With classic films such as Bottle Rocket, Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, writer and director Wes Anderson has almost created his own genre within American independent cinema. His latest, Moonrise Kingdom, is another strong addition to his impressive catalogue. A beautiful and heartfelt story about family and first love that showcases all of Andersons strengths. An impressive cast featuring Bruce Willis, Ed Norton, Frances McDormand, Bill Murray also include two leading turns from newcomers Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward.
Few sci-fi movies have experienced a bigger build-up prior to its release than Ridley Scotts Prometheus. By many considered a companion piece to his Alien (1979), this is a most welcome return to the genre by a truly dedicated director. It may not redeem everyones expectations, but it is still a superb blockbuster treat. Featuring one of the most credible casts of the year including Michael Fassbender, Noomi Rapace, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce and Charlize Theron and some of the finest CGI seen on screen in a long time this is a thoroughly enjoyable fare that should generate more than enough dollars to ensure another chapter in some shape or form.
After leaving TV in 2006 having done seven successful seasons of The West Wing, and going on to conquer the big screen with his Oscar-winning script for The Social Network and Moneyball (which also earned him a nomination), one wondered what Aaron Sorkin would do next. The answer was a return to the small screen with The Newsroom, which premiered on HBO this month. One should be careful to establish a show as a success based on a 70-minute pilot (and having the solo season series that was Studio 60 fresh in mind), but it is hard not to imagine this becoming one of the seasons biggest hits. Starring Jeff Daniels, Emily Mortimer and Sam Waterston as the key players in a cable television news show, this is as classic Sorkin as it gets. Snappy dialogue, fast-paced scenes, political themes, pop culture referances and a light comedic touch. In its first episode We Just Decided To it comes off as having plenty more to offer.
ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS JUNE:
Five years after their previos record, The Black and White Album, swedish garagerock outfit The Hives return. The easily entitled Lex Hives is the bands fifth studio album, and even though it is hard to find much news within the records twelve tracks, there is still plenty enough to make you realize just how much you've missed them. Fronted by the catchy single Go Right Ahead, this is straightforward rock & roll fun with a playful and charming band determined to re-establish themselves as the biggest band on the planet. Don't stand in their way.
A new album from Patti Smith can be approached with different sets of emotions. Even though her albums have been so spread out that any new release deserves to be cherised, the quality of her recent work has been variable. Banga however has many of the qualities you would look for in a classic Smith record: an understated production, a raw and unpolished vocal, poetic touches and a mixture of genres. Her eleventh studio album carries a strong heart and an obvious desire to be heard. With twelve tracks it could have benefitted from trimming one or two, but there is plenty in here to enjoy, with This Is The Girl (reportedly a song about Amy Winehouse) as a rock solid standout in the crowd.
One of the most pleasant surprises this month is What We Saw From The Cheap Seats, the new album from Regina Spektor. The singer and songwriter has long ago established herself as a talent to be reckoned with, but with her sixth studio album, she should be on her way out of the talent section and on route to become one of the leading female artists in America. The eleven tracks on board all come off fresh and inspired, leaving you enthusiastic not only about the album but the future of the genre knowing Spektor is here to stay. The superb first single All The Rowboats is a terrific example, and is masterfully performed on The Late Show below.
