All The Time

by: The Strokes

Loaded

by: Primal Scream

Ca Plane Pour Moi

by: Plastic Bertrand

Knife Guys (Jimmy Kimmel)

Gotta love seeing Ryan Gosling cracking up!

Magnet

by: Bombay Bicycle Club

Happy 50th Birthday Michael Jordan

Forget Kobe and LeBron... Magic, Bird, Isiah... Bill, Oscar, Wilt, Dr. J... Forget anyone who has played the game! No one... and I mean NO ONE will ever be at the same level as Michael Jeffrey Jordan!

He his by far the best basketball player of all-time and arguably the best sportsman of all-time.

For his technical skill, endurance and winning mentality he has inspired millions, including me. I can only feel grateful for being old enough to have watch him play right down to the day where he finally retired from Basketball, after playing with the Washington Wizards. But it goes without saying that his best years (seems harsh to say this since all of his years were beyond amazing) was playing in Chicago for the Bulls. There he won 6 Championship rings and many more individual accolades, from Dunk contest winner, to scoring champion, to defensive player of the year and of course... Regular season and Finals MVP.

On the day of his 50th birthday, I'm looking around and I can only feel proud of what I have in my possession: three of his jerseys (two Bulls and one Dream Team), DVD's with various moments of his career, basketball cards... I even have posters hanging on my wall (time to grow up you would say).

Man, oh man... even today... I still want to "Be Like Mike".

(Check out the NBA website for their homage to his Royal Airness!)

Flight (2012)

 The wait was long, but worth it! 

After being a few years "out of action", Robert Zemeckis came back to live-action cinema since the making of Cast Away (2000). 

Flight (2012), although not being in the same level of Zemecki's best work achievements (such as Back to The Future or Forrest Gump), it is still a very good film that makes good use of a terrific script - which examines a dark side of the human core - and includes a "tour de force" performance by the ever so good, Denzel Washington. 

I found it most entertaining and genuine, but above all, interesting and by the end moving... The human drama that lies beneth a troubled man facing an achool addiction might not be a new topic, but here, it certainly seemed like it with such a fresh approach.

With an all-star cast with actors like Kellie Reilly, Don Cheadle, John Goodman and Melissa Leo (despite most having small roles), I'm sure this is one for most to enjoy!

Movies over the weekend

From Friday to Sunday I decided to try and watch as many movies as I possibly could (without interfering too much with the remaining of my social life and of course the on-going viewing of the TV series Breaking Bad)

These are the four films I've seen this weekend:


- A Bronx Tale (1993)
- End of Watch (2012)
- Dredd (2012)
- Mr. Nobody (2009)

I've been wanting to see this movie for years now... and for the most peculiar reason...

Not because it was Robert DeNiro's directorial début, nor because it starred the legendary actor alongside with Chazz Palminteri. The excellent reviews and score on iMDB... I wasn't even aware of that!

No! The reason why I've been wanting to see this is because of a song by American punk-rock band The Ataris. During my adolescence, where I was very fond of this musical genre, there was a track called Your Boyfriend Sucks, which contained a line that for some reason just got my attention. 

Sonny: Alright, listen to me. You pull up right where she lives, right? Before you get outta the car, you lock both doors. Then, get outta the car, you walk over to her. You bring her over to the car. Dig out the key, put it in the lock and open the door for her. Then you let her get in. Then you close the door. Then you walk around the back of the car and look through the rear window. If she doesn't reach over and lift up that button so that you can get in: dump her.

Calogero 'C' Anello: Just like that?

Sonny: Listen to me, kid. If she doesn't reach over and lift up that button so that you can get in, that means she's a selfish broad and all you're seeing is the tip of the iceberg. You dump her and you dump her fast. 

Turns out that line is known as Sonny's test, a fail-proof way of finding out if a girl is "the one". Keep in mind I was hearing this quote since I was 16, making it more than 10 years that I've heard that part of the script without actually watching the movie. But the wait was over and I finally watched it.

Loved DeNiro's performance, as well as Palminteri - although I took more time to engage and sympathize with his character. Script is great, with the dialogues containing quotes that will live on through pop culture and cult cinema. 

So why didn't I love the movie like my expectations lead me to believe I would?

Only reasons I can think of is maybe some scenes were just too old-fashioned for me... Maybe the younger actors came across poorly, since most of their lines were delivered in a way that didn't seem natural.

I don't know... The more I think about it, the more I realize I liked it, even if I don't want to fully acknowladge it. I'm confusing myself, so no wonder but this point you will feel the same.

 

What a joy to watch! 

Well executed, wonderful - seemingly improvised - dialogues, excellent structure and brilliant performances by their lead actors - Jake Gylenhall and Michael Pena - who reveal a on-camera chemistry that you don't get to see often these days. 

I thought this was pure entertainment, without offering the typical clichés or predictable storytelling. There's nothing "standard" about this film, since it takes one of the oldest genres in cinema (Buddy cop films) and completely innovates it by picking up pieces where and there from previous movies made recently. Some may be slightly tired of the "hand-held camera" approach, whereas others like me, enjoy the way its applied under different circumstances. Chronicles is yet another example of how this style is applied and how it made the whole thing of "overwhelming power and human corruption / super-hero mix" with a different flavour from other projects out there.

Really recommend it!

The trailer for Dredd looked slick, but like most trailers... they all kinda look cool when it comes to hard hitting action. So basically, I just disregarded this movie, until the first reviews came out and the iMDB score started getting some votes. Turns out people were actually pleased with the 2012 remake of 1995 Judge Dredd film, with action superstar Sylvester Stallone, based on a British graphic novel of the same name.

Karl Urban stepped in and delivered an awesome Dredd, in a movie that was praised for its visuals, but that felt to me sometimes to look dirty and unpolished. Nonetheless, it still remained very entertaining, even more so considering the lack of major name stars. Great chance for Urban to raise his profile by taking over a popular comic book character from a franchise with enormous potential in the movie industry. Sequels could and should span over the years, hopefully with the increase of resources in terms of big names and directors... and why not take a chance on the script as well? Maybe develop something with a little more brain rather than just almost sucking out the entire narrative of the "soon to be" cult movie The Raid (2011).

Despite Dredd already delivering a good movie for action lovers, I'm sure they can turn it up a notch for its sequel!

It can been seen as a mix between a dark and profound Sci-Fi movie and a cautionary tale with influences of a philosophy which inspired films such as The Butterfly Effect (2004), all done under a school of European cinema trying to breakthrough America. That's exactly what Jaco Van Dormael did!

Despite its quality, it's not an easy movie. It requires your full attention and you can not lose track of its narrative, otherwise you will miss out on the great things that Mr. Nobody can provide. There's plenty to go around, which doesn't necessarily mean you'll appreciate immediately what happent. It's a lot to take in and you might need time to get a clear vision of the whole experience and its meaning.

Well supported in all departments from its Superb directing and acting, to a fantastic soundtrack and great narrative - despite this being very tricky, but nothing that a second viewing or some reading can't help.

No doubt about it, Mr. Nobody is fresh, unexpected and yes, it will leave you thinking!

Blue Bossa

by: McCoy Tyner

There's No Leaving Now

by: The Tallest Man On Earth

The fear of your leading light of day 

I'm with you and your heart won't fail 

To see if you'll appeal the sigh 

And all the danger finally goes away

White Nights

by: Oh Land

My Door is Always Open

by: Noah and The Whale

Tornado

by: Jonsi

Watch the Corners

by: Dinosaur Jr.

Quand Tu Es La

by: Sylvie Vartan

Night Time is The Right Time (Live at Montreux Jazz Festival - 1973)

by: Canned Heat

CANNED HEAT Night Time Is The Right Time by 2baret

Boy

by: Ra Ra Riot

Stem

by: Lower Dens

Sound City - trailer

Upcoming documentary directed by Dave Grohl.

Makes perfect sense having him involved, if you see what the topic is about...

Reelin' In The Years

by: Steely Dan

Life of Pi (2012)

Life of Pi (2012) is a movie that I was sure I wasn't going to see... The trailer indicated this would be some sort of crappy/cheesy magical tale about human perseverance and some sort of destiny fulfillment.

Then the Oscars nominations came out and I have to admit that stirred up some curiosity, but still not enough to get me to go to the cinema. It was only when a few key people told me the movie was incredible that I had to swallow my pride and give the film a chance. Expectations were built and I had to make plans to see if as soon as possible... and in 3D (something that I'm not a fan of).

So what can I tell you after I saw Piscine's (Pi) adventures yesterday?

Well... the movie visually is brilliant, I can tell you that. Ang Lee did a remarkable job in that aspect, which is without a doubt the main highlight, however, movies don't just live out of special effects, nice sceneries and photography. They need good acting and content... something that keeps you going.

Life of Pi has none of that, at least to the scale that would make it worthy of the reviews it has gotten so far. To certain extent, it felt like I was watching a crossover between Avatar (2009) with Castaway (2000), only you didn't had Tom Hanks as a leading man. When I refer to this mix, I'm obviously making reference to the aesthetics of it alongside the "one man show " concept, performed by the Indian actor, Suraj Sharma. Can't say he's bad on it... in fact, I acknowledge I might be a little unfair considering the position he was placed. It's a great responsibility to carry a film almost on your own. In my (humble) opinion, I believe if you are going to do that, you need to make sure you are betting in the right actor to do that... and there aren't many who would be able to deliver something capable of driving an audience for over two hours.

And yeah... it's too long! Just tooooooooo long!! There is very little content to go around for a movie going more than two hours. Even with plenty of eye candy and a fantastic touch near the end, it is still not sufficient.

Well... we all know how movies are such a subjective theme... You can love it or hate it without being right or wrong (although many, many times it feels like it)... But I really can't understand why people are enthusiastic about this one. 8.3 on iMDB? 89% good reviews on Rotten Tomatoes? 11 Oscar nominations?

No, no, no! At the very best it's a nice movie... nothing more!

The Temper Trap - The Temper Trap (2012)

Even thought I didn't consider this album for 2012's finest music projects, The Temper Trap's sophmore - homonymous - album features a few good songs, two of which I would like to share with you.

Want

Rabbit Hole

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Let me start by saying I never thought this movie could be that good... like amazing good. I remember watching the trailer and thinking: "there's a nice little flick. Something to watch on a Sunday afternoon". But did I think it was somewhere close to being Oscar material? 

Hell no!! 

So imagine my surprise when I turn on CNN during the Oscar nominations and the name Silver Linings Playbook (2012) keeps dropping...
8 times! I couldn't believe it! This movie was nominated in 8 different categories, including Best Picture, Best Director and all four actors categories (lead and supporting). I was shocked and surprised. For one because I couldn't believe that Robert De Niro had given a performance worthy of such reward. No disrespect intended... the man is one of the finest actors to walk this earth, but during these past few years I can't remember a single movie where he gave out a vintage performance. But most of all, I was baffled with Bradley Cooper's nomination for Best Leading Actor. In my mind there was no chance he was Oscar material. Sure I liked him... I think he's funny, charismatic... I like having him on screen, but there's a huge gap from that into being top notch actor. So you would think my expectations for this would rise... right?

Yes and no... It did lead me to go to a cinema to watch it, however, I still expected myself not to be convinced by any of the nominations or the (great) reviews I read. Almost felt like it was my way of creating a defense so I wouldn't leave the theater room disappointed. I'm aware I shouldn't do this, but you know what? Who cares? It worked! I was very skeptical when I got in, when I was marveled when I got out. 

Hat's off to Mr. Cooper to whom I owe a sincere apology for doubting his skills. Terrific performance, deserving of all the great compliments it has had... I'm sure it won't win the Oscar but that doesn't take away his shine. I'll be sure to give him a great ovation during the ceremony. But Cooper wasn't alone... Jennifer Lawrence was up there with him, proving once again why she is regarded as one of the best actresses coming up in Hollywood. She is likeable, she has skill, she has the looks... and she has been picking her roles wisely.

Together, they've established this crazy chemistry that makes the audience root for them right from the get go. You can almost anticipate the laughter to burst any time Cooper's character goes out for a jog.

I particularly enjoyed the way both characters are outlined as crazy and misfitted, because she does what she wants and he says what he wants. It's just amazing to think both are judged and criticized for things that should almost be addressed as qualities in a world filled with hypocrisy and people just withheld their wishes and/or thoughts. But anyway, I'll leave that to your judgement...

Moving on...

Robert De Niro finally delivered an outstanding performance like he hasn't done in years. It may still not be a vintage role, like the one's in those 80s Scorsese's movies, nonetheless, just fabulous acting. It had some of the most beautiful moments in the film. Perhaps my favorite scene is, curiously enough, a very intimate "Father and Son" sequence. I've said this before and as times goes by I'm more and more convinced that I have a soft spot for these scenes. Nothing in Common, Magnolia, A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints and Warrior (in which I wrote an article making the exact same point I'm making here) are four great examples of  of movies that had me break down in an emotional way. Maybe it's becoming too obvious that I kind of relate to my father, to an extent that I won't comment here for being such a private matter. I can say however, it just makes me think about how much I love him and how I wish I was more around... Movies are magical in so many ways and its beautiful how they can trigger these thoughts almost without even trying.

On the other hand, even though I'm a fan of Jackie Weaver (check out Animal Kingdom) she wasn't able to convince me that she deserved an Oscar nomination, despite delivering very good role. I'm convinced she was a key element in providing the movie the balance it needed and for that she deserves the recognition and praise that go along with it, but I wouldn't stand her out specially against the three people mentioned above. 

Silver Linings Playbook easily bounces from comedy (with raging twisted humor, to just everyday jokes and romantic lines) to drama (without ever being over the top). There's an equilibrium and every time a shift is made, it is applied smoothly, therefore, kudos to David O. Russell for handling this motion picture so well. He his proving to be a headline name for people to consider every time he comes out with something new. 

Each moment was carefully executed with taste and subtlety, even it certain scenes were built to be "too hard to handle" only to then lead to a more "funny and unexpected scene". I saw traces or even some inspiration (I dare say) taken from Little Miss Sunshine  orchestrated with an eclectic range of musical genres, from classical, to White Stripes and beautiful jazz tracks to which I instantly reacted: "This has to be Dave Brubeck" (a musical genius who unfortunately away last year).

It's a crowd favorite, with the ability to please most people regardless of their mood or even their expectations. It goes way beyond a normal sense of satisfaction... In fact, had I seen it before the end of last year, it would definitely be in my top 5.

Oh... and guess what?

The Philadelphia Eagles have just got themselves a new fan!

Paradise Circus (Gui Boratto remix)

by: Massive Attack feat. Hope Sandoval

Cascais Jazz Club - "Jazz Hot"

O Cascais Jazz Club tem vindo a crescer bastante no ultimo ano... Sente-se que com o tempo, o clube  tem-se tornado numa referencia, não só enquanto local para ouvir boa musica ao vivo, mas também enquanto um sitio para descontrair e apreciar boa companhia. O conforto e a simpatia das pessoas que gerem o "Jazz Club" Cascalense tem gerado bastantes elogios não só entre os habitantes locais, mas um pouco por todo o Pais... E não se iludam. Não é apenas entre os fãs de Jazz que o clube tem tido sucesso. Independentemente do género musical favorito, as noites naquele espaço incrivelmente intimo e acolhedor, facilmente agradam qualquer pessoa. Claramente considerado uma mais-valia para a vila de Cascais que assim aumenta o seu leque de opções para um serão bem passado.

Por tudo isto mencionado e muito mais, a prestigiada revista online Jazz Hot decidiu escrever um artigo onde se mostraram completamente rendidos ao clube, ao seu potencial e a gestao feita por parte de Maria Viana e a sua equipa. 

Deixo-vos dois links para a vossa apreciação, sendo um o link original e o outro uma tradução em Português.

Jazz Hot (original)

Jazz Hot (Português)