Oz: The Great and Powerful

As life moves on, it becomes rare that I actually go to the movies anymore.  However, the combination of a Friday evening when the majority of the family was available and a movie that all, especially my lady, wanted to see broke that chain.  What's more, it was opening night.

Oz: The Great and Powerful stars James Franco as the Wizard and is not, as seems to be perceived by some, a remake of the 1936 musical.  In movie terms, it is closer to a prequel and definitely does step out to pay homage to that classic, in both form and style. 

It is not, however, a musical.  If you are expecting that, stop now.  Because I have already seen a half-dozen reviews that oddly and unfortunately seem focused on this.  Odd, because nowhere in this films marketing or advance press have I seen any attempt to portray it as one.  Unfortunate, because the reviews that are focused on this are all negative.

Taking a movie that is clearly not a musical and decrying it's lack of musical numbers is kind of strange to me.  Yes, both movies are about the magical land of Oz.  But calling out this film because it doesn't satisfy your MGM nostalgia is a little like being upset 007 doesn't appear in the new Jason Bourne film...because, after all, they are both espionage movies.

There are similarities outside the setting and a few characters.  Both movies begin in black and white and bloom into color upon reaching the magical land..  Both feature characters in Kansas who later make an appearance, slightly altered, in Oz.

If this film seems a little darker, it is largely because of our own memories, not a deliberate choice of the filmmaker.  After all, the MGM classic features a woman eager to kill a beloved pet, a destructive tornado and a murder performed in a fairly gruesome manner, all in the first act.  We don't see the gore, but a house-crushing probably doesn't feel nice.  And the dead individual is immediately looted.

One thing that is less light and laughter is our protagonist, Oscar, played by James Franco.  Franco, who seems very hit and miss to me, hits here.  I think he does a fine job as the young wizard and anchors the movie.  I like the fact that his character is more nuanced than Dorothy Gale.  His reactions to the land, its beauty and dangers (often invoked together in Oz) and his shallow but realistic motivations are very believable.  There is rarely a reason to question why our main character is taking this particular action.

But the real fun is the cast around him, both human and animated.  Mila Kunis makes a lovely Theodora and sinks her teeth into the necessary camp when transformed.  Rachel Weiz makes a beautiful spinner of tales and traps and Michelle Williams manages to rehabilitate Glinda from her "Wicked" influences.  Her Glinda still manipulates, but does so for the common good and with a refreshingly realistic perspective as to why her target will comply.  Glinda as opportunist.

The two most memorable characters are both special effects driven.  A winged courier monkey and a delicate doll correspond to characters in Kansas who want to rely on Oscar and are not able to do so.  In the magic land he shares a name with, our wizard is able to rectify that.  The little china girl is especially appealing and I predict she will be a favorite of many, as she is of mine.

Oz: The Great and Powerful is an old-fashioned film in some ways.  Good vs. evil, with only a bit of grey and a large dose of moral redemption.  It is fun for all ages without being either pandering or animated.  The visuals are appealing, although I could have done without the 3D. (Just not a priority for me.  If you like it, you will love it here.)  And the story, while not overly complicated, delivers a satisfying smile.  Enjoy it as it is meant, as an escapist fantasy that helps you forget your troubles for an afternoon.

The Paper Raincoat....Live!

Just got back from a small venue on Pittsburgh's south side where we had the extreme pleasure of experiencing sets from The Paper Raincoat and Vienna Teng. Vienna was wonderful, of course... and Alex did double duty, playing with both acts. But this particular review is about The Paper Raincoat.

I wrote about this band's music before and my high opinion was only strengthened by seeing them live (something that is not always the case.) However, what I didn't necessarily expect and most enjoyed was how much the band themselves enjoyed the show.

There is an inescapable quality to live music... it captures what is going on inside and projects it. I've seen bands going through the motions and felt it, been at shows where I knew a band was on the verge of breaking up, been aware when bands were tired or bored....I'm not going to be so arrogant as to say I always know such things; there is such a thing as professionalism and having self-control and I am sure there are artists capable of controlling these things the way some control their instruments.

I would be shocked to discover that this band wasn't enjoying this show as much as the audience.

This small crowd was an almost ideal mix for this opening act: a few who knew them well, more who knew only Alex and a fair portion there for the headliner. But by two songs into the all-too-short performance, they had a roomful of fans.

They started with Brooklyn Blurs (the song that caught my attention on the album with it's Beatle tribute) and finished with the absolutely perfect-for-this-purpose Rewind. In between, they got people involved, got hands clapping and feet stomping, fixed an issue with Alex's guitar, pulled a guest tambourine player out of the audience and generally pleased all in attendance. I can't recommend them highly enough.

The Paper Raincoat will be appearing on NPR and at West Virgina University this Sunday, Oct. 3rd. Do everything you can to either make it to the show or listen to it on the radio.

District 9 and Perception

I loved District 9. Part buddy movie, part Mission Impossible (minus Tom Cruise, thankfully, part romance, part message movie. All within the framework of a science fiction action pic. I think it belongs up there with Soylent Green, Silent Running, the original Rollerball. All movies that had something significant to say and said it through one of the grand traditions of Science Fiction, the overarching metaphor.

Yes, the message of this story is largely about racism. That much is about as hidden as the enviromental message of Silent Running. But it is also about profiteering (in the from of the Nigerians), about corporate corruption and the degradation of the human soul and about the dangers of absolute power.

In that sense, District 9 shares a theme with movies like The Departed or even classics of literature like King Lear.

I think the film belongs in my Top 5 for 2009. Someday maybe I'll actually even post a list like that...but I always hate the idea of limiting myself, so probably not. Also, due to various factors, if I were to post a Top Ten of 2009 list, I would probably only have to be excluding one or two films. I just didn't see as many as I wanted and that leaves the possibilities that something like Monsters vs Aliens could make a Top Ten list and I can't have that on my conscience.

Now, the reason that I talked about perception in the title is that my girlfriend was really kind of "meh" about the movie. True, some of her objection was to the graphic violence (which surprised me as well. I didn't expect that much gore.) and to the handheld camera work. Many people don't want their movies to look like documentary television.

However, this is my girlfriend we are talking about and those of you who know her know that she isn't going to form an opinion based only on such limited factors. Influenced by them, certainly, but not formed by them.

So what makes me love this flick and her consider it to be alright but not great? Is it the whole "war movie" thing? I mean, there is definitely a component of films that addresses the testosterone in ways that seem unexpalinable otherwise. I'm thinking not only of District 9, but of movies like The Thin Red Line, Saving Private Ryan, Letters From Iwo Jima.

These are films loved by myself and many men that are often met with "meh" by the women we love and trust.

I don't have an answer, I'm just musing on it. But something made me decide this movie was "Wow!" and her decide it was a mediocre combination of Blade Runner and Enemy Mine. (She likes both of those, by the way...more than she liked District 9.)

I just wonder what it was...

Perhaps part of it is also that I am more cognizant of the story about how District 9 got made and am thus pre-disposed to like the movie. She doesn't take an interest in the movie industry at all, and thus judged it on its own merits without that influence.

Anyway, I don't have an answer to that. But as to District 9, I say buy it and love it and she says its a decent movie but nothing special.

Avatar Is More Than Worth Seeing

Avatar is without doubt the most anticipated movie of the year. The buzz on it has been building for literally years. As such, it has been setup to miss expectations, not exceed them.

Yet exceed them it does...at least visually. Not only is this a leveling-up for CGI, it also is one for 3D. Everything in this movie works. Not just the explosions and the fight scenes... the smaller, simpler and far more difficult to achieve moments are there as well.

The best example, in my opinion, is the video log kept by Jake. The visual effects in these shots are completely accepted by the audience. And isn't that the ultimate in visual effects, when the audience doesn't even realize that is what they are seeing?

Your brain accepts everything in this film. The most damning thing I have heard about the look of Avatar is some people complaining that everything is too bright, too colorful, too distinct. Personally, as someone who just recently went through his first fall leaf season in the Appalachian Mountains, I think these people are a little too unaware of just how bright and colorful our own planet is. I find it completely acceptable that there is the potential for these hues on Pandora. And since the people saying this are a vocal but definite minority, I say that it works.

Yes, there are some obvious character arcs. Some archetypes. The story is rather predictable. And the hard science is lacking. But I don't need to hear the details of how they combined the DNA to create the avatars. That isn't the story here.

The story is about one man, with everything to lose, choosing to do the right thing. And yes, we have seen it before. We have even seen it with the "going native" angle built in. Often enough that we can point to both successes and failures. Every time I hear someone groan about Dances With Wolves In Space I want to counter with Apocalypse Now.

Again, in my opinion, the story works. I don't need all the gadgets explained. And if the cryo-sleep angle and the exoskeletons and the look of the ships and the strong female characters all want to make you say this guy is ripping off Aliens, remember that this guy directed Aliens. So, who is he ripping off? Himself?

Is Avatar subtle? No. Was Titanic? Was Terminator? James Cameron doesn't do subtle, he does science fiction adventure and occasionally throws in a little romance or gets obsessed with deep sea diving.

And you know what? I'm alright with that.

Avatar will wow your senses and make you cheer and boo at all the right times and for all the familiar reasons. It also will hit you with an environmental message and a message about trusting too much in profit-driven entities and powerful corporations. Again, familiar themes from this director.

Go see Avatar. See it in 3D, on a huge screen. In IMAX, if you can. It is one of those movies that really should be seen that way. And that, as much as anything, is what will make Hollywood love Jim Cameron all over again. Because there is drama and subtlety aplenty on HBO, Showtime and even the networks. But Avatar is meant to be seen in a theater.

So go see it there.

Sherlock Holmes An Enjoyable Romp

The latest cinematic version of the great detective is an entertaining feast. The menu it offers is rather standard and the film sometimes seems to have just missed a higher level, but you'll leave the theater with a smile and not just from the special effects.

Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law work well together on screen as Holmes and Watson. This film avoids the standard use of Watson as narrator and the result is beneficial. The relationship between the two, with Holmes showing a petulant side and Watson appearing fatherly at times, was one of the main appeals of the story.

The story itself reminds me of nothing so much as Batman Begins. Not because it is an origin story. It's not; we are thrown into this world with Holmes career in full swing. Because it seems to be a reboot and an updating of a franchise in the same manner that was. There is also an anticipatory moment at the end of Sherlock Holmes very similar to the Nolan film.

The Steampunk-influenced Victorian world of Sherlock Holmes London is extremely well done, with the scientific leaps both plausible and smooth. One never thinks to question the few anachronistic devices. Visually, the film is delightful, especially considering the sepia-toned color scheme. No bright lights, big city here. Holmes London looks and feels like it is constantly in the shadow cast by coal smoke clouds.

The plot is solid and serves to illustrate Holmes brillance without making the rest of us feel stupid. The eventual solving, which we know is coming, is accomplished complete with flashbacks to all the little moments we saw but may not have noticed. Yet it is done with an appreciable lack of trickery. We never feel like the camera, or more importantly the director, is responsible for us missing something.

I've never actually read the source material by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, yet I'm told that fans of the literary, as opposed to popular culture, character of the great detective are concerned about the updating of Holmes into an "action hero." I'd like to think they will find themselves pleased with the process. This Holmes may be more violent, but his violence is extremely intellectual and some of the movies strongest scenes are of Holmes thinking through the action.

My favorite parts of the story were more character than plot. The dynamic between Holmes intellectual eccentricities and Watson's earth-bound preparedness and determination is the driving force for much of the lighter side of the film and also gives the actors many of their best moments. Holmes caustic side and his jealousy over Watson's impending engagement are especially enjoyable.

Downey Jr. and Law were given a difficult task. Take a pair of iconic characters and make them work for a modern audience while avoiding the very genre cliches partially created by this exact team of detective and assistant. They accomplish this partly because of the writing and partially because of the talent and chemistry of the acting team. I would gladly see another film with them reprising these roles.

Overall, despite the nagging feeling that this movie just missed being stupendous, I think that Sherlock Holmes is well worth an afternoon jaunt. It's well-written, acted with wonderful flair and leaves me feeling far fonder of the characters than any other recent effort. It's definitely a cut above the toy-adapted and explosion dominated films it is designed to compete with and I find myself anticipating the already hinted-at sequel. Let's call it four out of a possible five stars.

Storytelling With Coffeehouse Harmonies

Alessia downloaded The Paper Raincoat's new album this morning and we are sitting here listening to it, nodding our heads and enjoying. Alessia gets full credit for the phrase "coffeehouse harmonies," BTW.

The phrase fits because I can totally picture Alex and Amber sitting on a small stage at a village coffeehouse, talking and joking with people at the tables between songs and then spinning another musical tale.

It doesn't fit because that also implies a lack of complexity. The music on this album is not simplistic or stripped down. However, the best element of that coffeehouse tradition, the focus on songwriting, is present here.

Paper Raincoat is a collaboration between Alex Wong and Amber Rubarth. I first discovered them because I saw Alex play with Vienna Teng and they performed "In The Creases." I was very taken with the song and thus made an effort to track down more music by the duo. On Oct. 6th they released their first full length CD and it was a forgone conclusion that it would be a purchase. In a tradition I fully endorse since it makes first records easy to identify, it is simply titled Paper Raincoat.

The duo previously released an EP entitled Safe In the Sound and some of the music is duplicated here, but there is also new stuff and if you purchased that EP then you are already a fan and while be buying this record anyway.

The album starts with Right Angles, which was used as a teaser download and is an excellent introduction to the distinct style and sound of the duo. The layered production immediately tells you that though this is advertised as electronic folk, that doesn't mean you are limited to an acoustic guitar and tambourine.

The very catchy Sympathetic Vibrations follows and draws you further in, as you start to sing along with the chorus under your breath. In Brooklyn Blurs, a not-too-subtle but very well executed Beatles wink should make any Lennon & McCartney aficionado smile.

Rewind begins with a whimsical bit of harmonizing that illustrates a point that struck me throughout my first listen. This duo has a enjoyable toe-tapping quality that shines through each infectious tune. It's difficult to avoid nodding your head or tapping your fingers on the arm of the couch.

Honest and melodic, the entire album is thoroughly enjoyable. The varied instrumentation never overpowers the voices.

One of my first thoughts was that this was an album to drink wine or coffee with, not beer. But on second listen, I disagree with myself. Drinking beer with this playing is fine, as long as its good beer. This is not an album for Schlitz. Like a good craft brew, the music here has multiple tastes that linger on different parts of the palette. Yet, for all the complex levels of enjoyment possible with concentration, it also satisfies in the most basic refreshing way.

Flat out, this is good music. So raise a glass to the stars and enjoy.

Paper Raincoat is currently available exclusively through Amie St. for the price of going to see Couples Retreat at the local multiplex, minus the expensive popcorn and fake butter. The writing is much better here. Stay in, listen to Alex & Amber and let a genuine unforced smile grow.

My New Interactive Addiction: Evony

In addition to film and television, I also love video games. I am, after all,of the right age to have spent hour after hour in Pong tournaments when it was the absolute king. There was no one else vying for the throne, of course. That interest has followed me all these years. Currently, in addition to a couple computers, there is a Wii, a PS2 and a PS3 in this house, with dozens of games to play on those platforms.

My latest addition to the game catalog is not a cartridge though. It's a browser game, completely free and available to me anywhere I have my laptop and an internet connection.

Evony (www.evony.com) is basically a persistent real time strategy game. When you sign up, you are given control of a village nestled in a valley. Your valley is tucked in a landscape filled with terrain, barbarians and your competition. Your task? Grow your city and provide for your population while defending yourself from the predations of other players.

Luckily, they give you seven days of protection from other players. Use that time to get some farms and sawmills, build some walls and recruit an army. By the end of the week, you'll have enough knowledge and power to get your feet wet in the big, bad world. That's when the real fun begins. Because it is the community of other players that elevate Evony. The real time, real people aspect means that there is political manipulation, competition for resources and plenty of war and peace.

For me, the greatest thing about Evony and the reason I am enjoying it so much is that the game has been set up to appeal to multiple levels of what you might call "dedication demographics." One of the dangers of any MMOG (Massively Multiplayer Online Game) is that those who can pay the most attention and dedicate the most time to the game will dominate. It is as true here as it is in World of Warcraft or anything else out there. But where Evony really scores is in the way it allows you to pop in for a few minutes, make some tweaks and then let them run and get back to work.

Evony is wonderful for this. Because the tasks of building, recruiting and researching technology all take real time, you can log in and spend a few minutes at random and still make progress. The Beginner's Protection, which is frustrating and tempting to leave voluntarily by day four or so, saves you from simply being food for the wolves.

With me, that means that I can be writing or editing and take a quick little mental refresher break. Pop a browser window open and recruit a few cavalry, build a quarry, research military tech and then back to editing Urban Werewolves.

The games not perfect, of course. The biggest annoyance is the frustratingly low drop rate for the medals that are necessary to advance in rank and thus expand your realm to more than a single city. Rumor is that this drop rate is currently 1% and has been adjusted down since the beta period. Based on my own personal experience, calling it 1% might be overstating it. This needs to be adjusted if they don't want people leaving. Personally, I am getting close to the limits of what I can do with my two cities and the annoyance factor of having attacked dozens of valleys and cities fruitlessly is starting to build. If I abandon Evony, it will be over frustration with medals.

But that's not enough for me to back away from a hearty recommendation for Evony. It's fun. The ability to pop in for a little bit a few times a day and still succeed, if not dominate, is absolutely wonderful. And the system of alliances makes for a human element that may be the best thing about the game. Machiavelli would love Evony.

They've even elected a Queen. Using their forums. Worst thing about that was that I joined too late to get in on the voting. The best thing was seeing the diversity of interesting and yes, attractive, women who play the game. Gamer girls are breaking through that 'Daria' stereotype at last.

If you decide to give it a whirl and should happen to end up on server 50, look me up. I play under the name Belegon, have two cities in the province of Burgundy and am a member of the AE2 alliance.

Oh, and if you end up conquering five valleys and getting a Rose Medal, please forgive me when I hate you with a passion.