Film Reviews: January 2005 Note: Reviews are in no particular order

"DAFT BEACH MOVIE"
(Indie Film)

When you first hear the concept behind the "Daft Beach Movie" project, you wonder if it can really work; i.e. can there be enough synchronicities in various segments of established films to the life of Brian Wilson to collectively tell a fluid, understandable story? Well, with the "Daft Beach Movie", MHRS Productions shows that it can be done in an effectively surrealistic way. The film takes several of the important turning points of Brian Wilson's life, such as: his visit to an Amsterdam brothel in 1964, his nervous breakdown on the flight to Houston in 1964, his fascination with his sister-in-law, his experimentation with LSD, the Smile album, Monterrey Pop Festival and finally the experience of the HOLLAND album. Then, in a twist that is reminiscent of the Lewis Shiner "Glimpses" novel, we go back in time to "finish" the Smile album. The film ends as Smile is completed, only to sell 40,000 copies. On a beach is the Brian Wilson-representative character, having a nervous breakdown while a young child plays along the shore, with original Smile version of "Child is Father of the Man" playing out to the credits.

The narration by Andrew Martin really helps to smooth along the transitions from film segment to film segment. Some of the coincidences are amazing, like Rock Hudson's in-flight breakdown in the movie "Seconds", eerily similar to Brian's breakdown on the flight to Houston. It is no wonder that this movie freaked Brian out when he first saw it! The film also captures the sometimes terrifying aspects of an LSD trip, leaving you to wonder how close to the mark was Brian's own experience? Finally, Brian's inner turmoil with art, spirituality, genius and evil are covered, again by coincidentally accurate segments from other films.

The "Daft Beach Movie" has more of a cerebral, art-film feel to it than the straight fantasy film, "Dumb Angel Fairy Tale". While both films have a common thread in the music of Smile, the "Dumb Angel Fairy Tale" is a glorious celebration of life, while the "Daft Beach Movie" is a more surreal, almost disturbing view of a tortured genius and the often dark areas of our own imagination.

"The Matches-Live At The House Of Blues"
(DVD)

This band has tons of energy, loads of chops and just the right look to be huge in the Orange County scene. Hailed as the D.I.Y. phenomenon that started a major label bidding war, a war that brought Rick Rubin and Brett Gurewitz into the picture. Now, let’s just think about that. That’s something that ain’t too damn shabby for a young upstart of a band such as The Matches. And now, thanks to the guys at Kung Fu, you can see and hear what all the hubbub is about just by popping this dvd into the player. Episode 14 of “The Show Must Go Off!!” has all the goodies like, band commentary, photo gallery, extra footage and more. Shot on multi-camera 24 Frame Digital Video and recorded with 24 track audio. Looks like another notch in the belt for Kung Fu Records.

BAD MOVIE ALERT!

This movie about Jimi Hendrix totally reeks! It is so horrible that it makes even the WORST VH1 rock movie look Oscar-worthy. Sure, it covers the basics of Hendrix's career: his first album, Monterey Pop, the Monkees tour, the Plaster Casters, Electric Ladyland, Woodstock, and the Band of Gypsys. But, after the film is over, you feel that you know nothing new about the complex man that was Jimi Hendrix. It spends too much time trying to guess what was on Jimi's mind. While Wood Harris is a good actor (I've seen him in other films), he is NOT a good Jimi Hendrix. First, he is not a musician and the scenes of him playing guitar are obviously fake. And he is not totally convincing in the character of Jimi - just take a look at one of the many documentaries available on the man. I laughed when I noticed how Jimi's hair changed from the '67 style at Monterrey to the 'fro' at Woodstock in '69, then back to the '67 hair style for the Band of Gypsys in '70! To make matters worse, the film contains the absolute worst portrayal of Keith Moon at the Monterey Pop Festival in '67: as 'Pete Townsend' is smashing his guitar, 'Keith' is meekly and nonchalantly kicking over one of his drums.

The most important thing about Jimi - his music - is missing! Since the Hendrix's estate refused the use of Jimi's original songs, studio musicians were used and the result is a lackluster imitation.

There is one shining moment and that is Billy Zane's portrayal of the "villain" businessman Michael Jeffrey. It is ironic that Billy Zane of "Titanic" fame is also in this film, a "disaster" of another sort.

"Los Lobos-Live at the Fillmore"
(DVD)

Having missed the last Atlanta show by Los Lobo's, I was delighted to see this DVD which celebrates the 30th anniversary of the band. The show was recorded last July at the famed Fillmore auditorium. The audience is really digging the music and dancing, which adds to the overall fun and excitement of this show.

Here are a few of my favorite cuts:
THAT TRAIN DON'T STOP HERE- A swinging blues workout that showcases the guitars of Hildago and Cesar Rosas who also delivers a fine vocal. Anchored by one of the best rhythm sections around, Victor Bisetti on Drums and Conrad Lozano on Bass, the groove they lay down on this song demonstrates a deep understanding of the connection between Swing and Rock and Roll. Cougar Estrada adds some fine percussion to the groove. The group's original drummer Louie Perez (who is one of the band's principal songwriters along with David Hildago and Cesar Rosas)still gets behind the set on some of the groups traditional numbers like MEXICO AMERICANO. TEARS OF GOD- This is my favorite Los Lobos song. David Hidalgo's lead vocal is so soulful and inspired. He is one of my favorite musicians on the scene today. You'll marvel at how effortlessly he switches from Guitar to Accordion to Violin. He even does a fine Timbale solo on. CUMBIA RAZA- Another highlight. It is impossible not to move your feet to this groove. I wish more people would play Baritone Sax as creatively as Steve Berlin does with this band. Following a fine percussion break with Bisetti on Conga's, Hildago on Timbales, and Estrada on Drums we are treated to a perfect release with a reference to a song by Sly Stone who is another artist who rocked The Fillmore, but instead of the electric funk guitar break we were excepting, we are treated to an acoustic guitar break by the multi- talented Perez before the band comes back in. You'll get a good dose of fan favorites such as I GOT LOADED, KIKO AND THE LAVENDER MOON, SHAKIN SHAKIN SHAKES, as well as many cuts from the last 2 albums. The song Viking features Vincent Hildago( son of David) on guitar. Pedal Steel wiz Robert Randolph is the special guest on the last track MAS Y MAS.

Having watched and experienced this concert video, I don't feel as bad about missing the last show but I will be sure not to miss the next one.

"Throw Rag-Live At The House Of Blues"
(DVD)

Captain Sean-Doe reminds me of my Dad’s drunken navy buddy that came to dinner and passed out on our living room couch after completely emptying Dad’s liquor cabinet. But it’s Action Craig Jackman, a.k.a. Jacko, the half crazed washboard playing maniac that looks a lot like an uncle of mine and acts like that very same uncle after he’s knocked back a pint of apple brandy, that’s the center ring of this rock n’ roll circus. Like a Jerry Lee Lewis on crack, with spoons bouncing off his forehead as he frails the hell out of the washboard, fondles his man-titties, shakes his beer gut and sings with an almost indescribable look of dementia on his face. You can’t help but watch this guy and wonder what he’ll do next. This dvd stands as my favorite and the most entertaining Kung Fu episode to date. Oh yeah, and they play some pretty mean rock n’ roll as well.

"Dazed and Confused" (Flashback Edition)
(DVD)

DAZED AND CONFUSED is simply the most honest portrayal of high school life yet captured on film (I should know, since I went to high school at roughly this time in the same area of Texas and it is spot-on!). It revolves around the last day of school in 1976 and features a great rock and roll soundtrack. 'Dazed' joins the ranks of films that have received multiple releases on video and DVD. However, unless you just HAVE to have the 14 minutes of deleted scenes, you are better off waiting until the next DVD release of this film! These measly 9 deleted scenes are the only 'extras' on the DVD - there is no director's commentary, no cast information and no documentary. Supposedly, director Richard Linklater has mentioned an upcoming Criterion release and hopefully they will get it right the next time! Oh, there are two other 'extras' ("The Blunt Truth" and public service announcement"), but they are so out of place on this DVD that you wonder why the hell they bothered. The deleted scenes are a good start, but not really an incentive to replace your video copy with a DVD. Maybe they will get it right next time.