Essential May '10

Essential viewing this May:
- The long overdue arrival of director Miguel Arteta's new film is the highlight of this month. Based on the novel by C.D. Payne, Youth In Revolt is the story of troubled teen Nick Twisp, who in order to impress the girl next door creates his own alter ego, the dangerously cool Francois Dillinger. A delicious and filthy comedy with a terrific central performance from Michael Cera, who is cruising along nicely on the road to becoming Hollywoods official prince of deadpan comedy. And when you get Steve Buscemi and The Hangover's Zach Galiafianakis as the designated father figures, what more could you possibly ask for.
- The Messenger is a strong and well acted drama about two American soliders whos job it is to inform families of the death of their sons and daughters serving overseas. It is an impressive film from a first time director, Oren Moverman and stars Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson. The photography and editing is gritty and sober in style and a tight script secures a nice pace throughout. Foster is convincing, but it is Harrelson who impresses the most with one of his best performances in years (he along with the screenplay received a well deserved Oscar nomination earlier this year) and makes this a challenging and rewarding viewing.
- For something completely different we have the spectacle that is the new Ridley Scott picture. The director of Gladiator, Black Hawk Down and Kingdom of Heaven returns to the summer blockbuster with his version of Robin Hood. Reuniting with Russell Crowe (it's their fifth collaboration in just ten years), Scott does fall short in some areas but this is a great comeback compared to last years disappointing Body Of Lies. In spite of its running time (it clocks in just shy of two and a half hours) the script feels trimmed and the film moves along nicely, with Scott making sure we don't get too much of a history lesson on the way to each battlefield. Crowe is in usual hero mode, but it is the supporting cast who gives you most value. Cate Blanchett is wonderful as the stiff lipped Lady Marion, but the finest thing in here is a breakout performance from Oscar Isaac as the snotty Prince John, guaranteed to send him head first into major Hollywood spotlights. A decent film, which does its best to cover its lack of charm with roaring battles and magnificent photography. It just manages.

Essential listening this May:
- One of the musical highlights of this year as far as I'm concerned is the release of The National's new album. The title is High Violet and regardless of my already well known admiration for this New York group, I am certain it will stand as one of 2010's finest albums. Despite achieving some fame through their third outing Alligator (2005) it was the 2007 release of Boxer that really got the eyes and ears of audiences and critics alike. So even though this is the bands fifth studio album there is an unquestionable pressure on them to deliver. And they do, in spades. From the haunting opening Terrible Love through the ten tracks that follow, this is an absolute rock solid piece of work. Every song is filled to the rim with wall to wall beats and accompaniments yet it never feels excessive, you simply want to succumb to every note that floats out. The first single Bloodbuzz Ohio (along with its beautiful and amusing video) is a stroke of genius and best of all, there is plenty more where it came from. Right now there is quite simply nothing better out there than The National.
- Another quality rock album on an independent label this month is Brothers, the sixth album from The Black Keys. Produced by the band themselves there is a wide variety and much to take in (the album has fifteen tracks) but the overall quality is very strong. The style is quite simplistic, but underneath every key you feel there is a massive roar waiting to explode! Soaked in blues and jammed full of soul it is a terrific listen and should be a rattling experience live.
- The Hold Steady is another great rock band that have actually been around for quite some time, but never really made it into my record shelves. But their latest album, with the instant classic title Heaven Is Whenever, made an impact from the very first runthrough. Their fifth album has strong references to the likes of say Springsteen or Tom Petty and there is a classic rock feel throughout. With well written lyrics and great riffs and solos it does more than enough to keep you jamming along for the forty plus minutes it has on offer. Could very well become the rock soundtrack of the summer.