Notes from a Genius

"Mad Max: Fury Road" starring: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Josh Helman, Nathan Jones, Zoe Kravitz, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Riley Keough, Abbey Lee, Courtney Eaton, John Howard, Richard Carter, Iota, Angus Sampson, Megan Gale written and directed by: George Miller I almost feel like the last person in the world to have finally seen this film, but I am definitely glad I finally watched it. I have to say it is probably the best and most interesting Hollywood film released this past year. A true cinematic triumph in that not only does it entertain thoroughly, but it also "sneaks in" some great metaphors that are relevant to our world and times right now (a great accomplishment since the first, original film was released in 1979 and seems telling a story relevant to that time period). I think it helps that the original writer and director, George Miller, is at the helm for this supposed "reboot." This is a truly mind-...

"Downloading Nancy" starring: Jason Patric, Maria Bello, Rufus Sewell, Amy Brennan, Michael Nyqvist directed by: Johan Renck This deeply dark and torturous indie film is an actor's favorite because it explores the depths of the human psyche. It's an excruciating film, though, as you travel down the rabbit hole of s/m sexual pleasure and release with Nancy, although she is not even attempting to learn anything or change who she is. She craves torture, sex, and death at the beginning of the film and none of that changes, as she never really matures given the circumstances she finds herself in throughout the film. When you think someone's dark journey will have them come out a different, changed person, you are sorely disappointed with Nancy's lack of growth or changed mindset. She ultimately wants release and relief from her drab life (which she seems to be the only reason for, by the way, so she comes off rather unsympathetic to the viewer). Nancy mee...

I saw the Airborne Toxic Event, one of my favorite bands of the past 10 years for their poetic lyrics about life and relationships, and also because any band that enlists a violinist as a key member is quite all right with me- and she (Anna Bulbrook, the violinist) tends to steal the show/spotlight (at least the 4x I've seen them live). This was the first time I saw them in a theatre (the Orpheum Theatre in Boston), which is a different setting than the small clubs I've seen them in prior, but they certainly commanded the entire venue. A Letter to Georgia   Poor Isaac   Cocaine and Abel   Gasoline   Changing   Change and Change and Change and Change   The Thing About Dreams   Does This Mean You're Moving On?   Hell and Back   One Time Thing   California What's in a Name?   Wishing Well   Wrong   Pursuit of Happiness   ( Kid Cudi  co...

Last week (last Monday-- I know I know, I'm a bit late with my postings), I got to see Built to Spill live, at the Asylum (which is a small club in Portland). Last time I saw them, they played the State Theatre, so I was a bit surprised that they came back and played a smaller venue, but it was rather fitting for their sound. I loved that they ended the show with an amazing, jammed-out version of Velvet Waltz, and in between they played many of their songs I'd been dying to hear, including a cover of the Smiths' "How Soon is Now?" Nowhere Nothin' Fuckup   Hindsight   Living Zoo   Distopian Dream Girl   Stab   Mess With Time   Never Be the Same   How Soon Is Now?   ( The Smiths  cover) Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss   Virginia Reel Around the Fountain   ( The Halo Benders  cover) You Were Right   Life's a Dream   Carry the Zero   En...

Sunday night, I got to see ZZ Ward again (for the 3rd time in I believe 3 years). I discovered her when she played a show at Port City Music Hall a couple of years ago. I had not heard of her, but I saw she was playing in Portland and the show was only like $10. Then, I saw her at the Paradise in Boston. Now, she's prepping for a brand new album, but still playing small venues. This time around she played the Royale, again in Boston. Put the Gun Down   Til the Casket Drops   If I Could Be Her   OVERdue   Cinnamon Stix   Got It Bad   Lonely   Ride Or Die   Rescue   Chains   ( Nick Jonas  cover) Charlie Ain't Home   Lil' Darlin   Marry Well   Criminal   Move Like U Stole It   Blue Eyes Blind   Encore: 365 Days   LOVE 3X   ...............................................................................