Song of the week

In lieu of an upcoming podcast, I present you with the current song of the week/month. Enjoy.

Episode 8, The Holiday Movie Guide

Episode 7

PhilB and I were lucky enough to attend the Bruce Springsteen concert in Pittsburgh, and discuss it at length in this week's podcast. As usual, we also talk about Walking Dead. We appreciate each listener and are trying to spread to a wider audience. If you know someone who would enjoy the show don't hesitate to give them a link!

Argo, See it. Sherlock, watch it.

I rushed out last Sunday after a camping trip with PhilB to see "Argo," and it didn't disappoint. It lived up to the hype and continued the rejuvenation of Ben Affleck's career as an actor/director. With a strong support cast and storyline, it will be an oscar front-runner.

 The long and short of it -- in 1979 the U.S. embassy is overrun by protesters in Iran and hostages are taken. Six U.S. citizens manage to escape and take refuge with the Canadian ambassador. The CIA formulates a plan, led by Tony Mendez (Affleck), to mask the escapees as a film crew scouting locations. It doesn't seem plausible, but was the best strategy at the time.

It is a perfect balance of drama and comedy. The really fun parts involve Mendez assembling a fake hollywood team of producers and directors. John Goodman and Alan Arkin repeatedly steal the show with their limited screen-time. The fake script that was written plays like a flash-gordian/middle-eastern/star wars sci-fi flick. Could you imagine the kind of cult following that film would have these days? I think the pre-viz cards used to begin the movie symbolize the perfect blend of storytelling that the movie aims for, while giving viewers a peak of the actual story the hostages are pretending to film.

 It is readily apparent that Affleck went through great pains to match scenes and actors with historical accuracy. This pays dividends throughout the film. You can easily determine which additions were tacked on, but that doesn't prevent any nail-biting.

Also worthy of mention are Bryan Cranston and Kyle Chandler who turn mundane characters into memorable and exciting figures.

 The only sad thing is that we as an audience have to wait 'till the end of each year to see these oscar-calibre films. It is almost as if movie companies continually throw their hands in the air, and say screw it for every other romantic comedy and Adam Sandler dud that comes their way before September. The paying audience has more of an obligation these days to stop forking their cash over for these types of movies, and demand more movies like Argo. It is the golden standard by which studios should abide.

 On a barely relatable note, Affleck and Matt Damon should team up again soon or at least collaborate on something. They are both at the peak of their respective careers.

 BUT CAN WE PLEASE TALK ABOUT SHERLOCK?

 This show is so goddamned good, I can't stop recommending to friends. Forget the two mediocre Robert Downey Jr. films and the blatantly cheap new rip off "Elementary." The second season of this show is amongst the best seasons of television of the past two years. It rivals the first two seasons of "Lost," the fourth season of "The Wire," and any AMC show (besides the second season of "The Killing")

 It manages to weave separate mysteries each episode, while continuing over arching plot themes and villains. Andrew Scott, as Jim Moriarty, is fantastic. I've already praised Cumberbatch and Freeman as Holmes and Watson, but they deserve every accolade this show continues to receive.

 Might be a long wait for season three, so enjoy the first two seasons on netflix for now. A good netflix alternative might be the other BBC favorites, "Downton Abbey," or "Doctor Who."

 Random Notes: 

 - Iron Man 3 Trailer -- Looks darker with a vastly more formidable villain. Comparisons to Rocky III?
 - Still need to see "Seven psychopaths," and "Cloud Atlas." The latter, I can recommend from having read the novel.
 - If you want to read up on source material before seeing "Lincoln," check out "Team of Rivals," by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It was what Spielberg based the majority of his Lincoln biopic on.

Podcast S-I-X

Our sixth podcast. It helps sometimes to also remember that our city has six superbowl championships. Walking Dead and Argo are prominantly featured, as well as some good-natured would you rathers. Give it a listen, react, follow us on twitter @BenDPhilBshow

Fif Podcast

We hit a new milestone, as we used a sound effect! You'll have to listen to enjoy it. We also welcomed back guests Neil and PJ to discuss "Looper." Apologies, as their interview was a bit quiet (technical issues to be fixed). Enjoy, and please provide feedback and spread the word!

Our Fourth Podcast

PhilB finally sees "Avengers," we talk "Lord of the Rings," and our good friend PeterH breaks down what went so dreadfully wrong for the pirates, and being a fan in D.C.

"Looper"

Where to even start? First: See the movie. Second: See it again. Be assured, this review will remain spoiler-free. Anything mentioned below has already been shown in previews.

Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) starts the movie as an ace assassin looper for the organized crime syndicate in Kansas during the year 2044. His job is to kill any person beamed back from the year 2072 via illegal time travel. It is nearly impossible to kill and dispose of someone in the future. Only the mafia has access, well, because they are the mafia.

Joe sums it up as, "When my organization from the future wants someone to die, they zap them back to me and I eliminate the target from the future. The only rule is: never let your target escape... even if your target is you."

Therein lies the overriding plot: each person must end their own loop. This means that after their lucrative 30-year contract ends, they must eliminate themselves. This entails shooting a hooded version of themselves transported back. Confused? It all makes sense within the movie - but it is impossible to go into further detail without ruining the story. 

Things go awry when Joe is confronted with his older self who manages to escape. As both of their destinies become intertwined, the plot turns in many unexpected directions. I was surprised to draw parallels between "Back to the Future," "Terminator 2," "Grapes of Wrath," and "The Shining." Notice how difficult it is to pinpoint this movie to just one genre?


After the first ten minutes, you do not even question the difference between young and old Joe as far as appearances go. Both are seamless in their makeup and mannerisms. Apparently JGL spent weeks simply learning how to act and look like Bruce Willis. It paid off.

Bruce Willis almost feels like the bad guy in this story as he tries to re-gain the life that has been taken from him at any cost. Willis thrives in his role and hasn't seemed quite this motivated in a long time. It is easily my favorite performance of his since, "The Sixth Sense," or "Pulp Fiction."

Since the future is set only in 2044, it does not go overboard with spaceships and aliens. You only pick up slivers of future technology, as it is not overly important to the plot. There are still flying motorcyles and time travel that add depth, but it is a character-driven movie.

Both Willis and Levitt turn in predictably awesome performances. My favorite moments involved mob boss Abe (Jeff Daniels), fellow looper Jesse (Garret Dillahunt), and a mysterious child named Cid (Pierce Gagnon).

"Looper," is the type of movie that has garnered praise from everyone, deservedly so. The last science fiction movie that has honestly compared, was 2009's "District 9." Both movies depicted not-so-distant futuristic dystopias that were created on modest budgets. If you are tired of endless prequels, this movie should re instill your faith in fresh and new film making.

Rejoice, because this is turning into one hell of a movie season!

Podcast 3

In the newest edition of the Bend and Philb show, we welcomed guests PJ and Neil to join us. Hilarity ensued and we all shared a few laughs and opinions. As always, we appreciate everyone listening and spreading the word. Please continue to let us know what you think and provide suggestions.




 As always, a YouTube embed for anyone who prefers it.




And don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on Itunes here. Give us a good review and star rating if you enjoyed it!

The Perks of Being The Master

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower"

A friend gave me this book when I was a sophomore in High School and told me I had to read it. I devoured  it in less than two days. I loved that the modern-day Catcher in the Rye had been made based in Pittsburgh of all places. I never thought a movie would be created with any accuracy that suited the book, simply because it was a young-adult novel with adult themes and undertones.

Apparently we have Emma Watson to thank for initially getting this movie green lit. Thanks Hermione! But really, I gained a lot of respect for her after reading this interview with book write/movie director Stephen Chbosky. The follow excerpt is what struck me:

"She flew into L.A. and she had tons of meetings and she’s being offered everything. She’s turning down everything. And she would go to the heads of studio and say, “Make THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, and no one would.” She finally had dinner with Erik Feig of Summit, and he was finally like “Okay, you want me to make PERKS. What is it about this movie?” She says, “I think this would prevent someone from killing themselves, and that’s why I want to do it.” That girl, at that dinner, she came to town and she got it done. She was 21 meeting with heads of studios going, “Make THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER.”

I can't honestly say that I disagree with Watson. I legitimately think this book has inspired and saved lives. The movie will do the same. That isn't to say it is a feel-good movie. Far from it. Drugs, alcohol, suicide, and depression all factor into it.

The loose plot? Charlie (Logan Lerman) starts High School after a tumultuous past, and has trouble finding friends who will accept him. Enter Patrick and stepsister Sam (Ezra Miller & Watson) as upperclassmen who seamlessly invite Charlie into their circle of friends. They each have their own issues that go beyond popularity and teachers,  which typically force me to skip movies like these.

I was already aware of Ezra Miller's acting ability, as he gave me nightmares playing a student who massacres his high-school without remorse. He performs a total 180 in this movie, and steals the show as an extremely flamboyant and likable friend.

My best suggestion, would be to forget any of the movies the actors and actresses have previously been in and forget the typical teenage movie format. Those of us who actually grew up in 90's will wax nostalgic, as the art of mix tape perfection is prevalent throughout the film.Charlie also reads for pleasure, what a long lost hobby. Current teenagers might roll their eyes at these parts, but anyone else who grew up in that era will fondly remember.

Bottom line? It is a film for anyone, and I cannot recommend it enough. It is showing in select theaters now, and will be out nation-wide Friday.



"The Master"

 Very seldom is there a movie that makes you think continuously after the credits roll. I'm not talking about movies like "The Sixth Sense," or "Inception." I mean films that honestly keep you in front of your computer googling and pondering various themes and quotes. This is that film, so be forewarned. It also beautifully shot, and the accompanying soundtrack by Jonny Greenwood (of Radiohead) is haunting. If you want a mindless movie where everyone grows a little and comes out for the better, go see "The Trouble With the Curve."

It most readily apparent that director Paul Thomas Anderson did not set out to make a Scientology movie. He has stated in various interviews that he began with an interest in post-WWII veterans who struggled adjusting to regular life. PTSD had not been very widely accepted or diagnosed in this era, which is where Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) starts the movie. Serving on a ship for the Navy, he has become a depressive alcoholic. When he is finally released back into society, his hazardous alcoholism prevents him from full-time work after he provokes and assaults a customer at his photography job.

It isn't until Freddie hits rock bottom, that he literally stumbles into Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and his believers. Dodd has amassed a large following, and encourages Freddie to travel with them to their various gatherings across the U.S. Dodd, addressed as The Master, likens himself as a writer, doctor, nuclear physicist, and theoretical philosopher. He hooks Freddie by agreeing that above all else, he is just a man like him.

Both Phoenix and Hoffman give performances of a lifetime. Both should start clearing space for their respective oscars. Phoenix is so intense at times, you can barely watch. It is a wonder he wasn't seriously injured or affected mentally while filming. On the flip side, Hoffman is subtle and perfect for the part. You can understand his cult-ish following from beginning to end.

I don't want to spoil the movie any further, so just watch the trailer if you want a taste. It should be showing in most theaters, and I could encourage keeping an open mind and reading up on various cults and religions.

Podcast 2!

Hopefully this second edition of our podcast garners as much attention as the first. Please enjoy and give us feedback!

 

 Annnd a youtube embed for anyone on a mobile device or that prefers youtube. Stay tuned for info on Itunes subscription info.

The Podcast Lives!

Thanks to my co-host PhilB we have created something roughly resembling a podcast! Give it a listen and let us know what you think. More to come.




For those on mobile devices, or who prefer youtube, please use the below embedded link:

Welcome Back

Sorry I have not posted in almost a half-year! Do I have to apologize? It is my blog after all. In order to keep pretending I am aspiring journalist though, keeping a timely and clean blog should be priority. Since last posting I have read a few decent books, seen some great movies, and witnessed a plethora of concerts.

The books? 'Savages,' 'The World According to Garp,' 'In Cold Blood,' and 'With Old Breed.'

Savages is a quick and awesome read, along with its sequel 'The Kings of Cool.' The other three should be required coming-of-age reading. 

The Movies? All the superhero ones, 'Moonrise Kingdom,' and 'Beasts of the Southern Wild.' All lived up to expectations and most exceeded them. I wish I would have posted reviews for all of them.

The main event was 'The Dark Knight Rises.' Anyone even debating that 'The Avengers' was better is insane. The numbers might not support it, but just about everything else does. Most people I talked to decided that it was better than the first, not as good as the second. Valid points were made, but I'm a sucker for movies that operate with a big scope. The stakes in this grand finale were higher than a few gotham ferries blowing up. This movie played for keeps and went out with a bang.

The concerts? I went to bonnaroo again because Radiohead was playing, and also to knock a ton of big acts off my to-see list. The entire experience was fantastic and I will certainly campaign to go again next year. Highlights for me: Radiohead, RHCP, Avett Brothers, Roots, Santigold, and Delta Spirit. Some friends of mine would be disappointed to learn that I did skip Phish though -- bonnaroovians hopped up on molly and a 4 hour jam-sesh couldn’t justify staying an extra half day.

Enjoy the week with some new music to check out:

New Mumford and Sons:

Twin Shadow - Golden Light

PJ and Neil’s Top 10 List of the “Top 10 Lists” we’d like to see:

When Ben asked us to guest blog several things came to mind. First, are Neil and I really one person? Is this some kind of Fight Club thing where one of us has created an alter-ego? When Neil took Camp by storm as a 17-year old I repeatedly saw him doing or saying things I would do, except better than I would have said or done them. Does this make Neil Johnston my Tyler Durden? People sure call me “Neil” enough, so maybe I shouldn’t let those slide anymore... Though, I cannot say for sure without listening to “Where Is My Mind” by the Pixies, having an epic solo fight scene, and watching the destruction of financial buildings. Only one of those things is taking place right now. I’ll leave up to you to decide which one that is.

The second thing that came to mind was after Ben’s suggestion of a top-ten list: Beez is the list guy! Our friend, Beez, has the depth and breadth of knowledge to relate characters from across genres and Marvel galaxies. He is an aspiring fiction writer where I surely am not. The third thing was the pressure of coming up with a well-researched top-ten list that would live up to the journalistic integrity of Things Ben Likes. Not much needs to be said about this, because readers of this blog know exactly what that means.

Lists are all over the internet. Some of them are well thought out, researched, and clever and some are stupid. To start, I consulted the interweb and found some advice for creating a top-ten list. Yeah, no. We’re not doing that. I’ve already been a subject of a guest blog and all I had to do was chop up some sweet potato fries much less do actual research. When we started coming up with ideas we considered a novel concept (read cop-out): “Neil, why don’t we make a list of top-ten lists we would like to have other people write and just write our frivolous anecdotal comments that we would like to see in each list?” Thus our list of lists was born! Hopefully some of you readers out there feel inspired and can finish one of these lists.

Sports Movies

We both love sports movies. The test of a good sports movie is that the sport is just the backdrop, and everything else around it works well together: music score, acting, dialogue, scenery, etc. But let’s face it, for every Miracle out there, there’s also a Garbage Picking Field Goal Kicking Philadelphia Phenomenon. So that being said, we’d like someone to rank our favorite sports movies.

A Cappella/Acoustic Covers of Songs

One of the things that we enjoy that makes people question our relationship is our love of the NBC show The Sing Off. It’s a pretty interesting twist on the reality show singing competition craze and you really do get to see some talented groups perform. The show has had many memorable performances and has sparked our interest in other A Cappella groups such as Straight No Chaser, Ben Folds College All Stars and Rockapella to name a few. There are also a number of talented people on this really cool website called YouTube that perform acoustic covers of popular music that sometimes turn out better than the original source material. That being said, someone please make a list of our Top 10 favorite a cappella performances or acoustic covers.

Reasons Why ESPN is annoying

Jon Stewart has made it pretty well known that when 24 hour news networks are on for...well...24 hours, they run out of things to say and it all becomes garbage (we’re paraphrasing of course). We believe the same can be said of ESPN. When a purely sports network is on all day all the time, SportsCenter in particular can be a bit repetitive and annoying. A few of our pet peeves with ESPN are beating a dead horse with another dead horse (see, Tebowmania, Linsanity, etc). Their unrelenting allegiance to football above all other sports - this could be one of the greatest ends to a hockey season ever, and yet Robert Griffin III’s pro day is more likely to get a minute of air time than an overtime win. So that’s 2 good ones, you guys roll with the rest.

Pittsburgh Words

We consider ourselves to have the best duo of yinzer accents of one person from Pittsburgh and one from Wilmington, Dela-who? Unless it’s St. Patrick’s Day at Molly Brannigan’s... Between us, WDVE, Greg and Donny, and Pittsburgh Dad you can get all of the best parts of the Yinzer accent. Yinz, jaggoff, dahn-tahn, nebbie, and slippy are definitely on this list, but getting the next 5 would take a lot of effort. Someone get on that.

Koko’s Favorite Things

Koko is Neil’s cat. She is very cute, but kinda lazy except when she wants food. We know she likes to sleep in front of the fire, trap mice but not kill them, and watch cars go by out the window. But let’s be honest we don’t have the time or the energy to see what 10 things Koko loves most of all. It would be a pretty fun day for someone if you wanted to come observe her for the day though.

Spices besides Salt and Pepper

A long standing argument between Neil and PJ. We will not say what our respective top spice is, but if someone were to generate a list of the 10 best spices (other than Salt and Pepper) it might help settle this debate once and for all.

SNL Bits (of our generation)

Saturday Night Live is constantly going through ups and downs in terms of its quality but in the past few years it seems to have hit its stride (a good Justin Timberlake skit helps). Say what you want about “What Up With That?” but that always cracks us up. The Digital Shorts are always great, as are anything where the host mocks him/herself or really anything with Kristen Wiig. And even though we try and watch every week, it’d just be easier if someone else went through and found the really good ones.

Pop Music Guilty Pleasures (basically every Ke$ha song)

The title really says it all, but no one likes to admit it when they like a song played on Star 104, but there are some catchy tunes out there. But that would mean having to sit through hours of people like this get to the songs and neither of us want to do that.

Neil - Books

PJ - Albums

Neil likes to read more than listen to music and PJ is the opposite (see we’re NOT the same person). So for the last two Top 10 Lists we’d like to see, it would be great if someone could catalog our tastes in books and music albums respectively and then make a list of them. That way we know what to go back and re-read and what to always have a copy of in the car.

The Modern Pittsburgh Woman’s Top Ten Chick Flick Categories

Hello everyone! It’s a privilege to be writing this post (Thanks Ben D!); and actually, it is the first time I have ever been a guest blogger. If you like what transpires, you can check ahhhht the rest of my thoughts and ideas on my personal blog, The Steel Trap or follow me on Twitter @The_Steel_Trap. Enjoy! -HGB

Dating can be difficult. Dating the Modern Pittsburgh Woman (MPW) can be even more difficult. First of all, we aren’t just hanging around anywhere. Secondly (as I highlighted in The Modern Pittsburgh Woman 101 post), we are “hardworking,” “devoted,” “educated,” “dahn-to-earth,” “thrifty,” “nostalgic,” and “refined.” Lastly, when on a date, we believe that a “suitor” must have a working knowledge of our demographic. So how can a “suitor” begin to ensure the overall success of the outing? It starts with movies…

Movies are usually part of the get-to-know-you-first-date(s)-interviews and/or an actual first-few-date(s)-activity. Because MPW are refined, they will be comfortable with the traditional male favorites like Rocky IV, The Hangover or Shawshank Redemption. However, the MPW has her own arsenal of movies that she knows better than she knows which Macy’s have the best shoe departments: chick flicks. Thus, I did a little soul searching and a lot of reminiscing and came up with the Modern Pittsburgh Woman’s Top Ten Chick Flick Categories.

Now, MPW’s will either love or hate any or all of these categories; so it’s paramount that “suitors” are able to contribute to any or all discussions regarding these. It’s important to note that having seen movies in all categories isn’t required; rather, it’s more about having awareness (and maybe even appreciation) for what the MPW may or may not enjoy. Remember, MPW’s want a man that is relatable on multiple levels (but that’s another post for another time). Relate-ability=Re-date-ability!

Anyway, here are the Modern Pittsburgh Woman’s Top Ten Chick Flick Categories (with some bonus Steel Trap insight):

10.) The “Teenage Pop Bubble Gum Totally For Sure” Flick

Quintessential flicks: Clueless, Mean Girls, and Bring It On.

Key references: “As if!”, “That’s so fetch.”, and “These are not spirit fingers. These are spirit fingers.”

9.) The “I Loved This When I Was Little!” Flick

Quintessential flicks: Annie, The Sound of Music, The Parent Trap (Hayley Mills version), and The Wizard of Oz

Key dating tip: She’ll probably never ask you to watch one of these with her; however, if any of them should come up in conversation, DO NOT make fun of her for being nostalgic.

8.) The “Rags to Riches” Flick

Quintessential flicks: Pretty Woman, Maid in Manhattan, and Working Girl

Key plot line: Girl is dahn-n-ahhhht. Girl meets guy who is ahhhht of her league. Girl gets guy one way or the other n’at.

Key dating tip: No matter how progressive MPW may be, there’s a smidgeon of her that loves a great rags to riches (or Cinderella) story. And please know that the fairy tale came long before the March Madness Cinderella story allusions.

7.) The “I Know This Is Terrible But I’ll Probably Watch It Anyway” Flick

Quintessential flicks: He’s Just Not That Into You, Valentine’s Day, and those Twilight movies

Key references: Team Edward and Team Jacob.

Key dating tip: As with The “I Loved This When I Was Little!” Flick, tread lightly with these. There’s a chance that despite the MPW’s education and success, these movies bring ahhhht a glimmer of irrationality and you might lose some clout.

6.) The “Molly Ringwald’s In It” Flick

Quintessential flicks: The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles*, and Pretty In Pink*

Key references: being able to apply lipstick with your breasts, the Molly Ringwald dance move, Jake Ryan, Blaine, and Ducky.

5.) The “Successful Women Wearing Amazing Clothing” Flick

Quintessential flicks: Sex and the City, Sex and the City 2, and The Devil Wears Prada

Key dating tip: Knowing some major fashion designers is always helpful, albeit the MPW is thrifty. She might not blow the bank on most of her clothing purchases, but she has a keen sense of which designers are classic, reverent, and inspiring. If you must watch one of these, go for The Devil Wears Prada (yes, Vincent Chase Adrian Grenier is in it).

4.) The “Wedding” Flick

Quintessential flicks: Father of the Bride (Steve Martin version), 27 Dresses, Bridesmaids, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Key references: “What color is that? Vomit?”, “…maid of dishonor,” and “Put some Windex on it.”

Key dating tip: The MPW won’t bring up marriage on the first date, you are safe there. Just know that dahn the road, the topic might come up; and you’ll need some knowledge of this category.

3.) The “Dance” Flick

Quintessential flicks: Footloose, Dirty Dancing, Flashdance*

Key references: the 80’s songs from these movies (especially “Footloose,” “Hungry Eyes,” and “Flashdance What a Feeling”), doing gymnastics in a barn to relieve stress, “Nobody puts Baby in the corner.”, and Jennifer Beals’ infamous cut off sweatshirts.

2.) The “Sinking Ship/There Will Be Tears” Flick

Quintessential flicks: Titanic, The Help, Ghost and The Notebook**

Key references: “I’ll never let go, Jack. I’ll never let go.”, pies made from poo, “Ditto.”, and Noah.

Key dating tip: Do not point her tears ahhhht to her. Ever. Even when she’s acting like she didn’t know that the ship was going to sink or that people are racist. Let her dab her eyes in pseudo-privacy.

1.) The “Summer Lovin’” Flick
Quintessential flick: Grease

Key references: all songs from this movie (especially “Summer Nights” “Greased Lightning” and “Beauty School Dropout”), “If you can't be in athlete, be an athletic supporter.”, Pink Ladies, T-Birds, and Rydell High.

Key dating tip: If you are going to see any of these movies on this entire list, Grease is the word. I have the commemorative DVD if anyone needs to borrow it (for research purposes of course).

*These also fit into The “Rags to Riches” Flick category.

**This could also fit into The “Summer Lovin’” Flick category