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DVD Review: Judas Priest “Battle Cry”

“Battle Cry”

Judas Priest
Epic Records Rated: Not Rated
DVD Running time: 94 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Judas Priest’s tour in support of their 17th studio album was one of the most extensive of the group’s entire career- consisting of 130 shows in 33 countries and offering a set-list that touched upon selections from nearly all of their classic albums. Fans can now relive the live Priest experience through “Battle Cry”. Recorded live on August, 1st 2015 at Germany’s Wacken Festival in front of 85,000, the live performance is available on 15 track audio CD as well as DVD and Blu-Ray which both feature an additional 3 tracks shot in Poland on December 10th 2015.

Though not the first live concert performance release from metal gods Judas Priest it is however the first live release from the band to cover material from practically every album including “Redeemer of Souls”. Everything a hardcore Priest fan could want is here and more! From such classic tracks as “Metal Gods” and “Victim of Changes” to newer tracks like “Battle Cry” and “Redeemer of Souls”. You serious get a little bit of everything with this release. One track missing that I had hoped would make the cut was that of the song “Love Bites” off of “Defenders of the Faith”. The band performed this song for the first time since 1986 during the opening night of the “Redeemer of Souls” tour in Rochester, NY and continued playing it off and on throughout the tours run. Despite my own personal favorite missing the stunning visuals and immense crowd and staging made me quickly forget about that one minor detail as there was just so much to take in. The band made a really great decision by selecting the Wacken Festival as it is really proving to be one of if not thee most premier heavy metal festival.

This release will make a great addition to any metal fans collection especially if they were able to catch one of the bands shows from this tour. It would have been nice though if they came packaged as a CD/DVD combo giving you both an audio and video option all in one purchase. It also would have been cool to include some behind the scenes footage from the tour along with the 3 additional tracks being the tour was such a large undertaking for the band. Minus those few small things and you have great live release.

DVD/Blu-Ray Track Listing:

1.) (Intro) Battle Cry
2.) Dragonaut
3.) Metal Gods
4.) Devil’s Child
5.) Victims of Changes
6.) Halls of Valhalla
7.) Turbo Lover
8.) Redeemer of Souls
9.) Beyond the Realms of Death
10.) Jawbreaker
11.) Breaking the Law
12.) Hell Bent for Leather
13.) Hellion
14.) Electric Eye
15.) You’ve Got Another Thing Coming
16.) Painkiller
17.) Living After Midnight

Bonus tracks:

18,) Screaming for Vengeance
19.) The Rage
20.) Desert Plains

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Filed Under: Film Reviews, Music Tagged With: battle, cry, dvd, judas, priest, review, ...

Film Review “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”

Starring: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavilll and Amy Adams
Directed By: Zack Snyder
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 153 Minutes
Warner Bros. Pictures

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 Stars

Over the past decade, Marvel has slowly built one of the most highly anticipated cinematic franchises, with each installment garnishing rave reviews and even more acclaim from fans. Through 12 movies, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has meticulously and carefully put all the pieces together, to where millions will turn out this summer and understand nearly every second of “Captain America: Civil War”. Marvel has taken a lot of time and patience to get that point. Warner Bros. and DC apparently don’t have time for that.

Set 18 months after the events of “Man of Steel”, “Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice” obviously introduces us to Bruce Wayne (Affleck). His backstory is ubiquitous, so we gloss over his tragic past in a quick sequence of shots and voice over narration on the opening credits. But the draw is when we watch the fight between Superman (Cavill) and General Zod (Michael Shannon) from the end of “Man of Steel”. While people flee from the chaos, Bruce runs into the clouds of debris and crumbling buildings, highlighting why he’s a superhero, even when he’s not the Dark Knight.

The scene is captivating and eerily reminiscent of 9/11, and that’s what it’s supposed to tell us about Batman’s mind set. It also seems to acknowledge many fan concerns from “Man of Steel” about the loss of life during the Superman/Zod beatdown. There’s a lot less careless disregard for civilians in “Batman V. Superman”, but that’s because much of the movie is spent building up to the fight between Batman and Superman. But that’s because it’s what people want to see, obviously. So does the build-up make sense? Kind of. Does it pay off? Sort of.

Since DC is playing catch-up, I believe it’s fair to compare “Batman V. Superman” to the “Avengers”. While Marvel clearly has room to breathe and enjoy what is has, DC appears breathless as it rushes through characters, plots, and ideas. While I did say that Batman’s origins are omnipresent, where Batman is at in his his life is a bit of a mystery. He’s in his 40’s and seemingly has a lot more downtime than previous incantations of Bruce Wayne. But rarely do we truly understand his distrust of Superman, more than we’re just supposed to go along with it. He also seems to have some skeletons in the closet we’re not being told about.

Then there’s the iconic Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg). When he arrives on scene, it’s clear he’s a billionaire playboy, but there are implications that he may just be a sociopath that inherited his father’s money. It’s uncertain whether he’s a genius or someone who’s trying to make too many bizarre religious connections to Superman. His infatuation with Superman, and to some extent Batman, is also never really explained. It’s merely implied that he has some extreme personality disorders.

Because so much of the plot is rushed and skipped over, we’re left having to digest CGI spectacles, and badly worded metaphors uttered by Alfred Pennyworth, Batman’s butler (Jeremy Irons) or Lois Lane, Superman’s squeeze (Adams). There’s too much information, but also too much time spent on inconsequential scenes, like Batman’s bizarre nightmare and Superman’s heart-to-heart on a random snowy mountain with his dead Earth father. “Batman V. Superman” doesn’t feel like a stand-alone movie, more than it just feels like a really long and unnecessary teaser for a “Justice League” movie.

If that’s the case, then the “Justice League” movie better be fantastic because we’ve really had to go through a lot of trouble to get one. That’s not to say “Batman V. Superman” isn’t a decent movie with some good ideas. The casting of Affleck, as well as his performance, is enough to forgive him for “Daredevil”. His portrayal of an aging Batman, focused on his legacy, could create some interesting plot points for later DC films, if they do it right. We also get more of Superman, carried over from “Man of Steel”, as a conflicted man dealing with his powers and who he should be for the people of Earth. While some people don’t like that Superman, I find that Superman more interesting and relatable.

Then of course, there’s Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), whose appearance was ruined by the theatrical trailers, which is really a shame because her appearance at the end isn’t a complete surprise. Despite that, the attending audience still went nuts as she hacked a few limbs off Doomsday; another character spoiled by the trailer. I do hope that Zack Snyder doesn’t use “Wonder Woman” much like he used the ladies of “Sucker Punch” or we’ll be in for more masturbatory nerd fan service with a really exciting character that’s more than just simple eye candy.

It’s hard to predict where “Batman V. Superman” will fall in the inevitable grand scheme of things. Looking in the crystal ball, there are some interesting directors and writers attached to future DC projects, such as Patty Jenkins, the director of “Monster” and James Wan director of “The Conjuring”. While Jenkins gets to handle the origins of Wonder Woman and Wan gets the handle the origins of Aquaman, it looks like Snyder will still be the man at the helm when it comes to the “Justice League” movie. If “Batman V. Superman” and “Man of Steel” are any sign, DC might want to find someone else, and fast.

Concert Review: Bermuda’s “Marcho Man Tour Part II”

“The Marcho Man Tour Part II”
Bermuda, Demolisher, Aminals
Date: March 7, 2016
Venue: The Warehouse, Syracuse, NY

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

The metal band Bermuda made a stop in Syracuse, NY on March 7th as part of their “Marcho Man Tour”. Also on the bill for the evening were Demolisher from Chicago and the Boston thrash band Aminals. Despite it being a rather cold night in Syracuse the bands and a handful of dedicated fans filled the small multi use venue for a night of metal musings.

After brief sets from a handful of local bands Aminals would take the stage where the proceeded to absolutely crush their set! The band demanded the attention of the crowd and made sure everyone was aware of their absolutely jaw-dropping showmanship. You would have never guessed that this was their drummer’s first show with the group as the bands set progressed without incident and leaving the crowd wanting more. Next up was Demolisher, bringing almost a completely different style of metal and hardcore than the previous act. The band seemed right at home and embracing their surroundings which included skateboard ramps and a few unused motorcycles and a car. Yes a car. Demolisher turned the dusty DIY venue into an all-out brawl as clouds of dust arose from buildings industrialized floor

Tour Headliners Bermuda would close out the night and much like the acts before them took to setting up on the floor as opposed to the small confining stage. From the first snare hit, the crushing weight of this band’s brutal riff-age leveled the small crowd. The bands furious sound fueled an intense mosh pit that quickly overtook the area in-front of the band. The bands front man smoldered with steam as the mixture of sweat and cold air provided an eerie effect that fit the night’s mood perfectly. Definitely be on the lookout for when these guys come to town as you won’t want to miss it.

Aminals Setlist:
1.) Bitchcraft
2.) War Widows
3.) Ew, She Smells Like Brooklyn
4.) If You Hear Them Sing in a Hospital
5.) Population Controls
6.) Dirty Habits
7.) Rope
8.) Something Secular

Bermuda Setlist:
1.) Kuma
2.) Vertebroken
3.) Crown Crusher
4.) Grave Dancers
5.) The Wandering
6.) The Human Herd
7.) Parasitic
8.) The Recluse
9.) Intuitions
10.) Process of Drowning
11.) The Cancer Speaks

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Filed Under: Concert Reviews, Music Tagged With: bermudas, concert, ii, man, marcho, part, ...

Film Review “The Divergent Series: Allegiant”

Starring: Shailene Woodley, Theo James and Jeff Daniels
Directed By: Robert Schwentke
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 121 minutes
Lionsgate

Our Score: 1 out of 5 Stars

“The Divergent Series” has apparently been hitting the snooze alarm for the past six hours because there’s nothing new to report on this third nauseatingly bad movie. It also appears that Lionsgate loves burning through all that money it made from “The Hunger Games”, one of the few successful young adult dystopian future storylines. “Allegiant” does nothing new as it simply shuffles around different set pieces, and rehashes the same, poorly constructed arguments for individuality.

It doesn’t take long after the death of Jeanine (Kate Winslet, but she was sparred a brief cameo or stock footage in this, for her potential replacements to rise to the occasion and attempt their own cou d’état to take over the crumbling city of Chicago. Caught in the middle, once again, is Tris (Woodley) and Four (James). They’re ready to follow the advice of the anonymous talking head from the end of “Insurgent” and go outside the walls surrounding the city. But Four’s mother, Evelyn (Naomi Watts) seems more focused on keeping everyone inside, sealing up the walls even further. She also seems enamored with publicly executing members of the old regime, rather than restructuring society.

Johanna (Octavia Spencer) is ready to declare Chicago her pet project as well, believing that peace can be achieved through forgiveness of members of the old regime. Of course she also has some firepower and disposable goons with weapons of her own to take on Evelyn. While the two women bicker over nothing (literally), Tris, Four, and others escape from Chicago. They begin to explore the world outside the walls, which looks like the remnants of a trailer park after a tornado, on Mars. Nuclear fallout is weird like that I guess. Of course, Tris and Four encounter the civilization outside their own civilization. And of course, there are no good guys there, just more big bad guys with nefarious deeds.

“Allegiant” has beaten me down. I no longer want to look for positives or find any positives to talk about. There are some, but it’d be futile consider it’s like attempting to compliment a corpse. I’m now even considering taking back positive things I’ve said about Shailene Woodley, Miles Teller, and other up-and-coming actors. I can at least forgive veteran actors, Octavia Spencer, Jeff Daniels, and Naomi Watts, because I can see that, “Did my check clear yet,” look in their eyes throughout.

Tris no longer seems like a heroine, but instead a hollow pawn inconsequently bumping into people, things, and plot devices. Then there’s Four, who seems like he’s a 30 pack away from giving Tris a black eye as he attempts to control and grab every person he comes in contact with. Miles Teller is in this movie. Mainly as a character that spouts off Kindergarten insults and sarcastic humor, but no one told him the script and serious line reading in this movie is already comedy relief enough.

What’s worse than everything I’ve said so far is that the movie has yet to stop with exposition. “Allegiant” is way more fascinated with introducing than it is concluding. The world outside Chicago needs explanation. The gadgets in this new world need detail and unnecessary character montage tutorials. The only thing lacking description is the key element to making this a somewhat worthwhile movie, the plot.

In the grand scheme of things, learning how to operate a new piece of military hardware should be much lower on the clarification totem pole. Especially when the new world we’re supposed to be learning about involves mass brainwashing, child abductions, and the crafting of a genetically pure human being. With two hours left in the franchise, I’m wondering if we’re going to have a logical conclusion to this cluttered mess or if it’ll be content with hitting the snooze button a few more time. It’s a safe bet for all of this to inevitably be trite.

I’m sure the fans of the books/movies will gobble it up and the people who watched the first movie and have already checked , will most likely be saving their money for “Batman V. Superman” next week. My apathy in this review matches my feelings towards this series. Both of the groups of people I just told you about will most likely not read this because they’ve already made up their mind. So let me talk to the few of you who have never seen these movies and may be interested in possibly starting this series. Don’t. Just don’t.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: allegiant, divergent, film, review, series

Book Review: Barney Hoskyns “Small Town Talk”

“Small Town Talk Bob Dylan, The Band, Van Morrison, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and friends in the Wild Years of Woodstock”

Author: Barney Hoskyns
Publisher: Da Capo
Hardcover: 402 pages

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

In the 1960’s when musicians in the New York City folk scene decided to “get it together in the country,” they headed to Woodstock. There manager Alan Grossman established his personal fiefdom of studios and restaurants where the likes of Bob Dylan, Paul Butterfield and Todd Rundgren mixed and mingled with Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. “Small Town Talk” tells Woodstock’s story from its earliest days as a bohemian arts colony to its ongoing life as a cultural satellite of New York City.

Author Barney Hoskyns delves deep into a period of time when some of the period’s biggest singer/songwriters were leaving the crowded cities for the peaceful wooded areas which lay waiting just a few hours away. Tons of great stories are heard here for the first time as the book evolves just as the scene in the Catskills did. As you read page after page you never know who you are going to bump into from that time period which was something I found kept me looking forward to that next page. Hoskyns doesn’t only include just the big players of the time but does a great job of incorporating the community that this scene engulfed and how that era shaped what the town became and how it still remains to this day. “Small Town Talk” is simply not just a book for fans of the 60’s or its accompanying soundtrack as it has a little something for everyone. Woodstock was and is more than just a mud filled 3 day music fest and Barney Hoskyns latest book proves that.

CD Review: Brian Fallon “Painkillers”

“Painkillers”
Brian Fallon
Island
Producer: Butch Walker Tracks: 12

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The Gaslight Anthem front-man Brian Fallon steps into the solo spotlight with his debut release titled “Painkillers”. The album which is being released via Island Records features 12 brand new tracks from the Springsteen esk front-man which were produced by Butch Walker (Weezer, Fall Out Boy).

Brain Fallon’s first attempt as a solo artist comes off completely genuine and harkens back to the singer/songwriter era of the early 60’s but with a modern twist. Tracks such as the albums opener “A Wonderful Life” and the title track “Painkillers” are similar enough to Fallon’s previous work with his band The Gaslight Anthem that they will appeal not only to long time fans but also usher in a new fan base for the charismatic singer. Other tracks worth mentioning are the gravelly voiced “Smoke” with its jangly guitars and sing-a-long choruses to the upbeat “Rosemary” which is one of the few songs on the album to feature electric guitar and provides a nice break up mid way through the album which is almost entirely acoustic. Along with Fallon the album features some great performances by Brian’s backing band consisting of Mark Stepro-drums, Catherie Popper-bass, Alex Rosamilia-piano, Josh Keller-pedal steel guitar and Butch Walker who along with his producer duties lends his hand playing a variety of different odds and ends instruments.

When a debut solo album comes out and is as strong as one such as “Painkillers” it makes me wonder if the artist left any ground to cover for future albums. With the diversity shown by Fallon and company that question was quickly answered as the album runs the gambit of music styles which will certainly help pave the way for future releases from the seasoned front man.

Track Listing: 

1.) A Wonderful Life
2.) Painkillers
3.) Among Other Foolish Things
4.) Smoke
5.) Steve McQueen
6.) Nobody Wins
7.) Rosemary
8.) Red Lights
9.) Long Drives
10.) Honey Magnolia
11.) Mojo Hand
12.) Open All Night

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Filed Under: CD Reviews, Music Tagged With: brian, cd, fallon, painkillers, review

Film Review “10 Cloverfield Lane”

Starring: John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Gallagher, Jr.
Directed by: Dan Trachtenberg
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hr 43 mins
Paramount

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

It’s happened to all of us.

You have a fight with your significant other, grab a bottle of the good stuff and drive off into the night, unsure of where you’re going. Next thing you know, you’re waking up in a small room chained to your bed. OK, it probably hasn’t happened to a lot of people but it does happen to Michelle (Winstead). Thus begins “10 Cloverfield Lane.”

Less a “member” of the “Cloverfield” family than a straight sequel, “10 Cloverfield Lane” is a tight little film featuring three very strong performances. After some confused moments, Michelle meets Howard (Goodman), who informs her that he pulled her from an auto accident and brought her to his home. Home happens to be an underground bunker, which conspiracy theorist Howard built and filled some time ago with the help of the other person in the bunker, Emmett (Gallagher) a drifter who found work with Howard. Unsure of Howard’s intentions, Michelle tells him that her boyfriend is probably looking for her. “No one is looking for you,” Howard replies. He then goes on to explain that “something” has happened in the world. He suspects an attack, though he can’t be sure if it was the Russians or the Martians. He has plenty of ideas on how to defeat both.

What is intriguing about the story here is that we are never sure what the truth is really. Was there an attack? Is Howard just a nice guy with some weird rules (the table in the kitchen is an heirloom, so coasters and placemats will be used at all times) or is he a kidnapper and, possibly, a murderer? You never really know. Goodman is so reliable in supporting work that you sometimes forget what a fine actor he is. Here he gives a full and fleshed out performance and you can’t help but feel sorry about his station in life. Winstead and Gallagher also have some chemistry, though more friendly than romantic.

A word to the wise; if you go into this film looking for the monsters from J.J. Abrams film “Cloverfield” you may be disappointed. However, if you are in the mood for a small and satisfying thriller, then brave the bunker at “10 Cloverfield Lane.”

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Book Review: Lita Ford “Living Like A Runaway”

“Living Like a Runaway”

Author: Lita Ford Publisher: Dey Street Books
Hardcover: 272 pages
Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Living Like a Runaway” provides a never before glimpse into the life of musician Lita Ford. The child of immigrants, she had a near idyllic southern California upbringing until she was thrust onto the hedonistic rock and roll scene at the age of just 16. With nearly unmatched skills, Lita along with Joan Jett, Cherie Currie, Sandy West, Jackie Fox and under the guidance of Kim Fowley brought the band the Runaway’s to a meteoric rise during the mid to late 1970’s. After the groups break up Lita go on to see tremendous success as a solo artist in the 1980’s. Fearless, revealing and, compulsively readable the long awaited memoir from a true rock pioneer is finally here.

“Living Like a Runaway” is a quick read that keeps the reader’s attention over the course of its 272 pages. Ford speaks candidly about her upbringing and how she was thrust at an early age in to the male dominated hard rock music scene. The book covers the early days of the Runaway a group who had to practically fight for everything they had before ultimately imploding after only 3 albums. From there Ford recounts her career as a solo artist from not knowing where to start to her chart topping duet with Ozzy Osbourne. It is all here. The part of the book that really struck me as odd as over the books 15 chapters Ford has no problem speaking of past sexual encounters with various hard rock legends however when it comes to explaining more of her issues related to former band members and the divorce which left her alienated from her two sons Ford quickly skirts around the issue either saying she doesn’t understand or in the case of the later includes a statement flat out saying she is refusing to talk about it. In the age of the internet where nothing is private what is the sense of putting out a “tell all” type memoir if that’s not exactly what you are going to do? At least you are able to tell your side.

Despite whatever the reasons were for omitting certain details the book is still a decent read for fans of Lita and her works. With not a lot of behind the scenes info on the Runaway’s especially there time in Japan, Lita Ford’s “Living Like a Runaway” does an ok job filling that void.

CD Review: Steel Panther “Live From Lexxi’s Mom’s Garage

“Live From Lexxi’s Mom’s Garage”

Steel Panther
Open E
Mixing: Jay Ruston Tracks: 13

Our Score: CD- 4 out of 5 stars
DVD- 3 out of 5 stars

The raining kings of spandex metal are back with something a little different this time around. “Live From Lexxi’s Mom’s Garage” is the bands first full length feature film which includes a live 10 song acoustic concert mixed with comedic scenes that show case the bands over the top sexually fueled high jinks. The dual CD/DVD is being released via Open E and features 10 tracks that will have you instantly reaching for the aqua net and eyeliner.

Right of the bat “Live From Lexxi’s Mom’s Garage” was a hit for me. The band wastes no time getting right down to business as the album is a spattering of songs from the bands 3 comedic tinged albums but with an acoustic flavor. Songs like “Party Like Tomorrow is the End of the World” and “Glory Hole” sound as good if not better than the original records. Despite the fact that acoustic instrumentation can be a bit unforgiving especially in live situations the band does an impressive job with each performance. Combine that with a great mix provided by Jay Ruston and you have an album that’s not only fun to listen to because of the songs tongue and cheek subject matter but also because it’s pleasing to the ears and you get to a hear new track from the band titled “That’s When You Came In”. Yes the album is a bit polished for a live album however, keep in mind that very few live albums are truly live making this a moot point. Along with the audio version of the CD fans get a video version of the show which only adds to the entertainment value of this release. Though I found a couple of spots where the audio seemed to be a touch out of sync the brief skits every few songs were funny enough to where you could look past any short comings. Throw in a couple special appearance of 80’s video vixen Bobbi Brown in the role of Lexxi’s mom and you have yourself a pretty killer package.

Yes some of the sexual innuendos used in “Live From Lexxi’s Mom’s Garage” have started to become a bit tiresome however the catchiness of Steel Panthers songs are what keep me coming back time and time again. For long time fans of the band picking up this release is a given. For those new to the group despite having three studio albums under the bands belt I recommend starting here a working your way backwards as the songs just sound so good played acoustically. For those wanting this for just the video performance be warned that that is all you will get on the DVD there are no behind the scenes or bonus footage here. Knowing the bands comedic nature I would have thought there would have been tons of outtakes and gag reels from this shoot that could have been included but when you are already getting both the audio and video version of the show for the price of one you can’t really complain.

Track Listing:
1.) Show Intro/ Say Yeah!
2.) Party Like Tomorrow is the End of the World
3.) Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)
4.) If You Really, Really Love Me
5.) Gloryhole
6.) Bukkake Tears
7.) The Burden of Being Wonderful
8.) Weenie Ride
9.) That’s When You Came In
10.) Michael Don’t Know
11.) Community Property
12.) Grindy and Sexy
13.) Death to All But Metal

Film Review “American Bred”

Starring: Andy Martinez, Jr., Eva Tamargo and Michael Lerner
Directed by: Justin Chambers
Not Rated
Running time: 1 hr 49 mins
Crevice Entertainment

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I was recently given an advance look at filmmaker Justin Chamber’s latest film, “American Bred,” which is premiering this Saturday at the D.C. Independent Film Festival. I greatly enjoyed Chamber’s first feature, 2012’s “Broken Roads,” and am pleased to report that his latest film is an outstanding sophomore achievement. In the city of Detroit, if you need something, you speak to Francis Adamo (Lerner). Together with his wife, Catalina (Tamargo), he has made a life that many envy. The Adamo’s love America. And may God have mercy on those that would try to disparage that love.

A smartly made film that compares in style with “The Departed,” “American Bred” is a classic mob movie with a modern twist. The film is a study in trust – as in who you can and can’t. Loyalty and deception are the calling cards here when an order is given but not carried out and the question “who can you trust” overshadows everything.

The film is smartly written with complex but identifiable characters and smart, believable dialogue. In fact, Chambers screenplay won 1st Place in 2014 in The Writers Place Screenplay Competition. Besides a strong script, Chambers has cast some amazing actors, including Ms. Tamargo and Mr. Lerner. I’ve been a fan of Michael Lerner’s ever since he played Jack Ruby in a television film almost 40 years ago. In films like “Eight Men Out,” “Harlem Nights” and “Barton Fink,” for which he earned an Academy Award nomination, his presence on screen is always powerful. The film works technically as well. The direction is tight and the story moves smoothly, powered by an outstanding musical score by Ian Hughes.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: american, bred, film, review

Film Review “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot”

Starring: Tina Fey, Margot Robbie and Martin Freeman
Directed by: Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hr 52 mins
Paramount
Our Score: 4 out of 5 (stars!)

It’s 2006 and we meet hard-driving Kim Baker (Fey) in the middle of an assignment as a news reporter imbedded in Afghanistan with a Marine regiment. Things are typically hectic, though Baker’s story isn’t.

Flashback to 2003 where we discover Kim Baker in a dead-end job as a news writer for television. As the war in Iraq has intensified, the station is looking for ANYONE that will volunteer to cover the “forgotten war” in Afghanistan. The only requirements are that you can’t be married or have kids. Taking this as a sign, Kim volunteers and soon finds herself in Kabul, where her bright orange backpack helps her stick out like a sore toe. She make the acquaintance of a fellow female journalist, the beautiful Tanya Vanderpole (Robbie). Tanya tries to cheer Kim up by pointing out that she is “Kabul cute,” meaning where she might be judged as a 6 back in the states she is a solid 8.5 or even a 9 overseas. Good news indeed.

Well-made and much more serious than it’s being marketed, “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” gives Tina Fey to flex some acting chops you may not know she possessed. She does have a few good one-liners, but the story keeps her character grounded in the middle of war and the carnage it continually provides. In between assignments Kim stays at a boarding house where unwinding after being involved in a firefight begins with alcohol and ends…well, sometimes it never ends. The film gives an inside look at the various cultural differences that many here in the states may only have heard hints of. Even the local women scold Kim harshly for the slightest offense. However, this new influx of excitement in her life keep her going.

The film is well cast, with each actor playing well off of the others. As a Scottish journalist interested in Kim, Freeman is well meaning and sympathetic. As the Marine general whose unit Kim follows, Billy Bob Thornton is strong and unflinching. And very thin. Someone buy this man a sandwich. Alfred Molina gets the majority of the humorous lines as an Afghani politician slowly working his way up the power ladder. The battle scenes are well staged and, again, the horrors of war may not be what audiences are expecting so be warned. War is still hell.

Film Review “Zootopia”

Starring the Voices of: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman and Idris Elba
Directed By: Bryan Howard, Rich Moore and Jared Bush
Rated: PG
Running Time: 108 minutes
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

I doubt that Disney had plans to release “Zootopia” in the thick of the 2016 election season. I’m sure they also couldn’t predict the uneasy distrust and fear of culturally different people that’s currently permeating throughout our society. “Zootopia”, obviously by coincidence, has a beautiful message about not judging books by a cover, petty bullying to get one’s way, and stereotyping. It also discusses that no matter how far we think we’ve come and all the things we claim to know, a lot of us, including the best of us, are sometimes still primitive with our feelings and attitudes.

The anthropomorphic animals in “Zootopia” seemingly live in harmony. Every animal is broken down into prey or predator, but cheetahs and other carnivores live peacefully alongside giraffes and other herbivores (which makes you wonder what’s on the dinner plates of all these meat-eaters). It seems like the world’s focal point is a massive city known as Zootopia, which itself is divided in different climates to suit the creatures living there.

The movie itself starts out in the vast lands and countryside surrounding Zootopia. In Bunnyburrow, we meet Judy Hopps (Goodwin), a hopeful bunny that hammers in another theme of the movie, never give up on your dreams. Despite her size, and the stigmas surrounding her breed, she wants to become a cop in Zootopia. Despite her childhood trauma involving a boy fox who claws her, and everyone telling her to give up on her aspirations (even her parents), she does join the law enforcement after enduring a tense trial and error process.

Once she arrives to Zootopia, she doesn’t get any respect from her superiors or co-workers and is relegated to meter maid duty. The insults by angry motorists clutching their tickets and being relegated to menial tasks don’t ever kill her chipper demeanor. But a mocking career con-man fox, Nick Wilde (Bateman), who enters the picture, certainly changes her optimistic outlook into a much sourer one. So when 14 animals go missing from Zootopia and she’s tasked with finding one of the animals, an otter, she tries to make the most of it, and even finds out that Nick may know where the otter went.

In a world where studios continue to franchise building, Disney may have crafted one of the most deep, rich, and visually thrilling worlds. “Zootopia” could easily have a couple of sequels, its own TV show, and spin-offs because of how well planned out and distinct everything is. Everything, from the mice scurrying about in their own community, to sloths operating the DMV, and polar bears as mafia boss underlings, feels so well thought out, organized, and fluid. Lesser writers, directors, and studios, would have fumbled everything or not even tried something this enterprising.

“Zootopia” is populated with more rich visual sight gags than it does animals. Some of the jokes require you to keep your eyes on the screen, your ears fixed on dialogue, and a decent understanding of American pop-culture (think contemporary top 40 music, AMC award-winning TV shows and AFI’s third greatest movie of all time). There are an even proportion of jokes for kids and adults and for kids with a mature side and adults who never grew up. Even those who don’t warm up to Judy’s vivacious personality and Goodwin’s bubbly line delivery will still admit this is the cutest movie of the year.

There’s a lot to unpack with “Zootopia”, because it fires on all cylinders. The voice acting is spot-on, the visuals are crisp and engaging, and the three directors, two scriptwriters, and seven story writers never lost sight of what they wanted to do. They came together and layered every little bit instead of crowding our senses with it. A week after the 88th Academy Awards, we’re already looking at next year’s contender for Best Animated Feature.

Concert Review: Laura Jane Grace and The Devouring Mothers

Laura Jane Grace and the Devouring Mothers, David Dondero

Date: Saturday, February 20th 2016

Venue: The Waiting Room, Buffalo, NY

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Against Me! Front woman Laura Jane Grace made a stop at the intimate Waiting Room in Buffalo, NY on Feb 20th as part of a brief 8 show acoustic tour with her group the Devouring Mothers. Also on the bill for these handful of shows was veteran singer song writer Dave Dondero. The night was part storytelling and part music as both set of performers aimed to provide the audience with a nights worth of entertainment.

As fans were still making their way up the twisted steps of the dual stage venue opening act Dave Dondero took the stage for a less than energetic set. At several points through the 30/40 minute set Dondero asked the crowd if they were actually interested in hearing him play and if not he was ok with leaving. At first what seemed like a joke carried on throughout the remainder of Dondero’s unprofessional and lack luster set.

As the room began steadily filling in Laura Jane and the Devouring Mothers (a group made up of Against Me! drummer Atom Willard and producer/ bassist Marc Hudson) would take the stage and blast through over 20 acoustic renditions of some of Against Me’s material both new and old. In between such songs as “Tonight We’re Gonna Give It 35%” and “Androgynous” Grace read entries from her upcoming book which will be made of countless journal entries and experiences. The set by Laura Jane and company was like a cooler version of “VH1’s Storytellers”. The set was a nice mixture of both new and old tracks which provided something for the various levels of fans the packed the intimate club setting. Missing from the set however was the song “500 Years” which was released in 2014 as a Record Store Day limited edition 7”. Despite this being the perfect setting for the somber number other tracks like “Because of the Shame” and “Two Coffins” filled the void nicely and, despite the of the night being a bit rocky Laura Jane, Atom and Marc did a great job as they more than made it up to the Buffalo fans.

Set List:
1.) Ache With Me
2.) Pints of Guinness Make You Strong
3.) Tonight We’re Gonna Give It 35%
4.) You Look Like You Need a Drink
5.) Sink, Florida, Sink
6.) I Keep Forgettin’
7.) Pretty Girls (The Mover)
8.) How Low
9.) Searching for a Former Clarity
10.) Joy
11.) Androgynous (Replacements Cover)
12.) The Ocean
13.) Harsh Realms
14.) Conceptual Paths
15.) Because of the Shame
16.) Two
17.) True Trans Soul Rebel
18.) Bamboo Bones
19.) Transgender Dysphoria Blues
20.) Black Me Out
(Plus 2 song Encore) 

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Filed Under: Concert Reviews, Music Tagged With: concert, devouring, grace, jane, laura, mothers, ...

Film Review “Gods of Egypt”

Starring: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Brenton Thwaites and Chadwick Boseman
Directed By: Alex Proyas
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 127 minutes
Lionsgate
Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 Stars

The short voice over and quick crash course lesson in Gods, mortals, and other random nonsense populating “Gods of Egypt” in the first five minutes were definite signs for concerns. My worries about choosing the wrong movie to screen for the week began to come to fruition as I furrowed my brow at Set (Gerard Butler) spouting outrage over soap opera drama at Osiris (Bryan Brown) and being denied his inherent birthright by Ra (Geoffrey Rush) while Osiris’ son, Horus (Coster-Waldau) watches in shocking horror. Despite the visual theatrics, I immediately thought, “What the hell is happening?”

“Gods of Egypt” takes a while to settle into its own mythos, which is rubbish. There is a cause for concern about CGI heavy films in an ancient setting ever since the 2010 remake of “Clash of the Titans”. While “Clash of the Titans” used computer animation as a crutch for a lack of plot and acting, “Gods of Egypt” manages to blend the sword-and-sandal concept with child-like wonder through the CGI. It also helps that it never takes itself too seriously, allowing for small moments of seriousness to squeeze into the visual thrills and action set pieces.

I don’t mean to leave you hanging on what the hell this movie is about, because I assure you that it does pick-up after its bumbling beginning. Horus has his powers, which are his eyes, removed by his uncle, Set. Egypt goes from a civilization of peace to one dominated by war and slavery. The human, Bek (Thwaites), through the persuasion of his love in life, Zaya (Courtney Eaton), manages to steal one of Horus’ eyeballs and return it to the drunk and exiled God.

From that point on, Bek and Horus team up to get vengeance and restore some level of sanity (which seems like a useless word in a movie like this) to Egypt. There are more characters that show up and join Bek and Horus, but their introductions seem more natural because we’re not being bombarded with dozens of other characters all at once. Once “Gods of Egypt” has established the rules of its world, we’re able to follow along, relax, and enjoy the movie for what it is, dumb, shameful fun.

I feel a little guilty for liking this movie. Maybe that’s because it feels like such contemptible cash-in on the part of Lionsgate, even though they’re more than likely burning their earnings from “The Hunger Games” franchise on this one. Part of me doesn’t feel guilty though. The movies in the past that are very much like this, “Prince of Persia” and “Clash of the Titans” were actually attempting to cash-in on a different platform’s success or degrading it’s source material. “Gods of Egypt” is an original work and such ambition, even when it’s not necessarily very good, should be viewed in a different light as opposed to audacious remakes and reboots.

There is some Hollywood whitewashing and it does come at an inappropriate time, with the Oscars happening in the same weekend. Although, having Gerard Butler with a tan play an Egyptian God doesn’t feel as visually gross as Joel Edgerton plays Ramses II. That doesn’t excuse “Gods of Egypt” from lack of ethics, but like I said earlier, it’s shameful fun. The highest praise I can give “Gods of Egypt” is that it’s a decent waste of two hours, but I wouldn’t recommend you drop a single buck on this one.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: egypt, film, gods, review

Film Review “Triple 9”

Starring: Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Woody Harrelson
Directed by: John Hillcoat
Rated: R
Running time: 1 hr 55 mins
Open Road Films
Our Score: 4 out of 5 (stars!)

A group of men rush into a local bank. Brandishing weapons they wordlessly force the manager into the vault. Soon they have what they came for and run out. A few hours later they change clothes, put on their badges and go to work.

A well-crafted thriller, “Triple 9” is a game of one-upmanship between a group of dirty cops and the wife of an imprisoned gangster. It seems that one of the gang had a child with the wife’s sister and now she is holding their son hostage until she gets what she wants. What she wants is achievable but to buy the time necessary they need to have a “Triple 9” – a police call that signifies that an officer has been shot. Who will be the unlucky boy in blue?

Sharply written and featuring an amazing cast, “Triple 9” is an early spring present for movie goers. As the leader of the baddies, Ejiofor is strong. Hot when he needs to be, but always cool, it is easy to see why the men follow him. Anthony Mackie, Norman Reedus and Aaron Paul are among the bad apples, and the rapport they share on screen is strong. Harrelson is a veteran detective who is helping mentor his nephew (Affleck), the new guy on the block and the cop with a bullseye on his back.

The action set-pieces are well performed and director Hillcoat keeps the film moving from the first frame to the last. The film’s tone is set and runs on the original music and songs created by a very talented quartet of young men. The music is often able to further the plot in a way that simple dialogue cannot. Who is bad and who is good? Instead of hitting you over the head, “Triple 9” lets you decide on your own.

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: 9, film, review, triple

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