Ryan Reynolds
GREEN LIGHT --- Last week we caught a screening of the weekend's #1 movie Green Lantern; and, really enjoyed it. Yes, we're of the comic-con generation for sure, but we felt the filmmakers really did an outstanding job. Sure, Green Lantern may have been a second-tier hero in the DC Universe, but a hero that has long deserved a major-screen presentation. Like Captain America (whose own movie opens in weeks), Green Lantern is a “golden age” comics hero, debuting in 1940 – a simpler time for strong-jawed d0-gooders. The character has been re conceived many times since, and this version is largely based on a 2004-05 update. Earth's Lantern is one of thousands of intergalactic cops who wear magic rings that draw their juice from 'the emerald energy of willpower.' The latest candidate for emerald-hood, after a cosmic prologue narrated by Geoffrey Rush, is flawed test-pilot Hal Jordan, forever striving to be as brave as his top-gun father, nicely essayed by actor Jon Tenney, who is killed by exploding jet-fuel after an accident. He's also bedeviled by Carol Ferris, whose daddy runs the aircraft firm on the edge of selling a major corporate contract to the government. Also, there's Hector Hammond, a xenobiologist (?) who figures into the plot and romance. All these issues somewhat brilliantly come together in a better than average super-hero movie. Sure, they're some slow moments and major CGI on screen; but, director Martin (Casino Royale) Campbell keeps the action moving … quickly for sure. In fact, the first minutes of the movie moves an a breakneck pace; in fact, the action was so demonstrative that the two kids sitting next to me, ran quickly into their parents arms. Me, I found it scintillating and a nice change of pace as opposed to minutes upon minutes of boring narrative. The Ferris character for instance, has been somewhat modified from her original-comic book form; in the comics she actually became the evil-Star Sapphire and went onto to do battle with the Lantern (talk about your true love-triangle!). Ryan Reynolds, while not the definitive super-hero character, was surprisingly good. His chiseled-body is a marvel to behold and he actually does more than a passable job; Blake Lively after her star-turn in Ben Affleck's The Town continues to amaze. She's that good. Convincing and sensual at the same time. She's definitely a highlight. Mark Strong is down-and-out terrific as Sinestro … and, believe me, don't leave before the credits as the next installment with Strong, is more than hinted at. Peter Sarsgaard and Tom Robbins as the flawed-Hammond family are strong too. All in all, a solid B+ of a super-hero movie. Me … I'm still waiting for next summer Avengers movie. I hope it's a solid A+.****
Sarah MclaughlinDAYME AT ALPHABET LOUNGE --- After two late-nights on the town already last week we bravely sauntered down to Avenue C in New York for a performance by singer/songwriter Dayme at the Alphabet Lounge. For me, I always like to be surprised as well as entertained. More often than not, we're usually not brought to that level. This night, we were. Dayme, who is just now gearing up for the release of her first CD, Fusion Sundae , is nothing short of a revelation. A singer/songwriter whose voice can at one moment be of the Joan Jett-school of unabashed rock 'n roll, and the very next, the dulcet, brooding, emotional sounds of a Sara McLaughlin ... she is very definitely a treat. We particularly liked her songs "Sunshine" and the opening number "You," which according to her PR-man,the pasha-David Salidor, which looks to be her debut single. She possesses a truly unique voice; at once the specter of rock ' roll and the next, like a purring cat. Watch for her to be a rising start the second-half of this year!
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BonoSAINT BONO --- OK, enough of the Spider Man:Turn Off The Dark bashing … late Friday we received the CD soundtrack of the show … and, have not been able to take it off the CD player! I love Bono … and each and every song by him (and, The Edge) are sumptuous, provocative and really terrific! We'll have a song-by-song breakdown on Wednesday. One main reason besides the U2 factor may well be the absolutely sterling production work by producer Steve Lillywhite. Any production by him has a HUGE head-start.
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Clarence ClemmonsCLARENCE CLEMMONS RIP --- How profoundly sad is that Clarence Clemmons has passed. I can't really think of anything to add to the numerous tributes and editorial on him since his passing this weekend. Our colleague Roger Friedman may have put it best when he said, “Springsteen put him on the front cover of Born To Run … he was that significant. This was an R&B band that combined rock with poetry.” I think you can say without error, that Bruce’s music would have been totally different without his input. “Jungleland” would have been just another song; with Clemmons it became an anthem! And, how sad is it that this has happened just as his brilliant contribution to Lady Gaga's “Edge Of Glory” track is building to a solid, #1 record. That will be his final word. The Big man will be missed forever!
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Micky DolenzMONKEES TEAR IT UP --- We also caught The Monkees last week at NYC's Beacon Theater; their 45th reunion tour and loved it. While the three of them performed, a giant video seen hung behind them showing the best moments from their two-season TV show, terrific archival photos, and the covers of the many magazines that they virtually held hostage in the 60's. It was simply mesmerizing. Hey, let's face it, the three of them were and are terrific performers; and, that forged with their terrific songs, made the gift all that more special. Songs by Carole King, Nilsson, Boyce & Hart, Neil Diamond, and Neil Sedaka ... you or I could do them justice!
Micky Dolenz has one of the best voices in rock and roll and on this night he did not disappoint; he also danced and played drums and proved himself, yet again, to be one of the best proponents of rock and roll … he was superb! Davy Jones looked great and although he sounded like he'd be more at home at Feinstein's, was also awesomely good. And, Peter Tork, while looking a bit unsteady at times, acquitted himself perfectly on his home-spun numbers. Together, they are an amazing act. While rumors persist that there are behind-the-scenes tension, the current tour is suppose to last until mid-July. Check it out if you can.
Photos By: Derek Storm/RD/Leon/Orchon/Kirkland/Walter McBride/Retna
Micky Dolenz has one of the best voices in rock and roll and on this night he did not disappoint; he also danced and played drums and proved himself, yet again, to be one of the best proponents of rock and roll … he was superb! Davy Jones looked great and although he sounded like he'd be more at home at Feinstein's, was also awesomely good. And, Peter Tork, while looking a bit unsteady at times, acquitted himself perfectly on his home-spun numbers. Together, they are an amazing act. While rumors persist that there are behind-the-scenes tension, the current tour is suppose to last until mid-July. Check it out if you can.
Photos By: Derek Storm/RD/Leon/Orchon/Kirkland/Walter McBride/Retna
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