Post Weekend Video: LCD Soundsystem - "Drunk Girls"

I've never gotten into LCD Soundsystem. With all the music nerd references they make it seems I would love them but my dislike of electronic music always gets in the way. That being said, I'm pretty into their new song "Drunk Girls" and especially the video. It's pure chaos and while I have no idea what it means (if anything) it's a lot of fun to watch. Their new album This is Happening releases May 18th.

Red Cliff (Parts 1 & 2): Blu-ray (2008)

John Woo has always been very skilled at filming almost operatic action sequences. His Hong Kong classics from the late 80's/early 90's, A Better Tomorrow, The Killer and Hard Boiled are all excellent, and very violent, pieces of film. His Hollywood career has been much more spotty but even in uneven films like Face/Off and Mission Impossible 2 the action scenes bordered on the spectacular. Red Cliff is his return to Chinese filmmaking and it's a pretty spectacular and epic return to form.

Based on the historical Battle of Red Cliffs, Woo's film is a 5 hour, epic piece of work (split into 2 parts) with a very strong plot, a fantastic cast and of course amazing battle sequences. To summarize the plot would require me to give away many key elements and to list a large number of character names that would likely be quickly forgotten anyway so I'll just skip it.

I will say the plot is strong and more than just framing for the action sequences. In fact just as much time is spent on character development and military strategy as is on action. There are at least 10 major characters who all get fleshed out at various times during the film and it can be a little overwhelming. I honestly couldn't tell all the characters apart and specifically who was on who's side early in the film but I eventually picked up on everything as the movie went along.

While characterization and plot are very important and are what sets Red Cliff apart from other similar films, the action scenes are going to be the biggest draw for most people and Woo does not disappoint. There's a very distinct style and poetry at the center of all the chaos. The violence is fairly graphic and spurts of blood are flying at almost all times but there's also a strong sense of control over everything. Nothing seems out of place and the action is easy to follow. While the entire movie is a visual feast, the battle scenes are where the movie really shines.

Obviously 5 hours is a long time so there is also a 2.5 hour version of the movie that was released at the same time as this version. I have not viewed that version but I can only assume that a lot of character motivations and development are probably what got axed. The "short" version has recieved good reviews so it's probably worth seeing if you don't want to sit through a 5 hour movie but I would definitely recommend this one. I watched the movie in 2 parts on 2 different days.

The blu-ray is technically spectacular. My TV does not come close to doing the cinematography justice. The whole movie is breathtaking in high-def.Colors are exceptional throughout, skin tones and facial detail are very strong. Black levels are very deep and consistent. There is really nothing to complain about picture wise. The audio as well is top notch. The films numerous action scenes are very immersive. Surround usage during these scenes is constant, low end is deep and tight and directionality is perfect. Dialogue is never lost in the mix as well. The quieter scenes could have perhaps used some more ambiance but that's a very minor issue.

While Red Cliff is a fantastic movie that feels shorter then it's 5 hour runtime although I believe the decision to watch it in 2 separate parts plays a significant role in that. John Woo has a made a film that stands up with his earlier masterpieces and Red Cliff should not be ignored. The blu-ray is a fantastic way to watch it but the the runtime will make it hard (at least for me) to give it multiple viewings.

Ratings
Movie: 4/5
Blu-ray 5/5

Weekend Video: Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings - "I Learned the Hard Way"

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings are pretty much the greatest retro-soul band in the world. Their new album I Learned the Hard Way was released this week (and now reviewed here) and it's another fantastic bunch of old school soul songs. The title song is the lead single and video and I present it to you now. They also put on one hell of a live show as well so check them out if they're coming your way.

20 Blaxploitation Films to See Before You Die

With the fairly recent home video of the instant classic, blaxploitation spoof Black Dynamite being released and (I assume) becoming the most popular movie EVER, I thought I'd give people a quick rundown on some of the movies it's sending up. If you're not familiar with the term blaxploitation, it generally refers to movies made by major studios (starting in the early 70's) that are designed to sell to a primarily black audience and feature what they consider black culture. The most common elements associated with the genre include pimps, hookers, drug dealers, racist cops, funk and soul soundtracks, elaborate costumes, graphic violence and gratuitous nudity. The quality of these movies ranges from excellent to laughably bad. There are of course exceptions to all the elements and not every movie on this list should be considered true blaxploitation but often times they are lumped in together anyway. This list is by no means definitive and there are plenty of other deserving movies that could have been included.

Click on the jump to get a really basic rundown on 20 blaxploitation movies that are essential to understand the genre. 

Side note: This post contains much more foul language than I usually include. You are warned.

Ranking the Albums: The Replacements Version

So much has been written about The Replacements over the years it hardly seems necessary to write this entry but it had to be done. There's really no way to describe how much this band has meant to so many people (including myself) but I will do my best. I'm not old enough to have seen The Replacements live so all my experiences are through the albums and legendary story's. There may not be another band ever (certainly not in the 80's) who capture the reckless spirit of rock and roll while coupling it with feelings of hopelessness and being an outsider. They also consistently offset that with a wicked sense of humor that most other bands couldn't begin to touch. Frontman Paul Westerberg was once quoted as saying (and I'm paraphrasing) that no other band could go from loud to soft as effectively as The Replacements and that is completely true. Westerberg was perhaps the best songwriter in rock and roll during the 80's (apologies to Nick Cave, Tom Waits and Shane MacGowan) and is an underrated singer and guitarist as well. Original lead guitarist Bob Stinson layed down some of the craziest guitar solos in history before he was either forced out or quit the band (depending on who you ask). His bass playing younger brother Tommy and drummer Chris Mars were not flashy but made a very capable rhythm section. The band had a well earned reputation as being difficult drunks who sabotaged their own success on more than one occasion. While those times may not represent the best financial decisions the band could have made, no one could ever say that they weren't true to themselves.

 For me this is the best band of the 80's and perhaps my favorite of all time. Click on the jump to get a detailed rundown on each of their 8 studio albums.

Side note: I'm only going into the original albums and not taking into account the bonus tracks on the remastered versions but if you're looking to buy any Replacements CD's the remasters are easily the way to go.

Apollo 13: Blu-ray (1995)

When I first saw Apollo 13 fifteen years ago I didn't really care for it, I thought it was boring probably due to knowing how it would end. I'm not sure what I was thinking back then because Apollo 13 is a very solid movie with a great cast, fine acting, solid direction and a moving story. While I still don't think it's a classic it is an excellent piece of film.

The story of Apollo 13 is well known and I'm sure most people are familiar with it on at least a basic level. The cast (Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bil Paxton, Gary Sinese, Ed Harris and Kathleen Quinlan with Harris and Quinlan in Oscar nominated performances) is in fine form throughout and they are the main draw to the film. Director Ron Howard does an admirable job of maintaining tension throughout even though the happy ending is never in doubt. This is a movie about the journey, not the ending and that journey is at times moving and always dramatic. While I'm sure there are many liberties taken with the actual events, the movie always feels real and that's the best way to judge a film that's based on a true story.

The blu-ray is an excellent example of a catalog title done right. For a 15-year-old film the video quality is excellent. It's not the most colorful movie ever made but black levels are obviously important and they are very strong. Detail is mostly top-notch with a few instances of softness that momentarily pop up but that's very rare with the scenes in space being especially high in quality. The audio is also fantastic. The movie is mostly dialogue and that comes through very clearly. With numerous scenes set in space surround use is minimal but when the movie calls for it (mostly in take off and landing sequences) they come alive along with some of the most prodigious low end I've ever heard in a catalog title. My house was literally shaking at times.

While I don't consider Apollo 13 to be a true classic, it is an excellent movie nonetheless. The blu-ray is great as well. The younger version of me was an idiot for not liking it.

Ratings
Movie: 4/5
Blu-ray: 4.5/5

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans: Blu-ray (2009)

Is there an actor who makes more frustrating choices in movie roles than Nicolas Cage? The list of action/sci-fi movies (that range from utterly horrible to guilty pleasures at best) he's starred in since 2000 includes Knowing, Next, Bangkok Dangerous, Ghost Rider, The Wicker Man, National Treasure 1&2, Windtalkers, and Gone in 60 Seconds. No one is gonna blame the guy for wanting a big paycheck but a little discretion couldn't hurt. On the other hand there are the fantastic movies he's done that show off his formidable acting talent.  Adaptation, Matchstick Men, Lord of War and The Weather Man are all excellent films that admittedly have very little commercial value. Add to that list Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans. Teaming up with acclaimed director Werner Herzog (Rescue Dawn, Grizzly Man, Aguirre: Wrath of God) in a very loose (the name and dealing with a corrupt cop being the only relation) "remake" of Abel Ferrara's 1992's Bad Lieutenant, Cage gives one of the best performances of his career.

The movie deals with Lieutenant Terrence McDonagh (Cage) who injures his back early in the film, becomes addicted to painkillers and embarks down a dangerous path of corruption and drug addiction. He is put in charge of a brutal murder investigation while attempting to balance his addictions, all the while attempting to maintain respect from his commanding officer, fellow policemen (including Val Kilmer) and his prostitute girlfriend (Eva Mendes). The basic plot is very episodic in nature and pretty generic.

What's not generic is Cage's performance and the direction of Herzog. Cage is allowed what seems like unlimited free reign to overact to the highest degree. His facial expressions, ever changing voice, hunchback mannerisms and general demeanor would be out of place in 99 percent of all movies but here it works to perfection. All the supporting performances are excellent as well but this is completely Cage's show from start to finish. I can't think of any other actor who would be more effective or engrossing in this role.

Herzog himself makes some very unusual choices in shots and in music. There are numerous times when Iguanas and other reptiles scroll across the screen and it's completely left up to the viewer to determine if they are actuly there or if they are just McDonagh's drug induced hallucinations. At point Herzog has the camera drift completely away from the action and be shown from the point of view of a crocodile. It doesn't add anything to the story line but it definitely has an affect on the feel of the movie. While these choices could easily derail the film thay actually enhance the feeling of insanity that is prevalent throughout.

BLPCNO is not a movie that is going to be overly satisfying as a high-def transfer. Colors bleed intentionally and the movie is shot in a dreamlike haze that gives it a soft appearance. The blu-ray does accurately represent what I remember seeing in theaters so any flaws are directly related to Herzog's directorial decisions. Audio wise it's a dialogue driven film and there are not many big action scenes. The audio track sounds fine but isn't going to give your system a workout.

I fully acknowledge that this will not be a film for everyone. It's very weird, doesn't have much in the way of plot and the pacing can drag from time to time. The best comparison I can make is to American Psycho. Much like that movie this must be viewed as a black comedy. If you go into this looking for a cop movie you will come away completely bewildered and unsatisfied. BLPCNO is one of the best movies of last year, Cage's performance is mesmerizing and Herzog's direction holds it all together even when the movie is bursting at the seems with insanity. I can't promise that you will understand everything that is happening (I certainly didn't) but I can promise you won't forget it.

Ratings
Movie 4.5/5
Blu-ray 3.5/5