December 21, 2000

Cover Story
A one-man 'Cast'
Two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks reteams with Forrest Gump director Robert Zemeckis to stretch his acting chops in profound ways -- not the least of which is being the sole face on camera for more than an hour.

Film
It's a wonderful 'Family'
Nicolas Cage and Tea Leoni deftly navigate a tale of alternative worlds that draws its theme from movies like Frank Capra's classic It's a Wonderful Life.

'Chocolat' doesn't quite satisfy
A tempting cast includes Oscar winners Juliette Binoche and Judi Dench. But the story lacks the sensual abundance and cohesiveness of better movies that used food as metaphors.

A beauty of a film for Bullock
Sandra Bullock is engaging as a tomboy FBI agent who must transform herself into a beauty pageant contestant in Miss Congeniality.

Also in Theaters
All the moussed-up boy bands in the world still can't hold a flickering lighter to the Beatles.

Family Movie Guide
The Family Movie Guide should be used along with the Motion Picture Association of America rating system for selecting movies suitable for children.

Persall's Top Five
Recent releases recommended by Times film critic Steve Persall

Video
Stunning imagery in 'The Cell'
Jennifer Lopez and director Tarsem Singh have created a fantastic-looking movie. But that doesn't make it entertaining.

TimeOut
Take a break from the chores
Looking for something to do now that the holiday baking, decorating and shopping are done? (Ho ho ho!) Okay, searching for a break from all that?

Night Life
Under 21 Dance Jam back for winter break
The "under" in Under 21 Dance Jam is emphasized during teen night at Club Joy on Tuesday and Jan. 2.

The amazing Matzoh Ball
This year, the Jewish Community Center's peripatetic party lands in one of Ybor City's wilder bars.

What are you doing New Year's Eve?
As the year 2000 comes to a close, there are plenty of events celebrating the dawning of 2001. Check out what is going on in Tampa New Year's Eve:

Get Away
Holiday outings for the whole family
Holiday events around Tampa:

Hanukkah's bright lights
Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, will be celebrated with dinners, carnivals, gift sales and the lighting of menorahs. The eight-day holiday, which begins tonight at sundown, recalls when Jewish soldiers recaptured the Holy Temple and lit a flame that burned for eight days with one day's supply of oil.

Get Away: Ticket Window
Down the road

Shop
Bright blessings
Today marks the winter solstice, the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere, the start of winter. Many cultures, religious and pagan, observe candlelit ceremonies.

Stage
Celebrating Anderson, from Pops to classical
Among the strong offerings on TV is a documentary on Leroy Anderson of Sleigh Ride fame.

Christmas for the naughty
A Faerie Scary X-Mass at La Femme Buvette on Friday in Ybor City promises to turn the holiday on its head.

Stage: On the horizon
Quartet -- The DaPonte String Quartet plays an all-Beethoven program Jan. 2 at Eckerd College. $10 and $15.

Stage: Hot Ticket
Big shows hit town

Pop
Have yourself an edgy little Christmas
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra's sold-out concerts offer carols that blend rock and symphonic sensibilities.

Pop: Hot Ticket
Elvira's boys are back

Team Pop Trivia
THIS WEEK'S WINNER: Rocky Zacchero of Dunedin knew that Jefferson Airplane singer Grace Slick performed in blackface on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour television show in 1968.

Art
'Songs' and sculpture an enlightening combination
The works of two nationally recognized artists are showing at the Gulf Coast Museum of Art. "The Songs of Maybelle Stamper" and "Robert Huff: Form in Steel and Bronze" both invite the viewer to explore new ways of seeing and thinking.

Art: Best bets
Art critic Mary Ann Marger's recommendations for this weekend. Please refer to the Art Calendar for details.

Art: Hot Ticket
Illuminating the past

Dine
Pacific Wave finding its way
Downtown St. Petersburg's new Pan-Asian restaurant boasts a chic setting and polished service, but the exotic flavors don't always come together.

Side dish
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