A Movie Review: Dope

Dope. Malcolm (Shameik Moore) and his friends Jib (Tony Revolori) and Diggy (Kiersey Clemons) are nerds in a tough neighborhood. They're picked on by fellow classmates and need to carefully navigate their way home after school to avoid various gangs. Circumstances results in Malcolm running into Dom (Rakim Mayers), a small time drug dealer. Dom sends him off to deliver a personal birthday party invitation to Nakia (Zoë Kravitz). Nakia tells Malcolm to show up to the party, as well. Malcolm and friends show up to the party. In a backroom, Dom is taking possession of some new drugs. Law enforcement swarms the area. Dom takes advantage of Malcolm's nerdy reputation and places the drugs in Malcolm's backpack.

Malcolm must now find a way to dispose of these drugs. At the same time, Malcolm has hopes of getting into Harvard.

I will be honest that this movie feels similar to a number of other art-style teen movies. Nerdy teenagers getting into unexpected trouble and using their brains to outwit both adults and fellow teenagers isn't new territory. I mean, it is just a different take on the 1983 Risky Business and well one could probably go even further back. Even with that, this is an enjoyable movie. It is fun seeing these nerdy characters getting dumped into an underground world. Luckily, they're dealing with two-bit criminals and not Soprano like characters.

A Movie Review: Jurassic World

Jurassic World. Brothers Zach (Nick Robinson) and Gray (Ty Simpkins) are sent on a vacation to Jurassic World, a new -- hopefully safer -- version of Jurassic Park. Their Aunt Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) is an executive at the park. The park has a solid safety record; however, a new dinosaur attraction is about to open that hasn't been fully vetted. This dinosaur is genetically modified by Dr. Henry Wu (BD Wong). The fact that Claire and Jurassic World's Chairman Masrani (Irrfan Khan) aren't aware of the potential tendencies of this new dinosaur doesn't exactly speak well of their management skills. This dinosaur has some unique abilities: it can change its body temperature to avoid thermal detection and it has a very high IQ as it somehow knows that a tracking devise was implanted in it. With this set-up in place, what can one expect but total disaster to occur.

My initial assessment is that this is just a remake of Jurassic Park minus the geeky mathematics of Jeff Goldblum's Dr. Ian Malcolm. If you want to watch a remake, this works just fine as a stupid fun popcorn summer movie. I will admit that part of me grew tired of the all too obvious plot line of two youngsters making a very stupid mistake and getting themselves into a world of trouble. There doesn't exactly seem to be a point to this movie, but it does entertain.

An interesting conversation overheard while walking back to my car.

Q. Who would pay for all the lawsuits?

A. Their insurance company.

A Movie Review: This Is Where I Leave You

This Is Where I Leave You. A father passes away and so the family gathers for a week of mourning. Each sibling brings their personal problems. Judd Altman (Jason Bateman) just found out that his wife Quinn (Abigail Spencer) was cheating on him for the past year. What's worse, the affair was with his boss. Wendy Altman (Tina Fey) has married for wealth, but regrets it. Paul Altman (Corey Stoll) and his wife Annie Altman (Kathryn Hahn) desperately want a child but it just isn't working out for them, which is causing a strain in their relationship. Phillip Altman (Adam Driver) is the baby in the family who refuses to grow up.

The problem with this film is that all the siblings feel like their lives are awful, but the honest truth is that Judd is the only one who really got hit with a right hook. So yes, Wendy married the wrong man. She can get a divorce. Paul and Annie desperately want a child and I can understand that, but it isn't the end of the world. There is the potential for adoption. Phillip seems to enjoy his lackluster life. To me, Judd is the only one who can really say his life stinks, because who wants to catch the love of their life in bed with another individual. Ouch. 

Maybe the movie even knows this as it focuses in on Judd even though the family as a whole tries to acknowledge that their adult lives aren't living up to expectations that were set by a famous mother (author of an influential book) and an idolized father (a really good man based on the backstory, but perhaps overly idolized). Essentially, this is a movie about Generation X hitting their midlife crisis and it isn't a very pleasing experience to watch.

A Movie Review: Hot Saturday

Hot Saturday. Per Wikipedia, this was Cary Grant's first leading role in a movie. I'm not going to say that this is a brilliant movie, but you do get to appreciate the early career of Cary Grant and the early signs of his signature style. 

Ruth Brock (Nancy Carroll) works as a bank clerk in the small town of Marysville. A number of young men seek her attention. This includes a wealthy playboy by the name of Romer Sheffield (Cary Grant). For a Saturday night out with the youthful crew of the town, she accepts an invitation by Conny Billup (Edwar Woods) who also works at the bank. Later, Romer Sheffield invites everyone out to his place for the day -- an obvious attempt to talk to Ruth. In fact, he spends most of the day with her. Later, the young crowd heads off to a dance hall. Romer stays behind. The dance hall happens to be by a lake. Conny and Ruth go out on a boat ride. During the boat ride, if this movie was made more current, Conny basically attempts to rape Ruth. He then leaves her stranded far from the dance hall. Ruth ends up walking back to Romer's house. Out of revenge, Conny tells this conservative town that Ruth spent the night with Romer. The gossip spreads and Ruth is fired from her job. It does have a happy ending with Ruth and Romer getting engaged.

This movie is played light, but this is actually a serious topic. There is a near rape (as close to one as probably could be filmed in the early 1930s) and then a vicious rumor is spread about that girl. It almost feels like a dichotomy of a film: serious topic played for laughs.

For me, I actually found myself paying attention to Lilian Bond's character, Eva Randolph. She's sort of Ruth's rival in terms of attracting the boys and her father is the town banker. It feels like the movie gets so much more interesting when Lilian's character is on screen.

Hunny with Chelsea Lankes and Evan Voytas at Bootleg HiFi

Hunny

Do you know what really sucks sometimes? Having an artist that is really intriguing teasing with only a 20 minute set. Chelsea Lankes, why so short of a set? I guess you're just forcing me to catch you again someday soon. Your voice is a miracle.

Next up, Evan Voytas brought his pop to the Bootleg HiFi.

Hunny closed the night out in a continuation of their residency. The crowd pressed against the stage. One animated fan pounded the stage at least two times during a beat. I think the fan's girlfriend was highly amused. With slightly elevated vocals, Hunny keeps the music fun and thrilling.

Noticed: Knowing Chelsea Lankes was going up first, I made sure I showed up with plenty of time to spare. Others had the same idea. A decent line formed outside, waiting for a special event to end so that we could get inside.
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Make Music Pasadena 2015

Sir Sly

There is a special place in my heart for Make Music Pasadena. And this time around, there was a super extra treat. The weather was perfect.

And then what made it even more awesome was how it started off. I started the festival off with Juliet Piper & The Daydream. What a find for me. She has an easy smile that wows the crowd. Her lyrics are filled with heartbreak and yet there is that smile that shows that life is still wonderful.


From there it was a quick rush around to catch Bubbeleh, Raspin Stuwart, Beca and Dark Furs. Bubbeleh and Raspin Stuwart had some smooth styles. Beca hit the dance music. Dark Furs connected deep down. Lead singer Suzanne has this deep stare. I'm sure she's seeing musical notes flying across the air.

Lydia Ainsworth had actual music scores written for her band. She's the Enya for a new age. "Strange Indeed," she said. Strange, but awesome. The audience enjoyed a cool breeze during the height of the afternoon sun. Kaleo is from Iceland and yet their sound is American Southern rock. "I walk on water" and "Devil's going to set me free." Lyrics with diametric meanings.

Kishi Bashi and Sir Sly gave perhaps the most audience appreciative sets. In fact, both took the time to jump to the barricade to interact with fans. Kishi Bashi is a band that uses a violin and banjo to create awesome rock music. Sir Sly tells their audience, "I hope you find your dream, I don't owe you anything."

Making Movies did the Afro-Latino rhythms and had the audience dancing. Avid Dancer and Nick Waterhouse sent the Main State and Levitt Pavilion crowds going home with a feeling of mellow satisfaction.

I ended the day at Armory Center. I loved this venue. It really isn't a music venue. It is a museum/art center. Even so, it made for a wonderful music venue. The Most Best, Hobart W Fink and Tashaki Miyaki closed out the night for me. I only caught a couple songs of The Most Best, but I was left wanting to catch this bang again someday. Hobart W Fink makes you think garage rock. There is this low key vibe with Tashaki Miyaki that is just wonderful.

And so ended my time at Make Music Pasadena.

Note: I did take what is becoming my traditional break. I stopped by a bar to catch American Pharoah finally end the Triple Crown drought in wonderful style. The crowd cheered. I cheered. It was beautiful to watch.

Note 2: I think every year I've been to Make Music Pasadena, I've always made time to catch Eliza Rickman. This time, no Eliza. I'm not going to lie. I wish she was there.



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French Exit at Redwood Bar

I was able to catch the second to last show by French Exit. I used to catch this band far more often during the Blue Star days. With over 3 years having passed, I just fell in love with this punk band all over again. It is sad that the curtains have closed on this band. The other thing is that 2 years have passed since my last time at the Redwood Bar. Wow. Time just passes by way too quickly. I'm just happy I was able to re-live memories.

As for the Redwood Bar. One has to love the pirate theme.



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Crash Kings with Name the Band and The 4onthefloor at The Satellite

Crash Kings

Crash Kings just pound through one rock song after another. There is no slowing down here. They're spending the month also recording a live album.

Name the Band comes from Brazil. They're currently spending time in Los Angeles. They've spent enough time in the US that one of the members lost his passport -- well, I guess that could mean being in the US just one day. Will we be seeing them at Culture Collide? Hopefully so, they're fun.

The 4onthefloor makes one feel like they're hanging out at a bar in the middle of no where. You know the movie that has just the bar and gas station surrounded by trees for miles in every direction. It gives you this feeling that you're hip to something and that all the folks in the big cities are just clueless. Of course, The 4onthefloor were playing at The Satellite so we big city folks just caught something unique.
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Young Lovers, Crystales and Judy Gloom at Pehrspace

Young Lovers

Judy Gloom is actually Tyler J. Juarez. Minimalist with an emotional punch. I couldn't help but notice one young woman with tears in her eyes.

Crystales says they're shoegaze. I'd also add they have some wonderful beats that make one sway to their music.

Young Lovers was having a residency at Pehrspace. They're a post-rock band that mainly focuses in on their sound. There were a couple songs with vocals, but those were more ingrained within the music versus standing out front. I also believe that the members in the band also help run sound at Pehrspace. No one could really help them out with sound on this night, but it all worked out well for them. A great set.



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A Movie Review. Kingsman: The Secret Service

Kingsman: The Secret Service. The Kingsman are the modern day Knights Templar. They aren't tied to any government. They only replace a member when one of the members dies. This is the set-up of the movie. Two potential candidates are on a final mission to compete for the open slot. One dies, saving the life of Galahad (Colin Firth). This individual has a young child named Eggsy (Taron Egerton). Galahad meets the the window, Michelle Unwin (Samantha Womack). Galahad tells Michelle that the Kingsman owe her a favor. Years later, Eggsy is a small time crook. He gets himself in trouble and makes the phone call. Galahad comes to the rescue.

It so happens that there is a Kingsman opening as a Kingsman just died. Galahad recruits Eggsy to potentially fill the slot.

You'd think this movie is meant for a teen audience. It is, but it works okay for an adult audience, as well. I'm not saying it is a great action movie, but it does have its moments. Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Samuel L. Jackson and Sofia Boutella provide some solid supporting acting.

My one question: didn't Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson) potentially achieve part of his goal? Actually, his technology would probably be a great weapon for any military in the world.

A Movie Review: Pi

Pi. Max Cohen (Sean Gullette) is a mathematician, a numbers theorist. He believes that mathematics can explain nature. He also comes to the conclusion that math can predict stock market moves. To work on his theory, he spends his days inside his apartment, programming his computer to come up with a way to model stock price movements. Others become interested in his work. Marcy Dawson (Pamela Hart) who works for a Wall Street firm wants to help Max on his model  There is also Lenny Meyer (Ben Shenkman), a Hasidic Jew, who believes the Torah provides secrets hidden via numbers. Max randomly runs into Lenny at a coffee shop, but one has to wonder if it is really a random meeting.

Max is also somewhat unstable, driven by piercing migraine headaches. He takes medicine to limit these headaches though the headaches are definitely not eliminated.

During one of his programming sessions, he blows up his computer. Before his computer dies, a 216-digit number spits out. He eventually comes to realize that this 216 digit number provides him the ability to forecast stock prices and that it also represents the name of God. Both Marcy and Lenny tighten the screws on Max.

I personally didn't like this movie all that much. I appreciated it, but didn't like it. The movie is filmed in black and white. I wonder if Max was color blind due to the fact that he damaged his eyes when he was 6 due to staring at the sun for too long? The black and white does provide the perfect medium to highlight the pain that Max goes through while suffering through his headaches. I sort of appreciated Max's research into the stock market. Everyone would love to know how to perfectly determine stock price movements. Though interestingly, I think Max was more interested in the challenge versus becoming wealthy.

A Movie Review. Mad Max: Fury Road

Mad Max: Fury Road. The world is rather desolate. A nuclear war has destroyed civilization and earth. Water is scarce. Survivors are ruled by despots who, at least in the world we see, rule in a theocratic manner.

Mad Max (Tom Hardy) is a loner, living in this desolate world. He is captured by the War Boys who report to Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne). He is taken back to Citadel. It is determined that he is a universal blood donor, which makes him valuable. A sick War Boy named Nux (Nicholas Hoult) receives blood transfusions from Mad Max.

Meanwhile, one of Immortan Joe's top lieutenants, Imperator Furiosa (Chrlize Theron), is sent off to Gas Town to get gas. My sense is that there was a trade going on where Gas Town would receive Mother's Milk. Mother's milk is what is implied, the milk from a woman. With the world desolated, human milk has become valuable. Imperator Furiosa has a different idea. She has decided that she will help Joe's wives escape to freedom.

Immortan Joe soon realizes what Imperator Furiosa is doing. He leads a charge with his War Boys to get his wives back. Mad Max is brought along to continue the blood transfusion to Nux. This recapture of the wives doesn't work out very well. During the course of events, Mad Max finds himself allied with Imperator Furiosa and Joe's escaping five wives.

I felt this move started out a touch too weird, but it quickly straightened out and became a thrill ride. What is really great about this thrill ride is that it gives you great detail into the society. It isn't just a movie that has an action sequence followed by another -- honestly that is what is happening here, but it is so much more. There are just these moments and conversations that give you a sense of how this post-apocalyptic world works. There is a brief moment were you see women with breast pumps in the Citadel. As the movie continues, you get the understanding that breast milk is highly valued in this society. Also, when death is potentially near, War Boys spray paint their mouths with silver paint, which represents their readiness to enter the afterlife. It makes one want to explore this world all the more.

My one problem: the vast majority of the population appears to have deformities of some sort and yet Mad Max, Imperator Furiosa and the five wives are near perfect specimens of humanity -- admittedly, Imperator Furiosa doesn't have part of an arm, but I assumed this was more due to an accident versus a birth deformity. The world has high levels of radiation. Most of humanity is suffering from significant deformities due to this and somehow there are a handful of people who look like models. I don't think so.

Vylet, Lindsay Nourse and Sweet Child at Silverlake Lounge

Sweet Child

Silverlake Lounge had an interesting mix of musicians on a recently Monday night. Starting off the night was Vylet. Her style had a tinge of goth. I couldn't help but think about that grand festival that had way too short of a life, Silverlake Jubilee. I remember hanging out in El Cid and watching musicians such as her, playing in the dark.

Lindsay Nourse had some glitches with her computer. In fact, I think she arrived late and was squeezed in between Vylet and Sweet Child. Even with all that, one could tell that there was a cool softness to her sound.

Sweet Child dresses glam. From their bio, they met at the Music Institute so they are talented. Their best song has to be "Voices." "I have these voices in my head." It is rather catchy. Four young women rocking it.
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