A Movie Review: Carnage

Carnage. The movie opens with a group of children in a park. Ethan Longstreet (Eliot Berger) is seen arguing with Zachary Cowan (Elvis Polanski). Ethan has a group of young boys behind him. Zachary is seen carrying a stick. After what looks like a heated exchange, Zachary uses the stick and strikes Ethan in the face.

The movie switches to the Longstreet home where the two sets of parents are discussing the matter. We have Penelope Longstreet (Jodie Foster), Michael Longstreet (John C. Reilly), Nancy Cowan (Kate Winslet) and Alan Cowan (Christoph Waltz). The vast majority of the movie takes place in the confined space of either the Longstreet condo/apartment or the hallway near the elevator. Ethan has suffered some dental damage. Both sets of parents agree that Zachary must apologize to Ethan. Of course, this is where we start to delve into the mindset of these four individuals. Penelope wants an honest apology. She wants Zachary to want to apologize to her son Ethan. She isn’t satisfied that the Cowans plan to require Zachary apologize. No, he has to want to do so. From there we do a deep dive into what I believe this movie is all about: dynamics and conversations. We get to see how the two husbands don’t necessarily get along, but still form an alliance. The wives feel they must keep discussing the matter from various angles. And throughout the conversation, they are so focused in on what the others are saying that they are constantly pointing out potential hypocrisies and disconnects in statements.

There is also the underlying tensions based on social status. Though not stated, the Cowans are wealthy. Alan is a well paid attorney who actually spends a significant amount of time during the movie talking to a CEO of a top medical corporation. Nancy is a stock broker. The Longstreets are more middle class (I couldn’t help but wonder how they could afford their condo/apartment) with Penelope a writer of books that focus in on the struggles of Africa while Michael owns a wholesale business.

Though movies that focus primarily on conversations sometimes bore me (such as A Tree of Life), I found myself intrigued by this movie. The conversations were interesting and you could easily see how these intelligent individuals found themselves in a total mess by the end of the movie. And there are plenty of laughs, especially when they attempt to poke holes into discrepancies that popped up (discrepancies that would of course occur when talking for around an hour).

And perhaps the most important question in this movie: where are the kids by the way?

Duke Basketball vs. St. John's: 83-76

I only got to see the last ten minutes or so of this game and I didn't like what I saw. Did anyone on that team know how to handle the basketball? Many a pass seemed purposely thrown to a St. John's player. Also, the part I saw had St. John's pressing. No one on the Duke team seemed comfortable with dealing with the frenzied defense of St. John's. I think Dick Vitale (Mr. I Love the ACC) and Brent Musburger said it best when they said Duke is a team that could be taken out in the first round of March Madness. I hate the thought, but my opinion is that this team just isn't putting it together even if it is in the Top 10.

A Movie Review. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1. For me, this is a movie that can barely be sat through.  A wedding.  A honeymoon.  A series of patrols.  It felt like nothing interesting happened in this movie.

Raw Geronimo, VUM and Free Moral Agents at Los Globos

A fun night seeing three female led bands. First up was VUM, providing us with some psychedelic inspired music. Free Moral Agents has a front woman who paces the front of the stage with a smile, but makes one wonder if there isn't something hidden in that jacket that will help her take down someone she finds irritating. Raw Geronimo has a front woman who knows how to groove and is more than willing to toss her way into the crowd.

Before Raw Geronimo hit the stage, we got a chance to see their video for 'Role Play.'

VUM



Free Moral Agents




Raw Geronimo

The Chevin, The Californian, Chasing Kings, Nightmare and the Cat at The Satellite

I hung around The Satellite for a longer timeframe than I usually do. The night started off with The Chevin. They're a band from Leeds, England -- a city I ended up in briefly when my flight to Edinburgh got cancelled due to volcanic ash and I was put onto a plane to Leeds. This is a power vocal driven band.

Next up was The Californian. I was pretty sure I'd seen this band before at Villains. I was wrong as soon as they hit the stage. I figured maybe there were two bands out their with slightly different takes on California.  Looking through my posts, I realized the band I saw at Villains was called The Americans. Oh well. A little confusion.  Looking through my list again, I realized that I had in fact seen The Californian.  That initial time, the guys in the band were in ties.  As you can see below, the style in now different.  I suppose they're also changing things up in terms of music.   The crowd was very receptive to their music.

The residency band for the evening was Chasing Kings. Where was the onstage artist who hung out with them at their Silverlake Lounge residency? I shouldn't complain about that. A small group of folks demanded an encore, but the band waved them off and told them to come next week for their final show.

I only stuck around for about half of Nightmare and the Cat's set. They were on past my midnight sleep deadline (and I knew I was going to be out late on Tuesday catching another set of bands). I'd actually gone to the Satellite on this night to catch this band specifically and was disappointed when I looked up at the schedule posted on the door and saw that they were going on at midnight. I was randomly asked at The Satellite if I'd seen this band before. I said that I'd seen them about two years ago. Not the truth. Looking through my posts, the correct answer is 1 year and 4 months. Oh well, maybe time doesn't speed by as quickly as I think.  From my short listen, I say the band's sound has changed into being a bit more frenzied -- or maybe that is just my faded memory.  Either way, I really enjoyed what I heard and hope to catch them again soon (and by soon I don't mean 1 year and 4 months), I unfortunately just needed to go home and crawl into bed.


The Chevin



The Californian





Chasing Kings



Nightmare and the Cat

A Movie Review: Warhorse

Warhorse. I enjoyed this movie that follows a warhorse named Joey through the years prior and during World War I. It so moved one woman that was next to me that she was sobbing during the end. I wasn’t, but that doesn’t mean the movie didn’t move me. I did have problems with this movie. First, I felt the ending was too sentimental. Second, I felt this movie was set up like a high school history book: this is how life in Europe was before the war, this is how the war impacted the Germans, this is how the war impacted the non-combatants, this is how the war impacted the British. In fact, this is probably a wonderful movie to show in a high school history class. I know, I’m slamming the movie for being too sentimental and not being deep enough, but I say this movie is entertaining enough to recommend though probably not a picture that should get a Best Picture nomination.

A Movie Review: Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I was blown away by this movie. You have the emotionally scarred Lisbeth Salande alongside a defeated Mikael Blomkvist, joining forces to solve a mystery that is set in the harsh wintry weather of Sweden. I love how director David Fincher goes with two different movie styles during the first half of the movie as he switches between the darkness of Lisbeth and the professional world of Mikael Blomkvist and then blends them perfectly together when they finally join forces in the second half. This movie isn’t for the weak of heart. There are scenes that will make you squirm, but the movie doesn’t back down from those moments. And one has to mention Trent Reznor, because his music drives the movie forward.

Best Picture Nominations: Oscars

So here's the list of Best Picture Nominations:

The Artist
The Descendants
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
The Help
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
Moneyball
The Tree of Life
War Horse

How does this line up with my picks that I put up on Intraffik:

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Hugo
Bridesmaids
Midnight in Paris
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
A Separation
Like Crazy
The Help
X-Men: First Class

There is agreement on 3 of the 9: Hugo, Midnight in Paris and The Help. The biggest snub for me, of course, is The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Up on Intraffik: My 2012 Best Picture Oscar Preferences

I'm up on Intraffik with my opinion on which movies I'd like to see get nominated for Best Picture. Click on the link to see my picks . . .

A Movie Review: Puss in Boots

Puss in Boots. Better than the last couple Shrek movies.

I guess I should say a little more. It is essentially another take on fairy tales, but with the focus turned to Puss versus Shrek, which results in a degree of fresh revival. I suspect; however, if there is a sequel (which I'm sure there will be) they'll end up as redundant as the sequels to Shrek.

A Movie Review: Hugo

Hugo. Our hero, Hugo (Asa Butterfield) fixes machines. He believes everything has a purpose. It makes him sad when mechanical devices break.

Our young hero is also along. His father worked two jobs as a watch repairman and at a museum. While working at the museum, a fire starts and the father dies. A drunk uncle takes him in. The uncle keeps the clocks working at the train station. Soon, Hugo, is left working the clocks on his own while the uncle is no doubt taking the wages to drink himself to death.

During the night, young Hugo works on an automaton, which he and his father were trying to repair. He needs various mechanical pieces and his main target for theft is a mechanical toy shop that runs out of the train station.

And so this is where our story starts. The owner (Ben Kingsley) finally catches Hugo in the act of theft. He forces Hugo to turn over a notebook that has various notes that his father kept on the automaton.

Hugo disparately wants the notebook back. He ends up working for the shopowner and also becomes close friends with the granddaughter (Chloë Grace Moretz).

He quickly learns that there is a strange connection between this family and the automaton.

He also learns that the store owner was hurt in life and is in emotional pain. He decides that he needs to fix this.

This movie has a lovely tribute to our early film history. The movie mentions how some early works are lost forever and also that many of us just don’t find these old movies interesting. All true. I, myself, who love movies have so little knowledge of initial film making. This movie honors those early pioneers and how so much love was put into these movies.

Though the movie perhaps last a tad too long, I enjoyed it greatly. The two young actors are endearing.

Yes, this is one of those movies where the children make life right, but the adults here are not stupid.

Instead, they are in pain and feel that life has rendered them useless. The children are there to show that they aren’t useless and infact have much to offer this world.

A lovely movie.

Duke Basketball vs. Wake Forest: 91-73

It is nice seeing Andre Dawkins with a big smile.  He was in a long shooting slump.  He moved out of it in the Virginia game.  He was hot in the Clemson game (I didn't see it, but the box score highlights it).  And against Wake Forest he drilled them in the first half.  He didn't get the ball much in the second half, but that first half was awesome.  And the defense was so keyed in on him that Austin Rivers and Seth Curry were able to slash to the basket.

There was an interesting line-up change with Austin Rivers and Ryan Kelly coming off the bench.  It didn't seem to impact their production.  Austin Rivers ended up playing the most minutes and scoring 20.  Ryan Kelly also scored 20.  In some ways, Ryan Kelly seemed to be all over the floor.  Yes, Dawkins stole the show with his 7 threes, but I think Kelly was the key to the game.  Mason Plumlee must have gotten a lot of practice time in at the free throw line.  Unlike the Virginia game, he was actually able to hit his free throws, going 4-6.  That is a percentage I can live with.

The criticism of Duke is their defense.  It could use some work.  Dawkins got beat a number of times, but that isn't news.  As I believe the commentators mentioned, all the Duke guards need to step up and play better defense.  Since Coach K is rotating five guards, none of them should be worried about playing defense and getting tired or getting into foul trouble due to that. 

A Movie Review: Melancholia

Melancholia. The end of the world is near. A planet called Melancholia passes through our solar system and collides with earth. Planet earth is destroyed. Before all this happens, we witness a very painful wedding reception. Justine (Kirsten Dunst) has just married Michael (Alexander Skarsgård). They arrived two hours late to the reception, because their limo has difficulties dealing with the narrow roads. (Now considering that their reception is being held at a very fancy location that has horses, a golf course and mansion, I found it strange that the roads would be so bad – or maybe they decided to take the back roads for the fun of it.)

The reception is at the house/resort of her rich relatives: sister Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) and brother-in-law John (Kiefer Sutherland). As mentioned, the reception is a disaster. Justine is in a world all her own, depressed or mentally unstable. On her wedding night she ends up having random sex with a young man who (I believe) is related to her husband, Michael. Her mother is just a bit nuts, having refused to go to the wedding because she doesn’t believe in churches. Her boss is at the reception and wants a tag line for an advertising campaign. In my mind, the only normal people are Claire and John. Perhaps they’re a bit uptight, but they seem normal compared to everyone else.

Now one question is rather or not anyone knows about the planet that is going to pass them by. You would assume so, but no one mentions a thing about it at the wedding. I believe there are a couple mentions about stars and planets, but nothing about a planet that might or might not destroy planet Earth. I suppose if they had no clue then we’re dealing with a situation of watching folks living their lives not knowing that their time is short. If the answer is yes, then these folks would seem to be just a tad nuts as they seem totally unconcerned about the potential disaster. (Of course, the scientists are saying all is well, but who would pay attention to scientists when something like this is happening – they’re probably just working with the world governments, trying to make sure that the planet dies in dignity versus having massive murders, rapes, and general rampage occur.)

Anyways, the reception ends and everyone heads off on their own. An unknown period of time passes and Justine comes back to visit Claire and John. She is a wreck either from depression or some unknown illness. The planet Melancholia is within days of passing by earth. John is convinced that a planetary collision will not happen and is excited to see the astronomical event. Claire is fearful. Justine is resigned. We get to watch as all three react to the realization that their deaths are near.

This movie just didn’t do it for me. My basic understanding of the movie is that how you look upon life has a determining factor on how you will deal with death. Okay. So what. I don’t need to watch a movie that tries to make a hero out of a depressed person while those who are more optimistic are shown to lack an ability to deal with the end.

Restavrant, The Two Man Gentlemen Band and The Dirt Daubers at The Satellie

What an unexpected night of wonderful music on a recent Sunday night. I knew that Restavrant would give us a show, but I didn't know what to expect from The Two Man Gentlemen Band and The Dirt Daubers. The Two Man Gentlemen Band is a two man band with a nice dose of humor tossed into the mix. And they do love to sing about food and drink: hot chocolate, for example. The Dirt Daubers came in from Kentucky and gave us some old-time music. To end the night, Restavrant decided to play on the floor of the Satellite versus the stage.  We got to surround them, a number of us occupying the stage.  During the back half of their set, a Western-style hoedown dance mosh pit developed.

The Two Man Gentlemen Band



The Dirt Daubers



Restavrant

A Movie Review: The Descendants

The Descendants. Matt King (George Clooney) and his children Alexandra (Shailene Woodley) and Scottie (Amara Miller) are faced with a challenging moment in life. Their wife/mother was in an accident and is brain dead, soon to be taken off life support. Alexandra also reveals to Matt that his wife (her mother) was cheating on him. Matt decides to find her lover and tell him about his wife.

One of the problems I had with the movie was the portrayal of the oldest daugher, Alexandra. She is shown to be a rebel at the start of the movie, but is she really a rebel? True, she isn't the perfect kid, but she hardly seems like the rebel during the second half of the movie. Instead, in some ways, I felt like she was the her father's emotional support during much of the movie.

And if the daughter perhaps had certain issues, I would blame her parents. There was a moment where the family goes to the father-in-law/grandfather to tell him about his daughter. It is interesting how the grandfather attacks Alexandra and Matt basically lets his daughter get emotionally abused. Later; however, Alexandra defends her father against the grandfather. It is almost like we have a reversal of roles here between daughter-father, which indicates to me that maybe the daughter was a rebel because she had to go it on her own.

Movie has a slow methodic process to it. There aren’t any moments of excitement. Just a look at a tough moment in life.

A Movie Review: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. A wonderful spy thriller that has George Smiley (Gary Oldman) attempting to figure who is the Soviet plant in MI-6. George Smiley is in retirement and is asked to come out of retirement to figure out who the spy is. The focus is on who provided the Soviets with information regarding a meeting that was supposed to take place in Budapest. The movie delves into the investigation, but no one initially stands out as the spy. All four suspects could potentially be guilty. This is a movie where the tension just grows and grows.

FIDLAR, Death Hymn #9 and Shoppers playing FYF/The Smell

This was a fun night with the music fans at The Smell showing real enthusiasm for the bands. The night started off with Death Hymn #9. The band went with white face paint and blooded t-shirts of the tortured souls of death. They made sure everything got as close as possible. Shoppers hit the stage next. They were on tour from New York.  Maybe the following really are the names of their songs, but I liked their set list that had songs listed as "1" and "H." The last band of the night for me was FIDLAR. The audience went with a mass mosh pit for this one along with some crowd surfing.  I definitely stayed to the side as I took some photos.

Death Hymn #9



Shoppers



FIDLAR

Seasons, Judson and Tenlons Fort playing at The Echo

The band members of Seasons were busy on a Monday night. A handful of them backed up both Judson and Tenlons Fort. As for Seasons, the set revolved around winter.  Judson will be doing the February residency at Silverlake Lounge.

Judsons



Tenlons Fort



Seasons

Duke Basketball vs. Virginia: 61-58

This was an intense game. Luckily, I watched it via DVR and was able to speed through it much faster than if I watched it live (finished it about an hour after the game actually finished). Watching it live would have just been too much stress.

My thoughts: Duke played a gritty game. Mason Plumlee needs to learn how to shoot free throws. This game wouldn't have been that close if he could shoot 70%. It was nice seeing Andre Dawkins getting some game time. He was in a shooting slump and turned that around to a degree. Also, his defense was good (minus the one play where he had his back turned to the ball and got beat rather badly on a play, but who doesn’t occasionally get caught short). Miles Plumlee had a great slam dunk. It is nice to see how Coach K rotated in his five guards throughout the game. It is noticeable how Kyrie Irving impacted the team last year, there doesn’t appear to be anyone on the team who can drive to the basket like he could.

A Movie Review. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. I wrote the following about the original Sherlock Holmes: I didn't think it was the best movie in the world, but worth a watch. This sequel does rank as one of the best movies of the year.

Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) is on the trail of Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris). Moriarty is off to start a war in Europe. Sherlock Holmes plans to stop him. In doing so, he drags Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) along for the adventure even though Watson is heading off on his honeymoon.

This is a thrilling action packed ride that mixes the detective work and action-adventure genres with great results.

A Movie Review: My Week with Marilyn

My Week with Marilyn. This movie is told through the eyes of Eddie Redmayne (Colin Clark) who worked on the set of 'The Prince and the Showgirl' and witnessed the tensions between the disciplined Sir Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh) and the emotionally insecure Marilyn Monroe (Michelle Williams). I'm no expert on Marilyn Monroe though I have seen some of her movies such as 'How to Marry a Millionaire.' I will take it on faith that in real life Marilyn Monroe had a fragile state of mind, at least this is my impression from watching the movie. Though at the time she was perhaps the most famous actress in the world, she still felt so insecure in her acting abilities that she always needed her acting coach near her as well as Eddie Redmayne, who provided positive re-enforcement.

To me, this movie is a study of Marilyn Monroe as a the person versus a sex symbol. It isn't so much about the storyline. Does it succeed in looking into Marilyn Monroe? Yes. Could the movie have been more? Yes, but from the outset we know this movie is focusing in on a very small window of time. Given that, I say it works.

Up on Intraffik: Young Adult

I'm up on Intraffik with my movie review of 'Young Adult' staring Charlize Theron.

A Movie Review: The Adventures of Tintin

The Adventures of Tintin. Okay, we have a collaboration between Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson. The result it Tintin (voiced by Jamie Bell), a young reporter, who is caught up in an adventure after buying a model ship.

I am a fan of Steven Spielberg. I am a fan of Peter Jackson. I am not a fan of this movie. Perhaps it is because I saw it on the same day as Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. That movie had me pumped up and Tintin, though an adventure, slowed things down. I don't think I was the only one bored with the movie. I noticed the guy in front of me sending out texts and checking his facebook page. As for the kids in the audience, at least one girl was thrilled with the movie. I'm happy she enjoyed it.

A Movie Review. Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and gang are set-up for a terrorist act on the Kremlin. They must clear their name and doing so sends them from Moscow to Dubai to Mumbai. This is an edge of your seat adventure, which includes car chases, fights, scaling of the tallest building in the world and much much more. And it all seems to make sense. Hey, an action movie that actually doesn't seem to have a ton of plot holes: I say that alone provides this movie with a green light.

A Movie Review: Tower Heist

Tower Heist. Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda) ran a Ponzi scheme. Some of the victims are the staff of the condo tower where he lives. They want their money back and Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller) along with Slide (Eddie Murphy) are out to find money that is hidden away in Arthur Shaw's penthouse.

This is a poor man's Ocean's Eleven: a funnier movie, but the heist is not as sophisticated. A poor man's version doesn't mean bad. It was a fun movie to watch. One of those movies where you don't have to think too much. Just sit back and enjoy the antics of the actors on screen. Sometimes you need a movie like that.

Vinnie Ferra and Brandon Mayer at Silverlake Lounge

A singer-songwriter night at Silverlake Lounge with Brandon Mayer and Vinnie Ferra along with their back-up bands.  Brandon Mayer did a handful of cover songs during the night.  'Lady in Red' being one of them.  His sister was one of the back-up singers.  Vinnie Ferra is the resident this month.  He gave an energetic performance and made sure we noticed the balloons that decorated the Lounge.  There was a strong female fan base present.

As for the audience, I think I've said this before, I'm surprised that the Silverlake Lounge isn't packed on Monday nights.  I'm telling you, they've had some really good bands playing there over the last few months.

Brandon Mayer



Vinnie Ferra

New Year's Eve: Pomona and Music

It was off to a secret location in Pomona for New Year's Eve. At this location, I got to catch Horror Squad, Kids Say the Darndest Things, Discretions and Rad Company. It is nice to head out somewhere where everyone appears to know each other.  This secret location has that Kiss or Kill feel to it.  Someone brought cupcakes.  Another brought some celebratory items.  And honestly, I think we celebrated 2012 about 12 seconds too early.

Noticed:  just a little ways off, in the middle of nowhere, a large bounce house was set up and a group of kids were having fun.  So two groups in a secret location were celebrating 2012.

Horror Squad



Kids Say the Darndest Things



Discretions



Rad Company

Santa Anita Park: 2012

Santa Anita.  I have to say I had some success at the track this past Sunday, January 1st.  You have to say that when you win a trifecta.  This happened in the 5th race when Rumor, Saint Isabelle and Big Tiz came in win, place and show.  I almost got lucky in the 3rd, put Muny, Macias and My Summer Slew didn't cooperate with each other.  I am not a big better so we're not talking about hundreds of dollars here, but I had a winning bet in 6 of the 8 races.  Not bad.  My strategy:  I looked at the recommendations along with the record of the horse, but towards the end I think I mainly focused in on the jockey.  For example, at one point in time, Miss Mittagong was at 12-1; however, I noted that the jockey was Joel Rosario.  Well, 12-1 would seem that it was unlikely this horse would win the race, but I decided to make the best that it would show and show it did.  The strategy worked this time around, but I'm sure the next time around it won't.  Actually, excluding the 5th race, I came in just slightly negative for the day.

Raw Geronimo and Josh Boyd & the Bedroom Band playing at The Mime

I'm not sure I've ever really gotten a full set of Raw Geronimo. I caught a brief set at The Standard and then saw them perform at Origami Records. I noticed that they were playing at The Mime and so I decided I definitely needed to go. First up for me was Josh Boyd and the Bedroom Band and their mask wearing front man.  Then came Raw Geronimo and the let it all hang out lead singer.  What a fun band with ancient rhythms meant to send the fan base into a trance. 

Josh Boyd and the Bedroom Band



Raw Geronimo

2012

To my readers:  hope 2012 is a great year for you.