Entertainment : Let\'s Get Reel

Dave Morrow delivered 50 cases of butter from the dock of McDowells to the Palace Theatre

A friend stopped me at John’s Qwik Stop the other day and asked, “When are you getting something for the ladies?” Sorry, girls, it’s all about KIDS OF ALL AGES this week!

“Nanny McPhee Returns” plays the Palace Friday, September 10 through Thursday, September 16 at 7 p.m. nightly, and Monday, September 13 at 2 p.m. Rated PG for some rude humor and mild language, this clever and magical Nanny flick will be suitable for all but your very youngest family members.

The second film in the Nanny McPhee series is about a woman who encounters a family in uproar and takes charge of the children, restoring order and discipline. That miraculous feat, of course, makes everyone, especially sad children, very happy.

Here’s the question posed at the concession stand Monday afternoon – why does she have to be so darn ugly? Emma Thompson plays Nanny McPhee and she is truly repulsive! My kids saw the first movie and said Nanny’s appearance improves dramatically as the children evolve. Something to look forward to, I guess.

I’ve never watched the first Nanny, but do like Emma Thompson, so plan to stifle my superficial prejudice based solely on her appearance in the trailer and catch Nanny 2.

AND FOR THE BIG KIDS

“The Expendables,” rated R, will show in a limited run, Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11 at 9 p.m., and Sunday, September 12 at 2 p.m. This movie looks like the “Ocean’s 11” of tough guy action films, starring Slyvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Statham, Mickey Rourke and Dolph Lundgren.

Lots of guns, grimacing and over developed muscles. I can’t wait.

AND THE REALLY BIG KIDS

Iowa vs Iowa State! The game starts at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Doors open and seat savers will be for sale at 1:30 p.m. There is no admission charge for the game.

Reminder - you may bring in beer, wine and wine coolers (plastic and cans only, please), but no hard liquor, other beverages or food items. Concessions, including brats, hotdogs, nachos and pizza will be available.

Gerald and I and about 50 other loyal Hawkeye fans enjoyed the game on the big screen last Saturday. Nobody had more fun than fourth grader Cody Vogt, a true whooppin’ and hollerin’ Hawkeye fan! The family birthday party in the balcony should probably have won for most concessions consumed, but young Curtis Erickson took the prize, downing two whole brats in the first quarter!

Anyway, I’m not a huge football fan, and will cop to grousing to Gerald about “giving up every Saturday this fall to show these games?!” but I’ve gotta admit, it was pretty fun. I’m looking forward to game day all over again on Saturday.

We have a cross country meet first thing in the morning, but Gerald is planning to set up the grill in the alley by 11 a.m. Tailgating, anyone?

He may not be the first to arrive, however, as Rich Miracle mentioned having his lawn chair in place as early as 8 a.m. I don’t know – is Rich a Hawkeye or Cyclone fan? HAHAHAHA

IT’S REAL

Butter, that is! Not sure if the folks at McDowell’s are Hawkeye or Cyclone fans, but they are definitely big Palace Theatre supporters. And you can thank Larry Druschel and Dave Morrow for the REAL butter now served on your popcorn! To make it affordable we had to buy a pallet of 50 cases, which needed to be delivered to a dock. Pictured is Dave Morrow, who carted the load on a forklift across downtown where he gently lowered it to the green room floor.

REAL butter – hurray!