersham
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Brenda Faye Chitwood Garrett, age 74, of Cornelia, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023.

Born on June 7, 1949, in Clarkesville, she was a daughter of the late Hubert Herman Chitwood and Wrighton MaudeLee Garner Chitwood. Mrs. Garrett worked as a cashier at Revco and CVS for many years before retiring. She enjoyed drawing, loved her family dearly, and was of the Church of God faith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles L. Garrett; brothers, Marion Chitwood and Aaron Chitwood; and sister, Janet Nations.

Survivors include her son, Matthew Garrett of Cornelia; daughter, Autumn Garrett Morris of Cornelia; grandchildren: Tori Garrett Martinez, Reyna Garrett Marsengill, Breezi Morris, Jesse Garrett, and Jonah Garrett; great-grandchild, Azayah Martinez; brother and sister-in-law, Danny Chitwood (Janice) of Clarkesville; sister, Quincy Lynn Blackburn of Athens; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 pm on Friday, January 5, 2024, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Pastor Michael Welborn and Rev. John Umberhant officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until the service hour on Friday at the funeral home.

Flowers are optional or donations, in Brenda’s memory, may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.

Mcgahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.

PupDates: Pets of the Week that got second chances in 2023

By
Staff Report
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It’s heartwarming to hear about organizations like Habersham County Animal Care and Control (HCACC) that are dedicated to providing second chances for animals in need. Second chances can make a significant difference in an animal’s life, offering them the opportunity to find a loving home and experience the care and compassion they deserve.

Animal shelters such as HCACC play a crucial role in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals that may have faced hardships or neglect. The staff’s commitment to giving these animals another chance at a happy and healthy life is commendable. Through their efforts, HCACC contributes not only to the well-being of individual animals but also to the overall welfare of the community.

Now Habersham is proud to team up with HCACC to bring you our weekly Pet of the Week feature. Here are just a few of the success stories from 2023:

Adam. Adam was originally adopted in 2018, but unfortunately, he was found roaming around Toccoa as a stray in July. We took him back and he spent 23 days looking for his new forever home. He was adopted in August and is doing fantastic in his new home.

(Click to scroll through the photos)

Bleu. Bleu was surrendered for adoption in May and spent 67 days in the shelter looking for his second chance. He was transported to a partnering rescue facility in July and was officially adopted on August 12th.

Charlie. Charlie was surrendered for adoption in October. He spent 31 days in the shelter searching for his new loving family. He was transported to a partnering rescue facility in November and is doing amazing in his new foster home.

Farley. Farley’s life started out pretty rough after he was abandoned on the side of the road in May. He waited 211 days for the perfect fit and, in early December, was finally adopted.

Lionel. Lionel was found roaming as a stray in July. He spent 51 days in the shelter and then found his perfect fit. Unfortunately, 6 weeks after being adopted, his owner passed away and no other family wanted him. Lionel came back to the shelter and spent another month before being adopted and was returned shortly after because he was too energetic. He is now being fostered by Limitless K9 while he goes through their board and train program. This was made possible by a generous donation by Dee and Donald Fordham.

Niko. Niko was brought to the shelter as a stray in October. He was transported to a partnering rescue facility after 36 days, where he was placed in a foster home. His foster family took him in while he waited for his forever home, but Niko was already at his forever home. They fell in love with him and adopted him.

Porkie. In early August, Porkie was dropped off at the shelter as a stray. He spent 80 days looking for his new home, and in October, he was finally adopted.

Prudence. Prudence’s story started after she was abandoned at the dog park. Despite her rough start, she remained the happiest girl. After 17 days, she found her perfect fit. Her new family says that adopting her was the best decision.

Rowdy. Rowdy was surrendered to the shelter in June after his owner passed away. He spent 24 days in the shelter, and in July, he was sent to a partnering rescue facility.

Tucker. Tucker came to the shelter as a stray in July. He spent 44 days in the shelter before being transported to a rescue in August. He was adopted in September.

For every animal represented here that has found a new home, there are many more still waiting for theirs. If you are considering becoming a pet owner in 2024 or if you are looking to add more pets to your family, please consider adoption and give a dog or cat in our community a second chance.

 

HCACC Director Madi Nix contributed to this article. It was written using assistive AI technology

‘Cherish’: My chosen word

By
Lynn Walker Gendusa
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My friend, Ricki, begins each new year with a word. Her chosen word reminds her to use the term in everything she faces in the coming year. Focus, trust, and thankfulness are a few she has selected over time.   Focus and pay attention to things that really matter in life. Trust God even when your mind doubts, and be grateful for all the blessings He bestows.

I have never been one to select only one word and try to incorporate it daily into my life. But this year, during the holidays, a single word popped into my mind, and it seems to be stuck like a song does occasionally in my brain.

The word is “cherish.”

Watching my family open their presents on Christmas morning, I realized how much I cherish such moments with my children and grandchildren.

Now a young college student, Avery, using humor, still counts her gifts under the tree as she did when she was five. Or the little ones, tearing open presents with wild abandon.  Five-year-old Weston, shouting, “I love this!” before he knew what was inside the box, brought unified laughter from the family. I adore the happiness, energy, and innocence that only a child can create.

When our hands joined in prayer as we gathered at the table, I became acutely aware of how deeply I adored God, who granted me such tremendous delight.

To treasure the people in our lives, the land we live upon, and the Lord who blessed us is vital to finding personal joy. And when we are joyful, we provide others with the gift of hope. If we cherish those who walk with us, we spread all manner of good things.

My innocence is long gone, and the wrinkles and occasional aches age brings are not so great, but the wisdom gained over the years is glorious. I wish I possessed it when I was younger, but I cherish what little I have today. I now notice all the small but essential things in life.

I am grateful for my age-disrupted body I dwell in because it still moves me around. I revive the youth in me when I attempt to keep up with the Weston’s and Avery’s in my world.

I do not fear telling those I love that I do because my voice will one day be silenced.  Putting aside past grievances is the only way to move forward in peace. I realize now that each day matters to someone other than me and that, for sure, God is present with us all.

According to Webster, to cherish means to hold dear, to keep or cultivate with care and affection. A synonym for the word is also “appreciate.”

More now than ever, the world needs loving cultivation. Honoring, cherishing, aiding, praying for, and supporting each other will comfort us and reap enormous benefits. To unify our people is what God wants and what we must do, regardless of what political stance we declare.

A friend’s son was stricken with a severe illness before Christmas. A GoFundMe account was established, and within a short time, the funds surpassed the goal and continued to grow. Those who unselfishly give cherish life.

Another friend is witnessing her precious husband losing his battle with cancer. Yet, she is joyful because she appreciates the time and abundant love the Lord gave them. Those who are thankful to God cherish life.

A child’s sorrow over a father’s abandonment ends when he returns home on Christmas day. Those who forgive cherish life.

These three examples are just a few of the millions of stories regarding God’s hands in our daily lives.

Goodness abounds, and if we unite around kindness and outreach, we will change the course of tomorrow.  We will do so for all the little ones who love the gift of life even before they know what it will bring.

We will cultivate more abundant love if we begin the new year focusing on such words as trust, thankfulness, and cherish.

And, if we speak of love and angels, we will not become as a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.*

Cherish and respect, give and forgive, and grow.

*Ref: Corinthians 1:13:1

_____

Lynn Walker Gendusa is a Georgia author and columnist. Her latest book is “Southern Comfort: Stories of Family, Friendship, Fiery Trials, and Faith.” She can be reached at www.lynngendusa.com. For more of her inspirational stories, click here.

Go West, young man: heading home

By
Tyler Penland
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In October, my father and I traveled west to view the ring of fire eclipse. I checked many things off my bucket list during the trip and got some fantastic photos. This is the last in a series of articles about that trip. For more in the series, click here.

Our final night in Colorado was spent near Cheyenne Mountain State Park.

The park lies at the foot of, not surprisingly, Cheyenne Mountain. The mountain is primarily known as the location of NORAD. The military base is built physically into the mountain via tunnels. The state park is squeezed in between Fort Carson and the NORAD complex but is quite beautiful in its own way.

Cheyenne Mountain from the entrance of Cheyenne Mountain State Park  (Photo by Tyler Penland)

One thing the park is well known for is its diverse wildlife. We were only there for a few hours of daylight between the evening and morning, but we managed to see some mule deer just after sundown that night.

Mule deer near the entrance of Cheyenne Mountain State Park (Photo by Tyler Penland)

Upon awakening the next morning to reveille being played very loudly at Fort Carson, we began packing. I quickly noticed a hot air balloon off in the distance. These extremely cool vehicles are quite common out west, where there are plentiful large, flat areas to fly them without risk of hitting trees.

We were visiting during the same time as the hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and I suspect that this guy had been down there for a visit. The harsh morning sunlight made photography difficult but it was quite fun to watch him rise up and down off in the distance.

A hot air balloon over the open plains near Fort Carson (Photo by Tyler Penland)

I had seen a couple of prairie dogs while driving into the park the night before but wasn’t able to get any photos. Fortunately, they were already out in full force as we made our exit from the park, and I managed to snag a couple of quick photographs of these adorable little animals.

A prairie dog in the classic upright pose (Photo by Tyler Penland)

The prairie dogs had burrows dug all over, including right next to the roadway.

This little guy was protecting its den from us as we drove by, as evidenced by its posture covering up the hole. It was ready for a quick getaway in case we were predators.

A prairie dog guarding its den from my camera and myself (Photo by Tyler Penland)

After several hours spent driving to the Denver Airport, it was sadly time to head back east.

While landing back in Charlotte, we had the pleasure of seeing the sunset above the clouds. It was an experience like none other.

Getting good photographs through dirty plane windows is difficult, but I did the best I could. I think I managed to capture the beauty quite well, given the circumstances.

Suffice it to say, no photograph could ever capture just how incredible it is to witness this in person.

The sunset as seen from the airplane landing in Charlotte (Photo by Tyler Penland)

And so, our journey to view the eclipse and the great American West had come to an end. After visiting multiple national parks, monuments, and state parks, it was time for the drive back home.

“Go West, young man, and grow up with the country” was a popular phrase in the nineteenth century. It became the motto for westward expansion and a call to adventure that I answered: I’m certainly glad that I did.

The Boys in the Boat

By
Justin Hall
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First, it was The Iron Claw. Then it was Ferrari. Now The Boys In The Boat completes the trifecta of movies based on true stories for the holiday season. The best thing I can say about The Boys In The Boat is that it’s handsomely made. The worst I can say is that it’s consistently bland.

From the novel of the same name by Daniel James Brown, the movie takes place in 1936 at the University of Washington and centers around the rowing team that is vying to get a spot at that year’s Olympic games.

The movie focuses on a few of the teammates rather than the team as a whole. Callum Turner plays Joe Rantz, a student on the team who is in trouble of losing his place at the school due to outstanding debts. Of course, he finds a way to counter that and falls in love with a girl (Hadley Robinson).

Joel Edgerton plays the coach Al Ulbrickson who dominates the boys’ will to win with an iron fist, but they also have a nurturing presence in the form of their builder George Pocock (Peter Guinness). He gives out Yoda-like sentiments to encourage the boys.

The rowing scenes aren’t very exciting in this movie, but Clooney dodges around that thanks to some quick editing by Tanya M. Swerling that gives the scenes a little oomph.

There are no surprises nor even the tiniest hint of suspense in The Boys In The Boat because we know more or less what the inevitable outcome will be, but Clooney knows how to make this film look and feel old-fashioned, which has its advantages and disadvantages.

Clooney has had a checkered record when it comes to his directorial efforts. For every Good Night, and Good Luck, there’s also a Leatherheads or a The Monuments Men. Sadly, this one falls into the latter.

The Boys In The Boat is well-intentioned, but ultimately it’s far too dull and predictable for me to recommend.

It doesn’t even come close to earning even a bronze medal.

Grade: C+

(Rated PG-13 for language and smoking.)

 

Lions drop 91-86 contest at Birmingham-Southern

By
Danielle Percival
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(Photo by Logan Creekmur)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Piedmont University men’s basketball team was in a battle Saturday against Birmingham-Southern, with the Panthers emerging victorious 91-86.

There were 17 lead changes in this back-and-forth battle, but in the end, the Panthers were able to convert inside the final 30 seconds.

With just under 30 seconds remaining Piedmont trailed by four, looking for Bailey Wiseman on the wings. Ryan Jolly was able to drive the lane and cut the lead to two with 16 seconds to play.

A quick foul put the Panthers on the line and both fell for BSC, proving to be the difference and put this one away. The Lions missed a 3-pointer on the ensuing possession while BSC hit 1-of-2 from the line to seal the five-point victory.

In the first half, Piedmont trailed by as many as 15 but cut it to seven at the half to trail 40-33. The Lions tied it up at 40 out of the half and claimed the lead with 16:40 remaining.

Piedmont increased its lead to seven 57-50 with 12:30 on the clock, but from that point on, momentum swung in favor of the Panthers. Piedmont regained the lead inside the final four minutes of play but was unable to close it out.

Up next, the Lions will head to Greensboro College to face the Pride on Tuesday, January 2 at 4 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
–Birmingham-Southern was able to outscore Piedmont 8-2 down the stretch for the victory.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
–Ryan Jolly led Piedmont with 20 points while Fisher Darden added 19.
–BSC’s Jay Gillespie put up impressive numbers with 24 points and 21 rebounds against the Lions.

NEWS AND NOTES:
–In total, there were 17 lead changes and 11 ties in the game.

Lions rebound with 76-51 rout over Worcester State

By
Joseph Garwood
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(Photo by Logan Creamer)

DEMOREST, Ga. – The Piedmont women’s basketball team snapped its losing streak with a 76-51 win on Saturday afternoon at Cave Arena.

Playing their final game of 2023, the Lions used a strong defensive first half to jump out to an early lead and never look back, ending nonconference play on a high note.

Once again, it was a balanced scoring attack from Piedmont, as 14 different players found the scoring column. The group was led by a pair of seniors, as Ashley Scott scored a team-high 13 points on 3-of-6 from beyond the arc while adding three steals and three rebounds. She was joined in double figures by Laken Stiles, who delivered 12 points with a team-best four assists.

The Lancers led once during the game, at 3-2, before Piedmont slowly took control.

Leading by four going into the second quarter, the Lions stepped up their defense, holding Worcester State to just seven points in the second quarter to lead 32-20 at the break.

Piedmont was able to push the lead to 42-25 early in the third quarter before the Lancers fought back to make it a single-digit game at 42-33 thanks to an 8-0 run. However, after a Piedmont timeout, the Lions were able to extend their lead to 48-34 going to the final quarter.

The fourth quarter saw the Lions blitz the Lancers and erase all doubt, with a 9-2 run early in the period with a Scott three-pointer and multiple free throws from Stiles. Piedmont led by as many as 27 points in the final quarter, coasting to the victory.

Up next, the Lions are set to begin CCS conference play, hosting LaGrange on Friday, Jan. 5 at 5 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
– Piedmont held the Lancers to just seven points in the second quarter to build a double-digit lead and take control of the contest.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
– Scott delivered a breakout game, scoring 13 points on 3-of-6 from downtown.
– Freshman Alexandria Willis totaled eight points on 4-of-5 shooting while grabbing seven rebounds.

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