NEW MOVIE REVIEW

WANTED (James McAvoy. Preferably shirtless.)

RELEASED: June 27, 2008

Jenna Avery-Lawyer

WANTED has all the qualifications needed to produce a popcorn chomping, edge of your seat, thrill ride. Is it fast paced? Yes. Violent? Affirmative. Sexy? Absolutely. Completely ludicrous? You betcha. All the positives appear to be right on target (pun intended). I would dub this action packed flick to be inventively cliché. This cliché, however, was given a heavy dose of amphetamines by director, Timur Bekmambetov. Its pounding pulse reflected those of the audience.

During this film, it was not uncommon for me to scoff at some ridiculous bit of dialogue, and not two seconds later find myself completely absorbed. While I’ve seen this plot before, I’ve never seen it done quite so dramatically. Depicted is the age old tale of an average Joe, James McAvoy, stuck in a perpetual state of banality, only to discover he has latent spectacular abilities.  McAvoy’s character, Wesley Gibson, is nothing special. He’s depressed, has anxiety, and hates his life. Suddenly, he’s thrown into an ancient society of assassins, with the ability to “bend the bullet”, and he’s never been happier. Who knew killing people was an anti-depressant?

Angelina Jolie, exquisitely emaciated as usual, smoldered her way through the film. She proved that even dead on the inside, tough as nails assassins can still apply flawless eye makeup. I don’t think her character, Fox (I know), managed to say more than 20 words. When she wasn’t busy standing around not speaking, she was blazing through the city, proving to be an expert killing machine. I found it difficult to concentrate though, because I was so worried her frail arms would snap under the weight of her fancy pants revolver. Regardless, she was perfect as the cold assassin doing only what was demanded of her, devoted to the very end.

James McAvoy was a delight on screen. I found him irresistibly adorable, in a deadly, torture-soul sort of way. I was instantly won over by his portrayal of the office worker that desires more in life. His obvious abhorrence for his 9 to 5 job and apparent vehement hatred for his boss brought Fight Club Edward Norton to mind, albeit, a slightly less disturbed version.

The action and special effects were grandiose to say the least. I’ve never seen a car flipped that many times, on purpose. It was Matrix-like in its ability to surprise the audience with plenty of innovative stunt choreography. Spectacular stunts aside, there were a couple things that caused me to shake with suppressed laughter; one of these things being the “loom of fate”. What on earth could that be, you say? Well, it’s a loom that delves out death warrants in its stitching, and the secrets are written in binary code. The sight of the loom was enough to make me shake my head in amazement-- amazement that something so ridiculous was being taken so seriously.

If I allow myself to forget about the “loom of fate” for a few moments, I can honestly say that I would see this again. The plot is not as transparent as some may believe. It twists and turns as much as James McAvoy’s bullets. The action is creative, the people are beautiful, and every stunt looks like a finely crafted work of art. See it expecting to be entertained, not moved.

The Official Movie Trailer for WANTED:

Knock Knock... Who's there? SHEER TERROR.

NEW MOVIE REVIEW
The Strangers

RELEASED: May 30, 2008
Jenna Avery-Lawyer

My heart was not able to relax throughout this entire film, nor was my sphincter. I'm just saying I was tense, extremely so, and was also scared shitless.

I'd begun to lose hope in horror flicks. They all seem so uniform, and tend to lean towards a boring mediocrity that appears to have become the norm for scary movies these days. The Strangers does not fall into this category. Instead of lumping it with recent films such as One Missed Call or Boogeyman, which fit the genre of boring and predictable horror, I would instead compare it to Rob Zombie's films House of a 1000 Corpses and Devil's Rejects. It is brutality at its best. There is nothing scarier than real people destroying real people, especially, when they wear eerie white masks.

Brutality without a visible motive, and torture with no apparent escape, create the scariest feeling of all; Hopelessness. I was reminded of a movie released a few months ago, Funny Games. That movie showcased pointless violence, with no resolution in sight. Ironically enough, that supposedly pointless movie was made with the intent to make a point. People like violence. They like to watch it. They like to pretend to look away as they cringe at the inhumanity of it all. Even though these movies featured similar plots, the outcome was completely different. While Funny Games amused and intrigued me, The Strangers successfully made me uncomfortable with fear.

There is a rather long set up between the brutalized couple, played by Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman, that may stretch just a bit too long. However, the lengthy set up between the two only helps build tension, and it made me even more anxious knowing that they had relationship problems.

Slowly, very slowly, it builds until that initial knock on the door. I never knew a knock on a door could be so horrifying. The couple is toyed with for about 60 minutes by the three masked assailants (it felt longer though). It got to the point where I felt like I was submitting myself to voluntary torture. I was willingly making myself uncomfortable by watching this movie.

Now the question arises: Was it good? I think I have sufficiently stated that the film was indeed horrifying, but was it good? I would have to say yes, it was. The quality of acting was fine, and the camera work didn't go unnoticed. It was like the camera itself was a character, following these poor people, but unable to help them.

I suggest seeing The Strangers in theaters. Those masked figures might not seem as terrifying on a TV. Plus, the audience adds personality to the room that becomes infectious. I don't think I'd watch it again. Not because it was bad, but because once is definitely enough.

Here is the official trailer:

Knock Knock... Who's there? SHEER TERROR.

Bring on the Waves, and start the Riot!

NEW MUSIC REVIEW:

6 Day Riot, Bring on the Waves

Jenna Avery-Lawyer

The UK tidal force, 6 Day Riot, defines their genre of Folk Pop, and possibly creates a genre of their own; Gypsy Acoustic. Their lyrics read like poetry, and are open to the interpretation of the listener. Because of the versatility in their words, many meanings can be realized when listening to these beautiful slices of the old world.

The four tracks featured on their Myspace, from their 2008 EP, Bring on the Waves, showcase a darker, more introspective tone than their previous recordings on the 2007 release of Folie a Deux. While they have taken on a serious tone with the slightly deeper lyricism, they still maintain a joy that is prominent throughout the four tracks. I sense a theme that is based on battles and victories. Whether it is joy for joys sake, or the joy of resistance, they are ever-smiling.

An almost discordant ukulele enters as the song “Gerald the Glider” begins. Its upbeat tempo brings excitement, while the melody sparks unrest. Tamara Schlesinger sings with a clear and pure sound. I believe there to be religious contexts related to the song, especially with the lyric “Together we stand, together we pray. More hands than faces in this world we did create.” Although, the following chorus, “But don’t stray, stay tied to this wire of mine,” makes me think she is being ironic. This is what is great about 6 Day Riot- so many meanings can be found within one simple song.

“The Last Stand” is an epic send off, and doesn’t shy away from the theme of battle. The band is marching in their gypsy army, off to defend the honesty of their music. The profound trumpet sounds, while the militant percussion steadily holds its rhythm; both announcing the impending battle. The Spanish horn paints an image of a stand-off at sunset. Orange and red lights shine on the desperado they have created with their sound. It’s now or never. They unite as one voice, linking arms to create a wall of sound. They fade with the sun as it disappears behind the horizon.

Based on the four sample tracks 6 Day Riot has featured on their Myspace, I can confidently say the EP, Bring on the Waves, will do just that. They will rock the boat, but manage to keep everyone on board smiling. Witty lyrics and their acoustic, old world charm will instantly win over listeners for life.

BAND MEMBERS: 

Tamara Schlesinger: vocals, guitar, ukulele, tenor guitar, glock,
Caspar Riis: acoustic guitar, electric guitar, vocals
John Beyer: double bass, guitar, vocals
Daniel Deavin: drums, percussion, shouting
Andy Watts: trumpet, guitar, percussion, vocals

On the recordings and sometimes joining us live:
Sophie Loyer: violin, saw
Sean O'Brien: accordion  

Stay tuned for more about 6 Day Riot, as we will be featuring the band sometime in July.

6 Day Riot...the MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/6dayriot

Here is some live footage of 6 Day Riot performing their track, "Sky Father," which can also be heard on their Bring on the Waves EP:

Bring on the Waves, and start the Riot!

Join the Silent Parade of Sydney Wayser

NEW MUSIC REVIEW:

Sydney Wayser, Silent Parade

Jenna Avery-Lawyer

At age 21, with the debut of her first record under her proverbial belt, Sydney Wayser has only just begun her artistic journey. Silent Parade, released in 2007, reflects a deep understanding of life and love; a perspective rarely seen in artists at such a young age.

Wayser's sound has a wise and beautiful quality that pleads to be heard. Never without melancholy, her voice glides along with the finely placed strings; the two complimenting each other perfectly. As she sings, the cello weeps with cascading sounds of sorrow, adding to the ever present, but never over powering, sadness that swirls in the air. Along with sadness, I hear contentment. Sydney seems at peace with life and all its hardships.

My favorite song featured on MySpace from Wayser’s debut, is the beautiful and sincere “Papa Don’t Worry.” It tells the story of a person who is no longer a girl, but a woman. It’s about breaking free, and becoming an adult. A harmonica blows, announcing its worried presence. Sydney then enters, crooning “Papa don’t worry, I’ll be alright,” as she tries to sooth its upset tone. I hear a question and response between the harmonica and Sydney; perhaps a conversation between parents? Putting the gorgeous and tightly knit orchestrations aside, the harmonica itself adds a completely different level of emotion to the track. It is these simple additions that make songs so attention grabbing and memorable.

The ironic and delightful “Carousel,” showcases Wayser’s French-American heritage. Its whimsical French melody, bouncing up and down on the piano, is slightly offset by the entrance of lyrics that contradict the set mood, as she sings, “Oh misery, stop this spinning.” The acoustic guitar, which can be heard swirling around and around, adds to the visual of an old French carousel. The song stops as the carousel finishes; slowly winding down to the end.

One of Wayser's main self-proclaimed inspirations is the artwork of the Italian born, but French inspired, Amadeo Modigliani. Being submerged in such an array of creative mediums ensures that her music will only continue to grow with time. Her overall artistry and apparent love of life will help her to produce more sweet and melancholy tunes. I suspect Silent Parade has only touched the surface of the deep pool that lies within Sydney Wayser.

Sydney will be playing a show this Thursday at Moomia in NYC along side several other acts, including our featured artist of the week, Will Knox.

Sydney Wayser's MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sydneywayser

Join the Silent Parade of Sydney Wayser

Who needs a man made of steel, when you can have one made of Iron?

NEW MOVIE REVIEW

IRON MAN

Released: May 2, 2008

Jenna Avery-Lawyer

I'm sorry, all I can say is... "It was money, baby!" 

Come on! It was directed by Jon Favreau! I had to get my one allotted Swingers reference in. But damn, he was firing off all cylinders when he brought this sparkling gem to theaters. Something definitely went right.

I have waited for this delicious tray of eye candy for months. As soon as I heard the words, I was bouncing on my heels with excitement. The words, of course, were "Robert Downey Jr." He is one of my absolute favourites. I did not doubt him as Iron Man for one second. His beauty, his wit, his muscles, his… Where was I? Oh right. He was quite possibly put on this earth to play Tony Stark.

Terrence Howard, also seen in the award winning film, Crash, does a fantastic job of playing Rhodey, Tony Stark's best friend. Expect to see him suiting up for the sequel as Iron Man's partner, War Machine. 

Gwyneth Paltrow adds to this amazing cast with her quiet-cool. Well, more like quiet awkwardness, but I loved her all the more for it. She plays the role of Pepper Potts, the highly professional and devout personal assistant to weapons mogul, Tony Stark. The sexual tension between Ms. Potts and Mr. Stark absolutely crackles against the screen! Half the time I expect to see embers shooting off of them as during their many tension filled silences. If their chemistry had a sound effect, it would most likely resemble the sizzle of a frying pan. Spicey!

It's not all fun and sexual tension, though. The first portion of this film is a very dark and tense 25 minutes. It adds so many layers to the blossoming characters, paving the way for a deeper connection. No spoiler alert here. I won't divulge any further.

I was pleased to see that Favreau did not pull a Spider-Man 3. I'm sorry Spidey, I love you, but I had to say it. Unlike the third, and far overdone, installment of Spiderman, this film does an excellent job of developing the characters into people we can feel for. It's done at a leisurely pace, so the audience doesn't feel rushed. Some have said that Iron Man is just an introductory tail. I agree, and it makes me impatient for more. This beginning contains plenty of action, comedy, and drama; A spectacular blending of genres. If the full cast can be gathered for the sequel, we can certainly expect another box office smash!

Here is the official theatrical trailer:

Who needs a man made of steel, when you can have one made of Iron?

"So you think you can dance!": Chapter 1

A weekly re-cap the happenings of the Fox show, So you think you can dance.

by, Jenna Avery-Lawyer

(above: Season 3 winner, 20-year-old, Sabra Johnson of Utah.)

I love this show! American Idol move aside! It's time for some dancin'! I like exclamator statements! YEAH!

Much like the first couple weeks of American Idol, So you think you can dance has mass auditions. They feature a wide range of styles and caliber. It also has its share of spotlight seekers that really have no interest in dance, but just crave a bit of attention. Of course, without these desperate cries for love and affection, the first few weeks would only be filled with GOOD dancers. And who wants to watch that? Let's thank the mothers of the world that didn't hug their children enough. Thanks mom.

No-talent hacks aside, this show really does feature some of the best dancers yet to be recognized. Many have struggled for years in their chosen career, though most would argue they didn't choose dancing; dancing chose them. In my opinion, this is true for all artists.  It isn't really a choice, but a calling.  Just like a fire won't vanish because we ignore it, neither does passion. It can wan, but it will never truly disappear.

This is why I love the show. The passion expressed by these people is so incredibly honest and intense. When the show gets to the top 20 dancers, it transforms. It becomes a weekly therapy session- dancing style. They bare their souls on the floor. They are so clearly seen by all watching, and it can become overwhelming. Everyone should have an artistic outlet. It is truly purging, and soul-satisfying.

I can't wait for the weeks to come. It's one of the things I look forward to the most. That sounds a bit sad, since it is a reality dancing competition, but it's worth your time. You will be exposed to all types of dance styles done by incredible human beings. So stay tuned. I'll update every week!

"So you think you can dance!": Chapter 1

Indiana Jones...or Indiana Drone?

NEW MOVIE REVIEW:

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Released: May 22, 2008

Jenna Avery-Lawyer

Yesterday, I went to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, or as I like to call it, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of what the hell is going on? Oh look, there's Shia, maybe I'll just hit mute."  Too wordy for a title? Hmm. No wonder they never called me back.

I have to say, albeit begrudgingly, it was a bit of a disappointment. I am extremely biased towards the "Indiana Jones" movies, so that's saying something. It just seemed too little, too late. Putting the plot aside, I'd like to focus on the acting chops of Harrison Ford, which I'm sorry to say, were severely lacking. Maybe it's his age. Is he just too old and tired to put forth the effort into his work anymore?  His half assed delivered lines could have been the result of the lines themselves, which sounded tired and cliché, much like Mr. Ford himself. I'm being a hard ass, but only because I expected something monumental. I guess high expectations always make the fall harder and faster. I'm depressed that I feel such things for an Indiana Jones movie.

On the bright side, it wasn't all bad. I would even see it again. The shining star of the film, Shia Lebouf, made that movie possible. His charismatic presence, along with his newly developed and much appreciated biceps, kept me alert. I can see him following an acting career much like Will Smith's. He's already a great action star with the skills for drama, and the comedic timing of a pro. Kate Blanchett, too, did not disappoint. She took her role as the deadly and obsessive Ukrainian, to heart. I found her disturbing and amusing.

The re-appearance of old characters, and occasional amusing references to old "Indiana" movies, were a nice treat to die hard fans, but felt forced. It made the film seem kitchy, and not in a good way. Since I don't do spoilers, I won't delve into the subtext of the film. I will say that it could have been better, but it will do. As I said before, I'd see it again, but not in theaters.

Feel free to check out the trailer:

Indiana Jones...or Indiana Drone?

FEATURED ARTIST 5/25/08: JEFF BUCKLEY

SO REAL: Jeff Buckley

Jenna Avery-Lawyer

Jeff Buckley never gave anything less than his whole being.  Every time we listen, we hear beautiful melodies that have us clutching at ourselves, trying not to fall apart. Enchanting seduction s that whisper of heavenly pleasures gained from sin.  Rebel cries that stretch and strain through our minds, snapping ourselves into awareness.  We are here.  Experiencing the raw emotion that hangs on every note, every breath.

I remember the time and place when I heard my first Buckley song.  I won't mention them now, because they are uninteresting, but the fact that I remember these details is the point.  The song I heard was "So Real".  I believe I was in 9th or 10th grade, trying to find something new.  I found Jeff Buckley, not knowing that he had already passed away.  I was ignorant of his existence prior to my listening experience, so I thought I had stumbled upon something fresh.

 Believe me, it was fresh.  I don't think I had ever heard anything like it.  It was so raw, with a controlled randomness.  The moment it started there was this feeling of something otherworldly swirling about.  It was mysterious, but still familiar.

He comes in like a whisper across your skin, personifying "love." "Love, let me sleep on your couch."  One might assume "Love" to be the nickname of a lover, but later lyrics hint at a deeper meaning.  Not only is this his love, it is love.  Love as an entity.  He invokes scents, sounds, and visions with his genius text painting.  "I remember the smell of the fabric of your simple city dress."  So simple, and yet he forces it to hold meaning.

"I love you, but I'm afraid to love you."  He whispers to all of us, to no one.  The chorus comes out of nowhere, blasting into our souls.  "Oh, that was so real!"  The transcendent vocals of Buckley tearing through the stratosphere as he soars higher and higher, climaxing.  It could speak of other climaxes as well.  Both sensually and tragically.  The ride is coming to an end, the grinding guitar ripping and shredding its way through the chorus, Buckley gliding through the rough instrumentation.  The heavy industrial interlude some might refer to as ugly only adds to the beauty.  The highs and lows of love.

Howling like a wild animal.  His love for Led Zeppelin shines through at times like these.  The perfected beautiful shrieking of Robert Plant-esque proportions.  Singing strategically just under the pitch at times to create a sense of standing at the precipice of something great.  If only we could just take that step.  We wait for a resolution that never comes.

It's winding down, it's ending.  I feel my heart lurch in my chest.  I don't want it to stop.  This song is holding me together.  I'm afraid of what might happen when it ends.  His words have torn me open, shredded my existence, and yet he's the only thing holding me together.  Relief.  I can feel it coming.  Brushing over me like cool hands.  They soothe my ravaged soul, making me whole again.  One person cannot feel this much all the time.  Jeff Buckley, however, lived every song as he sang them.  The only reason they affect us so, is because he made it possible.

I'm done.  I sit and stare, unmoving.  What just happened?  I feel alive and fresh.  Whole and beautiful.  I want to feel it again.  So I hit play and sit back, ready to endure it all again.

Here is the official music video for "So Real."

FEATURED ARTIST 5/25/08: JEFF BUCKLEY

The Walkup: A match made in...New York.

NEW MUSIC REVIEW:

The Walkup, Down on Pacific

Jenna Avery-Lawyer

Prepare to rock with The Walkup! This New York based group does not bring to mind visions of shining skyscrapers, but instead evokes scenes of sunny beaches crawling along the Pacific Coast. Their aptly named debut album, Down on Pacific, features ten tracks with a consistent quality throughout, setting the group up for a bright future.

Their debut album is the result of a unification of tastes among band members. Lead vocals are sung by Alex Koch; reminding me of Morrissey, but with a sunnier disposition. I can hear a smirk on his lips as he sings with a moody and pleading tone. Joining Koch's lead vocals and guitar are Sean Finnigan on lead guitar and vocals, Michael Petrucelly on drums, and newest member, Christopher Ayoub, on bass. These four have managed to capture a sound that is so popular these days, and turn it into something they can call their own. Vocals, enhanced by a slight echo effect, create the illusion of a live recording. These vocals are accompanied by chord progressions that straddle the line between East and West coast alternative rock. The album's opening track, "My Youth," does a great job of getting my feet tapping and head banging. It sets the tone for the rest of the record, as it is followed by more up-tempo tunes to keep the mood up in the room.

Creating a cohesive album is difficult, but essential. A thematic rhythm resonates throughout Down on Pacific, creating a sound I associate exclusively with the Walkup. They are successful in keeping the songs uniform, but not identical. The funky bass intro to "The Long Hours," done by Christopher "smooth as silk" Ayoub, screams for my attention immediately. The song continues to do so as the chorus begins. I find myself singing along with the catchy-as-hell

hook; rockin' out and banging my head like the rag doll they speak of.

The Walkup's music is heavy with sounds of their well-known, self-stated, influences. When "Conversation" came on, I thought I had accidentally started playing "London Calling," by the Clash. For me, sounding like the Clash is never a problem, as long as an original sound is still established. I was pleased to hear that the similarities did not carry through the entire tune. A heavy beat is sustained throughout the verse by the simple down-stroke strumming of one chord, and the steady, fast paced drumming of Petrucelly. The chorus enters; leaving that steady strumming behind, and instead developing into a heartsick alternative rock melody. Another surprise is the sudden appearance of a synthesizer, helping to build the song up to its climactic end. This is one of my favorites from the album, because it separates itself from the rest without losing uniformity.

The Walkup was able to establish their style and skills perfectly through their debut album, "Down on Pacific," helping them make their way into the spotlight. If they continue to release albums of this caliber, they will have cemented themselves into the music scene for life. The combination of the Beach Boys' party-time attitude, with the Smiths' moody and broody ways, is a match made in New York.

You can check out their music by visiting their myspace:

The Walkup MySpace

The Walkup: A match made in...New York.