In the category of great films that deserve better fates, this month features Jeff, Who Lives at Home. Starring Jason Segel and Ed Helms, both playing against type and turning in impressive performances. Directors Mark and Jay Duplass were responsible for Cyrus, one of last years finest comedies. This falls in the same sphere, but has a deeper script and a more emotional core. Featuring the always terrific Susan Sarandon in a deliciously crafted supporting role, Jeff, Who Lives at Home is truly one of this years best kept secrets, which is a shame.
The Farrelly brothers' take on The Three Stooges was always going to be up for a beating. And it has received plenty stateside, but in all fairness, this is far from what could be feared and instead comes off as a truly humble homage to the original trio. Chris Diamantopoulos, Sean Hayes and Will Sasso all do a fine job as the legendary characters, and it is Hayes who shines brightest as Larry. Everyone handle the physical comedy well, and like their directors there is a sense of great respect and admiration in what they do. Certainly worth a look, and it features Larry David in a nun outfit, so really how bad can it be?
Staying in comedy, a great TV series that has yet to find its way to Norwegian screens is Inside Comedy. The original Showtime series features David Steinberg conducting interviews with well known comedians. The level of interest may vary quite a bit depending on the guest, but Steinberg however harmless, still manages to make the interviews compelling and funny for the most part. Highlights include Martin Short, Steve Carell and Robin Williams. For a fan of the past decades American comedy, this almost qualifies as a must-see.
ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS AUGUST:
Dylan LeBlancs album debut Paupers Field was one of 2010s most celebrated releases, in certain circles. This month his sophmore album, Cast The Same Old Shadow, finds its way to the stores. LeBlanc stays in familiar territory, and even though it probably does not match his first, at least not at the first encounter, this is a lovely and well crafted album. The tender voice from Alabama takes his time and is not in any rush to impress or overwhelm, despite a modest ten tracks. As we face autumn and darker evenings, the timing is perfect for this release and you'll be hard pressed to find better company to the ever colder nights approaching.
Norwegian outfit Oslo Ess made their debut Uleste Bøker og Utgåtte Sko one of the last years most talked about records back home, despite fairly modest sales. This month they return with the sequel, the superbly titled Verden på Nakken, Venner i Ryggen. The recipe is the same, but as often with second albums, the sound is bigger and greater. The band is still on the run, leaving girlfriends, jobs and broken lives in the dust. One could argue that they should have tried to stretch even longer, but as the saying goes, "If it ain't broke..." The band played samples of this at the Norwegian Wood festival in June, in one of the best rock shows this writer has seen all summer.
Every once in a while one comes across songs or an artist that find their way underneath your skin far too easily. That is the case with American singer Elle King this month. Her first release may only be a four track EP, but it grows with each listen and is now on its way to become one of this years finest releases as far as this writer is concerned. Her voice, both rustic and sharp, is bound to break young boys souls and upset the blood of girls alike. A superb EP that promises for an even greater album, that for this mans sanity better not be far off.
Make room in your heart. Here she is with No One Can Save You.
