Saturday, November 24, 2012

Light-hearted fun at Swallow Hill (Concert Review)

Jill Sobule w/ Megan Burtt @ Swallow Hill November 24, 12  B-
 
Sobule, one of my favorite live acts, delivered a playfully entertaining set at Swallow Hill tonight.  Folk/pop songstress Megan Burtt provided an impressive opening set.  Overall, this was a solid show, but nothing memorable.    
 

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Starz Denver Film Festival Reviews

Due to my busy schedule I only saw three films at this year's festival.   Here's a brief rundown: 

Supporting Characters A-
Directed by Daniel Schechter
Two friends attempted to balance work, love and life in a film that feels very authentic. 

Struck By Lightening B-
Directed by Brian Dannelly
An impressive outing for Chris Colfer (Glee), who wrote the script and stars in the film.  Struck By Lightening recounts the miserable life of a teenager whose only goal in life was to be a writer. 
Video on Demand - Late December, Theatrical Release - Mid January

The Shape of Error D+
Directed by Abigail Child
This is a dramatization of the life of Mary Shelley.  Shelley herself is an interesting figure, but this film is too busy and ultimately too frustrating to care about.    

Saturday, November 10, 2012

The most interesting man in the literary world (Literature Event Review)

Inside the Writers Studio with Junot Diaz @ Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center November 10, 2012 A+

I did not know what to expect when I bought a ticket to see Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, Junot Diaz.  At the very least, I figured I'd pick up a few tips on how to improve my craft while being inspired by his rise to literary prominence.

The Su Teatro was packed on this cold and rainy night.  I, along with my trusty companion, a steaming hot cup of coffee, managed to snag one of the few remaining seats available.  After a lengthy introduction, Diaz walked onto the stage and proceeded to look over the crowd as if he was lost and looking for a familiar face.  This peculiar move kicked off one of the most memorable and intriguing literary conversations I have ever been apart of.  The free flowing, unscripted talk meandered from politics, to the legalization of marijuana, to writers who don't read.

Diaz does not strike me as your typical Pulitzer Prize winner (ironically, I've met a few), he radiates an everyman appeal combined with wicked intelligence and street smarts.  I could have listened to him all night.  He also read from his latest, This is How You Lose Her, a 2012 National Book Award finalist.  Tonight's book event will go down as one of my favorites of all-time, I left this event educated, inspired, caffeinated, and thoroughly entertained!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Argo - Movie Review

Argo (R) 120 Minutes B+
I love it when a plan comes together

Starring Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman and Victor Garber

Argo is a gripping thriller that somehow manages to be totally suspenseful despite knowing the outcome.  Based on the real-life events of the Iranian hostage crisis, 1979 - 1981, this film has Oscar nomination written all over it. 

Recommended.