By
Charles A. Smith
"When The Drum Is Beating," from filmmaker Whitney Dow, is a documentary about the life of an extraordinary people, country, and band. The country is Haiti, the people are Haitians, and the band is Septentrional, known fondly in Haiti as Septen. For 60 years, this 20 member band has filled the hearts of the Haitian people with joy and their remarkable sound. The country has certainly seen its share of hardships since its inception, but the people of Haiti, who are resilient and proud, have always had their music. Even slaves in chains prior to the revolution in 1804 danced and sang, illustrating the points that there is always hope as long as the heart endures and also, that freedom is a state of mind.
This sensational and highly uplifting film gives insights into the history of a great people, their traditions, and the culture of Haiti. The breathtaking cinematography shows Haiti as it was, is, and provides a look at what it could become. The light that is shed on the lives of the Septen musicians and their struggles is candid and revealing, giving the viewer one of the most factual and touching first hand look at the magic in the midst of chaos. Though Septentrional is clearly talented, they too suffer to create the music that so many love and can find solace in. I really loved Septen's music, which is played throughout the documentary, which is in French with subtitles, giving it an authentic feel. My heart really goes out to these people who have gone through so much, but continue to remain true to their traditions, relying on music to feed their souls during dark and perilous times.
I don't believe that anyone can watch this gripping and heart warming film and just turn the television off and forget about these people, this country, or this band. This is one film that becomes a part of you, claiming a place in your heart and mind. There are so many different emotions evoked by "When The Drum Is Beating," that you will wonder how Dow was able to make you feel them all in such a short amount of time, but this is a fine piece of work that deserves to be heralded at the highest levels.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Film Review: The Most Dangerous Man in America
By
Charles A. Smith
In the early years of the Vietnam war, Dr. Daniel Ellsberg was a strategist, reporting to top officials of the U.S. Government, including then presidents Johnson and Nixon. Some of the information from his earliest missions was falsified and embellished to justify what eventually led to the first attacks by the U.S. Navy against Vietnam. The young Ellsberg watched helplessly as those he reported the truth to lied to the public, fueling the fires of a war that he advised America could not win. Though he disagreed with his superiors behind closed doors, a battle between patriotism and guilt raged within him, but at the time, he took no further measures to unveil the truth to the American people. Ellsberg did his job like so many before and after him, caught between a sense of duty to his country and his own conscience. That duty encompassed keeping secrets, regardless of how they were misused or distorted to accomplish the goals of less than honorable men who sought the accomplishment of their goals despite the cost to the U.S. and others.
The Most Dangerous Man In America, from filmmakers Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith, is a thoroughly entertaining documentary that is both chilling and powerful. It pinpoints that struggle between right and wrong that rages within each of us, but in Ellsberg's case, the battle within was compounded by carrying the weight and fate of the country on his shoulders, affecting him on a deeply personal and moral level. The film shines the light quite brightly on little known facts that are very difficult to face about the U.S. government. Ellsberg's morality eventually led him to expose the very people he had kept quiet to protect, and many lives were spared because of the great personal risk he took to do so. After more than 2 million Vietnamese and 58,000 American lives were lost, wasted on a war that was fought under false pretenses, Ellsberg dropped a bomb of his own on the U.S. government in 1971, confessing what he knew to be true and causing a ripple effect which reverberated on through Watergate, the impeachment of President Richard Nixon, and the U.S. Supreme Court's decision regarding the First Amendment rights of the New York Times and the Washington Post.
Interesting and enlightening from the first second of the documentary to the last, The Most Dangerous Man In America is a must-see film for all Americans and certainly those who believe that our government is beyond reproach. On this Memorial Day, I honor our veterans, but know now also that many of them died for the wrong reasons. I salute their families, share their pain, and hope as many others do, that one day we can learn to settle our differences like gentlemen instead of warriors -- on the chess board instead of the battlefield. And I'm thankful for those who have the courage to make such films and expose us to the harsh reality that power can be a very dangerous thing in the wrong hands and a beacon of hope in the right ones. This film is superb at pointing this out, and nothing could be added or taken away that could make it better than it is. Job well done!
Charles A. Smith
In the early years of the Vietnam war, Dr. Daniel Ellsberg was a strategist, reporting to top officials of the U.S. Government, including then presidents Johnson and Nixon. Some of the information from his earliest missions was falsified and embellished to justify what eventually led to the first attacks by the U.S. Navy against Vietnam. The young Ellsberg watched helplessly as those he reported the truth to lied to the public, fueling the fires of a war that he advised America could not win. Though he disagreed with his superiors behind closed doors, a battle between patriotism and guilt raged within him, but at the time, he took no further measures to unveil the truth to the American people. Ellsberg did his job like so many before and after him, caught between a sense of duty to his country and his own conscience. That duty encompassed keeping secrets, regardless of how they were misused or distorted to accomplish the goals of less than honorable men who sought the accomplishment of their goals despite the cost to the U.S. and others.
The Most Dangerous Man In America, from filmmakers Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith, is a thoroughly entertaining documentary that is both chilling and powerful. It pinpoints that struggle between right and wrong that rages within each of us, but in Ellsberg's case, the battle within was compounded by carrying the weight and fate of the country on his shoulders, affecting him on a deeply personal and moral level. The film shines the light quite brightly on little known facts that are very difficult to face about the U.S. government. Ellsberg's morality eventually led him to expose the very people he had kept quiet to protect, and many lives were spared because of the great personal risk he took to do so. After more than 2 million Vietnamese and 58,000 American lives were lost, wasted on a war that was fought under false pretenses, Ellsberg dropped a bomb of his own on the U.S. government in 1971, confessing what he knew to be true and causing a ripple effect which reverberated on through Watergate, the impeachment of President Richard Nixon, and the U.S. Supreme Court's decision regarding the First Amendment rights of the New York Times and the Washington Post.
Interesting and enlightening from the first second of the documentary to the last, The Most Dangerous Man In America is a must-see film for all Americans and certainly those who believe that our government is beyond reproach. On this Memorial Day, I honor our veterans, but know now also that many of them died for the wrong reasons. I salute their families, share their pain, and hope as many others do, that one day we can learn to settle our differences like gentlemen instead of warriors -- on the chess board instead of the battlefield. And I'm thankful for those who have the courage to make such films and expose us to the harsh reality that power can be a very dangerous thing in the wrong hands and a beacon of hope in the right ones. This film is superb at pointing this out, and nothing could be added or taken away that could make it better than it is. Job well done!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Film Review: Garbo: The Spy
By
Charles A. Smith
When you hear the name Garbo, it usually invokes images of beauty, as in the glamorous international movie icon Greta Garbo. There was an actor who also bore that name, however, his craft was not conducted on the stage or screen, but in the shadows of high espionage. Garbo: The Spy, from Director/Writer/Producer Edmon Roch, is a fascinating and exhilarating true account of the exploits of Juan Pujol Garcia (code name Garbo) and the role of double agent that he so adeptly played during World War II.
Feeding false information to the Nazis, with the help of his incredibly creative mind, he fabricated a network of agents who "reported" to him and supplied the Germans with false intel in most cases or disseminated more factual information that was timed in such a way that rendered it virtually useless. During this entire time, he developed relationships with both the Nazis and allies that made him a star player for both sides. Garbo received both the Iron Cross and Royal rights in England, making him the only man in history to receive the highest honor possible from opposing sides in a war. Has anyone surpassed his accomplishments? Well, of course, we'll never know that, but somehow, it seems highly unlikely.
Garbo's clever web of fictitious agents were sheer genius, as he played the role of multiple agents on the German side at one time, and did it alone. His astute ability at deceiving the Germans helped the Allied troops land at Normandy while the enemy awaited their arrival in vain at Calais. Hitler himself was even fooled by Garbo's false reports, and fell victim to the master spy's trickery.
The outtakes of real footage from the 1940's and black and white movies made about those times are extremely interesting, giving the viewer more than a glimpse of the past, transporting one back to those times. This is one of the finest, most significant and extraordinary documentaries ever made. The historical value and intrigue are priceless. I could not possibly praise this film enough. This is a two thumbs up, must see documentary, made by a true visionary.
Charles A. Smith
When you hear the name Garbo, it usually invokes images of beauty, as in the glamorous international movie icon Greta Garbo. There was an actor who also bore that name, however, his craft was not conducted on the stage or screen, but in the shadows of high espionage. Garbo: The Spy, from Director/Writer/Producer Edmon Roch, is a fascinating and exhilarating true account of the exploits of Juan Pujol Garcia (code name Garbo) and the role of double agent that he so adeptly played during World War II.
Feeding false information to the Nazis, with the help of his incredibly creative mind, he fabricated a network of agents who "reported" to him and supplied the Germans with false intel in most cases or disseminated more factual information that was timed in such a way that rendered it virtually useless. During this entire time, he developed relationships with both the Nazis and allies that made him a star player for both sides. Garbo received both the Iron Cross and Royal rights in England, making him the only man in history to receive the highest honor possible from opposing sides in a war. Has anyone surpassed his accomplishments? Well, of course, we'll never know that, but somehow, it seems highly unlikely.
Garbo's clever web of fictitious agents were sheer genius, as he played the role of multiple agents on the German side at one time, and did it alone. His astute ability at deceiving the Germans helped the Allied troops land at Normandy while the enemy awaited their arrival in vain at Calais. Hitler himself was even fooled by Garbo's false reports, and fell victim to the master spy's trickery.
The outtakes of real footage from the 1940's and black and white movies made about those times are extremely interesting, giving the viewer more than a glimpse of the past, transporting one back to those times. This is one of the finest, most significant and extraordinary documentaries ever made. The historical value and intrigue are priceless. I could not possibly praise this film enough. This is a two thumbs up, must see documentary, made by a true visionary.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Film Review: Man On A Mission
By
Charles A. Smith
"Man On A Mission," directed by Mike Woolf, is a fascinating peek into the life of Richard Garriott, who made his fortune in computer as one of the founding fathers of MMORG (Massive Multiplayer Oline Role Playing Games), detailing his chronicle to be on the first commercial civilian flight to outer space, with a hefty price tag of $30 million/seat. The son of NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, Richard always dreamed of following in his father's footsteps but was unable to because of nearsightedness. In "Man On A Mission," Garriott share his dreams, plights, and training to obtain a space on the Russian rocket that will inevitably provide him with his life's greatest aspiration. The film is very well made and viewers will find it to be exhilirating, funny, scary, but most of all, entertaining. This is an excellent documentary which includes bonus features as well, answering the questions that most would want to ask. I found it to be well worth the watch and consider it a "must see!"
Charles A. Smith
"Man On A Mission," directed by Mike Woolf, is a fascinating peek into the life of Richard Garriott, who made his fortune in computer as one of the founding fathers of MMORG (Massive Multiplayer Oline Role Playing Games), detailing his chronicle to be on the first commercial civilian flight to outer space, with a hefty price tag of $30 million/seat. The son of NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, Richard always dreamed of following in his father's footsteps but was unable to because of nearsightedness. In "Man On A Mission," Garriott share his dreams, plights, and training to obtain a space on the Russian rocket that will inevitably provide him with his life's greatest aspiration. The film is very well made and viewers will find it to be exhilirating, funny, scary, but most of all, entertaining. This is an excellent documentary which includes bonus features as well, answering the questions that most would want to ask. I found it to be well worth the watch and consider it a "must see!"
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Film Review: American Teacher
By
Michele Wilson-Morris
American Teacher, produced and directed by Vanessa Roth, is a documentary that provides a fascinating view and reality check about the teaching profession in America, addressing the issues of teachers who are exceptional, and why they either struggle to remain in the profession, or choose to move on to greener pastures. The fact is, the teaching profession is not viewed with as much respect in America as it is in other countries, and teachers, their families, and school children suffer as a result. In Finland, Singapore, and South Korea, where teachers are revered and there is a cultural respect for the profession, only the best graduating students are recruited by the government for teaching positions, and it is considered an honor to be selected. These teachers receive 2 1/2 times what U.S. teachers do for classroom materials, and they are much more highly compensated, with better benefits. Consequently, these countries hold the top 3 spots in the world in terms of student achievement. Also, very few teachers leave the profession in these countries or experience the "burnout" that most American teachers do.
American Teacher delves into many topics that affect U.S. teachers, and shows that they don't have the easy jobs with great hours that most Americans think they do. In fact, many of them have second jobs just to make ends meet, and work weekends as well just to be able to keep up with classroom work. Yes, there are teachers out there who shouldn't be in the profession, and those teachers should be dealt with. But the majority of teachers are in the profession because it is their passion, and they bring creativity, love, and a desire to excel and nurture their students into the best and most confident young people they can be, and they should be rewarded and held in high esteem for doing so. This film is another that I highly recommend as a "must see" for everyone, as it's a problem that affects everyone, whether we wish to believe so or not.
Whatever your opinion of teachers is, American Teacher will almost certainly provide new insights and make you reevaluate your position. It is a highly enjoyable, but reflective piece that hits home on many levels.
Michele Wilson-Morris
American Teacher, produced and directed by Vanessa Roth, is a documentary that provides a fascinating view and reality check about the teaching profession in America, addressing the issues of teachers who are exceptional, and why they either struggle to remain in the profession, or choose to move on to greener pastures. The fact is, the teaching profession is not viewed with as much respect in America as it is in other countries, and teachers, their families, and school children suffer as a result. In Finland, Singapore, and South Korea, where teachers are revered and there is a cultural respect for the profession, only the best graduating students are recruited by the government for teaching positions, and it is considered an honor to be selected. These teachers receive 2 1/2 times what U.S. teachers do for classroom materials, and they are much more highly compensated, with better benefits. Consequently, these countries hold the top 3 spots in the world in terms of student achievement. Also, very few teachers leave the profession in these countries or experience the "burnout" that most American teachers do.
American Teacher delves into many topics that affect U.S. teachers, and shows that they don't have the easy jobs with great hours that most Americans think they do. In fact, many of them have second jobs just to make ends meet, and work weekends as well just to be able to keep up with classroom work. Yes, there are teachers out there who shouldn't be in the profession, and those teachers should be dealt with. But the majority of teachers are in the profession because it is their passion, and they bring creativity, love, and a desire to excel and nurture their students into the best and most confident young people they can be, and they should be rewarded and held in high esteem for doing so. This film is another that I highly recommend as a "must see" for everyone, as it's a problem that affects everyone, whether we wish to believe so or not.
Whatever your opinion of teachers is, American Teacher will almost certainly provide new insights and make you reevaluate your position. It is a highly enjoyable, but reflective piece that hits home on many levels.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Film Review: Pink Ribbons
By
Michele Wilson-Morris
Directed by veteran filmmaker Lea Pool for the National Film Board of Canada, Pink Ribbons, Inc. is a revealing and almost heart breaking look at the pink ribbons that are widely recognized as being supportive of the fight against breast cancer. But corporate greed seems to know no end, and certainly doesn't seem to have a conscience regardless of the seriousness of the cause, as long as they can increase their bottom line, and unfortunately, the pink ribbon movement is no exception to that. The trust and sincerity that we, who proudly display those ribbons and participate in walks/runs and anything else to support those with breast cancer, appears to have been betrayed both by the Susan G. Komen foundation, and big corporate interests, who add their names and products to the cause because of the huge revenues involved, but give back very little to the actual cancer survivors and research to find out what truly causes the disease. Stated bluntly, the pink ribbons and the Susan G. Komen foundation are a cash cow, and corporate America is cashing in. Sad, but true.
In interviews with Dr. Samantha King, whose book Pink Ribbons, Inc.: Breast Cancer and the Politics of Philanthropy was the inspiration for this film, and medical experts like Barbara A. Brenner, Dr. Charlene Elliott, Barbara Ehrenreich, Dr. Susan Love, and those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, we find that the "support" and fundraising isn't really funding better research, which makes one wonder if it's in Corporate America's best interest for a cure not to be found.
This film will touch your heart and emotions, and if after watching it, you're not stunned and somewhat demoralized, I'd be very surprised. Pink Ribbons, Inc. should be viewed by everyone who supports the fight against breast cancer and truly wants to see the disease wiped out. Pool hopes that the film will encourage people "to be more critical and more politically conscious about our actions to to stop thinking that by buying pink products, we're doing what needs to be done." I concur with her sentiments and add a very genuine and adamant, "So do I."
Michele Wilson-Morris
Directed by veteran filmmaker Lea Pool for the National Film Board of Canada, Pink Ribbons, Inc. is a revealing and almost heart breaking look at the pink ribbons that are widely recognized as being supportive of the fight against breast cancer. But corporate greed seems to know no end, and certainly doesn't seem to have a conscience regardless of the seriousness of the cause, as long as they can increase their bottom line, and unfortunately, the pink ribbon movement is no exception to that. The trust and sincerity that we, who proudly display those ribbons and participate in walks/runs and anything else to support those with breast cancer, appears to have been betrayed both by the Susan G. Komen foundation, and big corporate interests, who add their names and products to the cause because of the huge revenues involved, but give back very little to the actual cancer survivors and research to find out what truly causes the disease. Stated bluntly, the pink ribbons and the Susan G. Komen foundation are a cash cow, and corporate America is cashing in. Sad, but true.
In interviews with Dr. Samantha King, whose book Pink Ribbons, Inc.: Breast Cancer and the Politics of Philanthropy was the inspiration for this film, and medical experts like Barbara A. Brenner, Dr. Charlene Elliott, Barbara Ehrenreich, Dr. Susan Love, and those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, we find that the "support" and fundraising isn't really funding better research, which makes one wonder if it's in Corporate America's best interest for a cure not to be found.
This film will touch your heart and emotions, and if after watching it, you're not stunned and somewhat demoralized, I'd be very surprised. Pink Ribbons, Inc. should be viewed by everyone who supports the fight against breast cancer and truly wants to see the disease wiped out. Pool hopes that the film will encourage people "to be more critical and more politically conscious about our actions to to stop thinking that by buying pink products, we're doing what needs to be done." I concur with her sentiments and add a very genuine and adamant, "So do I."
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Film Review: Inventing Our Life - The Kibbutz Experiment
By
Michele Wilson-Morris
In Toby Perl Freilich's "Inventing Our Life: The Kibbutz Experiment, Israel's hopes and fears for the very survival of its Kibbutz movement are highlighted in a deeply compelling and thought-provoking film. Freilich's documentary gives a good history lesson of the Kibbutz movement and brings us forward to present day with clarity and detail, outlining the challenges Israel faces with conviction and timeliness.
One hundred years ago, small groups of eastern European Jews who were known as the Kibbutz began to migrate to Palestine to make a new way of life, eventually becoming what we know to be the state of Israel today. But by the 1970's, society began to change and the Kibbutz movement, being no exception, began to unravel, raising the question "How could what seemed like an almost Utopian society falter? Everything from raising children to tending the land was done as a collective for the success of the group, and for a long time it worked. But just like the young people who were the pioneers of the Kibbutz wanted change, so do the youth of the Kibbutz today. Can Israel survive these changes? Is the idea of the collective being replaced by Capitalism and the American dream? The film explores these questions in detail, incorporated the viewpoints of everyone from seniors to children. "Inventing Our Life - The Kibbutz Experiment" is a very informative and thought provoking piece that should be required viewing for everyone as this is a true account of the ideals that can shape the beginning of a new path for any people and the challenges that may await them along the way. Although this is a Jewish story, it is significant, timely, and relevant for us all. Freilich did a fine job with this film, which will move anyone viewing it. It is powerful and seductive, and should find a place in history of its own.
Michele Wilson-Morris
In Toby Perl Freilich's "Inventing Our Life: The Kibbutz Experiment, Israel's hopes and fears for the very survival of its Kibbutz movement are highlighted in a deeply compelling and thought-provoking film. Freilich's documentary gives a good history lesson of the Kibbutz movement and brings us forward to present day with clarity and detail, outlining the challenges Israel faces with conviction and timeliness.
One hundred years ago, small groups of eastern European Jews who were known as the Kibbutz began to migrate to Palestine to make a new way of life, eventually becoming what we know to be the state of Israel today. But by the 1970's, society began to change and the Kibbutz movement, being no exception, began to unravel, raising the question "How could what seemed like an almost Utopian society falter? Everything from raising children to tending the land was done as a collective for the success of the group, and for a long time it worked. But just like the young people who were the pioneers of the Kibbutz wanted change, so do the youth of the Kibbutz today. Can Israel survive these changes? Is the idea of the collective being replaced by Capitalism and the American dream? The film explores these questions in detail, incorporated the viewpoints of everyone from seniors to children. "Inventing Our Life - The Kibbutz Experiment" is a very informative and thought provoking piece that should be required viewing for everyone as this is a true account of the ideals that can shape the beginning of a new path for any people and the challenges that may await them along the way. Although this is a Jewish story, it is significant, timely, and relevant for us all. Freilich did a fine job with this film, which will move anyone viewing it. It is powerful and seductive, and should find a place in history of its own.
Film Review: Sesame Street:Singing With The Stars
By
Michele Wilson-Morris
From the very beginning, Sesame Street has been an innovator in finding ways to help educate children. In "Sesame Street: Singing With The Stars," they had some help from huge celebs like Jason Mraz, Andrea Bocelli, Alicia Keys, LL Cool J, Adam Sandler, Hootie and the Blowfish, and many others who are doing their thing while the muppets sing and dance along. It's a double whammy of star power when the muppets meet music, and the winners are all in viewing range of this great DVD. Sesame Street has had a major upgrade in both its look and coolness factor as the artists all sing melodies that sound just like you're listening to your radio, and the muppets are rocking to the groove with the dance moves of 2012. "Sesame Street: Singing With The Stars" is very entertaining, and children of all ages will find themselves enjoying it. This is a DVD that the entire family can enjoy together as new memories are made and old ones are brought back to life. The timeless and faithful Sesame Street process of learning how to count are matched to lyrics sung by today's hottest artists, and the process is brilliant.
Slow changes in scenery make it ideal for younger viewers, but not too slow for those of us over 21 and then some. This is a blue ribbon film like only Sesame Street can do, and it also comes with a CD that has 5 songs on it so little ones can sing along in the car. The world was so much better when we all lived on Sesame Street, and watching this will take you back there and make you want to stay.
Michele Wilson-Morris
From the very beginning, Sesame Street has been an innovator in finding ways to help educate children. In "Sesame Street: Singing With The Stars," they had some help from huge celebs like Jason Mraz, Andrea Bocelli, Alicia Keys, LL Cool J, Adam Sandler, Hootie and the Blowfish, and many others who are doing their thing while the muppets sing and dance along. It's a double whammy of star power when the muppets meet music, and the winners are all in viewing range of this great DVD. Sesame Street has had a major upgrade in both its look and coolness factor as the artists all sing melodies that sound just like you're listening to your radio, and the muppets are rocking to the groove with the dance moves of 2012. "Sesame Street: Singing With The Stars" is very entertaining, and children of all ages will find themselves enjoying it. This is a DVD that the entire family can enjoy together as new memories are made and old ones are brought back to life. The timeless and faithful Sesame Street process of learning how to count are matched to lyrics sung by today's hottest artists, and the process is brilliant.
Slow changes in scenery make it ideal for younger viewers, but not too slow for those of us over 21 and then some. This is a blue ribbon film like only Sesame Street can do, and it also comes with a CD that has 5 songs on it so little ones can sing along in the car. The world was so much better when we all lived on Sesame Street, and watching this will take you back there and make you want to stay.
Film Review: Never Stand Still
By
Charles A. Smith
Ron Honsa's "Never Stand Still," Winner of Best Documentary at both the San Francisco Dance Film Festival and the Dance Camera West Festival in Los Angeles, is a splendid and stunning documentary about the art of dance and the internationally renowned mecca Jacob's Pillow, established in the 1930's by innovator Ted Shawn on a farm in the Berkshires. It continues today to be a hot spot for dancers around the world. The documentary details the stories of those who danced there and a part of a deep and rich heritage, including the legends Marge Champion, Merce Cunningham, Suzanne Farrell, Alvin Ailey, and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Both workshop and theater, Jacob's Pillow provides the audience with an intimate look at its prodigies and promises, in an up close and personal way that astonishes and mesmerizes. Fast paces and energetic, the film moves the viewer through the course of the past and present in a way that only Ron Honsa could do. One of the quotes from "Never Stand Still" comes from Gideon Obarzanek:"Jacob's Pillow is know as the keeper." My own personal quote about it? "Never Stand Still is a keeper."
Charles A. Smith
Ron Honsa's "Never Stand Still," Winner of Best Documentary at both the San Francisco Dance Film Festival and the Dance Camera West Festival in Los Angeles, is a splendid and stunning documentary about the art of dance and the internationally renowned mecca Jacob's Pillow, established in the 1930's by innovator Ted Shawn on a farm in the Berkshires. It continues today to be a hot spot for dancers around the world. The documentary details the stories of those who danced there and a part of a deep and rich heritage, including the legends Marge Champion, Merce Cunningham, Suzanne Farrell, Alvin Ailey, and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Both workshop and theater, Jacob's Pillow provides the audience with an intimate look at its prodigies and promises, in an up close and personal way that astonishes and mesmerizes. Fast paces and energetic, the film moves the viewer through the course of the past and present in a way that only Ron Honsa could do. One of the quotes from "Never Stand Still" comes from Gideon Obarzanek:"Jacob's Pillow is know as the keeper." My own personal quote about it? "Never Stand Still is a keeper."
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Film Review: Nobody Else But You
By
Charles A. Smith
"Nobody Else But You" is a delightful and eccentric thriller with just the right hint of humor. An interesting murder mystery set in the town of Mouthe, France, the film captures the beauty of the region while providing intrigue and surprises galore. Filmed in French with English subtitles, the acting, scenery, and production are all top notch, and just when you think you've figured it all out, there's a new twist and the plot thickens.
"Nobody Else But You" is about a struggling writer trying to find inspiration, and find it he does, in a most unlikely and fascinating way while visiting an old childhood family vacation retreat. Curiosity gets the best of him as he tries to determine if a death deemed a suicide was indeed that or if it was murder. Movie fans will be thoroughly satisfied with this well thought out and superbly acted film. Gerald Hustache-Mathieu's directing is exceptional, and many of the scenes are shot from angles that offer more to the naked eye than the norm. Viewers will find themselves guessing until the very last minute in this offbeat, but clever production. This one gets two thumbs up, and is a great date movie to boot.
Charles A. Smith
"Nobody Else But You" is a delightful and eccentric thriller with just the right hint of humor. An interesting murder mystery set in the town of Mouthe, France, the film captures the beauty of the region while providing intrigue and surprises galore. Filmed in French with English subtitles, the acting, scenery, and production are all top notch, and just when you think you've figured it all out, there's a new twist and the plot thickens.
"Nobody Else But You" is about a struggling writer trying to find inspiration, and find it he does, in a most unlikely and fascinating way while visiting an old childhood family vacation retreat. Curiosity gets the best of him as he tries to determine if a death deemed a suicide was indeed that or if it was murder. Movie fans will be thoroughly satisfied with this well thought out and superbly acted film. Gerald Hustache-Mathieu's directing is exceptional, and many of the scenes are shot from angles that offer more to the naked eye than the norm. Viewers will find themselves guessing until the very last minute in this offbeat, but clever production. This one gets two thumbs up, and is a great date movie to boot.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
CD Review: Mark Wayne Glasmire (Self-titled)
By
Charles A. Smith
"Last Of A Dying Breed," the first cut on Mark Wayne Glasmire's self titled album, describes the singer perfectly with his great all American style and pure vocals. Glasmire is a great story teller, and blends his beautiful voice with the lyrics in a perfect combination, accentuated by both natural ability and experience. Both the ladies and gents will like this crooner, who exemplifies good country music that everyone can enjoy, including music fans of other genres. "Going Home" is a beautiful song about a soldier's call to duty and this tribute to the men and women who serve our country is both patriotic and heartwarming, as he pulls out all the stops, including a fantastic harmonica solo and a great band. All of the music is beautifully arranged, and the songs are stories that you'll remember and want to hear again and again as you can really relate to them. Glasmire has the gift of making you feel his music through his voice and expression, which is almost hypnotic. He shows his "wild side" a bit and does some boogie woogie on the track "She's Got It All," which seals the deal on his star quality. I think it's safe to say that Mark has arrived and is here to stay. "Mark Wayne Glasmire" is an excellent CD, and one that belongs in any country fan's collection.
CD Review: Compared To That (Brian Bromberg)
By
Charles A. Smith
Brian Bromberg's new CD, "Compared To That" is a classic in the making that's done by a master who is surrounded by others of equal skill, but on different instruments. The new 10 track CD, which will be released on June 5th by the Grammy nominated bassist/producer/composer/arranger who has played with everyone who's anyone in the world of music, is absolutely phenomenal. Never has a bass sounded so good! With jazz royalty artists like Alex Acuna, Gannin Arnold, Charlie Bisharat, Randy Brecker, Vinnie Colaiuta, George Duke, Bela Fleck, Mitch Forman, Larry Goldings, Gary Meek, and Tom Zink recording the album live in a two day jam session with Bromberg, the CD was destined for greatness and did not miss the mark. "If Ray Brown Was A Cowboy" is a powerful testimony to Bromberg's abilities on the upright bass, and well worth the listen. The solo is very well done, and it's interesting to note how a bassist can play the dominant role in a piece without being overbearing. You'll find folk jazz, classic jazz, smooth jazz, jazz fusion, and everything else you can think of or would like to hear on this album. The hybrid of styles and samples is amazing, and Bromberg's range in both playing and composing is exceptional and unique. "Hayride" is another great cut which incorporates instruments that are unconventional in jazz, such as the banjo, but with great results. The bottom line is, "Compared To That" is simply incomparable. Surrounded by a group of musicians who hold up their end of the jazz bandwagon, Bromberg is free to let his creative juices flow, and he does it with style and finesse. This is the music of a man who is at the top of his game.
Charles A. Smith
Brian Bromberg's new CD, "Compared To That" is a classic in the making that's done by a master who is surrounded by others of equal skill, but on different instruments. The new 10 track CD, which will be released on June 5th by the Grammy nominated bassist/producer/composer/arranger who has played with everyone who's anyone in the world of music, is absolutely phenomenal. Never has a bass sounded so good! With jazz royalty artists like Alex Acuna, Gannin Arnold, Charlie Bisharat, Randy Brecker, Vinnie Colaiuta, George Duke, Bela Fleck, Mitch Forman, Larry Goldings, Gary Meek, and Tom Zink recording the album live in a two day jam session with Bromberg, the CD was destined for greatness and did not miss the mark. "If Ray Brown Was A Cowboy" is a powerful testimony to Bromberg's abilities on the upright bass, and well worth the listen. The solo is very well done, and it's interesting to note how a bassist can play the dominant role in a piece without being overbearing. You'll find folk jazz, classic jazz, smooth jazz, jazz fusion, and everything else you can think of or would like to hear on this album. The hybrid of styles and samples is amazing, and Bromberg's range in both playing and composing is exceptional and unique. "Hayride" is another great cut which incorporates instruments that are unconventional in jazz, such as the banjo, but with great results. The bottom line is, "Compared To That" is simply incomparable. Surrounded by a group of musicians who hold up their end of the jazz bandwagon, Bromberg is free to let his creative juices flow, and he does it with style and finesse. This is the music of a man who is at the top of his game.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
CD Review: Natural Selection (Soundtrack)
By
Paul Anderson
I first heard the music of the composer iZLER on the new ABC series "Revenge." For the movie Natural Selection, he paints a scene, punctuates the important parts of the show, and brings out the romance. The warm tones of finger style guitar, piano, and beautiful harmonies found in "Domestic Bliss" (track 2) reveal what you'll find throughout the music score -- music that reflects sensual and seductive scenes with jazzy grooves and even a Tango. The use of the Hammond B3 organ is beautiful and haunting with subtle dynamics that remind me of the style of Larry Goldings. You'll find wonderful understatement and beauty in iZLER's compositions for Natural Selection. And my favorite melody in "Domestic Bliss" is reprised in the last song "Diner" and swipes out with an interesting reverse piano sound. iZLER crafts a scene with charming melodic ideas and clever use of jazzy rhythms, which always leave me wanting more. Well done.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)