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A huge deal – ‘Little Women’ (2019) Review

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By Hector Valverde

I’ve never read Little Women or experienced any of its numerous adaptations across the stage and screens. I also never plan to now, because Greta Gerwig has made an almost, if not outright perfect film in her warm, emotional, masterfully moving update of Louisa May Alcott’s seminal coming-of-age novel.

Photo Courtesy of IMDB


With the one of the best collective cast I’ve seen in ages, Little Women chronicles the lives of Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Meg (Emma Watson), Amy (Florence Pugh), and Beth March (Eliza Scanlen), four young sisters keeping up their household while their father fights for the North in the American Civil War. When they befriend their wealthy neighbor, Laurie (Timothée Chalamet), their lives are changed forever, diverging across seven years as the girls reach adulthood and take their individual paths to fulfill their dreams and ambitions.


Expertly directed by Gerwig, everyone in the film is incredible. As Jo, Ronan rocks the piece with the lovely vibrance of young adulthood, impeccably measuring head-first spunk, drama, and heart in one of the best, most well-rounded performances of the year. Anchoring and tying together the film’s emotional conceits through her work, Ronan’s only ever better when paired with Chalamet’s Laurie in a sweeping rollercoaster of joyous vibrance and chemistry.


Pugh is additionally amazing as Amy, wrapping up her breakout year with her most polished and dynamic performance yet, and though they get a little less to do, Watson and Scanlen are also nothing short of great as the other two March sisters. That’s to say nothing of Laura Dern and Meryl Streep’s lovely supporting roles as the March’s two-generational matriarchs. It’s going to be rough singling out a single performance to push for come awards season.


If there’s one silly complaint to give to Little Women, it’s that the primarily non-American cast notably slips into their native accents on occasion. That and the fact that there’s some much-needed suspension of disbelief to buy that the full-grown actresses are playing blossoming teenagers—children, in essence—for much of the movie’s seven-year flashbacks.


Again, it’s less than a trifle of a criticism given just how phenomenal the craftsmanship everyone puts into the film is. There’s never not an array of beautiful costumes decorating the amazing performances on screen at any time, Alexandre Desplat’s score is warm and evocative, and the cinematography is lush at every turn.


And while the source material itself is gratifying food for the soul, it’s Gerwig that really makes the film something special in every single scene. The obvious love and passion the director feels for the material is tangible in every intimate minute, laugh, and heart-to-heart within the film, giving Little Women that extra cherry kiss on top that elevates the piece to pure, blissful perfection.


Grade: A

For more great movie reviews, follow Hector Valverde via Twitter @hpvalverde.

New Years Eve 2019 at Salt Yard West

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New Year’s Eve at Salt Yard West entertained a lively crowd of individuals who wanted to ring in the new year. The last day of 2019 gave a cold night out, but that didn’t stop anyone! An enclosed patio and a great reservoir of games, welcoming 2020 at one of the hottest spots in Albuquerque was just another incredible night at the Salt Yard.

Photographs taken by ABQ-Live Photographer Diego Martinez

New Year Eve 2019 at Salt Yard East

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Salt Yard East on New Years Eve 2019 excited many patrons who walked through their doors. A night filled with great music, laughter, and celebratory drinks made by an incredible bar staff. People showed up to celebrate, and celebrate they did! 2019 went out with a bang and everyone ushered in 2020 with a toast and cheers!

Dawn Schary: A Comedian who can Live Funny and Prosper

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By Thersa Montoya

Since Dawn Schary was young she has always loved to perform. At first, she originally wanted to be an actress but soon realized she didn’t want to pretend to be someone else. It wasn’t long after that she finally found her true calling in comedy.

Initially, as a young child, Schary felt limited in her ability to express herself growing up within a religious household. The atmosphere Schary said often felt restrictive, leading her to feel as if there were a lot of expectations for her to be respectable and well-mannered on a constant basis. There was no room to argue Schary said, so she bottled up her humor.

Eventually, Schary found inspiration to open up through the viewing of popular sitcoms that she would watch as a child. A special form of entertainment that her family would indulge in alongside her. The shows that inspired her included “I love Lucy,” “Roseanne,” and “The Cosby Show.”

“From there I always followed comedy,” Schary said. “I liked it growing up. Comic relief was a big thing in the 80’s and early 90’s.”

Watching the animated actors on-screen helped her learn to open up and now as an adult, Schary said her role as a comedian provides her a safe space to say whatever she wants on stage.

Schary’s comedic career has grown since she was inspired by funny actors on the television. Now as a seasoned comedian she has performed in several countries as well as within the United States. Schary has performed in Australia, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and even small towns such as Fort Collins. Despite all the different places she has traveled Schary still continues to perform locally in Albuquerque, New Mexico as well as performing recently at both The Kilt Check Brewing Company and The Aux Dog Theater Nob Hill.

Able to express herself more openly now, Schary said her family and friends are very supportive of her career. Despite this support, however, Schary admitted with a smile that she sometimes gets uncomfortable performing her more explicit material in front of them.

Regardless of these obstacles, Schary said she loves the authenticity of comedy.

According to Schary, comedy provides an outlet for honesty, creating a place where people can go for the truth. Comedy allows comedians to throw caution to the wind by not caring about what others shouldn’t say. This provides a platform for comedians to deliver both easy and harsh truths.

Because of this, Schary said she wants her messages to extend past her comedic routine causing a bigger impact on people in the long run.

To create these powerful messages, Schary works hard on getting great material for every show. In order to get her material, Schary is looking for stories that she knows she would not normally be able to talk about in a regular conversation.

Instead, she saves these conversation pieces for the stage. For Schary comedy is more than just a way to express herself it is also a way to open doors to honesty and other’s point of view.

“Comedy confronts, it asks questions, it gives other perspectives,” Schary said.

For more information on her upcoming shows follow her on Instagram @goofysunshine and Facebook or find her online at livefunnyandprosper.com

Debut Album Review: Stories by The Ordinary Things

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By August Edwards

Debut album Stories from indie rock trio The Ordinary Things is a finessed force, vast like the multiplicity of water.

Listening to Stories is similar to watching light refract like ice over a window, warped sparkles mesmerizing in the particular ways of delicacy. The stark song arrangements serve as a reminder that at its core, music is meant to arouse emotion through a sonic-rocket-ship-story. Jacqueline Chacon on drums and lead vocals is the cascading energy that moves Stories like waves. Justin McLaughlin slays on bass and vocals, and, almost mercifully, lays down the soul-satisfaction that only a synth can provide. Guitarist Andrew Chacon facilitates the inherent tension of the album with buoyancy and grace.

With their debut album, The Ordinary Things master subtlety, tender in their particular elicitations. Listening to the album Stories feels like brushing into someone standing near a show because of uncontrollable music-induced movement. At that moment, an electric current runs through the contact, elevating the experience. This sort of layered emotional treasure is exhibited in the track “Supposed To,” where the rhythm of guitar, bass, and vocals coincide with the intensity of an army marching in step.

The title track “Stories” ascends in a 90s-indie-rock mist. Chacon croons with Ramone’s vocal inflections. She twists vowels and adds consonants, effectively enticing the listener to join her in her own singing excursion. Through such nuances, she strikes with the rock-star balance of nerve and nonchalance.

“Let It Rain” is all one could want from a slow jam. It drives like water rushing down a sewer, pouring from a gutter; it is grunge and muddy leaves. If “Let it Rain” is glorious drainage, alternatively, “Swim in the Stars” is distilled, all about smoothness—a reflection stolen by a pool. “Swim in the Stars” is a David Bowie-like crusade.  

With a sudden tumultuous display of punk rock is the “American Dream.” The chorus, “On your knees for the American dream,” is an obnoxious sentiment that works because it alleviates some of the friction that is tacit in indie rock. Heavy downbeats count as fighting for autonomy. Similarly, in “I Am the Space,” Jacqueline Chacon sings, “my body is infinite,” a song for nobody but one’s self. McLauchlin’s synths blare like trumpets during the chorus in the act of resilience.

In conclusion, Stories is an ocean tide, an exhibition of the forms of water. Like music, like water, we are malleable; Stories takes advantage of that. Memorable riffs and jarring lyrics carry the listener, epitomizing the transcendence of music.

Popular Book Series Arc of a Scythe Parallel the Last Decade with its Twists and Turns

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By Nichole Harwood 

With the end of the year fast approaching, I stopped and looked at the many great book series coming to an end. Deciding to take a chance on a series I never read that was coming to an end in 2019 I jumped into the Arc of a Scythe book series by Young Adult Award-winning author Neal Shusterman. 

There are few things more satisfying for a reader than being able to read a new series from book one through to the last book without stopping. After picking up “Scythe” the first book in this series, I was hooked. The thrill only continued with the second book “Thunderhead,” and finally, after finishing the last book in the series “The Toll,” I have come to one conclusion. There could never be a better book series to reflect the last decade than this one. 

This last decade has been filled with ups and downs, twists, and turns no one could ever have predicted. There have been conclusions to many phenomenons, both politically-related and entertainment-related that have left many feeling the journey was bittersweet. 

“Sythe” the first of the series focuses on two main characters Citra and Rowan. Through these characters, we are introduced to a world that is for all intents and purposes a Utopia. Disease, war, and death are a thing of the past, and the world is run by a computer program known as the Thunderhead. Regardless of what other sci-fi books have thought would become of a culture dependent on a computer program, Thunderhead has not turned on humanity but instead runs a functional society that addresses the needs and wants of its people. The only part of society that reflects any darkness whatsoever is the scythes. You see, in a perfect world, the only problem left is overpopulation. In response to this problem, scythes monitor and end lives to keep the population under control.  Scythes are not monitored by Thunderhead, and Thunderhead isn’t allowed to interfere in their duties at all. Scythes exist because humans decided that only other humans should be in charge of who lives and who dies. And this is the primary writing point for all conflicts in the series. 

Our protagonists Citra and Rowan, are chosen to apprentice to a scythe. Together the two must learn about their society and find a solution to any corruptness within. The first book, “Scythe,” does a beautiful job setting up the world and characters. Both Citra and Rowan are amazing and have incredible layers to them. I found myself invested in both their fates. By the second book, “Thunderhead,” we have a third character added in Greyson, who is a refreshing addition as he is just an ordinary guy within this society that, by this point, we readers have begun worrying about. His personality sharply contrasts with the two protagonists, and his relationship with Thunderhead gives us more insight into the computer system than we ever had before. I found I could not stop reading the second book anymore; then, the first and words could not express my excitement to read the third. 

Then I read the third book, “The Toll,” and this was when the comparison between the series and the last decade came to mind. “The Toll” is by no means a bad book. There are many exciting parts to it, and the ending it gave to the character Greyson is by far one of my favorite character endings in literature. But the end it gave for both Rowan and Citra was…well more odd than necessarily bad. Twists in cinema and literature can often sweep us off our feet, making us jump up excited to know more. But in the same regard, a twist can also sweep us off our feet, leaving us lying on the ground, wondering what the heck happened and not wanting to see more because our head still hurts from hitting the ground. Certain twists in “The Toll” had me excited eager to see what happen next, and others made me do something I never had for the previous books in the series. 

Put it down. 

I came back, of course, because I needed to know the end, but I often found myself so thrown by decisions made by the author I was not in the mood to read more. 

I read both “Scythe” and “Thunderhead” in a day. It took me three to read “The Toll.” And that is what is so brilliant about this series. Shusterman created a world and series that I became so invested in that I found myself actively irritated by twists that I felt did not give the series justice. 

All in all, I do not regret picking up these books and highly encourage anyone with interest in a well developed and exciting fictional series of books to do the same. This last decade was a mixed bag, and so was this book, but I wouldn’t have wanted to miss either of them. It may not have had a satisfactory ending for every character, but covering that is just as important as covering the satisfying endings. 

To quote the first page of the series, “We are instructed to write down not just our deeds but our feelings because it must be known that we have feelings. Remorse. Regret. Sorrow to great to bear. Because if we didn’t feel those things, what monsters would we be?” – From the gleaning journal of H.S. Curie. 

Austin Van live at Dirty Bourbon – 11.29.2019 Photo Gallery

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Country musician Austin Van performed live at Dirty Bourbon on Black Friday. The night was packed with great music, entertainment and lots of dancing . Enjoy the full photo gallery from Austin Van’s live show at Dirty Bourbon below. Make sure to follow ABQ Live for more photos on Instagram and Facebook.

Rhett and Link Entertain the Duke City

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By Nichole Harwood 

Self-proclaimed “Internetainers” Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal delivered their unique style of comedy to Albuquerque Wednesday, November 20th at the Kiva Auditorium. 

The dynamic comedy duo found their start as the creators and hosts of Good Mythical Morning, a popular YouTube series, before expanding and taking on other notable projects; including giving a home to the popular YouTube channel Smosh. The day after their performance in Albuquerque the comedians reached another milestone with the channel that started it all: Good Mythical Morning reached 16 million subscribers.  

The duo’s performance was opened by Neal’s cousin Britton Buchanan and runner-up of season 14 of the American talent competition The Voice. He performed an active and energetic musical segment before McLaughlin and Neal took to the stage. 

Once the two arrived on the stage the crowd cheered as they jumped into a popular song regarding the fragility of internet fame, even cracking jokes at their own expense. 

At the beginning of their performance, the two comedians introduced a plethora of new material covering Albuquerque, or rather “Albuquirky” as the duo referred to the Duke City. 

“There should be a t-shirt,” said Neal, with McLaughlin quickly agreeing stating the shirt should say, “Keep it Albuquirky.” 

It wasn’t long before the crowd’s laughter could be heard filling the auditorium as both McLaughlin and Neal launched into some of their experiences with Albuquerque, including a photo with one of Albuquerque’s statues. 

With the stage set after introductions McLaughlin and Neal began with familiar songs such as the “Nilla Wafer Top Hat Time Song” and “It’s My Belly Button,” performing them with several different props. 

Throughout the performance, both comedians engaged with a highly energetic crowd, even bringing a member of the audience on stage after scouring the crowd for an individual named Kyle. 

The audience responded enthusiastically to the engagement with the chosen audience member proving his authenticity as a man named Kyle by referring to his Monster Drink hat as the only proof he needed, earning an unexpected chuckle from the comedians themselves. 

The night’s performance reflected the popular duo’s roots from their YouTube channel well ranging from over-the-top to silly, as well as dabbling in adult and childish humor alike. 

As the end of their performance neared the two ended the night by thanking the crowd and reiterating what they love about live performances as opposed to their online YouTube presence. 

“There is sort of a different level of mythicality that we are able to experience when we are in the same physical space with a bunch of mythical beasts,” McLaughlin said. “The internet is awesome and we wouldn’t be here without that but there is just something about being together as a family and as a herd. We’re just humbled by you guys supporting us and the stupid things that we try. From eating testicles to writing novels.”

The crowd responded with cheers to McLaughlin; members of the crowd screaming their love for the duo. Neal followed up from his comedy partner’s words expressing his appreciation for all of their fan base. 

“We’re a part of your lives and it’s really an honor to hear that when life throws difficult circumstances and trials your way — we’re floored to hear that we’re part of your strength that helps to give you laughs and bring you through things,” Neal said. “We’re humbled by that. We always tell you to be your mythical best but we do want you to know that you inspire us to be our mythical best.” 
To learn more about the comedy duo Rhett and Link you can check them out on the YouTube channel that started it all: Good Mythical Morning or find them on Facebook or Instagram.

Albuquerque Community joins together to raise money for the families of asylum seekers

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By Nichole Harwood 

Albuquerque’s local nonprofit organization Medicine Drum Circle has been putting their efforts together to help the families of asylum seekers at the New Mexico and Mexican border. The group’s two recent events “Then They Came for Me,” a benefit Calavera dance, followed by an art auction the next day took place Nov. 2 and 3. The event was a powerful combination of two communities coming together for a cause. 


The group has worked tirelessly to raise funds for asylum seekers and their families, joined together on the core beliefs of building awareness in the state about the current condition of the New Mexico and Mexico border. 
The November events were a result of more than two month’s worth of labor where group members reached out to Albuquerque’s local artist community for donated pieces of art to fundraise.

Virginia Marie Racon, Co-Executive Director of Medicine Drum Circle Reverend, said the group has been planning events throughout the city to call attention to the separation of families at the border in a peaceful way. One event that has been ongoing from the group is a “Vigil for the Border Children,” when witnesses gather on, Lomas and 3rd Street in downtown Albuquerque for the children and families that are separated. 

“Rain or snow [witnesses] have been there drumming because we believe in a nonviolent approach to our work and transformative change,” Racon said.  

This non-violent approach is reflected in the name of the non-profit, which represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. According to the group’s Facebook Page, this signifies coming together with the drums to find healing for themselves, communities and all living things. 


Each time the group gathers Racon said they try to spread out, which has resulted in more individuals hearing and listening to their message. The results have empowered the group whom Racon said have been adding more and more to each event.

Mia Spiegel, one attendee of the recent event, said she attended to help support spreading awareness in her community. 

“History repeats itself with immigration,” Spiegel said. “People feel like they own the land and that they’re supposed to be here more so than others and it’s a problem. Its always been a problem.” 

Medicine Drum Circle’s fundraising events within both the art and Albuquerque community have proven successful with each event receiving sizable donations for the group’s cause. After the Nov. 2 and 3 event, the group announced on Facebook that they had raised 3,000 dollars from their efforts to get supplies down to the border to help asylum seekers. 

“I think the most important thing is to pay attention and listen,” Racon said. “Get out and do what you can. What little you can. Whatever you can to try and get the children back together with their parents.”
To learn more about Medicine Drum Circle you can find them on Facebook @medicinedrumcircle or online at www.medicinedrumcircle.org

Featured Art Credited to Eliana Enriquez

Photo Courtesy of @medicinedrumcircle

Jokes On You: A Review into DC’s The Joker

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By Calgary Maez

Since the summer blockbuster movies have now come to a close, films during the fall and winter months start to spread thin, leaving room for some Oscar-worthy films. Joker, directed by Todd Philips and starring Joaquin Phoenix as the clown-prince-of-crime, has entered the atmosphere as one of the most uncomfortable, well-shot masterpieces to hit the silver screen.

The film centers around Arthur Fleck; a starting up comedian that tries to find some sort of happiness in the dark, crime-ridden, decaying city that is Gotham. Even though it is a comic book origin film of one of the most popular DC villains, the film absolutely does not feel like one. 

Joaquin Phoenix has put his own unique twist on the famed villain and gives one of the best performances of his entire career. Todd Philips decided to go in a direction that is more of a case study of the character and shows his slow decent into madness. 

The film is definitely a slow burn. It’s not your typical action-packed, fast-paced action flick. The film wants you to take a journey through Arthur Fleck’s deranged mind and the pay-off towards the end is worth the journey. 

The cinematography of the film stands out spectacularly and is great with visual storytelling. It is also part of the reason why the film can also make you feel uncomfortable because it’s not afraid to shy away from those graphic images. 

Even though the film may be uncomfortable to watch, it leaves you with more burning questions after you walk out of the theater. You become engrossed with the realities that Arthur faces and are left questioning certain scenarios of the film. The incredible writing of the film keeps you on your toes and always guessing Arthur’s next move. 

Joker is a tremendous masterpiece in the art of filmmaking. Joaquin Phoenix delivers an outstanding performance and is one of the best Jokers to ever hit the big screen. The overall writing, directing, cinematography, and score leaves you feeling uncomfortable, yet hungry for more as you take a deep, psychological dive into the mind of Arthur Fleck who is born into Joker. 

Photo Courtesy of Indiewire.com

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