Rock of Ages (2012)

Rock of Ages is a train wreck--an incredibly cheesy, super corny and undeniably entertaining train wreck.  What else would you expect from director Adam Shankman?!  In a movie that pulls the greatest tunes from Journey, Def Leppard, Twisted Sister, Foreigner, Joan Jett, Poison, Bon Jovi and Night Ranger and proceeds to whirl them around an ensemble cast of odd-balls, you won't get an Oscar nominee.  What you do get is a hot damn mess.

Centered around a love story between Julianne Hough and some dude, it's the musicality of the film that's worth a watch... and the corny delivery from the likes of Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin, Paul Giamatti, and Tom Cruise.  I was a little worried when Julianne Hough (of Dancing with the Stars fame) tries to belt Sister Christian, but if you embrace the film for it's hedonistic ways and satirical smarts--you are guaranteed a good time.

Mad props to Tom Cruise who plays Stacee Jaxx (part Brett Michaels, part Buddhist monk) with conviction.  Staring into the blue soulless eyes, you can feel the pain of Cruise/Jaxx.  This viewer cringed (and secretly wondered) if Cruise was crying out for help when as Jaxx, Cruise answers the Rolling Stone reporter 'I know me better than anyone... because I live in here... and nobody else can.'

Cringe-worthy moments include just about every scene with Julianne Hough and the Baldwin/Brand rendition of 'I Can't Fight this Feeling Anymore'.  Mary J. Blige adds class.  Constantine Maroulis detracts.  Brian Cranston, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Paul Giamatti are well...so brave, so awesome.

As I see it, Rock of Ages is ballsy, walking the line between the glorious excess of rock and roll and nut shots to pop-culture as we've come to know it.  The film revels it it's self awareness and for that reason--much like its many predecessors--Hairspray, Saturday Night Fever, Spinal Tap, Grease--Rock of Ages is a glorious success.

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978)

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is one of the finest Beatles albums, and sadly, it’s also the name of this campy story starring 1970s music icons like The BeeGees, Peter Frampton, Billy Preston, Earth Wind & Fire, Alice Cooper and Aerosmith (as the Future Villain Band singing ‘Come Together.’)

As much as I wish to declare this musical an abomination, there is something strangely good about it. The only thing The Beatles have in common with this film is the music. The film—a loose concept story of Billy Shears and his band hitting it big and leaving the wholesome town of Heartland and Shears’ girlfriend Strawberry Fields behind. Heartand is taken over by Mr. Mustard. Strawberry goes to find Billy and the band to help save the city. There’s some horrible plot to destroy decency and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Watching and listening to Frampton and Co muck about in crazy tight pants and colorful half-opened shirts is nuts! There is no actual dialogue spoken—it’s all sung and sometimes badly. (See aforementioned Earth Wind & Fire singing ‘Got to get you into My Life’.) George Burns narrates the film. The acting is, well, this is The BeeGees and Peter Frampton we’re talking about here. It’s awful too. The skateboards, the hair, the sad special effects… well, it’s awful and therein lies the charm.

The cast—no matter how wooden—is fun to watch. Barry and Maurice Gibb are hysterical. Steve Martin pops up for ‘Maxwell’s Silver Hammer’—utterly nonsensical and oddly charming. You don’t who or what to expect. Barry Gibb singing my personal favorite ‘A Day in the Life’. Billy Preston pops up shooting sparks, singing ‘Get Back’ and zapping Peter Frampton. Hearland City Hall looks strangely familiar—like the museum in the remake of House of Wax.

As I see it, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is hysterical. The randomness (Frampton and Steve Tyler ‘fight’ it out, the brothers Gibb rescuing the chick) and poor acting is funny enough to watch because of the people in it. A cult film if there ever was one.

That Thing You Do (1996)

This film is as bland as the title suggests.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

How about you pretend not to read this and I'll pretend I didn't see it.  DEAR GOD!  MY EYES!!  OH!!  MY EYES!!

The Runaways (2010)

The Runways is a tightly wound, low slung biopic that charts the epic rise of 1970s all-girl rock band. Let me tell you this… you will not find finer performances by Dakota Fanning as Currie or Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett.

Fanning and Stewart both have a devil-may-care bad-a$$ness, but it is far from clichéd. As Currie, Fanning strikes an indifference to the world around her to prevent the hurt that is ever near. Her pairing with Joan takes her away from an alcoholic father, a self-absorbed mother, and a dear sister. When we meet Joan, she is shopping in the men’s section and demanding that the music instructor teach her ‘Smoke on the Water’.  To which he replies "girls don't play electric guitars."

Paired up by legendary music producer, i.e., weirdo Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon) the two quickly become friends, joining forces as the meteoric rise to international fame brings the excesses of rock ‘n’ roll to their door.

If the film has one caveat it’s the running time. Not nearly long enough to explore this amazing group. Then again, only fans of the era and/or group would want to watch 2+ hours of this stuff. Sadly, the other two band members are relegated to footnotes. Drummer Sandy West (Stella Maeve) gets a mention when she and Joan first meet and actually start the band. And Lita Ford (Scout Taylor-Compton) is eye candy.  Currie gets the only family background as the film is based on her memoir.

As I see it, The Runaways is a visceral film. It’s gritty, excessive, dramatic, and beautifully surreal. But only the performances by Fanning and Stewart elevate the film from being average.

When You're Strange: A Film about The Doors (2009) // The Doors (1991)

Followers of the Lizard King will revel in the original footage found in the newest documentary of the Doors.  When You're Strange director Tom DiCillo looks into the iconic American band exposing new insights, debunking myths, and examining what made them tick all with Johnny Depp’s narration. He is able to quantify why I find so very fascinating. It goes beyond the poet shaman, it is their music—the mystic, melodic sound courtesy of flamenco, blues, and jazz influences. The beat held by Ray Manzarek’s piano bass and his signature Vox organ create the ground for John Densmore’s blues drumming that weaves in and out among Robby Krieger’s finger-styled lead and rhythm flamenco guitar.

Jim Morrison was a broken genius who numbed in pain with drugs and alcohol. His persona became larger than life. That is more than apparent with the footage included here dated from 1966-1971. What is more tragic is how obviously frustrated Densmore, Manzark, and Krieger are; yet they take no action, going so far as to play right on through Morrison’s alcohol induced haze.

DiCillo gets it right where Oliver Stone gets it wrong…

Val Kilmer’s performance as Morrison is unwavering and eerie. The subtle nuances—the shift in his gaze, the near pirouette of his stance, the way he holds his mouth—it’s uncanny. But that is where it ends. Kilmer (and the audience for that matter) is in for one never-ending drag. The transcendent elements are there, as are important period elements, but Stone’s biopic is self-indulgent. The film is essentially one long trip, a mash-up of Morrison’s demonized life that serves no other purpose but to sensationalize.

The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights (2009)

The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights is as fascinating and odd as the band itself.  The rock doc follows Jack and Meg through a massive tour of Canada as the duo hits every province and territory with impromptu gigs and full-on shows. 

Content with Jack doing most of the talking, Meg has constant bemused look on her face.  Jack says it best with his guitar, but ultimately both are just as interesting as heck.

Filmed mostly in B&W, the film has an unusual aesthetic just like it's subjects.  As I see it, only fans of the White Stripes will find this a most welcoming piece.

U2: U218 Singles (2006)

Bono and The Edge could sing the alphabet in Hebrew and I'd love it.  Obviously I'm going to be biased.

This collection of music videos {and amazing extras} rocks. Spanning their work, these 18 singles represent the best of each decade from Mysterious Ways and Beautiful Day to Sunday Bloody Sunday live at Red Rocks. Also included are the two singles from their latest album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, Vertigo and Sometimes You Can't Make it On Your Own.  Added to the mix is footage from their duet with Green Day at the New Orleans Superdome. Not to be missed is the story behind One, a song with three different visions.

Awesome videos and a solid history lesson on one of the greatest band ever.  What more can you ask for?!  It's great to see the boys enjoying themselves and each other, but it's even better to see U2 pushing the boundries of an art form.

My Fair Lady (1964)

A classic musical that harkens to a day of lavish studio productions that left no detail to the imagination.  Audrey Hepburn is enchanting as Eliza Doolittle--a common flower girl turned society debutante by maddening no-nonsense Professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison).

Help! (1965)

Beatles fans watch Beatles movies for one thing:   Beatles music.  Not intricate storylines or award-winning performances.  And although Help! maintains the premise that our beloved boys are travelling the globe to escape some religious zealots that must have the ring attached to Ringo's finger, the film really is a vehicle for the music and zany Beatles' antics.

There's something precious about the Fab Four mucking about onscreen.  The chemistry among them is captivating.  Here director Richard Lester parlays that into a charming, seemingly random romp to the boy's hits.

From the boy's England flat (gotta love John's space) to the sands of the Bahamas, John, Paul, George, and Ringo execute crazy dry dialogue reminiscent of Monty Python with nary a smirk.  Paul shrinks.  George faints.  John quips.  Ringo worries.  It's goofy mayhem!

As I see it, A Hard Day's Night is more cohesive.  But Help! is more fun--it's the original "you've got red on you.".  Both are essentially music videos, but who cares?!  It's The BEATLES!!

Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009)

One look at this footage of MJ’s concert rehearsal and there is no denying that it was going to be one heck of a comeback. The King of Pop is in his element. Running his backup dancers and band through a tight choreography, refining cues and steps, Jackson moves like he was 30. With definitive opinions on everything from props and lighting to the action on the video screen, here is a man who continues to innovate and refuses to quit dreaming.

Over the 90+ minutes we see what the concert would have looked like. Along with interviews from director Kenny Ortega, choreographer Taylor Payne, back-up dancers, and musicians, we get the feeling we are experiencing something truly special because we are.

The musical numbers include everything a MJ fan could want. Thriller 3-D shows the promise of what could have been. Billie Jean, complete with signature moves is smooth. Beat It sounds as brilliant as ever.

Not to be missed are the accompanying bonus features. A look into his wardrobe created for the evening is amazing; as is the featurette focusing on the search for the best of the best back-up dancers.

As I see it, This Is It, is a must-see for fans of the King. Regardless of your personal feelings towards the man, this is footage of a genius—a genius who died too soon.

Postscript 02.02.10 ~ I've watched this documentary three times in two days.  It continues to fascinate me.  Michael continues to make me happy.

Hair (1979)

I wonder if movies from this time period are supposed to make sense. Or maybe I should be stoned in order to really enjoy them. Either way, Hair is ridiculous. But I think it also captures the period nicely.  {Not from experience, mind you.}

On the eve of his Army enlistment, Claude (John Savage) meets a hairy group of hippies in Central Park. The naïve Oklahoman is fascinated by this bunch of dope-smoking free thinking weirdoes. The next 24 hours becomes a haze of random activities that include song and dance numbers.

Hair is a fun time warp. The settings, costuming, hair and dialogue—it’s all a trip. Clark Griswold’s wife is the love interest for Claude. I found the songs to be a riot—sometimes shocking, but always eye-roll inducing. The film’s climax is surprisingly heartfelt.

As I see it, Hair is a solid period film.  One that you won't get much out of unless you lived it.

Young @ Heart (2008)

This review is getting bumped.  I originally saw this documentary back in August of 2008.  I watched it again tonight.  Dear readers, if you haven't seen this gem you don't know what you're missing.

These folks have it right.  Sure, maybe, they are old but they have so much joy.  They sing with conviction and passion.  It's beautiful albeit wrinkled.  I still cry at the death of Joe.  Gosh, we should only hope that we have lived our own lives this fully.  These seniors would agree if it's too loud you're too old.

I cried, again, as Fred Knittle sings Coldplay in memory of Joe who died during the filming.  Lenny is the man--bebobbing in his little car.  I love you Lenny!!  Ms. Eileen, the only woman with the keys to the nursing home, keeps everyone on their toes with her no-nonsense attitude.

09.18.08 ~  Young @ Heart is a chorus group of senior citizens that have more gusto and zest for life that you or I have ever thought about. The group, who's average age is 80+, perform contemporary, classic and pop rock hits like you wouldn't believe. What comes across so vividly is their sheer joy at performing. This group has travelled the continents and sang before royalty.

This documentary celebrates life, friendship, aging, and music. It's a true human drama that is joyous, sad, and happy. You can't help but cheer for the likes of Lenny and Eileen (who opens the film with Should I Stay or Should I Go?) as they train like true professionals for their opening night. Congestive heart failure and cancer treatments be damned. These people open their hearts like you wouldn't believe--they live to sing. Happy moments give way to melancoly at the loss of two chorus members but then turns triumphant on opening night.

Culminating at a concert that covers Sonic Youth's Schizophrenia and Coldplay's Fix You, Young @ Heart rocks the house.

This story will touch your heart.  Celebrating the success of a life well spent Young @ Heart is engaging, respectful and joyous.  The film proves rock is for all ages.

Once (2006)

This contemporary love story between a Guy (Glen Hansard) and a Girl (Marketa Irglova) transpires over the course of a week is beautiful not only in its simplicity but because of its supporting soundtrack that was written by its cast.

You have no soul should you not be moved but the story unfolding. Guy is back in Dublin after breaking up with his girl friend. Girl is separated from her husband. A friendship blossoms and both find the courage they need in each other.

The organic nature of Once feels so real and yet it all happens so quickly it should be magical. There is no doubt the two musicians doubling as our lead characters give the film its authenticity. The songs that are written as the film progresses echo the sentiments of Guy and Girl without being cliché or cloying.  Director John Carney steps back and the camera is passive observer. Each frame is organic—nothing particularly technical. You feel lucky to have seen something so gentle.

As I see it, Once is real gem—one that you’ll feel all the better for seeing.  Amid all the blockbusters and spectacles, this is the one you want to see.

Beauty and the Beast (1987)

This isn’t the best version of my favorite fairy tale. Wooden acting and not-so-great musical numbers are a start. But the costumes, settings, and story are beautiful. The story delineates from the Disney classic. No surprise there and that along my hold interest for newcomers.

Rebecca De Morney (where is she now?) and her flawless skin star alongside John Savage. Both are more than adequate; but I wish the musical numbers were more emotional, more real.

Filmed in Israel, Beauty and the Beast has an unusual feel—chaste—comes to mind. The movie is beautiful, but maybe that’s nostalgia taking over.  One of the best scenes is in the courtyard when the statues come alive. It’s a beautiful dance sequence with the cast enrobed in white.

I wish Rogers and Hammerstein had a version. *sigh

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Though an apt description of my past week, The Nightmare Before Christmas is known as the film of young suburban misanthropic Goths.  Dazzling stopmotion animation delights onscreen, but this viewer found the movie lacking charm.  Full disclosure: I gave up after 38 minutes.

It seems Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween Town is tired of the screaming and scaring every 31st of October.  Somehow he finds the door to Christmas Land and is dumbfounded by it as I am of this film.

The self-indulgent score overpowers every element.  Jack Skellington seems to be a character worthy of our compassion, but his elocution is pitiful.  The viewer cannot relate if he does not understand.

Unique as it may be, The Nightmare Before Christmas falls flat.  Stop-motion animation is a fabulous technique.  The film is fascinating to look at, but  you quickly get over that to find the story is unappealing.  It's tedious.  The musicality is the film's weakness.  Garbled and monotonous, the songs just aren't good.

As I see it, Tim Burton and director Harry Selick missed the mark with this one.  I'm at a loss to explain the film's cult following.  The film is a mess.  Burton's Corpse Bride is a far superior piece. Selick fares better with James and the Giant Peach or the creepfest Coraline.  The Nightmare Before Christmas is just that.

Pin Up Girl (1944)

Pinup girl Lorry Jones (Betty Grable) has given her heart and an autographed picture to nearly every serviceman. But when official service calls her to Washington to take dictation and she meets Navy hero Tommy Dooley (John Harvey), Lorry's heart has finally met her match.

It's hard to fairly judge movies of this era as it seems the war had permeated everything. When kept in perspective, Pin Up Girl is a patriotic confection of pure 1940s escapism. There is an undeniable silliness about the whole picture, but it's fun all the same.

Betty Grable sings, dances, and charms her way through a series of musical numbers that are downright garish by today's standards. At the time Techincolor was the coolest thing since white bread and Pin Up Girl makes the most of it. Grable is joined by Martha Raye, Nat King Cole, a really cool orchestra and some tap-dancing fiends. A swell time is had by all!

As I see it, Pin Up Girl is hardly a must-see, but it's could see--if nothing but for the history lesson.

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008)

Aspiring super villain Dr. Horrible (Neil Patrick Harris) video blogs about his attempts to join the ELE (Evil League of Evil), woo his secret crush, Penny (Felicia Day) and defeating his archenemy Captain Hammer (Nathan Fillion). Trust me when I say... Don't believe I've had this much fun all year.

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog comes from the mind of Joss Whedon and while I am familiar with his nerd king status, this is my true first exposure to it. {Already queued Buffy.} Conceived during the writer's strike and originally airing online, this musical comedy is equal parts hysterical and smart thanks to a brilliant cast and top-notch dialogue/song.

Neil Patrick Harris is pure genius. Harris is bitingly smart and horribly inadequate. Harris is adept in both his physical comedy and song. Combined with dialogue this awesome, Dr. Horrible is my new favorite. Felicia Day's Penny has a Pam {see The Office} vibe about her with sweet charm and cute hopefulness about her. Nathan Fillion is pitch-perfect as the overly cocky and good looking hero.

Captain Hammer successfully interferes with Dr. Horrible's attempts at winning Penny and taking over the world, but thanks to that Ph.D. in horribleness, Dr. Horrible is never at a loss for a plan!

Writer/director Whedon has created a quirky romantic musical that concludes in three phenomenal acts. Each titled act includes engaging musical numbers, witty and sometimes dark dialogue, and incredible comedy. It's tough to find this much awesome in one place!

The dialogue is infinitely quotable with lines like "Oh, look at my wrist, I have to go" and I don't have time for a grudge match with every poser in a parka!"

As I see it, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog isn't for everyone--but it's certainly for me!

Les Choristes (2004)

Former music teacher, turned prefect Clement Mathieu (Gerard Jugnot) arrives at Fond de l' Etang (translation: Bottom of the Well) to discover an abusive headmaster (Francois Berleand) and a boys only boarding school filled with orphans and hoodlums. The headmaster's motto: action=reaction is in direct conflict with Mathieu optimistic nature. Immediate distrust of headmaster earns Mathieu a shaky truce from the group of rag-tag boys. Sensing an opportunity to build up young lives, Mathiew forms a chorus to change the course of the young boys lives and in turn may lose his own.

Les Choristes is a gentle drama that celebrates triumph over adversity. Perhaps it is formulaic, but this French blend of Mr. Holland's Opus and Dead Poet's Society is beautiful. Warming the heart and tearing the eye, Les Choristes is a vibrant, human story.

The production of this French import is reminiscent of an old scrapbook. The Chorus is awash in muted, sepia tones with detailed costuming and weary settings of 1945. It's nicely aged without being intrusive. In retrospect, director Christophe Barratier's makes assumptions during the course of the film to stay on task, but overall his debut is thoughtful and satisfying.

The film would be nothing without the glorious voices of the boys. It's the true highlight. The boys (who according to the film's credits are not actors, but actual choral members) come alive with amazing results. In stark contrast to their surrounds and overall existence, these boys command such power with their voice--it's wonderfully chilling. Young soprano Jean-Baptiste Maunier, with his innocent face and expansive brown eyes is an angel.

Don't let the film's 'foreign' status, keep you from seeing a genuine story. As I see it, Les Choristes revel in exactly what it is: a simple tale of faith and hope.

High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008)

As graduation looms for the East High seniors, Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) are having a hard time coming to grips with leaving friends and high behind. For one last hurrah, Troy and his Wildcat buddies join Gabriella and her perfectly coiffed girlfriends for one last musical culminating their hopes and dreams for the future.

The big jump from TV to theatre screen has treated Disney's High School Musical cast well. The spectacle that is HSM3 is bigger, but not necessarily better. Efron and Hudgens take center stage to work out the long distance kinks of a bland relationship. Best bud Chad (Corbin Blue), Gabriella nemesis Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale), Ryan (Lucas Grabeel) have all been relegated to bit parts. The dedicated viewer has vested interest in all our stars and to focus on the most mundane couple is a waste. Character and story development give way to show-stopping musical numbers like you wouldn't believe.

As the cast departs, seeking more mature roles, I look forward to seeing Efron, who's acting chops grew immensely between the junior and senior years, taking on more difficult material. I'd also like to see more of Grabeel.

High School Musical 3: Senior Year contains all the fluff and positivity of it's predecessors. It's a romping celebration of rainbows and sunshine--that's not a bad thing for the target demographic. Disney has created yet another family-friendly, safe {and imaginary} retreat. It is a fine finish for the series. Let's hope it ends here.