20 Feet From Stardom

OH MY GOD!!! This film about back up singers is mesmerizing.  They are back ups to many of the big stars and groups. This documentary is one not to miss.  The film itself is so well shot and edited and the sound quality is tops.  Of course, the music is also some of the best with many all-time classics.  The singers are a very interesting bunch.  Call it an A+, 5 stars, man jumping off the chair clapping (and screaming with joy).  I think this movie will win the Oscar for best documentary and may even get an Oscar nod for Best Movie!

Off the Cuff

July 4, 2013

Strolling back from the movie with Masten
a gorgeous babe slipped into a waiting car
street people, change, trash
on with the blocks
and home
fireworks & manhattans
good food, warmth
and thanks about the pleasures
but a hitch
there but for....
the luck of the Irish
  and way, way more than that

Before Midnight

This great film is probably the best of the "before" series of three very special movies.  Beautifully shot and acted, it's the script that makes it so exceptional.  This couple bong around in their endless conversations with each other.  These resonate with so many of us, I'm sure, who have been sparring in the relationship world for awhile.  Love and exasperation, humor and irritation.  Sometimes it seems they are just a word or two from ending it all.  A scary-real film.  I'll see this movie again.

Off The Cuff

I just spent most of the last week in Austin, Texas at Mary Lou's 55th high school reunion.  Somewhere in there I suddenly realized that I'm almost 80 (next Feb.).  In 20 years I'll be almost 100! 
HOLY CRAP!!

Extraordinary Movie (Disconnect) and Extraordinary new TV Series (Rectify)

Disconnect is not to be missed.  It deals with the internet and issues involving bullying and identity theft, interweaving three sets of people with very current  and real problems.
Rectify is also not to be missed.  A man convicted of murder and rape is released from prison after 19 years based upon DNA evidence exonerating him..  How will his family, friends, the townfolk treat him?  This is unfolding in ways sometimes predictable and sometimes shocking  There is a fascinating creepiness that sifts through every scene in this most compelling drama.  I don't feel creeped out.  I want to give this guy a chance, but I need to know more if I'm going side with him.  Also, he is a little creepy himself.  See what I mean and why I find this so compelling?

A Movie, A Book and more Off the Cuff

Spring Breakers.  Tampa is loaded with rockin' bare breasted party animals.  It turns out not to be such a great party after all, but along the way we've got a pulsating sound track and some great music from Chris Martinez (Traffic).  And along comes James Franco in a wild and exhilarating performance.
The book, Flight Behavior, by Barbara Kingsolver is a must-read.  It pits the scientists/environmentalists with the locals in a poor Appalachian town to grapple with a huge influx of butterflies that get off course due to climate changes and settle in trees that are being considered for a presumed money-making logging venture.
Off the Cuff:  "If you don't follow your dreams, you're just like a cow in the field." Werner Herzog

Ryan Gosling, Mad Men and New Addition to this Blog

Ryan Gosling is the most magnetic actor out there right now.  Go see The Place Beyond The Pines.  It is not an A movie, and the reason will be obvious when you see this film.  I'd still give it a good solid B, however.  Mad Men is off to a rousing start as it keeps a firm hold on the best tv series going.  After touting The Good Wife, I've been extremely disappointed in the most recent shows.  I sure hope they can get back that grit with episodes that raise complicated moral issues instead of the current drivel. 
I'm going to add an Off the Cuff entry to this blog, which I expect to regularly appear.  First entry here is:
Do you know what good friends do?   They shoot the shit.