Archive for movies

Post #998 – Where’ve you been hiding?

// August 30th, 2010 // No Comments » // events, movies, music

Sorry for the lapse in posts but understand, dear reader, it’s not due to laziness – we have many, many marshmallows roasting away on the fire right now, so stay tuned if you want s’mores. Speaking of which, save the date – Saturday October 2nd will be the opening for my solo show at the Slingluff Gallery, and we’ll be throwing an after party immediately following next door at the M Room, with three very special bands.  More details to be announced this week.

I did sneak out and catch My Morning Jacket’s set at Penn’s Landing last night. Sitting there, I realized the last time I caught the band was in ’04 so I figured I was overdue.  Totally different line-up this time, and I could be wrong but I’m pretty sure Jim James is the only original member left, which was a bummer simply because I liked how the whole band used to have super long hair, and rocked on stage like Slayer while sounding like Neil Young.  JJ’s voice is still the star of the show, and he did not disappoint.  It was a good two hour set, with tunes from all across the back catalog. The kids seemed to like it.

Scott from Dr. Dog opened up and played a few acoustic tunes, which were decent.  He didn’t play much Dr. Dog material, so I’m not sure if he’s doing a solo album or what but I guess time will tell.  I’ve met Scott a few times, back when his old band Raccoon used to play shows with The Situation, and he was always a nice guy, so it was good to see him out there doing his thing.

Also watched Hot Tub Time Machine which was slightly better than expected – kind of raw and a little low-brow but it had it’s moments. Not great but a decent laugh.  Proceed with caution on that one though.

Plus…..a new Podcast coming in hot this week.  Don’t change the channel!

Post #990 – No One Will Ever Believe You…

// July 20th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized, movies

There’s been this odd urban myth that Bill Murray likes to walk up behind random strangers in NYC, put his hands over their eyes and say “guess who?”  When they turn around and see him, he says “No one will ever believe you,” then disappears as quickly as he showed up.  Not sure if that one’s true or not, and Bill’s not confirming nor denying it, but much like the existence of ghosts, vampires, Bigfoot or little men from outer space, life’s a little more exciting if you believe it’s true.

Anyway, here’s a rare and rad interview with the legend himself. The guy’s a total inspiration and a comic genius.  Shame on the academy for never giving Bill Murray an Oscar.  And if you’ve never seen Quick Change, you’re totally blowing it.

Post #985 – notes from the weekend

// July 6th, 2010 // No Comments » // movies, music

Thanks to everyone for the kind words on the She & Him poster – if you’re interested in one, I still have a few for sale on my etsy store. But get one quick because they’re selling fast and once they’re gone, they’re gone.  Here’s the link.

The show, by the way, was great – She & Him threw down a solid set, playing most of the songs from their two albums, and closing with an amazing cover of Chuck Berry’s Roll Over Beethovan, with M. Ward taking the lead on vocals and the whole band just fully rocking out.  A nice surprise – not many bands can do old rock-n-roll tunes justice without just turning them into punk anthems.  And Zooey’s voice is just as strong live and it is on record, and the backing band and singers were all on point.  Definitely worth checking out live.  You can check out some photos from the show here.

Finally watched It Might Get Loud over the weekend, which, as a guitar player, was really, really  inspiring.  There’s nothing like watching Jimmy Page throw on a 45 of Link Ray’s Rumble and revert into a smiling, excited little boy right in front of the camera. I really enjoyed the Jack White segments – just his whole attitude and approach to the guitar is right in line with my way of thinking. It’s worth just watching the intro to see him build that homemade guitar. And the footage of the Edge is golden as always.  A great film.

Post #976 – Banksy

// May 24th, 2010 // No Comments » // art, movies

I’ve been a big fan of Banksy since first hearing about him 7 or 8 years ago.  The guy’s approach, sense of humor, context and general commentary on society is always spot on and he’s easily one of the most important artists to come along in the past decade.  Anyway, I finally saw Exit Through the Gift Shop and it did not disappoint.  It’s smart, incredibilly funny and entertaining – I seriously recommend seeing it, whether you’re into street art or not.  Honestly, I was really surprised by the audience at the theater this weekend, expecting indie rock kids and skateboarders but it was definitely more of the over 50 set.  Honestly, though – no hype – it’s really, really good.

Also saw Everybody’s Fine, with Robert DeNiro, which was also excellent.  Not sure how that got so over looked last year because it’s well written, the acting is strong and understated and it’s beautifully shot. And the trailer below doesn’t really do it justice – it’s not that light hearted, nor is it cheesy. Worth a rental.

Post #955 – I watch way too many movies

// March 29th, 2010 // No Comments » // movies

Saw Greenberg last night and was totally disappointed – one of the dullest movies I’ve seen in a really long time.  I’m all for films trying to present those “awkward real life situations” but unless the people involved are remotely interesting, then why bother? Did nothing for me. I should’ve just seen Shutter Island again.

I also watched The Men Who Stare at Goats, which was a good time.  Clooney is great as always, and Jeff Bridges does the whole “new age stoner dude” better than anyone.  The premise is great and the whole thing is borderline ridiculous without getting too silly or slapstick. Worth checking out, especially on a rainy east-coast day like toady.

And per Bullette’s suggestion, I watched The Damn United, which is about British football coach Brian Cloughand his rivalry with the coach of Leeds United. Done by the same team who did Frost Nixon.  Also well done.

And, finally, I rewatched The Shining the other night, which is still one of the scariest movies ever made, in my opinion.  And the cinematagrophy in that film is amazing. Kubrick nailed it.  A classic and personal favorite.

And now that Roku added this Drive-In Classics channel, filled with nothing but b-movies about zombies, vampires, giant slugs and teenage werewolves, expect productivity to down by at least 50% bro.