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Blood, Frets & Tears (2019)
I play guitar and piano and they're both expressive..
First of all, the pacing of this was amateurish. I completely lost interest when several players, who probably know little about playing keyboard and piano, claim that piano players all play a note the same way. They should stick to talking about guitar and withhold their uninformed opinion on keyboard skills. Maybe their idea of expressive is jerking off with excessive vibrato and bends. Some of us actually focus on dynamics, shading and subtle difference in rhythm.
Poop Talk (2017)
Constipated development.
I really wanted to like a DVD about poop, but the stories were of mixed quality and the whole thing was just forced. I couldn't endure more than a half-hour and ejected the disc.
Boardwalk Empire: Boardwalk Empire (2010)
I declare Prohibition on 10 star reviews.
Steve Buscemi was great in movies like Reservoir Dogs and Fargo. I had high expectations because of him, plus all the positive reviews. Boy, was I disappointed. I could only get through the pilot episode, when I expected to enjoy the whole first season, and maybe more.
The pacing was slow, and the storyline lacking. There really weren't any surprises. The jokes were not very amusing, and the constant dropping of F-bombs caused them to lose their sting.
Two positive things I can say. The period sets were fairly impressive, and the music by Vince Giordano's band was pretty good.
Two out of ten stars because I need to offset the high ratings. It's a three at best.
Boardwalk Empire (2010)
There should be Prohibition on 10 star reviews.
So, I really enjoyed Steve Buscemi in movies like Reservoir Dogs and Fargo. I had high expectations because of him, plus all the positive reviews. Boy, was I disappointed. I could only get through the pilot episode, when I expected to enjoy the whole first season, and maybe more.
The pacing was slow, probably to cover for a thin storyline. There really weren't any surprises. The jokes were not very amusing, and the constant dropping of F-bombs caused them to lose their sting.
Two positive things I can say. The period sets were fairly impressive, and the music by Vince Giordano's band was pretty good.
Two out of ten stars because I need to offset the high ratings. It's a three at best.
Fahrenheit 451 (1966)
Ironic movie warning of the dangers of media.
There's something ironic about a movie warning about the dangers of media. I attempted to get through this, but I kept nodding off. I then picked up something to read and felt awake again. Instead of devoting time to the characters of the book, there was too much focus on the spectacle of burning books. I enjoyed Bradbury's work, but I couldn't sit through this movie. It leaves too little to the imagination. Do yourself a favor and read something instead!
Smashing Pumpkins: Stand Inside Your Love (2000)
An excellent video from their Machina album.
The video opens in B&W with an Oscar Wilde quote, "The mystery of love is greater than the mystery of death." The film has a very noir tone, with dark, elegant portrayals of the band in dark shadows and immersion in black water. A sensuous woman in white performs a dance for Billy Corgan, as well as some unsavory looking characters. Someone who appears to be in power sits on a porcelain "throne". Billy appears to be avoiding the woman's attention, but in the end, bows and kisses her shackled foot. A guillotine is used to "cut" between scenes.
The music is moderate tempo rock which alternates between a feeling of suspension and sharp, upbeat major-key resolution. It's not their best song, but I still like it. It's one of my favorites off the Machina album.
Music - 7. Video - 9. Overall - 8.
Stone Temple Pilots: Big Bang Baby (1996)
Weiland is ragged from drugs and their video editor quit.
First of all, overall, I love the Stone Temple Pilots as a band. However, this song leaves something to be desired. I find it somewhat repetitive and uninspiring; I'm just not totally into this garagey style. Scott Weiland's vocals are really rough here, and you can tell he really needs to lay off the drugs. The band is solid though, and it's still a somewhat entertaining song.
Now, as for the video. This was clearly done on a very low budget. It's just a live action shot of the band performing, with the occasional insertion of gorilla masks. Referring to "black and white" while holding a monochromatic TV is not exactly subtle artistic statement. I'm sure they could afford a better video, and the campiness is intentional. But to me, it doesn't come across as clever, it just looks like they honestly don't care.
I will be a bit kind, since I do appreciate this band.
Music - 6 stars. Video - 3 stars. Total - round up to 5 stars.
Going Overboard (1989)
The first rule of Going Overboard...
The first rule of Going Overboard...
You do NOT talk about Going Overboard.
This is easily one of the worst movies I've ever seen. The acting is terrible. The swearing is excessive and not funny. The pacing is painfully slow. The girls aren't particularly stunning. I wanted to ignore the negative reviews. But they are certainly true. I watched about 15 minutes and then chaptered through. That was all I could take. Incinerate all copies you find.
Tom & Viv (1994)
TS Eliot admirers, beware.
After seeing this, I am no longer a TS Eliot fan. He knew the lady's nature, yet demonized her. Turned to religion, yet Dishonored the sanctity of marriage. Let a bit of blood stand between their love. Great poet, lousy man.