The terms “geek” and “nerd” used to be something of an insult, labels that denote someone who is introverted, an outsider and just plain uncool but in the last decade or so, these terms have changed and altered society’s perception. Now, these labels seem to describe the very opposite, people who shine brightly in the spotlight and are the very essence of “cool”. Comic Cons across the country have celebrated the greatness of people who appreciate pop culture in all its wonderful glory. Wizard World Comic Con Chicago just took place last weekend and people from all over the world participated in its greatness.
Hitman: Agent 47
The current state of action movies is a mixed and sordid affair. Sure, there are crowd pleasers like Mad Max: Fury Road and many of the Marvel superhero spectacles but there also exist action/adventure films that rely heavily on tired gimmicks, horrendous acting and equally terrible scripts. The latest shoot ‘em up Hitman: Agent 47 follows in this unfortunate train of Hollywood thought. It is violent, flashy and at many times, thinks it’s smarter than almost every other action romps that have come before it. Based on the Hitman video game series, Agent 47 is also a reboot of the 2007 Hitman film starring Timothy Olyphant. This, however, does not make matters any better.
People Places Things
When one thinks of Jemaine Clement, one may think of the actor/comedian/musician’s exploits on the HBO gem Flight of the Concords, that and his villainous role in Men in Black 3, his voice role in the animated Rio films, and his zany vampiric turn in What We Do in the Shadows. Born and bred in New Zealand, Clement is something of an anomaly, someone who is multi-talented and highly recognizable due to his unique comedic style. The new independent dramedy People Places Things is a slight departure from that style and places the gifted actor in a place where he struggles with personal strife surrounding his family and pretty much everyone else around him. The film is a gritty, funny and at times, heartbreaking look at relationships, growing up and responsibility.
Blu-ray Review: A Little Chaos
The period drama usually goes one of two ways. There is the gripping, epic saga full of heroes, villains, blood, and sex. It could have a very interesting story and it can suck viewers in and make them love going to the movies. Then there’s the second option, the dull, boring, and ultimately pointless tale that exists in a time that is long gone. The new drama A Little Chaos falls under this sad category and while its production value is high and it contains some very good actors, it is a film that suffers from a great number of cons. If you are a fan of the time period or more importantly, the actors, then please do check it out. Otherwise, I suggest you look for cinematic entertainment elsewhere.
Soundtrack Review: Max
The bond between man and dog can be a very special one. It’s a deep bond that is based on mutual respect and in many cases, love. In the new family-friendly drama Max, we are shown how one dog survives and overcomes insurmountable odds and must adjust in an environment he knows nothing about. Acclaimed film composer Trevor Rabin (Armageddon, Remember the Titans) delivers a powerful score for a movie that really doesn’t need much more assistance. Mr. Rabin’s contribution to this picture is sensational and it only adds to its already profound impact. The score he has provided is rich and chockfull of memorable cues.
Blu-ray Review: Adult Beginners
The comedic stylings of Mr. Nick Kroll are an acquired taste. He can be dry, sarcastic, zany, or completely off the wall. He’s a stand-up who has graced Comedy Central with his presence for many a year now. You can either love him, hate him, or fall somewhere in between. His latest venture was on the big screen in Adult Beginners, a charming little dramedy with a pretty strong supporting cast. Since this film is a dramedy, it means that Kroll can flex a muscle he normally doesn’t get a chance to flex, that of a troubled and complex serious actor. Sure, don’t get me wrong, you still have that zany Kroll flavor, it’s just now accompanied by angst and self-loathing. All in all, this is a film one might want to check out.
Soundtrack Review: Shaun the Sheep Movie
Wallace and Gromit is an international phenomenon that has been around for well over three decades now. During that time, the British claymation franchise has had a number of spinoffs. One such spinoff is Shaun the Sheep, a charming television series that centers on Shaun, a sheep who gets into random adventures on the Mossy Bottom Farm, a a large patch of land in the northern part of England. He then spends each episode avoiding detection from The Farmer. A feature film was inevitable and this summer sees the release of Shaun the Sheep Movie, a farm-grown picture of epic proportions. The film’s soundtrack is equally epic, featuring a robust score from Ilan Eshkeri (Kick-Ass, Layer Cake).
Blu-ray Review: Woman in Gold
When war rocks the world and valuables are stolen or misplaced, said valuables need to be replaced or returned. Art is one type of valuable and in the wake of many wars, such as World War II, these pieces need to be returned to their rightful owners. The latest drama Woman in Gold focused on one such case where the famous painting, Gustav Klimt’s Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I was stolen from Maria Altmann’s family by the Nazis during that turbulent time. This film follows the true account of Altmann as she attempts to legally take back the painting which is rightfully her’s and her family’s. Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren and a spectacled Ryan Reynolds bring this fascinating story to life but sadly the results are a bit underwhelming.
‘Sensory Stories’ Exhibit at Museum of the Moving Image is an Absolute Delight for the Senses
Technology has always helped guide film and bring it to new heights. Since the beginning of the motion picture camera, people have enjoyed the delights of sound and image. 2015 is seeing even more advanced forms of cinematic storytelling especially at Queens, New York’s Museum of the Moving Image, which has most recently played host to an exciting new exhibition. That exhibition is Sensory Stories, a fully immersive and revolutionary film experience that not only takes audiences on a visual and auditory adventure but also stimulates touch and smell. All of the senses (with the exception of taste) are treated to a truly technological and artistic “trip”.
‘Danny Elfman’s Music From the Films of Tim Burton’ in New York City: Recap
In 1985, one of film history’s greatest and most enduring working relationships began. Not only has the partnership between these two artists inspired some of the best cinema has to offer but it has brought about some of the most exiting and tender music known to man. I’m speaking of course about Danny Elfman and Tim Burton, a musician/film composer and film director respectively who have been delivering hit after hit for three decades. People in New York were recently treated to a number of live performances of Mr. Elfman’s scores as they were played for many a pleased audience in the Danny Elfman’s Music From the Films of Tim Burton at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall.
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Unger the Radar 