The Filtered Excellence: August 14, 2014
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:
The Trip To Italy. Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon and director Michael Winterbottom team up once again for the follow up to the critically acclaimed BBC series The Trip (both were edited into full length features for American audiences). This time, Coogan and Brydon hit the Italian countryside in a Mini Cooper to reviewing the local cuisine for a London newspaper. Along the way, they muse on everything from getting older, the state of personal lives (which are on the brink of being fractured), Alanis Morrisette, and blissfully taking shots at each other. There’s also, of course, impressions of young and old Michael Cain, Roger Moore, Al Pacino and much more. Coogan and Brydon are, as usual, in fine form and Winterbottom’s direction makes Italy look like heaven on Earth. Another winner from the Coogan-Winterbottom cam. The Trip To Italy opens in New York and L.A this weekend and nationwide August 22nd.
Captivated: The Trials of Pamela Smart. If you ever wondered about the origins of reality TV, one place to start is the Pamela Smart murder trial. This HBO Films documentary looks back this case which was the first trial to show gavel to gavel coverage on television. It’s the sensational trial of Pamela Smart who worked as an employee at a New Hampshire high school, where she became romantically involved with student Billy Flynn. In 1990, Flynn and 3 of his friends murdered Smart’s husband. They later reached a plea agreement with the state for a lower sentence in exchange for their testimony against Smart who they claim masterminded the murder. The documentary explores how media coverage may have influenced the trial, the jury and Smart’s sentencing. “Captivated” features an exclusive new interview with Smart herself, as well as interviews with prosecuting and defending attorneys. This trial was also the basis of the book “To Die For” which became a feature film starring Nicole Kidman. Captivated: The Trials of Pamela Smart airs Monday, August 18th at 9 pm et on HBO.
Happy Days: My Favorite Orkan. For the majority of Americans, this episode of Happy Days was their introduction to the comic legend Robin Williams. This was the first stepping stone into Robin becoming a comedy icon. He appeared in this 1978 episode of Happy Days with Henry Winkler and Ron Howard as Mork from Ork. He was the insane alien who took on the Fonz and it was a hysterical battle of “the thumb versus the finger”. The Hub network is reairing this classic episode from season 5 of Happy Days that launched the spin-off “Mork and Mindy” and Robin Williams’ career. It’s a chance to see comedy brilliance taking off from the launch pad. Happy Days: My Favorite Orkan will air on the Hub on Friday, August 15th at 9 pm and 9:30 pm et. Check your local listings for The Hub on your cable operator’s channel guide.
LISTEN TO THIS:
Laura Mvula with the Metropole Orkest conducted by Jules Buckley At Abbey Road Studios. After wowing the globe last year with her debut album, Sing To The Moon, Laura Mvula could have taken a much deserved break or started work on a follow up. Instead, she teamed with with celebrated Dutch orchestra Metropole at Abbey Road Studios to record an orchestral version of Sing To The Moon. More of a re-interpretation than a remake, this album recalls the bombastic pop records of Phil Spector, Burt Bacharach and Jimmy Webb – and that’s a good thing. The versions of ‘Make Me Lovely’, ‘Father, Father’ and ‘Flying Without You’ actually transcend the originals and Mvula is in absolute peak form throughout. Simply put, this is some next level stuff, the return of sophisticated pop in all of its glory. Music’s next great vocalist belting out one of the best, if not, the best albums of 2014.
is available now through Amazon.You can also go to www.lauramvula.com for more information.
DO THIS:
NEW YORK CITY: Charles Bukowski event. Charles Bukowski would have turned 94 on August 16th, and to celebrate Ecco Books is teaming up with Post Office Bar in Williamsburg to celebrate his work and his life. There will be public readings of his books Post Office, Ham On Rye and Women. Those who participate in the reading will receive a free copy of his novel Post Office. A cool event for Bukowski devotees and those eager to get into his writings. It will take place on Saturday, August 16th starting at 2:30, and its free.
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK: NYPD vs FDNY. This is one of the most intense rivalries in baseball and it only happens once a year. It’s the annual game between New York’s finest, NYPD’s police officers and New York’s bravest, FDNY’s firefighters. This year the game will be played at MCU Park, the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones. The game that is suppose to encourage camaraderie between the two city agencies traditionally breaks down at some point, so expect to see some scuffles because both sides take this game very seriously. There will be fireworks after the game, and most likely during as well. The annual NYPD – FDNY baseball game is Saturday, August 16th at 7 pm.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: An Evening with Smokey Robinson. The living Motown legend is coming to the Greek Theatre LA. Smokey is currently touring in anticipation of his new “Smokey & Friends” duets album. He will be performing his classic songs from his days with the Miracles including “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Going to a Go-Go,” “More Love,” “Tears of a Clown” and “I Second That Emotion.” It’s your opportunity to see a true American original perform live. An Evening with Smokey Robinson happens at the Greek Theatre LA on Saturday, August 16th at 8 pm.
NEW YORK CITY: Free Shakespeare in the Park. This amazing event and Summer tradition is back in the heart of Manhattan for it’s 52nd year. Each year, the Delacorte Theater in Central Park plays host to a Shakespearean classic. This year, Tony winner Daniel Sullivan (Proof) directs fellow Tony winner John Lithgow as the title character in “King Lear”, Shakespeare’s classic tragic character who falls into madness. There will be 4 performances between August 14th through the 17th and they are all free. There are different ways to get the free tickets including “day of” ticket distribution in Central Park starting at noon the day of the performance. All performances are at 8 pm.
ESTES PARK, COLORADO: Silent Movies Comedy Film Festival. Here is an unique opportunity to watch films that are nearly 100 years old in a theater that’s actually older. The 101 year old Historic Park Theatre in Estes Park, Colorado is hosting the Silent Movies Comedy Film Festival. The classic silent films will be accompanied by a live piano player who plays in the style of the early 1900s and adding background music to films on the screen. The film festival starts on Thursday, August 21st and includes classic silent comedies. On the bill during the weekend fest are movies like “Mable Adrift” (1916) starring Fatty Arbuckle, “The Rink” (1916) Starring Charlie Chaplin, “The Boat” (1921) Starring Buster Keaton, “The Immigrant” (1917) Starring Charlie Chaplin and “Laugh Toons” (1928) Starring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.
Want more excellence? Read last week’s The Filtered Excellence and visit The Interrobang Recommmends
