The Filtered Excellence: August 20, 2015
Bob Geldof once asked us, “Where is the filtered excellence!?” It’s right here. Once a week we take a break from comedy to bring you 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:
Grandma. There’s a lot of buzz surrounding this new collaboration between Lily Tomlin and writer-director Paul Weitz (American Pie, About A Boy). Tomlin plays Elie Reid, a poet who, after abruptly breaking up with her much younger girlfriend Olivia (Judy Greer), is met with the sudden arrival of her granddaugher Sage (Julia Garner). Sage is pregnant and needs $600 for an abortion. Elie isn’t happy about to say the least – especially since she cut up all of her credit cards – but she still helps to Sage raise the money. Heading out in Elie’s 1955 Dodge Royal, they reconnect with lovers, old friends and family to get it done. This means, of course, reaching out to Sage’s mother Judy (Marcia Gay Harden), who hasn’t spoken to Elie in several years and completely unaware of her daughter’s pregnancy. It also finds all three women finally coming to terms with the death of Violet, Sage’s other grandmother and Elie’s longtime partner of nearly 40 years. Tomlin is superb as the cranky, acidic, pull no punches Elie. She channels a lifetime of experiences into the character pulling out a performance that re-affirms that she’s always been a fantastic actress. Why it took 27 years for someone for find the right starring project for her says a lot about Hollywood’s short sighted attitude toward more mature actresses than it does about her ability to carry a movie. Tomlin’s work speaks for itself. The rest of cast is just as good – especially Garner who more than holds her own with Tomlin; the always outstanding Marcia Gay Harden as Sage’s mother Judy; and Sam Elliot’s performance as Karl is one that should be acknowledged come awards time. Weitz’s script and direction starts fast and doesn’t let go – nothing drags, keeping the film just under 90 minutes. It’s also the best work of his career. Don’t be surprised if Grandma starts making the rounds during awards season. It’s an all around triumph for all involved and marks the re-emergence of Lily Tomlin. Grandma opens in New York and L.A. this Friday and rolls out nationally August 28th. You can go to www.grandmathefilm.com for more information.
Being Evel. The life and times of Evel Knievel, the man who risked life – and broke a lot limbs – in a series of a death defying motorcycle jumps in the 70s, is recalled in this fast paced documentary by Daniel Junge (Saving Face). Using a ton of archival footage and new interviews with family, friends, contemporaries and fans, Junge tells the story of how a former semi-pro hockey player and later, insurance salesman from Butte, Montana transformed himself into the thrill seeking showman who became one of the most recognized figures on the planet – not to mention the godfather of what we now call extreme sports. Much like Knievel’s stunts, Junge keeps the pace moving, only slowing down to highlight just how much punishment Knievel absorbed throughout his career. Junge also goes behind the scenes to show that Knievel was just as fearless when it came to the business side of his events. It’s a moving tribute to one of the most beloved figures in American sport. Being Evel opens in select theaters this Friday and will also be available via video on demand.
LISTEN TO THIS:
True Detective Soundtrack. The soundtrack to HBO’s much discussed series combines the best pieces from both seasons. With T-Bone Burnett at the helm, the album contains the haunting theme songs for both seasons (The Handsome Family’s ‘Far From Any Road’ and the brooding ‘Nevermind’ by Leonard Cohen); Lera Lynn’s beautiful and hypnotic pieces from Season 2, a previously unreleased Bob Dylan track (‘Rocks and Gravel’), tracks by Cassandra Wilson, Nick Cave and much more. Burnett, as he has done with ‘O Brother Where Art Thou?’, has put together an outstanding collection of songs that both fit and enhance the tone and tenor of the series. A great companion piece for those who love the series. The True Detective soundtrack is available now through Amazon, Itunes and all major music retailers.
Love & Mercy Soundtrack. The soundtrack to the Brian Wilson biopic features three Beach Boys classics (‘Good Vibrations’, ‘Don’t Worry Baby’, ‘God Only Knows’), two Wilson solo tracks (a live version of ‘Love & Mercy’ and ‘One Kind Of Love’, from his most recent album), and a magnificent score by Atticus Ross (best known for his work with Trent Reznor on the films The Social Network, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and Gone Girl). Ross’ pieces are musical journeys in Wilson’s psyche at crucial periods of his life and really capture both his essence not to mention key elements in the film. As an added bonus, Paul Dano’s Wilson-esque solo piano take on ‘God Only Knows’ is included. Music fueled the narrative and success of the film – now you can have a piece of it. The Love & Mercy soundtrack is available now through Amazon, Itunes and all major music retailers.
DO THIS:
New York City: Afropunk Festival. 11 years strong, Afropunk has evolved from a DIY movie to one of the most anticipated events of the summer. This year’s lineup is one for the ages: Grace Jones, Lenny Kravitz, Gary Clark, Jr, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Death Grips, Kelis, Kimberly Nichole, Thundercat are just some of the many acts that will be featured throughout the weekend. In addition, there will be plenty of activities designed to let your creative and artistic freak flag fly. Afropunk will be at Commodore Barry Park August 21st through the 23rd. Go to www.afropunk.com for tickets and a complete rundown of events.
Chicago: Pilsen Fest. Located in Chicago’s historic Pilsen district, this festival celebrates the local arts scene as well as provides educational work shops and full range of activities for all ages. There will also be several panel discussions centered around the them ‘Multilingualism: Celebrating A Cultural Renaissance’. A great day out for those who want to expand your artistic and cultural horizons. Pilsen Fest happens Saturday, August 22nd from noon to 10pm. You can go to www.pilsenfest.com for more information.
Los Angeles: FYF Fest. Sean Carlson was only 18 when he launched the first FYF Fest in 2004. Since then, it was grown into one of the most popular festivals in the region, moving from Echo Park to Los Angeles State Historic Park in Chinatown, to its new home at The L.A. Sports Arena & Exposition Park to accommodate ticket and attendance demands. D’Angelo & The Vanguard, Morrissey, Frank Ocean, Jesus & Mary Chain, Bloc Party, Run The Jewels and FKA Twigs are just some of the many acts who will appear this weekend. A great wrap up to the summer festival season. The FYF Fest will take place August 22nd and 23rd. You can go to www.fyffest.com for tickets and a complete list of performers.
Want more excellence? Read last week’s The Filtered Excellence and visit The Interrobang Recommmends
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