Jarrett BermanFeatures
Prince of the BallWhen His Majesty stood silhouetted against a billowing, yellow sheet, his phallic glyph guitar lunging into shadow, it was a bold display of virility that had many (including execs at Viagra, no doubt) shaking their heads in awe. I turned to my wife and checked her pulse. The night had reached its apex. [12 February 2007] The Other Brother: Chris Penn (1965-2006)During the 1990s, Penn chose vivid characters on both sides of the law, guys named Pulasky, Manetti, Turk, Duke, and Bubba. [6 February 2006] Reviews
Natural Born Killers: The Director’s CutStone's pedigree secure, the Hollywood maverick turned on the system itself; tarring sensationalism, public bloodlust, and judicial entropy, seemingly with the same brush. [16 November 2009]
Phish: Walnut CreekFamous for their eclectic set lists (no two shows were identical), Phish tapes are a collector’s dream. [9 September 2008]
Muse: H.A.A.R.P.Muse wows on headphones, but live, the band occupies rarified air, and HAARP is among the greatest shows on Earth. [28 April 2008]
JunoTeens have their precious catchphrases and secret languages, but they're nervous, fumbling creatures. They don’t come equipped with Chaucer-like witticisms, or razor-sharp retorts. [14 April 2008]
Beowulf (2007)Crawling with mermaids and monsters, irony, and gore, Beowulf delivers the goods, without betraying its core narrative. [3 March 2008]
3:10 to YumaAs a genre piece, Mangold’s remake satisfies the requisite clichés (sweeping desert vistas, corseted women, ample gunplay), but not much else. [4 February 2008]
CommandoCommando is a movie guys can love unreservedly. Its climactic island assault deserves to be canonized as the greatest throw down since Kong climbed a skyscraper. [5 October 2007]
Notes on a Scandal (2006)Oscars – like secrets – can be seductive, and this little film means to tempt us. Dame Judi gives an absolutely pulverizing performance. [17 April 2007]
13 Tzameti (2005)With a gun to the head, all men are equal – or at least equally damned. [30 March 2007]
The Illusionist (2006)This charming film occupies a place somewhere between Merchant Ivory and M. Night Shyamalan. [29 January 2007]
Red Bull BC One: Berlin 2005 Breakdancing Championship (2005)From elbow-stands and aerials, to flares and driving head-slides, BC One boasts an embarrassment of breakdancing riches. [19 December 2006]
Rivers and Tides (2006)The sensation one gets from Andy Goldsworthy's art is akin to a meditative high; it's multidimensional, tranquil, exhilarating, confrontational, and transcendent. [28 November 2006]
Dream Theater: Dream Theater - Score: 20th Anniversary World Tour Live with the Octavarium OrchestraIf you're a serious fan of high-octane rock, or are considering a Masters class in music theory, put this on your wish list. [15 September 2006]
The Real Dirt on Farmer John (2005)Already a local legend, Farmer John's legacy seems assured. [10 March 2006]
National Lampoons Pucked (2006)Bereft of comic chops, Jon Bon Jovi must carry scenes exclusively on the basis of his good looks, which works for about 10 minutes. [3 March 2006]
The Life and Times of Frida KahloIf her bold themes and colors were undeniably 'Mexican', Frida Kahlo also painted her own experiences, beyond national or even gendered identity. [1 March 2006]
The Blitz: London’s Longest NightThe Blitz offers more 'human drama' than something you might find on the History Channel, and will also satisfy military buffs. [13 February 2006]
Creep (2004)Disdainful until overtaken by desperation, Kate (Franke Potente) appears to be the film's primary 'creep'. [19 January 2006] BlogsConsuming Consumables: The Flaming Lips: U.F.O’s at the Zoo: The Legendary Concert in Oklahoma City [$19.97] [22 November 2007] |
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