The Filtered Excellence: June 21, 2012

Bob Geldof once asked us, “Where is the filtered excellence!?” It’s right here. Here are this weeks picks of what to WATCH, what to DO what to TRY what to READ what to LISTEN TO and more:
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WATCH THIS:

To Rome With Love. Written and directed by Woody Allen. There’s a lot of hype and expectation on this film – especially after the enormous success of the Academy Award winning Midnight In Paris. As always, Allen has put together a wide ranging cast: Alec Baldwin, Penelope Cruz, Roberto Benigni, Greta Gerwig, the always great Judy Davis, Jessie Eisenberg, and Ellen Page to tell four vignettes that range from the romantic to straight up farce. Early reviews have been mixed, but then again, Woody’s misses are better than most directors hits. Here’s a chance to get escape from watching things blow up for two hours and to see one of America’s greatest at work. To Rome With Love opens tomorrow.

The Intouchables. Written and directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano. This French feel good comedy centers on the friendship between Phillipe, a wealthy paralyzed man, and his live-in caretaker from the projects, Driss. If you love foreign films, this is a no-brainer for you. If you usually don’t, trust in Harvey Weinstein and trust in us, and take the plunge. This is a terrific film.

The Invisible War. This film will make you furious, but it’s an important investigative documentary into the secret epidemic of rape in the US military. Full of shocking statistics (a female is more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy fire) and disturbing interviews, Academy Award nominated director Kirby Dick has created a powerful piece of journalism that is sure to have positive repercussions.

Bruce Springsteen’s Wrecking Ball. This 22 minute short film uses concert footage, interviews to delve into the inspirations, politics, social and personal issues behind Springsteen’s latest album. You can watch the film in its entirety on line at CNN Digital or right here on The Ibang.

Nate & Margaret . Directed, Produced and Co-written by Nathan Adloff. Certainly Harold and Maude likenings will be suggested as the age difference here in this unlikely friendship is a factor, but really the age issue is the only similarity to the cult classic. Nate is a young film student, and Margaret is an aspiring stand-up comic in her 50’s. They’re unconventional best friends, but it’s a relationship that is a perfect fit for them until Nate finds himself with his first “real” boyfriend. This is a sweet, engaging, well-acted, well-casted film that is all about friendship. Opens Jun 22, 2012 Limited

Pink Floyd: The Story of Wish You Were Here. This new DVD comes out in the US June 26th. This program tells the story of the making of this landmark release through new interviews with Roger Waters, David Gilmour and Nick Mason and archive interviews with the late Richard Wright. We haven’t seen it yet but we hear its excellently produced, with great pacing. A must watch for fans.

Order the Blu Ray

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READ THIS

America You Sexy Bitch: A Love Letter to Freedom by Michael Ian Black and Meghan McCain. The book is incredibly funny, really honest, and full of heart and soul. Meghan is a Republican, Michael is a Democrat and the goal of this project was to find out, can they be friends, or will their disparate belief systems drive them to hate each other. They travel around the country, talking to people from every state, and exploring the question of whether they could use their differences as a place to open discussions, instead of as a divisive force. Smart and funny, it’s a great summer read that entertains as much as it forces you to think.

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LISTEN TO THIS

Big Station by Alejandro Escovedo. For his 11th solo studio release, veteran rocker Alejandro Escovedo turns again to producer Tony Visconti and songwriting collaborator Chuck Prophet. The results are again amazing, creating a collection of Escovedo’s own brand of Americana with great lyrics and big hooks.

The Bravest Man In The Universe by Bobby Womack. Bobby Womack almost redefines the term ‘rock n roll survivor’. The former Sam Cooke protege has overcome bad marriages (including a controversial union to Cooke’s widow), drug addiction, record company squabbles and most recently significant health issues. But make no mistake about it: Bobby Womack is one of the best singers and songwriters of all-time. Songs like ‘It’s All Over Now’ (The Stones first U.S hit), ‘Lookin’ For A Love’ (big hit for J. Geils Band), ‘Across 110th Street’ (featured in several films including QT’s Jackie Brown), ‘I’m A Midnight Mover’, ‘I’m In Love’ (both hits for Wilson Pickett), ‘Breezin’ (a smash for George Benson) and ‘If You Think You’re Lonely Now’ are certified classics. Womack’s stunning appearance on the Gorillaz 2010 hit, ‘Stylo’ introduced him to a new generation of fans and a new deal with XL Recordings. The Bravest Man In The Universe, produced by Gorillaz/Blur frontman Damon Albarn, should continue that momentum. Albarn uses splashes of icy electronica to really bring out Womack’s trademark rasp and poignant lyrics. This is a perfect next gen album for an artist that is timeless. Available now.

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BROWSE THIS

Wolfram Alpha. Need something computed in a hurry? Can’t remember which sites to go to convert measurements for a recipe? Distances from metric to US? And that’s only the beginning. Find out anything that can be computed, including what planes are flying overhead right now. It’s addicting. Trust us, and trust the folks at mentalfloss.com who tipped us off to this lil miracle site. Let us know what you use it for. Happy searching!

Visit them at www.wolframalpha.com.

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DO THIS

New York City: Tyson On Broadway. This isn’t a typo. It’s not a mistake. Iron Mike is bringing his one man show to the Great White Way. Spike Lee is directing. Expect to hear stories both beautiful and sad from the last great heavyweight champ. The show is only running for a week, so get your tickets now before you get left out.

Go to www.tysononbroadway.com for more info.

New York City: Alabama Shakes at the Central Park Summerstage – The Alabama Shakes are no strangers to Filtered Excellence. Their blistering live show and excellent debut are both things you should definitely be aware of. Now they are playing at the Central Park Summerstage on Sunday, June 24th with Diamond Rugs and Robert Ellis. Also it’s free! Get there early!

Get all the info here.

SUMMER FESTIVAL ROUND UP: MORE TO CHECK OUT ALL OVER THE COUNTRY THIS WEEK

Arkansas: Buffalo River Elk Festival, June 22nd-23rd. An annual celebration to honor the reintroduction of Elk into Newton County, Arkansas. The two day festival features arts and crafts, Elk calling contests, and raffles in order to win one of 22 Elk hunting permits!
California: Hollywood Fringe Festival, June 14-24th. Hollywood is known for being a center for art, music, and of course movies. The Fringe Festival plays on this by allowing artists to introduce new and different types of music and art and display them to the public.
Massachussetts: New England Wild West Fest, June 23rd- 24th. Everyone loves a good Wild West Celebration, but this one is being held somewhere unexpected, Marshfield, Massachusettes. The Festival is bringing the old wild west to the east, complete with everything one might expect even a rodeo!
Michigan: Wolverine Lumberjack Festival, June 22nd-24th. The unofficial town Wolverine holds an annual celebration to help support the town’s major form of labor- lumberjacks. The town helps to celebrate the profession through a homemade raft race, food, and fireworks!
Michigan: International Tug Boat Race, June 23rd. The most unusual Tug Boat Race in the Entire world takes place every year on the Detroit River. As many as 30 tugs of all shapes and sizes race to the finish line. Family, friends, and fans can watch and participate in activities being held near the finish line!
Oregon: Summer Kite Fest, June 23rd and 24th. How could someone not have the memory of flying a kite as a child. Come to Oregon this weekend and fly your kite with your family and thousands of others, and get a truly spectacular view in the sky.
Wisconsin: Cheese Curd Festival, June 22nd-24th. If there is one thing Wisconsin is known for- its cheese- and Ellsworth is said to have the best cheese curds in the state! the chamber now has a festival to celebrate there main export, come out for a great day with the family and of course some delicious cheese curds.