Wildflowers and the Natural World (Book Review)

The Wild Iris - Louise Glück B-

Published November 1993

Glück's Pulitzer Prize winning collection, The Wild Iris, is written from three different points of view; An omnipresent god, flowers, and a human. It feels a little unfair to rate the book after one reading because the poems demand to be read and re-read numerous times. However, many of these poems didn't engage me like I thought they might. The Wild Iris is an interesting concept and Glück is a wonderful writer; but, ultimately the poems left me slightly underwhelmed.

Gravity - Movie Review

Gravity (PG-13) 91 minutes D
Lots of flying Debris in 3D

Starring Sandra Bullock, George Clooney and Ed Harris

If you're a fan of epic space drama, cool special effects, George Clooney, Sandra Bullock, and you plan to see this film regardless of the grade I am giving it... fork out the extra cash and see it in 3D! Imax 3D if possible.

Now, if you're like me- you like George Clooney, Sandra Bullock is okay, not a big fan of sci-fi films, but wanted to see what all the hype was about... proceed with caution.  

Honestly, the two or three people that actually read this review will probably go see the film, watch it on Netflix, or have already seen it.  Most people I know liked the film, some even loved it.  I thought it was hokey as f*ck and I thought George Clooney "phoned it in" (not that there was much he could do with such a one-dimensional character).  

Needless to say, I was disappointed.  However, other critics seem to love it, audiences like it, and I guess the special effects are pretty cool if you're into that sorta thing.  So, go see it for yourself and let me know what you think. 

A Visit From Jennifer Egan (Book Event)

Inside The Writers Studio with Jennifer Egan B+

Jennifer Egan, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in 2011 was Inside the Writers Studio tonight.  She discussed her writing life and how President Obama's campaign inspired the infamous PowerPoint chapter in the Pulitzer Prize winning A Visit From the Goon Squad.  With all the hoopla surrounding Goon Squad, it was nice to hear about her other books during the interview... several of which I knew little or nothing about.  Egan's 1995 debut novel, The Invisible Circus, was adapted to the big screen in 2001.  The film starred Cameron Diaz.  Egan's short story collection, Emerald City and Other Stories and her mysterious and robust novel, 2001's Look at Me were both nominated for the National Book Awards.

Here's a short youtube clip of Jennifer Egan from a few years ago - Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2Q3phQHil0

What's up Yeezus? (Album Review)

Released June 2013 

Kanye West - Yeezus B+

The first track from Yeezus is called "On Sight" and it is on point! The song, fully loaded with beats by Daft Punk, jumps out of the speakers and "gets this bitch shakin' like Parkinson's." Yes, this album is lewd, angry and neurotic...  I own all of West's previous studio albums, yet known of them grabbed me with such intensity and intrigue as Yeezus, his sixth studio album.  However, the downside is that the album's first four tracks are so strong I felt like the rest of the album fell off a cliff. Luckily, after repeated listens I got my groove back for the second half of the album.  Turns out, I really dig "Blood on the Leaves," which features a heavy sample of Nina Simone's "Strange Fruit."  I also like the album's closing track, the old school-ish "Bound 2."  Needless to say, Kanye isn't for everyone.  But, it's hard to dispute his genius. Favorite tracks: New Slaves, Black Skinhead, On Sight and Blood on the Leaves.

There Is A Light That Never Goes Out (Book Review)

Published July 2013

The Rest of Us - Jessica Lott B-

I heard about Jessica Lott's debut novel, The Rest of Us, on NPR. It appealed to me because the two main characters, a budding photographer and a well-respected poet, were entangled in what I hoped would be a unique and artistic story about second chances. At times, I was completely captivated by this first-person account of longing, friendship, photography and love. But, I also got a little frustrated when the side plots (like Rhinehart's Ukrainian family history) would break the novel's momentum.  I found myself hurrying through pages to get to the parts I liked most- the friends, the lovers, the photography and the ex-wife. The ending wasn't particularly original, yet it was one I didn't expect. I enjoyed The Rest of Us; the characters are likable, smart and well-written. However, overall, the novel didn't quite win me over like I hoped it might.

Salinger - Movie Review

Salinger (PG-13) 120 minutes A-
A Broken Man

Starring (Documentary): Philip Seymour Hoffman, Edward Norton, Judd Apatow, Edward Norton, Martin Sheen, Tom Wolfe, Gore Vidal, Jean Miller, A.E. Hotchner, Joyce Maynard, A. Scott Berg, and Margaret Salinger.

Let me start by saying that I never read The Catcher in the Rye.  I tried reading it 15 years ago, but my expectations were so high it didn't stand a chance.  After reading several pages I put the book down and never picked it up again.  Going into this film I practically knew nothing about J.D. Salinger.  This documentary, which has garnered a rash of lukewarm reviews, was completely enthralling.  I have a tendency to gravitate toward talented and tormented writers and Salinger definitely fit the bill.  Among other things, the film revealed that Salinger was an intensely private and reclusive writer whose fame afforded him the luxury to seduce vulnerable young women.  It also revealed the traumatic experiences he endured during WWII.  Salinger likely suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) before it became commonly known as such.

The documentary is filled with reenactments, talking heads and still photos of Salinger because he was never keen on publicity.  As a result, the film feels second tier and a little History Channel-ish.  Nevertheless, it is full of personal drama and the type of tortured writer stuff I love.  Salinger definitely inspired me to give The Catcher in the Rye another chance.  This documentary is recommended for all you literary types, while others should proceed with caution.

Don Jon - Movie Review

Don Jon (R) 90 minutes B
Johnny-come-lately

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Tony Danza, Rob Brown, Glenne Headly, Brie Larson, Jeremy Luke

When I think of films about sexual addiction, I think of: Shame (2011), I Am A Sex Addict (2005), Auto Focus (2002), Crash (1996), and Choke, the outstanding 2001 novel by Chuck Palahniuk that was adapted to the big screen in 2008 (I read the book but didn't see the film).  All of the aforementioned films are edgy in a gritty, unflinching sort of way.  Don Jon is racy, provocative, honest and even heartwarming.  But edgy, not so much... and that's okay.  This is Joseph Gordon-Levitt's writing and directorial debut and he's not trying to scare off audiences on his first attempt.  He is however, sporting a little swagger, a little style, and a little "manufactured glitz" to quote writer and critic Jamie S. Rich.  Don Jon is a better than average mainstream film about sex/porn addiction.  But if you want the real thing, pimples and all, seek out one of the films (or the book) I mentioned above. Furthermore, here is My Gray Morning's short-list of sexually extreme/slightly bizarre films for the adventurous cinephile (in no particular order).

1. Shortbus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8A1dwEhSMY
2. Secretary http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5Yu-IGx0-4
3. Auto Focus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l15ydlXoHt8
4. Crash (1996) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XlDp3DLHxc
5. I Am A Sex Addict http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znUMg4JfygU
6 . Boogie Nights http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkkcvtrIUSg
7. Shame http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh2w0iym0Gk
8. Kissed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fA1Vr4OdhlU
9. Savage Grace http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZXPzLfapOw
10. Eyes Wide Shut http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEfyfcEdW4Y
11. Young & Wild http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0sD12aTWHw
12. Bitter Moon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jb1YcQjOiw
13. Sex, Lies and Videotape  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxdQQpJ9t-4
14. Sex with Strangers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2znKqmWfU
15. Center of the World http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAi3ADVcyfk

In a World - Movie Review

In a World (R) 93 minutes A-
Sexism & the Industry

Starring: Lake Bell, Demetri Martin, Rob Corddry, Michaela Watkins, Ken Marino and Fred Melamed

In a World is mostly about the competitive nature of the voiceover industry. But, it's also about love (bad boy vs. nice guy), about a father's ego and his relationship with his daughters, and about a marriage in crisis. In a world full of crap films that corrode our brains it's a shame that more people won't see this film. Written and directed by Lake Bell, and the recipient of the Sundance Film Festival Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award, In a World is a funny, slice of life, dysfunctional family comedy that is a low-key gem. Recommended!

Mazzy Star & NIN - The Tale of Two Bands (Album Reviews)

First Impression Music Reviews
Mazzy Star - Seasons of Your Day B
Nine Inch Nails - Hesitation Marks B 

Released 9/24/13

Released 9/3/13

Obviously these are two very different bands with very different sounds, but their new albums had a similar effect on me.  Since acquiring both they have acted mainly as mood music.  For Mazzy Star this has always been the modus operandi upon the first few spins of their music. However, Trent Reznor and company usually dig their claws in right away and begin gnawing away at my pessimistic little soul. Hesitation Marks feels like a smart album-cold, calculated and at times, surprisingly funky. But, when I turn off the music a majority of these songs (on both albums) are not staying with me. That's not to say that there is a lack of strong material here. Season of Your Day and Hesitation Marks feature some of my favorite songs this year. Mazzy Star's "California" is a near perfect single and probably one of the best songs they have ever done, while NIN's "All Time Low" jumped out of the stereo the first time I heard it. The things is, whenever I pop these CDs (yeah, I'm old school) into the stereo I am initially jazzed, but by the time the disc stops spinning I've already mentally stopped listening. Both albums are good and worth paying for; however, I have yet to make a deeper connection... but the potential is there.
 

The Butler - Movie Review

The Butler (PG-13) 132 minutes A-
Wow!

Starring: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr., Lenny Kravitz, John Cusack, James Marsden, Robin Williams, Alan Rickman, Liev Schreiber, Jane Fonda, Minka Kelly, Vanessa Redgrave, Clarence Williams III, Yaya Alafia, Elijah Kelley and Alex Pettyfer.

It's true, I sort of expected The Butler to be a highfalutin, over-cameoed, schmoozy film about a black butler working in the White House through eight presidencies.  Forest Whitaker is one of the best actors of our time, but when I heard about so many high profile stars: Oprah Winfrey, Jane Fonda, Lenny Kravitz, etc... I feared the film would be overindulgent.  Boy, was I wrong! I underestimated everything and everyone in this film... especially director Lee Daniels who I am now convinced is someone very special.  I will be rooting for Daniels, Whitaker and Winfrey come award nomination season.