Interpol

Interpol
Formed: 1997, NYC
Current Members: Paul Banks, Daniel Kessler, Carlos Dengler, Sam Fogarino
Discography: Turn On the Bright Lights, Antics, Our Love to Admire
Wikipedia Info

Since this is my first music post, I'm undecided on how the format should be. What information is the most pertinent? What are you, the avid readers (reader, actually...Hi Liz ;)), wanting to know about the bands that I'll post? I guess I'll stick with their official website, the members, year formed, discography and a link to their wikipedia page? Who knows...the point, however, will be this: These bands have changed my life in some way, shape or form. Music is more than just a pastime for me. It's a way of life. Without it I would literally be lost. So, if you've heard of them let me know what you think...if you haven't, then I urge you to check them out.

Interpol is one of those bands that you either love or hate...there's no middle ground. They have been compared to Joy Division quite often...but I don't really see the correlation. I'm not sure why...but Interpol has stood the test of time for me in a HUGE way. For some reason I'm always in the mood to listen to them...always. That's probably because their music is very ambient sounding: lots of reverb on the guitars, multiple layers of guitar/bass, technical drum work that's not overbearing and Paul's almost apparition-like voice. An admission: I have fallen asleep to music every night of my life except for the nearly 3 years that I was married. Which music totally depends on the mood I'm in but, as you can probably imagine, it's usually mellow. One of my go-to albums is Turn On the Bright Lights because it instantly calms me down. It's like a nice sedative...simplistic enough to not keep my mind engaged but also complex to the point that I don't get bored with it. It's actually quite a phenomenon...'cause they play VERY simplistic riffs and add occasional keyboard arrangements but it produces an incredibly full sound. For anyone that hasn't heard them, I suggest you start of with the track "Untitled" off of Turn On the Bright Lights. Honestly, that's what did it for me...it was true love at first listen. Lucky for me, I don't think this relationship will ever end...and after their latest album's release, I can only imagine that our love will grow stronger with time.

I Am Legend

I Am Legend
PG-13
Running time: 101 minutes
USA

Sometimes I baffle myself...especially when I get the urge to watch a movie that I know will only disappoint me in the end. Also, I am bewildered by my man crush on Will Smith because he really hasn't done many films that I have cared for. However, there's just something about him that I can't put my finger on that makes me love that guy! Anyway...I digress. I added this to my queue a while back just for fun and then totally forgot about it. Lo and behold, it showed up at my door yesterday so I figured I'd give it a quick viewing.

I'll keep the synopsis and commentary brief because I figure most of the world has already seen it. Smith's character is the only apparent survivor from a cancer cure gone awry. Most of the visually stunning scenes are of him and his dog driving through the barren streets of New York, hunting or trying to capture the "creatures" that survive in the darkness.

I was pretty entertained for the first half of the movie. Francis Lawrence uses dreams/flashbacks to give enough back story to make you care about Smith's character. Plus, as I mentioned earlier, the backdrops of a post-apocalyptic NYC are beautiful. My brain started to shut down entirely, however, when the infected humans started to play a bigger role. Apparently they either hired completely different companies to do the cityscapes and the zombie-types or they just got lazy. The CGI goes from believable to comical in a span of about 30 seconds right around the half way point of the film. I started wondering if I was watching two different movies...the latter of which was getting under my skin. The worst part being the lack of credibility destroyed any tension that had been built up to that point...which was a shame 'cause the first half had me curious. Oh well...I guess I had little to no hope that the movie was going to be good so I wasn't all the disappointed...just a little irked? Miffed, maybe? Kerfuffled? Nope...irked it is.

It's a popcorn eater...if you're gonna see it just sip a horse tranquilizer or something equivalent and let your mind fall asleep for a while. You'll enjoy it just fine.

Crash

Crash
R
Running Time: 112 Minutes
USA

For those of you who know me well, it's almost a certainty that at one point my distaste for most things "mainstream and/or popular" has surfaced in conversation. I've softened on that position somewhat over the years...but I reserve the right to prejudge any film that is presented to me. Crash has been on my list of movies to see ever since I heard about it my first year working at Sundance. However, and this is where my prejudgment comes in, it has never been a priority because EVERY review that I've seen has been EXTREMELY positive...scary, right?

Wrong.

Allow me to make a bold statement: this movie should be shown on public television...everyone should have access to it. Not very often do movies come about that affect me deeply...but this is one of them. Paul Haggis deserved his two Oscars and the rest of the nominations which isn't always the case (Halle...I'm looking in your direction). Honestly, some of the scenes in this movie are so intense I was poised to fall off my couch. I'm pissed at myself for not seeing this earlier...but hopefully I can reach out and help any of you that may have made the same mistake to repent and change your evil ways.

The story plays off the idea that we are all affected daily by complete strangers. Each set of characters goes through the course of two days and, without knowing, affects the outcomes of all the other's lives. You know you have a good movie when the likes of Sandra Bullock and Brendan Fraser give excellent performances...on top of the abilities of veterans such as Don Cheadle and Jennifer Esposito. Plus, Matt Dillon's Oscar was well deserved (he has probably the most intense scene in the movie...I was floored).

I love when a director can take social issues, craft them around beautiful writing and flawless acting and use his direction to POSE questions...leaving us to answer them accordingly. Given a new life and a new set of talents, that is what I would dedicate my time to...because I think, like other mediums, art is the catalyst that forces us from our comfort zone and into alternate realities. Crash is one of those films that accomplishes that...at least, for me. I STRONGLY suggest you see it...and let the questions be asked.

Kung Fu Panda

Kung Fu Panda
PG
Running Time: 92 minutes
USA

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my daughter, London, for forcing me to open my world to the wonders of animation. Ever since she was born 4 years ago, I've been fascinated by the Pixar movies (a side note: I am STOKED to see Wall E...don't laugh but it's true) and have taken moderate interest in the Dreamworks additions as well. I don't know if it's the amount of collaboration that goes into each of these creations, dumb luck or both that makes them so special but honestly...these aren't just silly kids movies anymore. They are actual films with great writing, voice talent and style. Kung Fu Panda fits those descriptions perfectly.

The plot revolves around Po, a clumsy panda who is destined to inherit his father's noodle business but who dreams of being a great kung fu warrior. Through a series of mishaps, Po winds up with more than he bargained for and becomes nominated as The Dragon Warrior who will defend the town from Tai Lung, a rogue warrior who defected long ago. Although this story line has been done many times before, the style that Osborne and Stevenson give the film almost makes you forget the myriad other movies similar to it. The cut scenes and fight choreography are excellently constructed, too...so much so that several times throughout the movie I thought I was watching either the best video game I'd ever seen or the most incredible Jackie Chan flick to date. However, the biggest reason to throw down the money for this one is Jack Black who definitely steals the show...which given the cast of voices (Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, Dustin Hoffman, Seth Rogen and Jackie Chan himself) is a feat unto itself. I'll be totally honest with you...Jack Black is a hilarious man. Not sure if you've realized that yet...but if not, go watch Orange County, High Fidelity or School of Rock to assist you...not to mention his jaunts with Kyle Gass, known to some as Tenacious D. I don't think I need to sell anyone on this movie...for once there's a summer blockbuster that delivers exactly what it promises: a family friendly, freakin' funny, fast paced fight film...hooray for alliteration!

Rambo/The Grand

Rambo (aka: Rambo 4)
R
Running time: 91 minutes
USA

I don't know if it was heat stroke from playing golf or the fact that I had a 4 hole stretch that built up such a rage inside me that I had flashes of First Blood running through my head...but when I got home I felt like watching a mindless, violent, ridiculous movie, the likes of which only a man such as Sly could create.

I'll be brief with this one seeing as how you can imagine what I'm capable of writing about such drivel. In my opinion, the sole reason for making this movie was to allow Sly one last chance to look at himself on the big screen. Sad really. I was hoping for a few good one liners or some well choreographed fight scenes but was instead spoon fed some CGI exploding bodies and some of the worst writing I've ever been exposed to. I know, I know...I got what I paid for. Still...is it too much to ask for maybe a HINT of talent? I guess the answer to that rhetorical question depends on who I'm asking. In other words, remind me to never ask Sly anything again unless it's for a refund of my $1.06.


The Grand
R
Running Time: 104 minutes
USA

Fact: Christopher Guest and crew are the best "mockumentary" makers in the business. Waiting For Guffman is pure genius. There's no denying it...which is why I am always hesitant to watch similar movies by any other filmmaker. However, with a stacked cast and an entertaining premise, I figured I had little to lose. I love Woody Harrelson, David Cross, Chris Parnell, Denis Farina and Cheryl Hines. Plus, small cameos by people like Werner Herzog, Jason Alexander, Hank Azaria and Ray Romano were enticing enough to make me spend that Redbox dollar.

Basically, the movie revolves around 6 main characters who are all vying for the chance to win 10 million dollars in The Grand poker tournament at the Golden Nugget. In analogous fashion to Guest, Zak Penn gives enough back story on each character to make you care about whether they win or lose...in life and in the tournament. It's difficult to take a ridiculous persona and give it enough humanism to make the viewer feel empathy towards it. Surprisingly, Penn pulls it off extremely well which, to me, is the sign of a great director. The other tough part of a film such as this one is keeping the audience laughing. Let me just say...I haven't genuinely laughed this hard at a movie since The 40 Year Old Virgin (although that's one of my all time favorite comedies so I hesitate to compare them). The writing/improvisation is fantastic...reminded me of Guffman and This is Spinal Tap. If you are looking for a good, quick paced, dialog heavy comedy, pick this one up. You won't be disappointed.

Funny Games

Funny Games
R
Runtime: 111 min.
USA

I'm somewhat unclear as to why certain films appeal to me, especially when they deal with extreme violence and depravity. Funny games fits perfectly into that category. It centers around an affluent family of 3 that goes on vacation to their summer home and quickly find themselves at the mercy of a pair of psychotic youths who torture them mercilessly, simply to satisfy their own whims. Good times, yeah?

The film is actually a remake of Michael Haneke's own 1997 original, shot for shot. I'm not sure why any director would take a movie that they had made and feel like they needed to recreate it with different actors...but apparently Haneke did. Don't get me wrong...Tim Roth and Naomi Watts (EXCEPT for her performance in King Kong...why?!) are phenomenal (one of the principal reasons I wanted to see it in the first place) but it seems like either an attempt to make more money from an existing idea or an act of retribution because he felt his first attempt wasn't good enough. Who knows.

After my late night viewing, I went to bed feeling pretty unsettled. Not surprising, given the subject matter. I was hoping for some resolution or a partial understanding of the two crazies' intentions. Didn't happen though and I ended up with the same empty sensation that I had after watching Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange for the first time. (as a matter of fact, there were a lot of similarities to ACO, even down to their white attire, gloves and mannerisms) The strange thing is that I consider myself a realist and usually want to vomit after seeing a movie with a nice "hollywood" ending...but this conclusion left me wanting just a hint of humanity. Unfortunately, I think the film was a glimpse into the reality that the world provides on occasion: random acts of violence, without explanation, happening to seemingly normal people. Most people (myself included sometimes) want to have an explanation for all the "why's" but it's just not always possible. I won't give away any of the "games" that they play...suffice it to say they're pretty gruesome. That said, it kept me enthralled through the whole movie with pretty convincing performances from Naomi Watts and Tim Roth (although Michael Pitt bugs the HELL out of me...I wish I never saw Murder By Numbers). I'd recommend it for anyone with a penchant for the deranged...if that's not you, don't bother.

Son of Rambow

The Son of Rambow
PG-13
Runtime: 96 minutes
UK

I really wanted to see this film up at Sundance this year but wasn't able to. A few friends of mine went to the Broadway last night and checked it out and, I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed. It centers around a young boy named Will Proudfoot who has no friends and an overactive imagination. He also belongs to a cult called The Brotherhood which, as is apparent fairly early in the film, believes that imagination isn't something that should be explored or dealt with.

Will's character is contrasted by the school outcast, Lee Carter, who is constantly being thrown out of class and finds trouble at every turn. He pirates movies by sitting in the theater and recording them with a video camera which leads to a chance encounter with Will, allowing them to combine forces and make a short film called "The Son of Rambow."

The movie deals with some interesting topics (i.e. close friendships, the roles of parental figures, brother/sister bonds, popularity, defining art, etc.), sometimes subtly and other times not so subtly. Luckily, the superb acting from the young cast kept me from feeling manipulated or forced into believing something I didn't agree with. It was shot in rural France, Germany and the UK and has some beautiful backdrops and locations. The stylized animation sequences reminded me of a cross between Napoleon Dynamite and The Life Aquatic but maintained the identity that the director intended...tough to pull off but he did. All in all, I walked away feeling like I had received a quick lesson on relationships from a skilled teacher who kept me interested, start to finish. Go check it out...you won't be disappointed.

It Begins

My friend Liz posted a request on my personal blog yesterday that got me thinking. I spend an inordinate amount of time debating, dwelling on, researching, watching, listening and participating in movies and music. I study opinions and critiques a great deal, love to hear conflicting viewpoints and thrive on good, healthy rebuttals to my occasional fierce opinions. Therefore, I'm going to attempt an additional blog that will be solely dedicated to inking my thoughts on the subject of film and music. Now, before the few readers of my personal blog begin to scoff and mutter "how could he possibly maintain two blogs when he can hardly muster up the courage to update one?" I have a plan. Due to my love affair with Netflix and also being privileged enough to associate myself with many diverse music lovers, I will force myself to be proactive in writing about which films cross my path as well as particular artists that I happen to be listening to at the given moment. The goal is to write at least twice a week so please be patient with me as I begin the process. As far as structure or format is concerned, I don't have one. The ramblings to follow will be pure, unadulterated cerebral matter flowing from the mind of an obsessed junkie. Whether you agree with anything found within the virtual walls of this blog or not is fine by me...just don't be afraid to tell me what you think. Really...chime in. As Aristotle once said "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." That's what makes film and music so wonderful...because, in my opinion, they are microcosmic dissections of humanity that offer absolutely fascinating insight into the complexity that is man. Anyway, I wax verbose. Here are my thoughts...enjoy (or don't!)...