Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Essential June '15

ESSENTIAL VIEWING THIS MONTH:
As far as sequels go, the golden rule now is just to never expect anything to be better than the original. In particular if you’re one, two or three films into a franchise. This mindset works especially well if you decide to take in Jurassic World. Arriving fourteen years after Jurassic Park III and more than twenty since Spielberg set the world on fire with the first film, it has been on the shelves just long enough to delight nostalgic fans as well as pleasing the younger crowd who will visit the park for the first time. By any summer blockbuster standard, it works great. The thrills, laughs and modest drama are all present and arrive at an acceptable rate. Director Colin Trevorrow, who got the job with just one feature film release on his resume (2012s enjoyable and quirky romantic comedy Safety Not Guaranteed), take on the franchise determined to make his mark. It’s cleverer than its most recent predecessor and miles ahead of original sequel 1997s The Lost World (still Spielberg’s most sloppy and predictable film), while paying a fitting tribute to the original in both subtle and not so subtle form. Overall, it’s a pleasant surprise and well worth going into, even with some expectations.

Norway’s most dedicated and stubborn rock and roll band for the past thirty years have finally got their own documentary! Tilbake til Muotathal (Return to Muotathal) is the story of Backstreet Girls, a group of now fifty-something men still living the mythical rock and roll lifestyle, refusing to compromise in any way. Despite being packed full of rock music, drinks and drugs and all other things you’d expect the most surprising this about this film is its emotional punch. Well camouflaged beneath the band’s rough exterior there is a moving and engaging story to be told, in particular to the fates of singer Bjørn Müller and guitarist Petter Baarli. Still, this film is mainly about the good times and at a modest running time well below an hour and a half this is a great ride from start to finish. Directors Morten Kjølberg and Stian Andersen (mostly known for his great photography) also make it look great, without trying to be flashy. The nitty gritty is as present as you’d expect, but the directors also indulge the band with some great music video material – in particular towards one of the film’s main events; their anniversary show at a sold out Rockefeller in Oslo.

2015 has so far been a dull year for TV. Hopefully that will change this summer with the second installment of True Detective. With the massive critical and commercial success of the first series, the pressure is certainly on. Creator and writer Nic Pizzolato has gone back to the drawing board, with an entire new cast and storyline. The only connection between this and the first season is the environment; crime, dark souls and cops with way too much on their plate. Currently just two episodes in it’s not possible to lay a final judgement on the show, but it is still safe to say that it does not have the immediate impact of the first season. This was not to be expected either. But there is plenty going on here with the potential to develop into great hours of television. Colin Farrell has a field day in the leading role (or…?), and there is fine support to be found in Rachel McAdams and perhaps surprisingly Vince Vaugh – playing against type and with a becoming modesty that you rarely see in his work. There is still plenty of time to mess this up, but for now, it’s hard to think of something more interesting to wait for every week this summer.

ESSENTIAL LISTENING THIS MONTH:
After their two first albums Lungs and Ceremonials arrived within just two years of each other (2009 and 2011), it has taken Florence + The Machine four years to release their third record. Long overdue among their fans I’m sure, but thankfully the wait has not been in vain. How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful is another great collection of indie rock and pop tunes, with a more laid back approach to its lyrics, in particular compared to their debut Lungs. Frontwoman and undoubtedly head of all ceremonies Florence Welch run her band with steady hands, keeping things tight and engaging from their mellow pop ballads to its cracking opening tune Ship to Wreck (without question one of the best opening tracks of any album this year). At times you’d wish they keep their beat and tempo more consistently, as the album moves like a rollercoaster with ups and down overlapping each other. Perhaps it is better taken in through your own preferred playlist, but as a whole this is still another great win for the British orchestra.

After the success of their debut album My Head is an Animal in 2011, Icelandic folk pop outfit Of Monsters and Men return with their follow up this month. Beneath the Skin does not share its predecessor’s original impact, but it still holds its own. It actually does not feel like a sequel album, but more of a companion piece, with both themes and melodies reminiscent from their debut. It’s still easy listening, with soft and accessible tunes that have no other intention than to soothe and lightly entertain. That is not to say that there are not quality musicians at work here. Their sound and collective skills complement each other and there is great enjoyment to be found in taking in the whole album from start to finish. With “the difficult second album” now out of the way, I have a feeling the next outing from this band will determine their lasting status.

The debut album from Leon Bridges has already received rave reviews State side and for good reason. Coming Home is a throwback to the finest of 1960s soul and gospel music, with a modern touch and a very becoming sense of nostalgia. Too much of the ladder could easily have sent this down the wrong way, but Bridges keeps his tunes smooth and stylish throughout the record. It’s clear that the Texas born singer knows his musical history and his inspirations (Otis Redding and Al Green come to mind) are well worn on his sleeve. Considering he’s just 25 years old there are hopefully plenty more good albums to come.
The delicious Smooth Sailin' should give you a good idea about just what this guy is about.