Essential June '11

Essential viewing this June:
- After the disappointing spin-off that was Wolverine (2009) one could be tempted to leave the X-Men franchise dead and buried. But luckily with X-Men: First Class, the capable hands of Matthew Vaughn have not only brought the series back to its peak, but left it with a more than promising future. Going back to the early days of Professor X and Magneto, Vaughn has brought in a whole new set of talent with James McAvoy (X) and Michael Fassbender (Magneto) leading the way. And the two do a remarkable job of reigniting the original spark that made this relationship originally interesting in Bryan Singer’s first X-Men (2000). In fact, McAvoy and Fassbender are so strong that they put stars like Kevin Bacon, Rose Byrne and January Jones to shame. A terrific set-up with clever takes on the characters origin accompanied by some very impressive action makes this one of the finest blockbusters of the summer.

- Another pair with great chemistry on display this month is Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in Paul, a sci-fi comedy that gets away with a bit too much but still leaves you wanting more. Pegg and Frost, who also penned the script together, have done so much together by now (Shaun of The Dead (2004) and most recently Hot Fuzz (2007)) naturally don’t have to work too hard to come off as best buddies, but it is in their relationship to newfound friend Paul they both really shine. Directed by Greg Mottola (Superbad (2007) and TV’s Arrested Development), this is a superb buddy movie with a rare treat of making a CGI character both impressive and loveable. A wonderful antidote to the serious sci-fi movies just around the corner.

- The legendary front man of Motorhead, Lemmy Kilmister, was bound to get a documentary team knocking on his door one day. And now the film, simply titled Lemmy, arrives. Directors Wes Orshoski and Greg Olliver follow the heavy rocker for the better part of a year and the result is interesting, moving and entertaining. Whether it is on the front or back stage, on his beloved tour bus or back at his economic apartment in Los Angeles, this is an intimate and honest portrait of a man completely dedicated to his art. Contributions from the likes of Dave Grohl, James Hetfield, Ozzy Osbourne, Joan Jett and many more makes the uninformed viewer realize the legacy of the man, and the film depicts the rocker in a raw and unfiltered environment which makes it even more satisfying to take in. A rock solid documentary bio picture.

Essential listening this June:
- The return of Arctic Monkeys is a curious one, with their fourth album Suck It And See. After their first two superb albums, their third one Humbug (2009) was a bit of a surprise turn, and in spite of some high quality tracks, didn’t manage to sell itself as a full-on rock album. Two years later they return in better form and a clearer idea of what they want their album to be. The quality of each track still varies a little too much, but all together this is a great mix of songs and a reassuring return to their confident selves. Alongside the superb first single Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair, tracks like Brick By Brick and Reckless Serenade remind you of the attitude and original fresh feeling that first made us fall in love with the band when they debuted back in 2005.

- Despite coming across some commercial success a few albums back, indie rockers Death Cab For Cutie refuse to make anything too accessible. With their impressive seventh studio album Codes and Keys, they are still experimental, fearless and looking to improve. The result is an interesting album that stands strong and tall, but still doesn’t quite challenge their finest efforts. There is a romantic idea running through the various moods of the album where Ben Gibbard still sings with convincing and heartfelt effect, making this a record well worth listening to. And it will still make an unforgiving impact on the loyal fans.

- The past decade have seen many great Norwegian rock bands retire or break up, with no one ever really being able to replace them. Bands such as Madrugada, Ricochets and My Midnight Creeps. So it should be a comforting sign that Kitchie Kitchie Ki-Me-O features members of all the above. Their first, self titled album is a very promising outing that will hopefully grow even more impressive with further visits. Dark, poetic, gritty and rough around the edges, hopefully this band will live on longer than any of its members’ previous ones. From Next, the terrific single that opens the album, to the closing One Day, this is a much needed Norwegian rock album that should inspire others to follow.