The Worst Movie of 2007

Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/georgia-rule/25985/main

I'm fortunate to see a new movie about once a week. After seeing the trailer for Georgia Rule, I was expecting a family comedy/drama. And with Jane Fonda heading the cast, I figured this would be a good movie. Well I was fooled by the trailer. The comedy is at the expense of Felicity Huffman's character and not really funny but meanspirited in the depiction of her drinking problem. Didn't funny drunks go out of style after Dudley Moore's Arthur?  Fonda is wasted in too small a role and  hearing her tell her granddaughter to "go f--k herself'' did not come off as amusing but coarse and out of character. And if you dislike Lindsay Lohan, you'll really hate her after seeing her here. Her character seems to mirror her real life and this backfires on the audience as you soon have no sympathy for this manipulative, lying whorebag. I'm not sure when she was ever telling the truth and by the movie's end, I didn't care. Even the maudlin happy ending (with Lohan & Huffman as her mom pictured above) seems insincere & tacked on and couldn't save this mess. At that point the only thing I cared about was being glad the movie was over.

 

Most of the characters are unappealing or embarrassing as in the portrayal of the dumb hick kid who falls for Lohan. The movie's main fault is its uneven and unsatisfying balance between comedy & drama that I'm willing to bet that last minute editing couldn't save a possibly bad script. Real laughs are  few & far between. When we left the theater, people were grumbling and one lady said to me: "This wasn't what I expected."  My thoughts exactly!  My 89-year-old mother hated this vulgar movie so much, I thought I was going to lose my inheritance...  lol

 

I try to see well-reviewed movies and those recommended by friends whose opinions I trust.  However, Georgia Rule was the worst movie I saw in 2007. You can watch similar but certainly better stuff for free on TV. If you're a masochist, rent the DVD.

'Starting Out In The Evening' Movie

 

Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/starting-out-in-the-evening/25084/main

We saw this movie today and were very impressed & moved by the story & the performers about a forgotten writer pursued by a pushy admiring student who wants to interview him for her thesis and ingratiates herself into his private life. Since my wife and I hold M.A. degrees in English, we know something about writers, the writing process, and writing theses, so this movie rang true for us. In '79 we saw Langella on Broadway as Dracula, which he repeated in the film version,  and a few years later as Sherlock Holmes, and have seen most of his movies. He was thinner then but he has aged gracefully filling into character roles. He is one of our greatest actors and his talent elevates any project. And what a marvelous voice! Check out his bellowing Skeletor in Masters of the Universe, unhindered by his heavy mask & costume.

Starting Out In The Evening has one of his best performances earning great reviews and is not to be missed. Here he holds back as he cautiously conceals his past to the student but when he releases his reticence for an emotional outburst, he does it in a restrained but powerful manner that still moves you. Lauren Ambrose as the insistent student and Lily Taylor as his daughter occasionally at odds with him hold their own as actors in balancing the drama that never becomes maudlin.

I fully agree with the NY Times reviewer's perceptive comments below except for his remark about the movie score being 'vulgar and obvious.' We thought it was complimentary and never overpowering to distract us. We were so absorbed in this quiet drama that I hardly noticed it. This is an understated movie that packs a punch when it's over.  http://movies.nytimes.com/2007/11/23/movies/23even.html

And yes the movie is based on another novel I haven't read....

'Charlie Wilson's War' Movie

Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/charlie-wilsons-war/23212/main

I've read how this movie is based on a true story. I'll have to watch the History Channel's show about the real Charlie Wilson and compare both versions. As a film it's entertaining and sly, and highlighted with deft performances by the three leads. While watching Charlie Wilson's War, you might begin to think it's only a wicked satire on Washington and global politics but since all of it is supposed to be true....  gawd help us! There's a history lesson buried in this well-crafted movie: How our nation armed the Afghanistani to defeat their Soviet invaders and then abandoned them when they needed help in reconstructing their country is what lead them to turn against us and let the Taliban take over, a big mistake we're still paying for. This point is briefly brought up at the end and you almost miss it as you leave the theater still reeling from earlier scenes of snappy dialogue, caustic humour, and the surrealist wheeling & dealings of government bureaucrats. Only a sophisticated director like Mike Nichols, with a background in edgy comedy routines, could juggle history, humour, and satire without it all come crashing down on the audience's heads.

'I Am Legend' Movie

Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/i-am-legend-2007/23760/main

Once again, this movie is based on another novel (by Richard Matheson) I haven't read.  Next week I'm getting the unabridged Audio Book with a Borders' discount coupon. After I hear it, I'll compare it to the movie while both are still fresh in my mind. For now I must say this movie was good and I see why it's clobbering the competition at the box office.  There are two earlier versions, the first with Vincent Price: http://www.amazon.com/Last-Man-Earth-Vincent-Price/dp/B000WC3A0I/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1198794373&sr=1-1

and a better second one with Charlton Heston that's closer to the latest one: http://www.amazon.com/Omega-Man-Anna-Aries/dp/B000P0J0BU/ref=pd_bxgy_d_img_b

I listened to the Audio Book version and it was pretty good. The main difference is that the  book's creatures are more like vampires. The latest movie avoids that premise but they are scary enough.  A lot of money has been spent here and it's all on the screen. There's plenty of suspense and last minute nerve-wracking escapes by Will Smith who spends a lot of time talking to himself and his dog. Oh yes there's a dog in the novel but he's used differently here. That goes too for the woman he meets. There If you're looking for edge-of-your-seat thrills, this movie will not disappoint. Smith gives a good performance since he has to almost carry the film on his shoulders with lots of dialogue and stunts amid the high tech digital effects. You feel the desolation and loneliness he feels.

I Am Legend is probably the biggest hit of recently-released movies. A few weeks before it opened,  I read an article listing actors including Smith who are considered overpaid because their movies don't make big profits. Well guess who's laughing all the way to the bank? As someone once said, success is the best revenge....

'Sweeney Todd' Movie

Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/sweeney-todd-the-demon-barber-of-fleet-street/26627/main

I was fortunate to see the original Broadway show/cast with Angela Lansbury in '79. How will this new version compare?  I've read there's more emphasis on the Grand Guignol & gore as if the idea of Tim Burton's girlfriend Helena Bonham Carter taking over Lansbury's role isn't scary enough. And what about Sondheim's operetta-ish score?  Will Burton's visual fireworks compensate for Sondheim's truncated music? Here's his thoughts on its reworking: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/16/theater/16gree.html?_r=1&ref=movies&oref=slogin

We caught a matinee showing of Sweeney Todd. Yes the dark visuals are first-rate as you expect in a Burton film  and oh yes there's gore galore. If you think you're going to see something like The Sound of Music, this one's not for you. The story is as faithful as I remember and there's enough of the original score warbled by the two leads. Johnny Depp's vocals are adequate but moving. His piercing eyes and chiseled features cut through the film as he relishes his role as the razor-wielding barber seeking revenge against the evil judge who ruined his life and family.

I have to admit Helena Bonham Carter acquitted herself singing the difficult score as she matched Depp's performing skills as his partner in revenge but with an agenda of her own.  Alan Rickman plays the judge with his usual refined nastiness in portraying villains. The rest of the cast is splendid (and better as singers) in aiding the somber mood. If you like this film, you might want to check out the filmed stage version with Lansbury: http://www.amazon.com/Sweeney-Todd-Demon-Barber-Street/dp/B00005JL6V/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1198705750&sr=1-1

'The Golden Compass' Movie

 

Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-golden-compass/23389/main

 

This movie reminded me of  Stardust, another recent fantasy based on a book I haven't read. It seems lately I've been seeing several movies based on books I haven't read and should read. Alas who has time to read everything? I struggle through several magazines every month and watch some TV shows and DVDs, including some books about film.  I should order the audio books to listen to while driving to work. Right now I'm listening to Lauren Bacall's autobiography....

 

Stardust undeservedly wasn't a big hit and I read that this movie is heading that way. Both are enjoyable but why aren't they reaching larger audiences?  They are well acted and the special effects are the best around. Much care has been put into these productions. Is it because their plots hard to follow? Not really. Compass is harder to follow but not incomprehensible.

 

This movie will also remind you of The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland as our young heroine begins an archetypal quest accompanied by and populated with strange creatures.  Fans of fantasy should see this film for its striking visuals including the animated creatures called daemons that mirror their heroic & villainous human counterparts.  This movie is geared for a sequel or two since there are two more books in this trilogy as explained here: http://movies.nytimes.com/2007/12/07/movies/07comp.html

 

Only the box office will determine the fate of sequels.....

 

'Blade Runner' revisited...

Above are the different versions available. I purchased the bottom one, a two disc set with an excellent documentary about the film's history. More on the other sets. Here's a good article about the film's making and revised restoration: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/30/movies/30kapl.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

I saw Blade Runner in the theater in '83. I liked it but didn't think it would go over with the Star Wars/E.T crowd. It proved to be too dark & heavy just as Dune would meet the same fate. Later on through video releases and cable showings, these two films found new audiences that appreciated what earlier ones rejected: Their detailed visuals, aural fireworks, and deep plots that required repeated viewings which offer more rewards with every showing.

Tonight I watched 'The Final Cut' on my 32'' set and wished I saw it in the theater like the first time. The visuals are better than ever but cry out for the big screen. The letterbox format is the only way to savor this feast for the eyes and a good surround sound system lets the music and effects breathe more life into the story. What's missing from the orginal version? Harrison Ford's weary voiceover that was added because test audiences had trouble following the plot but I didn't miss it this time.  Maybe it's because I seen the movie a few times and own a book about the making of the movie and also read many articles. I think today's viewers are more sophisticated in handling the narratives that aren't spoonfed.  Also missing is the 'happy' ending that isn't really necessary but also felt needed by the studio. All this & more is explained in the three hours +  documentary. If you really want to know how movies are made from beginning to end, this is where to start.

What 1982's Blade Runner attempted was to make a 1940's film noir detective story and place it forty years ahead in 2019. Some of the clothing and, most noticably, Sean Young's hairdo look like they escaped from a Bogart movie as they mingle with the urban/punk outfits of a decaying Los Angeles. The entire look of the city has been copied in many futuristic movies portraying a negative utopia. What's also amazing is thatthe visuals were painstakingly created before there were computer generated graphics. What also impressed me was Rutger Hauer's performance. He was also physically perfect for the role. I forgot how good he was here and it's too bad he never went on to more or better leading roles in better movies.  The same goes for an inexperienced Sean Young....

Some films get better with age like a fine wine and this one is no exception. What was original way back then has been copied in almost every sci fi film and TV show. If you're a super fan, get the deluxe set that includes the original/voiceover version. Actually I think that version and this latest one both work on their own terms. My next viewing will be listening to director Ridley Scott's commentary. How many of you ever take the time to explore the bonus features of DVDs? You should because you're missing so much that will enhance your knowledge and pleasure of a good movie.

'Atonement' Movie

Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/atonement/26636/main

This movie will easily remind you of The English Patient. Both were based on acclaimed novels and made into stately period pieces set around/during WWII. Both films use magnificent sets & scenery and costumes that never dwarf the plot and acting while an impressive music score underlines the drama.

Of course some critics have complained that the film doesn't capture the totality of the novel but I haven't read it and can only judge what's on the screen. This is an intelligent, thought-provoking work that slowly catches you offguard as it plays tricks with the time line to evoke surprises. The cast is splendid, including the three actresses who play Brione, the child whose  cruel lie sets the tragic events in motion and how she later tries to make amends.  It's good to see Keira Knightly not in Caribbean pirate drag,  playing an English aristocrat from another period and James McAvoy understated performance has your support & sympathy as her wronged lover. The true meaning of atonement comes full circle with Vanessa Redgrave's brief appearance at the end.

'Spring Awakening' on Broadway

Saturday December 15, I went to NYC with a co-worker on one of two buses hired for the day by our company.  Our bus had mechanical troubles starting out and we switched to another waiting one in Bridgeport. Our NYC arrival time was a half hour later (10:45AM) but it was better than being stranded later on a broken-down bus.  As we drove down 5th Ave.my buddy Russ got dropped off at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and I went for the Rockefeller Center dropoff. I went to a deli for a fast brunch and then across the street to Barnes & Noble. I checked my shopping list and found one of three opera DVDS and a two CD anthology of Duncan Sheik's music. Since he wrote the score for the Broadway show we were seeing at 2:00 and I knew nothing about him, this was a practical choice. I did recognize his one (?) hit 'Barely Breathing.'

My next stop was The Virgin Megastore on Times Square. I did better than expected on past visits. I was looking for four Joni Mitchell CDs and they had ALL of them!  B & N had none. I finally found the elusive Mitch Ryder Greatest Hits (see HippieFest blog). There were many bargain tables of CDs & DVDs for $10 where I found an acclaimed Russian horror film called Night Watch and the Broadway Soundtrack  for Wicked for my wife. Another must-buy was the movie soundtrack for Curse of The Golden Flower, an epic Chinese film and I also got a good deal on James Taylor's recent CD/DVD concert. I couldn't find the other two operas but I'll get them for Xmas gifts.

I met Russ at the theater for our 2:00 matinee of Spring Awakening. We were seated in the second to last row but it was a small theater. Here's the website. Watch a video for a song:

http://www.springawakening.com/home.php

And what a show! Most of the original cast was there and so were all the original band members onstage in the rear keeping the energetic choreography pumping. The 'Bitch of Lving' video is the perfect example. The score switches easily between rocking showstoppers and yearning ballads, This musical is based on a controversial play: Here's a description and comparison of both: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_Awakening_%28play%29

There were graphic simulations of sex that are central to the drama but they never overshadowed the performers and musical numbers.  As I write this, I'm listening to the Sheik anthology, I can hear the similarities in his show. A minimal set vibrated with constant lighting changes to evoke different moods for different scenes. This was adult entertainment at its best and I can see why this musical swept the 2006 Tony Awards, Broadway's equivalent to the Oscars. Our only quibble was that the closing number should have been an up tempo one. Broadway shows are $$$ but are worth it to us.

We dined again at a famous restaurant that we tried last year. They have a good prix-fixe dinner deal we devoured with a nice bottle of white wine. Check out their site:  http://standrewsnyc.com/ 

We did some last minute shopping before leaving at 7:00. We saw the huge Xmas tree from Shelton, CT., outside at Rockefeller Center. It was a good day for us and although it was cold, we were home before a snowstorm arrived overnight.

'Bella' Movie

Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/bella/27497/main

Today we saw this small low budget film that's popular with audiences but has been knocked by critics for being overly sentimental.  A good example is this review: http://movies.nytimes.com/2007/10/26/movies/26bell.html

Readers blogs for this review and others have been raving about Bella and I can see why. It's a simple story about love, sacrifice, and atonement with strong family values & support at the core. Each main character faces a challenge and will they overcome it is the plot. This movie will restore your faith in humanity as you watch family and friends help them in their time of need. Yes there is some goodness left in their world and we want these characters to benefit from it.

Some critics don't understand that there are all kinds of movies for all kinds of audiences. I went to Bella expecting to see a nice little, feelgood movie and was not disappointed. I wasn't expecting great art and not every movie is a Citizen Kane. The performances were good and the story kept you interested all the way. Was Bella overly sentimental? I didn't think so and neither did the audience.  The movie made its points without hammering them. You wanted a happy ending and this one has one but with a slight twist so it wasn't predictable.

'Enchanted' Movie

 

Watch the trailer:  http://movies.aol.com/movie/enchanted/24547/main

Unlike Tin Man, here's a good example of a revisionist work that succeeds on every level and is proving it at the box office. The film is a loving tribute to the classic animated Disney films like Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty as well as a gentle poke at them. Children will devour the fairy tale plot and adults will appreciate the satire and parody. The humor is never mean spirited and you will laugh along with the movie and not at it.

Amy Adams easily wins you over as the wide-eyed damsel in distress and James Marsden, who was so good as the TV host in Hairspray, is even better here as her goofy Prince Charming seeking her in Manhattan. The musical numbers will have you smiling as you recall similar moments from the Disney films. Patrick Dempsey's soupuss widower/father gets a bit tiresome playing against the fun but you learn why his character acts that way and he is eventually won over. Susan Sarandon has fun sinking her teeth into her part as the evil queen. Everything works out in the end and I guarantee you will leave the theater happy.

'Tin Man' TV Miniseries

Starting tonight The Sci Fi Channel is broadcasting an ambitious six hour reworking of The Wizard of OZ called Tin Man.   See if you can figure out who's who from the above pic. Read about it here: http://www.scifi.com/tinman/

How this adaptation will succeed we'll soon discover. Meanwhile you can read this review: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/arts/30tin.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Well after watching six hours of this revisionist saga, I will say it was too long and dragged out. It was interesting to spot the references to the original and see how they were changed. The computer-generated graphics were very good and the acting was fine. But what was the point of making this miniseries? If anything it made you appreciate the book and movie version. You need to be a diehard OZ fan to slug through Tin Man. I was tempted several times to change the channel. My wife gave up after the first installment and thought it was a ripoff of Stephen King's Gunslinger series.

For those OZ purists, here's the best DVD edition of the 1939 classic. The bonus features are worth every penny: http://www.amazon.com/Wizard-Oz-Three-Disc-Collectors/dp/B000ADS64E/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1196622440&sr=1-3

'No Country For Old Men' Movie

Watch the trailer here:  http://movies.aol.com/movie/no-country-for-old-men/25145/main

Javier Bardem, the actor featured above also stars in the Cholera film and another one, Goya's Ghosts,  that got disappointing reviews and a limited showing but we liked it: http://movies.aol.com/movie/goyas-ghosts/26832/main

There are two ways of judging an adaptation: One can compare it to the source for better or worse, or one can ignore the original and judge the adaptation on its own merits. Since I haven't read Cormac McCarthy's 2005 novel, I'll base my opinion on what I saw at a packed matinee.  The media reviews have been good but readers blogs have been trashing it for its inconclusive ending. When it was over, one guy near me shouted: "WTF??"  Many around me laughed and grumbled as we knew what he meant. Some reviews say this movie is the best thing the Coen Brothers have done since Fargo but I thought that one was overrated.

Technically this is a well photographed and edited movie with many good performances and sharp dialogue. Josh Brolin, who also was fine as a dirty cop in American Gangster, shines here as a desperate man fleeing with stolen drug money while ruthlessly pursued by a sadistic hitman played with cocky cruelty by Bardem. They almost upstage Tommy Lee Jones as the sly, old sheriff on their trail.  There's plenty of suspense and action scenes filled with lots of killing to satisfy most fans of this kind of movie but all this doesn't make up for leading us to the unsatisfying ending. I recommend this movie for its merits and you should judge for yourself about the conclusion.

'Love In The Time Of Cholera' Movie

Here's the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/love-in-the-time-of-cholera/25302/main

I haven't read Colombian author Marquez's novel, the source of this movie. From what I heard about the novel, it's another of his densely textured works that I've read.  The NY Times reviewer complained that the movie "sets itself the elusive task of translating Gabriel García Márquez’s masterpiece of magical realism into an upscale art film with popular appeal. Faithful to the outline of the novel but emotionally and spiritually anemic, it slides into the void between art and entertainment, where well-intended would-be screen epics often land with a thud. Stripped of multiple layers of philosophic and poetic implication, the metaphorically loaded story of a man’s lifelong passion for a beautiful woman who marries another man emerges as a weightless, picturesque gloss."  For more of his comments: http://movies.nytimes.com/2007/11/16/movies/16chol.html?ref=movies

I understand the reviewer's complaints but anytime a complex novel is adapted for the screen, there's always a lot of things that can't be shown due to time limitations and budget. And there's the added danger of making talky philosphical passages undramatic and boring. How much was left out here I don't know but there were enough snippets about the nature of love scattered into the story. The visuals (sets, scenery, costumes) looked ravishing on the big screen and the story and acting were more than satisfying. The characters were fleshed out enough to meet the restrictions of the adaptation and the aging makeup was about as good as it gets. Native Colombian Shakira's non-hipswinging songs helped enhance the contemplative mood.

I guess if you are unfamiliar with the novel, you will enjoy this movie as a grand soap-operish love story set in the cities and jungles of 19th & 20th century Colombia. The movie version of Doctor Zhivago had the same criticism of being stripped down to a travelogue romance with snippets of politics and still pleases audiences. You can always read both novels to see what you missed. Meanwhile treat yourself to a journey to another time and place.

'Beowulf' Movie

Watch the Trailer here:  http://movies.aol.com/movie/beowulf/23494/main

Here's the New York Times review:   http://movies.nytimes.com/2007/11/16/movies/16beow.html?ref=movies

After having read the original Early English epic poem and this review, I'm expecting to see less literature and more of a visual extravangza. However the thought of Angelina Jolie as the monster Grendel's mom already gives me the shivers; not because of her frightful role but for what she'll do to the role. She already helped trash another lousy epic, the not so great Alexander the Great where she played the title character's mother. Listening to her weird Eastern European accent as she chewed up the scenery and seeing how she didn't age in her later scenes had me gnashing my teeth when trying not to laugh. That entire movie is a mess but that's another story...

We're back from seeing Beowulf and we enjoyed it. I would basically agree with the Times review  It's probably better the original  Beowulf author is unknown because he would be rolling in his grave if he saw what was done to his epic poem. The movie sorta follows it but with added subplots and distortions of characters.  The visuals have an almost 3-D effect. Some theaters are showing it in 3-D but I think almost two hours of visual bombardment would tire your eyes. I've seen IMAX short films wearing those special electronic glasses and that was plenty. Director Robert Zemeckis used the same video style of The Polar Express but this time it's more refined and detailed. I didn't see 300 because it looked like a video game and it was historically inaccurate; The History Channel's version is the one to watch. Beowulf's visuals were impressive on the big screen although the dragon scene looked a bit cartoonish/video gamelike. Here's an article about how the visuals were created: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/18/movies/18kehr.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

The acting was generally good and even Angelina was OK  although in the beginning she seemed to be speaking Early English to her son Grendel or was it another of her weird accents. I had to strain my ears to understand what she was uttering. Her character was unlike the one in the poem, including parading around nude for what unknown reason except to bring in the audience. Actually her character lives in water so wearing no clothes seems logical but she sure spent enough time on land flaunting her supple body to lure men to their doom. Overall this movie was a decent action/fantasy epic and should be seen in a theater to appreciate the visuals. If you haven't read the epic poem, try reading a good translation for a comparison. I'm sure my late college professor who lectured us on this work is rolling in HIS grave. 

Norman Mailer 1923 - 2007

Yesterday we lost one of our country's greatest writers. I read a few of his books and one of my college English professors wrote two books about his work. I prefered listening to him on TV where I saw him a few weeks ago. His health was frail but his mind was as sharp as ever. One of the greatest  TV moments anywhere was on The Dick Cavett Show about '71 when he got into a verbal fistfight with Gore Vidal.  Their erudite insults were beyond witty, including Cavett's who had to referee. They returned for another show to tell their sides of the incident but before the taping, Mailer headbutted Vidal who was later seen rubbing his forehead during the interview. Years later they ended their feud and worked together. I still remember watching it while in college and wish it will be issued on DVD. Mailer will be sorely missed.  He was more than a writer and created controversy wherever he went. Here's an overview of his career and wild life:  http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/books/11mailer.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

'Dan In Real Life' movie

Before I mention the movie we saw today, let me tell you about my latest purchase I'm listening to as I write this. It's the second collaboration  ('77) of two masters of music - just Tony Bennett's voice & Gil Evans' piano. Nobody else and nothng short of amazing. Their first pairing is a classic and this one is just as good.  http://www.amazon.com/Together-Again-Tony-Bennett/dp/B0000BWVCK/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/105-3203825-8570002?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1194745100&sr=1-2

Now about this movie.  Watch the trailer here:

http://movies.aol.com/movie/dan-in-real-life/23761/main

The story is more serious (without being too heavy) than the trailer leads you to believe. Steve Carell gives a likable performance as a widower raising three daughters, writing an advice column, and dealing with his large family who wants him to be happy. But there's a price he soon learns; he can give advice to others but can't apply it to his own life.

The rest of the cast is fine. John Mahoney of Frasier & Diane Wiest of Law & Order as his parents provide the advice Carell needs to hear. The luminous Juliette Binoche who's usually seen in foreign films comes between him and his brother played by Dane Cook. Again Emily Blount (seen dancing with Carell in the above pic) impressed me playing another character unlike her others in The Devil Wears Prada and The Jane Austin Book Club. She keeps doing good supporting work and it's time for her to take on leading roles.

'American Gangster' movie

Tuesday is Bargain Night/$5 at our local cinema and this new movie was packed. Not because of the price but because it's a very good movie from beginning to end. Last weekend's opening made it the #1 film and this week should be another moneymaker. Watch the trailer here:

http://movies.aol.com/movie/american-gangster/19137/main

The movie lasts over two and a half hours and never drags due to Director Ridley Scott's typical visual panache combined with a solid script. His earlier films were more style over substance but not the case here. The surround sound was the best I've heard in a long time and the choices of 60's & 70's funk/soul period music blended well with the dramatics. Denzel Washington's smoldering intensity festering under his cool, controlled facade erupts at times with a chilling effect. One surprising outburst of violence caught the audience offguard. Every scene with him is memorable. He casts a shadow over the film when he's not onscreen. Russell Crowe as the detective tracking him has the less showy part but is equally good in his own way. The film slowly builds to their final and only scenes together at the end and is worth the wait. The rest of the cast does fine work, inclusing a few rappers.

Their world is a gritty, corrupt cesspool of drugs, slums, bad cops, rival gangsters, and dirty money. The American Dream of hard honest work as the road to success has become a nightmare: it's Horatio Alger turned on his head. Family loyalty only serves their sordid aims except for the great Ruby Dee as Denzel's mom whose big moment is saved for near the end when she tries to make him not seek revenge. The movie's title suggests an epic with its fusion of facts, history, and larger than life characters.

Yes facts. Washington's character is based on a real person. Here's an interview with the real Frank Lucas:

http://nymag.com/guides/money/2007/39948/

 

TWENTY-FIVE REASONS WHY YOU “SHOULD, TOO!” GO TO THE OPERA

(OK folks. As I promised you. I wish I wrote this one but I added a few items)

1. It’s the only place you can watch dying people sing. And they usually take a long time to die so you get to hear some beautiful music before they croak.
2. It’s the only place you can watch singing people make love.
3. It’s the only place you can watch people making love and not get in trouble for watching.
4. It’s the only place you can watch other people watching people sing, make love, and die -- without their minding that you’re watching them watch.
5. You can wear fancy clothes if you like and people think it’s O.K.
6. You can even wear jeans and a sweatshirt if you like, and people will think you’re eccentric, or maybe even intelligent.
7. If you like lavish scenery, it’s at the opera.
8. If you like big, fluffy costumes with lots of jewelry, they’re there.
9. If the sound of a symphony orchestra playing the world’s best-loved tunes thrills you, you can hear it at the opera.
10. If you like exciting singing -- high sopranos, deep basses, big choruses -- there’ll be some of that, too.
11. Opera has the longest history of any of the performing musical arts and...
12. ... it’s not any more difficult to understand than, say, West Side Story or Les Miz or Miss Saigon.
13. The story line of Miss Saigon is taken from an opera plot, anyway. Guess which one?
14. Every great community supports its arts organizations -- a drama company, a symphony orchestra, a theater company, an art museum, and an opera company -- and you should be a part of this support group, too.

15. If you’re afraid you won’t understand what’s going on, most companies nowadays run a simultaneous translation on a screen right above the stage. They call these translations “supertitles,” because you can read them by a very slight nod of the head upwards, not just because they’re great little titles. It's like watching a foreign or silent film so don't let a little reading scare you.
16. No commercial breaks but needed intermissions; how many depends on the length.
17. It’s more cultural than boxing, and the outcome is more certain than a hockey game ...
18. ... and fewer people wear face guards.
19. Every great composer has written at least one opera, and you owe it to the geniuses of the past to acknowledge this fact at least once.
20. Some operas have a lot of dancing.
21. Some even have acrobats.
22. One even has live horses on the stage.
23. In the early days of opera, singers acting like gods and goddesses came down from the heavens in little flying machines. Sometimes an opera character disappears though a trap door in the floor of the stage. And all the time, they keep on singing...
24. ... which provides excellent material for you if you’re dummy in a bridge hand.
25. Opera can lift the soul out of the day-to-day grind of life and, with the combined wonders of orchestral music, great drama, stage spectacle, vocal singing, and imaginative lighting, it’s one of the greatest 5-for-1 combinations invented in the last four hundred years. And you get the most for your money.

Now open your mind, ears, & eyes, and treat yourself to a new experience. If you can't attend an opera, rent some DVDs.  There are many great performances immortalized on video. For starters, watch the movie version of The Who's Tommy. It is a real opera.

'Tosca' opera

Since we're into all kinds of music, a few years ago we decided to take an adult ed. course about opera because we wanted to learn more about it. We liked it so much we go every term - 2 hours a week for 8 weeks, no tests, watch & discuss videos, just fun & lstening to relaxing music for $50.  For those who don't like opera, it's not what you think it is until you see a good production. Later on I'll explain why people like opera.

Tonight a free school bus takes us into Hartford to see a production and brings us home; no driving or parking worries. We only pay for the tickets.  We're seeing one that would please almost anyone. It's loaded with lots of passion, lust, intrigue, jealousy, treachery, torture, killings, and Puccini's great music - all in about two hours. Most operas run about three hours and longer; and that's not including the usual two intermissions.

Here's some brief info:

Giacomo Puccini's
TOSCA

Librettist: Giacosa and Illica
Based on a play by Sardou

Cast of Characters

• Floria Tosca,Soprano,Celebrated singer and actress
• Mario Cavaradossi,Tenor,painter
• Baron Scarpia,Baritone,Cheif of Police
• Cesare Angelotti,Bass,a political prisoner
• Sacristan,Baritone
• Sciarrone,Bass,a servant
• Jailor,Bass
• Shepherd,Contralto
• Roberti, Executioner, a Cardinal, Judge, Scribe, Officer, Soldiers and Citizens.

Setting

Rome in June 1800.

Premiere

14th January 1900; Teatro Constanzi, Rome.

Plot

Floria Tosca and Mario Cavaradossi are in love and all they want is to be left alone. Baron Scarpia, however, wants Floria for his physical needs. He arrests and has Mario tortured for aiding a fugitive and tells Tosca she can save him by giving herself to him. She agrees, but the kiss he has so longed for is the fatal kiss of a knife blade. He had promised to setup a false execution for Mario, but the treachery of Scarpia is revealed as Mario is killed. As the police arrive to capture her, Tosca vows to meet Scarpia in front of God as she leaps over the side of the building to her death.

Memorable sections of music

Recondita armonia di bellezze
Qual' occhio al mondo
Te Deum
Act II: Torture Scene
Floria, Amore!
Vissi d'amore
E lucevan le stelle
O dolci mani

Here's links to the local newspaper's rave review & pictures.

http://www.courant.com/entertainment/music/hc-toscarev.artoct30,0,2501196.story

http://www.connecticutopera.org/newsroom/press/WebProofs/ClickHereToView.html

It's midnight here and we're home after seeing a very good thrilling production, probably the best one our class has seen so far and that was their opinion too. Sets, costumes, orchestration, singing, acting: all components melded together to create a highly pleasurable experience. Tosca is the kind of opera that would make anyone who doesn't like opera change their mind after seeing. I pretty much agree with the review and the audience felt the same in their enthusiastic applause. I thought the male leads were a bit better than the female lead in projecting her good voice (the Mrs disagreed), a minor quibble that did not spoil my enjoyment.

 

 

 

Robert Goulet 1933 - 2007

And he did leave us....  too early. Here's his official website:

http://www.robertgoulet.com/index.php

I was fortunate to see him twice onstage at the same theater in Wallingford, CT.  The first time I was about 15 (1965) and he was touring with his then wife, Carol Lawrence.  He was funny, and charming, and his rich voice impressed a young teenager who first complained he was being dragged to the show by his parents.  (Yes they knew better) The second time was in 1984 starring in 'Kiss me Kate.'  He was as good as ever and still had that powerful voice until the end.  In his later years he reached a new audience by poking fun at himself like William Shatner in commercials, TV shows, and movies.

'Gone Baby Gone' movie

Today we caught a late matinee for a movie that's getting great reviews, considering who is the director. Before I elaborate, watch the trailer here:

http://movies.aol.com/movie/gone-baby-gone/25301/main

Ben Aflfeck directed this startling film about a Boston private eye hired by the family of a missing child and whose interfence is not wanted by the police. Affleck caught a lot of flack over the 'Bennifer' publicity and made some bad movies. He laid low for a while and redeemed himself portraying TV's Superman George Reeves in Hollywoodland and avoided another media circus by quietly marrying Jennifer Garner, his 'Daredevil' co-star. Now he chose to direct and co-script this small movie starring his brother Casey who is very good here. The deeper Casey investigates, the more his leads take him on a dark journey through what's not the tourist sections of Boston and nearby. The more he learns, the worse it gets for him, and his relationship with his gilfriend/partner, and  dealing with the good guys & bad guys (men AND women). Who the real good guys are is another mystery that unfolds.

   This movie has everything going right for it. It looks like a big production but it cost less than what you would think. Big brother Ben must have learned from being in Hollywoodland  featuring a private eye over his head in unraveling a mystery not wanted to be solved. Here he is in control with a self-assurance not found in most first time directed movies. He's from the area and uses locations well. Little brother put his trust in big brother's vision and shines with confidence. The rest of the cast slips easily into their roles and keep sucking you into the imploding plot.  Ed Harris is the standout among many other fine performances. The movie ends with a moral dilemma involving most of the cast and kept us debating it for a while after we left the theater, drained from the tension and suprises along the way.  This is a dark, ugly movie but will reward you with its seductive power. Imagine a Law & Order: SVU episode without network censorship and you get the idea. Kudos to the Affleck brothers who had a lot riding here and succeeded admirably.

Two smaller movies worth seeing

Here's two smaller films worth seeing. The first is  'King of California' starring Michael Douglas and Evan Rachel Wood. This offbeat comedy lets Douglas have sly fun as a bi-polar father who convinces his long-suffering daughter that there's a lost Spanish treasure buried under what's now a Costco store. Seeing Douglas with a beard & longish hair reminded me of Don Quixote pursuing his Impossible Dream, an appropriate comparison.  He does a marvelous job as this obsessed hunter on an improbable quest and has earned well-deserved good reviews. Is there really a treasure?  I won't tell you but you can watch the trailer here:

 

http://movies.aol.com/movie/king-of-california/26076/main

 

The second one is based on a best seller. Watch the self-explanatory trailer here:

 

http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-jane-austen-book-club/28108/main

 

Don't dismiss this as another chick flick. There's enough laughs to satisfy everyone and the ending will make you feel good. You don't need to have read Jane Austen's novels since they are explained during the story. Somehow during my college years as an English major, I wasn't required to read any although  I've seen some good movies made from them.  And what a marvelous cast in a highly enjoyable movie. The big surprise here is Emily Blount playing a mousy teacher. She was so good as Anne Hathaway's co-worker.in 'The Devil Wears Prada'   What a complete transformation; my wife & I couldn't believe it was the same actress.

 

Good smaller films deserve seeing as well as big commercial blockbusters that I also promote. You can always wait for the DVD but there's nothing like seeing a movie on the big screen. I don't care how good is your home theater system; it's not the same experience.

'Elizabeth: The Golden Age' movie

Today we saw 'Elizabeth: The Golden Age,' the sequel to 1999's 'Elizabeth' with the same director and two leads. Watch the trailer here:

http://movies.aol.com/movie/elizabeth-the-golden-age/23641/credits

Strategic camera angles let Cate Blanchett command the screen and everyone & everything seemed dwarfed next to her. When she bellows, we quake with her followers and enemies. Geoffrey Rush repeats his role as her faithful advisor and Clive Owen is brought in to 'romance' her. The detailed costumes and sets are best seen here on the big screen. The religious and political intrigue of Queen Mary of Scotland and King Phillip of Spain threaten her and England. Traitors are everywhere as the Spanish Armada (digitalized) approaches the coast.  If you enjoy longish, leasurely-paced historical epics, although this one has been criticized for playing with facts, then this movie is for you. Cate is every inch the Queen. The rest of the movie holds up well against this terrific actress who can chew up the scenery when needed but never is hammy. She deserved her Oscar portraying Katherine Hepburn in 'The Aviator' and soon she'll be starring with Harrison Ford in the next 'Indiana Jones' installment. 

'Michael Clayton' movie

This afternoon we saw the legal thriller Michael Clayton with George Clooney and a terrific supporting cast. You can watch the trailer and read a synopsis here: http://movies.aol.com/movie/michael-clayton/27887/showtimes?flv=1&ncid=oyjqUzrKfk0000000465&icid=rbox_movie_titles.M

Clooney gets better with every film. How he's filled out in appearance and in his acting since seeing him as a skinny kid on TV's Roseanne amazes me. I must confess I never watched E.R. not because it's not a good show or because of him, but after following St. Elsewhere I never thought any hospital show could top it. OK E.R. might prove me wrong and I should start watching its endless reruns. Clooney is very good here as a cool 'fixer' who's torn apart by divided loyalties and the topnotch script & direction makes you feel for him all the way even when he does his dirty work for his law firm.  We learn enough about his past and problems, and you hope he survives when everything and everyone are against him. This is a powerful drama with enough suspense that's not overshadowed by the good performances and biting dialogue. The reviews have been good and rightly so.

  Tom Wilkinson is already being touted for an Oscar as a lawyer who has a nervous breakdown from hiding the evil truth for the client he's defending and threatens to go public. He will remind you of Peter Finch's role in Network. This English actor's last big role was in The Exorcism of Emily Rose where he portrayed a priest on trial for killing a girl while trying to save her from demonic possession. Watch the spooky trailer here: http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-exorcism-of-emily-rose/20747/video/trailer-no-1/1362332

   It's great to see the underused Tilda Swinton  shine as an anxiety-stricken, high level lawyer who has to do her own damage control in handling Wilkinson and deal with Clooney who's trying to protect him as his mental health worsens and from others who want him silenced. Swinton, an English actress known for usually playing cool or odd characters in little seen movies,was perfectly cast as the Ice Queen in the first Narnia film. But you need to see her in a mind-blowing, gender-bender of a historical romp, so rent 1992's Orlando. Read the synopsis and watch the trailer if you doubt me: http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/122084/Orlando/trailers

Joni Mitchell

Ok why so much interest in Joni Mitchell? I've always been a fan and lately I have been rediscovering her music. In the last few weeks I purchased five of her CDs and plan to buy another one today. Thank gawd for those Borders' discount coupons.  Originally from Canada, Joni started out as a Hippie/Flower Child songwriter/singer in the late 60's and branched out of the folk movement into other forms of music. Her songs have become sometimes jazzy but each one usually tells a story. I can recommend lots of her CDs but those unfamiliar with her music should start with her compilation Dreamland, a good collection spanning her career: http://www.amazon.com/Dreamland-Joni-Mitchell/dp/B0002MPQ50/ref=sr_1_6/002-8026655-9868005?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1192285885&sr=1-6

A good DVD concert is:  http://www.amazon.com/Joni-Mitchell-Painting-Words-Music/dp/6305301824/ref=sr_1_6/002-8026655-9868005?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1192285994&sr=1-6

For more info about her, go to her website:  http://jonimitchell.com/

For an excellent interview by a longtime admirer who has also grown as an artist:  http://www.elvis-costello.com/news/2004/10/elvis_costello_interviews_joni.html

Joni's latest CD is Shine http://www.amazon.com/Shine-Joni-Mitchell/dp/B000UR366S/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-8026655-9868005?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1192286378&sr=1-1

She's 64 and years of cigarette smoking has made her voice a bit husky but she she's still one of the great singer/songwriters. More on her later....

A tip on buying new CDs:  The first week a new CD arrives  (usually on Tuesday) is when you can get the best price.  Always compare prices in the Sunday brochures for Best Buy, Circuit City, Target, etc. I bought Shine at Circuit City for $8.99. Later Barnes & Noble sent me an email offering it on sale for $14.99. And Borders has it at its regular price of $18.99! Incredible, huh?  It does pay to shop around....

Donovan/Roger McGuinn Concert '05

Here's all about the first time we saw McGuinn:   July 3 '05 was our 31st wedding anniversary and we celebrated it by attending a blast from the past. About a month before, I read an ad for the Warner Theater in Torrington: A concert with Donovan and Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, Good Gawd!  In high school/college I was a fan of both these guys or I should say,  one guy and the group of the other guy.  I had all their LPs and still do in the basement.  These guys were leader of the folk-rock movement and branched out into other areas. I also own a few of McG's solo works. Martha was also a Donovanny (like a Duranny - Duran Duran fan) so when I told her they were playing together that night, we had to go.

I immediately called the box office and foamed at the mouth about how we were bigggg fans and were dying to finally see these guys.  After I raved with this nice lady, I told her why it was a special night for us. She said she would try to get us front row seats; if she couldn't would second or third row be OK? I thanked her profusely and a few days later I received front row seats! Moral of the story: Always be nice and thankful to people; it pays off in the end.

 Since we were unfamiliar with Torrington, we decided to eat at home instead of finding a restaurant near the theater.  Parking is on the street so that was another reason for leaving early. We left at 6:00 for an easy highway ride to downtown Torrington and arrived there at 6:50.  We found a parking spot about a hundred feet from the theater and grabbed it before the cars behind me could. The stores were closed so we went to this bar across the street for drinks.  Some of the patrons were later at the show.

About 7:30 we went to the theater, which has a big balcony, and holds about 1200 people. This was a former movie palace restored to its Art Deco splendor.  We didn't see any tour tee shirts so we went to our seats. And what seats they were; a little to the right of center.  We sat next to this guy who came alone and talked with him. He was about our age and sees all kinds of concerts so we were trading stories. He said his wife passed on this show so we had a nice chat during the night.  

The show started after an announcement  and then Roger McGuinn came out playing a cordless guitar singing Dylan's 'My Back Pages,' a Byrds cover/hit.  He stood in front of a mike directly over and about three feet from us. The audience gave him a standing ovation and he smiled at us.  Well how could he not with me clapping in his face. lol

He recently turned 63  but you would never know. He wore matching black pants, shortsleeve shirt, and vest with a wide brimmed  black hat and cowboy boots. He still wears his square trademark granny glasses, and sports a goatee. His voice is as good as ever and jeez how he can play. You've never seen fingers move so fast. He's a master of the 12 string guitar and played it and four others and a banjo during his set which lasted over an hour.

Most of the time he sat about ten feet from us surrounded by his guitars he would switch for certain songs. He charmed the audience with his stories about the songs and instructed us to clap and sing at certain points. Since he was playing solo, I guess we were also making up for the lack of other musicians. But it wasn't really necessary because he sounded like several guitars at once. He played all the well known Byrds songs and a few of his solo works.

He played a special guitar that Martin commissioned for him. It has a seventh string that gives it the janglely sound of a twelve string. He demonstrated what it could also do and Mrs Mu was enthralled since she plays guitar. And yes he played his 12 string which has to be constantly tuned while playing. He wowed the crowd with a finger-blistering, frenzied acoustic electric version of 'Eight Miles High' which sounded like three people playing. After the show we bought an autographed copy of his new CD and a live version is on it. The enthusiastic applause made his return for an encore of  two songs.  He played his 18 song set for over an hour.

Jeez what fabulous seats.  As soon as I saw the large speakers on my right, I immediately installed my earplugs. I had a flashback of four years ago sitting in a similar location when The Monkees reunion  show ruined my right ear. To this day I wear them if it's too loud for me. I was able to get pics from where I sat although we were told not to.  if they come out OK I'll get them scanned for later.. The audience was mostly an older crowd who grew up during the 60's folkrock era. I saw a lot of grey pony-tailed guys so I guess the that era still exists.  During the 20 minute intermission the stage was arranged for Donovan's performance.

Donovan's band first came out: A drummer, a conga player, a gal playing an upright electric bass, and a keyboardist who later played sax and flute needed for certain songs. Then he came out to thunderous applause. He just turned 59 and he still has his baby face smile  although slightly pudgy. He's not the skinny kid I remember but he's filled out and not really overweight.  He used to look like an elf; now he looks like an aging Hobbit with his bushy grey hair as he slinked around the stage, sometimes doing these weaving hand gestures.

He said he was gonna perform everything and covered all his well-known hits.  He kept referring to the Beat Cafe, his latest CD sold in the lobby. It came out last years and his voice sounds the same. He never pushed it by screeching & screaming like most rockers who later lost it. and are sorta embarrassing to hear now. I already bought it in NYC in May and recommended it to people around us.

He started off with his biggest hit 'Sunshine Superman' and the crowd went wild. He played electric  and acoustic electric guitar along with this mouth organ/harmonica strapped around his shoulders where he could lean into to play. He stayed in the center of the stage about 15 feet from us. He played for almost an hour and a half with two encores. 

What's really amazing is that you get to see the favorite stars of your youth after 40 years and they are still as good as ever. 


 

Roger McGuinn Concert 9/8/07

 Roger McGuinn & me.

Well sorta...                                                                                                  

 

                                                               Roger's Instruments

 

 On July 3 '05 we celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary with another blast from the past. We got front row seats to see Donovan and Roger McGuinn from The Byrds. I will write about that special night before and they too proved they were as good as ever. Roger McGuinn was playing in Massachusetts on Sept 8 and we wanted to see him again. After The Byrds broke up in the 70's he went solo with several albums and returned to his folk roots. You can learn about him on:  www.mcguinn.com  Go to the 'Woodsongs Video' section and watch him perform and talk about his career. It's an hour long show and almost like seeing him live. Take the time to be entertained and also  get an education on music and the music industry.

    The Byrds were a folk rock group that were big in the 60's. Before they broke up in the 70's, they went into country music and their classic 'Sweetheart of the Rodeo' was influential in bringing country music into the mainstream. McGuinn has done well on his own and is famous for his use of the twelve string guitar. He's considered THE Master of it and Martin Guitar created a special guitar  for him with a seventh string to replicate the sound of one. You can hear about it on that link.  He's been playing professionally for fifty years and is highly respected among his peers. He played a few folk songs on banjo which he loves.  His singing voice is sweet too. The Byrds were also known for their harmonies; David Crosby was an original member  and you can hear the influence on CS&N recordings.

    The day started with a bang...  literally     As I was backing out of the garage, I forgot my son's car was at the bottom of the driveway and hit it. I put a dent in his bumper that our mechanic's son who does bodywork later popped out and I put some scratches and chips on my bumper that I later buffed out and fixed OK with touch up paint. Of course the neighborhood heard me screaming & cussing after the fender-bender... lol 

 

    Then we drove north to the entrance to the Mass Pike, a toll highway that goes east/west between New York and  Boston. I missed the turn for it because of construction and backtracked to it.  That took about ten minutes. When we approached our entrance to the toll booths, traffic was backed up and it took us twenty minutes to get the ticket. I thought there was an accident but only two of the five lanes were open and created a jam. About 400 we reached the exit for Natick Mass. There's an earlier exit toll we use to go to Portsmouth, New Hampshire and that one too was backed up around the curve.  Dunno why all the heavy traffic that day. That area has lots of colleges so maybe students were returning to start the fall semester.

   It was an easy drive to downtown Natick and we found a spot in front of the theater. The Arts Center was a fire house converted into a small theater that holds 280 people. We got seventh row seats ahead of time since there was a 'Sold Out' sign as we arrived to pick up our tix. Downtown Natick is very small with some stores, restaurants, coffee shops, etc.  There's a huge shopping mall a few miles away but we had enough shopping in Portsmouth two weeks earlier on vacation.  We found a CD shop with used stuff but didn't buy anything. I did ask for the Mitch Ryder CD but with no luck. There was a concert on the green but was over when we arrived.

   When I ordered out tix over the phone, I asked about what was near the theater for stores and restaurants. They recommended a good seafood place called The Dolphin a block away. As we approached the place, there was a banner: Twin Lobster Dinner $24.95.   Since I was still upset about hitting my son's car, we said..  WTF...  We need to treat ourselves.. Let's go for broke.   The place was very nice inside.  Two choices of sides with the lobster. A bottle of wine, key lime pie & coffee... all served by a cute young waitress...  With the delicious dinner, wine, and eye candy, I finally mellowed out.  lol 

   We still had time to kill before the show and we hung around in a coffee shop till about 730. We went inside the theater to see if any CDs or tee shirts were being sold. McGuinn has this four CD set of 100 folk songs that we wanted(it's offered and explained on his website and the 'Woodsongs Video' section). Now here's where it's gets interesting....

   There were two woman selling McGuinn's CDs and they were autographed ahead of time. Since it was a small crowd, I asked if he was gonna come out after the show to sign autographs or pose for pics; we brought our camera and took pics of us in front of the 'Sold Out' sign. One woman was a pretty brunette with long dark hair and very friendly... about/maybe early 50's. She told me no because he's usually tired after his one man show. We bought the folk song set and she asked me if I wanted his live CD. I told her I already got it from his website but bought some (autographed too) as gifts for Martha's guitar teacher and others who play. We talked about his other CDs for sale and she knew we knew his work and kept talking to us. If we were bothering her, I'm sure she would have brushed us off.

    We told her how Martha bought his instructional DVD on how to play the twelve string guitar and she was impressed. We told her how we saw him and Donovan two years ago and she told us how that was a good show... She kept saying 'we' to our answers.

  Then it dawned on me.  I said:  "Wait a sec...   Uh... Are you Camilla McGuinn??"  She laughed, said yes, and asked how I knew about her. Yes it was Roger's wife!  I told her I read about her and seen her pic on his website, and seen her name on his CDs. She works with him on everything: songwriting, producing, publicity, etc.

   We must have talked to her for ten minutes and she asked us where we drove from...   how long a drive and I told her almost two hours. She asked us where we were staying overnight and I told here we would drive home since his show started at 8:00 and would probably be over at 9:30. She told us that he's starting at 8:45 because of an unannounced opening act. She seems truly concerned when she asked us if we would be OK driving home that distance so late. I told her we would stop for coffee and take our time. Martha wanted to ask her if would could sleep in their tour bus.  lol  I asked her a lot of questions which she graciously answered because she knew we were hardcore fans.  When more people arrived to purchase CDs, we  shook her hand, thanked for talking to us, and went to our seats..

     Before the show, I went to the rest room downstairs. There was an opening marked 'do not enter' and I could hear McGuinn warming up. I was soooo tempted to walk in.... 'Ooops I got lost.....  Hey aren't you Roger Mc....'   lol    The show started at 8:00 with a gal named Mieka Pauly, a folksinger from Boston who won a Starbucks New Performer competition. She played & sang her own songs for a half hour. She reminded me of Jewel but with a lil hostility. She sang a song about a failed relationship... a cappella style and used her fist to pound on her guitar like a drum instead of playing it. Martha imagined she was doing it to her former lover's head.  lol    She was good and has a CD coming out. Martha liked her Ovation guitar.

 

   After a short intermission, we heard a guitar playing a Byrds song and Roger entered playing. He stopped the song to say his guitar was out of tune and picked up another from his five different ones onstage. Later he explained how air conditioning is bad for guitars because it makes them go out of tune...  either too sharp or too flat.. and need constant tuning  He added with he does loves A/C and it was a humid day and greatly appreciated.  My wife says the same thing about how our A/C affects her guitars.

 

 Like his previous show, he was his charming self as he talked between songs about how they were written, his stories about show biz, and why he would use a certain guitar for certain songs. He makes you sing & clap along during some songs and you feel good when you leave. If you watch that 'Woodsongs' link, it gives you a good idea of seeing him live or hearing his live CD. He seems to follow the format of his live CD but changed some songs and added new ones, including a sequel to 'Chestmare Mare,' a Byrds song I sent to some.  

      He played for over an hour and ended his show... or so we thought and returned for four more songs. No show would finish without 'Eight Miles High. This guy has fingers of lightning....  If he plays in your area, treat yourself to a wonderful evening.

      We left the theater at 10:15 and got home two hours later. We stopped for coffee & rest rooms that were needed because I drank enough coffee before and after the show to prep fro the ride home. Another great evening...   Sunday afternoon I wrote to Camilla explaining that we made it home safely, how nice she was to us, how great was Roger's show, etc.

     Well I didn't expect to hear from her...   Then a few days later I received this reply: 

   

 Dear Martha and John,
Thank you for letting me know you got home okay. Roger and I were both
concerned about you. And thank you for being such loyal fans! It is people
like you that will keep the music alive!
I hope to see you again.
God Bless You
Camilla

 

So tell me that didn't knock us over?   They appreciated that we traveled far to see them. What a team!  What a lovely person who took the time to talk with us and reply to me.  Martha's next purchase is Roger's instructional DVD for playing folk songs.  Next thing happening will be wifey writing hostile songs about me.. .most definitely using my head as a drum. lol

HippieFest!

On August 6, we attended HippieFest!  Before you ask WTF is that, it was a show featuring groups from the 60's & 70's with most of their original members. Those were my high school/college years and this was a chance to relive those days. And to see, or better yet, hear, how these groups were after all these years.

  We went with a married couple from work who are also into music... big time... huge collection.... nonstop buying..  Like us.   Since we all worked during the day, we were short for time so instead of going to a restaurant before the 7:30 concert, we ordered Chinese food ahead of time for delivery upon their arrival and at our house which is about almost fifteen minutes from the theater. We've been to concerts with them and they brought a nice wine  to go with our stash so we were primed for the show. We chatted as they browsed through my collection.

     The theater holds about two thousand with a mezzanine. I looked online for tix but didn't like the seating choices. I went to the box office after work and schmoozed with the gal and got front row mezzanine seats.  No heads in front of us...  I've sat there before with another co-worker & his wife when we saw Santana and Los Lonely Boys.

      We arrived at 700 to buy tee shirts and settled down. The audience was mostly people our age but some brought their kids. I saw a lot of gray hair including some on pony-tailed guys.  lol 

   The unofficial host was Country Joe MacDonald but without his group The Fish. You might recall his anti-Vietnam song from the 'Woodstock' movie... "Gimme an 'F'.. a 'U'...  etc."  He's about 65 and still sounds the same. A co-worker who couldn't come with us gave me a recent DVD concert and he's still as good as ever.  And funny too. He brought down house saying: " Uh I don't remember the 60's too much... ya know..  all those drugs..."   You should have heard the laughter & applause.  He's still doing protest songs so he did a Bush-bashing one.

    Each act performed about a half hour, long enough to hear their hits which is all you wanted to hear. Badfinger opened the show. These guys had it rough: legal problems that kept them broke...   two members committed suicide. Read about them on Barnes &Noble's Biography section next to one of their CDs. Original member Joey Mollander was there and did well.

   Then The Turtles came out and got a huge laugh with: "Oh yeah.. there were a lot of drugs back then,,,  Now we're on different drugs..   .Lipitor...  Viagra..."   We saw them last year when they played a free concert in out town's park and got to talk to them after the show. The two original leads at 60 were still good too.

   Mitch Ryder (without the Detroit Wheels) rocked the place. He's 62 but doesn't bounce all over as before and didn't push his voice but had a good backing band. I've been to several stores to find his greatest hits without success so I'll probably get it online.

   Then The Zombie's from England..part of the' British Invasion'..original singer Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent on keyboards. The original bassist's son is now their drummer. These guys are about 62 but you would never know it. They opened with 'I Love You' and I was fearful about Colin hitting the high chorus... sometimes you hear old singers who lost their range due to age or years of screaming... Bur he hit it right and earned applause.  The Zombies split up for a while and Rod had his own group called Argent with a big hit, "Hold Your Head Up" which they performed with Colin singing. They rocked the place with that long one as well as 'Time of the Season'.  I recently bought their DVD concert filmed this year so it's a good memento of seeing them... same lineup but with more songs.

  Next up was Felix Cavaliere from The Rascals, a blue-eyed soul group with many hits. Felix was the keyboardist/singer and played a Hammond organ that was 40 years old. My wife thought he looked like an old Italian (yeah like me... lol) but he wowed the audience.

   We had fun trying to remember the lyrics to songs as we sang along. The average age of the performers was about 62 but they showed us age is only a number. The backdrop was an appropriate 60's light show with occasional film clips of the performers way back then. It was startling to see how they looked then & now. Sometimes we would gasp at the difference.

   The evening moved quickly with little time between acts. Then there was an announcement: "Ladies & Gentlemen...We're sorry to say... the soft music part of the show is over..   Get ready for... Mountain"  The crowd went wild as lots of big amps were wheeled out...   Leslie West &  original drummer Corky Laing came out and had the walls vibrating. West lost a lot a weight and wears glasses (diabetic I heard) but still can play and belt out those songs.  They ended the show with "Mississippi Queen.'  Forget Ozzy's overblown remake. This was the real deal. 

  What an evening!  It's was wonderful to hear your old favorites and hear how they still sound good. It's true: You're never too old to Rock & Roll....