R-Ladies

This month we’ll be reading Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

Based on the novel Roadside Picnic, it is NO picnic, but rather one of the masterpieces of world cinema. Andrei Tarkovsky's 1979 Soviet sci-fi classic, recounts the expedition of a writer and professor led by a mysterious guide called "The Stalker." to a futuristic wasteland called "The Zone." Dripping with existential dread, it continually presents strange occurrences that will have us debating the meaning of what we've just viewed right through the ending. *Stalker* (1979) can be streamed for free on HBOMax, the Criterion Channel or Kanopy. It's also available for rent on Amazon Prime and AppleTV. The Columbus Library has two copies on disc.

Dodgeball is back again! If you’ve been wanting to come out, this is an easy one to join. We’ll be playing for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you do not need to bring any equipment, and no experience is needed. We use a specific set of rules and equipment to make the games run better and keep them fun for everybody, not just people who already know how to play. If it rains, the event will be canceled.

\*\*THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL CMG EVENT AND WILL NOT BE HOSTED. JUST A COOL EVENT FOR THOSE WHO MAY BE INTERESTED \*\* Join fellow film fans for a CMG Bonus Opportunity: a special 35th anniversary screening of HOOK featuring a Q&A and in-depth storytelling experience with acclaimed screenwriter James V. Hart. The HOOK screening will take place at the Columbus Museum of Art starting at 1pm followed by the Screenwriter Q&A! Cost is just $10 but limited availability to RSVP ASAP if you'd like to attend! Here are details, a trailer and plan for this event! MOVIE DESCRIPTION: This 1991 fantasy-adventure classic follows an adult Peter Pan who has forgotten his childhood. In his new life, he is known as Peter Banning, a successful lawyer who neglects his wife and their two children. When his old archenemy, Captain Hook, kidnaps his children, he returns to Neverland to save them. The film serves as a sequel to J.M. Barrie’s classic novel. It is directed by Steven Spielberg, written by James V. Hart, and stars Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, Julia Roberts, Bob Hoskins and Maggie Smith! Keep an eye out for smaller roles from a young Gwyneth Paltrow and musician Phil Collins! The film is not just a beloved classic, it was also nominated for 5 Academy Awards! TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-vwgt8cwEM EVENT DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a special 35th Anniversary screening of the beloved classic, HOOK. And to make the event extra special, stay after the screening for a live Q&A with acclaimed screenwriter James V. Hart, the writer behind Hook, Contact, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and more. This is a unique opportunity to experience a beloved film and hear directly from the writer behind it. Attendees will gain insight into the creative process, storytelling craft, and the journey from script to screen. Cost is just $10….but space is limited! RSVP: This will be an UNHOSTED EVENT. No host will be present. Just a cool opportunity and a fun event for those interested and able to attend! Your RSVP here just let's others know you’re going! Keep an eye out for one another or post your location to link up while you're there! To attend, click the link below and register for tickets (just $10): https://greatercolumbusartscouncil.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F47799 Enjoy, Dan

**This event is 2:30 - 4 pm Sunday.** Conversation tends toward intermediate/advanced, but everybody is welcome. If you come and don't see us right away, keep looking. We could be anywhere in the restaurant. Or out on the patio.

Ready to practice your French in a relaxed, friendly setting? Join us for our next language circle! This informal session is designed for local learners of all levels—whether you are just starting out with "Bonjour" or looking to polish your conversational skills. We will have light discussion prompts, fun icebreakers, and plenty of opportunities to chat and connect with fellow language lovers in the neighborhood. - **Cost:** Completely Free! - **Refreshments:** Complimentary snacks and drinks will be provided to keep the conversation flowing. - **What to bring:** Just your curiosity, enthusiasm, and a desire to learn! Spaces are limited to keep the conversation engaging, so please RSVP to secure your spot. We can't wait to meet you! À bientôt !

Join us as we get together for a CAPA Summer Movie event to see the romantic, funny, heartwarming, feel-good classic, PRETTY WOMAN! Julia Roberts and Richard Gere star in this modern-day fairy-tale romance! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: A wealthy corporate raider hires a Hollywood escort as his date for a week of high-society business events. But what starts as a business transaction blossoms into genuine love, challenging both of their lives and leading to an unexpected romance. The film is directed by Garry Marshall and stars Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Héctor Elizondo, Ralph Bellamy (in his final performance), Laura San Giacomo and Jason Alexander. MINI TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-JghOdhAwc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-JghOdhAwc) SHORT BONUS CLIP #1 - DIRECTOR GARRY MARSHALL Recalls Famous Scenes from the Film: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpIMOzieGPs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpIMOzieGPs) SHORT BONUS CLIP #2 - RICHARD GERE on the Film’s Impact all these years later: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0T3O94dAA8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0T3O94dAA8) SHORT BONUS CLIP #3 - JULIA ROBERTS Remembers a Gift from Director Garry Marshall: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ4AZSjbMsA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ4AZSjbMsA) BUZZ & ACCLAIM: A huge box office hit at the time of its release, PRETTY WOMAN has since gone on to become a modern-day classic! The film catapulted Julia Roberts to superstardom and earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress and her first Oscar nomination! Critics praise Julia Roberts’ star-making performance, the undeniable chemistry between her and Richard Gere, and its warm, funny feel-good story about kindness, self-worth and transformation! The film’s “intelligence and wit,” “first-class performances” and “sharp, funny script” have made Pretty Woman a classic and truly “something special!” THE OHIO THEATRE: The Ohio Theatre is located at 39 E. State Street, between 3rd and High Streets, across the street from the Ohio Statehouse. From classical music to modern dance, yearly family traditions to hot concerts, the world’s best artists come to the 2,791-seat, historic Ohio Theatre. The breathtaking details (including the 21-foot-high chandelier!) of its opulent, Spanish-Baroque architecture make any night at the Ohio Theater an event to remember! PRE-SHOW ENTERTAINMENT: Now celebrating his 33rd year as featured organist for the CAPA Summer Movie Series, Clark Wilson will again provide pre-show entertainment at the keyboards and controls of the Ohio Theatre’s treasured “Mighty Morton” theatre organ 30 minutes prior to each screening. PARKING: Parking is available at Columbus Commons Parking Garage off 3rd or Rich Streets or in Statehouse Parking Garage off 3rd Street. You can find out more about parking in Downtown Columbus by visiting the Downtown Columbus website. PLAN: Purchase your ticket for the 7:30pm showing and we’ll meet outside the theater between 6:50 and 7:00pm. We’ll head in at 7pm to get good seats and enjoy the pre-show organ music! TICKETS: Tickets just $6 adult / $5 senior! Parking is available under the Capital building, in the nearby garage, or on the nearby streets. You can purchase your ticket at the box office on the day of the event or online here: [https://www.capa.com/capa-summer-movie-series/](https://www.capa.com/capa-summer-movie-series/) Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Be prepared for an entirely different type of sci-fi movie! Unofficially, the second movie in director Lars von Trier's "Depression Trilogy," 2011 Melancholia depicts the events that occur before a rogue planet is about to collide with the earth. Considered by many to be a masterpiece, the film was included in BFI's 2022 Sight and Sound Poll of the greatest movies of all time. It is available at the library as well as on Kanopy.

Wild Thursday: THE INVITE on Thursday, July 9th at Cinemark Polaris! Join us as we get together to see the spicy and hilarious comedy-drama-romance from A24, THE INVITE! The film stars Olivia Wilde (who also directs) along with Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton, and follows a dinner party that spirals into unexpected places! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Joe and Angela's marriage is on thin ice. When they invite their enigmatic upstairs neighbors for a dinner party, the night spirals into unexpected places. The film is an English language remake of the Spanish film The People Upstairs by Cesc Gay. It is directed by Olivia Wilde, who also stars alongside Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The Invite premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and sparked an immediate bidding war to acquire it! The film is earning a 93% positive rating with critics calling it, “marvelously entertaining” and “endlessly relatable, sometimes uncomfortably so!” Others call it, “a smart, sophisticated and incisively acted” comedy “with plenty to say and even more laughs to share.” TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ19I9q_hOQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ19I9q_hOQ) PLAN: Details for this event have already been confirmed! Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and we’ll meet in the lobby area between 6:20 and 6:30pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments below. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**Our July novel is: *Listen for the Lie* by Amy Tintera** **This month’s novel was named one of the best books of 2024. It’s a domestic thriller with crime, mystery, and murder, told from women’s perspectives. The story includes a detective, an unreliable narrator, and plenty of suspense. The book is 352 pages in print and 9 hours and 18 minutes on audiobook.** What if you thought you murdered your best friend? And if everyone else thought so too? And what if the truth doesn't matter? After Lucy is found wandering the streets, covered in her best friend Savvy’s blood, everyone thinks she is a murderer. Lucy and Savvy were the golden girls of their small Texas town: pretty, smart, and enviable. Lucy married a dream guy with a big ring and an even bigger new home. Savvy was the social butterfly loved by all, and if you believe the rumors, especially popular with the men in town. It’s been years since that horrible night, a night Lucy can’t remember anything about, and she has since moved to LA and started a new life. But now the phenomenally huge hit true crime podcast "Listen for the Lie," and its too-good looking host Ben Owens, have decided to investigate Savvy’s murder for the show’s second season. Lucy is forced to return to the place she vowed never to set foot in again to solve her friend’s murder, even if she is the one that did it. The truth is out there, if we just listen.