Pop Culture Buzz

GRADE: A

Michel Gondry is a Director who has the ability to make everyday living things look animated and larger than life. His music videos with Bjork are monumental pieces of artistic eye candy. His film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” is one of my favorite “quirky” films of all time. Along those same lines as his past films “Be Kind, Rewind” is a modern adult fairy tale with some surprisingly sweet and sincere moments made for movie lovers.

If you LOVE movies then this movie is chock full of pop culture and movie references for you to gobble up. I nearly pissed myself watching Jack Black’s character try to sing the “Ghostbusters” theme, his role in this film adds a childlike exuberance to the screen that very few actors can portray. Even when he is the bumbling fool he can bring a smile to your face. His accidental prone paranoid character in this movie adds a sense of glee to the film.

Mos Def has slowly but surely become one of the best actors around today. His genuine and down to earth acting style make you fall in love with his character within the first few frames he is on screen. Him and Jack Black have some great old school Hollywood moments ala’ Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon in the “The Odd Couple”. Mia Farrow and Danny Glover also give warm and fuzzy performances in this movie that reminds you what great actors they truly are.

The plot behind “Rewind” centers on Black’s conspiracy theorist character Jerry who tries to sabotage the local power plant, but he accidently receives an electric shock, causing him to become magnetized. The next day, when Jerry goes to the “Be Kind Rewind” video store to see his friend Mike (Mos Def) his magnetized body erases all the tapes in the store.

The best part of this film is obviously Gondry’s colorful interpretation of Hollywood hits; he adds a level of detail that is completely original. His creative technical skills when it comes to cartoonish over the top set pieces and costumes adds a youthful style to this film that reminded me a lot of Tim Burton. As the characters try to recreate movies to replace the ones they accidently erased (they coin the phrase “sweded” to describe the new movies), you can hardly wait to see which film they will lampoon or recreate next.

“Be Kind Rewind’ is already one of my favorite comedies of the year. This sweet modern fairy tale won me over within the first moments it started. The dialog is uproariously funny and real to life. The images and movie re-enactments are non-stop fun. This is one film that movie fans can watch over and over and find something new hidden in the mountain of details with each viewing.

WATCH THE “BE KIND REWIND” MOVIE TRAILER BELOW:

WATCH THE “SWEDED” TRAILER OF “BE KIND REWIND” BELOW:

** 1/2 STARS

Over 5 years ago Ang Lee released his version of the “Hulk” to scathing reviews and little fanfare from audiences. His looney translation of the popular comic angered fans and made the film a phenomenal flop. Edward Norton’s recent outing as “The Incredible Hulk” is a fun ride but the pay off at the end feels empty. But this time around I walked out of the theater much more satisfied then the last time I saw the big green monster on the silver screen.

Most of the excitement and thrills in this film come from Edward Norton’s testosterone charged action scenes as Bruce Banner. Once the “Hulk” comes on the screen the pay off doesn’t feel worth the wait. The visual effects in this movie don’t cohesively exist with the real life actors and backdrop they feel more like animation than CGI. When the “Hulk” is on screen he doesn’t look real and at times he borders on looking cartoonish.

The performances in “The Hulk” save it from sinking into campy B-movie territory. Liv Tyler does a sweet job as Betty Ross the love interest to Bruce Banner. One of the most fun aspects of this movie is watching Tim Roth chew up the scenery as the evil Emil Blonsky (who later turns into “Abomination”). Edward Norton is terrifically cast as Banner but the rest of the script doesn’t rise above being silly and familiar.

If you put some of the visual styles aside, this movie was fun and entertaining. I would be lying if I didn’t say that I was a tad bit disappointed by this latest rendition of the popular green superhero. I can’t help but feel that a truly incredible “Hulk” film is still waiting to be made. Norton’s sexy charismatic personality and acting aren’t enough to make this film a classic along the lines of “Spiderman 2″ or “Batman Begins”.

This “reality film”/documentary was a huge hit at the Sundance festival this past winter. I am skeptical that a reality film genre will do well in the age of huge special effects extravaganzas. This trailer has peaked my curiosity and it may well be a great rental on Netflix. Does anyone else find it odd that a movie titled “American Teen” doesn’t showcase a single minority? Read the film synopsis below:

AMERICAN TEEN is the touching and hilarious Sundance hit that follows the lives of four teenagers - a jock, the popular girl, the artsy girl and the geek — in one small town in Indiana through their senior year of high school. We see the insecurities, the cliques, the jealousies, the first loves and heartbreaks, and the struggle to make profound decisions about the future.

Filming daily for ten months, filmmaker Nanette Burstein (ON THE ROPES, THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE) developed a deep understanding of her subjects. The result is a film that goes beyond the enduring stereotypes of high school to render complex young people trying to find their way into adulthood.

WATCH THE “AMERICAN TEEN” MOVIE TRAILER BELOW:

The poster for “American Teen” may look familiar to some 80’s teen movie fans…it is an obvious homage to the seminal 80’s teen movie “The Breakfast Club” written and directed by John Hughes (see the picture below).

(STORY FROM VARIETY MAGAZINE ONLINE)

Sacha Baron Cohen’s “Brunoâ€? is ready for summer heat. Universal will release the film on May 15, 2009. So far, there are no other R-rated comedies near that date. Like “Borat”, the title character of the 2006 box office hit, Bruno is one of a trio of characters created and played by Cohen in TV skein “Da Ali G Show.â€?

As Bruno, Cohen pretends be a flamboyant fashion and celebrity journalist from Austria who interviews unwitting members of the public who believe Bruno is a real person. Twentieth Century Fox’s “Borat� was a box office hit, grossing $128.5 million domestically in an early November release. The film also garnered Cohen a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a comedy.

Already set to open on May 15 is Sony’s “The Da Vinci Code� sequel “Angels & Demons�; a week later, on May 22, Warner Bros. opens “Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins,� while Fox unspools family comedy “Night at the Museum II: Escape From the Smithsonian.�

The first “Night at the Museum,â€? released over Christmas in 2006, grossed $250.9 million domestically and $323.2 million overseas. “Bruno” may just get the targeted R rated comedy audience with not another comedy in sight for weeks. But don’t expect it to be anywhere as huge as Ben Stiller’s “Night at the Museum II”.

WATCH A CLIP OF “BRUNO” ON “DA ALI G SHOW” BELOW:

WATCH A CLIP OF “BRUNO” ON “DA ALI G SHOW” BELOW:

(STROY FROM IESB.NET)

In a time when Hollywood appears to be creatively bankrupt, it was just a matter of time before studios started looking back at the 60’s and 70’s for other properties to exploit. Producers Sid and Marty Krofft recently revealed that a few of their classic kid’s television shows will next be seen in your local theater.

Put this news in your pipe and smoke it!!

HOUSEKEEPING (1987)

“Housekeeping” set in the 1950s, it is a faithful adaptation of Marilynne Robinson’s book. The plot centers on two orphaned girls who fall in love with their happy-go-lucky Aunt Sylvie (Christine Lahti) when she comes to live with them. However, the girls discover she has a reputation for being eccentric in her small town and they struggle with adapting to their new life.

This period piece is Lahti’s best film in my opinion; she should have been considered for an Oscar nomination. “Housekeeping” was marketed as a comedy but it a serious drama with glorious performances by the female leads. This is a great rainy day Netflix rental for people that love a smart emotional “chick flick”.

PARADISE (1991)

“Paradise” is a 1991 film written and directed by Mary Agnes Donoghue. Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson (at the time married to each other) play Lily and Ben Reed, a young couple torn apart by a family tragedy. With help from a summer guest named Willard (played by Elijah Wood) they are able to overcome their grief and rekindle their love.

I never thought I’d say these words but, this film highlights Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson real acting skills. Their subtle performances pull at the heart strings without coming off like a made for TV movie on the Lifetime Network. The great performances by the young cast and a tender plot make this not just another run of the mill tear jerker.

TESTAMENT (1983)

“Testament” is a 1983 drama film directed by Lynne Littman and starring Jane Alexander. Originally produced for PBS television’s American Playhouse series, it was given a theatrical release instead (although PBS did subsequently air it a year later).

The film tells the story of how one small Bay Area town near San Francisco slowly falls apart after a nuclear war destroys outside civilization. As a child this movie hit close to home. I was the same age as the young actor Lukas Haas who stars in this film and his performance make this film heartbreaking and eerily too real.

LEAP OF FAITH (1992)

Leap of Faith is 1992 film starring Steve Martin as a fraudulent Christian faith healer named Jonas Nightengale who uses his revival meetings, in Rustwater, Kansas, to bilk believers out of their money. He eventually sees the error of his ways after a hilarious and touching revelation.

This is one of Steve Martin’s biggest big screen flops to date and I find it a little miracle. A strong performance by Debra Winger (where is she these days??), a fabulous soundtrack and Steve Martin’s humble charm keep this film from slipping into oblivion. I often recommend this movie to people who want to find a small movie with big heart.

** 1/2 STARS

After the huge success of “The Sixth Sense” M. Night Shyamalan has been under intense scrutiny with each new release. Many would say the quality of his work has deteriorated with each new film he puts out. I am a big fan of Shyamalan’s distinct brand of direction and storytelling. Unfortunately this movie’s pay off is not as fulfilling as his other big hits “Signs” and “Unbreakable”, this movie fits somewhere between his least successful movies “The Village” and “Lady in the Water”.

The main think that hampers down this film is the terrible acting by Mark Wahlberg as a “Science teacher”; it was so bad it became distracting during some of the more intense scenes. Shyamalan’s realistic and at times hilarious dialogue saves him from completely ruining the entire movie. Zooey Deschanel does a good job as Wahlberg’s constantly brooding girlfriend and keeps Wahlberg from completely missing the mark. But as usual in a film by Shyamalan, the supporting characters and various extra’s have some of the best moments in “The Happening”.

I can’t say too much without giving away Shyamalan’s signature “hook” or “twistâ€?, but this one is subtlety creepy and very effective. The “R” rating leads way for Shyamalan to show us his spin on gore and I have a sinking suspicion that he could put out an awesome horror movie on the scale of Brian De Palma’s “Carrie” or Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”. The graphic death scenes are what make me recommend this film the most.

Once again M. Night is dividing audiences with his unique style of storytelling with “The Happening”. I happen to like his imaginative and childish look at life. This movie is like a pleasant (and disturbing) long drawn out episode of “The Twilight Zone” or “Tales From The Crypt” episode and for fans of the quirky genre this will be satisfying. As far as summer movie fare goes this was a nice chilling ride at the cinema.

WATCH “THE HAPPENING” MOVIE TRAILER BELOW:

LISTEN TO A NON-STOP MIX OF OVER 100 OF MY FAVORITE DANCE TUNES WITH NO REPEATS!

CLICK THE “STREAMING MUSIC” TAB IN THE CATEGORY SECTION TO THE RIGHT TO LISTEN TO PAST JUKEBOXES!

REPUBLICA - “READY TO GO” (1996)

CRYSTAL WATERS - “100% PURE LOVE” (1994)

SUNSCREEM - “LOVE U MORE” (1992)

CULTURE BEAT - “MR. VAIN” (1993)

(synopsis from Wikipedia.com)

“Burn After Reading” is an upcoming comedy film, set for a September 12, 2008 release, starring John Malkovich, George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt, and made by Joel and Ethan Coen. The film is due to premiere on August 27, 2008 when it will open the 2008 Venice Film Festival.

According to the Coens the plot will focus on the world of the CIA, physical fitness in Washington, D.C., and internet dating. The film is the brothers’ first since the Academy Award winning No Country For Old Men and has been described by Tilda Swinton as “…a kind of monster caper movie. All of us are monsters - like, true monsters. It’s ridiculous. It’s much lighter than ‘No Country for Old Men.’”

WATCH THE “BURN AFTER READING” MOVIE TRAILER BELOW:

“Caravan Girl” is the third single from Goldfrapp’s goreous fourth studio album “Seventh Tree”. This track is especially awesome when Alison Goldfrapp performs it live in concert. After seein them at Coachella I am excited to see Goldfrapp again at this August’s Treasure Island Music Festival in the San Francisco Bay Area.

WATCH THE “CARAVAN GIRL” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:

GRADE: A

(SOME EXCERPTS TAKEN FROM BIGSHOTMAGAGAZINE.COM)

Kaskade, born Ryan Raddon, was a good Mormon boy growing up in Chicago. Initially attracted to the music, atmosphere, and “open minded people� of the House scene, Raddon started DJing as a college student at University of Utah; and after moving to San Francisco, he went from being a paper-pushing, keyboard-clacking A&R Assistant at OM Records to being one of the label’s biggest stars. I have seen Kaskade live in concert over 5 times and his snazzy good looks, creative easy style and brilliant sampling make him my favorite DJ of all time.

Kaskade has slowly become the hip go to DJ for current mixes of hot pop tracks. Britney, Kelly Clarkson, Justin Timberlake and Rufus Wainwright are all fans. His place in the gay club scene, where he has been a star for many years, is a shining example of his cross over dance floor appeal. His current popularity on dance radio stations is long over due.

When Kaskade released his first album of original material two years ago titled “Love Mysterious” I couldn’t stop raving about Kaskade’s brilliant songwriting skills. With “Strobelight Seduction” Kaskade has proven he is one of today’s best house DJ’s. This album doesn’t contain one bad track and it’s hard to pick a song that couldn’t be a radio hit.

“Strobelite Seduction” is a return to the shimmering, glistening sonic landscape that the artist helped defines alongside other House heads – many hailing from that same City by the Bay – who have managed to meld the best traits of upbeat dance music with chill, meditative down-tempo. Arguably one of the most pronounced electronic music movements of the decade; some have dubbed it West Coast House, some Deep House, and many more by a different chosen moniker.

“Step One Two” and “Move with Me” are the most seductive and sensual tracks on the record, not to mention they are consistent booty shakers that leave me foaming at the mouth for a good remix. Kaskade also proves that he is the king of smooth sexy house music grooves on the tracks “Pose” and “I Remember” which have haunting lyrics and crazy pop hooks.

The best tracks on this disc have to be the stellar dance anthem “Angel on My Shoulder” and the building chill out masterpiece “I’ll Never Dream”. Both songs show the diverse range Kaskade has perfected in his many years on the club circuit. His hand is on the pulse of what is hot in dance and radio friendly pop music. I wouldn’t be shocked if his career explodes due to the originality of this easily marketed commercial ready album. The sweeping chilled out “Borrowed Theme” is a techno bedtime story with a stirring lullaby that is incredibly soothing.

Strobelite Seduction’s best asset is the guest vocals by Haley Gibby and Kaskade’s Late Night Alumni band mate Becky Jean Williams. Their unconventionally soft singing style is the perfect anecdote for that late night after party. If you are looking for that perfect party CD that dance music snobs and mainstream pop fans alike will enjoy then “Strobelight Seduction” is the CD you need to own this summer.

LISTEN TO A SAMPLING OF KASKADE’S NEW CD “STROBELIGHT SEDUCTION” BELOW:

LISTEN TO THE “STROBELIGHT SEDUCTION” TRACK “ONE HEART” BY KASKADE BELOW:

LISTEN TO THE “STROBELIGHT SEDUCTION” TRACK “BORROWED THEME” BY KASKADE BELOW:

FROM WIKIPEDIA.COM

“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” is slated for release on August 15, 2008 in the United States. It will be the first “Star Wars” film to be released to theaters since 2005’s “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” and will be the first animated Star Wars feature film in theaters.

It will also be the first film in the series not to be released by 20th Century Fox (Warner Bros. will handle distribution on behalf of co-production partner Cartoon Network). It will also be the first Star Wars film not released in the month of May. The film is intended to precede the animated TV series of the same name to air on Cartoon Network.

In this Augusts’ animated “The Clone Wars”, even the human characters are Power Mac–generated creations of Industrial Light & Magic. So, the question is, will fake, unrealistic-looking, computer-generated characters look any less stupid reading lines of fake, unrealistic-sounding George Lucas dialogue?

The trailer below doesn’t give me much hope that this movie will be as entertaining as the first three classic “Star Wars” films. The last three “prequels” may have made tons of money but they only soiled the cool image of the originals with bad acting, terrible CGI characters like Jar-Jar Binks and too much soap opera dialog.

I wish Lucas would create a new universe of characters instead of resurrecting his two biggest movies (”Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars”) just for profit; I mean was anyone really begging for sequels to these franchises? The huge success of “Indian Jones & The Crystal Skull” only proves that America can be tricked into watching mediocre fluff based on sentimentality alone.

It’s a fact that action themed cartoons don’t make money at the box office. Just look at past flops like “The Road to El Dorado”, “Titan A.E.”, “Final Fantasy” as proof. So I won’t be surprised if this “cartoon” is a direct to DVD hit. Do you think George Lucas has finally gone too far? Watch the trailer for “The Clone Wars” below:

FROM WIKIPEDIA.COM

Wiley (born Richard Kylea Cowie, 19 January 1979)[1] is a British Grime MC, one of if not the founding member of the Roll Deep Crew and producer of Trinidadian descent from Bow, East London.

Wiley has pioneered the grime genre of UK garage, as both a record producer and MC, though he calls his music “eskibeat” or “eski”, short for Eskimo. Wiley is therefore also known as Eski-boy.

Currently this hot summer dance anthem is racing up the UK charts, which means that it won’t make a whimper here in the United States. File this booty shaker under “hidden gem” in your iPod and dance yourself silly to the music video below:

This movie should really piss off some people. I for one am excited to see Maher’s scathing views on religion brought to the big screen by the director of the genius film “Borat”. Even the poster art (an image of Maher’s face appears in toast and in a cloud) is hilarious and pointed!

I have very similar beliefs as Maher so this film will be a delight for me to watch in a theater, others may think that we are all going to hell just for mentioning atheism. No matter what you believe in this movie is sure to be a huge lightening rod during the elections later this year! Check out the controversy below: