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.
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Sunday, September 30, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
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:
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.
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.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
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.
Annnd a youtube embed for anyone on a mobile device or that prefers youtube. Stay tuned for info on Itunes subscription info.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
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:
For those on mobile devices, or who prefer youtube, please use the below embedded link:
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