NOTE: In large doses, caffeine may become a central nervous system stimulant, having the effect of temporarily warding off drowsiness and restoring alertness.
Don't think I forgot about the song for today...the last post was just so long I didn't want it to get lost! Dear Readers, you must check out White Hinterland. Casey Dienel, singer-songwriter-pianist extraordinaire, released her debut album, Wind-up Canary, in 2006. Her newest album (featuring today's song), is titled Phylactery Factory and was released in March under the name White Hinterland. This song was also one of Bust magazine's picks on its weekly media taster.
So summer movies are probably one of my favorite parts about summer. I love those summer blockbusters, but while I'm waiting for Indiana Jones, The Dark Knight, Wall-E, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (no, really), I thought I'd check out some of the lesser known films coming to the big screen this summer in Sacramento. Most of the films I've chosen to highlight are showing at Sacramento's Crest Theatre or Tower Theatre. Also, the Sacramento French Film Festival is coming to the Crest Theatre July 18th - 27th and the Sacramento Film & Music Festival will be there August 8th - 17th. NOTE: Tower Theatre has this great thing called Student Mondays where tickets are $6.50 and include popcorn with refills with a student ID. Check it!
The Visitor:
In a world of six billion people, it only takes one to change your life. In actor and filmmaker Tom McCarthy's follow-up to his award winning directorial debut The Station Agent, Richard Jenkins (Six Feet Under) stars as Walter Vale, a disillusioned Connecticut economics professor whose life is transformed by a chance encounter in New York City. Through new found connections with virtual strangers, Walter is awakened to a new world and a new life. 1 hr. 43 mins.
When & Where: The Crest Theatre, May 2-June 5
Why You Should Go: Not only the Official Selection at the Toronto International Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Miami International Film Festival, and South by Southwest Film Festival, this one comes from the director of The Station Agent, Thomas McCarthy, which had 22 wins and 21 nominations from various festivals.
CJ7:
KUNG FU HUSTLE’S Stephen Chow writes, directs and stars in CJ7, a unique Chinese fantasy-comedy about a poverty-stricken laborer who learns a poignant lesson about money and family after his son receives a strange new toy as a gift.
When & Where: Tower Theatre PLAYING NOW
Why You Should Go: It's in Cantonese and only rated PG. And the son in the movie is actually played by a girl. Trés interesting!
Son of Rambow: Garth Jennings (THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY) directs SON OF RAMBOW, an affected and nostalgic trip back to the last time in recent history when kids’ imaginations were not controlled by technology. Set over a long English summer in the 1980s, the film follows two imaginative young boys whose quest to create a homemade version of RAMBO yields them a lesson in filmmaking as well as a unique and lasting bond.
When & Where: Tower Theatre PLAYING NOW
Why You Should Go: Well, Sylvester Stallone endorses this film, but if that's not enough to persuade the tagline says it all: Make Believe. Not war.
The Fall: Acclaimed music director Tarsem Singh produces and directs THE FALL, a poignant and imaginative story set in 1920’s Los Angeles. The story follows a young immigrant girl (Catinca Untaru) who, while recovering in the hospital from a fall, strikes up a friendship with a bedridden man (Lee Pace) who captivates her with a whimsical story that removes her far from the hospital doldrums into the exotic landscapes of her imagination.
When & Where: Tower Theatre PLAYING NOW
Why You Should Go: This film was shot in 26 locations in 18 countries, so you're basically getting a geography lesson in 117 minutes.
The Life Before Her Eyes: Award-winning writer/director Vadim Perelman (HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG) returns to the big screen with THE LIFE BEFORE HER EYES, a disquieting drama starring Uma Thurman and Evan Rachel Wood and based on the acclaimed novel of the same name. The film follows the trajectory of one woman’s fifteen year struggle to deal with a tragic high-school event that dramatically altered her adolescence and detrimentally follows her into a disrupted adulthood.
When & Where: Tower Theatre PLAYING NOW
Why You Should Go: Uma Thurman in an indie film? Heck yes! Evan Rachel Wood from Across the Universe plays a young Uma Thurman also.
Young@Heart: Critics and audiences alike are raving about YOUNG @ HEART, a funny, inspiring story based on the real life choral group of the same name. Comprised entirely of senior citizens, the group has entertained audiences all over the world with its renditions of R&B, pop and punk songs. Faced with the challenge of learning six new songs for a show that is only six weeks away, the aging members of YOUNG @ HEART are put to the test in their quest to prove that their unique chorus only gets better with age.
When & Where: Tower Theatre PLAYING NOW
Why You Should Go: These senior citizens sing everything from the Clash to Coldplay...probably more different than any cover band you've ever heard.
American Teen: A 2008 documentary film directed by Nanette Burstein (On the Ropes, The Kid Stays in the Picture) set in Warsaw, Indiana, and focuses on graduating high school seniors struggling through school and life. It competed in the Documentary Competition at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, where it received the Directing Award: Documentary.
When & Where: July 25 at Theatres (almost) everywhere
Why You Should Go: Besides winning the Directing Award and Grand Jury Prize at Sundance this year, American Teen is described as The Breakfast Club of our generation - the difference being that these stories are true.
Priceless:
A woman who has never had much trouble choosing between love or money tries to teach a man the tricks of the trade in this sly romantic comedy. Irene (Audrey Tautou) is an attractive thirty-something woman who lives a comfortable life by taking up with older and very wealthy men. Irene is not so interested in Jean until Jacques decides he's had enough of her and breaks off their relationship; suddenly forced to fend for herself, Irene turns to Jean for help. Jean, meanwhile, has learned that Madeleine (Marie-Christine Adam) has her eye on him. Jean asks Irene to give him a crash course in the fine art of being a gigolo, while Irene tries to get back in the game by taking up with Gilles (Jacques Spiesser). Slowly but surely, Irene and Jean realize how much they care for one another, but can they get learn to live the good life without money?
When & Where: The Crest Theatre, June 6-June 12
Why You Should Go: If you like French comedy and Audrey Tautou (The DaVinci Code, Amélie) then this is the perfect film for you. The costars won the Best Kiss Award at the NRJ Ciné Awards too.
Before the Rains:
An Englishman intent on opening a spice plantation in Kerala attempts to gain the trust of the local villagers and destroys numerous lives in the process in this period drama from director/cinematographer Santosh Sivan. The year is 1937, and the power that the English wield over the citizens of India can be devastating even in the mildest of cases.
When & Where: The Crest Theatre, June 13- June 19
Why You Should Go: Merchant-Ivory productions are known for stunning visuals, and Before the Rains seems to be no exception.
My Brother is an Only Child: Set in a small Italian town in the 60's and 70's, the film tells the story of two brothers who want to change the world ? but in completely different ways. The elder, Manrico (Riccardo Scarmaccio), is a handsome, charismatic firebrand who becomes the prime mover in the local Communist party. Accio, (Elio Germano) the younger, more rebellious brother, finds his own contrarian voice by joining the reactionary Fascists. What starts as a typical tale of sibling rivalry becomes the story of the polarizing and paralyzing politics of those turbulent times and, the rift between the brothers is further intensified when Accio realizes that he loves his brother's girlfriend, Francesca (Diane Fleri) who, like everyone else, is blind to Manrico's increasingly dangerous ideas.
When & Where: The Crest Theatre June 13- June 19
Why You Should Go: Four Wins. Six Nominations. Italian Boys. Sounds good to me.
Mongol:
Award-winning Russian filmmaker Sergei Bodrov ('Prisoner of the Mountains') illuminates the life and legend of Genghis Khan in his stunning historical epic, 'Mongol.' Based on leading scholarly accounts and written by Bodrov and Arif Aliyev, 'Mongol' delves into the dramatic and harrowing early years of the ruler who was born as Temudgin in 1162. As it follows Temudgin from his perilous childhood to the battle that sealed his destiny, the film paints a multidimensional portrait of the future conqueror, revealing him not as the evil brute of hoary stereotype, but as an inspiring, fearless and visionary leader. 'Mongol' shows us the making of an extraordinary man, and the foundation on which so much of his greatness rested: his relationship with his wife, Borte, his lifelong love and most trusted advisor.
When & Where: The Crest Theatre June 27 - July 3
Why You Should Go: The dialogue is in Mongolian and was submitted by Kazahkstan for the Foreign Language Film category in the 80th Academy Awards. Since the film is based on scholarly accounts, you can walk away feeling a little more cultured too.
I feel a little bit bad for Scarlett Johansson. Her new album titled Anywhere I Lay My Head has this actor-turned-singer covering Tom Waits' songs (nothing new in Hollywood these days, of course) . I was a little excited at first. I mean, pretty people always look like they should have pretty voices. And Scarlett is gorgeous, so that should exponentially increase the awesomeness of her voice, right? Wrong. Her new album, as a "project" of sorts, is a disappointment. The problem seems to be that her songs are overproduced - her whispery voice is drowned by backup vocals and instrumentals. It's not the "alternative" or "indie" sound that I was hoping for - instead we get to hear interesting ambiance instrumentals hide a seemingly average voice. Also, she sings completely without feeling. There is no soul in her songs - a trait that makes Tom Waits' songs worthwhile in the first place. Poor Scarlett. I would say stick to acting, but if you remember her singing "Summertime" from the album Unexpected Dreams: Songs from the Stars the difference in her voice is like night and day. She has a smoky sound that sounds perfect with jazzy, simple tunes like that. Never mind the irony in Scarlett singing about a black woman picking cotton. Fiddle-dee-dee! But why listen to little old me? Listen for yourself.
"Falling Down"
"Summertime"
And just for fun...here's how Tom Waits does "Falling Down."
Song of the Day: M79 by Vampire Weekend is a jaunty, funky song from the debut album. A mix of Western classical music and African popular music makes a genre that the band describes as "Upper West Side Soweto". Vampire Weekend toured with the Shins last year and had the #67 spot on the Billboard Top 100 for their song "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa". Enjoy!
Weekend Plans: Rick's Dessert Diner! Okay, you guys, you guys. Let me just take this opportunity to divulge a not-so-secret secret. I would eat dessert as a replacement for every meal...or at least eat dessert first. So...Rick's Dessert Diner in downtown Sacramento is pretty much my Mecca. Located at 2322 K Street in downtown Sacramento just a short walk from the Crest Theatre, this place is the perfect stop for those with a late night sweet tooth. It's open late - Friday and Saturday til 1, Tuesday-Thursday til 12 and Sunday and Monday til 11. With over 285 treats to choose from and all in a cute, retro diner atmosphere you can't really go wrong.
Coming Soon to Caffeine: Alternatives to the Summer Blockbuster. Yeah, we all love Indy and Batman - but there's gotta be something more! Lots of Love and Chocolate Cake, Caitlin
The pun in the title was intended. Okay! So first post! I feel like it should be really epic - like Narnia or Lord of the Rings...or not. Today marks the official one week mark of summer vacation. So far I have achieved a glorious amount of nothing - which would explain the free time for bringing to you, dear readers, a continuous (hopefully bi-weekly) stream of interesting and exciting posts! I'm thinking book of the week/song of the day and then whatever strikes my fancy. At least that is the plan.
Song(s) of the Day: Endless Song of Happiness and New Soul by Yael Naim
Why you should listen: Yael Naim's folksy pop songs will make you want to dance. PLUS...she's Israeli and she sings in English, French, and Hebrew. Her song New Soul was featured in the latest Mac commercial for MacBook Air...if that's not a mark of brilliance, I don't know what is. New Soul was on #9 on the Billboard hot 100 list...the only Israeli solo artist to ever do so. And, come on guys, she's absolutely lovely! So add this to your soundtrack to the summer, everyone. This one's a winner.
Book of the Week: Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
Why You Should Pick it Up: Okay, so I actually had to read this book for a class last semester and I'll be honest, I didn't actually read it when I was supposed to (you know, before you actually start talking about it in class...) But during finals week I decided to pick it up again for studying purposes and it ended up being the best idea ever. Not only did I trick myself into thinking I was procrastinating, this book is really, really good. For all of you Bronte fans out there familiar with Jane Eyre, you will find this especially interesting. Wide Sargasso Sea tells the story of Bertha (her real name is Antoinette) before Jane and Rochester, on the island of Jamaica, where the untold tale of madness, passion, and loss unfolds. Was Bertha mad or just misunderstood? Fact: Wide Sargasso Sea won the WH Smith Literary Award in 1967. It's a prequel of sorts and I promise you'll like it.
To Do Today: Check out the latest This American Life podcast.
This week's is all about Prom. There's a pretty interesting story about a high school that had a tornado pass through the town on the night of the prom wiping out 1/3 of the town's houses. The students then try to explain why they think the tornado hit where it did. Interesting stuff.
Weekend Plans: Friday Night Concerts in the Park (May 2-August 15)
