Today's Entertainment

2 • May 24 - 30, 2020 • Brainerd Dispatch By Kyla Brewer TV Media A s a presidential election looms before Americans, television dives into the past to tell the story of one of the nation's most influen- tial figures. Reenactments, expert commentary and archival imagery trace the life of a former president from humble beginnings to battle- field glory to the White House and beyond in this new television event. Justin Salinger ("Enduring Love," 2004) stars as Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the United States, in the three-night presentation of the miniseries "Grant," beginning on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, and continu- ing the following two evenings on History Channel. The six-hour pro- gram shines a spotlight on a man many experts feel has been largely forgotten, despite his achievements on the battlefield and in the White House. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow, actor-producer Leon- ardo DiCaprio ("Titanic," 1997) and producer Jennifer Davisson ("Or- phan," 2009) serve as executive producers for the epic from Radi- calMedia, in association with Lions- gate. This new series follows the suc- cess of History Channel's recent miniseries "Washington," which told the story of the nation's first president, George Washington. When it premiered in February, "Washington" pulled in top rat- ings for History Channel, making it the No. 1 miniseries on cable in nearly three years, with more than 2.5 million viewers. Such shows are hallmarks of History Channel's traditional programming, and it looks as if the network is eager to continue its foray into historical presidencies. "Ulysses S. Grant is one of our most brilliant, yet mis- understood presidents, and History is com- mitted to telling the compelling stories, like his, of those who have shaped our great na- tion," History Channel executive Eli Lehrer said. "This is an important part of American histo- ry that deserves to be told, and we look for- ward to delivering our latest premi- um core history documentary series to our audience." While Grant, much like Wash- ington, was a famed general and politician, the new miniseries re- veals that many of his contribu- tions to American history have been underappreciated. He attend- ed the United States Military Acad- emy at West Point as a young man, where he established himself as a proficient horseman. He soon rose through the military ranks and end- ed up saving the nation on more than one occasion. He served his country during the Civil War and also during Reconstruction as he tried to reconcile the North and the South. He judiciously defend- ed the voting rights of millions of formerly en- slaved people. Yet, accord- ing to an official news re- lease for the miniseries, his story has been "tar- nished by a fog of myth, rumor and false- hood." In addi- tion to Sa- linger's portrayal of the president during the show's dramatic seg- ments, "Grant" also includes per- formances by newcomer Dianne Simpson as his wife, first lady Julia Grant, and Carel Nel ("Hum," 2016) as the nation's 16th presi- dent, Abraham Lincoln. The miniseries is much more than a standard biopic. A variety of ex- perts add credence to the program's claims with insight into the man be- hind the myth. A renowned journal- ist, historian and biographer, Cher- now has written many award-win- ning books on historical figures, in- cluding one about Grant. The New York Times named Chernow's ac- claimed "Grant" one of the 10 Best Books of 2017. The author is inter- viewed throughout History's new miniseries, along with other ex- perts, such as one-time CIA director and retired United States Army gen- eral David Petraeus. The program also features interviews with jour- nalist and award-winning author Ta-Nehisi Coates, as well as West Point English professor Elizabeth Samet. In the show's trailer, Grant is called a plethora of contradictory things: "the first modern American warrior," "a bloody butcher," "a corrupt president," "a belligerent drunk," "the greatest general of his time" and even "the unheroic hero of our greatest national epic." That's a lot of ground to cover, but luckily there are plenty of heavy hit- ters behind the scenes with experi- ence telling such legendary stories. Most television viewers probably recognize DiCaprio, the producer of the miniseries, from his big-screen film roles in such movies as "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993), "Ti- tanic" (1997), "Catch Me If You Can" (2002) and "Inception" (2010). More recently, he hit the screen alongside Brad Pitt in Quen- tin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" (2019), for which Di- Caprio snagged another Oscar nomination. In recent years, he's been prov- ing himself a formidable force as a producer, too. He appears to have a particular affinity for historical tales, many of which he produces through his film production compa- ny Appian Way Productions, where fellow "Grant" executive producer Davisson serves as president of pro- duction. War hero to White House History Channel presents the story of President Ulysses S. Grant Cover Story this week Justin Salinger as seen in "Grant" The Late Show with Stephen Colbert [Donald] Trump is encouraging his followers to protest his own recommendations. That's how much he needs to hear a chanting mob. He's like an angry Tinker Bell! Turns out the best present for Earth Day is the same as the best present for Mother's Day: time away from her children. Just get all the unruly humans out of her hair so Mother Earth can sit in a bubble bath and watch "Outlander." The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Gov. Cuomo announced that New Yorkers can get legally married via video conference. Meanwhile, you know there's already a guest at a FaceTime wedding going, "I can't believe they didn't do this on Zoom. How tacky!" Disney brought back its "Bedtime Hotline" to help kids through the pandemic. When your kids complain about being stuck inside, Cinderella will reply, "I live in an attic and have rats for friends." Kim Jong-un is in serious condition after having surgery. Who knew that the guy with a body shaped like the one from Operation would have health issues? The World Series of Poker has been postponed because of the coronavirus. Of course, all the players were incredibly upset, but it was impossible to tell. The Late Late Show with James Corden After police in the U.K. seized a food delivery driver's car during an arrest, they noticed a bag of fast food in the car, so they went ahead and delivered the customer's meal. I mean, it is their job to protect and serve. An heiress from the family that invented the microwavable snack Hot Pockets was sentenced today for bribing her daughter's way into college. Her family created Hot Pockets, and now she might go to prison. So at least the food will be an upgrade. Late Laughs Truth Lutheran Church 501 Kingwood Street, Brainerd, MN (Corner of 5th & Kingwood) truthlutheranchurch.com An LCMC Congregation …Lutheran Congregation in Mission for Christ Sunday worship 9 AM Fellowship and Sunday school following worship 218-829-5278 321 South 7th Street Suite 105 • Brainerd, MN 56401 Sunday, June 28, 2020 10 am to 4 pm Located in Gregory Park Brainerd MN 56401 JOIN US! Come See Some Amazing Art Talents At Work! (Artists, Food Vendors, Family Activities, Guitarists & Singer/Song Writers)

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