by David Treadwell
Coastal Journal contributor 

The setting is a living room in a British vicarage. The décor is tasteful, refined, proper. A cozy brown couch, a comfortable red leather chair, an easy-to-access bar over to the left. A chandelier. Billowy curtains. Three doors: The glassed one in the center opens out into a garden; the two on the right are just simple doors. Music evoking the World War II era plays in the background.

Then, just as the music stops, a cockney maid with an attitude enters from one of the doors at the right and the fun begins. For the next 90 minutes (plus a brief intermission), the audience is treated to a rollicking farce filled with all manner of goings on. People entering and leaving at just the right (or wrong) moment; people falling over couches or passing out on floors or in the arms of someone else; visitors donning clerical attire, often for nefarious reasons, or a vicar running around in his underwear; a glass of sherry (or two or three) being downed (or poured down someone else’s throat) and, to be sure, constantly changing identities.

by Kurt Frost
Special to the Coastal Journal

BATH — The following DVDs are now available at River Bottom Video in Bath, located at 221 Water St., next to the rear entrance for Reny's.

"Everything Must Go" (dir: Dan Rush) Some people are so sick of Will Ferrell that they won't even give this a chance. It has been five years since his last attempt at a serious-ish role in "Stranger Than Fiction," but with co-stars such as Glen Howerton ("It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"), things are bound to cause a few laughs. So he lives on his front lawn for awhile...what is it, filmed in New Orleans? Too Soon?

Jodie Foster and Mel Gibson in "The Beaver"by Kurt Frost
Special to the Coastal Journal

BATH — The following DVDs are now available at River Bottom Video in Bath, located at 221 Water St., next to the rear entrance for Reny's.

"The Beaver" (dir: Jodie Foster) With great anticipation have I been waiting for the first movie Mel Gibson is in without physically torturing himself. Mel won't let you off the hook that easy...this time it's emotional torture. First time I saw the trailer I thought it was some sort of joke. Jodie Foster directed this wonderful little gem which will sure to make you laugh, or cry...or torture yourself.

"Blitz" (dir: Elliott Lester) The time for another mediocre action film about cops vs. robbers starring Jason Statham is here. Rated R for "Strong Brutal Violence," it's probably a safe bet to steer clear of this one if you don't want to have violent nightmares. Isn't anybody going to tell Statham to cut it out already...do his "Kindergarten Cop" or his "Junior" and just settle down before taking on the position of California's Governor?

"The Greatest Movie Ever Sold" (dir: Morgan Spurlock) There is a divide between people who like Morgan Spurlock, and people who don't...except for me, because I could care less. However, anytime someone takes on opportunity to pull the wool over those fat cat's eyes and make them look like fools...I'm all about it. Fool me once, shame on – shame on you. Fool me – you can't get fooled again.