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RE: VIEWS (LOOK)

admin
22 December 2023

Here\'s what we\'re reading, watching, loving, and hating. Click on the title to buy it on Amazon. Then buy some beer and invite us over to watch it.




 


 

While I’m still not so convinced of the sincerity of Audioslave (it really just feels like they’re out to make a buck) or the talent of Seether, 30 Seconds To Mars put on one hell of an opening act. Their tiny amount of stage time left a palpable void in the arena in both energy and talent that the night never fully recovered from.

 

30 SECONDS TO MARS\' GRADE: A

SEETHER\'S GRADE: C

AUDIOSLAVE\'S GRADE: C+

 

- Night Watchman

 

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Peter Chung’s surrealist sci-fi series finally gets the set it deserves with all the great Liquid Television shorts, pencil tests, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and the entire short-lived full-length episodes. The viewing of these excellent discs will no doubt leave an even worse taste in your mouth from seeing those horrible Charlize Theron previews. Stay out of the theaters and watch these instead.

 

THE GRADE: A+

 

- Night Watchman

 

\"Aeon



 

AFRICA CALLING (Rhino Records)

 

In July of this year, Live 8 put on ten concerts around the world to support the Make Poverty History campaign. Africa Calling was the presentation that took place at the Eden Project in Cornwall, England. The event, now on a two-disc DVD set, celebrates the music of Africa and features an impressive (and huge) lineup of artists: Peter Gabriel, Dido, Johnny Kalsi, Akim El Sikameya, Angelique Kidjo, Ayub Ogada, Chartwell Dutiro, Coco Mbassi, Daara J, Emmanuel Jal, Frititi, Geoffrey Oryema, Kanda Bongo Man, Mariza, Maryam Mursal, Modou Diouf, Shikisha, Siyaya, Tinariwen, Thomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited, Youssou N\'Dour, and more. Not only are the performances spirited and powerful, but there are some nice extras, including a documentary. If you\'re a fan of world music-- or music of any kind, really-- I\'d recommend Africa Calling.

 

THE GRADE: A

 

- Fphatty Lamar

 


 

If you watched Danger Mouse as a kid like I did then this DVD set is a great trip back down Memory Lane. I was amazed at how many episodes I remember and how much of the humor were things that totally went over my head when I was a kid. But it still holds up as being funny to me now. Danger Mouse is still an original in animation, with characters that you won’t find in today\'s cartoons, cool photo backgrounds, and writing that just reeks of quirky British humor.

 

THE GRADE: A

 

- Das Bork

 

JACKASS: THE BOX SET (Paramount Home Video)

 

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who hate Jackass and think it\'s stupid, and those who love it and think it\'s brilliant. I am in the latter category, and luckily for me, MTV just released a four-disc super-set. Collected here are the best barfs, breaks, and busted balls from the famous gang of masochistic mutants. The first three discs have nearly 100 skits on each disc, and the fourth disc is full of extras, including a featurette that brings all of the boys back together for the first time in a long time. For me, Jackass is like porno: it never gets old. So if you are looking to kill approximately seven hours of your life while you find pleasure in the pain of others, add this baby to your Christmas list.

 

THE GRADE: A

 

- Wayne Chinsang

 


 

Three of my favorite things: Michael Franti, live music, and Australia, all in one neat CD/DVD package. Franti and his manic band are a highly underrated musical force, but the live setting is where they’re at their best. Whether you watch it or just listen, it’s all your favorite Spearhead tunes, impressive jam sessions, and enough soulful funk to keep your ass in a constant state of shake.

 

THE GRADE: A

 

- Vinnie Baggadonuts

 

\"Michael



 


 

Looking for the perfect gift for a little girl who likes talking ponies? Look no further. A Very Minty Christmas introduces the clumsiest My Little Pony of all-- Minty-- as she struggles to save Christmas after breaking the lone beacon that guides Santa to Ponyville. Think there\'s a lesson in there somewhere about what really matters at the holidays? You bet your sweet bippy. The DVD also comes with a bonus episode and two sing-a-long music videos. That\'s right: these ponies can sing, too. Let\'s see your pet do that!

 

THE GRADE: B

 

- Vinnie Baggadonuts

 


 

Is it irony that I can’t really find the right words to describe a film about words? ‘Cause Slam Nation left me speechless. Maybe it’s because the poets featured in this film-- the incomparable Saul Williams, Beau Sia, and muMs da Schemer, just to name a few-- use words so well, my nerves got a workout. Slam Nation follows these ambitious poets on the road to the National Poetry Slam, where the verbal best of the best compete for a fat cash prize. The DVD is loaded with features, most notably an option that, with the push of a button, allows you to hear the complete, unedited version of every poem featured in the film. There are bonus poems, deleted scenes, the original Slammin’ TV pilot, and an interesting commentary track with Slam founder Marc Smith and champ Taylor Mali. If spoken word is a world you’re unfamiliar with, this is a pretty comprehensive crash course in it.

 

THE GRADE: A+

 

- Vinnie Baggadonuts

 


 

A three-hour compilation of the best of the TromaDance Film Festival! Whether you\'re an amateur or a film school student, you should check this one out. I liked some of the films more than others, but overall it\'s a very good collection. If you\'re looking for blood and boobs, this ain\'t it. But anything that has Lloyd Kaufman\'s stamp of approval is a must-see! And all profits from this DVD go to next year\'s TromaDance Film Festival.

 

THE GRADE: B

 

- Eric Adkison

 


 

Docurama is single-handedly responsible for some of the best documentaries I\'ve ever seen, and even though The Execution Of Wanda Jean suffers from a couple of problems, it is still no exception. This Sundance Grand Jury Prize Nominee was first broadcast on HBO in 2002, and documents the appeals process and inevitable execution of twice-convicted killer Wanda Jean Allen. Allen was put on death row in 1989 after the shooting death of her lover at the time, Gloria Leathers. I enjoyed the short time frame in which all of the film\'s footage was shot-- basically from just a few months before her execution through her burial-- but there were two things that worked against this film. First, I wish the film\'s title would have been different, as it basically gives away the inevitable outcome. And second, unlike other films that document accused killers on trial (Paradise Lost, The Staircase), I fail to feel sympathy for the person on trial, and found myself agreeing with the prosecution. Just like any film, it\'s hard to root for someone when it has been proven-- especially by their own admission-- that they have murdered not once, but twice. I simply lacked the emotional involvement of prior releases from Docurama. Still, the film is interesting and put together well, so if you enjoyed any of the other two releases I mentioned, chances are you\'ll dig this.

 

THE GRADE: B-

 

- Wayne Chinsang

 


 

I fucking love The Hives. They’re wild, loud, and 100% fun, like a rock band should be. No crying. No self-hugging. No stupid haircuts and lyrics straight out of Timmy Teardrop’s high school diary. And Tussles In Brussels is DVD proof that they’re one of the best live bands on the planet. (And I’m not just saying that because the sticker on the DVD says that.) You get an hour-long concert performance, a weird-as-shit half-hour documentary, and four music videos that Hans Blix declared to be weapons of mass rock! Come get some, you rock-starved sinners!

 

THE GRADE: A

 

- Vinnie Baggadonuts

 

\"The



 


 

This step-by-step instructional video by scream queen instructor Melissa Cross really packs a wallop. It\'s packed with easy-to-master exercises that are designed for any style of vocalist to learn from quickly. I practiced a few of the exercises and could feel a notable difference in my ability to sustain notes. More importantly, I could scream along with some of the wildest music in my library without going hoarse. This is a great tool for any vocalist out there to teach you how to take care of your instrument.

 

THE GRADE: A

 

- Night Watchman
artid
3430
byline
Compiled by the staff of TLC
byline2
Above image by <A HREF='http://www.ellagraph.com' target='_blank'><u><b>Kathrine Berger</b></u></A>
Old Image
8_4_lookheader.jpg
issue
vol 8 - issue 04 (dec 2005)
section
entertainmental
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