The Filtered Excellence: February 11, 2016
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 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:
Vinyl. This highly anticipated new series created by Martin Scorsese, Mick Jagger, Terence Winter and Rich Cohen premieres this weekend. Bobby Cannavale stars as Richie Finestra, a hard partying New York based record executive battling personal and professional demons while trying to keep his label from going under. It captures the 1970s at its craziest, with rock at its peak and the seeds of punk, disco and hip hop being planted. The show also nails all of the boardroom, back room and backstage dealings – legal and illegal – that went into the making of the next big star. Cannavale, who has been a solid supporting actor for over a decade, finally gets a chance to shine as Richie, full of swagger, passion, a ton of heart, but teetering on the edge of self-destruction. He anchors a great cast that includes Olivia Munn as his restless wife Devon; and Ray Romano as his partner/promo guru Zak. The show also features several actors who have grew up in show biz families: Juno Temple (daughter of director Julian Temple) as A&R assistant Jamie Vine; Jack Quaid (son of Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan) as junior A&R executive Clark Morelle and James Jagger (son of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall) as Kip Stevens, lead singer/guitarist for the band, The Nasty Bits. With a stellar cast, cool period pieces and a great soundtrack, Vinyl is poised to be TV’s next great series. Vinyl premieres Sunday, February 14th at 9pm Eastern on HBO. You can also go to www.hbo.com for more information.
Animals. This new HBO animated series from Phil Matarese and Mike Luciano looks at New York City life through the eyes of some of its most celebrated – and vilified – creatures. Whether its two rats looking for love and acceptance, two carriage horses assessing their career choices, or two bed bugs working through divorce and mid life crisis (while feasting on their new – and high ranking – host), the show puts a new touch on matters relating to the human condition. It’s irreverent, sly, ironic and laugh out loud funny. HBO thinks so too: They’ve already picked it up for a second season. It’s flying under the radar right now, but expect that to change soon. Animals airs Friday nights at 11:30 Eastern. Go to www.hbo.com or HBO Now for more info.
Where To Invade Next. Just in time for the election, Michael Moore’s latest film looks at how elements of the American Dream: Diversity, equality, affordable health care, quality education and a fair electoral process are alive and well – outside of the United States. Playing the role of ‘invader’, Moore travels to various countries to ‘steal’ their ideas on these programs with the purpose of implementing it here. As with most of his films, there’s lot of humor to go along with the knowledge that is acquired and shared. Love or hate him, Michael Moore always invites you to join and debate the issues at hand. Another great piece of subversive cinema from one of the best in the field. Where To Invade Next opens nationwide this Friday. You can also go to www.wheretoinvadenext.com for more information.
READ THIS:
The Notebooks by Jean-Michel Basquiat. Throughout his brief, but colorful career, Jean-Michel Basquiat kept notebooks to jot down observations, thoughts, sketch out ideas, and poems. Edited by Larry Warsh, this new book compiles the best of these writings to give us a glimpse into the creative process behind one of the greatest artists in recent memory. Whether its musing on culture, race, class, and life in New York at that time, this book is a must have for any long time fan and a great introduction for the newly interested. The Notebooks by Jean-Michel Basquiat is available now through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and all major book retailers.
DO THIS:
New York City: Heat & Vice: The Films Of Michael Mann. Outlaws, the culture behind it, and the people who pursue them (or at the very least, try to understand them) have been a steady constant throughout Michael Mann’s career as a filmmaker. Its best captured in his work on the TV series Miami Vice and Crime Story, and later, in such feature films as Heat, Collateral and Public Enemies. Another constant for Mann has been his love for rouges fighting for a righteous cause (Ali, The Last Of The Mohicans, The Insider). In addition to being a outstanding storyteller, Mann is a pioneer in digital film making, which has proven to be a perfect format for his brand of urban noir. BAM Cinematak will be showcasing a full retrospective of his work, which will culminate with a rare appearance by Mann to discuss his long and distinguished career. A great salute to a cinematic legend. Heat & Vice: The Films Of Michael Mann runs through February 16th. You can go to www.bam.org for a complete rundown of films and additional information.
Los Angeles: The LA Marathon. Runners from all over the world will be in Los Angeles this weekend for the city’s annual marathon. The race starts at Dodger Stadium spins its way across the region for over 26 miles and ends at Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. It’s also a community affair complete with bands performing the parade route and cheerleaders from the area schools will be spurring the runners to go the distance. Another thing this race has over most marathons: The weather, which will be sunny and comfortable as always. Whether you are a participant or spectator, it’s a great day out. The L.A. Marathon happens this Sunday. You can go to www.lamarathon.com for complete information.
Want more excellence? Read last week’s The Filtered Excellence and visit The Interrobang Recommmends
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