PopMatters seeks feature essays (min. 1,200 words - no max. limit) arguing the pros and cons of anachronism in film, literature, video games, music and other products of pop culture.
This is the greatest advertising opportunity since the invention of cereal. We have six identical companies making six identical products. We can say anything we want.
—Don Draper, Mad Men
At last year’s E3, there was a pervasive feeling of a show on the edge of some massive change. We all knew that the following year, 2013, would be the year of the “next-gen” console. The 2012 event was just the vestigial tail of the last console cycle leaving the building. The vague future, at that moment, let us choose to see huge and almost limitless potential.
After this week’s Microsoft press conference, we now know what that future entails. Hell, we all knew it on the show floor in 2012, just no one said it out loud. These consoles will feature shinier graphics, more RAM, and a few new features that tie us closer to our machines. I cannot imagine the expectations of anyone genuinely surprised by the recent console announcements. Were we really waiting with bated breath for a new console to satisfy our unmet gaming and entertainment needs?
With no more than 1/3 of its max capacity occupied, the Bowery Ballroom felt extremely spacious for once. Whether or not Matthew E. White cared about the turnout never became apparent as he still performed a full set, mostly drawn from his debut album Big Inner. Opener Helado Negro at least had a few people dancing along to his songs, but White’s music isn’t as conducive to dancing. But White himself demonstrated some synchronized steps alongside bassist Cameron Ralston, stepping side to side and around during the middle of a song. Some of his songs lacked the brass or horns that appeared on that album, but his smaller band worked well to keep the audience entertained. It is likely that the band were also enjoying themselves. As CMJ said, “The group has been touring this material for a while now and like any adventurous, talented group of musicians, it’s obvious they take a certain amount of glee in finding new wrinkles in them, stretching solos out into new shapes and trying out new arrangements just for the hell of it.” If you haven’t checked out the well received (critically) album from White, there’s still plenty of time to do so, and to catch him on tour in Europe during the summer. Dates are below.
Alernative titles: Get the Raid; Ants in My Pants
POSITIVES:
Terrific opening scene, with nicely understated cops and little girl.
Atmospheric sequences in New Mexico—spooky Joshua Tree landscape.
Sense of impending doom throughout.
Claustrophobic underground scenes in New Mexico and L.A.
Nice performances by James Whitmore and a fine ensemble cast.
A rare film that manages to effectively use child actors (!)
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