The Filtered Excellence: November 7, 2013

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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:

The Motel Life. Based on the novel by Willy Vlautin, “The Motel Life” follows two brothers who get out of town after one is involved in a hit-and-run accident. Their brotherhood is tested as they hide from the police. “The Motel Life” stars Stephen Dorff, Emile Hirsch and Dakota Fanning. The film directed by Alan and Gabe Polsky will be available on iTunes the same day that it’s released in theaters.

Eagleheart Season Premiere. Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim brings back “Eagleheart” starring the hysterical Chris Elliot for a third season. Elliot stars as U.S. Marshall Chris Monsanto who fights crime with his partners Susie and Brett in a parody reminiscent of Walker: Texas Ranger. The brand new season of “Eagleheart” premieres Thursday, November 14th at midnight, Eastern.

JFK: 50 Year Commemorative Ultimate Collector’s Edition. With the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy looming, Oliver Stone’s 1991 film has become THE go-to source for conspiracy theorists. Kevin Costner leads an all-star cast as Jim Garrison, the New Orleans prosecutor who launched the only criminal investigation into the murder of the nation’s 35th President. Tommy Lee Jones plays the defendant Clay Shaw and Joe Pesci has a memorable supporting role as David Ferrie, who holds a key piece in solving the ‘mystery wrapped in a riddle inside of an enigma’. Though the film clocks in at over 3 hours, the crisp editing and pacing keeps you captivated from start to finish. This is Oliver Stone at the peak of creative powers, using an array of film stocks and masterful use of file footage to create the ultimate political thriller. The new set contains the director’s cut on BLU-RAY (including commentary by Stone), 2 JFK-based documentaries (including PT-109, which is available for the first time on DVD), and the all-new doc JFK Remembered: 50 Years Later. An essential DVD collection documenting one of the biggest turning points in American history.

PBS Commemorates The 50th Anniversary Of The Assassination Of President John F. Kennedy. As the 50th anniversary of November 22, 1963 approaches, PBS is offering new programming about the day that President Kennedy was killed in Dallas. The look back begins on Tuesday, November 12 with “American Experience: JFK”. This 4 hour special offers some new perspectives at the life and administration of our 35th President. On Wednesday, November 13th, PBS has two specials. First, “NOVA: Cold Case – JFK” at 9pm Eastern, which follows the Kennedy assassination and its conspiracy theories and asks if modern crime investigators could have done a better job of handling the case? At 10pm Eastern, PBS presents “Secrets of the Dead: 1 o’Clock” – a minute by minute look at the events of the day President Kennedy was killed and how it all unfolded. The special uses archival news footage to retell the story. Be sure to check your local PBS listings for times in your area.

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READ THIS:

Soul Train: The Music, Dance And Style Of A Generation by Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson. For 35 years, Soul Train was THE show to watch for the latest trends in music, dance and fashion. The list of artists who have appeared on the show is staggering: James Brown, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Chuck Berry, Sly & The Family Stone, Al Green, David Bowie, Elton John, Whitney Houston, Barry White, Lenny Kravitz and Mariah Carey, just to name a few. Soul Train was also a good resume builder. Rosie Perez, MC Hammer, Fred ‘Rerun’ Berry, Carmen Electra, Nick Cannon, and Jody Watley launched successful careers as Soul Train dancers. Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, drummer for The Roots (and Soul Train fanatic) was given exclusive access to the show’s archives to show how a low budget, Chicago-based dance show became the longest running syndicated program in TV history. Loaded with photos (over 500), and behind the scenes stories, Questlove has crafted the ultimate tribute to the show that oozed love, peace, and SOUL!

An Astronaut’s Guide To Life On Earth by Commander Chris Hadfield. The man who became the internet’s most popular astronaut has released a book that shares the lessons he learned in space and how they apply to everyone on Earth. Commander Chris Hadfield is a Canadian astronaut who has walked in space and commanded the International Space Station. He’s known for his fascinating videos he shot on board the station including his rendition of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”. His book talks about the tenacity it takes to become an astronaut and the lessons of being prepared.

Dr. J: The Autobiography by Julius Erving with Karl Taro Greenfield. Basketball Hall of Famer Julius “Dr. J” Erving tells his own story in a no-holds-barred brutally honest autobiography. One of the most innovative players in NBA history, Dr, J also discusses his very personal life including his tumultuous marriage and the daughter he had out of wedlock. It’s a story about victory on the court and some of the things and people he lost off the court.

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LISTEN TO THIS:

Down In Washington Square: The Smithsonian Folkways Collection by Dave Van Ronk. Dave Van Ronk did not have the career of many of his folk contemporaries, but still managed to leave an incredible mark on the scene. The leader of the Greenwich Village scene for close to 40 years, Van Ronk released several critically acclaimed albums and mentored many upcoming singer-songwriters including Bob Dylan, Suzanne Vega and Christine Lavin. The forthcoming Coen Bros film Inside Llewlyn Davis draws heavily from Van Ronk’s memoir The Mayor Of MacDougal Street and incorporates several of his album covers into the narrative. To coincide with its release, Smithsonian Folkways has teamed up with his widow, Andrea Vuocolo for Down In Washington Square, a 3-CD career-spanning set featuring 16 never before released tracks, live material and the final studio recordings Van Ronk made before his death in 2001. It’s a great primer for fans looking to find out more about Dave Van Ronk and the new material makes it a must have for long time fans as well.

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DO THIS:

TORONTO:ONTARIO:  Cherie Currie. Lead singer of the 70s all female rock band, The Runaways, Cherie Currie is back on the road with tour dates this fall. Cherie will be performing songs from The Runaways as well from her solo career with her guitarist and son Jake Hays at Lee’s Palace in Toronto, Tuesday, November 12th.

CHICAGO:  MCA DNA: Warhol and Marisol. This exhibition going on now at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, combines the works of pop artists Andy Warhol and Marisol Escobar. The two artists were contemporaries, friends and even inspiration for each other’s work in the 60s. The exhibit displays their work side by side with Warhol’s silk screen paintings placed next to Marisol’s wood sculptures. MCA DNA: Warhol and Marisol goes on till June, 2014.

NEW YORK CITY: Canstruction. The most unique food drive in the country happens this weekend at Brookfield Place in lower Manhattan. Architects, engineers and contractors create large scale sculptures out of canned goods that will be on display to public until they are dismantled and sent to City Harvest to be distributed among needy families. “Canstruction”, in its 21st year, hopes to surpass the 91,000 pounds of food that was donated last year. “Canstruction” goes on through Wednesday, November 13th and admission is free. However, organizers ask that you bring a canned good as a donation.

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For More Filtered Excellence go to FilteredExcellence.com

Interrobang Staff

Interrobang Staff