Media Junkie

Required Viewing: The Hangover

The Hangover
Warner Bros./Legendary Pictures
R
100 Minutes
2009

Word of mouth can make or break a movie.  All the studio-generated hype in the world isn't as effective as positive words from the people who pay for a ticket to the theater.  Oftentimes, it can work against the film - creating unrealistic expectations in the minds of the patrons who end up leaving disappointed.  Such was the case with last year's Tropic Thunder, which was heralded as a comedy classic right out of the gate but was really little more than Ben Stiller playing his usual clueless character in an army outfit.  Robert Downey, Jr.'s remarkable performance was the biggest reason to see the film, but aside from some great fake previews early on, I don't recall laughing uproariously - which is what any good comedy should make you do.
 
In the case of The Hangover, however, believe the hype.  This is undoubtedly the funniest film since 2007's Superbad; a film that will have you wracked with laughter from start to finish, tears streaming down your cheeks, and gasping for air. 

Under The Radar: June 2009

CD Review: One eskimO - All Balloons (Promo)

One eskimO
All Balloons
2009
Little Polar Records

Buy This Album

In 2004 a young singer/songwriter named Kristian Leontiou signed a deal with Polydor Records and released a widely acclaimed debut in the UK.  That CD, Some Day Soon, saw modest commercial success thanks to the hit single "Story Of My Life", and Leontiou was marketed as a male counterpart to popular songstress Dido.

Unhappy with the direction the label was taking him, Leontiou rebelled against becoming another pop star and a product of the record industry.  He wanted his music to be something more; something he would be proud of that represented his own desires, not those of a label trying to market him to a young demographic.

Together with drummer Adam Falkner, guitarist Pete Rinaldi, and bass/brass player Jamie Sefton, Leontiou pursued an altogether different sound in the form of the indie pop-rock quartet known as One eskimO.  Ironically, the band would eventually team up with producer Rollo Armstrong, the older brother of Leontiou's closest comparison, Dido, and the mind behind the international success of Faithless, and the results are both astounding and unique.

Thanks to a brilliant animated video for the album's earliest single and numerous shows around England, One eskimO have gained some popularity, but alas their debut CD, All Balloons, continues to see delay after delay.  After missing an early 2008 release date, the album slipped to Spring 2009, and again to the fall where it is now slated for a September release while the band rerecords portions in Los Angeles for hopefully the last time.

The crime is that All Balloons, in its current incarnation as a 10 track promo CD, is an excellent record to begin with.  In his desire to maintain his artistic integrity, Leontiou's perfectionist attitude could end up ruining a sweet, soft, and simply charming piece of acoustic pop-rock.

Required Viewing: Up

Up
Disney/Pixar
PG
96 Minutes
2009

Is there any question that Pixar Animation Studios are the best, most original and inventive filmmakers in the industry?  Each of their ten feature films to date have been smashing critical and commercial successes, and the trend shows no signs of stopping with Toy Story 3 slated for a summer 2010 release.  With each new picture and each new success, the same questions get raised: How do they do it?  What is their secret to success?  The answer, as is so often the case, is simply overlooked because it seems too obvious: Pixar tell great stories with great characters.
 
The backbone of any motion picture lies in its story and the characters that inhabit it.  It doesn't matter whether it's an old black and white drama, a live action modern comedy, or a CG animated combination of both.  If you have a great story to tell and interesting characters to populate it with, people will respond favorably.  Despite the cartoonish look of their digital creations, Pixar infuses their characters with so much raw emotion that they resonate with audiences.  You understand their motivations; you connect with them on an emotional level; you care about them.  A movie is nothing without a character, or a handful of them, for the audience to connect with, and Pixar consistently crafts brilliant, dynamic characters with vivid personalities and realistic human traits that grow throughout the course of the picture.
 
Their last venture, WALL*E, was quite polarizing.  Largely adored by critics, and raking in over $500 million at the box office, some viewers felt WALL*E was too overt and political for what was billed as a kid's movie.  Part of the problem could be attributed to the fact that Pixar's films have always appealed to an audience of children and adults, but are only promoted to the former group.  Personally, I still feel WALL*E is the studio's masterwork; a film that will be just as relevant 50 years from now as it is today.  It's also the best showcase of Pixar's talent for creating lovable, multi-dimensional characters - and I don't just mean visually.  He may lack the ability to vocalize much, but at any given point you know exactly what WALL*E is feeling thanks to the incredible animation and attention to detail shown in his actions.  Whether it's apprehensively clacking his hands together or lovingly gazing at EVE, WALL*E is as human as any live actor on the planet.
 
Which brings us to Pixar's latest success, Up.  Directed by Monsters, Inc. helmsman Pete Docter, Up tells the story of a lonely, cranky old man fulfilling a promise to his dearly departed wife and going on an adventure, with a young, exuberant boyscout in tow.  Along the way, they get sidetracked by talking dogs, a disgraced explorer looking to clear his good name, and a strange bird, resulting in drama, danger, and moments of laugh-out-loud hilarity.  Up is considerably more lighthearted in tone than its predecessor, WALL*E, which will please families looking to take their children for a good time, but it does dabble in the dramatic and can bring tears of sadness to your eyes just as well as tears of laughter.

CD Review: Moby - Wait For Me

Moby
Wait For Me
2009
Little Idiot

Buy This Album

Oh, Moby, you know I can't stay mad at you.

After last year's dreadfully bad attempt at returning to dance music, Moby has gone back to the sound that helped 1999's Play become such a success.  Recorded in the artist's home studio and mixed by Ken Thomas of Sigur Ros, Moby's latest, entitled Wait For Me, is downtrodden, world-weary, intensely personal, and a rather lo-fi affair, but also a resounding success. 

Mr. Sandman's Quadruple Album Release Prom - Live at the Crofoot Ballroom, Pontiac, MI - 05 June 2009

The Silent Years lead singer Josh Epstein has gone on record as stating he wants their shows to be more elaborate productions - an experience to remember, instead of audience members just watching musicians sing and play instruments.  As one of the minds behind last night's 5 band prom-themed concert event at the Crofoot Ballroom, he should take pride in the knowledge that the first such experience was a smashing success.

If you were not at the Crofoot Ballroom last night, I feel sorry for you.  Moreover, you should feel sorry for yourself.  I want you to go to the nearest mirror, raise your right hand into the air, and smack yourself across the face as hard as you can.  Go ahead.  I'll wait. 

Done?  That's what you get for not attending what was undoubtedly one of the most magical concert experiences I've ever had the pleasure to participate in. 

Friendly Reminder

Need something to do on a Friday night?

Live in the Metro Detroit area?

Love music?

Got $5?

Then come on down to Mr. Sandman's Quadruple Album Release Prom at the Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac tomorrow!

It's all ages and there will be free cookies.  Who can say no to that, right?

Oh, and for the adults, there will be $2 spiked punch.

Be sure to dress up in your finest prom attire (or at least your closest approximation if you didn't attend your real prom) and be ready to sing da-da-das.  Come on, you know you want to.

Doors are at 8 PM. 

A full write-up will be available here, complete with pictures, on Saturday for those who didn't attend and want to see what they missed.

Movie Review: Terminator Salvation

Terminator Salvation
Warner Bros. Pictures
PG-13
115 Minutes
2009

Please note: The following review contains MASSIVE SPOILERS.  If you do not wish to know major plot details of Terminator Salvation, do not click the link below.

I'll just get this out of the way right now: Terminator Salvation is not a good movie.  It's an even worse Terminator film, but it's just not a good movie all around.  From the wooden performances, gaping plotholes, and flat out awful story decisions, there is hardly anything redeeming about it.  Ironic, isn't it?

The film will undoubtedly be remembered more for Christian Bale's now infamous on-set, profanity-laced tirade than for being a memorable or worthwhile entry into a classic sci-fi/action franchise.  It may not be the worst of the Terminator series, a dubious honor that still belongs to its dreadful third incarnation, Rise of the Machines, but Salvation feels more like a generic action movie with a Terminator facade that a true attempt to revive the ailing franchise.

Flying high with Doves - Live in Detroit, MI, 30 May 2009 at the Majestic Theater

I will admit that I am completely new to England's indie rock trio (or quartet, for the purposes of touring), Doves.  They were one of those bands that had always received heaps of critical praise and I always meant to check out, but just never really got around to until the release of their newest record, Kingdom of Rust.

Rust is easily one of 2009's best records thus far, so when the opportunity to see them live in Detroit came up, I knew I couldn't miss it.  In addition to the accolades they've received for their studio releases, I had heard Doves were a can't-miss live band.

Boy, they weren't kidding.

The Silent Years Detail EP Release Show

It seems like forever since I've been able to attend a live show from The Silent Years.  They've been busy touring the United States to promote their new EP, Let Go, along with Jukebox the Ghost and friend Craig Owens' band Chiodos. 

But all that is going to change on June 5th when The Silent Years will host an EP release show at the Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac, Mich. that will include fellow Detroiters Deastro, Manna & Quail, Bars of Gold, and The Summer Pledge.  Even better, tickets are only $5! 

To make sure this show is going to be one to remember, The Silent Years have decided to make it a special theme show.  As lead singer Josh Epstein has said in the past, he wants the band's shows to be an experience, and that's why they're encouraging everyone to come dressed up in their finest prom attire.  Yes, relive all those awkward high school memories, or pretend you had them if you skipped your prom like I did.  A King and Queen will even be selected by random ballot. 

You can check out the complete event details right here at the Crofoot's website.

Really, what have you got to lose?  Haven't I jammed The Silent Years down your throat enough?  Just go and see them already!  It's only $5 for an evening of entertainment!  It's cheaper than a movie, lasts longer, you don't have to be quiet, there's free cookies and $2 spiked punch, and if it really is like prom night, you may even get lucky after the show!  How much more convincing do you need? 

Oh, did I mention it's a Friday night?  You're gonna be out anyway, right?

I know I'll be there, and I hope any Metro Detroiters reading this find their way to the Crofoot on June 5th as well. 

(Oh, and any friends who may be interested, I just might be willing to cover your entry fee so you really have no excuse.)