The Entertainment Bank thanks you for your patience. We will be back with more reviews in the next couple of days, and will be adding all genres of movies to the body of work that we review.
Thank you for stopping by The Entertainment Bank, and please come back again in a couple of days to see more of what you love!! We'll be bigger and better than ever!!
Michele Wilson-Morris
Founder & CEO
The Entertainment Bank
Showing posts with label The Entertainment Bank. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Entertainment Bank. Show all posts
Sunday, July 8, 2012
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!"
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.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
CD Review: Romance Language (Kirk Whalum)
By
Paul Anderson
Kirk Whalum's latest CD, "Romance Language" is significant for jazz. It brings jazz to music lovers who may never have heard John Coltrane, and Johnny Hartman's 1963 recording. Kirk is to Trane as his brother Kevin is to Hartman on this project. Kevin represents a new generation of vocalists who are finding fresh directions in jazz. Kirk's entire band brings ideas and arrangements that are clever, and effective. And yes, I really like the Eleanor Rigby quote on "Autumn Serenade!"
"Almost Doesn't Count", features Peanuts on vocals, Kirk's uncle of 83 years young, and he nails it! Jazz purists, I urge you to take a listen and be prepared to smile, because there is no gimmickry here -- just sincere performances and great artistry. This gentleman belongs right at the top where he is, and once again, bravo Mr. Whalum.
Note: Be sure to listen to the exclusive interview with Kirk Whalum, about "Romance Language" and much more on the Entertainment Bank. Coming soon!
Paul Anderson
Kirk Whalum's latest CD, "Romance Language" is significant for jazz. It brings jazz to music lovers who may never have heard John Coltrane, and Johnny Hartman's 1963 recording. Kirk is to Trane as his brother Kevin is to Hartman on this project. Kevin represents a new generation of vocalists who are finding fresh directions in jazz. Kirk's entire band brings ideas and arrangements that are clever, and effective. And yes, I really like the Eleanor Rigby quote on "Autumn Serenade!"
"Almost Doesn't Count", features Peanuts on vocals, Kirk's uncle of 83 years young, and he nails it! Jazz purists, I urge you to take a listen and be prepared to smile, because there is no gimmickry here -- just sincere performances and great artistry. This gentleman belongs right at the top where he is, and once again, bravo Mr. Whalum.
Note: Be sure to listen to the exclusive interview with Kirk Whalum, about "Romance Language" and much more on the Entertainment Bank. Coming soon!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Welcome To The Entertainment Bank!!!
Thank you for stopping by The Entertainment Bank. Please know that we’re a work in progress, with great things ahead. While we fully intend to be a major online magazine in the future, for now, we’re taking baby steps. Our goal is to find the best movies, and music from both major label and indie artists, and share those with you. We will also provide services such as press release writing, copyediting, one-sheets, EPKs, track and album reviews, and all forms of business writing – all at a reasonable price, and with honesty, integrity, and good customer service. We believe these things are in short supply and high demand. So, no matter what your entertainment tastes are, you’ll find something here that you like.
Feel free to contact me with questions, comments, or suggestions at michele@theentertainmentbank.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)