Sunday, June 30, 2013

This Is the End - Movie Review

This Is the End (R) 107 minutes B
Apocalypse Now

Starring James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Danny Robinson, Michael Cera, Emma Watson and Paul Rudd

This Is the End is sort of a "We are the World," slacker, stoner, penis humor extravaganza directed and written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.  It's mindless fun that's worth the price of admission.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Camera Obscura - Album & Concert Review

Camera Obscura - Desire Lines B-

I read that the band wanted to shake things up a bit on this record.  Desire Lines features guest appearances by Neko Case and My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James.  But, the album can't escape that Camera Obscura sound of breezy tragedy and cutesy hooks.  I loved everything about 2009's My Maudlin Career, including a rockin concert at the Bluebird in June of that year. The bar was high in anticipation of this latest effort which saw a band member beat cancer, a pregnancy, a new location (recorded in Portland) and a new producer-Tucker Martine.  Desire Lines took awhile to win me over and now I am ready to be heartbroken. Favorite tracks: New Year's Resolution, Desire Lines, Troublemaker

Camera Obscura @ the Gothic Theatre  C+
June 27th

The lovely Tracyanne Campbell and company made a tour stop in the mile high city tonight in support of their fifth album, Desire Lines.  A moderate crowd made it easy to get close to the band, get a drink at the bar, and find a seat with a good view.  The show was slightly underwhelming, but they played all my favorites. It felt good to be out on a week night with my best girl, a cold beer, and listening to live music.

2009 Camera Obscura Show
http://www.heyreverb.com/blog/2009/06/03/live-review-camera-obscura-the-bluebird-theater/5002/

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Before Midnight - Movie Review

Before Midnight (R) 109 minutes A-
Still there, Still there, Gone

Starring Ariane Labed, Athina Rachel Tsangari, Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick, Walter Lassally, Xenia Kalogeropoulou

Almost twenty years ago (eighteen to be exact), the talkiest romantic drama trilogy ever made was born, Before Sunrise.  Nine years later came Before Sunset and nine years after that we have Before Midnight... arguably the best of the three.  This time Jesse and Celine are in Greece, married with twins, and struggling with relationship issues not uncommon to most fortysomething couples.  This film is uncomfortably realistic at times, while Delpy (always intoxicating) and Hawke fill the screen with effortless chemistry.  This one is not for everyone, but it should be. Good stuff!   

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Sad, But Truly Inspirational (Book Review)

Published in 1996
 
Angela's Ashes - Frank McCourt B

Angela's Ashes is an epic memoir of poverty, sadness and determination.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Cook, Eat, Love (Book Review)

Kitchen Confidential - Anthony Bourdain B+

Kitchen Confidential is interesting, educational, and makes me wish I wasn't such a picky eater. 

Published in 2000
 




 

Saturday, June 8, 2013

The Internship - Movie Review

The Internship (PG-13) 119 mins C
Crash and Learn

Starring Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Rose Byrne, Max Minghella, Aasif Mandvi, Josh Brener, Dylan O’Brien, Tiya Sircar, Tobit Raphael and Josh Gad

Two recently laid off watch salesmen are forced to embrace technology in The Internship.  This mildly entertaining film turns the Wedding Crashers into "Google Crashers" with less than stellar results.  It solely relies on the charm of Vaughn and Wilson, but that isn't enough to make this underdog story worth the price of admission.  Wait and watch this one at your local discount theatre or Netflix.