Sunday, August 25, 2013

Fruitvale Station - Movie Review

Fruitvale Station (R) 85 minutes A
The little film that can

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Octavia Spencer, Kevin Durand and Ariana Neal

Sometimes, the sign of a great film is still being surprised even though you know how it will end. Not only is Fruitvale Station timely because of Travyon Martin, it's powerful and heartfelt.  This film definitely evoked emotion from me and it stands as one of the year's best.  Recommended!

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Blue Jasmine - Movie Review

Blue Jasmine (PG-13) 98 minutes B+
Break it down again, no more sleepy dreaming

Starring: Vanessa Ross, Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin, Peter Sarsgaard, Michael Stuhlbarg, Alden Ehrenreich, Michael Emerson, Bobby Cannavale, Louis C.K. and Charlie Tahan

Cate Blanchett won an Academy Award for her role in the 2004 film, The Aviator.  However, my favorite Cate Blanchett film is 2006's Notes on a Scandal.  But, don't be surprised if she becomes best known for her role in this film, Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine.  Here, the actress plays Jasmine, a privileged women who has lost everything after her husband's indiscretions and shady business dealings come to surface.  With no where to turn Jasmine moves to San Francisco to live with her less than privileged sister and start a new life... but the transition is not an easy one to say the least. This is a great cast, but ultimately Blanchett is the main attraction.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

The Spectacular Now - Movie review

The Spectacular Now (R) 95 minutes A-
Leaving Las Vegas for the YA set

Starring: Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, Brie Larson, Kyle Chandler

Not only is this the best coming-of-age film of the year, it's destined to be in the running for my best overall film for 2013.  Based on Tim Tharps's novel, a National Book Award Finalist in 2008, this unlikely love story is charming, tender and pretty darn spectacular.  Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley are stars in the making.

Saturday, August 3, 2013

The Reluctant Rock Memoir (Book Review)

Published August 2010
Rat Girl - Kristin Hersh C-

Rolling Stone magazine called Rat Girl one of the 25 greatest rock memoirs of all-time. I'm a Kristin Hersh fan, but I was sort of underwhelmed by Rat Girl. I kept waiting for it to pull me in, but it never did. Maybe my expectations were too high?