Imagine a world where rock ‘n roll is illegal to play over the airwaves. In this day and age it’s almost impossible, but back in the 1960’s in a less open minded England that is precisely what was going down. A group of rock lovin DJs band together to bring Great Britain the rock tunes the masses desired via Pirate Radio. The men lived on a boat and commendeered radio waves in order to bring the legends of rock into the homes of their fans.
The crew of eccentric misfits are hilarious. Philip Seymour Hoffman stands out as a leader amongst the DJs in his role as “The Count”. Bil Nigh plays the witty and awe inspiring mastermind behind pirate radio, Quintin. And the young and handsome Tom Sturridge plays Carl, a rebellious teenager sent to spend time with his god father (Quintin) in order to help him find his path in life.
The film is one of the best in theaters right now, not only is the cast incredible but the soudtrack will have your foot tappin and head boppin for the 2 hours and 9 minutes it is on the screen.
I have to be honest, I was a little choked up at the end when you see the amount of Iisteners they have an effect on and the lengths people will go for something they believe in. What can I say? Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the whole.
Accompanied with an incredible soundtrack from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Karen O, Where the Wild Things Are brings to life Maurice Sendak’s 1963 children’s book like we all hoped they would. Max Records is sincere and lovable and embodies the wild, lonely young boy from Sendak’s masterpiece perfectly. The wild things are exact replicas of those in the book, you would think the gigantic furry suits against the Australian backdrop would be unbelievable but Spike Jonze has created a truly magical experience. While the storyline only follows the book slightly, the embellished adult themes invoke a new sense of connection to a book we held so dear as children.
Drew Barrymores directorial debut is a smash hit! Whip It cleverly brings the eccentricities of human nature to the screen seamlessly. The rollerskating mavens are hilariously entertaining and incredibly real. The obvious chemistry between the cast allows the viewer to forget you are watching a film in a theater next to a man who keeps shouting comments at the screen and really feel like you are part of the story. Ellen Page takes on the roll of an indie rock loving misfit from a small town perfectly. Kristin Wig, who plays Maggie Mayhem, is slightly difficult to take seriously (at first) but once you get over expecting everything she says to be a joke, like on SNL, she puts on an incredibly real performance. I watched as everyone exited the theater and ever single person left with a huge smile on their face while they recited qoutes from the film.
The ever so stunning Audrey Tatou dazzles in Coco Before Chanel, The film follows the fashion icon from her humble beginnings in an orphanage to her stint as a cabaret singer in France, to her friendship with Étienne Balsan, the man who takes Coco under his wing and introduces her to a world of wealth and leisure. The more Coco was exposed to the fashion of the rich women the more disgusted she became, and the more motivated she was to create her own designs.
Coco Before Chanel was inspiring through a solemn perspective of life in the early twentieth century. It was fascinating to see how the most influential woman in fashion came to create some of the most timeless looks that women still wear today. Those classic pieces that should be a part of every woman’s wardrobe, the little black dress, the white button up blouse, the stripped T, the perfect tailored suit jacket, came from the lady who once told Harper’s Bazaar “simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”
I am not yet certain how I feel about this release as it’s soooo soon. It’s focused on his rehearsals for his come-back tour and consequently the last few months of his life. Only going to be released in theaters and for a run time of a mere two-weeks! My conflict: I can see the logic behind providing a space where he gets to give his final performance in some medium however, is it further capitalizing on the life and now death of a man who never experienced anything other than a life under a scrutinizing public spotlight? And the two-week theater exclusive has such a gimmick vibe! Your thoughts?
8 years from her acting debut where Elle Fanning played the 2 year old Lucy in I Am Sam, she now takes the lead role in Phoebe in Wonderland. Miss Elle Fanning gives a killer performance as Phoebe an adorable 9 year old struggling with Terrets, OCD tendencies, and a terrible time separating fantasy with reality. When Phoebe lands the lead in the Alice and Wonderland she meets, Miss Dodger (Patricia Clarkson,) her school’s drama teacher. Miss Dodger and Phoebe instantly connect and it is while Phoebe is on stage that she feels free and alive. Elle Fanning is brilliant, I’d say she gives a performance of a lifetime but the girl is only 10. Phoebe in Wonderland is no longer in theaters, it was released in 2008 and can now be found on DVD, go see what makes this film so different “from all the awful normals.”
Adamwas released in theaters last July, 29. The story follows Adam a twenty something man as he struggles to keep his job, move on from the death of his father, and operate day to day with Asperger’s Syndrome. Adam’s regimented schedule is thrown off when he discovers his beautiful new neighbor Beth. Their love story is unlike any other, as Beth discovers what it means to have Asperger’s and Adam learns how to adjust to having a girlfriend. The tale is beautifully told by the amazing acting of Hugh Dancy and Rose Byrne. Catch this film while it is still in theaters, it is well deserving of your support.
Past and present converge in this story of the good verses bad and what happens in that vast grey area between. Robin Wright Penn plays, quite beautifully, Pippa Lee, a “good” wife and mother who after moving to a retirement community with her much older husband (Alan Arkin), begins a time of reflection which leads to a subtle yet compelling sort of breakdown.
The cast, under the direction of Rebecca Miller, is sensational. Winona Ryder, Mike Binder, and Arkin bring such richness and care in the development of character. Even Blake Lively, whom I was highly skeptical of, has moments of surprising believability as the younger Pippa Lee. And we must not forget about Keanu Reeves who is (is it just me or is he really) more attractive than ever. I swear he grows younger with age.
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee is expected to be released in the US October 13th, 2009. This is a limited engagement and one I suggest you do not miss.
Just remember: ”The Life you Love may be your Own”
Imagine a world where rock ‘n roll is illegal to play over the airwaves. In this day and age it’s almost impossible, but back in the 1960’s in a less open minded England that is precisely what was going down. A group of rock lovin DJs band together to bring Great Britain the rock tunes the masses desired via Pirate Radio. The men lived on a boat and commendeered radio waves in order to bring the legends of rock into the homes of their fans.
I am not yet certain how I feel about this release as it’s soooo soon. It’s focused on his rehearsals for his come-back tour and consequently the last few months of his life. Only going to be released in theaters and for a run time of a mere t
