The Filtered Excellence: June 19, 2014

caseagainst8

Bob Geldof once asked us, “Where is the filtered excellence!?” It’s right here. Here are this weeks picks of the best things to watch, the most interesting things to do, great things to try, the best picks to read, our favorite things to listen to and more:


WATCH THIS:

Jason Nash Is Married. Directed by Jason Nash.   Comedy Central’s first full length digital feature film is based on Nash’s webseries. Jason Nash stars as an almost version of himself dealing with career, disappointment and of course, marriage. The film is filled with just about everyone working in comedy including Paul F. Tompkins, T.J. Miller, Rob Corddry, Jerry Minor, Patton Oswalt, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Paul Scheer, Nick Swardson, Andy Richter, David Koechner and Andy Daly. “Jason Nash Is Married” will be available Tuesday, June 24th on Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, Xbox Video, Sony Entertainment Network, Verizon Flex View, VUDU and Vimeo On Demand.

The Case Against 8. This HBO documentary was shot over 5 years time and follows the landmark case to overturn Prop 8’s gay marriage ban in California. The case brought by 4 plaintiffs was taken all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. It also brought together two attorneys who had nothing in common politically, conservative Ted Olson and liberal David Boies, except for the fight for marriage equality. The doc covers the journey of gay marriage in California from its passage to being overturned by the voters in 2008 and then finally being ruled unconstitutional. The Case Against 8 airs Monday, June 23rd at 9 pm on HBO.

Secrets Of Underground London. In a remarkable history lesson, PBS goes underneath London. England’s greatest city is layered with its past under its current streets and buildings. This documentary shows England’s story by exploring the what lies below including remnants of the foundation the Romans built in the 1st Century. Parts of the Roman city still exist under current London. There’s also the mass grave pits that were dug during the time of the plague. And Winston Churchill’s private secret bunkers where he could move the entire government during the German bombings in World War II. Secrets of Underground London premieres on PBS on Sunday, June 22nd. Be sure to check your local Public Broadcasting listings.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Shot for just over $300,000 and using a cast of unknowns, Tobe Hooper’s dark, twisted tale of a family of cannibals tormenting a group of travelers has lost none of its power nearly 40 years after its release. The violence of the film – particularly those done by ‘Leatherface’ – caused many theaters to pull the film and critics used it as an example that movies were growing too explicit in its depiction of violence. Audiences said otherwise: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre did big business, grossing over $30 million dollars and is considered as one of the best horror films in cinema history. To coincide with the film’s 40th Anniversary, there will be a limited run of screenings starting in New York this weekend. Tobe Hooper oversaw its restoration and new stereo surround sound mix which will give the already creepy subject matter new punch. This is a movie that begs to be seen – and heard – on the big screen. The 40th Anniversary screenings of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre start this weekend at The Film Society Of Lincoln Center, The IFC Center in New York & Coolidge Corner in Boston on June 27th and at select theaters nationwide on July 4th.

Go to bloody-disgusting.com for a complete list of cities.

 

READ THIS:

Poking a Dead Frog by Mike Sacks. Insiders and fans alike will love this collection of interviews, stories and essays from comedy’s top journalists, authors, screenwriters and jokewriters.  If you’re interested in a career in any comedy arena– you will want to read this book for its incredible insight inside the business of comedic authorship.  Curious fans of comedy will love the stories and personalities of the writers that author Mike Sacks has cultivated for this sequel to his previous collection of writers.  You’ll read great stories from Terry Jones about writing for Monty Python, learn how to get started from Conan writer Todd Levin and agent Joe Begleiter, read Adam McKay who has written so many great Wil Ferrell films, talks about the roots of his comedy writing style, Bruce Jay Friedman tells stories about giving Mario Puzo a leg up in the business, Glen Charles tells great stories about creating and writing for  Cheers,  and the list goes on.  Sharpling, Resnick, Feig, and Mel Brooks, all have contributions.  Read it for the business advice, or just for the stories.  The book hits stores on June 24.

7 Days New York City In Black And White by Ed Marshall. Acclaimed freelance photographer Ed Marshall’s latest project was a personal one: He spent seven random days walking around various parts of New York City – Long Island City, Brooklyn, the Lower East Side Of Manhattan and midtown Manhattan – capturing every day sights and ordinary occurrences, as well as a city that is a constant state of transition. The photos are so raw and intimate, you almost feel like you are eavesdropping, if not part of, the situation. All done is glorious black and white. This is another triumph by one of the best photographers on the scene.

7 Days New York City in Black and White is available now through Amazon.

 

DO THIS:

NEW YORK CITY:The HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival.  Summer officially kicks off this week and what better way to spend an evening in the park than with a classic film? This year’s lineup has something for everyone: Dramas (Key Largo, A Solider’s Story, Suddenly Last Summer), comedies (Blazing Saddles, Lover Come Back, National Lampoon’s Vacation), horror (The Shining), and, of course, action-adventure (The Mark Of Zorro, The Karate Kid). Each screening includes a pre-film vintage cartoon, special guest introductions and much more. Plus, ITS FREE! It’s a great alternative to your standard movie experience, not to mention a nice way spice up a Monday night. The HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival each Monday in Bryant Park through August 18th. Lawn is opens at 5pm and films starts at sunset.

You can go to www.hbo.com/hbobryantparkfilmfestival for run dates and more information.

NEW YORK CITY: Purple Rain at The Schomburg Center For Research In Black Culture. Released one month apart in the summer of 1984, Purple Rain – the soundtrack and the film – firmly established Prince as a true musical force. The film would gross over $80 million dollars and the soundtrack did even better: four Top 10 singles (including two that went to #1), sales over 20 million worldwide, two Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. It also launched the careers of The Time, who played played Prince & The Revolution’s musical rivals. In honor of the 30th Anniversary of the film’s release, The Schomburg Center For Research In Black Culture will host a free screening of the 80s cult classic. Expect diehard Prince fans to out in full force and ready to party. Purple Rain will screen at The Schomburg Center For Research In Black Culture on June 25th.

You can go to www.schomburgcenter.eventbrite.com for more info.

PASADENA CALIFORNIA: Stoneface: The Rise and Fall of Buster Keaton. Running now through the end of June, “Stoneface” brings silent film comedian Buster Keaton to life on stage. French Stewart (3rd Rock From The Sun) stars as the deadpan comic from the 1930s. A unique aspect of the show is that many of Buster Keaton’s film stunts and slapstick scenes are recreated in the stage show including the rope-and-pulley system gag with Fatty Arbuckle that lets them conveniently navigate a kitchen without leaving their seats and the famous deadly facade fall from Steamboat Bill Jr. in which the front of a house falls on Stewart, who is safely positioned under a window frame. Stoneface is finishing its run in Pasadena with hopes of the show eventually coming to Broadway. Stoneface is currently playing at the Pasadena Playhouse.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: Diana Ross: In The Name Of Love Tour. Legendary singer Diana Ross returns to Philly for the first time in over a decade with her “In The Name Of Love” tour. Diana Ross will be performing her greatest hits from her days with the Supremes to her amazing solo work. It’s a chance to see a true American diva in concert. The “In The Name Of Love” tour comes to the Mann Center for the Performing Arts at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia on Wednesday, June 25th at 8 pm.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: Hillary Clinton: Hard Choices Tour. The name of her tour makes it sound more like a rock event. Hillary Clinton is going nationwide in support of her new memoir “Hard Choices”. This is an opportunity to see a first lady, senator and secretary of state all in the same place at the same time and perhaps a future President. Hillary Clinton will be discussing her new book and taking questions from the audience. It’s an opportunity to hear from someone who has had one of the most unique perspectives on history. Hillary Clinton will be speaking at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco on Wednesday, June 25th at 7 pm.

 


Want more excellence?  Read last week’s The Filtered Excellence and visit The Interrobang Recommmends