At the Cinema - April & May 2017

Guardians of the Galaxy 2 – 8
Most science fiction is centered around saving the planet, or some planet, but with the Guardians series they of course have to save the whole universe, so this motley crew that was equally entertaining the first time around sets out to do just that, wise-cracking and dancing all the way. 

The key attribute of this movie is the soundtrack, which starts with an incredible opening sequence and rips its way through the movie’s gyrations.  If nothing else you’ll be humming when you leave the theater, probably with "Brandy" earworming you for the next 24 hours.  While the first scene is a masterpiece, the last 20 minutes may be the most overblown special effects usage of modern times.  Over the top would be an inadequate description.  I’m sure there will be a Guardians 3 and I’m sure I’ll go hear it.  In a movie industry that is so devoid of new ideas that they are actually going to reboot Spiderman again, at least they’ve learned how to put together some decent tunes into a soundtrack.  Next they’ll probably re-do another King Arthur movie

 

Eight Days a Week – 9

Ron Howard lovingly put together a documentary on the Beatles and their touring days, and it’s ear popping as well.  It’s a must see for many reasons.  First, it captures the hysteria.  Many may not remember, nor have any idea how loud girls can scream in unison, so those scenes are just stunning.  Second, it captures the music and how they pulled it off, even in concert settings.

The Beatles have undoubtedly been the Soundtrack of my life, and maybe yours if you’re reading this.  That new Sirius channel is bringing it all home, and I hope you’re listening.  In 1964 I was too young to really get the music, then about the time Revolver and Rubber Soul hit I was starting to pay attention to songs like Norwegian Wood, and by the time the White Album began gently weeping I was fully entrenched. 

I must add just a few artists to that “soundtrack of my life” list – (Glen Campbell, Karla Bonoff, Lani Hall, Fleetwood Mac, Chicago, the Beach Boys, Elton John, the Temptations, and the Carpenters come to mind.)  I once met Karla Bonoff and told her just that, and she was gracious and appreciative, which I’ve never forgotten.  Who has been your soundtrack?

So here’s that rare documentary that deserves a sequel – we’ll call it “Beatles in the studio” and maybe  it will take us right through Yoko Ono and how they did those amazing albums after they stopped touring.  Please Let it Be.

The Beach Boys – Making of Pet Sounds – 9

Kind of like this 1 hour Showtime documentary celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of the release of that classic album.  Wouldn’t it be nice if there had been a camera man in every recording session?  God only knows what goes on.  This is a great companion piece to 2 other films – The Beach Boys – An American Family (2000) and 2014’s Love and Mercy.  The most interesting part of Love and Mercy to me was the recreating of the studio sessions, and now I know where the source material came from.    Someday there will be a full movie of just the making of an album (My idea – Closer to Home by Grand Funk Railroad).  This movie features interviews with Brian Wilson and many others about how Brian Wilson conceived the music.  Great stuff.

Finally - On a personal note….
April was the first month I’ve skipped writing reviews for the simple reason that we never went to a movie.  Our weekends were preoccupied with worldly issues, hospital visits, and ultimately funerals; a month better archived away. 

But, on May 4^th, I hit my Beatle birthday, got the Beatles Documentary on Blu Ray, and got to reflect on what it’s really like to have hit the long-sung-about 64^th.  Here’s what I can tell you about My Being 64.

Sleep is suddenly more important than ever.  Those days when I used to get by on 4-6 have been replaced by nights where I just have to get 9, sometimes even 10.

Indeed my other bodily functions have grown in importance.  I won’t elaborate other than to say sometimes there is undue pride in certain achievements.  Getting out of bed without too much creaking would be one.

My knees have explained to me that I just will never run again, and I find that an unpleasant confinement to accept.

I joked in my son’s wedding speech that “I can tell you what marriage is all about.  It’s about a pound a year” and that continues to be the case, much to my dismay and much to my fault.

My life is a one-way street and I care too much.

I remain convinced that Brainwashing is mankind’s most clear and present danger, and the quest to think for myself and decide for myself has never been harder nor more urgent amidst the 21^st century clatter.     

I’ve always thought we were born with only one right – the right to attempt to take the next breath.  Every other right is created by the society we live within.  It was my luck to have been born in the most free society yet known to man.  How great that has been.  Easy to forget and easy to take for granted.  I don’t.  If fact, my appreciation grows daily.

Colin Cowherd said this about football, but I think it’s true about everything.  Think about it.  You can’t compare the achievements before air conditioning and after it became commonplace.  It’s two different worlds, and may be the ultimate demarcation line in history.  Air conditioning.  At 64 I'm a total air conditioned wimp.

I like to be entertained and am fascinated by the talents I don’t have.  This leads me to the realization that the great gift of life is when you are great at what you enjoy, as opposed to being great at something you don’t particularly enjoy.   I was not particularly talented at that which I enjoyed the most (sports), and my musical talents were non-existent.  I wonder if that’s why sports and music remain of disproportionate interest to me?

As I enter the last chapters, and having lost too many to death earlier than I wanted them to go, I wonder about the future of the world without me.  What should I care about?  What is in store for future generations?  What is the future of our great country?  None of that will be my concern when I take my last breath, but reincarnation would really be cool.  I’d love to see the world 100 years from now. 

And finally, all you need is love.   

If you have a Vera, Chuck, and Dave – all the better.

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