Entertainment

It’s hammer time; seriously, it is

At first, the union of Shakespearean actor and director Kenneth Branagh and a Marvel comic book hero seems like a mismatch of thunderous proportion. Just think back to Ang Lee and “Hulk” and what a colossal mistake that was. But the mythical gods were with us on this one, and Branagh brings just the right balance to what could have been just another beefcake-in-a-cape caper.

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New Lit means good stuff

West Coast rockers Lit are back and seem to be better than ever. The band that brought our ears the giant hits “My Own Worst Enemy” and “Miserable” are in the midst of releasing a new material for the first time in more than seven years.

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There’s no stopping Hurricane Sallye

A force of nature … The American Red Cross will host its annual Hurricane Party with a slightly different twist this year — a luncheon instead of a dinner honoring the inimitableSallye Keith. Arriving at the Beaumont Country Club at 10:30 a.m., guests will mix and mingle with the honoree and enjoy the roving magician, who will perform feats of magic for the crowd. Tariff for this worthwhile fundraiser is $100, and the dress is business casual. The event is a great way to honor someone who has been super supportive of the American Red Cross.

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Airport hosts Cattle Barons’ Ball

Crusin’ 2-A Cure … Once again the American Cancer Society 2011 Cattle Barons’ Ball was a sold-out success. Chaired by Mike Simpson and Pat Anderson, along with co-chairs Tara and Charlie Holder, the packed “house” at the Philpott Hangar went off without a hitch. Social swells donned their fab cowgirl and cowboy gear to dance to the sounds of Darryl Worley.

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Social D outlasts tragedy with triumph

It’s been seven long years since punk legends Social Distortion have put out a new record, and according to sales and popularity, the SoCal veterans remain strong as ever.The new album Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes on Epitaph Records was released in January and debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard charts, which gave the group their first-ever Top 10 album.

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