The Filtered Excellence: March 21, 2019
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 week’s 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
Us. Jordan Peele’s eagerly awaited follow up to the Oscar-winning Get Out stars Lupita Nyong’o, as Adelaide Wilson, who, along with her husband Gabe (Wilson Duke) and their children Zora (Shahadi Wright Joseph) and Jason (Evan Alex) are on a much needed vacation at their beach house in Santa Cruz. The otherwise ideal getaway takes a dark turn when an identical family begins appearing in their driveway. Dressed in red jumpsuits and carrying a pair of golden scissors, ‘the tethered’ are twisted variations of each family member and they quickly inject themselves into the Wilsons lives that will alter their lives forever. While other major plot has been kept under wraps, early buzz on the film has Peele beating the sophomore slump, managing to make you laugh almost as much as you are getting scared out of your pants. With a great script and a strong cast, this is the work of a writer, director, and producer at the height of his powers. Us opens nationwide this weekend.
Cruel Intentions. Released in 1999, this teen-driven adaptation of Dangerous Liaisons featuring breakout performances by Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Michelle-Gellar, and Ryan Phillippe and was grossed over 75 million dollars at the box office. At the time, the movie’s frank depictions of sexual, class and racial politics among wealthy New York City teens was considered controversial at the time, but it’s now considered to be a foreshadowing of the current social dynamics. To coincide with the film’s 20th Anniversary, Cruel Intentions will get a week-long run in theaters. It’s another chance to see a film that perfectly straddles the line between saucy, trashy and campy. Cruel Intentions will be re-released in select theaters nationwide.
LISTEN TO THIS
Lux Prima by Karen O & Danger Mouse. Though both musically ascended at the same time, it would’ve been unlikely that the Yeah Yeah Yeahs founder and the acclaimed producer of such artists such as Gnarls Barkley, Black Keys, Beck, Gorillaz and U2 would ever happen. But it turned out that both were big fans of each other’s work, and when Karen O found herself a musical free agent, she decided to give Danger Mouse a call. Working with any record company pressures or deadlines, they create an ethereal soundtrack laced with Morricone-drenched soul, Motown inspired feminist anthems, hypnotic R&B, and spaced out disco. It’s a work that’s best suited for blissed out excursions, pensive moments at home or an anything goes night out. Lux Prima by Karen O & Danger Mouse is available through Amazon, Itunes and all major streaming services.
DO THIS
New York City: The Lou Reed Archive @ The New York Public Library for The Performing Arts. After 2 years of extensive cataloging of over 200 boxes of material, Lou Reed’s archives are now available at The New York Public Library for The Performing Arts. It contains over 600 hours of live recordings, demos, studio recording and interviews; office files including tour itineraries, agreements, road manager notes and paperwork; photographs shot by Reed and by other photographers; writings, Reed’s personal collection of books, 45s and LPs and much more. You will need a library card for access, but it takes only a few minutes to sign up and can be done on site. Also, there’s a public display of material celebrating the 30th Anniversary of his classic album New York. It’s the most comprehensive look into the creative process of one of New York’s favorite sons. The Lou Reed Archive is available now at The New York Public Library. You can also go to www.nypl.org/loureed for more information.
Eyevan For Dennis Morris. Photographer, musician and graphic artist has been an eyewitness and key collaborator to some of the seminar scenes that have emerged out of the London music scene. He shot some of Bob Marley and The Sex Pistols most iconic images, worked extensively with Public Image Limited (including designing the band’s logo and seminal album Metal Box) and formed the pioneering black punk band, Basement Five. Some of Morris’ most distinctive images will be on display at 180 The Store in Tribeca. It’s a great chance to see a master photographer’s best work. Eyevan For Dennis Morris will be at 180 The Store March 22nd through the 28th. You can also go to www.180thestore.com for more information.
Los Angeles: PaleyFest. The Paley Center For Media once again is presenting television’s premier festival at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. This year, you have a chance to sneak peak episodes of Season 2 of Star Trek: Discovery and the reboot of The Twilight Zone hosted by Jordan Peele as well as see panel discussions with the casts of The Walking Dead, This Is Us, The Walking Dead, Hawaii Five-I, Macgyver, Magnum P.I. and much more. It’s the ultimate destination for all who love television. PaleyFest will take place at The Dolby Theatre through March 24th. You can also go to www.paleycenter.org for more information.
Want more excellence? Read last week’s the filtered excellence.
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