The Filtered Excellence: July 9, 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:
Boulevard starring Robin Williams. Robin Williams final dramatic role hits the right chord in the current socio-political climate. Williams plays Nolan Mack, a 60 year old bank officer living a comfortable, yet uneventful, middle class life with his wife Joy (Kathy Baker) and his best friend Winston (Bob Odenkirk). Yet there’s is a quiet, unspoken tension in Nolan’s life. His marriage is one of convenience, devoid of any true passion and affection. One night after visiting his dying, depressed father in a nursing home, Nolan impulsively veers off into a neighborhood where male hustlers commonly frequent. When Leo (Roberto Aguire) propositions him for ‘a ride’, Nolan accepts. Though the relationship is based more on companionship than sex, it marks the beginning of a chain of events that will forever affect Nolan’s life and those within his orbit. Williams wonderfully captures Nolan’s quiet desperation as he struggles with his sexuality, yet does not have the resolve and the strength to let it come to the surface. It’s a haunting performance that fittingly caps his career as a dramatic actor. Kathy Baker, who has always been one of the great character actors, delivers another wonderful performance as Joy. Her scenes with Williams are nuanced but astonishing. Roberto Aguire is a relative newcomer, but he more than holds his own as Leo, the hustler who unwittingly forces Nolan to confront his true self. This is a dark, brooding film, but one of that is worth seeing. Boulevard opens this weekend.
Nowitzki: The Perfect Shot. Dirk Nowitzki is now considered one of the greatest power forwards in NBA History, but his road to greatness wasn’t easy. His journey from the German hard courts to future Hall Of Famer is the subject of this new documentary from Sebastian Dehnhardt. Using exclusive NBA footage and new interviews with Nowitzki, former teammates, opponents, coaches and league executives, Behnhardt chronicles the enormous work Nowitzki put in – and continues to put in – to cement his status as one of the game’s elite. A great profile of an NBA legend. Nowitzki: The Perfect Shot opens this weekend.
Go to www.magpictures.com for more information.
Ray Donovan and Masters of Sex. Two of Showtime’s highly acclaimed series returns for new seasons. Ray Donovan returns for a third season and finds him dealing with the ramifications of last season that finds him estranged from his family, his mentor and his colleagues. He also finds himself working a kidnapping case including a prominent lawyer (Ian McShane). Anchored by strong supporting cast that includes industry vets Elliot Gould and Jon Voight, this promises to be the best season to date. The 3rd season of Masters Of Sex finds the research team of William Masters (Michael Sheen) and Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan) publishing their findings on human sexuality at the dawn of the sexual revolution. While dealing with the fallout of the book’s release, they also have to re-examine their relationship, which has become more personal than professional. Also entering the mix is Masters’ wife Libby (Caitlin Fitzgerald) who makes a decision that no one sees coming. This is a show that has always been smart, edgy, and funny, but now it seems to be turning another great corner as the period shifts to where the research team is beginning to see the fruits of their labor come into full bloom. It should make for a season of twists and turns. Ray Donovan and Masters Of Sex kick off this Sunday night, starting at 9pm Eastern on Showtime.
You can go to www.sho.com for more information.
READ THIS:
A Full Life: Reflections At 90 by Jimmy Carter. In this moving new memoir, the former President looks back at his life in public office, his formative years in Georgia, key decisions that shaped his life – and a nation – and things that wished he had done differently. Carter also speaks openly the presidents who have succeeded him, world leaders, and his humanitarian efforts. Told with pride, candor, regret and humor, President Carter has put together another well crafted, heartfelt look at a life well lived.
A Full Life is available now through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and all major book retailers.
DO THIS:
NEW YORK CITY: Rooftop Films. For over 15 years, Rooftop Films has been showing classic movies in outdoor spots throughout New York City and Chicago. This year’s edition will kick off with James Cameron’s sci-fi classic The Terminator in Coney Island. Other screenings will include the Academy Award nominated The Grand Budapest Hotel, Indiana Jones & The Temple Of Doom and much more. A great event for all cinema lovers.
Go to www.rooftopfilms.com for a complete list, tickets and more information.
LOS ANGELES: Electric Dusk Drive In Series. Before surround sound theaters and home entertainment centers, there was the drive-in movie. Now the drive in experience comes back to life and this summer’s schedule of films wonderfully capture it. Raiders Of The Lost Ark, The Princess Bride, Rear Window, E.T., Jaws and Thelma & Louise are just some of the films slated this summer. You’re not confined to your car either: There’s outdoor astroturf seating available and plenty of great variety of food available if you want to get your snack on. With great films all under a L.A. sunset, this is an amazing way to spent a night out at the movies.
Go to www.electricduskdrivein.com for tickets and more information.
Want more excellence? Read last week’s The Filtered Excellence and visit The Interrobang Recommmends
Read more comedy news, stories, interviews with comedians, videos and comedy clips on our home page. Get more comedy news. Watch more viral videos. Read more interviews with the best comics in the business.
Latest posts by Earl Douglas (see all)
- Earl’s World: The Filtered Excellence: September 7, 2021 - September 7, 2021
- Remembering Fez Whatley - August 15, 2021
- Earl’s World: The Filtered Excellence: July 23, 2021 - July 25, 2021
