South Carolina’s premier movie critic joins News.SC
Huff
Writing for Myrtle Beach publications for over 5 years, entertainment writer Christopher Huff is now teaming up with News.SC to bring his unique take on films, television and other entertainment media to South Carolina’s online news source.
“I wanted to be a movie critic since I was 7 years old,” Huff said. “That might sound young, but when I saw Siskel & Ebert give two thumbs down to ‘Star Wars,’ I knew there was something wrong with the ‘professionals.’”
Several years later, Huff finally got the chance. After dozens of years in the journalism industry, with press awards for both his business coverage and op/ed writing, he became the movie critic for the Myrtle Beach Herald.
“When I started this about 5 years ago, I was the only professional movie critic on the East Coast between New York and Orlando,” Huff said. “I was way on the outside. I am nowhere near any city that host early premiers or sneak previews. In addition, I am nowhere near popular enough to get any of the freebies or promo perks sent out to influence the big names. But that is a good thing.”
“Without the need to be buddy-buddy with the big-wigs, insiders and Hollywood culture, I can give an honest, real-person view on movies,” Huff explained. “Not every movie is a ‘Casablanca’ or ‘The Departed.’ That doesn’t mean they are not good. ‘Star Wars’ may not have been a deep, politically correct, artistic statement, but it was a great, fun movie that millions of people loved and changed the movie industry forever. It is that tempered view that I try to get out there.”
In addition to reviews of current movies, Huff also plans to broaden the scope of his writing for News.SC’s entertainment section to include DVD releases, television and other commentary on what entertains us.
Mel Gibson returns to big screen with Edge of Darkness
It has been a long time since we have seen Mel Gibson on the big screen.
Edge of Darkness, staring Mel Gibson
Nevertheless, seeing the promos for “Edge of Darkness” didn’t inspire much excitement. From the trailers, the movie seemed to be a knock-off of last year’s “Taken,” where Liam Neeson tears up Europe looking for his daughter’s kidnappers. In “Edge of Darkness,” Gibson plays Boston Detective Thomas Craven, tearing up Massachusetts looking for his daughter’s killers. However, despite the vague similarities highlighted in the trailer, “Edge of Darkness” stands firmly on its own as a great thriller and gives Mel Gibson an excellent vehicle to drive back to the box office.
The worlds of fantasy and paintball collide as Adventure Beach Paintball presents the “Road to No Ends” on Feb. 5-7.
Paintball is usually played in one of two ways: in the speedball arena with inflated barricades or in the field with bunkers and simulated urban environments.
The latter is called scenario paintball, with events usually based on historic battles or action/adventure movie plots. Throughout the event, two sides square off in various military-style missions: search and rescue, recon, and other attack and defend operations.
“We wanted to do something different,” explained Kevin Shimwell, owner of Adventure Beach Paintball. “We sat down to write a unique storyline and came up with an epic fantasy battle between The Knowing and The Hidden.”
Shimwell credits his son, McCullin, age 14, for leading the creative process.
“McCullin was the brainchild of the concept,” Shimwell said. “He started all and we took it by the reigns and helped make it come alive.”
In the mysterious world that is home to the “Road to No Ends,” an ancient legend of the Oracle promises the power to rule the world. Lost for ages, the mysterious artifact has returned and two opposing sides must vie for this powerful magic.
The civilized people, The Knowing, led by Chris Nienow of the Port City Militia paintball team, must gather their forces and travel the Road to No Ends in search of the Oracle.
However, it is not a safe journey, for hidden in the surrounding wilderness are the Hidden. Led by Billy Ford of the ODX paintball team, the Hidden are a savage barbaric people, hunting any thing that enters their territory, often just for the pleasure of the hunt.
“While there will be a lot of the regular scenario missions in the game, we will be adding some different twists to the game,” Shimwell said. “To find the oracle, the players will have to gather clues and solve riddles that will eventually lead them to the location of the Oracle.”
Shimwell said the paintball community is responding very well to the idea.
“This is shaping up to be one of the most successful events we have run,” Shimwell said. “We have over 130 pre-registrations, and are expecting to top 200 players with the last minute registrations and walk-ons that show up on the day of the event.”
In addition to players, several big names in the paintball industry have signed on to sponsor the event, including Pro Caps Direct, Tippman, Planet Eclipse, Deadbox Paintball and Hammerhead Paintball. National publications, including Paintball Uprising, Action Pursuit Games and Paintball 3X magazines will be also covering the event.
The event begins on Friday night for a special night mission beginning at 9 p.m. The field will be open all day for early registration and camping arrivals. On Saturday, registration opens at 7:30 a.m. with the mandatory safety meeting at 9 a.m. Game-on is at 11 a.m. Sunday’s play runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with winners and awards presentation beginning at 1:30 p.m.
“Players of all skill levels are welcome,” Kevin said. “We will have players who have played for years, and new kids who are coming to their first event. That is one of the great things about paintball. Newcomers and experiences paint-slingers all have a chance to be the hero and have some fun. Skill level might have its benefits, but it really comes down to the willingness to get out there and get the job done.”
For more information, go to www.abpaintball.com or call 843-222-9081.
About
“Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and start slitting throats.”
– H.L. Mencken
Direct Email: Christopher@PirateJournalism.com
Christopher Huff | Create Your Badge
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