A Movie Review: The French Connection

The French Connection. Jimmy Doyle (Gene Hackman) and Buddy Russo (Roy Scheider) are undercover police officers. After taking down their most recent suspect, they go out for drinks. They notice Sal Boca (Tony Lo Bianco) spending a ton of money. On a whim, they decide to tail him to see where it leads. By doing solid investigative work, their case slowly expands. They are able to get wire tap authority and soon there is a French connection made. They are convinced they're onto something big though others suspect they're just investigating low level criminals. They are soon told to just drop the case, but when a sniper attempts to take Jimmy Doyle out, the case ramps back up.

Wow, I vaguely remember seeing this movie before -- it sort of dawned on me during the last 30 minutes -- but after seeing it again recently I have to say this movie is brilliant. This is a very well crafted crime thriller. It is a joy watching Jimmy Doyle and Buddy Russo slowly put together their case. It is also amusing to watch the cat and mouse game begin as the French connection realize that they're being watched. The French aren't stupid and know how to evade.

A couple issues:

1. When the sniper attempts to take out Jimmy Doyle from a rooftop, Jimmy goes up after him. From the rooftop, Jimmy sees the sniper running below him. Now the building looked to be at least 6 stories high. Somehow Jimmy is able to run down the stairs or go down the elevator and catch up to the guy. Yeah, I don't think so. Other than that, this movie is tightly written. I don't know if there are any other logical flaws.

2. I'm not sure that the passage of time is properly reflected in this movie. The stakeout takes place over a couple months, but you only learn about that when it is mentioned towards the end of the investigation. For some reason, I think the the passage of time should have been shown better, but then that is a rather minor complaint.

My 2015 Movie Summer Rankings

I saw a number of movies this summer. I did skip out on a lot, as well. In past years, I'd probably head out to see movies like Minions, San Andreas, Terminator: Genisys and Tomorrowland. But now I'm a touch more careful with how I spend my money at the movie theaters. With that in mind, I have to say, I saw some decent movies this past summer.

Excellent

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
Mad Max
Spy
The End of the Tour

Solid

Straight Outta Compton
Mistress America
Trainwreck
Dope
Avengers: Age of  Ultron

Okay

Inside Out
Jurassic World
Pitch Perfect

A Movie Review: The End of the Tour

The End of the Tour. I've read two of David Foster Wallace's books: Infinite Jest (which I struggled through) and A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again. I also bought Oblivion, but haven't started to read it yet. I wouldn't say that David Foster Wallace is my favorite author, but I do have an interest in him. I still remember seeing a blurb on Infinite Jest in a magazine (I think it was Newsweek). Based on that blurb, I decided to go buy the book. As mentioned, I struggled through it, but the one thing I do recall is being amazed at how much knowledge Wallace had about various random facts. I couldn't help but think he'd kick butt in a Trivial Pursuit game.

Over-all though, I knew little about the author. I assumed based on his critical acclaim that he was an intellectual. When I heard about The End of the Tour, I decided I had to see this movie. A writer at the Rolling Stone David Lipsky (Jesse Eisenberg) is assigned to interview David Foster Wallace (Jason Segel) during the last leg of his book tour. What shocked me about this movie. David Foster Wallace was like the rest of us (or maybe worse). He was addicted to junk food. What kind of diet was that guy on? He loved to watch television. He was so concerned about his addiction to television that he refused to own a television. Yes, David Foster Wallace was like the rest of us, but with an amazing skill to write wonderful stories.

This movie is probably not for everyone. It is a movie that digs into the psyche of a beloved author. If one has never heard of David Foster Wallace, they probably wouldn't find this movie interesting. It might just come across as another movie about a "creative" who is filled with self-doubt. But for those who have read his books, it gives some wonderful insight into the man. But by wonderful, I also should say there is dread. There is dread, because the ending is already known. One just might walk out of the theater a touch depressed as well as a touch inspired.

    

Sugarcube and Popheart at Bootleg

Popheart

Sugarcube's music pretty much has the taste of sugarcubes, adding that perfect sweetness to any cup of coffee or tea. Popheart followed in the same vein, but with deeper vocals.

This was my first time at the Bootleg since The Fold and Bootleg parted ways. The Fold always brought awesome bands to Monday nights. The Bootleg continued in that tradition on this September night.

The bands were young and so was the crowd. And many were dressed to impress. I'm not saying they were dressed like they were going clubbing, but there was a distinct fashion sense.

So I couldn't help but think that Popheart's lead singer has a resemblance to Paul Dano. Even his hand motions reminded me of Paul Dano's physical acting. And then in the crowd, I swore someone looked like Catherine Keener. It was a Hollywood night.


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The Ex-Gentlemen at El Cid

The Ex-Gentlemen. It's been years since I last saw this band. This band has deep ties with the old Kiss or Kill Club via Bang Sugar Bang and The Rainman Suite. Though I recognized only a handful of folks at El Cid, it felt like a Kiss or Kill Club night. There was this great sense of punk rock freedom. Due to the fact that they were playing a birthday party, they did two sets on the night. Extra duty for a cool friend.

There she sat on the floor speakers, putting on the illusion of being bored, but one could tell that she hoped that her musician would give her that private glance.



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A Movie Review: Straight Outta Compton

Straight Outta Compton. This movie follows the true life story of the rap group NWA. We're first introduced to Eazy-E (Jason Mitchell), a small time drug dealer who narrowly escapes the LAPD. We soon meet Ice Cube (O'Shea Jackson Jr.), the lyrical genius who writes while on the bus, and Dr. Dre (Corey Hawkins), the producer extraordinaire. Outside a night club, Dr. Dre gets arrested. Eazy-E bails him out. In the process, the two discuss exploring the music world together. With the help of Ice Cube, they produce a record which becomes a big hit. In comes Jerry Heller (Paul Glamatti) to bring some structure and promotional power to NWA.

This is an engaging movie. You really find yourself cheering for Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and Eazy-E.

I did have some issues with this movie; however. It seems that Eazy-E is the only member of the band that is shown to have a real dark side. The others are almost viewed as angels -- well, excluding the orgies. Any negative light on the character of Dr. Dre and Ice Cube are more issues of discussion versus being viewed on screen. For example, Dr. Dre's girlfriend Nicole (Elena Goode) mentions her worries about the violence that swirls around NWA.

I think the movie introduces too many individuals without any real explanation. I think Nicole is the only person that is provided an introduction. How did Eazy-E and Ice Cube meet their future wives? They're suddenly just there. Suge Knight (R. Marcos Taylor) just shows up at a pool party one day and we have to assume that he's an important character. I do understand that the movie is covering a lot of time, but it would be nice to get some intros. For example, Eazy-E having to deal with AIDS is slowly introduced to us via his constant coughing and so it isn't a surprise when it is found that he has the deadly disease.

As for Jerry Heller being portrayed as the lone bad guy. Yes, it sounds about right, but part of me also thinks that Eazy-E has to take his share of the blame. If you are considered the leader, you can't be naive and once you've learned that you've screwed over your friends -- via by not fully understanding what Jerry did -- you have an obligation to make things right.

The Bulls with Alex Lilly and White Sea at The Satellite

The Bulls

It was the final residency night for The Bulls. I just had to head on over to hear the catchy tunes from this band.

Alex Lilly hit the stage first with her beat poetry and amusing date story. If one should go on a date with Alex Lilly and she starts to talk about the weather one should know that she feels the date is getting a touch uncomfortable. I did a quick look up on Alex Lilly and realized that I'd seen her before when she was playing with a band called Obi Best.

White Sea was up next. White Sea is also known as Morgan Kibby. What amazing vocals, her range is stunning. During one song, I think she surprised herself with her range. Morgan mentioned during the set that she was so happy the crowd was enjoying her set as she suspected that most had never heard of her. Well, one guy came up to me and said, "Why does she think we don't know her?"

I'd call The Bulls' residency an amazing success. Their music soothes the soul. As a photographer, I have to say I really loved the stage smoke and how it played with the light. I think it made for some amazing photos.

A Movie Review: Mistress America

Mistress America. Tracy (Lolo Kirke) is a freshman in college. She doesn't really get along with her roommate. Her one social goal is to get into a literary club, but that doesn't occur. Her one semi-friend is Tony (Matthew Shear) who soon starts dating an extremely over-the-top girlfriend. This leaves Tracy largely alone. She reaches out to her soon-to-be sister-in-law Brooke (Greta Gerwig) who also happens to be a decade older than her (Tracy's mother and Brooke's father are planning to marry). The two hook up and Brooke takes her out on the town, introducing her to an intoxicating music/cultural scene. The two quickly become close.

What is this movie about? Sisterhood without the genetic ties. This movie shows us an older sister quickly recognizing that she needs to help her younger sibling adjust to a new cultural experience. It is sweet. We also see a younger sister not having the experience in life to know that actions that she sees as innocent can be viewed as betrayal.

This isn't a brilliant movie, but it is a touching one.

A Movie Review: The Talk of the Town

The Talk of the Town. Leopold Dilg (Cary Grant) is accused of arson at the factory where he used to work. He escapes from prison and arrives at his friend's house, Nora Shelley (Jean Arthur). Nora is preparing the house for rent. Instead of turning Leopold over to the police, she hides him in the attic, knowing that he is innocent of the crime. Soon after Leopold arrives so does the renter, a famed law professor named Professor Michael Lightcap (Ronald Colman).

What follows is the three living under the same roof. Leopold introduces himself as the gardener. Leopold Dilg's lawyer actually went to school with Professor Lightcap. So a game starts to begin where Leopold and his lawyer attempt to get Professor Lightcap to take an interest in the case. At the same time, Professor Lightcap is informed that he will be nominated to the Supreme Court and obviously doesn't want any involvement in a case that might cause difficulties for him during the nomination process.

This movie has a lighthearted comedic feel to it with just a touch of political philosophy and small town corruption. Though Cary Grant holds top billing, it really feels like this is a Jean Arthur/Ronald Colman movie. A love triangle forms between Nora, Leopold and Professor Lightcap. Perhaps it is my own biases, but I could help but hope that Nora would pick the stuffy Professor Lightcap. I just felt the chemistry between the two was more dynamic.

The Bulls and Gothic Tropic/Kerrigan at The Satellite

The Bulls

The month of August is The Bulls' residency at The Satellite. An added benefit is that the month is dedicated to female fronted bands. Kerrigan opened up the night with some powerful poetry. Her music is like listening to the singing of poetry. I didn't know what to expect from Gothic Tropic. Their original drummer has shifted over to French Style Furs. I'd say they're a touch more Tropic now versus Gothic. That doesn't make them any less enjoyable to listen to, just a tweak to their sound. The Bulls closed the night out for me. This band has catchy tunes song by a front woman who must have one of the sweetest voices in Los Angeles.






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A Movie Review: Spy

Spy. Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) is a CIA desk analyst. Her main job is providing support for Bradley Fine (Jude Law), a top CIA field agent. In search of a nuclear weapon, Bradley Fine goes after Rayna Boyanov (Rose Byrne). He is killed in the field by Rayna. Rayna reveals that she knows the identity of other top CIA agents. This means they can't be sent to find her and the nuclear weapon she holds. Having had a soft spot for Bradley, Susan Cooper volunteers to go into the field to locate Rayna.

So yes, there is a spy plot, but who care. This movie is about laughs. Though some of the laughs fell flat for me -- bats flying around the CIA offices while Susan is attempting to help Bradley -- I think this movie is filled with character laughs. By that I mean the characters are hysterical by default. Jason Statham's as Agent Rick Ford is hysterical as an over-confident field agent delusional about his skill sets. Susan Cooper is amusing as a low-esteem yet highly skilled agent.

If one needs a solid laugh, this is a movie to see.

Fakers with Dawn of Sequins and Vicious Cousins (Kissing Cousins) at The Echo

Fakers

A fun August night at The Echo. Starting off the night was the entertaining Dawn of Sequins. Their music is quirky. Their stage show is filled with nutty interactions. During the show, one member tripped while running down the stage steps. She lost one of her high heals, but kept on going with barely a missed beat. Up next was a duo of Vicious Scully and Kissing Cousins going as Vicious Cousins. It seemed like most of the songs were Kissing Cousins tunes. I didn't have a problem with that. I love the Kissing Cousins. I love their heavy beats. It was also the birthday of one of the members. During the Fakers sets, birthday sweets were passed around for all to enjoy. A call was made asking if the brownies had weed. I think this is a constant question these days when there are brownies. As for Fakers, this was their 2nd August residency night. High energy. The drummer of the Fakers did double duty, also playing for Kissing Cousins. 

Music for 18 Musicians and Filardo at Pehrspace

One of the 18

Looking at the Pehrspace calendar, I noticed that they were putting on something called Music for 18 Musicians by Steve Reich. I honestly had no clue who Steve Reich was so that didn't necessarily capture my attention. What really enticed me was the following: "How it works: each of the 18 musicians will have a set of headphones connected to the same sound source as each other. The sound source . . . will be playing Steve Reich's original ECM recording of Music for 18 Musicians; The audience will not hear this music, only the performers will. The performers will then, on their instruments, attempt to figure out and play any part of the music they are hearing in their headphones."

For some reason, this reminded me of my brief time in San Francisco and the couple of times I hung out at The Lab. So off I went. Now I'm assuming that a.) the musicians took the time to listen to Music for 18 Musicians ahead of time and b.) even though they were all wearing headphones they could still hear what their fellow musicians were doing.

Filardo

As the musicians starts playing Music for 18 Musicians, I couldn't help but think that the music was very repetitive and minimalist. The same measures seemed to be played over and over again. And yet, as the musicians proceeded through this nearly 1 hour composition, I found it calming. This was a well worth adventure to take.

Playing before the Steve Reich composition was Filardo. In many ways, they were the perfect band to play right beforehand. Their music has that minimalist sound.

Comment of the set: Filardo's drummer was sitting on a regular chair versus a drummers' chair. He was therefore much close to the floor than his standing band mates. "I feel like the kid brother here," he said.