Kinetic Creatures

We have to move
migrate, travel
down the sidewalk
street, highway
percussive bodies
beating, burning
to there, then there, then there
cascading destinations
this is not elective
but necessity
this biological directive
to proceed
encased in time
we thrash against
the bonds of space
to store
to park
to work
to home
the echo of the nomad's roam

'Nomad: In The Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin' A Review

Nomad: In The Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin is a documentary by Werner Herzog about the life and adventures of British travel writer Bruce Chatwin. Told through talking head interviews but mostly through retracing Chatwin's various travels paired with Herzog's unmistakable narration the film investigates the life of a man and humanity as a whole.

Any Herzog film is a gift, his unique perspective and insight always on display and injected by his poetic and stark narration. The sweeping drone footage and creeping camera footage are beautiful and Herzog maintains an uncanny ability to have deliciously bizarre and fruitful interviews. But his documentaries are sometimes limited by their subject and with Chatwin who passed away in 1989 there isn't a lot of footage or audio recordings of the man nor is there many people interviewed who knew him first hand. As a result the journey Herzog stitches together is rather opaque, there is some fascinating scenes, themes, and ideas that are drawn out but taken together it feels somewhat incomplete or too sprawling in scope.

Herzog's best documentary work has a narrow focus(like Grizzly Man and Into The Abyss) but this like some of his broader work(Encounters At The End Of The World and Reveries Of A Connected World) still has a lot to offer visually, intellectually, and spiritually.

Available to rent as part of the Music Box Theatre's virtual cinema here.

Rent It.

'Bill & Ted Face The Music' A Review

Bill & Ted Face The Music is a scifi comedy the third installment in the B&T franchise. It's been twenty years since Bill(Alex Winters) and Ted's(Keanu Reeves) excellent adventure and bogus journey but they have yet to make the song that will unite all of space and time. Middle aged and still affable but not quite as upbeat the pair are straining under the burden of humanities salvation. When an emissary from the future tells them they have 78 minutes to play the song that will save the world or it will be destroyed the two set out to find the elusive song. Their daughters Billie(Brigette Lundy-Paine) and Thea(Samara Weaving) also set out to put together a band to help them out. Filled with the same silly heart of the previous films as well as nostalgia nods and easter eggs this may not hold many surprises but it is a lot of fun.

It is wild to see Winters and Reeves, two grown men, reprise their iconic and most bodacious characters and works surprisingly well. The two age them appropriately but not to a degree where they are unrecognizable, their fun almost symbiotic camaraderie is on display and although we don't get as much jargon or air guitar their friendship and attitude is still contagious. What's really impressive is Lundy-Paine and Weaving's imitation/interpretation of the iconic duo as their offspring, clearly having a blast and recontextualizing these cult characters in the modern world. The film has a lean run time and the story moves quickly so their isn't a lot of time and sit and be with the characters but you wish there would be, for both pairs.

On a relatively modest budget with limited effects the film captures the same light-but-big-hearted adventure and emotion of the previous two. It may not feel as fresh or as unique, there is no surprise some plot retreading, but unlike some other recent 90's franchise flicks Bill & Ted Face The Music hits the right balance, matches the tone of the originals, and feels of a piece as opposed to an after thought or a desperate cash grab. The film may not be amazing but it is clear but a lot of love, care, and attention went into it and it is entertaining.

Best if viewed after revisiting the first two. All three available for rent on most VOD platforms.

Rent It.

Ordered House, Ordered Mind

Sometimes our outsides
reflect our insides,
when stressed or strained
dishes pile up
papers tend to gather
and dust and grime
meet in crevices and corners
but with routine
action and attention
sometimes external neatness
can assuage the pressure
of life's ceaseless weather
and provide some peace
at least at home
where the boundaries meet.

'Happy Happy Joy Joy: The Ren & Stimpy Story' A Review

Happy Happy Joy Joy: The Ren & Stimpy Story is a documentary about the creation, aftermath, and impact of the cult 90's cartoon. The film cuts together old behind the scenes footage of the shows production, found footage, and talking-head interviews. It begins with the show's creator John Kricfalusi, his childhood and background, then extends to the various animators who made up the staff, then the journey to it's airing as a result of Nickelodeon executive Vanessa Coffey, and Kricfalusi eventual implosion and removal from the show. It concludes by addressing Kricfalusi serially preying on underage aspiring animators primarily through testimony of survivor Robyn Byrd.

For fans of the show or for those with even passing memories of it from childhood this is a fascinating, complicated, surprisingly intense watch. Through the lens of Ren & Stimpy of all things art and animation, genius and mental illness, perversity and censorship, and that question of the art and the artist are investigated and perhaps not perfectly settled but Kricfalusi is directly questioned, the legacy of the show is discussed not only by him but all the staff, and Byrd shares her truth. The primary focus is on the show itself but significant time is given to Kricfalusi's behavior and towards the end his crimes.

Imperfect but bold, the film does a great job of looking at a cult hit and it's influence but the individuals and circumstances that made it possible and does not shy away from the darkness.

Currently available for rent on most VOD platforms.

Don't Miss It.

'Project Power' A Review

Project Power is a scifi action movie, a different take on the superhero, about a new drug that gives people that take it five minutes of super powers. Set in New Orleans the movie follows bright and capable power dealer Robin(Dominique Fishback) as she struggles with school and her mom's medical expenses, a rogue cop Frank(Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who uses the drug himself in order to combat it's rampant use in crime, and Art(Jamie Foxx) who is hunting the drug's suppliers for mysterious motivations.

Fishback lights up the screen with enthusiasm and presence, grounding even the most absurd scenes in sequences with humor and pathos. Foxx, indicative of his recent action work, is servicable if not terribly inspired. He's a great leading man, his star power is unquestionable, his acuity with the fight/gun choreography flawless but there is a sense, given what he can do, that he's holding back. JGL has a horrible accent and an even thinner character, his dialogue mostly relegated saccharine New Orleans-centric monologues. There is a fun little scene with Robin's mom where his able to show some personality but that's the exception rather than the rule for this particular outing for him.

Competently and fluidly shot, with some exciting flourishes with the pill-as-power conceit, and an effective if somewhat generic score(although with some great diegetic raps from Fishback) ultimately the production is functional without breaking the barrier of unique. Reminiscent of the abundant but non-descript action flicks of the oughts.

Enjoyable entertainment during a dearth of action options. Currently streaming on Netflix.

Rent It.

The Owl Game

The Harden's had a swing set
and we were of an age
where its rigors were diverting
to a point, but we were
also at an age where our
imaginations were keen and
mature self-consciousness yet
to manifest. Our first and
greatest achievement- The Owl Game -
wherein one of us was the
hero, animal to-be-chosen,
one of us the owl, the last
the owl's captor, also animal
to-be-chosen but frequently
feline if memory serves. We
played out the scenario in
countless iterations and created
countless play-pretend games.
The eldest by a year I knew
these would be perceived as
stupid and childish by my peers- almost
unilaterally lacking sensitivity (more
drawn to Nintendo and sport)- but
pretend was the pinnacle the apex
and I refused to give it up.

Before we three aged out of our games
the Hardens moved.

Pretending left with them.

'Sputnik' A Review

Sputnik is a period scifi horror film set in 1983 Soviet Union. It opens on two cosmonauts in space preparing for reentry from orbit. There's a flash of light and a mysterious body on their hull, cut to their crash with Konstantin(Pyotr Fyodorov) the apparent survivor. We're then introduced to Tatyana(Oksana Akinshina) a neurophysiologist who's been called in front of a review board for unorthodox methods which she stand behind at the detriment of her career. After she's approached by Colonel Semiradov(Fyodor Bondarchuk) who enlists her to give a consultation on a case which turns out to be Konstantin held in a secure isolated facility, with apparent amnesia.

Akinshina gives a wonderfully intelligent engaged performance with creshendos of emotion that create a startlingly authentic feel, grounding the speculative nature of the narrative effortlessly. Fyodorov gives an appropriately odd off-balanced turn and has a particular and easy chemistry with Akinshina but the film isn't bogged down by a shoehorned romance. Bondarchuk is surprisingly delightful, able to create layers and logic that bring what could potentially be a flat military officer into stark and magnetic definition.

The dark, grim, grimy visuals enhance the oppressive claustrophobic feel of the story and the period production immerse the viewer in this specific but not-to-distant past. It's incredibly effective and if perhaps so elements are somewhat derivative the angle taken on this type of scifi yarn is unique enough to connect and scary enough to thrill.

Currently available to rent on most VOD platforms.

See It.

7th Anniversary

Celebrated 7 years together today. Rented a cabin out in the woods for a little vacation but also because we were supposed to get married on Saturday. It seems selfish or self-involved to be upset or emotional at having to postpone our wedding given everything going on in the country and world over the past several months but it was a surprising blow, doubly surprising given even when we sent out our invitations we were fully aware that it was a possibility. Even with that knowledge it was affecting, intellectually knowing it was possible/likely but emotionally tightly holding on.

Over the past couple weeks we've been able to process it and with this time away it's really helped to put things in perspective, feel more assured and stable, relax and recharge, and move forward. I've always felt energized and soothed by time alone and in nature and with the stress and tedium of life in 2020 this time away was especially needed and restorative. Because the reality is the wedding and parties and concerts and eating inside, all that stuff can wait, we're healthy and together and ultimately that's what's important. Cliche perhaps but true. Simple not easy.

The Fen

What slimy critters
glide below the water's film
what toothed slick creatures
prowl the muddy shallows

most likely fish,
turtles and toads
but there is that genetic fear
that flicks on like a switch-
No, those are unknown waters
and within primordial beasts

The Cranes

they launch and croak
from the copse ahead
incensed by our human presumption

the gray-brown pair
circle and honk-

Nature's regal car alarm.

'Alone Across The Arctic' A Review

Alone Across The Arctic is a documentary about explorer Adam Shoals and his 4000 km journey across the Canadian Arctic, alone, by canoe and on foot. Mostly shot by Shoals himself the movie opens on his preparation filmed by a crew than once he disembarks filmed only by him. Shoals trudges and paddles through bleak and beautiful landscapes mercilessly pushing forward to outrun the winter. His body reflects the physical tole but Shoals is so focused, so driven, there is very little reflection.

An impressive and fascinating journey unfolds in footage that could use more variety, Shoals for the most part does testimonials in his tent and attaches go-pros to his canoe, that's mostly it, it's repetitive. But he is clearly working hard and under a time constraint and some of the recurring shots help to underscore both the beauty but also the tedium of the endeavor. He doesn't seem to particularly miss his family or normal food or civilization at all. The expedition elicits very little introspection in anyway, he comes across signs of hikers who have died along the same or a similar journey and talks briefly on mortality, he comes across abandoned gear and has a comment about the outdoor adage Leave No Trace, but overall Shoals is totally, exclusively in the moment. And in order to survive, in order to succeed he probably has to be.

Impressive and stunning but mostly devoid of emotion.

Currently streaming on Amazon.

Stream It.

'The Secret Garden' A Review

The Secret Garden is a family drama the most recent adaptation of the book of the same name. Mary Lennox(Dixie Egerickx) is orphaned in India and sent to live with her uncle Archibald Craven(Colin Firth). Narcissist-in-training Mary finds the titular secret garden, befriends her invalid cousin Colin(Edan Hayhurst) and moor roaming boy Dickon(Amir Wilson) and brings light to an already light and fanciful place.

Egerickx gives a valiant effort but is out of her depth, able to convey the irritating preciousness of the character but without any of the dimension or necessary pathos. Unfortunately the supporting cast almost unilaterally have little screen time and remain thin, an excessive amount of time is spent at the beginning in India and we continue to flashback to that time at the cost of the supporting casts development.

Vibrant and baffling lush(is this is tropical garden in England?) visually the film is very pretty and the spooky estate of Mistlethway not so much foreboding as set designed to inch of it's life by a Wes Anderson devotee. The Secret Garden is a somewhat dark emotional tale and there is no darkness(or depth) here just presentational twee blandness. The only strong response the movie elicits is the desire to go back and watched your preferred version(for me it's 1993's haunting but ultimately hopeful incarnation).

Currently available for rent on most VOD platforms.

Don't See It.

Community

Long ago
back and back
and back
the old timers
would gather
around a fire
and tell stories
of how the world
was made
and thus did they rest
order from
the chaos of life
now and always
should we remember
the ways of our fore
fathers and mothers
for they knew much
about survival
the lone wolf starved
the sole elk was killed
isolation was ever
a problem to solve

'An American Pickle' A Review

An American Pickle is a comedy about a Jewish immigrant Herschel(Seth Rogan) who falls into a vat of pickles in 1919's New York only to awaken 100 years later and connect with his great grandson Ben(Seth Rogan). Herschel struggles to acclimate to modern times and he and Ben quickly clash over family and career.

Rogan puts in a lovely and surprising double act, balancing some pretty broad comedy with affecting heart. More time is spent on Herschel, his character and journey, as opposed to Ben the millenial archetype and that focus is wonderfully fresh coming from the actor/producer. The supporting cast is all great but the film is primarily concerned with the generational tension between the two leads and the performances may not be particularly flashy like Cage in Adaptation or Hardy in Legend but the humor balanced with the grounded honest emotion really works.

Visually intriguing with some adjustments of the aspect ratio, the look is assured and effective letting the situations and performances drive the story with the occasional editing flourish. A narrative, absurd in some ways, with excellent pacing perfectly balances sometimes outrageous laughs with some poignant meditations on culture, family, ambition, and even death. Rogan continues to evolve far beyond his schlub-stoner persona and those that still harbor preconceptions of him would do well to look at his recent work.

Currently streaming on HBO Max.

Don't Miss It.

'The Fox'

The first movie
I remember
making out during
was The Mask Of Zorro
at Cherryvale Mall,
the experience
was conflicting
because I couldn't
pass up
potential kisses
nor miss out
on prime Banderas.

'I Used To Go Here' A Review

I Used To Go Here is a dramedy about a 30-something author Kate(Gillian Jacobs) who has recently broken off her engagement and whose first novel's sales are bad. After her book tour is cancelled her old professor David(Jemaine Clement) invites her down to her alma mater to give a reading and meet with students which she excitedly accepts.

Jacobs certainly puts in a commendable effort but lacks the range to make this somewhat underwritten character in a pre-mature mid-life crisis particularly relatable or interesting. The supporting cast fares significantly better with Clement playing a delightfully pathetic narcissist, Zoë Chao as Laura Kate's best friend is the only believable(and funny) adult in the movie, and all the college students are played authentically and with energy. The problem falls mostly with the lead who comes across as searching but immature and self-involved, not a particularly empathetic main character, it's possible this is solely the result of Jacobs casting but the going-back-to-college-to-find-your-way trope doesn't help much either.

Competently shot and scored, with some great on location sites in Chicago and SIU in Carbondale the movie looks and feels good and there is some wonderful performances, scenes, and vignettes but ultimately the story struggles to answer one of the most important and basic questions "why care".

Currently available to rent on most VOD platforms.

Stream It.

'Vivarium' A Review

Vivarium is a scifi horror movie about a couple out house hunting that comes upon a bizarre and uniform subdivision which they get trapped in.

Imogen Poots, is always a pleasure to watch, her screen presence is so clear and grounded and authentic but here as Gemma she isn't given a lot to do, she's bogged down by the deliberate existential malaise the movie creates, which I guess is effective because that is clearly the intent but it doesn't make for a particularly interesting or engaging story. Jesse Eisenberg is cast against type here as Tom beginning as a working-class goof who turns into a brooding, distant, shell. With a character that is neither neurotic/obsessed nor hyper verbal his best assets are hamstrung and what's left is a solid meh of a performance. The two have great chemistry, see the surprisingly electric The Art Of Self Defense currently streaming on Hulu, but it goes mostly untapped as they mostly sit statically gradually being overcome with despair.

An interesting concept and some intriguing production design don't make up for the dearth of material here. This would have made a great short but there is simply not enough substance to justify feature length, what we're left with is a boring slog towards an inevitable(and predictable) depressing ending, it creates an effective and specific mood but has neither the narrative robustness nor the character dimension to actualize as a coherent film.

Currently streaming on Amazon.

Don't See It.

Bog Walk

The floating walk way bucks and bubbles
the heron hunts the frog and them the bugs
we shuffle and skip across the waters top
as creatures lurk within the bogs black rump
who knows the mysterys of the swamp
aside from the lurkers of the dank and dark