The Filtered Excellence: April 10, 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:
Joe starring Nicholas Cage. This adaptation of the Larry Brown novel stars Nicholas Cage as Joe, a hot headed ex-con who decides the best way to keep his emotions in check – and out of of jail – is not get involved on a physical and emotional level. That all changes when Gary (Tye Sheridan), a young man who just arrived with his dysfunctional family, asks Joe for a job – and a respite from his abusive father (played by Gary Poulter). Joe sees Gary slipping into the same patterns that landed him in prison and becomes a father figure and protector. But in doing so, Joe must awaken the very impulses he has spent years trying to temper. Director David Gordon Green, who made his mark in comedies (Pineapple Express, Eastbound & Down) returns to his dramatic roots and isoutstanding. Using the backwoods of Texas as his canvas, Green perfectly captures the tension and hopelessness that Joe and people like him go through on a daily basis. Sheridan, who was terrific in last year’s Mud, is always very good as Gary. Poulter, who was homeless when he was discovered by a casting agent, gives an Oscar-worthy performance as Gary’s dad. Sadly, it will be his only role – he drowned shortly after principal filming ended. But Nic Cage is the heart and soul of the movie. He immerses himself in the character so much that its almost scary. He seems to be enjoying playing his most fleshed out character in years and quickly reminds us why we loved him in the first place. A much needed return to form. Joe opens nationwide this Friday.
You can also go to www.joefilm.net for more information.
Fargo: The Series. Based in part on the 1996 Coen Brothers film, “Fargo”, the new crime thriller on FX follows a new case and all new characters. Academy Award winner Billy Bob Thornton stars as Lorne Malvo who wreaks havoc on the town of Bemidji, Minnesota and turns insurance salesman Lester Nygaard’s (played by Martin Freeman) life into a living nightmare. The cast also includes Colin Hanks, Bob Odenkirk, Kate Walsh, Adam Goldberg and Oliver Platt. Fargo premieres Tuesday, April 15th at 10 pm Eastern on FX.
Mr. Selfridge. Season 2 of the PBS Masterpiece series starring Jeremy Piven is back. Piven stars as Harry Gordon Selfridge, the American who took London by storm with his innovative department store, Selfridge & Co. In the new season, the store is celebrating its 5th anniversary, but World War I threatens not only lives, but also the society that Harry has come to depend on for the store’s success.
There’s also big changes coming in the personal lives of Mr. Selfridge and his staff. Brand new episodes of Mr. Selfridge are airing on PBS Masterpiece, Sundays at 9 pm Eastern. Make sure you check your local PBS listings for the schedule.
Peter Simon’s Through The Lens: Celebrating 50 Years of Personalize Photojournalism. This new DVD not only tells the story of photojournalist Peter Simon’s long career, but also the story of America through his camera lens. Simon narrates the DVD adding commentary to some of his best work, including photos of the turbulent 1960’s anti-war movement, his shots of cultures around the world and some of the iconic figures in music that he captured. His rock photos include the Beatles at Shea Stadium, Led Zeppelin, The Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, and Jim Morrison. “Through The Lens” also shows Peter Simon’s love for his home in Martha’s Vineyard, shooting its natural beauty.
Glad All Over – The Dave Clark Five And Beyond. This is a two hour documentary about the British music invasion of the 1960s featuring the Dave Clark Five. Filled with amazing footage including the Dave Clark Five performing on the Ed Sullivan Show, this doc follows the band as they made they’re way across the ocean from England and into Rock and Roll history. “Glad All Over” also includes Dave Clark’s personal videos as well. The Dave Clark Five influence is shown through interviews with the musicians they inspired. Tom Hanks, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt of The E Street Band, Stevie Wonder, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Whoopi Goldberg, Dionne Warwick, ’60s fashion icon Twiggy and Sir Ian McKellen are all a part of this special. Glad All Over – The Dave Clark Five And Beyond airs Friday, April 11th at 10 pm Eastern on PBS. Check your local Public Broadcasting listings.
READ THIS:
Dirty Daddy: The Chronicles of a Family Man Turned Filthy Comedian by Bob Saget. Dirty Daddy is the new memoir from comedian and sitcom star Bob Saget. It’s a testament of using comedy and humor in the face of unbelievable family tragedy. Bob Saget writes about the loss his family has endured over the years, including losing his two sisters and how a sense of humor helped pull him through the pain. He also writes about his career in comedy, from being a struggling stand-up to landing one of TV’s biggest sitcoms and hosting America’s Funniest Home Videos which had a weekly audience of over 20 million people. The book also includes chapters on how Bob’s fans were trying to reconcile him being one of television’s favorite dads with his “blue-ish” stand up comedy and his work in uncensored projects like “The Aristocrats” and “Entourage”.
” is in bookstores now and available at amazon.com.
Face the Music: A Life Exposed by Paul Stanley. In his new book, musician Paul Stanley takes readers through his life – from a handicapped child to the frontman of one of rock’s most iconic bands, KISS. Paul Stanley’s journey wasn’t easy. He talks about being born with a underdeveloped ear which led to deafness and the terrorizing bullying he faced because of it. It’s the story of how he overcame his physical and emotional challenges and channeled that into his music. It’s also the story of one of the most charismatic bands to take the stage, leading to over 100 million albums sold and a career that has spanned 40 years.
is available now in bookstores and online at amazon.com.
LISTEN TO THIS:
Red Beans & Weiss by Chuck E. Weiss. How cool is Chuck E. Weiss? He’s remained a fixture in an ever-changing L.A. music scene for nearly 40 years. He was the basis of Rickie Lee Jones’ biggest hit, ‘Chuck E’s In Love’. Weiss has co-written a number of songs with best friend Tom Waits. In the early 90s’s, he convinced his other best friend Johnny Depp to invest in a rundown club on the Sunset Strip called The Central. Renamed The Viper Room, it has become the choice hang out spot for actors and musicians. Depp and Waits are the Executive Producers for Weiss’ first album in nearly 8 years, Red Beans & Weiss, and if you’re expecting to hear a music veteran trying to ‘keep up with the kids’, you’ll be disappointed. This is a down and dirty, old school rock n roll/bluesy affair that recalls an L.A where characters named Boston Blackie, Tupelo Joe, and Boy Bruce hung out in seedy bars and cruised along the Strip. This is the soundtrack to a pulp novel with Weiss as its narrator/ringleader. A great listen from start to finish.
will be available April 15th through Amazon, Itunes and all digital music outlets.You can also go to www.anti.com/artists/chuck-e-weiss/ for more info.
DO THIS
DRIFTWOOD, TEXAS. Old Settlers Music Fest. This marks the festival’s 27th year celebrating bluegrass, folk and Americana music across four stages. Located just outside of Austin, the festival takes place at Salt Lick Pavilion and Camp Ben McCulloch in Driftwood. This year, the Old Settlers Music Fest includes concerts, workshops, and impromptu jam sessions all day and throughout the night. Headlining the four day event that’s underway now, is Jeff Bridges and the Abiders on Friday night, April 11th at 8:45 pm and Robert Randolph and the Family Band on Saturday night, April 12th at 8:45 pm.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. Cheap Thrills featuring a Q&A with the star and director. The new black comedy “Cheap Thrills” starring Pat Healy, David Koechner and Ethan Embry is premiering at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago with a special event. After Friday’s screening, Pat Healy and the film’s director E.L. Katz will be participating in an opening-night Q&A. Seating is first come, first serve; so arrive early. Cheap Thrills follows two friends who see how far the need for some quick cash will take them after they meet a wealthy and bizarre couple while out partying.
NEW YORK CITY: The Best of Rufus Wainwright. Singer – songwriter Rufus Wainwright is kicking off his latest U.S. tour at Town Hall in New York City. The tour is supporting his new best of album, “Vibrate”. Rufus’ “Best Of” tour and show includes his best known songs dating back to his debut album in 1998. He’ll be performing his ‘Hallelujah’ cover version, ‘The Art Teacher’, ‘Going To Town’ and ‘Cigarettes And Chocolate Milk’ and a new song he recorded for the “Best Of” album called ‘Me And Liza’. The Best Of Rufus Wainwright happens Tuesday, April 15th at 8 pm.
