Blue Valentine (R) 120 minutes A
When love is not enough
Starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams
Blue Valentine is an excellent film about a young couple who fall in and out of love. It follows their beautiful beginning and tragic end by toggling between the doldrums of present day couplehood/novelty of their courtship.
This film (along with Helena From the Wedding) feels more authentic than anything I've seen this past year. It was easy to forget you're watching two fictional characters and not someone you know. New York Observer film critic Rex Reed says "movie intimacy reaches groundbreaking new heights in this shocking story", and goes on to add that Blue Valentine left him "racked by feelings of emotional intensity that still linger."
As the credits rolled and people began to slowly come unglued from their seats a quiet contemplation filled the air. I felt speechless, heavy and consumed by it all, usually a good sign that the film has left me with plenty to digest.
Bill Goodykoontz of the Arizona Republic summed it up best when he wrote "There's no blame to assign here. There are just two people in different places in their lives, their differences developing into an open wound in their relationship, until healing seems out of the question." This is a credit to the filmmaker and actors for crafting such a profoundly organic and humanistic study of a phenomena that (unfortunately) most will experience once, twice or more in a lifetime.
Lastly, it's worth noting that the director of Blue Valentine is Derek Cianfrance who grew up in Lakewood, CO and attended CU. I have a feeling we'll be hearing his name a lot more in the near future.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Blind Ambition (Book Review)
Joe Pernice - Two Blind Pigeons B-
Publication Date: October 1, 2001
It's hard not to compare Joe Pernice the singer songwriter and Joe Pernice the poet (although some would consider them one and the same). My favorite piece is the opening poem, "Considering Paula", everything else simply flirts with greatness and left me slightly unsatisfied, wanting more and curious.
Publication Date: October 1, 2001
It's hard not to compare Joe Pernice the singer songwriter and Joe Pernice the poet (although some would consider them one and the same). My favorite piece is the opening poem, "Considering Paula", everything else simply flirts with greatness and left me slightly unsatisfied, wanting more and curious.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
To Live & Die in LA (Book Review)
James Frey - Bright Shiny Morning B+
Publication Date: May 13, 2008
When this book came out a few years ago I thought I heard something about Frey doing his book tour dates with a full band...? At the time that seemed cool but awfully presumptuous, especially after the Oprah scandal and such. But it turns out that a grandiose book tour is quite appropriate for what happened to be a very ambitious book.
Bright Shiny Morning is a little bit of a mess and could stand to be shorter, however there's few dull moments and plenty to sink your teeth into. The novel evoked plenty of emotions because much of it is about broken dreams in a city where only the ruthless, rich and lucky survive.
Being a dreamer myself this was very disheartening.
Back in 2008 USA Today critic Deirdre Donahue wrote that Morning reads like something "Oliver Stone wrote and Quentin Tarantino directed". The novel is full of parallel story lines that mainly follow these central characters: a homeless man, an Oscar winning actor, a young Hispanic woman with unusually large thighs and a young couple from Ohio. But there's more, more characters, fun facts, not so fun facts, descriptions, lists, etc... If this was musical album it would be a box set.
In his first official novel Frey shows up and throws up. Once you weed through some of the filler you're left with one hell of a novel/fictional history lesson of Los Angeles.
Publication Date: May 13, 2008
When this book came out a few years ago I thought I heard something about Frey doing his book tour dates with a full band...? At the time that seemed cool but awfully presumptuous, especially after the Oprah scandal and such. But it turns out that a grandiose book tour is quite appropriate for what happened to be a very ambitious book.
Bright Shiny Morning is a little bit of a mess and could stand to be shorter, however there's few dull moments and plenty to sink your teeth into. The novel evoked plenty of emotions because much of it is about broken dreams in a city where only the ruthless, rich and lucky survive.
Being a dreamer myself this was very disheartening.
Back in 2008 USA Today critic Deirdre Donahue wrote that Morning reads like something "Oliver Stone wrote and Quentin Tarantino directed". The novel is full of parallel story lines that mainly follow these central characters: a homeless man, an Oscar winning actor, a young Hispanic woman with unusually large thighs and a young couple from Ohio. But there's more, more characters, fun facts, not so fun facts, descriptions, lists, etc... If this was musical album it would be a box set.
In his first official novel Frey shows up and throws up. Once you weed through some of the filler you're left with one hell of a novel/fictional history lesson of Los Angeles.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The King's Speech - Movie Review
The King's Speech (R) 118 minutes C+
Stammer Time
Starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Bambon, Eve Best and Guy Pearce
Apparently King George VI was a cranky and angry man, but perhaps you would be too if you had such a debilitating vocal handicap. The King's Speech is based on the true story of a rogue speech therapist (Rush) and Albert the Duke of York (Firth). Albert reluctantly becomes King after his brother Edward VIII (Pearce) is forced to resign as a result to his lustful relationship with Wallis Simpson (Best), a twice-divorced sexpot.
The film has positioned itself to be 100% Oscar bait and appears to be winning the hearts of critics and audiences alike. Yet it might be a less enthralling to the historically challenged like myself. I found the acting to be top notch but the film a tad dry. Firth is good (liked him better as a suicidal gay teacher in last year's A Single Man) but in my eyes Rush is the real star. He steals almost every scene inwhich he appears and is easily the most pertinent and likable character.
Recommended for fans of starchy British drama's, Colin Firth and/or Geoffrey Rush.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bonus DVD Reviews
Good Hair (PG-13) 96 minutes B+
A Hairy Situation
Stammer Time
Starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Bambon, Eve Best and Guy Pearce
Apparently King George VI was a cranky and angry man, but perhaps you would be too if you had such a debilitating vocal handicap. The King's Speech is based on the true story of a rogue speech therapist (Rush) and Albert the Duke of York (Firth). Albert reluctantly becomes King after his brother Edward VIII (Pearce) is forced to resign as a result to his lustful relationship with Wallis Simpson (Best), a twice-divorced sexpot.
The film has positioned itself to be 100% Oscar bait and appears to be winning the hearts of critics and audiences alike. Yet it might be a less enthralling to the historically challenged like myself. I found the acting to be top notch but the film a tad dry. Firth is good (liked him better as a suicidal gay teacher in last year's A Single Man) but in my eyes Rush is the real star. He steals almost every scene inwhich he appears and is easily the most pertinent and likable character.
Recommended for fans of starchy British drama's, Colin Firth and/or Geoffrey Rush.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bonus DVD Reviews
Good Hair (PG-13) 96 minutes B+
A Hairy Situation
DVD Release Date: February 2010
Starring Chris Rock
Good Hair is a light-hearted documentary that deals with some complex issues. As a person who has used lye relaxers on my hair more times than I care to admit, this exposé doesn't necessarily leave me feeling judgemental but it does make it hard to envision a scenario in which I would use those types of products again.
Ridiculous and highly entertaining.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12th and Delaware (NR) 80 minutes B-
Intersection
DVD Release Date: Debuted at Sundance January 2010/Debuted on HBO August 2010
Starring Two Clinics and a Yellow Mustang
Pro-life vs Pro-choice- That's what you have going on at the intersection of 12th and Delaware in Fort Pierce, Florida. I think this documentary film tries to portray each side fairly...? But I'll be honest, the pro-lifers in this film seem like kooks. I know this doesn't represent all pro-lifers and I tried to open my mind, but their logic still makes absolutely no sense to me.
From the directors of the 2006 documentary Jesus Camp, this film is not only sad but it also makes me angry. Yet still, I think it's important to see what's really happening around us even if we don't agree. This is a great example of lives being altered forever regardless of where you stand on the issue.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
My Gray Morning's Top 3 Moments of 2010
<---Fathead (me) at Cellar Stories Book Store in Providence, RI3. Driving From Connecticut to Providence, RI (May) It was a beautiful spring day, just me and the open road. I took the scenic route, put the windows down and turned the music up loud. The next day I drove to Boston, walked around Cambridge and got caught in a rainstorm.
2. Sundance (January) Always fun, always inspiring and as much as I hate to admit it, fun to stargaze. Last year I was a breast length away from Ron Jeremy while walking down main street in Park City, and at the Joan Rivers (documentary) screening we sat only a couple seats away from Morgan Spurlock. Not to mention I attended my first Jazz game in SLC.
1. The AWP Conference (April) AWP is the Association of Writers and Writing Programs and this past year it was held in Denver. It was so much fun I thought my head was going to explode. It was an incredible experience and I met, saw and listened to lots of prominent writers (and editors). Without a doubt one of the best times of my life.
Friday, December 31, 2010
My Gray Morning - Best Music 2010
My Gray Morning's Musical Soundtrack 2010
"Of all noises, I think music is the least disagreeable
" - Samuel Johnson 
"Of all noises, I think music is the least disagreeable
" - Samuel Johnson 
15.1,000 Years - Corin Tucker Band
She will always remind me of Sleater Kinney.
14. Love and Its Opposites - Tracey Thorn
I always over use this term but it truly is "heart-breakingly beautiful".
13. How I Got Over - The Roots
I still don't think this album has reached it's full potential with me.
12. Brothers - Black Keys
Surprisingly infectious, I liked this album more than I thought I would.
11. Write about Love - Belle and Sebastian
11. Write about Love - Belle and Sebastian
Always embodies my pouty, whimsical, lovable side.
10. Dear God I Hate Myself - Xiu Xiu
Not their best but it made an emotional connection.
9. Transference - Spoon
I'm surprised how much I like this album every time I listen to it.
8. Swim - Caribou
Inspires me to dance like a dehydrated Helen Keller.
7. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - Kanye West
It took awhile but it finally clicked... believe the hype.
6. Grinderman 2 - Grinderman
It's true, Nick Cave is my dark, twisted, cool soul brotha from another mother.
5. Lonely Avenue - Ben Folds & Nick Hornby
Where literature and music collides, breaks my heart and makes me smile.
4. Heaven is Whenever - The Hold Steady
Hurricane J might be my favorite song of 2010, it makes me feel alive.
3. Goodbye, Killer - Pernice Brothers
3. Goodbye, Killer - Pernice Brothers
I'm not sure I listened to any other cd more in 2010.
2. Thank Me Later - Drake
A hip hop album with indie sensibility, the most surprising album of the year.
1. High Violet - The National
1. High Violet - The National
The National has never been an easy listen but this album is epic in a very modest manner. 
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Black Swan - Movie Review
Black Swan (R) 107 minutes B
Lose Yourself
Starring Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassell, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey and Winona Ryder
Black Swan begins as a gritty, intense melodrama before venturing into David Lynch/skinemax/bloodletting high-art. Yet Black Swan is no less intriguing even when director Darren Aronofsky overreaches; specially the eurotrash club scenes with "Tom" and "Jerry" and the much talked about sex scene (you'll know it when you see it).
The aforementioned sex scene is sexy but it feels a little cheap and slightly unnecessary despite providing one of the film's funniest one liners shortly thereafter.
This film is good, Natalie Portman is great! It made me want to go to the ballet, It made me feel sorry for the protagonist (Portman) while feeling simultaneous frustrated with her.
If you're like me and go to see Black Swan without knowing much about it be prepared for a ride. It's creepy, sad, sensual and weird but never boring.
With award season just around the corner I doubt this film will win any Best Picture accolades but don't be surprised when Portman walks away with multiple Best Actress statuettes. It's an interesting film to say the least and worth checking out!
Lose Yourself
Starring Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassell, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey and Winona Ryder
Black Swan begins as a gritty, intense melodrama before venturing into David Lynch/skinemax/bloodletting high-art. Yet Black Swan is no less intriguing even when director Darren Aronofsky overreaches; specially the eurotrash club scenes with "Tom" and "Jerry" and the much talked about sex scene (you'll know it when you see it).
The aforementioned sex scene is sexy but it feels a little cheap and slightly unnecessary despite providing one of the film's funniest one liners shortly thereafter.
This film is good, Natalie Portman is great! It made me want to go to the ballet, It made me feel sorry for the protagonist (Portman) while feeling simultaneous frustrated with her.
If you're like me and go to see Black Swan without knowing much about it be prepared for a ride. It's creepy, sad, sensual and weird but never boring.
With award season just around the corner I doubt this film will win any Best Picture accolades but don't be surprised when Portman walks away with multiple Best Actress statuettes. It's an interesting film to say the least and worth checking out!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Tiny Furniture - Movie Review
Tiny Furniture (R) 98 minutes A-
Postgraduate delirium and other bad choices
Starring Lena Dunham, Laurie Simmons, Grace Dunham, Jemima Kirke, Alex Karpovsky
How could I not like Lena Dunham? She's talented, charmingly funny and full of naked ambition. In this semi autobiographical, deadpan comedy the twentysomething writer/director/actress has created a wickedly entertaining film that has been compared to Woody Allen's earlier works.
Tiny Furniture was reportedly made for around $50,000, shot with a $1,500 camera, filmed in the family's New York loft and stars Dunham's mother and sister. Many of the actors were not professionally trained, yet several moments here feel authentically awkward, sad and real (see the film's lone sex scene).
The film follows the plight of Aura (Dunham) who has just graduated from college, been recently dumped by her college boyfriend and "temporarily" moved back home with her family. The plan is to get a job, an apartment and figure out what she wants to do with her life. But Aura quickly finds that the transition from college life to real world responsibility can be daunting. Especially when you're vulnerable, unmotivated and living in the shadow of an overachieving mother and sister.
This is a good film that's not for everyone but highly recommended for those who like low-budget, bittersweet indie comedies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bonus DVD Reviews
Man Push Cart (NR) 87 minutes B+
Missing someone and something he can't forget
DVD Release Date: October 2007
Starring Ahmad Razvi, Leticia Dolera, Charles Daniel Sandoval and Ali Reza.
A very heartfelt story about a man who once had it all- a beautiful wife and a promising music career. Now he's just a "Pakistani guy selling coffee and doughnuts" and trying to survive in New York City.
The film was one of Roger Ebert's ten best of 2006 and nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blind Date (NR) 80 minutes C
Desperately trying to save the date
DVD Release Date: December 2009
Starring Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson.
A surprisingly sad and depressing film about a couple who try to cope with the death of a child by pretending to be strangers and meeting for blind dates. Tucci and Clarkson are two of my favorites, if this film was done by anyone else it would've been a total disaster.
Postgraduate delirium and other bad choices
Starring Lena Dunham, Laurie Simmons, Grace Dunham, Jemima Kirke, Alex Karpovsky
How could I not like Lena Dunham? She's talented, charmingly funny and full of naked ambition. In this semi autobiographical, deadpan comedy the twentysomething writer/director/actress has created a wickedly entertaining film that has been compared to Woody Allen's earlier works.
Tiny Furniture was reportedly made for around $50,000, shot with a $1,500 camera, filmed in the family's New York loft and stars Dunham's mother and sister. Many of the actors were not professionally trained, yet several moments here feel authentically awkward, sad and real (see the film's lone sex scene).
The film follows the plight of Aura (Dunham) who has just graduated from college, been recently dumped by her college boyfriend and "temporarily" moved back home with her family. The plan is to get a job, an apartment and figure out what she wants to do with her life. But Aura quickly finds that the transition from college life to real world responsibility can be daunting. Especially when you're vulnerable, unmotivated and living in the shadow of an overachieving mother and sister.
This is a good film that's not for everyone but highly recommended for those who like low-budget, bittersweet indie comedies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bonus DVD Reviews
Man Push Cart (NR) 87 minutes B+
Missing someone and something he can't forget
DVD Release Date: October 2007
Starring Ahmad Razvi, Leticia Dolera, Charles Daniel Sandoval and Ali Reza.
A very heartfelt story about a man who once had it all- a beautiful wife and a promising music career. Now he's just a "Pakistani guy selling coffee and doughnuts" and trying to survive in New York City.
The film was one of Roger Ebert's ten best of 2006 and nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blind Date (NR) 80 minutes C
Desperately trying to save the date
DVD Release Date: December 2009
Starring Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson.
A surprisingly sad and depressing film about a couple who try to cope with the death of a child by pretending to be strangers and meeting for blind dates. Tucci and Clarkson are two of my favorites, if this film was done by anyone else it would've been a total disaster.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
I'm Doin' Me Before the World Ends (Music Reviews)
First Impression Music Review Drake - Thank Me Later A-
Release Date: June 2010
Full disclosure: Before I heard this album my only exposure to Drake was that catchy Sprite commercial where he's in the studio, not feeling the flow, he drinks a Sprite and his face, body and mind explodes into a gushing, carbonated wave of lemon-lime refreshment and rejuvenation- "Last name Ever/first name Greatest".
Later I noticed Thank Me Later was racking up good reviews, both Time and Rolling Stone magazines hailed it as one of the top ten albums of the year. Yet, despite the warm critical reception I was still skeptical of the unknown mainstream artist. Especially since the rap game doesn't excite me like it use too.
But to my surprise, Drake, once the star of a teen television drama called Degrassi: The Next Generation, has delivered one of my favorite albums of the year. One that I've been bumpin in my car nonstop. It started as a grower and has blossomed into a bonafide mainstay in my rotation.
The Pitchfork.com review stated that Drake "sings or raps the word I 410 times on his debut album. Even in the realm of hip-hop-- a style famous for its unswerving solipsism-- this is a feat." However, a little self indulgence isn't so bad when you have something worth saying, something that connects with a lot of people on a humanistic level. That bond is part of what hooked me along with a refreshing vulnerability and lush, atmospheric beats that rarely grandstand like another highly praised hip hop album I reviewed a few weeks ago. Thank Me Later is worth being thankful for now!
Favorite Tracks - Fireworks, Karaoke, Over and Fancy
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2035319_2034644_2034627,00.html
Pernice Brothers - The World Won't End B
Release Date: June 2001
The World Won't End is vintage Pernice Brothers; smart, sympathetic lyrics wrapped in acute reflection and observations. At first listen it's not as accessible as later releases but ultimately very rewarding. More than just a sad sack record, Pernice proves once again he's one of the best songwriters of our generation.
Release Date: June 2010
Full disclosure: Before I heard this album my only exposure to Drake was that catchy Sprite commercial where he's in the studio, not feeling the flow, he drinks a Sprite and his face, body and mind explodes into a gushing, carbonated wave of lemon-lime refreshment and rejuvenation- "Last name Ever/first name Greatest".Later I noticed Thank Me Later was racking up good reviews, both Time and Rolling Stone magazines hailed it as one of the top ten albums of the year. Yet, despite the warm critical reception I was still skeptical of the unknown mainstream artist. Especially since the rap game doesn't excite me like it use too.
But to my surprise, Drake, once the star of a teen television drama called Degrassi: The Next Generation, has delivered one of my favorite albums of the year. One that I've been bumpin in my car nonstop. It started as a grower and has blossomed into a bonafide mainstay in my rotation.
The Pitchfork.com review stated that Drake "sings or raps the word I 410 times on his debut album. Even in the realm of hip-hop-- a style famous for its unswerving solipsism-- this is a feat." However, a little self indulgence isn't so bad when you have something worth saying, something that connects with a lot of people on a humanistic level. That bond is part of what hooked me along with a refreshing vulnerability and lush, atmospheric beats that rarely grandstand like another highly praised hip hop album I reviewed a few weeks ago. Thank Me Later is worth being thankful for now!
Favorite Tracks - Fireworks, Karaoke, Over and Fancy
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2035319_2034644_2034627,00.html
Pernice Brothers - The World Won't End B
Release Date: June 2001
The World Won't End is vintage Pernice Brothers; smart, sympathetic lyrics wrapped in acute reflection and observations. At first listen it's not as accessible as later releases but ultimately very rewarding. More than just a sad sack record, Pernice proves once again he's one of the best songwriters of our generation.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)