Here are some reviews to share.
“Return of the King: The Fall & Rise of Elvis Presley.” This new Netflix documentary covers all that set up Elvis’ legendary 1968 comeback TV Special. Great remembrances from Springsteen, Robbie Robertson, Billy Corgan, Conan O’Brien and others frame this story. Elvis’ ex-wife Priscilla also offers insight too but looks absolutely plastic with all the facial reconstructs she’s had. Still, the best part of this special is the footage from that ’68 special. Also, this documentary was created and produced by the great but unheralded singer-songwriter John Eddie who is pals with Priscilla and also knew her daughter, the late Lisa Marie.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s recent visit to the Howard Stern Show was excellent. Search on You Tube and catch great talks about Bruce’s songs along with some fine in-studio jams. My favorite being their take on “Glory Days.”
Bruce and the E Street Band tear it up with Howard Stern.
Movies to see-
“Heretic”-One of the most intelligent films I saw this year. Great script and Hugh Grant is beyond creepy as a spiritual seeker as he welcomes two young Mormon women into his house to share their message of religious hope. Speaking of Grant’s home, it is so creepy it makes Buffalo Bill’s place in “Silence of the Lambs” look like “Romper Room.” And you’ll never listen to the Hollies’ “The Air That I Breathe” the same way again!
“Heretic” is tense and a fun ride through a smart spiritual and psychological plot.
I gave a solid ‘B’ to the tense Vatican offering “Conclave.” Great cast, script and plot changes that are totally unexpected. Look for Ralph Fiennes to get an Oscar nomination and the film itself should get a nomination too.
“Conclave” is Oscar worthy with an incredible ending.
On Netflix, “Woman of the Hour” was skin crawling crazy in a fun way. Anna Kendrick directed and stars in this story about the real life “Dating Game Killer.” I’ve watched this one twice!
Based on a true story of the so called ‘Dating Game Killer’, this one is more than worth your time.
Also on Netflix, I stumbled upon the new documentary on Martha Stewart. I never gave the famed home making maven much thought but her story is really fascinating. From her childhood to her rise, fall and return to the stratosphere, Martha has lived quite a life and she ain’t done yet.
Everything you didn’t know about Martha Stewart is shown in this documentary.
On Demand, I graded the brand new “Cellar Door” movie a “B+” for its intriguing story about a couple who moves into a dream house with one strange caveat that brings about conflict and mystery.
This trailer sets up what happens in The Cellar Door” and it’s a strange romp in a dream house.
New on HBO is the series “It’s Florida, Man” which shows us crazy true stories from that nutty state. These tales are re-enacted but you do meet the real life men and women involved in stories about losing limbs by humans & animals. There’s also a weird tale about mermaids and witches and a weird way to burn down a mobile home.
Ever hear of ‘Floridiots’? You’ll find some in this limited HBO series.
Another offering on HBO is the tense docuseries “Breath of Fire” which centers on a Yoga cult and the lives of its followers influenced by a dynamic and nefarious leader.
A woman with no direction in her life joins a Yoga cult and eventually takes things over. A true story that almost seems like make believe.
Come this weekend there are two big films opening in theaters, “Wicked” and “Gladiator 2” but I have no interest in either. I never saw the “Wicked” play and I’m doubting director Ridley Scott can equal what he did with Russell Crowe in the original “Gladiator.”
Finally, a couple weeks ago WGN Morning News co-host Robin Baumgarten celebrated a birthday and yes, Al Flash and I worked up a song to mark the occasion. Channel 9 didn’t air this one (they had other Robin bits to show) so we’ll pocket this one until next year.
NEXT BLOG- A list of “Thank-yous.”