“Breakthrough” is about John Smith, 14, who fell through the ice on a Missouri lake. Now 18, he can’t believe he survived.
“I drowned for almost 15 minutes. No pulse for an additional 45. In all, I was dead an hour. My mom came, prayed, and you can’t believe it, but instantly I had a pulse.”
Topher Grace plays the pastor. Chrissy Metz — nominated for two Golden Globes for her role on “This Is Us” — as mom Joyce, says: “Impossible to believe. No question something miraculous happened.”
Josh Lucas in the husband role: “Chrissy truly feels other people. She was able to get exactly right this woman who believed in a higher power.”
Halleujah. Praise the Lord and pass the popcorn on April 17.
Crooner’s back
Starting April 16, Steve Tyrell’s 14th Cafe Carlyle engagement will include highlights from his Billboard albums, Grammy win, film songs, Emmy noms, Bacharach album, TV shots and whatever else he’s done. He’s performed for the Clintons, Netanyahu, Desmond Tutu, Prince Charles and anyone else who’ll come up with $190 for premium seating to see him.
Bits & pieces
Lucille Lortel Awards are May 5, NYU Skirball Center. Wayne Brady hosts. Nominees include Joel Grey, George Salazar, Mare Winningham. Carey Mulligan and Mike Birbiglia will perform . . . Nicholas Hoult, playing the lord of the “Lord of the Rings” author J.R.R. Tolkien in “Tolkien,” says: “His Middle Kingdom worlds are steeped in history. Turning point World War I, an allegory for that work, developed his years and changed him. The more research you do the more weight you feel.”
GOPer’s culture shock
A-one news analyst Frank Luntz: “Delegitimizing cultures must stop. Both sides of our country are guilty. Europe thinks America’s crazy. However, the disgruntlement transcends borders. It’s Germany, Britain, Turkey, Venezuela, Holland, Paris, Middle East, everywhere’s unhappy. Rough out there. Our entire world is disenchanted.
“We’re teetering on cultural climate change. The weather’s become brutal. Extreme. As has our culture. Too many ZIP codes are filled with angry people. One damage is physical, another intellectual. Both leave devastation. People are not just inconsiderate. They’re mean. Filled with anger. Ugly.
“I’m now working with NYU Abu Dhabi. Teaching tolerance, respect, how to understand Brexit. Based in Abu Dhabi, its classes cross the globe. Youngsters from 14 countries are learning civility, citizenship, civics, the commonality that unites us. To survive tomorrow, you need to start today.”
Can’t break through
I started this column with the new film “Breakthrough.” I end it with the new book “Breakthroughs!”
Its author James Fragale worked at ABC TV/Disney 21 years, still belongs to its credit union, and owns its stock. He says he approached its West 66th entrance with: “I’m depositing checks at the credit union, but first I need the restroom.”
Guard: “You can’t use the restroom.”
“I have a card here that reads credit union with my name and number on it.”
Guard: “You can’t use the facility. Go across the street to Century 21.”
Fragale, age 79: “I need to hit the head for a moment . . .”
“Step outside, sir. Step outside!”
Before removing his finances to Bank of America on West 72nd, he has this question: “Does clothing store Century 21 know that Disney/ABC Television is sending people across the street to use their toilets?” The title of his book “Breakthroughs!” works.
Only in New York, kids, only in New York.
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