Well, hello there, kind folks. If you’re visiting this blog of mine, I presume that you have a certain interest in the cinema. As for me, even since my early childhood, I have had a deep love of everything related to movies and television. As far as I can remember, I have been more at ease in front of a screen than in the yard, outside, playing. It is a great way to travel, though other people’s stories, without having to foot any kind of steep bill. Over the years, I feel that movie-watching has even fuelled my own creativity.

All that being said, I welcome you in my Cinephile’s Nest. I hope you enjoy it here, feel free to come back at any time. Here you will find reviews of current movies and older ones. TV shows also. Some classics that have remained some of my favourites, some that have disappointed me. I will use a very basic star (*) system to grade them from 1 to 5 (5 being sliced bread level). Remember, these are just my tastes. I will try to explain in each review what I liked about these particular movies, without giving spoilers.

Il y aura aussi des critiques en français pour les films francophones, car j'aime également le cinéma dans ma langue maternelle. Avant d'apprendre l'anglais, plus jeune, je louais des tonnes de films traduits en français, surtout ceux de Bud Spencer et Terrence Hill. Ma mère a eu le choc de sa vie lorsqu'un jour, dans la boîte d'un de ces films, Deep Throat avait malencontreusement inséré. Une expérience formatrice pour le jeune cinéphile que je suis.

Bienvenue à tous, amusez-vous bien.

I welcome you all here, enjoy yourself.

Showing posts with label Musical. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Musical. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Nos Belles-Soeurs (2024)

Genre: Franco / Musical
Réalisation: René Richard Cyr
Distribution: Geneviève Schmidt, Guylaine Tremblay, Anne-Élisabeth Bossé
Durée: 102 minutes

 


Dans un quartier modeste de Montréal, dans les années 1960, la ménagère Germaine Lauzon se voit l’heureuse gagnante d’un million de timbres qui lui permettront d’avoir gratuitement, par l’entremise d’un catalogue, tous les électroménagers, les meubles, les vêtements et les autres accessoires dont elle a toujours rêvé. Elle invite sa fille, sa sœur et ses voisines à l’aider à coller tous les timbres dans les livrets de commande, mais, lors de cette soirée de femmes, la jalousie s’installe et le tout tourne au vinaigre.

Ce film est inspiré de la pièce de théâtre Les Belles-Sœurs, de Michel Tremblay. La comédie musicale qui en a découlé a d’abord été faite sur scène, et la voilà maintenant au grand écran. C’est un film fort réussi, mené par un réalisateur efficace et une distribution d’acteurs et d’actrices de talent. Ce film repose largement sur le dos des personnages féminins, et chaque femme tire son épingle du jeu dans ce travail d’ensemble.

Même si l’histoire se déroule dans les années 1960, elle demeure tellement d’actualité encore aujourd’hui. La jalousie par rapport à l’argent demeure un fléau de notre société. J’ai beaucoup aimé ce film, même si les comédies musicales ne sont habituellement pas ma tasse de thé.

Rating: ««««

Monday, June 3, 2024

Bon Jovi: This Left Feels Right (2004)

Genre: Musical
Directed by: Anthony M. Bongiovi
Cast: Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Tico Torres, David Bryan
Time: 108 minutes


 

Recorded live in a casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, this concert followed the release by Bon Jovi of their album called This Left Feels Right. On this album, they revisit some of their hits with new arrangements. In most case, sadly, the reinvention is not successful. This show has somewhat of an acoustic feel to it, which is not a bad thing, but most of the versions pale so much in comparison to the originals track that it is hard not to be disappointed. There a few bright spots, such as Wanted Dead or Alive and the cover of Dr. Hook’s Sylvia’s Mother, but, by the end, I just wanted this show to end.

Rating: ««

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Bon Jovi: The Crush Tour (2001)

Genre: Musical
Directed by: Rudi Dolezal and Hannes Rossacher
Cast: Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Tico Torres, David Bryan
Time: 124 minutes

 


Crush was a very successful album for the American band known around the world as Bon Jovi. I saw them live myself during that period. Here, we have a stadium concert they performed in Switzerland. The band was in full force and Jon was a solid frontman at that point in his career. Hit after hit was performed, to the delight of the crowd. It was a great collection of songs. The only weak spot for me was the version of Runaway, just keyboard and voice. I kept waiting for the regular beat to kick in — it never did. Other than that, a great show.

Rating: ««««

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Bon Jovi: Live from London (1995)

Genre: Musical
Directed by: David Mallet
Cast: Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Tico Torres, David Bryan
Time: 90 minutes


 

This is a concert video of American band Bon Jovi performing live on stage in Wembley Stadium, in London, England, in 1995, as part of their tour to promote the These Days album. What we have here is a band in top form, very tight and efficient on stage. The stage presence is solid, and the songs are well delivered. The band rocks. I could have taken a few more songs. Incredible to think of how that band has fallen in the last few years.

Rating: ««««

Friday, April 19, 2024

The Rolling Stones: Bridges to Babylon Tour "97-98 (1998)

Genre: Musical
Directed by: Bruce Gowers
Cast: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Charlie Watts

Time: 120 minutes


 

Live in TWA Dome in St. Louis, Missouri, we witness here the young Rolling Stones — well, relatively young, as they were in their mid-fifties at this point — giving an enthusiastic crowd a raucous set of around 2 hours, performing a good chunk of their classic material, along with some songs that were new back in 1997-1998.

This is not the best Stones concert I have seen on my film, but it is still a badass, fun show. The band was tight. Though I am not the biggest Dave Matthews fan, it was cool to see him join Jagger for Wild Horses. They gave a heartfelt performance of the classic track. The set for Bridges to Babylon was magnificent. Seeing the band cross a tall bridge to reach a smaller stage in the midst of the crowd was cool. Lots of female undergarments went a-flying at that point.

Rating: ««««

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

The Beatles Anthology (1995)

Genre: TV / Musical / Documentary
Directed by: Geoff Wonfor and Bob Smeaton
Cast: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr
Number of episodes: 8

 


This TV series examines the lives and career of The Beatles and it’s four members, from their humble beginnings to superstardom. Over the course of eight, hour long episodes, we go through their history with considerable details. I love how, in this documentary, a big piece of the attention was given to the actual music. We also get to hear from the three surviving members (at that time, since this was done before Harrison’s passing) and their entourage, and Lennon’s presence is felt through archive footage. This is absolutely great stuff.

Rating: «««««

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Ladies and Gentlemen: The Rolling Stones (1974)

Genre: Musical
Directed by: Rollin Binzer
Cast: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Mick Taylor
Running time: 83 minutes



This film shows material recorded in 1972, in Forth Worth and Houston, Texas, by The Rolling Stones, who were out to support their album Exile on Main Street. The material here is very raw and not overly produced. Some of the performances, especially Jagger’s singing, was not as tight, and the sound recording did not help. Still, in its rawness, this is a fun concert film showing the great rock n’ roll band of all-time having a good time on stage, performing very upbeat sets of music.

Rating: ««««

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

John Denver: Rocky Mountain High - Live in Japan 1981 (1981)

Genre: Musical
Cast: John Denver
Time: 74 minutes


 

As the title indicated pretty clearly, this is a concert film of a performance given by John Denver in Japan in 1981. Here, the country-folk singer-songwriter and musician performs all of his biggest hits and more in front of a crowd that seemed quite appreciate of the event. Denver even got gifts and flowers on a few occasions from spectators. Overall, a very good show with a talented man gone too soon. Was also cool to see that Glen Harding and James Burton, who had worked with Elvis before, were also on hand as part of the band.

Rating: ««««

Friday, January 6, 2023

The Rolling Stones: Sticky Fingers Live at the Fonda Theatre 2015 (2017)

Genre: Musical
Directed by: Paul Dugdale
Cast: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ron Wood
Running time: 96 minutes

 

Live on stage at the Fonda Theatre, in Los Angeles, California, The Rolling Stones debuted a tour celebrating the release of their iconic album Sticky Fingers. Over the course of more than an hour, they performed all ten songs on that recording plus a few more. In between the songs, there were excepts of interviews with the four members of the band discussing the recording of that album and the music that came out of it.

I love the Stones. It is without a doubt my favorite band. Here, while they were not as tight as they can be on stage, they still had great energy and presence. The music was great, though I would have taken a few more songs from outside the Sticky Fingers album.


Rating:
««««

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Roger Waters: Us + Them (2019)

Genre: Musical
Directed by: Roger Waters and Sean Evans
Starring: Roger Waters, Jonathan Wilson, Dave Kilminster
Running time: 101 minutes

 


This live concert was captured during the 2017-2018 tour done by Roger Waters, formerly of Pink Floyd. Over the course of two hours, Waters performs some of his solo material and some stuff from the Pink Floyd days. The visual effects are absolutely astounding. The set and the stuff on the giant screen are mesmerizing. Musically speaking, I am not a huge fan of progressive rock. I find it masturbatory at times. That being said, here is a solid set of music performed by a talented artist and his team of musicians. It was great to revisit those classics and to hear the newer stuff.

Rating: ««««

Monday, October 3, 2022

Travelin' Band: Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall (2022)

Genre: Musical / Documentary
Directed by: Bob Smeaton
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Creedence Clearwater Revival
Running time: 86 minutes

 


This film captures the full performance by American band Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall, in London, England, in 1970. It also offers a short documentary, narrated by none other than Jeff Bridges, on the creation of the group and its road up to that point.

I have always loved the music of CCR. To have this concert showing them live, before they completely imploded, was quite a treat. And to have it narrated by none other than the Dude itself, Jeff Bridges, really tied the whole thing together. While the documentary part felt a little dry at time, as it was exclusively based on archived footage, it was still cool and interesting.

Rating: ««««

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Randy Bachman's Vinyl Tap: Every Song Tells a Story (2014)

 Genre: Musical
Directed by: John Barnard
Starring: Randy Bachman
Running time: 87 minutes


 

Inspired by his own radio show, guitarist Randy Bachman decided to go on stage with a group of musicians, in his hometown of Winnipeg, to tell the stories that inspired many of the songs he wrote with The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive. After telling the stories, he performed these songs, to the delight of the crowd.

Amazon Prime had been recommending this one to me for a while, so I decided to give it a chance. I loved it. Bachman is a great storyteller and musician. Vocally, he’s nothing to write home about anymore as a singer, but it did not matter. This was such a great walk through Memory Lane. I rediscovered many of those songs I had been taking for granted.

Rating: «««««

Monday, July 25, 2022

Elvis (2022)

Genre: Biographical / Musical
Directed by: Baz Lurhmann
Starring: Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, Olivia DeJonge
Running time: 159 minutes

 


This very colorful biographical film chronicles the life of one of the most famous singers of all-time, Elvis Presley, with a particular focus on his complex relationship with manager Colonel Tom Parker.

First off, director Baz Lurhmann is clear to see here, yet again. The colours, the sets, the details; all is there. Austin Butler is really solid as Elvis. He brings him back to life. As for Tom Hanks, what can I say? He is a mater at work. The transformation he accomplished to become Tom Parker is the work of a true talented thespian.

Elvis is a touching film about a talented man who, in spite of all of his faults, had such a positive impact on so many people. By the end, you cannot help feel bad for how he was basically run right into the ground like a dead horse by an unscrupulous manager. I also appreciated how the film made such a big place for the Black musical community, that was such an influence on Presley.

Rating: «««««

Monday, July 4, 2022

Pearl Jam - Live in Seattle August 8, 2018 (2018)

Genre: Musical
Cast: Eddie Vedder, Mike McCready, Matt Cameron
Running Time: 186 minutes


 

This live concert saw Pearl Jam go back home to Seattle, at Safeco Field, to put on a show to raise awareness towards the issue of homelessness. For more than three hours, the band led by Eddie Vedder performed a huge setlist of their own songs and a few covers. It was a solid and energetic performance. I loved how the show started in black and white and then turned to color. It was so smooth, it just happened naturally as I was lost in the music. Awesome show.

Rating: «««««

Friday, June 24, 2022

40 Years of Metallica (2021)

Genre: Musical
Cast: James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo
Number of Episodes: 2

 

Over the course of two nights, in late 2021, rock band Metallica celebrated its 40th anniversary by having two concerts, with distinct setlists, in its hometown of San Francisco. In with the musical performance, there were interesting clips about various aspects of the band’s career. It was a very cool show. A few moments were rough around the edges, vocally and musically, but the audience loved every second of it, and the band sure seemed to do so too. All in all, a very fun celebration.


Rating:
««««

Monday, June 20, 2022

Les Misérables (2012)

Genre: Musical
Directed by: Tom Hooper
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried
Running Time: 158 minutes

 


Based on the English adaptation of a French musical inspired by the Victor Hugo novel of the same name, this film tells the story of Jean Valjean, a man that was imprisoned for 19 years for stealing bread for his nephew. Upon his release, he escapes his lifelong parole, spending the rest of his life running away from overzealous police inspector Javert. In the process of making a new life for himself, Valjean meets Fantine, a struggling factory worker. On her deathbed, he promises to care for her young daughter, Cosette.

Visually-speaking, this film is majestic. The scenery is breath-taking. The ensemble cast also offered solid performances. The costumes were well done. This film started with a strike against it with me, being a musical where all the dialogue is sung. But, I tried to keep an open mind. It is overly bombastic and overdramatic, but this is a compelling story delivered on screen by talented folks. Not my thing, but kudos nonetheless.

Rating: «««

Monday, December 13, 2021

Pitch Perfect (2012)

Genre: Musical/Comedy
Directed by: Jason Moore
Cast: Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson
Running Time: 112 minutes

 


The Barden Bellas are an all-girl a cappella group from Barden University that have been trying for years to win the National competition, with a traditionalist number, but they always come short. With an influx of new talent, they might stand a chance, if uptight ringleader Aubrey agrees to let go of the reigns a little bit.

With a talented ensemble cast and some toe-tapping musical numbers, Pitch Perfect is a fun film, albeit very campy. Some of the performances are over-the-top and there is a lot of silliness involved, but it is entertaining for what it is. Special mention to Elizabeth Banks. Her performance was a highlight for me.

Rating: «««

Friday, October 29, 2021

The Rolling Stones: Some Girls: Live in Texas '78 (2011)

 Genre: Musical
Directed by: Lynn Lenau Calmes
Cast: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Charlie Watts
Running Time: 85 minutes

 


Recorded live on stage in 1978, in Fort Worth, Texas, this concert was part of The Rolling Stones’ tour for their Some Girls album. Here they performed a blues-tinged rock show like only they can. It felt dirty and raunchy. I can only imagine what it must have been like live. The only fault I can find here is that I would have taken more.

Rating: ««««

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Sparkle (2012)

Genre: Musical / Drama
Directed by: Salim Akil
Cast: Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke
Running Time:116 minutes

 


Sparkle Anderson is a talented singer and songwriter. but she lacks confidence, so she hangs on as a second fiddle in a Motown girl group with her two sisters, in defiance of their overprotecting mother, a failed singer in her own right.

This Supremes-inspired story is a remake of the 1976 original. A nice update was done to the story, which gave it a fresher feel, in spite of the fact that the events are set in the 60’s. While the 60’s aura was still there, the tale being told felt more realistic. Unfortunately, the acting often did not come off the screen like in the original.

This was Whitney Houston’s last film performance before her untimely death.

Rating: «««

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Sparkle (1976)

Genre: Musical / Drama
Directed by: Sam O’Steen
Cast: Irene Cara, Philip M. Thomas, Lonette McKee 
Running Time: 98 minutes


 

Inspired by the story of The Supremes, Sparkle tells the tale of three sisters from Harlem, New York, who form a musical group in the last 50’s and early 60’s, only to break up with various difference get in the way.

This film is fine for what it was. The music was good, and the acting by the two leads, was solid. The supporting cast, on the other hand, was weaker. The story itself felt a little clichéd and silly at times, but it also had its moments when it shined.

Rating: «««