Monday, June 27, 2011

The Return of the Pink Panther

This 1975 film has been left out of all of the MGM Pink Panther sets due to copyright issues. This is a shame because it is the second best film of the series in my opinion (Behind "A Shot In The Dark"). This film has countless moments that define why people love Peter Sellers as Clouseau. This series doesn't flow story-wise so it's easy to overlook the fact that David Niven and Claudia Cardinale were replaced here by Christopher Plummer and Catherine Schell. Both pairs were good at the roles. A number of the gags such as the slow motion fight are similar to ones in "The Pink Panther Strikes Again", but the story isn't as ridiculous. I do like "The Pink Panther Strikes Again" but this film is a bit better. It captures Sellers as his bumbling best. Justice is served. What are you blind?

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Ambulance LTD

This band has gotten the worst out of a bad lawsuit between them and the Universal music corporation. They were only able to release two EPs and one album. They haven't released anything since 2006. This is such a shame. If you know of their music, it is wonderful. Their first (and hopefully not their last) full length album shows a promising band that was without a doubt one of the finest ensembles to surface that year. I am mad that they have been held back. They apparently now have a new lineup due to members such as Dave Longstreth leaving to start other projects (The great band "Dirty Projectors"), but I'm sure that if they one day resurface, their material will be outstanding. Until we hear about them, we could always study our New English. Justice is served.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Beirut (Band)

It is hard to capture a type of music that contains elements from many cultures. This band is really on it's own level. They are equally as complicated as bands such as "Animal Collective" and "Radiohead", but their songs feel like they are nostalgic pieces of Europe's past. You have to hear them for yourself. Listen to "Postcards From Italy" and you will know what I am talking about. What is surprising is that the band originated in New Mexico. This is such a strange and perfect band. I am blown away. This really shows that music translates to all of the world and is beautiful to everyone. Justice is served for the day. I hope it puts a sunday smile on your face.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Super 8

I am going to school to be in the film industry, and lately, there hasn't been many breakthroughs for the future of film. J.J. Abrams has permanently claimed a spot on my list of this generations best directors (Next to Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder). This film gave me hope that summer popcorn fun could also be smart and legendary. The film itself was seen by many people, but it's the fact that Abrams pulled off the retro style that is underrated. Many people I know are not going to see it because they are calling it "just another alien invasion movie". That is not what it is at all. It is a throwback to films that had that ragtag group of kids that could do anything with the support of each other. This put a smile on my face. It is a true classic. All of the actors in the film are outstanding but this kids were just awe inspiring. Bravo to everyone involved. I will never stop talking about this movie. I need to see it again. Perfect. Justice is served. I've seen it...nobody believes me.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Mystery of the Wax Museum

When everyone involved with the 2005 film "House of Wax" sat down to make the movie, they likely thought that they were just remaking the 1953 film "House of Wax". I would hope that they didn't overlook the ORIGINAL source material. This 1933 horror film is rarely talked about. The movie is great and I would bet that it was a superb apaptation of the unpublished short story, "The Wax Works". This was also one of the last films to use the rare two color technicolor system. The performances are great. Fay Wray of the original "King Kong" is great. The first time that I became aware of this film was when I was flipping through channels a few years ago and thought that "House of Wax" was being shown on Turner Classic movies. I realized that all of the actors were different and did research of this film. This should be remembered as a classic. Justice is served. I offer you immortality, my child.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

So Weird (Seasons 1 and 2)

If you were a kid in the 90's, you know that the Disney Channel used to be much better. I'm sorry, but it's true. This outstanding supernatural show gave kids a show to be interested in and creeped out by at the same time. I enjoyed the edgy first two seasons and was very disappointed in the third. I later found out that the show fell into different hands because the material was becoming too "scary" for children. The cast was changed and the show became lame. I think it should have just been shown later for those of us who actually enjoyed the show and found it interesting. My mom even enjoyed it. It was something that parents and kids could wait for each week. This show is among many other underrated 90's shows that I will get to writing about at some point. Justice is served.In the darkness is the light.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Modest Mouse: "The Moon and Antarctica"

Everyone knows the song "Float On" that popped this band into a more mainstream circuit. It is important for true fans to look at their earlier work also. On this album, there are many low key moments that are truly some of the greatest that this band has ever recorded. With songs such as "3rd Planet". "Paper Thin Walls", and "Lives", this is really a wonderful album that may be their best in my opinion. This is a landmark album that shouldn't be forgotten. It takes multiple listens to sink in, but it is worth it. Justice is served in this life like weeds.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Horsefeathers

When I think about my favorite Marx Brothers films, I think about which are filled to the brim with clever jokes that are nonstop. Here, we see them at their zany best. The dialogue is cleverly suggestive and the gags are laugh out loud funny. If you haven't seen the Marx Brothers together on screen, they are a hard act to describe, you have to see them for yourself. Their films are full of surprises. Thelma Todd is excellent as well. It's a shame that she died early in her life, (R.I.P.). The movie sees the Marx Brothers attending a college that Groucho is the dean of. This movie is off the wall fun. Justice is served. Where's the seal?

Monday, June 6, 2011

Peach Rings

This is personally my favorite candy/snack to have. The taste is so rich. I have eaten a ton of these without being sick of them. I'm not going to lie, this post stems from a craving that I have for them right now. People rarely talk about them though. They are just so delicious. There is your serving of justice for the day.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

The Decemberists

I think it's safe to say that everything that this band puts out is brilliant. I have listened to all of their albums, and never in my life have I heard so many odd and fascinating tales told through music. For instance, the album "Castaways and Cutouts" contains a song about a legionnaire who daydreams about being back home, while he is stuck in the dessert, appropriately titled "The Legionnaire's Lament". This band makes songs like this one surprisingly relatable. The lyrics are outstanding, and each album gives you stories that could easily be adapted into lively stage productions. I am amazed at how timeless all of their music feels. It all feels nostalgic yet crisp. The stories are backed by wonderful chords that are the icing on the cake. Bravo. Justice is served because America says it's so.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Hot Tub Time Machine

Yeah it's silly, but think about some of people in this cast. We have George McFly (Crispin Glover), Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase), and not to mention one of the biggest teen stars of the 80's, John Cusack himself. This was meant to be a fun throwback film, not an award winning film. There are a number of great references to 80's films in the movie. Who doesn't like a fun time travel story? People take this film too seriously. Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson and Clark Duke are all great as well. It is interesting to see Cusack returning to comedy, given that he has been in a bunch of serious roles lately. I would bet that he had fun working on this. Lizzy Caplan from the underrated show "Party Down" is also great. Justice is served. And the next time you need to look something up, you could use Lougle.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Susperia

We could thank Dario Argento for a number of different elements that make horror films effective such as weird camera angles, bizarre lighting, and gruesome deaths. This "Gialla" style horror film has really not been matched. I can't think of what to compare it to. The movie is unsettling over all, and really takes time to sink in. Yes, it is oddly paced as far as the action goes, but it never stops being fascinating. If you don't know the plot, it is about an American ballet dancer who decides to take her studies to Germany, only to find out the horrible truth about the directors of her dance studio. The surprises are numerous. I had fun watching this odd gem. Justice is served for the day. And remember,the only thing more terrifying than the last 12 minutes of the film are the first 92.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Hollywood Treasure

Syfy was very smart about choosing to put this show on the air. It is their best reality show next to "Face Off". If you haven't seen the show, it is about Joe Maddalena and his team of "Classic Hollywood Prop" experts that dig around in peoples' garages who have at one time or another gotten their hands on antiques from films or television shows. The merchandise is appraised and later sold at an auction to give the owners money that they need (Some people need the money to pay bills, etc.). The show is really a treasure for film and television buffs who will without a doubt drool at some of the antiques. I know I want the exact DeLorean that was used in "Back to the Future". They also dismiss items as fakes sometimes, so this show is the real deal. This show went beyond my expectations. It is interesting to see how much some of the props actually sell for. Finally, a show that I could have fun watching this summer. Justice is served to the highest bidder.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Entertainment Weekly Magazine

I remember when I first discovered Entertainment Weekly. It met the criteria that I was looking for. I wanted to read movie, tv, and music reviews, and hear the inside scoop on productions without all of the gossip of your average supermarket tabloid. This is the media magazine for the crowd that has a passion for entertainment. The fact that it comes out every week is great also. There is no once a month garbage. A lot of entertainment that I like was inspired by this magazine. The article on "Indiana Jones" before the fourth film came out was outstanding. I save a handful of issues like this one. Great job to the staff of "EW". Without this magazine, there would be no hope for entertainment buffs living in this generation when it comes to print. Justice is served for the week of 6/3/2011.