Essential April '10

Essential viewing this April:
- The unlikely pairing of Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor should be enough to make any moviegoer curious. Add that I Love You, Phillip Morris is the directorial debut from the writers of already cult classic Bad Santa (2003) and regardless of the result, you should have one of the most interesting comedies of the year so far. And indeed it is. Bold, rude and egdy, it is almost everything you wanted it to be. The plot runs a bit on fumes towards the end, but by that time you will already have laughed, flinched and looked discreetly towards the theatre floor in awkward embarrasment so many times that it should feel overwhelmingly satisfying. Carrey delivers his best performance since Man On The Moon (1999), and it's not often that a film with an A-list Hollywood star arrives in Europe before home (it is still struggling to find an American distributor). But when it does it is usually for one or two reasons; it is truly awful, or a bit too much to handle for the Twilight or say, J.Lo's New Adventure loving audience. Thankfully, it's the second one.
- Five years after the success of Danish drama Brødre by Susanne Bier, the American remake arrives. Directed by Jim Sheridan, Brothers can not carry the same punch as the original, but it is still strong enough filmmaking to make a, however soft, genuine impact. A superbly cast trio with Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman and Tobey Maguire make the most of their generously split parts and the result is both moving and thought provoking. It may have benefitted from a more confronting director (an Oliver Stone or Todd Field) to make it a rightfully harder experience to watch, but this is still worth both a look and a mention.
- Terry Gilliam's latest The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus did not live long in theatres and was mainly noticed for being Heath Ledger's final performance (he passed away mid-production and major script alterations had to be made) but it deserves to find an appreciative audience on DVD. Gilliam is still wonderfully original and a master at making the most out of limited resources. The film does well with both its humourous and dramatic plotlines and the pure desire to be challenging in story as well as visually makes this a successful affair. As for Ledger's final performance, it is simply another reminder at the massive talent that was gone far too soon.

Essential listening this April:
- British rock band Doves have been at it for more than a decade now and decided it is time for a look back. Yours truly have never been a big fan of compilations and greatest hits collections, but after five terrific releases the band is certainly desevering of such an album. The Places Between features music from their debut, and arguably still finest hour, Lost Souls (2000) up until last years Kingdom of Rust and it is a cracking collection of tracks. If you're unfamilliar with the band it will definitely leave you craving more and even if you know their whole catalogue, compiled together it is a wonderful statement of the bands consistent quality. If you're smart, you'll spring a little extra for the limited edition with both a bonus disc and DVD. Oh, how spoiled we have become!
- She & Him is an American pop duo featuring Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward. Their second album, simply titled Volume Two is one of the most charming and seductive records to come across the great seas in a long time. Uncomplicated in a most positive way, it is equally playful and impressive. With the stupidly addictive single In The Sun already growing in radio spins, it could become a sleeper hit record.
- Having read stories about Roky Erickson and his, should we say medically fascinating life, it is indeed slightly surreal that in the year 2010 he is releasing a brand new album. And adding to the surprise of his return he has got American indie favorites Okkervil River along for the ride. The title is True Love Cast Out All Evil and hearing the themes running through the songs it is a fitting one. Love, death and everything in between, having seen it all Erickson still sings with an impressive energy and belts out tunes that will both stir and touch your nostalgic rock loving heart.

"Gone"

what is a dream that does not come true
whatever good there was has gone away
the loss of faith is the loss of a smile
love has a way of seeking revenge

the ice is drawing towards the middle
you wanna talk about this or everything else
an empty photo album in a quiet house
this place will not remember us

this lifeboat is getting crowded
but no one says a word
save your breath for something important
it's too early to say your prayers

another day is almost here
i'll save you a seat next to me

Easter # 2

In the wintertime, especially at easter, there is no place more beautiful than back home. Up north.

My favorite part about coming to our house in Faksfjord, after about a three hour drive from Tromsø, is coming over that last hilltop and looking down on that beautiful white house sitting on top of this quiet fjord, surrounded by the snow covered mountains. Nothing in this world looks more peaceful.

One of the best things about going home on vacation is as always seeing my three young nephews again. And as always we had a terrific time. So here, back by popular demand, is the youngest one.
One year later. Same kid. Same hill. Same result.