Phil sees BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY at the Pruneyard Dine-In Cinemas - Dec. 12, 2018

As a kid growing up in the 1970's and 1980's, there was one band that dominated the world and brought to the masses some of the most original, experiential, and groundbreaking rock anthems in all of music history. And that band was called Queen. Fronted by the charismatic Freddie Mercury, the band went on to sell out stadiums all over the world, and sold a staggering 300 million albums. When Mercury died from AIDS related illness on November 24, 1991, the world mourned and life became a lot less magical. For several years, there have been several attempts to bring the story of Queen, and more specifically Mercury's life, to the silver screen, but it looked like it wasn't meant to be. Fast forward to 2018 and I'm at the Pruneyard Dine-In Cinemas, ordering some delicious food from their Cedar Room restaurant, and relaxing in their reclining chairs to watch the long-awaited Freddie Mercury/Queen biopic entitled BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY.

The film's official synopsis: BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Freddie defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet. The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound. They reach unparalleled success, but in an unexpected turn Freddie, surrounded by darker influences, shuns Queen in pursuit of his solo career. Having suffered greatly without the collaboration of Queen, Freddie manages to reunite with his bandmates just in time for Live Aid. While bravely facing a recent AIDS diagnosis, Freddie leads the band in one of the greatest performances in the history of rock music. Queen cements a legacy that continues to inspire outsiders, dreamers and music lovers to this day.

My jaw dropped in my lap when I saw actor Rami Malek come across the screen! He looked, acted, and sounded like Freddie Mercury! It was uncanny!

Phil sees PITCH PERFECT 3 at the Cinelux Almaden Café & Lounge - January 11, 2018

And so ladies and gentlemen, the final curtain call is over. The fat lady has sung. Mic has been dropped. Since 2012, we have been entertained by the a cappella group The Barden Bellas, that ragtag all-female singing outfit that has ranked in boffo box office moolah since actress Anna Kendrick's character Becca performed that damn cup song. Since then, the films have gained a huge following, but now, it looks like the Bellas have delivered their swan song, in this, their last outing as a group. So, I went to the Cinelux Almaden Café & Lounge to say (or rather sing in this case) goodbye to them in their last film PITCH PERFECT 3.

The film's official synopsis: After the highs of winning the World Championships, the Bellas find themselves split apart and discovering there aren't job prospects for making music with your mouth. But when they get the chance to reunite for an overseas USO tour, this group of awesome nerds will come together to make some music, and some questionable decisions, one last time.

The gang is all here again! Becca is still somewhat socially awkward but finds a new love interest named Theo (Guy Burnet).  Rebel Wilson returns as Fat Amy and she's still fat and annoying, but we get to meet her long lost dad Fergus (portrayed by John Lithgow with a British accent). Anna Camp's Aubrey still adds "aca" in front of normal words. Brittany Snow's Chloe (my favorite Bella by the way) is crazy silly still but now has an adorable meltdown because she misses her singing family of nerds. Plus she too becomes awkward when she meets Chicago (Matt Lanter). Also returning is Elizabeth Banks as the charismatically sassy Gail as well as John Michael Higgins' equally annoying John (and they only say one racist remark that pertains to France, which is a vast improvement).

The film was directed by Trish Sie, whose resume includes STEP UP ALL IN and the extremely popular music videos for the band OK Go (Here it Goes Again, All Is Not Lost and Upside Down & Inside Out). Originally, Banks - who has produced all three film - was signed on to direct the film, as she did with PITCH PERFECT 2 but dropped out for some unknown reason. While Sie does a fine job, it felt really rushed. Plus parts of the film were edited like a music video (who still remembers those things?). They were edited with quick cuts, panning camera angles and basically gave me a headache. It looked like it was edited by Michael Bay! I really wished that it was edited more traditionally and more fluently, as to move the story along without the choppiness.

What saves the film from becoming a total waste is the chemistry between all the actresses. There is so much amazing talent in the film and it's because of these ladies. After three movies together, they can play off from one another, sing harmoniously, and generate laughs from the audience. A perfect example of this is during the credits, where Gail and John show us the footage of the Bellas for their documentary. Some of it were scenes cut from the film (some appear in the film's trailer) but it was mostly outtakes and behind-the-scene footage of the ladies being silly and goofy, and I found that very sweet and charming. Over the course of three films, these actresses have truly formed a special bond with one another, and thus, become a family, which is the main theme in the movie. I sat there watching this and thought to myself, "Wow! They are having so much fun!" And that resonates in the movie. It seemed only fitting to end the franchise with this.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention the soundtrack. Well, to borrow from Aubrey's lingo, I would say that it's "aca-awesome" and "aca-tastic!" All the song are extremely catchy, but it's the renditions of Brittany Spears' "Toxic" and the late, great George Michael's "Freedom! '90" that got my foot tapping and hips moving and grooving while in my seat!

PITCH PERFECT 3 is a fun, silly, a capella satisfying finale to the film's franchise! It will be sad to not see the Bellas again, but we've got the music, the movies and the memories! Thank you for everything Bellas! Now take one last bow, and then go out into cinema history! 3 1/2 out of 5 stars! It's worth watching!

PITCH PERFECT 3 is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Cinelux Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cineluxtheatres.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees PITCH PERFECT 2 from New Line Cinema-November 29, 2015

It's been two years since audiences were introduced to the world of acapella music, courtesy of the film PITCH PERFECT which went on to become a huge Hollywood hit. Those lovable bunch of misfit and stereotypical girls won the hearts of the world and sooner or later, we knew there would be a sequel. Well, here we are and we finally got the sequel we were promised. So loosen up your vocal chords, practice your choreography and mic up cause it's time to talk (or should I say sing) about the film PITCH PERFECT 2.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The film's official synopsis: The Bellas are back, and they are better than ever. After being humiliated in front of none other than the President of the United States of America, the Bellas are taken out of the Aca-Circuit. In order to clear their name and regain their status, the Bellas take on a seemingly impossible task: winning an International competition no American team has ever won. In order to accomplish this monumental task, they need to strengthen the bonds of friendship and sisterhood, and blow away the competition with their amazing aca-magic! With all new friends and old rivals tagging along for the trip, the Bellas can hopefully accomplish their dreams once again.

So let's discuss the film, shall we? It was pretty damn funny, but I felt that the story moved a little too fast. There were a lot of new characters introduced, a new romance, new adversaries and it just felt rushed. Granted the filmmakers could've made the film longer to compensate all these additions but they didn't. And that's a common problem with most sequels: the need to top the original and load up the sequel with new stuff. But that shouldn't have to sacrifice the integrity of the story nor the film as a whole. Just take the time and make the movie the way it should and let it unfold naturally, instead of trying to cram everything including the kitchen sink in it.

The whole cast comes back for this installment and nothing has changed much. Same typical girls with the same stereotypes. Beca is still a hot loner, Chloe is still uptight, Jesse is still a hopeless romantic, Lilly is still that weird Asian girl, Fat Amy is still...well...fat. Now there's a hilarious romance introduced when Fat Amy hooks up with Bumper. Yup, sparks fly when they shag like two dogs in heat! Now that was some funny shit!

Actress Elizabeth Banks makes her feature length debut here and she does a great job directing this ensemble cast. Now she was one of the producers on the last film, and since these films are her baby, she took the next logical step in her career and helmed this latest chapter on the series. Recently a third film was announced and it looks like Mrs. Banks has signed on to direct that film as well.

PITCH PERFECT 2 will give you a warm fuzzy feeling if you're a hardcore fan of the series. Though it'll tickle your funny bone and put a smile on your face, I just wish it was more thought out and not so rushed. But that's just me complaining. I'm sure you'll enjoy this film. 3 1/2 out of 5 stars! It's worth watching!

PITCH PERFECT 2 is now available on both Blu-Ray and DVD at your local retailer. It's also available at your local Redbox as well as on Netflix and Video On Demand.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS at the Camera 7 Pruneyard Campbell-Dec. 28, 2013

I love folk music. Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Dar Williams, and Peter, Paul, and Mary. The folk music revival of the 1960's in New York's Greenwich Village literally changed the face of music forever. Now the Coen Brothers once again return to the big screen to tell a story that takes place during this time frame. The end result is the folk music drama INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS is one outstanding film!

The film's official synopsis: Follow a week in the life of young folk singer Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Guitar in tow, huddled against the unforgiving New York winter, he is struggling to make it as a musician against seemingly insurmountable obstacles -- some of them of his own making.

Written, directed and edited by Joel and Ethan Coen, the film was inspired by folksinger Dave Van Ronk's  autobiography entitled The Mayor of MacDougal Street. (In fact, the album cover of Inside Llewyn Davis in the film is an exact copy of Ronk's album cover entitled Inside Dave Van Rok)Once again the Coen Brothers capture lightening in a bottle: crafting a complex story about the examination of a flawed, but likable, character and how he struggles to make it in life.

Oscar Issac gives his greatest performance ever in front of the camera. His portrayal of the struggling folksinger Davis is simplistic, relateable, and funny while simultaneously sad, tragic, and ironic. But Issac goes one step further and actually sings in the film! And he looks and sounds just like a 1960's folksinger! The film opens with Issac singing "Hang Me, Oh Hang Me" is he sounds amazing! Another interesting fact that must be made known is that, with the exception of one song, all the songs in the film are recorded live! Yes, that is very impressive!

Justin Timberlake also appears in the film as the loveable, yet naive, Jim, who is dating Llewyn's ex-girlfriend Jean (portrayed by the stunning Carey Mulligan). She just radiates on the silver screen and she steals all her scenes from her co-stars. Look for her nabbing a Best Supporting Actress nod from the Academy!

The film's soundtrack was produced by none other than T Bone Burnett, who also produced the award-winning soundtrack to the Coen's 2000 film O'BROTHER WHERE ART THOU? Burnett shows us his magic touch, as all the songs from the film sound and feel like classic folk songs from that era. Adding to that feeling is the inclusion of an unreleased studio version of "Farewell" by the great Bob Dylan!

INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS is one of the greatest films the Coen brothers have ever made! Period! This is what great American cinema should look like people! From the first frame to the last, you will never find a more perfect film to watch! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!! 

INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees SOUND CITY at the Camera 3 Downtown San Jose-February 21, 2013

When you hear the name Dave Grohl, you stop and think of all the things that this man has done. He was the drummer for Nirvana, of the most important rock bands of all time. When lead singer Kurt Cobain committed suicide and Nirvana disbanded, he went on to form the Foo Fighters, started his own record label Roswell Records, won multiple Grammy Awards, played with numerous rock stars, and has become one of the most popular rock stars of all time. Now he has added another credit to his already impressive resume: filmmaker. His directorial debut film SOUND CITY, a documentary about the legendary Los Angeles recording studio.

The film traces the existence of the building called Sound City Studios, which was located in the San Fernando Valley, and the heart of the studio: the Neve 8028 analog mixing console. The list of artists and musicians who have recorded there reads like a who's who in rock 'n' roll: Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, War, REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, Tom Petty, Pat Benatar, Rick Springfield, Santana, Fear, Ronnie James Dio, Ratt, Nirvana, Rage Against The Machine, The Black Crowes, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Queens of the Stone Age, Slipknot, Bad Religion, Nine Inch Nails, Kid Rock, and Metallica. Through interviews with a majority of these artists as well as producers like Rick Ruben and Butch Vig, the film focuses on the amazing history of the studio, on all the albums recorded there, the human element of music in an age of technology, and feature performances from many of the artists that called it "home."

The idea for the film came about when Dave Grohl purchased the Neve 8028 analog mixing console when the studio closed in 2011. Grohls' personal interest started in 1991 when Nirvana came to Sound City Studios when it was in dire straits. After the release of Nevermind, the studio became popular again. However with the release of Pro Tools and home recording becoming more digital, the studio became obsolete. Grohl stated in the documentary that that mixing board was the reason he's where he's at and wanted to re-create that human factor that's been missing in music. He then called many artists to collaborate on a new album and using the old Neve mixing board. In the film we see Stevie Nicks, Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails, Rick Springfield, Lee Ving from Fear, and in the last 20 minutes of the film, we see one of the most amazing collaborations of all time: Sir Paul McCartney from The Beatles making music with the surviving members of Nirvana!!

Grohl's debut film is a love letter to one of the most important studios of all time. Aiding him on the film was editor Paul Crowder (DOGTOWN AND Z BOYS, RIDING GIANTS) and writer Mark Monroe (THE TILLMAN STORY, THE COVE). The end result is just fantastic! Distributing the film is Roswell Films, a division of the Roswell Records label that releases all of the Foo Fighters album.

Growing up in the late 1970's and all of the 1980's, I use to listen to the radio and all this amazing music that I loved to listen to, a majority of them were recorded at this one studio. It really boggles the mind as to how many classic and influential albums were made at Sound City Studios. I really don't know why Los Angeles didn't make it a registered landmark because of its importance to the music industry. It should be a museum right now. It should still be here. At least we have not only the music, but now we have this film.

SOUND CITY is one of my favorite documentaries so far this year! It's a history lesson of how and why music need to retain its human element and how one studio, and one mixing board, changed the landscape of the music industry. 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

SOUND CITY is currently playing in select theaters nationwide. To see where it's playing, visit the film's official website at http://buy.soundcitymovie.com. Also make sure you all like the film's Facebook page and follow the film on Twitter! The film is also available on Video On Demand, so check your local cable provider to order it.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees PHIL OCHS: THERE BUT FOR FORTUNE at the Camera 3-March 22, 2011

During the 1960's, folk music played such an important role in the civil rights and anti-war movements that was transpiring then. Artist such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and others were educating and enlightening young minds across the country about the social standards and questioning the government's role in the Vietnam War. However, there is one voice from that era that has been overlooked for far too long. With the release of PHIL OCHS: THERE BUT FOR FORTUNE, that mistake has been corrected.

This informative documentary shows the life and times of Phil Ochs, one of the most important figures of the 1960's. He rose to fame in the early 1960’s during the height of the folk and protest song movement. His songs, with lyrics ripped straight from the daily news, spoke to those emboldened by the hopeful idealism of the day. Ochs himself believed to his core that he and his music could change the world for the better. From protesting the Vietnam War to supporting striking miners, from his attacks on sitting Presidents to mocking the politically disinterested, he struck at the heart of both the Right and Left wing political establishment with precisely targeted musical satire and righteous indignation.

Possessed by the American fantasy and dream he saw projected on the Hollywood screen, Phil Ochs fought for the bright lights of fame and for social justice in equal measure. In the end it was this defining contradiction that would eventually tear him apart. While he never gained the widespread attention he so desperately wanted, his solo shows and his radical politics would generate the kind of controversy that only a true star could attract.

By 1968, the mood of the country had changed. With the death of Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy and the events of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, all that seemed possible just a few years earlier began to fade and Phil Ochs took this hopelessness to heart as if the failings of the movement were his own. His mental and physical health declined as he sank deep into depression and alcoholism. He took his own life in 1976 at the age of 35.

By the time of his death the FBI had a dossier on him that was over 400 pages long. They would argue that he had no respect for government policies and stood against his country in a time of war. Weaving together photos, film clips, historic live performances and interviews with an array of people influenced by Ochs; from Sean Penn to Pete Seeger, Joan Baez to Tom Hayden, “Phil Ochs: There But For Fortune” paints a very different picture. We are able to understand that Ochs’ lasting legacy in both music and politics ultimately mirrored the complexities and contradictions of the country he loved -- and his life, sadly, reflects the arc of the times in which he lived.

PHIL OCHS: THERE BUT FOR FORTUNE reveals the biography of a conflicted truth seeking troubadour who, with a guitar in hand, stood up for what he believed in and challenged us all to do the same. Unyielding in his political principals and unbending in his artistic vision, Phil Ochs, though branded a traitor by his critics, was above all a fiercely patriotic American. This is his story.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!