Author: stumberry

Film Review- Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Title: Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Genre: Film

Grade: B+

Notable People: Daniel Craig, Christopher Plummer, Robin Wright, Rooney Mara

Review: I really resisted seeing this- because I like indie films and I don’t like Hollywood blockbusters. Frankly, the Swedish original was not going to be topped. But, I got bored one Friday night and it was at the local theater five minutes away and I was out at the right time….so what the hell. Well, a pleasant surprise; a pretty good adaptation and Rooney Mara is a match for the original Lisbeth who I thought jumped off the pages of the book. Daniel Craig is better than I would have guessed- but still does not measure up to the original Bloomqvist. Christopher Plummer continues to be a revelation. Nice soundtrack and well filmed in remote Sweden. The movie is fun- but if you want to have the real experience- do yourself a favor and see the original.

Novel Review- Hunger Games Trilogy (Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay)

Title: Hunger Games Trilogy (Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay)

Genre: Novel

Grade: B+

Notable People: Suzanne Collins

Review: These novels are under the category of “young adult fiction”. I say young adult, schmung adult…these are captivating books regardless of your age. Well written, good characters, amazing story. Very dramatic telling of a strange future for our world. A very good wintertime read. Katniss Everdeen is a wonderful character.

Film Review- Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Title: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Genre: Film

Grade: B+

Notable People: Gary Oldman

Review: this is classic cold war espionage stuff. Very tricky story and definitely for those who like movies that are challenging to track and figure out what is going to happen. Dark, well filmed, good authenticity for the era. A definite portrait of a time it might be hard to remember. Gary Oldman is perfect in the role of a semi retired spy called back into action to find a Russian mole in the British Secret Service (called the “Circus”). If you like British film- you’ll like this.
This is Stu’s most recent obsession; something to do from hotel rooms on the road and share a bit of life’s artistic experience. If you prefer to not get it- let me know and I will remove you from the mailing list. If you like getting it- enjoy!!!

Music Review- Chris Hillman and Herb Pederson- Live at Edwards Barn

Title: Live at Edwards Barn

Genre: Album

Grade: A

Notable People: Chris Hillman and Herb Pederson

Review: OK-you got to like this genre- but it does not get any better than this. The legendary original and Sweetheart of the Rodeo Byrd and founding Flying Burrito Brother and his long time sidekick form the Desert Rose Band. They are joined for this live set by a great three person backing band including multi- instrumentalist extraordinaire David Mansfield. Beautiful, beautiful acoustic music and harmonies ranging from Byrds stuff (Turn, Turn Turn) to Burritos (Wheels, Sin City) and traditional bluegrass. Country music. These guys are absolute living legends and still in their prime. This is my first album of the year for 2012.

Music Review- Goat Rodeo Sessions

Title: Goat Rodeo Sessions

Genre: Album

Grade: B+

Notable People: Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Myer, Chris Thile

Review: Preeeettyy weird!! Jazz meets bluegrass meets world music- with a classical feel. These are four really great musicians who have come together to do something way out of the ordinary. Think the Paris Hot Club (with Django Reinhart and Stephan Grapelli meets Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys). Not for everybody.

Film Review- My Week with Marilyn

Title: My Week with Marilyn

Genre: Film

Grade: A

Notable People: Michelle Williams, Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, Eddie Redmayne, Emma Watson

Review: I was moved by this film which explores a week in London at the height on MM’s career while making a comedy with Sir Laurence Olivier. Eddie Redmayne shines at the young man who stumbles into a filming role and gets close to the star (he pays Colin Clark- from whose memoir the movie is derived) . Michelle Williams is absolutely luminous as MM and Branagh nails Olivier. If you are of an age to remember how big she was – this is quite illuminating. I just loved Judi Dench.

Film Review- Hugo 3D

Title: Hugo 3D

Genre: Film

Grade: A-

Notable People: Martin Scorsese(Director), Ben Kingsley

Review: I really liked this movie a lot. The 3D was amazing and the cast is really good. The shots of Paris from the train station tower are wonderful and the clips from the early days of film are astonishing. Great movie for all ages; definitely a love letter from Scorsese to the movies. Must see in a theater.