Saturday, January 3, 2015
Rarely Heard: Godspeed You! Black Emperor - The Dead Flag Blues
"Godspeed You! Black Emperor... is a Canadian post-rock band which originated in Montreal, Quebec in 1994....
After the release of their debut album in 1997, the group toured regularly from 1998 to 2002. In 2003, the band announced an indefinite hiatus in order for band members to pursue other musical interests. In the intervening period, the group was occasionally rumored to have broken up, but the band finally reconvened for a tour beginning in late 2010. In October 2012, the band released their fourth album, 'Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend!'.
Even though the band has never broken into the mainstream, they have gained an extremely dedicated cult following, and remain very influential in the post-rock genre." (Allmusic.com)
So that counts me to the members of the 'cult following', theri songs usually have a symphonic length and often build up to ecstatic climaxes.
Hellzapoppin' (1941)
Based on the Broadway hit of the same name, this comedy finds Ole and Chic trying to organize a musical show at a lavish estate, but they run into problems when the show's producer.
Madhouse musical comedy with merely a remnant of a plot, but with lots of in-jokes and wildy anarchic entertainment.
Halliwell***: "Zany modification of a smash burlesque revue; the crazy jokes are toned down and a romantic interest is added (and tentatively sent up). The result is patchy but often hilarious, and the whole is a handy consensus of fourties humour and pop music."
Maltin***: "Famous madcap Broadway show is conventionalized by Hollywood, with romantic subplot and too many songs, but still has many inspired moments of lunacy, from a throwaway CITIZEN KANE gag to the mutterings og Hugh Herbert."
Friday, January 2, 2015
A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
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Disturbed Blanche DuBois moves in with her sister in New Orleans and is tormented by her brutish brother-in-law while her reality crumbles around her.
Superbly directed and photographed adaptation of the classic Tennessee Williams' play does capture the atmosphere, but the major performances are a bit over the top.
Halliwell**: "Reasonably successful, decorative picture from a highly theatrical nut influential play; unreal sets and atmospheric photography vaguely Sternbergian."
Maltin****: "Stunning production...Oscars went to Leigh, Hunter, and Malden for their flawless performances, as well as for the art direction-set decoration - but it's Brando who left an indelible mark on audiences."
Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)
A drama based on the true story of a college professor's bond with the abandoned dog he takes into his home.
A heartwrenching story made in good taste, no false sentimentality, but nonetheless touching.
Maltin***: "Sweet, touching story, simply told, may bring tears to your eyes."
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