ESSENTIAL VIEWING THIS APRIL:
Major Hollywood studios have found a new wave of success when it comes to feature animation films, as the filmmaking technology seems to leap forward by the minute. This month Dreamworks release another installment to their impressive catalogue with The Croods. The themes all these types of films have in common are naturally present here as well. Family, friendship, adventure and so on. This one however deserves most of its praise for the cracking dialogue, sublime ideas and all around perfect tone of voice. Kirk De Micco and Chris Sanders serve as both writers and directors, and there is a surprising credit for Mr. Fawlty himself John Cleese for story. De Micco and Sanders handle their story excellent as the film travels in a fitting pace, allowing for both laughs and drama when appropriate. The Croods is one of the best American animation features in years.
One of the finest thrillers of the year so far is Arbitrage, the feature film debut from Nicholas Jarecki. Its success relies heavily on a near perfect performance from Richard Gere. It's the veteran's finest turn in years and he has a field day as the scrupulous Robert Miller. Susan Sarandon and Tim Roth both provide solid support, and everyone involved seems to be enjoying themselves tremendously. This is engaging and entertaining drama, which makes expectations high for the next film from Jarecki.
After a bit of a downfall with its third and fourth season, Mad Men returned to its stronger origins for outing number five. Now, four episodes into the sixth season it is pleasing to see that the trend is continuing. The tone of the show has grown darker, with deeper investigations into character and less concern to the entire ensemble. Not always a popular route, but it is what works for the show by this point. So far there have been several memorable scenes in each show, which is more than you could say for entire seasons of other American dramas currently airing. Mad Men has reassured us that its heart, ambition and desire to impress is in the right place, and as always it does so in irresistable style.
ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS APRIL:
After several years of focusing on his acting career, Justin Timberlake this month returns to his original claim to stardom; his music. His third solo album is one of the most anticipated releases of the year, and thankfully it does not disappoint. Timberlake surprised his audience with his second album, the massively successful FutureSex/Lovesounds (2006) and the new one, The 20/20 Experience isn't afraid to experiment either. The sound is vast and travels across genres, with Timberlakes solid voice and unquestionable passion always at the core. This is a terrific collection of music, from an artist that despite he does not have to, still can't help to prove himself.
Kurt Vile has been mentioned on this site before, with his previous album Smoke Ring For My Halo two years ago. This month he is back at it again with the terrific Wakin On A Pretty Daze. And it is another strong record from the Philadelphia born singer. The mood of the album is very enjoyable, and despite some tracks not being as accessible as one might like, this still comes across as a very easy to like album. Vile is a thoroughly professional vocalist, proven both through his ballads and more complicated tracks. He wants to accomplish great things, and the record may have benefitted from a more strict take on some of the albums eleven tracks. But that does not get in the way of a great experience, and Wakin On A Pretty Daze is a guaranteed hit among the fans, and will probably earn Vile plenty of new ones, some who will probably not see it coming.
Helldorado is one of the most overlooked Norwegian rock acts of the past decade. Their rough and filthy combination of rock, country and blues make them an exceptionally explosive outfit. Their fifth release Bones In The Closet is further proof that this band deserves to be playing to an even bigger audience. The energy itself is worth the ticket, let alone the quality of most tracks and the superb vocal abilities of front man Dag Sindre Vagle (if there ever was a leading man in need of a rock n' roll nickname...). A great album that will work as the perfect antidote to the light and soulless hits of summer that will soon be upon us. Check out the title track from the album:
