Liverpool have signed Stewart Downing for 20m pounds. Does this mean that Luka Modric is worth 35m or 40m pounds. Could Cesc be worth 50m pounds?
One needs to remember that Downing was a lynchpin at Aston Villa...
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Kylie Minogue Aphrodite - Princess becomes Queen in Sun City
Long-time fans of Australia’s pop superstar, Kylie Minogue, would have been wowed by her slick performances this weekend at the Sun City Superbowl. She played nearly all of her hits and wore extravagant costumes designed by Dolce and Gabbana. A slightly weaker voice from over-use, or just too long a tour, was supported by two excellent backup singers. The audience was also transfixed by spectacular dancers and a stage with people swimming under water on it.
Minogue, who is 43-years-old, launched her singing career in 1987, releasing her first album, Kylie, in 1988. Her latest tour was for her 11th album, Aphrodite. In her 24-year career, she had not set foot on a South African stage until last weekend.
I do not want to call time on her career, but chances are slim that she will visit our stages again, at least not in the next few years. This is why it was pleasing to hear strong renditions of her songs covering pop trends in the 1980s, 90s, 2000s and 2010s.
Highlights of her Saturday show included Better The Devil You Know, Love At First Sight, Confide In Me and In My Arms.
Of course, there were plenty of tracks from Aphrodite, including all of the singles released off of the album so far, Put Your Hands Up (If You Feel Love), Better Than Today, Get Outta My Way and All The Lovers, which she closed with. They all worked very well live.
She really likes her audience. During her acoustic, If You Don’t Love Me, she paused for a while, looking overwhelmed by the energy of her performance on the night. The thinness of her voice did hinder her on this song though. She may have been slightly tired. SA’s shows are the last of her 77-show worldwide tour. Nevertheless, the golden circle crowd, especially moved to the vibe of the show, even if the seated folks could have jived a bit more.
Miss Minogue also asked the crowd for a request. She said she heard a call for it and sang her cover of Little Eva’s The Loco-Motion, while wearing hot-pants. Yes, her bum still looks decent, for all those who wanted to know. She also covered the Eurythmics’ There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart), which showed off a decent, slightly waning voice.
Some people will have been turned off by having to travel to Sun City from different parts of Gauteng and other provinces to see her and by ticket prices ranging from around R450 to just under R1800, adding to that cost.
Concert ticket prices pay for all sorts of aspects of as performance, with artists normally receiving about 10-15% of the takings, British studies have shown. In Kylie’s case, much of the takings would have gone to her superstar costume, set designers and dance troupe.
Her dancers, who have become a famous part of her live shows over the last decade, were mostly men scantily dressed in Ancient Greek-inspired outfits, for this tour. She credited them, her band and also two brilliant back-up singers, who often out-sang her, and who, I assume in their twenties, could move onto solo careers too.
Alistair Anderson
Minogue, who is 43-years-old, launched her singing career in 1987, releasing her first album, Kylie, in 1988. Her latest tour was for her 11th album, Aphrodite. In her 24-year career, she had not set foot on a South African stage until last weekend.
I do not want to call time on her career, but chances are slim that she will visit our stages again, at least not in the next few years. This is why it was pleasing to hear strong renditions of her songs covering pop trends in the 1980s, 90s, 2000s and 2010s.
Highlights of her Saturday show included Better The Devil You Know, Love At First Sight, Confide In Me and In My Arms.
Of course, there were plenty of tracks from Aphrodite, including all of the singles released off of the album so far, Put Your Hands Up (If You Feel Love), Better Than Today, Get Outta My Way and All The Lovers, which she closed with. They all worked very well live.
She really likes her audience. During her acoustic, If You Don’t Love Me, she paused for a while, looking overwhelmed by the energy of her performance on the night. The thinness of her voice did hinder her on this song though. She may have been slightly tired. SA’s shows are the last of her 77-show worldwide tour. Nevertheless, the golden circle crowd, especially moved to the vibe of the show, even if the seated folks could have jived a bit more.
Miss Minogue also asked the crowd for a request. She said she heard a call for it and sang her cover of Little Eva’s The Loco-Motion, while wearing hot-pants. Yes, her bum still looks decent, for all those who wanted to know. She also covered the Eurythmics’ There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart), which showed off a decent, slightly waning voice.
Some people will have been turned off by having to travel to Sun City from different parts of Gauteng and other provinces to see her and by ticket prices ranging from around R450 to just under R1800, adding to that cost.
Concert ticket prices pay for all sorts of aspects of as performance, with artists normally receiving about 10-15% of the takings, British studies have shown. In Kylie’s case, much of the takings would have gone to her superstar costume, set designers and dance troupe.
Her dancers, who have become a famous part of her live shows over the last decade, were mostly men scantily dressed in Ancient Greek-inspired outfits, for this tour. She credited them, her band and also two brilliant back-up singers, who often out-sang her, and who, I assume in their twenties, could move onto solo careers too.
Alistair Anderson
Sunday, July 3, 2011
DVD Review: Toy Story 3
Rating: 8.5/10 - Excellent
Poster picture courtesy of Wikipedia.org
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Toy Story 3 may be a seen as a child's film about talking toys but it was made for adults who grew up with its predecessors. The first film in the trilogy was groundbreaking for its use of 3-D animation and well-written story. The second was a decent follow-up. The third finishes the tale well. It may make some adult viewers feel nostalgic but will also gain some new child fans, who could then watch the first two films.
Director: Lee Unkrich. Screenplay: Michael Arndt. Story: John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich. Producer: Darla K. Anderson. Cinematography: Jeremy Lasky and Kim White. Editing: Ken Schretzmann. Studio: Pixar. Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures. Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickles, Michael Keaton, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Blake Clark, Estelle Harris and Jodi Benson. Age Restriction: PG. Running Time: 103 Minutes.
Toy Story 3 features Andy, the owner of the toy characters in the film. Andy is leaving for university, which makes the toys worry that he will throw them away. Andy decides to take Woody with him and puts the other toys in a garbage bag for storage in the attic. But the toys are accidentally thrown out when Andy's mom finds the bag and puts it on the curb with the trash, causing them to think they are no longer wanted. They escape and climb in a box to be donated to the Sunnyside Daycare. Woody, the only toy who saw what really happened, is forced to follow the others and tries to explain they were thrown out by mistake, but they refuse to listen.
The lovable characters are back, including the cowboy, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, the cowgirl; Jessie, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Dinosaur and Barbie.
In its 15 year life from 1995 to 2010, Pixar made 11 films. These films are basically a list of classics. They are Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouille, WALL E and Up. Toy Story 2 was the eleventh. Cars 2 is due out in SA this year.
Verdict: Toy Story 3 is an entertaining film with various themes and strong character subplots within it. One of the most entertaining is how Barbie meets Ken. They were designed for each other but the film makers make their courtship rather cute. Essentially the movie forces its characters and the viewer to grow up. That is not to say that a child watching the film will not be a child anymore when it ends but those who watching Toy Story at the age of ten, when it was released in 1995, may break out into tears.
Alistair Anderson
Poster picture courtesy of Wikipedia.org
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Toy Story 3 may be a seen as a child's film about talking toys but it was made for adults who grew up with its predecessors. The first film in the trilogy was groundbreaking for its use of 3-D animation and well-written story. The second was a decent follow-up. The third finishes the tale well. It may make some adult viewers feel nostalgic but will also gain some new child fans, who could then watch the first two films.
Director: Lee Unkrich. Screenplay: Michael Arndt. Story: John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich. Producer: Darla K. Anderson. Cinematography: Jeremy Lasky and Kim White. Editing: Ken Schretzmann. Studio: Pixar. Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures. Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickles, Michael Keaton, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Blake Clark, Estelle Harris and Jodi Benson. Age Restriction: PG. Running Time: 103 Minutes.
Toy Story 3 features Andy, the owner of the toy characters in the film. Andy is leaving for university, which makes the toys worry that he will throw them away. Andy decides to take Woody with him and puts the other toys in a garbage bag for storage in the attic. But the toys are accidentally thrown out when Andy's mom finds the bag and puts it on the curb with the trash, causing them to think they are no longer wanted. They escape and climb in a box to be donated to the Sunnyside Daycare. Woody, the only toy who saw what really happened, is forced to follow the others and tries to explain they were thrown out by mistake, but they refuse to listen.
The lovable characters are back, including the cowboy, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, the cowgirl; Jessie, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Dinosaur and Barbie.
In its 15 year life from 1995 to 2010, Pixar made 11 films. These films are basically a list of classics. They are Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouille, WALL E and Up. Toy Story 2 was the eleventh. Cars 2 is due out in SA this year.
Verdict: Toy Story 3 is an entertaining film with various themes and strong character subplots within it. One of the most entertaining is how Barbie meets Ken. They were designed for each other but the film makers make their courtship rather cute. Essentially the movie forces its characters and the viewer to grow up. That is not to say that a child watching the film will not be a child anymore when it ends but those who watching Toy Story at the age of ten, when it was released in 1995, may break out into tears.
Alistair Anderson
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Trailer: A Dangerous Method
Fright and thriller master David Cronenberg has made a biopic which will surely attract some award attention.
A Dangerous Method features the worsening relationship between psychiatrists Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen) and Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender) and how they disagreed on how to treat a troubled patient called Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley). The movie also stars the talented Vincent Cassel and was filmed in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. I'm expecting an authentic but entertaining film. Freud and Jung have been considered to be rock stars of the psychology world in the past, so a potential bit of creative bending of the truth to make them appear more entertaining, may serve viewers well. Let us know what you think of the trailer. Fassbender looks on form to me but Knightley looks a bit silly. Maybe I need to get used to her accent.
Do you think Cronenberg, who made the brilliant Eastern Promises, with Mortensen, can pull this off?
Alistair Anderson
A Dangerous Method features the worsening relationship between psychiatrists Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen) and Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender) and how they disagreed on how to treat a troubled patient called Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley). The movie also stars the talented Vincent Cassel and was filmed in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. I'm expecting an authentic but entertaining film. Freud and Jung have been considered to be rock stars of the psychology world in the past, so a potential bit of creative bending of the truth to make them appear more entertaining, may serve viewers well. Let us know what you think of the trailer. Fassbender looks on form to me but Knightley looks a bit silly. Maybe I need to get used to her accent.
Do you think Cronenberg, who made the brilliant Eastern Promises, with Mortensen, can pull this off?
Alistair Anderson
Thursday, June 23, 2011
This is when pop culture was better
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfFB7i7crEc
Uploaded by fckyeah90s on May 24, 2011
Uploaded by fckyeah90s on May 24, 2011
Film Review: Green Lantern
Rating: 7/10
The filmmakers could have little else with the subject matter than this film. The character of the Green Lantern has incredible superpowers, that are maybe second only to Superman, which makes it inevitable that he is super-powerful and able to take on the most destructive forces in the universe.
Director: Martin Campbell. Screenplay: Greg Berlanti, Michael Green, Marc Guggenheim and Michael Goldenberg. Producer: Donald De Line and Greg Berlanti. Cinematography: Dion Beebe.Editing: Stuart Baird. Music: James Newton Howard. Studio: DC Entertainment and De Line Pictures. Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures. Starring: Ryan Reynolds,Blake Lively,Peter Sarsgaard,Mark Strong,Angela Bassett,Tim Robbins,Temuera Morrison, Geoffrey Rush, Michael Clarke Duncan and Clancy Brown. Age Restriction: 10LV. Running Time: 115 Minutes.
The movie tells the story of Hal Jordan, a military test pilot, who,coincidentally, is chosen by the Green Lantern Corps of supermen to protect the universe.
Long before the Earth, a young planet compared with others in the universe, was formed, a group of beings called the Guardians of the Universe used the green essence of willpower to create the Corps to police the universe.
They split the universe into 3 600 sectors, with one Green Lantern per sector. The greatest Lantern, Abin Sur of Sector 2814, defeated the fear-essence that is Parallax and trapped him in the Lost Sector on the ruined planet Ryut. Parallax escapes and wounds Abin Sur. But Abin Sur escapes and crash-lands on Earth. Dying, he commands his ring to find a worthy successor on the planet.
Jordan is the chosen successor. What follows is a story about how he takes to being picked as Earth's protector and a man without fear.
Since this is a bit corny and the character of the Green Lantern is incredibly powerful, it is refreshing that the movie does not take itself overly seriously. However, the makers still make the film followable and mostly believable.
"In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might, beware my power: Green Lantern's Light!" - Only Ryan Reynolds can get away with this Lantern code.
You can notice the James Bond influence of former Bond director, Michael Campbell. That is, he creates good action scenes and some over-the-top moments.
There are clichés. There is an undercurrent of formula pulsing throughout the movie too. The off planet scenes are awesome.
Ryan Reynolds even tones down much of the silliness. Add to this, some good performances from the actors, especially Peter Sarsgaard, and you have an entertaining thrill ride.
Stick around for the first set of credits to end. The teaser after it is a bit underdeveloped though maybe.
Alistair Anderson
The filmmakers could have little else with the subject matter than this film. The character of the Green Lantern has incredible superpowers, that are maybe second only to Superman, which makes it inevitable that he is super-powerful and able to take on the most destructive forces in the universe.
Director: Martin Campbell. Screenplay: Greg Berlanti, Michael Green, Marc Guggenheim and Michael Goldenberg. Producer: Donald De Line and Greg Berlanti. Cinematography: Dion Beebe.Editing: Stuart Baird. Music: James Newton Howard. Studio: DC Entertainment and De Line Pictures. Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures. Starring: Ryan Reynolds,Blake Lively,Peter Sarsgaard,Mark Strong,Angela Bassett,Tim Robbins,Temuera Morrison, Geoffrey Rush, Michael Clarke Duncan and Clancy Brown. Age Restriction: 10LV. Running Time: 115 Minutes.
The movie tells the story of Hal Jordan, a military test pilot, who,coincidentally, is chosen by the Green Lantern Corps of supermen to protect the universe.
Long before the Earth, a young planet compared with others in the universe, was formed, a group of beings called the Guardians of the Universe used the green essence of willpower to create the Corps to police the universe.
They split the universe into 3 600 sectors, with one Green Lantern per sector. The greatest Lantern, Abin Sur of Sector 2814, defeated the fear-essence that is Parallax and trapped him in the Lost Sector on the ruined planet Ryut. Parallax escapes and wounds Abin Sur. But Abin Sur escapes and crash-lands on Earth. Dying, he commands his ring to find a worthy successor on the planet.
Jordan is the chosen successor. What follows is a story about how he takes to being picked as Earth's protector and a man without fear.
Since this is a bit corny and the character of the Green Lantern is incredibly powerful, it is refreshing that the movie does not take itself overly seriously. However, the makers still make the film followable and mostly believable.
"In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might, beware my power: Green Lantern's Light!" - Only Ryan Reynolds can get away with this Lantern code.
You can notice the James Bond influence of former Bond director, Michael Campbell. That is, he creates good action scenes and some over-the-top moments.
There are clichés. There is an undercurrent of formula pulsing throughout the movie too. The off planet scenes are awesome.
Ryan Reynolds even tones down much of the silliness. Add to this, some good performances from the actors, especially Peter Sarsgaard, and you have an entertaining thrill ride.
Stick around for the first set of credits to end. The teaser after it is a bit underdeveloped though maybe.
Alistair Anderson
Monday, June 20, 2011
Ryan Dunn passes away
I am really sad to write here that a star of the Jackass films, Ryan Dunn passed away in a car accident today, at the age of 34.
Police said the accident took place around 2:30 am (0630 GMT) in West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania, and that Dunn was probably speeding at the time. An unidentified passenger was also killed.
Alistair Anderson
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Hobbit News
Photo courtesy of flickr.com; The Immortals, Luke Evans, WonderCon 2011
The Hobbit two-part movie prequel to the Lord of the Rings Trilogy has a new cast member.
Luke Evans has been added as Bard the Grim, one of the last major parts that needed to be filled.
Website hitfix.com reports that Evans will join Martin Freeman, who is playing Bilbo Baggins and "ring stalwarts": Orlando Bloom, Ian McKellen, Christoper Lee, Hugo Weaving, Andy Serkis, Cate Blanchett, Elijah Wood and Ian Holm.
Richard Armitage and Stephen Fry are new major actors for the series.
The Bard is next to rule Dale. The king of that area was killed by Smaug, the dragon.
Evans is starring as Aramis in a new Three Musketeers movie and in a film called "Immortals." He already starred in the recent remake of "Robin Hood" and "Clash of the Titans".
Alistair Anderson
DVD Review - 127 Hours
Rating: 7.3/10 - Good
This is a slick, demanding film. It's well-directed and features probably James Franco's best role yet. Not everyone will enjoy seeing him suffer, as opposed to being drunk, ditzy or high, but he uses his role in 127 Hours to aplomb.
Director: Danny Boyle. Screenplay: Danny Boyle and Simon Beaufoy. Based on the book, Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston by Producer: Christian Colson, John Smithson and Danny Boyle. Executive Producers: Sherryl Clark and Guy Riedel. Cinematographry: Anthony Dod Mantle and Enrique Chediak.Editing: Jon Harris. Music: A.R. Rahman. Studio: Film4 and HandMade Films. Distributor: Pathe. Starring: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara and Clemence Poesy. Age Restriction: 18. Running Time: 94 Minutes.
Danny Boyle has been one of my favourite directors for years because he makes films that are original but all follow a trend of inspiring a person. Slumdog Millionaire was a bit too schmaltzy for me but it is clear that Boyle is a keen storyteller who portrays characters who often face difficult odds.
127 Hours tells the story of 28-year-old Aron Ralston, who in May 2003, during a day of solo canyon-hopping in Utah, found himself trapped in a crevice with a giant boulder pinning his arm to a wall. How he reacts to his predicament is thrilling.
Yes, it's a graphic film. It is this realism which makes it so entertaining. Apparently, some film goers in the US passed out while watching this movie. This indicates how good it actually is. It evokes real feelings in viewers.
It is also a good film because Boyle manages to film within a rock crevice. Many of his angles and shots would have been difficult to film.
The movie does drag at times. The editing is good but it could have been better. It is difficult to watch the same person in the same position for about an hour.
However, I must credit everyone involved in what tries to be an original film. With current technology, films can have stronger messages for our senses. 127 Hours manages to barrage our ears, eyes and even our stomachs.
It does invite the viewer to think about the value of life, and is not overly patronising. Even though Franco acts well, he does come across as a bit of an idiot too often.
Verdict: A sharp, harrowing film worth watching. If you buy into the main characters' struggle, you may be inspired. It makes sense that the London Olympic Committee chose Boyle to be its artistic director for the games' opening ceremony.
Alistair Anderson
This is a slick, demanding film. It's well-directed and features probably James Franco's best role yet. Not everyone will enjoy seeing him suffer, as opposed to being drunk, ditzy or high, but he uses his role in 127 Hours to aplomb.
Director: Danny Boyle. Screenplay: Danny Boyle and Simon Beaufoy. Based on the book, Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston by Producer: Christian Colson, John Smithson and Danny Boyle. Executive Producers: Sherryl Clark and Guy Riedel. Cinematographry: Anthony Dod Mantle and Enrique Chediak.Editing: Jon Harris. Music: A.R. Rahman. Studio: Film4 and HandMade Films. Distributor: Pathe. Starring: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara and Clemence Poesy. Age Restriction: 18. Running Time: 94 Minutes.
Danny Boyle has been one of my favourite directors for years because he makes films that are original but all follow a trend of inspiring a person. Slumdog Millionaire was a bit too schmaltzy for me but it is clear that Boyle is a keen storyteller who portrays characters who often face difficult odds.
127 Hours tells the story of 28-year-old Aron Ralston, who in May 2003, during a day of solo canyon-hopping in Utah, found himself trapped in a crevice with a giant boulder pinning his arm to a wall. How he reacts to his predicament is thrilling.
Yes, it's a graphic film. It is this realism which makes it so entertaining. Apparently, some film goers in the US passed out while watching this movie. This indicates how good it actually is. It evokes real feelings in viewers.
It is also a good film because Boyle manages to film within a rock crevice. Many of his angles and shots would have been difficult to film.
The movie does drag at times. The editing is good but it could have been better. It is difficult to watch the same person in the same position for about an hour.
However, I must credit everyone involved in what tries to be an original film. With current technology, films can have stronger messages for our senses. 127 Hours manages to barrage our ears, eyes and even our stomachs.
It does invite the viewer to think about the value of life, and is not overly patronising. Even though Franco acts well, he does come across as a bit of an idiot too often.
Verdict: A sharp, harrowing film worth watching. If you buy into the main characters' struggle, you may be inspired. It makes sense that the London Olympic Committee chose Boyle to be its artistic director for the games' opening ceremony.
Alistair Anderson
Friday, June 17, 2011
Best Movie Soundtracks of the 2000s
Music is an integral part of film. It starts films. It ends films. It runs through montages. Music is key to making films entertaining. Sometimes, the music in a film becomes better than the film itself. Martin Scorsese, a pioneer of music in film, made Bringing Out The Dead, the best thing of which was probably was the score.
Here's a list of a few films which had brilliant soundtracks in the decade before the one we are in now.
10. The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009) - The music in this movie is definitely better than the movie itself. It features tracks from Muse, Thom Yorke and Death Cab for Cutie. It's too bad you have a story getting in the way. My advice; buy the CD instead.
9. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) - This is one of the most relaxed, soothing but bouncy soundtracks I have ever heard, or is that seen?
There are instrumental compositions from Mark Mothersbaugh, Paco de Lucía and the Sven Libaek Orchestra. Devo is featured. As are old but brilliant, Joan Baez and Iggy and the Stooges. Even Brazilian singer Seu Jorge, who you probably have not heard of, features. His David Bowie covers are moving. I don't think any Wes Anderson film can boast a better soundtrack.
8. High Fidelity (2000) - John Cusack's character makes a great mix tape. It's better than any Michael Cera mix tape. I love Scott Pilgrim vs The World - but that's not because of its soundtrack.
7. Juno (2007) - Speaking of Cera, this movie's music is enjoyable. Cera's character, who is basically the same person in every film he is in, made a mix tape in Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, but, as said, that did not match the tape in High Fidelity.
Juno has a better selection of songs; it is as simple as that. Barry Louis Polisar's "All I Want Is You" and the Moldy Peaches' "Anyone Else But You," are both sweet. e film's tension between precocity and naivete.
6. Vanilla Sky (2001) - Cameron Crowe's first love is music and his films show it. Almost Famous, Vanilla Sky, Fast Times at Ridgemont High and even Elizabethtown had great soundtracks. Remember, Elizabethtown was a woeful mess but it's soundtrack was very good. Radiohead and Jeff Buckley feature prominently in the film. I love these bands and the creepy sounds chosen from them here, work well.
I also read that Crowe placed Sigur Ros in the film three years before Steve Zissou used the Icelandic masters.
5. Garden State (2004) - This soundtrack is exceptionally well-composed. It features the likes of Simon and Garfunkel, The Shins; who Natalie Portman's character speaks about, Remy Zero, Coldplay, Iron and Wine and, a man who is getting more praise posthumously, Nick Drake.
4. Once (2007) - This is a really sweet soundtrack about falling in love. It's a film which stars a real musician in The Frames' Glen Hansard, who deserves more awareness and praise for his talent; at least more people could benefit from his beautiful music. Steven Spielberg rated this film highly, and he rarely says things that are not valuable, aside from him endorsing Shia LaBeouf, who annoys me.
3. Lost in Translation (2003) - This soundtrack works well against the performances of the few characters in the film. Brian Reitzell of French geniuses, Air, was in charge of this musical masterpiece. It also has five songs by Kevin Shields, including one from his group, My Bloody Valentine.
Allmusic.com gave the soundtrack four out of five stars. It said: "Coppola's impressionistic romance Lost in Translation features an equally impressionistic and romantic soundtrack that plays almost as big a role in the film as Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson do."
2. O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2001) - This film is good but its soundtrack was incredible. It's an amazing country album. You could say it is covered in alternative country brilliance. This is from the likes of Emmylou and Gillian.
1. Almost Famous (2000) - This soundtrack is top of the list because it is so memorable to me. Every song works to capture an idea of the rock 'n' roll of the 1970s.
It is not just full of commercial artists but rather songs that feed the film's story with intense power. You have to sing-along to "Tiny Dancer".
Alistair Anderson
Here's a list of a few films which had brilliant soundtracks in the decade before the one we are in now.
10. The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009) - The music in this movie is definitely better than the movie itself. It features tracks from Muse, Thom Yorke and Death Cab for Cutie. It's too bad you have a story getting in the way. My advice; buy the CD instead.
9. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) - This is one of the most relaxed, soothing but bouncy soundtracks I have ever heard, or is that seen?
There are instrumental compositions from Mark Mothersbaugh, Paco de Lucía and the Sven Libaek Orchestra. Devo is featured. As are old but brilliant, Joan Baez and Iggy and the Stooges. Even Brazilian singer Seu Jorge, who you probably have not heard of, features. His David Bowie covers are moving. I don't think any Wes Anderson film can boast a better soundtrack.
8. High Fidelity (2000) - John Cusack's character makes a great mix tape. It's better than any Michael Cera mix tape. I love Scott Pilgrim vs The World - but that's not because of its soundtrack.
7. Juno (2007) - Speaking of Cera, this movie's music is enjoyable. Cera's character, who is basically the same person in every film he is in, made a mix tape in Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, but, as said, that did not match the tape in High Fidelity.
Juno has a better selection of songs; it is as simple as that. Barry Louis Polisar's "All I Want Is You" and the Moldy Peaches' "Anyone Else But You," are both sweet. e film's tension between precocity and naivete.
6. Vanilla Sky (2001) - Cameron Crowe's first love is music and his films show it. Almost Famous, Vanilla Sky, Fast Times at Ridgemont High and even Elizabethtown had great soundtracks. Remember, Elizabethtown was a woeful mess but it's soundtrack was very good. Radiohead and Jeff Buckley feature prominently in the film. I love these bands and the creepy sounds chosen from them here, work well.
I also read that Crowe placed Sigur Ros in the film three years before Steve Zissou used the Icelandic masters.
5. Garden State (2004) - This soundtrack is exceptionally well-composed. It features the likes of Simon and Garfunkel, The Shins; who Natalie Portman's character speaks about, Remy Zero, Coldplay, Iron and Wine and, a man who is getting more praise posthumously, Nick Drake.
4. Once (2007) - This is a really sweet soundtrack about falling in love. It's a film which stars a real musician in The Frames' Glen Hansard, who deserves more awareness and praise for his talent; at least more people could benefit from his beautiful music. Steven Spielberg rated this film highly, and he rarely says things that are not valuable, aside from him endorsing Shia LaBeouf, who annoys me.
3. Lost in Translation (2003) - This soundtrack works well against the performances of the few characters in the film. Brian Reitzell of French geniuses, Air, was in charge of this musical masterpiece. It also has five songs by Kevin Shields, including one from his group, My Bloody Valentine.
Allmusic.com gave the soundtrack four out of five stars. It said: "Coppola's impressionistic romance Lost in Translation features an equally impressionistic and romantic soundtrack that plays almost as big a role in the film as Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson do."
2. O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2001) - This film is good but its soundtrack was incredible. It's an amazing country album. You could say it is covered in alternative country brilliance. This is from the likes of Emmylou and Gillian.
1. Almost Famous (2000) - This soundtrack is top of the list because it is so memorable to me. Every song works to capture an idea of the rock 'n' roll of the 1970s.
It is not just full of commercial artists but rather songs that feed the film's story with intense power. You have to sing-along to "Tiny Dancer".
Alistair Anderson
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Film Review: The Adjustment Bureau
Rating: 7.2/10 - Very Good
The Adjustment Bureau is another solid adaptation of a Philip K. Dick short story. It does not touch Minority Report but it is still a watchable film with strong performances from its actors.
Trailer courtesy of youtube and http://www.hollywoodstreams.com/
The Adjustment Bureau is another solid adaptation of a Philip K. Dick short story. It does not touch Minority Report but it is still a watchable film with strong performances from its actors.Trailer courtesy of youtube and http://www.hollywoodstreams.com/
Laughing in translation
For some reason, the authorities like to rename films when they are released abroad. Sometimes this leads to bizarre or funny titles.
In France:
Scream (1996):
"Frissons" means "Shivers"
Notting Hill (1999):
"Coup de Foudre" means "Love at First Sight".
In America:
Leon was called The Professional
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Apparently, Americans do not like the word "philosopher".
The play "The Madness of George III" was changed to "The Madness of King George" for the movie because Americans would not understand it was not a sequel.
However, "Dennis the Menace" was changed to "Dennis" in the UK already has its own "Dennis the Menace".
UK Dennis -
US Dennis (not as mangy)
The Shawshank Redemption is voted as the Internet Movie Database's top film, scoring 9,2 in terms of reviews on average. Here is a list of the strange definitions that it was called in other countries when it was released there, with translations:
Die Verurteilten - The Convicted (Austria/Germany)
Sueños de fuga - Dreams of Escape (Chile/Peru)
Sueños de libertad - Dreams of freedom (Argentina/Mexico)
Τελευταία Έξοδος Ρίτα Χέϊγουόρθ - Last Exit Rita Hayworth (Greece)
Some other gems:
-Boogie Nights (1997)
-Atesli geceler - Hot Nights (Turkey)
- Jogos de Prazer - Games of Pleasure (Portugal)
Green Lantern - Avatar 2011 (India)
And a few others, thanks to http://www.joblo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47143:
Austin Powers: The spy who shagged me- The spy who treated me nicely (Singapore)
The Full monty- Six stripped pigs (Germany)
Dumb and Dumber-Two stupid people (Spain)
Babe- I am not stupid so I have something to say (China)
Leon- The professional killer isn't actually very cold (china)
Jaws-The White Shark (Germany)
The Piano-Wretch!let me cut off your finger (China)
From Russia with love-Nice kisses from China (France)
Die hard-Die Slowly (Germany)
As good as it gets- Mr Cat Poop (China)
K9- My partner with the cold snout (Germany)
Vampire in Brooklyn-I suck!i suck!I suck suck suck!(China)
Good Will Hunting-Bright sun, just like me (China)
All from Mexico:
American Pie 2 - Your Second Time Is Better
Airplane! - "Where's The Pilot?
The Breakfast Club - Club Of Five
Pulp Fiction - Violent Times
Desperado - Gunnman
Dolores Claiborne - Total Eclipse
Deliverance - Bitter Nightmare
About A Boy - A Great Kid
Windtakers - War Codes
Gosford Park - Death At Midnight
Full Metal Jacket - War Face
Ghost - Love Shadow
Midnight Cowboy - Lost In The Night
MallRats - Modern Youth
Kids - Lost Lives
Heat - Fire Vs. Fire
Go - Living Without Limits
Moulin Rouge - Love In Red
Snatch - Pigs And Diamonds
Wallstreet - Power And Greed
Can you name any others?
Alistair Anderson
In France:
Scream (1996):
"Frissons" means "Shivers"
Notting Hill (1999):
"Coup de Foudre" means "Love at First Sight".
In America:
Leon was called The Professional
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Apparently, Americans do not like the word "philosopher".
The play "The Madness of George III" was changed to "The Madness of King George" for the movie because Americans would not understand it was not a sequel.
However, "Dennis the Menace" was changed to "Dennis" in the UK already has its own "Dennis the Menace".
UK Dennis -
US Dennis (not as mangy)
The Shawshank Redemption is voted as the Internet Movie Database's top film, scoring 9,2 in terms of reviews on average. Here is a list of the strange definitions that it was called in other countries when it was released there, with translations:
Die Verurteilten - The Convicted (Austria/Germany)
Sueños de fuga - Dreams of Escape (Chile/Peru)
Sueños de libertad - Dreams of freedom (Argentina/Mexico)
Τελευταία Έξοδος Ρίτα Χέϊγουόρθ - Last Exit Rita Hayworth (Greece)
Some other gems:
-Boogie Nights (1997)
-Atesli geceler - Hot Nights (Turkey)
- Jogos de Prazer - Games of Pleasure (Portugal)
Green Lantern - Avatar 2011 (India)
And a few others, thanks to http://www.joblo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47143:
Austin Powers: The spy who shagged me- The spy who treated me nicely (Singapore)
The Full monty- Six stripped pigs (Germany)
Dumb and Dumber-Two stupid people (Spain)
Babe- I am not stupid so I have something to say (China)
Leon- The professional killer isn't actually very cold (china)
Jaws-The White Shark (Germany)
The Piano-Wretch!let me cut off your finger (China)
From Russia with love-Nice kisses from China (France)
Die hard-Die Slowly (Germany)
As good as it gets- Mr Cat Poop (China)
K9- My partner with the cold snout (Germany)
Vampire in Brooklyn-I suck!i suck!I suck suck suck!(China)
Good Will Hunting-Bright sun, just like me (China)
All from Mexico:
American Pie 2 - Your Second Time Is Better
Airplane! - "Where's The Pilot?
The Breakfast Club - Club Of Five
Pulp Fiction - Violent Times
Desperado - Gunnman
Dolores Claiborne - Total Eclipse
Deliverance - Bitter Nightmare
About A Boy - A Great Kid
Windtakers - War Codes
Gosford Park - Death At Midnight
Full Metal Jacket - War Face
Ghost - Love Shadow
Midnight Cowboy - Lost In The Night
MallRats - Modern Youth
Kids - Lost Lives
Heat - Fire Vs. Fire
Go - Living Without Limits
Moulin Rouge - Love In Red
Snatch - Pigs And Diamonds
Wallstreet - Power And Greed
Can you name any others?
Alistair Anderson
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Modern Art makes me want to rock out
I went to watch my friends, Adam and Saul Abelson and others perform at the weekend:
Spoonerman's first gig was interesting:
Saul (left) is like the next Jim M, while Adam (right), is focussed like Kirk Hammett.
Here are the lyrics to their favourite cover, so now you can sing along:
Lyrics to Modern Art :
Alistair Anderson
Spoonerman's first gig was interesting:
Saul (left) is like the next Jim M, while Adam (right), is focussed like Kirk Hammett.
Here are the lyrics to their favourite cover, so now you can sing along:
Lyrics to Modern Art :
Modern art
Makes me
Want to rock out
(x4)
So I'm in the Tate
And I'm looking at Hockney
And oh sweet Jesus
There's something about that blue
It touches me deep inside
Amazes me when I step outside
I'm sweating
I'm sweating
I'm beginning to palpitate
I can't help myself
I just can't help myself
Modern art
Makes me
Want to rock out
(x4)
So I'm in the Pompidou
In Paris
And they're more laid back about their art galleries
There's little children running around
I see a piece on Matisse
Take three steps back
Take a long run up
And I jump at it!
Modern art
Makes me
Want to rock out
(x4)
Makes me
Want to rock out
(x4)
So I'm in the Tate
And I'm looking at Hockney
And oh sweet Jesus
There's something about that blue
It touches me deep inside
Amazes me when I step outside
I'm sweating
I'm sweating
I'm beginning to palpitate
I can't help myself
I just can't help myself
Modern art
Makes me
Want to rock out
(x4)
So I'm in the Pompidou
In Paris
And they're more laid back about their art galleries
There's little children running around
I see a piece on Matisse
Take three steps back
Take a long run up
And I jump at it!
Modern art
Makes me
Want to rock out
(x4)
Modern art
Makes me
Want to rock out
(x4)
So I'm in the Tate
And I'm looking at Hockney
And oh sweet Jesus
There's something about that blue
It touches me deep inside
Amazes me when I step outside
I'm sweating
I'm sweating
I'm beginning to palpitate
I can't help myself
I just can't help myself
Modern art
Makes me
Want to rock out
(x4)
So I'm in the Pompidou
In Paris
And they're more laid back about their art galleries
There's little children running around
I see a piece on Matisse
Take three steps back
Take a long run up
And I jump at it!
Modern art
Makes me
Want to rock out
(x4)
Makes me
Want to rock out
(x4)
So I'm in the Tate
And I'm looking at Hockney
And oh sweet Jesus
There's something about that blue
It touches me deep inside
Amazes me when I step outside
I'm sweating
I'm sweating
I'm beginning to palpitate
I can't help myself
I just can't help myself
Modern art
Makes me
Want to rock out
(x4)
So I'm in the Pompidou
In Paris
And they're more laid back about their art galleries
There's little children running around
I see a piece on Matisse
Take three steps back
Take a long run up
And I jump at it!
Modern art
Makes me
Want to rock out
(x4)
Alistair Anderson
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