Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) – Review

Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is a wonderful conclusion to the Harry Potter series. Like his other Potter films, director David Yates mixes in lighter moments and humor into what has predominately been a dark and emotionally dark story. However, there is a lot less of it in this film, as the sheer scale and emotional weight on all the characters of what is about to transpire (Voldemort and his army standing outside Hogwarts about to lay siege, surely meaning the obliteration of all they are and love) gives little room for humor – though Yates is still able to inject just enough into the drama to give the audience time to breath and cut the tension. As with Part 1, the aesthetic of this film is magnificent. Yates and his creative team have done an absolutely marvelous job getting the look and tone of the film just right. While Part 1 was mostly a character piece, Part 2 is more action based, producing a very entertaining film that briskly moves forward (essentially the whole film takes place over the course of one day), though there is still some very good character work. Yates also slightly deviates from his shooting style in Part 1 (aside from the prologue and epilogue, it is focused completely on Harry’s perspective). In Part 2, the camera stays with Harry primarily during the main section of the film but also leaves his perspective at times to capture other story moments that he is not involved in (though, for some there are moments left off-screen that they would have liked to have seen). Yates certainly wants to preserve the narrative style of experiencing the story and action through Harry, which is why many moments still occur off-screen and the emotional impact of them is left to when Harry discovers them rather than when they actually occur. Yates, though, must leave Harry from time to time as there are too many important story moments that he is not a part of that would have left the overall narrative feeling disconnected for the audience had they not been shown, and Yates gives the audience a few needed character moments (for characters that are not Harry, Ron or Hermione) that also work well. However, again, most of the big emotional moments are placed with Harry’s perspective. A complaint about the film is that it is not dramatic enough (presumably some fans wanting there to be more melodrama), which seems to go hand-in-hand with a few moments being left off-screen. However, taking this film in the context of the whole series (of films, not the books), Yates has Harry, Ron and Hermione overwhelmed with bleak feelings of dread, tittering on the edge of hopelessness (though, all three seem to never lose hope, as they take stock in each other, and it is their friendship and support of each other that really gets them through the awful times they go through, the incalculable negative odds against them and gives them the strength to go on and take the hits; at its heart, Deathly Hallows is really a beautiful film about friendship and perseverance). The character work Yates has done for these characters (from Order of the Phoenix on) makes their reactions to the events feel very believable for their characters. Harry takes the dismal news, deaths and everything else and just pushes on. With Part 1 included, Deathly Hallows is essentially a four hour plus movie, and thus Yates had to decide what characters and moments where essential to the narrative of the series. Sure, die-hard fans (me included) would love to see everything and every character have their moments, but it would have made for a terrible film. Yates made the decision to put most of the character work and emotional resonance on his three main characters, and the series is all the better for it. Deathly Hallows: Part 2 serves as an epic and emotionally poignant ending for Harry, Ron and Hermione (which is what we wanted, as they are characters we love and have seen grow up and develop through the years).

Technical, aesthetic & acting achievements: David Yates, who made his feature film (at least, non-TV feature) debut with Order of the Phoenix, has again proved himself to be a top director. The four Harry Potter films he has done are all brilliant, showing off an ability to garner great performances, create narratives that have emotional resonance and provide an enthralling aesthetic (I cannot wait to see what he does next). Composer Alexandre Desplat arranges a wondrous score for the film that captures the tragedy, scale and wonder (beautifully incorporating part of Nicholas Hooper’s enchanting score from Half-Blood Prince into the Snape revelation scene). Desplat always does great work, but this is among his most emotionally engaging scores. Cinematographer Eduardo Serra, again (as he shot Part 1), does unbelievable work. The look of the film is spellbinding (as much as I like the work of Bruno Delbonnel on Half-Blood Price, and he is maybe my favorite D.P., I think Serra’s is the best of the series). Production designer Stuart Craig has designed all eight films. There are not enough positive words to talk about how amazing a job he has done throughout. Here, his work, which seems to take on a minimalist style as everything crumbles around the characters, is exquisite. Along with Yates and Serra, Craig has created the perfect tone and look for this film. Like the technical work behind the camera, the acting throughout the series has been phenomenal, boasting maybe the greatest group of British actors ever assembled. Deathly Hallows: Part 2 yet again features great work across the board, but like the other films a few performances stick out. Matthew Lewis (it is great to see Neville get to be more involved) and Helena Bonham Carter (loved her scene in which her character is being impersonated by Hermione) are quite good. However, among the supporting performances, the work of Warwick Davies (whose scene negotiating with Harry near the beginning is magnificent), Ralph Fiennes (who actually gets to bring more human emotion to Voldemort in this film) and especially Alan Rickman (whose work in the Snape revelation scenes is tragic and beautiful) is outstanding (many critics even calling for Rickman to receive an Oscar nod, though that will probably never happen for this film, given that it is an adventure fantasy). With each film, the leading trio grows both as characters and actors. Daniel Radcliffe has such a tough role in this film, having in a sense the weight of the world on his shoulders, yet he does a fine job of emoting enough to connect with the audience while being the hero that Harry is. Rupert Grint started out as the comedic element to the trio. Through his great work, he developed Ron into one of the best characters in the series (again, talking solely about the films here, not that Ron is not also awesome in the books). Emma Watson is maybe the best of the three, as she is able to capture the strength of Hermione but also let the moments of fear and dread sneak forth behind her outward strength. She gives a touching and radiant performance in the film.

Summary & score: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is the perfect ending to this beloved film series. It has all the drama, emotion, humor, character, and action to make it yet another excellent film in the series. 10/10

Movie of the Week – Serenity

This week’s movie is Serenity (2005).

The sci-fi adventure serves as (for now) the conclusion to the Firefly series, about a crew taking odd jobs both legal and illegal to keep their ship running in the outskirts of the universe. The film finds the crew faced with a new challenge and a new enemy. Having just broken River Tam out of a secret facility, the Alliance has sent an Operative (their best assassin) to get her back, as she carries a potentially damaging secret. Now, the crew must protect River while trying to discover her secret. The film is written and directed by Joss Whedon (who created the series), and marks his feature film directorial debut (he is also directing The Avengers due in 2012). Whedon’s script and love of his characters and the performances from the wonderful cast are what makes this movie so much fun and endearing to its fans. Whedon also has a fine aesthetic talent, opening the film (after the prologue sequence) with a fantastic long-take that introduces the whole crew, while bringing the viewer up to speed. The work of cinematographer Jack Green is very good, as his style fits with Whedon’s very well. Production designer Barry Chusid and composer David Newman also both do great work that is very fitting to the series as a whole. The principal cast from the show is just as good in the film, with Nathan Fillion leading the way. However, the new characters brought to the film are also well played by David Krumholtz, Michael Hitchcock, Sarah Paulson, and especially Chiwetel Ejiofor, who is brilliant and gives one of the best villain performances in the genre. What makes the film great is that it has everything: it is funny, has action, is emotionally engaging, and most importantly it has some of the best characters of all-time. The Firefly series and with it this film are must-sees for all genre fans (as I would argue that the series is in the top five sci-fi shows of all-time, and the movie is among the ten best of 2005). Check out the trailer.

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, Streaming, and to Rent

The Cool Kids – When Fish Ride Bicycles (2011) – Review

The Cool Kids – When Fish Ride Bicycles

Finally The Cool Kids drop a new album (been waiting for this ever since The Bake Sale blew me away in 2008). The duo is made up of MC Sir Michael Rocks (from Chicago) and MC/producer Chuck Inglish (from Detroit).  The album features Chuck Inglish’s typical brash bumping poppy and hard drums and great musical accompaniments. It is also fitting that The Neptunes produce the last track on the album (Summer Jam), as they are one of the group’s major sonic influences. The Cool Kids pride themselves on being up on what is hot, or even telling everyone else what the new trends are (hence the name), thus the lyrics primarily focus on clothes, cars and everything else cool. The album has some great features on it as well, most notably from Ghostfast Killah on the crazy good track Penny Hardaway (musically, this one just reminds me all over again just how much I like this group). Travis Barker, Bun B, Asher Roth, and Chip tha Ripper also lend their talents. From the first track on (Rush Hour Traffic), it is clear that this is just what the fans were waiting for (me among them). If you like pop/hipster hip hop, you should check this album out. 3/5

Editor’s Song Picks:

1)      Penny Hardaway – Featuring Ghostface Killah, produced by Chuck Inglish

2)      Rush Hour Traffic – Produced by Chuck Inglish

3)      Summer Jam – Featuring Maxine Ashley, produced by The Neptunes

Available on Digital Download

Kendrick Lamar – Section.80 (2011) – Review

Kendrick Lamar – Section.80

Coming from Compton, Kendrick Lamar has a legacy to live up to as an MC. Section.80 does not disappoint, as it is a really good album. The song HiiiPoWer alone is enough to make this record a classic. It is possibly the best hip hop track to be release this year so far. It groves while unleashing politically and culturally relevant lyrics. J. Cole produced the track, again showing off that he is just about as good a producer as MC. The rest of the album is good too, boasting strong informed lyrics (Kendrick Lamar’s best asset) and great production. As one of XXL Magazine’s 2011 Freshman (as is Lil B), he may not be as high profile as CyHi The Prynce, Yelawolf, Meek Mill, and Big K.R.I.T. but this album certainly puts all the others on notice. For fans of socially aware classic hip hop, this is a must have (and it also has a really cool album cover). 5/5

Editor’s Song Picks:

1)      HiiiPoWer – Produced by J. Cole

2)      Ronald Reagan Era – Featuring RZA, produced by Tae Beast

3)      Rigamortis – Produced by Willie B

Available on Digital Download

Lil B – Im Gay (2011) – Review

Lil B The BasedGod – Im Gay (Im Happy)

Lil B, the Bay Area MC, was highly criticized for deciding to name his album I’m Gay, many seeing it has a publicity stunt. But, he means the title to mean I’m Happy. The fantastic song Unchain Me (one of the best hip hop tracks of the year) address the bad publicity. The album has a great sound to it, having an important feel to it both lyrically and sonically with poignant, overwhelming and unique music. Lil B has a positive uplifting message while addressing many controversial topics. On the day of its release, he also made the album available for free to fans via his Twitter (@LilBTheBasedGod) and Facebook. The album has no features outside a remix that ends it, and features mostly lesser known producers. Rather, it shows off Lil B’s talent as an MC, which comes more from his lyrics than rhyming style, and ability to pick beats that fit him. It is definitely an album that is worth checking out. I also really dig the album cover. 3/5

Editor’s Song Picks:

1)      Unchain Me – Produced by Clams Casino

2)      I Hate Myself – Produced by Keyboard Kid

3)      Game – Produced by BigBoyTraks

Available on Digital Download

Harry Potter Trio, What’s Next – Movies Spotlight – July 2011

As Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is upon us, here is a look at what else Harry, Hermione and Ron have been in and what is next for them.

Daniel Radcliffe

Career Outside Potter Films:

Radcliffe, 21, got his start at the age of ten winning the role of young David Copperfield in the BBC One adaptation of Charles Dickens’s novel David Copperfield. He also got a small role in John Boorman’s drama The Tailor of Panama playing Geoffrey Rush and Jamie Lee Curtis’s son. Harry Potter producer David Heyman wanted Radcliffe to audition for the Potter series, but Radcliffe’s parents were not enthusiastic about Radcliffe filming seven movies away from home so they did not tell him. However, after seeing him in David Copperfield, director Chris Columbus knew that Radcliffe was Harry Potter and convinced his parents to let him audition. J.K. Rowlings also endorsed the selection saying that they could not have found a better Harry. In 2007, he also got the lead role in Rod Hardy’s December Boys while Potter filming was on break. The movie received mixed reviews. He also took a starring role in the well receive biography of Rudyard Kipling, entitled My Boy Jack, (playing his brother John) opposite David Haig and Carey Mulligan. In addition to a few film roles, Radcliffe has taken a number of roles on the stage. At age 17, in a bid to appear more grownup to audiences, he took on the lead in Peter Shaffer’s Equus on the London stage receiving positive reviews, taking the show to Broadway as well. He also was praised with positive reviews and a Tony Award nod for his work on the play How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Radcliffe also voiced a character in late 2010 for the Simpsons (Treehouse of Horror XXI).

Favorite Potter Moment/Film:

It is tough to pick a favorite moment and film for each other these actors, but I really enjoyed seeing Radcliffe and his character Potter grow-up and take charge in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The scenes in which Potter is instructing his classmates in the defense against the dark arts are great, only to have it paid off by the brilliant sequence at the Ministry of Magic in which Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna, and Ginny hold their own against Deatheaters. I also really like the moments between Harry and Professor Lupin and his Godfather Sirius Black in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Upcoming:

Next up for Radcliffe is the supernatural thriller The Woman in Black. It is about a young lawyer who travels to a remote village to organize a deceased client’s papers. But all is not what it seems, and he soon discovers the ghost of a scorned woman set on vengeance. The film co-stars Ciaran Hinds (who appears in Deathly Hallows: Part 2) and Janet McTeer. It is directed by James Watkins who also did the great thriller Eden Lake. Radcliffe is also rumored to be up for roles in The Amateur Photographer and Jay and Seth vs. the Apocalypse.

Emma Watson

Career Outside Potter Films:

Watson, 21, wanted to be an actress from the age of six and trained at the Oxford branch of the Stagecoach Theatre Arts, studying singing, dancing and acting. She appeared in a few amateur plays but had never acted professionally before being cast in the Potter series. She auditioned eight times for Hermione Granger, but Rowling was a supporter of her getting the part after her first screen test (Hermione being Rowling’s favorite character in her books). Much like Radcliffe, when Potter filming took a break in 2007, Watson decided to try her hand in other film projects. She took a supporting role in the TV movie Ballet Shoes playing the successful sister that all the other sisters were jealous of; the film received fairly positive reviews. She next took a voice role in the animated film The Tale of Despereaux playing the princess. It was not nearly as well received by critics, but did well among its targeted younger audience and was a medium success for Universal Pictures. Wanting to concentrate on school (attending Brown University while filming the later Potter films), Watson stuck to only filming the Potter series and studying. She also got involved in fashion both as the face of Burberry and in designing her own line with People Tree.

Favorite Potter Moment/Film:

Hermione Granger and Watson have so many great moments in the series (and is probably my favorite character as well). Hermione punching Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is among my favorite moments of the whole series. I also like Hermione’s know-it-all confidence that exudes forth in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. And, in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 I like how strong Hermione has become showcasing just how good an actress Watson has become (really all three have developed into good actors through the series) and the dance scene between her and Harry is wonderful. Watson plays the opening moments of the film with such a tragic sadness that it is quite beautiful as well.

Upcoming:

Among the three, Watson leaves the series as probably the biggest international star entering her post-Potter career. She has two films that are currently in post-production. First, due out November 4^th, 2011, she has a supporting role in My Week with Marilyn about a week that Marilyn Monroe spent with Colin Clark, an assistant to Laurence Olivier, in the British countryside, allowing her to escape the Hollywood spotlight, while filming The Prince And The Showgirl with Olivier in 1956. It is directed by Simon Curtis (who funny enough directed Radcliffe in David Copperfield) and stars Michelle Williams, Eddie Redmayne and Kenneth Branagh. Watson plays Lucy, a wardrobe assistant working behind the scenes during the making of The Prince And The Showgirl. In 2012, Watson stars in The Perks of Being a Wallflower about an introverted freshman named Charlie who is mentored by friends Sam and Patrick. They introduce him to a new world of sex, drugs and complicated relationships. Watson plays Sam. The film is directed by Stephen Chbosky (adapting his own novel) and stars Logan Lerman, Ezra Miller, Paul Rudd, Mae Whitman, and Johnny Simmons.

Rupert Grint

Career Outside Potter Films:

Grint, 22, took an interest in theatre in primary school performing in school productions. He joined the Top Hat Stage and Screen School, a local theatre group and was cast in a few local productions. However, he had never acted professionally before being cast in the Potter series, like Emma Watson. Grint decided to go out for the part of Ron because he shared the character’s ginger hair and liked the book series. Having seen a report about open casting for the film, he sent a video of himself rapping about why he was right for the part. It worked. The casting team agreed to meet with him, and the rest is history. Grint took roles in four films during his time on the Potter series, starting with 2002’s Thunderpants, directed by comedy director Peter Hewitt (I have not seen it, but IMDB thinks it is terrible). In a supporting role, he plays a nerdy child scientist helping a boy with the amazing ability to break wind become an astronaut (you really cannot make this stuff up). Next, in 2006, he starred in Driving Lessons with Laura Linney and Julia Walters (who plays his mother in the Potter series) in a coming-of-age story, about a shy teen trying to break away from his overbearing mother. The film received mixed reviews (but I liked it). Then he starred in the mixed teen thriller Cherrybomb with Robert Sheehan, Niamh Quinn, and James Besbitt. Finally, in 2010 he co-starred with Bill Nighy and Emily Blunt (Martin Freeman is also very funny in it) in Jonathan Lynn’s Wild Target about a hitman who falls for his target. It received mixed reviews as well (but I found it to be quite funny, but only for those that like silly humor).

Favorite Potter Moment/Film:

Grint’s Ron Weasly always provided great comic relief and his secret crush on Hermione that he has for most of the series also gives him an emotional depth that is very relatable, making him such a great character. Grint is great at playing the role a little goofy, which really works. I love his boastful confidence thinly veiling his timid nature as he faces Hermione in a dual in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. But Ron’s really comes into his own in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince finding a love interest in Lavender Brown and having success on the quidditch field. Grint plays Ron perfectly and very likable.

Upcoming:

Grint has four films upcoming (one in post-production and three in pre-production). First up is Comrade, a Norwegian film about two fighter pilots, one English one German, who shoot each other down over Norway. They end up taking shelter in the same cabin. In order to survive the winter they must learn to work together. It is directed by Petter Naess and also stars Florian Lukas and David Kross. Grint also stars in the sports-comedy Eddie the Eagle about England’s first ski jumper to enter the Winter Olympics. After that, he stars in Cross Country, a horror film about a group of friends who decide to spend a weekend biking and camping in the woods (and you know where it goes from there). Lastly, he stars in Wartime Wanderers about the Bolton Wanderers soccer club, who decide to enlist to active duty in 1939. It is directed by David Whitney and also stars Jonathan Pryce, Sean Maguire and Matthew McNulty. Most of his upcoming films are specifically British films and may not see wider international releases.

Horrible Bosses (2011) – Review

Review: Horrible Bosses is a hilarious buddy-comedy. What works so well is that director Seth Gordon does not try to do too much with the narrative – he keeps it simple. This is a story about three friends that work for awful crazy strange bosses. Gordon allows for the bosses themselves to be played to an exaggerated level for comedic effect, but still within the realm of reality – thus making them relatable to the audience in terms of their own potentially terrible bosses (or idea of what would be a crap boss). The other thing Gordon understands about comedy is that often the best comedy comes from simply putting average characters on a path and having them make bad decisions that escalate to a somewhat embellished outcome. The characters of Nick, Dale and Kurt are played well and present as different spectrums of the average 30-40 something man. Their reactions to and decision-making as a result of the situations is what makes this film work so well, because everything is relatable (to a degree). Gordon allows them to be a little dumb, inappropriate and un-bashful, but generally nice guys, making them feel not only real and relatable but also like guys most of the audience would hang out with (an important touch for this sort of comedy). This film’s comedy works as well as it does because the viewer can see himself in the same situations probably having similar reactions, but also Gordon injects enough ridiculousness and inflated situations to also appeal to the part of the viewer that wants to be shocked (to an extent – and while I am sure many a comedy did this prior, we can call this the South Park, or for a more recent reference The Hangover or Old School, extreme comedy style where situations, use of langue or characters are heightened to a level that most viewers will never experience and thus are amused because they are to a degree shocked or surprised by what they are seeing or hearing the characters say and go through). Not every comedy needs to have this attribute to work, but this sort of frat-boy/buddy type of comedy comes with an expected amount of rude extreme behavior and situations. Most importantly, the characters must be done right, because if the audience is not with them then nothing else will work or be nearly as funny. Horrible Bosses is very funny because the audience can see themselves in the characters, and Gordon does a great job of escalating the situations and comedy just enough to engage the audience thoroughly without losing them because everything is overblown. He gets the characters and balance right, and thus the film works well and is quite hysterical. However, this is a straightforward comedy – there is not much, if any dramatic or emotional work, and so it is not fulfilling to the same extent that some other comedies (such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall) that are just as funny/crazy but dig deeper into the emotions of their characters.

Technical & acting achievements: Seth Gordon needed a hit comedy with Horrible Bosses, coming off the not too well received feature debut Four Christmases (though, I liked it) amidst all the anticipation following his breakout documentary (and comedy) The King of Kong: A Fistfull of Quarters. This film established Gordon as a comedy director to watch (and maybe competition for Todd Phillips for his demographic, as Horrible Bosses is much better than Phillips’s last two:  Due Date and The Hangover Part II). As stated above, this is a straightforward comedy and shot that way by Gordon, taking on the aesthetic of modern Hollywood films (not completely, but to some extent void of artistic experimentation, rather allowing the performances and comedy to play for the audience). The work thusly of composer Christopher Lennertz and cinematographer David Hennings is adequate for the film, but does not stand out. However, production designer Shepherd Frankel does fantastic work with the sets, especially having fun with Bobby Pellitt’s and Dave Harken’s house. These types of comedies owe a large portion of their success to the cast’s ability to be funny and have the right mix of chemistry. Here, the principal supporting characters are all outlandish and amusing. Jamie Foxx (whose character name is probably the funniest part about his character and performance) and Kevin Spacey (see Swimming with Sharks) do good work but sort of deliver performances and characters we have seen before. Colin Farrell and especially Jennifer Aniston (who practically steals the film from a bunch of great comedians) take their characters to another level, playing characters well outside what they have done before, which works incredibly well given the premise. Each of the leads plays their typical character, but the chemistry between Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day is great. Day is particular is really funny in the movie (and in everything he does). He just has an infectious energy and seems to constantly be on the edge of full on insanity.

Summary & score: Horrible Bosses works really well for what it is and aspires to be, just a straightforward really funny buddy comedy. 7/10

Movie of the Week – Pride & Prejudice

This week’s movie is Pride & Prejudice (2005).

The romance, based on the Jane Austen novel, is about Elizabeth Bennet, a young spirited girl who meets Mr. Darcy. She finds him to be pompous and rude and yet there is spark between them. While the film at heart is a romance, it is also a feminist text – as Elizabeth Bennet is a strong female character with wit and a striving for something better for herself, not to just be the subject of a man’s affection and will. First-time director Joe Wright (who has since made Atonement and Hanna, both are also excellent) does masterful work on the film. He uses a very kinetic camera and many long fluid shots to bring excitement and sense of atmosphere to his scenes. He also garners great performances and uses langue quite well in the narrative (and he is working with great source material). Composer Dario Marianelli’s score is wonderful combining his own work with classic piano pieces that were customary for the time. Roman Osin’s cinematography is beautiful. His use of natural light is outstanding and creates such a lovely aesthetic. Sarah Greenwood’s production design is also very good, as she allows the film to feel grounded in reality but also for the lead actors to remain stunning (which can also be credited to Osin) holding up the genre standard (Greenwood and Marianelli received Oscar nods). The cast is phenomenal across the board. It stars Keira Knightley (who received an Oscar nod) and Matthew Macfadyen, and supporting work from Rosamund Pike, Jena Malone, Carey Mulligan, Talulah Riley, Donald Sutherland, Brenda Blethyn, Claudie Blakley, Simon Woods, Kelly Reilly, Rupert Friend, Tom Hollander, and Judi Dench. The film is a wonderful piece of cinema with brilliant aesthetic work, performances and directing. It is a must see of fans of romances and period films. Check out the trailer.

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, Streaming, and to Rent

TV Series of the Month - Extras

This month’s series is Extras (2005-2007).

The comedy is about Andy Millman, an aspiring actor who takes extra work to pay the bills. Andy and his friend Maggie continually get each other and themselves into ever more awkward situations, as they struggle to find work and ascend in the acting world. Each episode also features a guest appearance by a star (like Kate Winslet, Ben Stiller, Samuel L. Jackson, Patrick Stewart, David Bowie, Orlando Bloom, and Ian McKellen). The show was created, written and directed by the team of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant for HBO and the BBC. The also made the original The Office (and are executive producers of the American remake), The Ricky Gervais Show, the film Cemetery Junction, and have a new HBO/BBC show coming soon called Life’s Too Short. Like The Office, it only has 13 episodes: two 6 episode seasons and special long-form finale. The series stars Gervais, Merchant, Ashley Jensen and Shaun Williamson. This is one of the best comedy TV series of all-time (as much as I like Gervais’s The Office, this is my favorite of his series; it may even be my favorite TV comedy), filled with very awkward and uncomfortable (typically British style) humor. What makes it so good is that it is just not funny; the real success of the show is due to the wonderful characters Gervais, Merchant and co create. The character arcs and dramatic journeys are surprisingly deep and even go into depressing areas. The guest stars are also a brilliant touch, each playing an exaggerated version of their own persona – it is often hysterical. This is an absolute must see series for comedy and Gervais fans (I cannot recommend it enough; it is in my favorite 10 series). Check out the trailer.

Available on DVD, Streaming and to Rent

Curren$y – Weekend at Burnie’s (2011) – Review

Currren$y – Weekend at Burnie’s

Curren$y has been putting out albums like wildfire this year (check out his collaboration with The Alchemist called Covert Coups, it is really good), this being his second of four scheduled. The album, named after the 1989 film, has an old-school hip hop 90s feel to it, both sonically and in Curren$y’s laid back rhymes. Working almost exclusively with producer Monsta Beatz, Curren$y has crafted a good album that works and flows well and sort of sneaks up on you. Upon the first listen, I thought: yeah this is a decent album. But then, the music gets to you and you start grooving with it, which is sort of Curren$y’s thing – he is not flashy, working with big name producers and tons of big name features. He just makes good music with a more laid back style that you can vibe to and enjoy. While Weekend at Burnie’s is not going to change the game or blow anyone away, it is quietly a good album with some great songs. 3/5

Editor’s Song Picks:

1)      She Don’t Want a Man – Produced by Magnedo7

2)      #jetsgo – Produced by Rahki

3)      Still – Featuring Trademark & Young Roddy, produced by Monsta Beatz

Available on CD and Digital Download (MP3)

Beyonce – 4 (2011) – Review

Beyonce – 4

Beyonce’s fourth album, appropriately (or lazily) titled 4, is powerful. It has some fun pop songs for those that still like the more modern R&B sound, but mostly features ballads full of emotion. Beyonce has never sounded so forceful, making her message and lyrics feel paramount, which really draws in the listener. She still has moments in which she lets us in, but really to describe this album in a word: it is commanding. What I like about Beyonce is that with each album her sound changes as she explores new emotions and sonic places, something that is not as typical in the pop music landscape sadly. Her lead single Run the World (Girls) is poppy enough to work in the club, but exudes the power of this album. It is infectious. Beyonce produces a lot of the album herself, but also works with a great group including: The-Dream, Tricky Stewart, Ryan Tedder, Switch, Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker, Babyface, and Shea Taylor. She also writes most of the songs herself, but also worked with The-Dream and Frank Ocean (the song I Miss You sounds like a song that could easily be off his great mixtape nostalgia, ULTRA.). The album (video about the album) should appeal to her fans and yet again change the landscape of pop R&B. 4/5

Editor’s Song Picks:

1)      Party – Featuring Andre 3000, produced by Beyonce Knowles and Kanye West

2)      I Care – Produced by Jeff Bhasker

3)      I Miss You – Produced by Beyonce Knowles and Shea Taylor

Available on CD and Digital Download (MP3)

Big Sean – Finally Famous (2011) – Review

Big Sean – Finally Famous

As a member of Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music, Big Sean is able to take advantage of production by No I.D. (who provides most of the sonic work on the album) and features from West, Pusha T and John Legend. The star studded affair also features Chris Brown (whose on the album’s big single My Last), Lupe Fiasco, Roscoe Dash, Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell, Chiddy Bang, The-Dream, and Rick Ross – making for a good mix of big names and current up-and-comers. The album is comprised of both high-living (women, money, possession, boasts) and making it in the hip hop game lyrics, but has a more upbeat and fun style to it which makes it an entertaining listen (especially tracks like Dance (A$$) and Marvin & Chardonnay). Big Sean definitely makes a good case for himself as one of the best new artists in pop hip hop, with his unique (though he does sound like Drake sometimes, or Drake sounds like him) light fun style and funny yet meaningful (at times) lyrics. For fans of pop hip hop his is an album definitely worth checking out. 3/5

Editor’s Song Picks:

1)      High – Featuring Wiz Khalifa & Chiddy Bang, produced by Xaphoon Jones

2)      I Do It – Produced by No I.D. and The Legendary Traxster

3)      100 Keys – Featuring Rick Ross & Pusha T, produced by WrighTrax

Available on CD and Digital Download (MP3)

Movie of the Week – Knocked Up

This week’s movie is Knocked Up (2007).

The comedy is about two young people who un-expectantly get pregnant after a one-night stand, neither prepared. The film is by comedy guru (writer-director-producer) Judd Apatow (the creative force behind The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Undeclared and he worked as a director and producer on Freaks and Geeks). He has a great team with composer Joe Henry and songs by Loudon Wainwright III (who also makes a cameo), cinematographer Eric Alan Edwards and production designer Jefferson Sage. The cast is phenomenal with a ton of funny people. It stars Seth Rogan and Katherine Heigl (before she started making terrible rom-com after terrible rom-com) and co-stars Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann (Apatow is currently filming a sequel revolving around Rudd and Mann’s characters called This Is Forty). Jason Segel, Martin Starr, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Charlyne Yi, Harold Ramis, Alan Tudyk, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Ken Jeong, Craig Robinson, Adam Scott, and BJ Novak round out the supporting cast. The film is hilarious, but has Apatow’s unique blend of being both an R-rated comedy and heartfelt. It is a must see for fans of comedies and romantic comedies (you would be hard pressed to find a better comedic cast). Check out the trailer.

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, Streaming, and to Rent

At the Movies – July 2011 – Part 3: This Month’s Best Films

Must See of the Month:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (David Yates) – Adventure – Jul 15

Summary: The film is the conclusion to the Harry Potter series. We find Harry, Hermione and Ron where we left them in Deathly Hallows: Part 1 – things not looking good and a huge showdown looming. The gang also still needs to find and destroy three remaining Horcruxes. Filmmakers: Everyone is back for Part 2, which was shot in conjunction with Part 1 – they include: director David Yates, screenwriter Steve Kloves, composer Alexandre Desplat (the hardest working man in Hollywood), cinematographer Eduardo Serra (who did brilliant work on Part 1), and production designer Stuart Craig (whose work on the series is immeasurably wonderful). Cast: Just about everyone in the Potterverse is making an appearance, with stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint and principal supporting actors Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman, Evanna Lynch, Helena Bonham Carter, Jason Isaacs, Tom Felton, Bonnie Wright, David Thewlis, and Robbie Coltrane (and many more). New to the series are Kelly Macdonald and Ciaran Hinds. Expectations: Part 1 was one of my two favorite films from last year (with Inception), and thus Part 2 is by far the film I am most anticipating and looking forward to in 2011 (put it this way, if I could only see one film in theatres this year, no question this is it). Yates promises it is going to be amazing, and from what I have seen it certainly looks like it is going to be. And if the quality and build-up of Part 1 are any indication, Part 2 is going to be probably the best film of the series (and it is a series that includes astonishing films like Prisoner of Azkaban). The series has been an absolute treat to follow over the years and I have really enjoyed watching the younger cast members grow-up and develop their craft through the films. Not to mention that these films showcase some of the greatest British actors of all-time. Part of me is sad to see the series end, but I am even more excited to watch the finale. Check out the trailer. Review.

Worth Checking Out:

Captain America: The First Avenger (Joe Johnston) – Action/Adventure – Jul 22

Summary: The film is about Steve Rodgers, a man who desperately wants to join the army to serve during WWII but is too small and deemed unfit. He joins a top secret research project and is chosen to be the first super-soldier. He becomes Captain America (the film is also a prequel to all the other Avenger films, like Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk and Thor). Filmmakers: The film is directed by Joe Johnston (who would have ever thought I would have a Joe Johnston film be among the projected best of the month, not me) who has done some ok stuff in the past, but feels like a good choice for this film (I cannot believe I just wrote that…but after seeing the trailers and talking to my friend at IGN that visited the set, the film looks really great). It also helps that Joss Whedon went through the script before shooting began. Johnston has a great crew on the film with composer Alan Silvestri (who has done some fantastic scores, like Back to the Future and Who Framed Roger Rabbit?), cinematographer Shelly Johnson and production designer Rick Heinrichs (who both did great work on Johnston’s last film The Wolfman). Cast: Chris Evans stars (and I think he is a great choice for the role) and Hugo Weaving co-stars, but the supporting cast is amazing as it features: Natalie Dormer, Stanley Tucci, Tommy Lee Jones, Richard Armitage, Hayley Atwell, Dominic Cooper, Sebastian Stan, Toby Jones, Neal McDonough, Derek Luke, JJ Feild, and Kenneth Choi. Expectations: Initially when I heard about the movie and that Joe Johnston was doing it, I was not expecting much more than something entertaining but nothing special. However, everything I have seen, heard and read sounds and looks awesome (I mean just watch the new trailer). It also helps that I generally love films about or during the WWII period. Will it be the best superhero film of the year, maybe (though X-Men: First Class was really good). Will I see it opening weekend, yes. Check out the trailer. Review.

Attack the Block (Joe Cornish) – Sci-Fi – Jul 29 [limited]

Summary: The film is about a gang of teens in South London who defend their block from an alien invasion. Filmmakers: The film has a great creative team with writer-director Joe Cornish and executive producer Edgar Wright (the team that is also working on the upcoming films The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn and Ant-Man). The crew on the film is mostly filled with past collaborators on Wright’s films with composer Steven Price (who worked on Scott Pilgrim vs. the World), cinematographer Tom Townend (making his feature debut, but worked as a camera operator on a few very good films from a cinematography perspective like Pride & Prejudice), production designer Marcus Rowland (who has worked on pretty much everything Wright has done), and editor Jonathan Amos (one of the fantastic editors on Scott Pilgrim). Cast: The film stars a bunch of actors that are not well known, especially in the States (though a few will recognize Jodie Whittaker and Luke Treadaway), and Nick Frost (another Wright alumni). Expectations: The film played to rave reviews during its run in the UK and is touted as a very entertaining action-comedy/sci-fi-adventure. From what I have seen of the film, it looks like great fun. Plus, it should be interesting to see what American audiences think of the South London teen gang culture (or the British youth pop-culture in general, at least those that have not already seen things like the brilliant Skins or Fish Tank). For fans of sci-fi comedies and Wright’s typical work, this is a must see. Check out the trailer.