Sing Street - Box Office Review

Sometimes a film is made that resonates with a particular demographic of movie-watchers. It’s personal, the characters are identifiable and the situations relatable. “Sing Street” was a film that was all of that for me. It's a story based on young high school kids who decide to start a band, create music videos and possibly, for one, win over a girl. So let’s dive in and take a look at my thoughts on this film in this box office review…

The film takes place in Ireland during the 1980’s. MTV is a brand new thing that is taking the world by storm and we are introduced to a teenager who is trying to find his place in his world. So in this quest to discover himself and impress a girl he does what every other teenage boy would do, he starts a band (well, at least that’s what me and friends did in High School). From there we are treated to the steps it takes to create a song, a music video and perform live.

The film itself is very simple. Nothing is too surprising or shocking and the characters are all uniquely different. The friends, the school principle, the girl, the parents, the curious brother who is obsessed with music, they each bring something special to the movie. I can’t really say any single character stands out above the rest even the protagonist is taking up the majority of the screen time, which is expected. This film really centers around him despite how many supporting characters join in on the fun. Ferdia Walsh-Peelo plays the role of “awkward teenager just trying to survive high school and win the girl” well. His bandmates are also entertaining in their own right. 

If this film did one thing well it’s character development. The story is written plainly so it was up to the characters to sell me emotionally on this movie. This could be due to the fact that I could identify with the characters because myself and many people I knew were all doing high school bands. So, it didn’t take much for me to relate to these characters. Also, being a fan of music my whole life there was that aspect that was, again, easily relatable. The soundtrack to this film is pretty much 80's new wave. So that's fun. I’m confident that if you had a family member who was into music you’ll enjoy this film. If you didn’t, this might be a stretch for some. 

“Sing Street” is in theaters now! I’m gonna say that you can wait to watch this film on Redbox or VOD. There isn’t a lot of special effects and it feels and looks very much like an indie film. It is an entertaining and charming movie which would make for a great Sunday afternoon on the couch viewing. Plus seeing kids record on the old, gigantic, VHS cassette video camera was fun nostalgia. If you were a high school rockstar or had family that was you’ll appreciate this film. If not, you probably will enjoy it but for different reasons.

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Miles Ahead - Box Office Review

A passion project that took close to, if not, 10 years to make. This indie film explores the life of jazz great Miles Davis during the period in the 1970's when he was trying to find his new sound. This film explores his life during his time working with Gil Evans and then flash forward to the films present day. I was excited to see this film because I love the music of Miles Davis, plus the cast of this film I enjoy. So let's jump in and takes a look at "Miles Ahead" in this box office review...

The core of this film is Don Cheadle and Ewan McGregor and their performances as Miles Davis and journalist Dave Brill. I thought going into this film I was going to enjoy a movie about Miles Davis music but what I got was something so much more. This was an examination on his life during a period of difficulty and turmoil blended with his music. Don Cheadle gives us an incredible look at two different personalities. The early, well dressed, suit wearing Miles Davis and the drug addict, long haired, paranoid recluse Miles Davis. 

The character study on a brilliant musician who loses his true love due to drugs, alcohol, paranoia and possibly even schizophrenia was fascinating. This film dives deep into the mind of a genius who is on the edge and trying to find his new sound. A complicated man who feels that life is all about moving forward and not dwelling on the past, we see a struggle in achieving his own beliefs. This violent, paranoid portrayal is complimented by Ewan's performance as a somewhat balanced journalist who is trying to get the story no one else can get. 

The flash backs in this film make things a little choppy at times because we are being thrown back and forth so often. Fortunately, we are able to discern which is the films present time and past because of the dramatic difference in appearance that "Miles" has. I was personally happy to see a scene in Columbia recording studios working on an album with famed producer Gil Evans. I love those recordings so to see them being replicated on screen was a delight for me personally. 

"Miles Ahead" is theaters now!  If you enjoy bio pics this is a must see. If you enjoy character study films, a must see. This film even has some action, car chases and gun play to keep things exciting. This isn't just a film about a musician making music. This is a film that explores the mind of a genius who is destroying himself while trying to find himself. This film resonated with me and I was not prepared for the emotional impact it would have on me when I walked into the theater. Even if you aren't a fan of indie films, you should consider watching this movie. So stop reading and get to viewing!

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Movie Review: CBGB (2013)

Hilly Kristal(Alan Rickman) isn't known as a great business man but he is known as someone with vision.  Vision to see past bleak walls and empty floor space in a bar located in the Bowery in New York City.  Hilly decides to open up the "CBGB" as he intends to bring in the next big thing in music; Country, Blue Grass, and Blues.  What happens is something a bit different, but does bring in Other Music For Uplifting Gormandizers.  The movie plays out much like a comic magazine.  scenes would change by showing what looked like a comic book page with panels and word blurbs.  I liked how it played out and it kept the movie fun and engaging.

"CBGB" does not claim to be one hundred percent historically accurate but it does serve for excellent entertainment and absolutely incredible music.  The film starts out with the founders of "Punk" magazine, John Holmstrom(Josh Zuckerman) and Legs McNeil(Peter Vack), drawing and discussing their vision of their upcoming issues.  This is the one part of the film that I wish would have been explored more.  I would have found it fascinating to see how a magazine in the 1970s would get off the ground from someone's basement.  The two founders do show up throughout the film however to interview different punk music artists.  It was cool to hear quotes from the artists and also see the cartoon artwork from the magazine.

Now back to the club where Hilly is needing to book some musical talent.  This is where Terry Ork(Johnny Galecki) comes in.  He is the agent of a band called "Television" and they are looking for a place to play.  Despite what the initials "CBGB" stand for, "Television" auditions anyway.  Hilly, being the visionary he is, agrees to let the punk band play shows at the "CBGB."  This is where things change.  "Televison" receives a great review and now the "CBGB" is the place to be.  Other bands/singers go on to play the CBGB like; Blondie, The Dead Boys, Talking Heads, The Ramones, Patti Smith and many others.

While I loved the music in "CBGB," I was not a fan of the quality of sound.  These were supposed to be live events inside of a dive bar but every song played was the studio version.  There was a level of rawness that went missing and may have been a large part of why this film did not do well theatrically or with many critics.  There wasn't much of a timeline for this film either.  The news was on at the bar, but unless you really know when those events took place, you may not know what year you're in(unless it all happened within a couple months).

I did enjoy "CBGB" as it is a comical look at a life with ups and many downs.  I was entertained by the rise of a small club that was a beacon for amazing music and it was thanks to Hilly Kristal.  The movie didn't claim to be more than what it was, an entertaining and partially true look at Hilly Kristal's life.  In the credits, at the end there is even a call out of how the filmmakers know Iggy Pop never played the "CBGB" and for the viewers to, "get over it."

There were some interesting casting choices which, for the most part I liked.  Malin Ackerman as Debbie Harry, Taylor Hawkins as Iggy Pop, Justin Bartha as Stiv Bators, Rupert Grint as Cheetah Chrome and Mickey Sumner looked great as Patti Smith.  The casting of Joel David Moore as Joey Ramone was not my favorite.  It was a bit distracting but at least there weren't many lines.

On the scale of up to five Pile Drivers, I am giving "CBGB" four.  A fun movie about an era of music I really enjoy.  The soundtrack alone makes it worth checking out for me.

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This review is from a previous blog I did for Cinema Head Cheese.

Comic Book Review: This Damned Band #4 - Dark Horse Comics (2015)

Written by Paul Cornell

Art by Tony Parker

Colors by Lovern Kindzierski

The band is part of a hostage situation inside the French mansion.  Everyone seems to have different agendas as we continue the tale of "This Damned Band."

Artistically, this is one of the most fun series in comic books today.  Tony Parker is able to blend different art styles into each of the books of "This Damned Band" and visually, it all works.  The detailing of the backgrounds are absolutely fascinating.  Paul Cornell's storytelling, which goes from what is actually happening to what is happening in a mind altered way is depicted amazingly well by Parker and Lovern Kindzierski.  Kindzierski's colors are truly remarkable.  

Cornell is giving just enough of a glimpse into what is going on with the band members and other characters within this story to keep you wanting more.  This is a six issue series so I highly recommend picking up the previous issues as well.  "This Damned Band" includes storytelling at its finest along with artwork that fits better than most in comics today.  Issue four continues the tale and would not make much sense if you don't read the first three.  Make sure you ask your local comic shop to get those issues for you.

Also, take a look at all of the covers.  They are reminiscent of rock band posters and album covers from the 1970s.

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Act 4 - Let's Rap - Scene 1

Masked Blogster talks about the world of hip hop with some
up and coming rap stars in part one of this 2 part show. In
this episode, MB is joined by Darqness, Munks, and B-Face
as they talk about the world of hip hop and what they bring
to the table.

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