It's been a long time.
However, it looks like my password still works.
If I'm gonna be an old man yelling at clouds, might as well be in a space I already have right?
Talk soon...

Bandersnatch: The Choice Is Yours, But Can You Live with It?

Wow. it's been two years? Let's get started then.

Netflix closed 2018 with Bird Box trending and opened with the same for Bandersnatch. What is Bandersnatch? It's the latest Black Mirror installment on the streaming platform. Bandersnatch is an interactive movie modeled after the Choose Your Own Adventure books popular in the 80s & 90s. Netflix had been testing the concept with their children's content and on December 28 brought a full movie to the platform with much success to date.

After a brief tutorial, it's July, 1984 in England and Stephan Butler, starts the film readying himself to make a big pitch to gaming software company, Tuckersoft. He is in the throws of programming a game adaptation of Bandersnatch, a choose your own adventure book. His decisions (keep your controller ready) start simple enough with lightweight consequences, such as breakfast and music preference. The decision making grows increasingly crucial to the storyline with some light and seemingly light choices throughout affecting your path. This is where Bandersnatch begins to shine and Black Mirror shows it's face.

For those who are unaware, the Black Mirror series has a tradition of peeling back the layers of societal behaviour for examination, much like the Twilight Zone before it. The most prevalent theme of Bandersnatch is self-control. Without spoilers, Stephan's world is slowly imploding as he wrestles with fantasy and reality, past and present. The secondary theme OR maybe the most important one is can he live with his decisions? Actually can he live with YOUR decisions? ACTUALLY, can YOU live with YOUR decisions?

Therein lies the beauty. Therein lies the dilemma. Bandersnatch has been advertised with a multitude of paths and several endings, some merely consequential, some official, others hidden. It is up to YOU to decide your level of engagement. Many viewers have taken to the movie much like a video game. Upon what's deemed as a failure, they retrace their steps from the last major decision that led them to the current path and go again. Billed as a 90 minute venture, folks have professed to having binged 3-4 hours in a sitting searching for all of the paths and endings. Having been a fan of choose your own adventure style books, I felt that the real fun was in sharing MY unique experience with others. However, what many are doing is near the equivalent (in my opinion) of reading the book from front to back, not wanting to "miss" anything. I wonder if this were on Vudu, Amazon or iTunes where each view to the ending was the cost of a rental, if people would be content with their choices or be willing to spend the money. I DO know that the Bandersnatch conversations would be much more interesting.

As a hypocrite, I will say that I have viewed the product TWICE. The first viewing ended less than 20 minutes in and I was honestly kind of pissed that I didn't get an ending credits sequence, but was rerouted back to my detrimental decision. I immediately switched to other programming because I didn't feel like I was in control of the decision making at that point. An hour or so later, I decided to attempt a second run to try and achieve the full experience as my wife watched on. My second viewing was closer to an hour and 10 minutes and significantly more satisfying. I've not cued up the movie again. Curiosity MAY get the better of me. I doubt it If it DOES, I will see if there is a way to clear all decisions from my cache to not affect my subsequent run throughs and report back.

In the meantime, no matter who you are, enjoy Bandersnatch. For it's nostalgia. For it's innovativeness. For it's message. Enjoy it however you like as much as you wish...

The Significance Of "Atlanta's" Ending (I Feel You, Bro!)

After watching the season finale of the FX show, Atlanta yesterday, I've never been more connected to the show's creator, Donald Glover.  As expected, the first season was funny, weird, smart and fresh-which would describe Mr. Glover.

Let me explain the significance of the ending in the season finale.  Warning: Spoilers ahead.

First, the show begins with Earnest "Earn" Marks waking up alongside his baby's mama, Vanessa, in her bed.  He's crashing at her place.  We learn early on that Earn dropped out of an Ivy League school and returned home to Atlanta.  What's next for Earn?  No one knows yet, but what we do know is that he has no place, let alone a bed, to call his own.

Among his meager possessions are some headphones.  Whenever he has some "alone time" (or whether he's walking the streets on riding the bus), he's listening to rap music - it's his passion.  As he's walking, he's following the path towards his future.  Where's he's going?  Don't know, but he knows the path doesn't go through Princeton.  He knows he wants to do something that involves music.  Since his cousin, Alfred, is known around the city as the popular underground rapper "Paperboi", Earn suggests he becomes his manager.

 
Alfred reluctantly agrees to this arrangement.

What does a Music Manager do and how does he make money?  At this point, the only thing's for certain about Earn following this path is...



This is how I felt moving to Hollywood a few years ago to pursue a career in acting.  I know I wasn't going to be in TV shows and movies if I stayed in Indiana.  When I did arrive to Hollywood, I didn't really know which path to take to be a working actor.  For a while, I was wandering down this career path-a path that seems like a waste of time for a lot of people-trying to meet people and trying out things in hopes of something "clicking".  Something to let me know I was on the right path to greatness.

It had me feeling like a Nomad, which is how Earn lives his life throughout the season.  Since he can't sleep in his own bed at his parents' house (they kicked him out of the house for dropping out of school), we watch Earn waking up in different places and in different beds (or couches sometimes) in various episodes.  In fact, if a particular episode centers around Earn, the opening scene shows him waking up in a different location.



As a Music Manager, Earn's starting from the bottom.  As Paperboi's manager, he sets up the rapper's participation in a celebrity basketball game...






...with JUSTIN BIEBER...








...involvement in a roundtable discussion on B.A.N...






...and guest appearing at local nightclubs...with invisible cars.

Misadventures do ensue from these and other occurrences, but hey, there's no one surefire way to being a successful Music Manager.  Trials and errors are learned, but you keep pushing and working.

At the end of the finale's episode, Paperboi gets pleasure in handing Earn a roll of cash-the 5% fee he's earned from his managerial services.  It took a while, but his services have finally been rendered.
Earn then goes to Vanessa's place and hits her off with most of the cash for her and their baby.  She sees the fruits of his labor and they have dinner together (maybe for the first time ever) as a family. She offers him to stay for the night if he needs to.  He kindly declines, leaves, puts on his headphones, and walks off.

He comes to a storage unit in a storage facility, opens it, and turns on a lamp to reveal a cot and other personal belongings.  He lies down on the cot (FINALLY, A BED OF HIS OWN).  He then takes the $200 left of his 5% fee from where he initially stored it in his shoe, turns off the light, and goes to sleep.

The storage unit might not be much.  The cot might not be much.  $200 might not be much.  Earn might be starting from the bottom, but most of us start there.  Most creative career goals start like that, but I know I'm on the right path towards my future.  Just as sure as the clicking sound the lamp makes when Earn turns it off, he's sure things are now starting to "click" for him and his career.  Just like Earn, I'm sure, too.  

Would You Take A Walk With Me?

It was bound to happen folks. BWLM reviews it's first date movie...kinda. While I'm sure that this movie can and likely will be seen on date nights, it's actually ABOUT a date...kinda.

Welcome to Southside With Me, the silver screen dramatization of the "first date" between America's most loved and hated power couple, the Obamas. The film follows a summer day shared between Barack Obama and Michelle Robinson on the south side of Chicago. It is the summer of 1989 and Barack (Parker Sawyers) is spending his first summer break from Harvard as a junior associate with the Chicago based law firm of Sidley & Austin. It is there that he meets his strait-laced advisor, Michelle (Tika Sumpter). Channeling common interest in community improvement, Barack invites Michelle to a local committee meeting. What follows is history, however what follows immediately is hysterical...kinda. Y'know, the stuff that first dates are made of where two people who like each other try to get along long enough to SEE if they like each other enough to keep going.

Our Commander-In-Chief to be is portrayed by strong chinned Parker Sawyers, who started his onscreen career in the Lilyhammer series in 2012. Sawyers captures Obama's jovial and astute nature well and others seem to agree, as his dance card has filled since word has gotten out. Much like her character (Michelle), Tika Sumpter has proceeded Parker in Hollywood. Her credits include consistent roles across several genres in both TV and film since 2004 including a 6 year run on One Life To Live and the movies Salt, Get On Up and the Ride Along series. You can even find her singing in the movie Sparkle. Wait, there's more. She's also a producer on Southside With Me. Sumpter capably embodies the First Lady's spirit in what many may feel is an actual behind the scenes peek into what the Obamas are like. 

What makes Southside With Me good (yes, it's good) is it's authenticity. The discussion isn't so much as about the film's historical accuracy as it is about it's life experience. The subtle awkwardness and sometimes discomfort of two folks feeling each other out is captured well. The dialog is exceptional and touches on several issues including community, race, respectability politics and mixing business with pleasure. I also enjoy the concept of writer Richard Tanne to explore this one day, the moment that led to the next of the Obamas instead of attempting to make it a romantic biography. That said, thumbs up. Go ahead. Take a walk on the South Side...

NOTE: If you want more of onscreen Obama, you only need Netflix. The streaming leader has purchased the worldwide rights to BARRY, a movie set during our Commander-In-Chief's time at New York's Columbia University...

Gendertrification???

We've seen onscreen depictions of what life would be like for the last man in the world. That is NOT the plight of Andrew Myers. He, at 37 years old, is the YOUNGEST man in the world. "How?" you ask. If you ask any present day woman, she'll just say "Praise Nature." Welcome to the mockumentary known as "No Men Beyond This Point."

This comedy-documentary written, produced and directed by Mark Sawers follows the effects of parthenogenesis, an evolutionary phenomenon that first surfaced in 1953 that lead to women reproducing asexually. The coverage switches back and forth between historical footage and Andrew's present day life as a housekeeper for Tara & Iris, a couple with 4 children. Tara is a straight laced, pro-woman who sees men as cheap labour, while her partner Iris, believes that the world could possibly be better with more men. The movie uses footage and expert analysis to discuss everything from the fall of Christianity to the unification of the world's nations as the male species becomes more scarce as not only are women experiencing fatherless births, but they're also giving birth almost exclusively to female children (until Andrew). The doc explores the rise of women as the dominant species and how even terminology, theories and thoughts relating to men are increasingly remote.

All seems lost as the disenfranchised men attempt to rise up. With the government focused on things they feel are more important to the continued evolution of women, men are herded on reservations and monitored until death. 

While the film, isn't extraordinary it takes an interestingly comical view at men and what the world would be like without them (in control). It's written solid and executed well. Few mockumentaries possess that "umph" and this is no exception. it IS, however a refreshing change from the overdone lost video camera footage angle. Check it out when you get a chance...

Get Down or Let Down?

If you're at ALL familiar with the Hip-Hop culture OR streaming giant Netflix, then you've already been indoctrinated with ads, commercials, trailers and discussion of 'The Get Down.' Headed by Baz Luhrmann, whose most famous projects are Moulin Rouge, Romeo + Juliet, and The Great Gatsby, The Get Down is seemingly billed as a love letter to Hip-Hop's humble beginnings in the Boogie Down Bronx. Green-lighting the project are Hip-Hop legend Grandmaster Flash & ambassador/emcee Nasir Jones as consultant/contributors. The cast offers up a collection of silver and small screen veterans such as Zabryna Guevara, Eric Bogosian, Giancarlo Esposito and Kevin Corrigan. The focus however, is on the young talent. While Jaden Smith (Dizzy) might be the most well known, the weight of the series has been placed on the shoulders of the serie’s storyteller, relative newcomer Justice Smith (Ezekiel). The only two primary characters with real experience are Tyler Perry product Shamiek Moore (Shaolin) and Skylan Brooks (Ra-Ra), who has a host of TV shows and film credits.

I'm in a Pros and Cons mood, so lets just play GET DOWN or LET DOWN shall we?

GET DOWN: Setting The Table
While I've never experienced the Bronx in 1977, The Get Down does an excellent job of recreating the era in which I grew up. Clothing, footage and props take me back to my pre-teen summers, but the hook is the soundtrack. A mixture of funk, soul, disco along with original type stylings of what was about to become hip-hop tickle your ears with every narration, around each street corner and in the background of most conversations. Being a product of this environment, this alone is enough for me to enjoy the series as a simple pleasure.

LET DOWN: Episode 1
While the table is set nicely, The Get Down nearly burns the food coming out the gate. A six episode series (Part 1) is ushered in with a 90 minute movie that had me checking the time before the first hour. While it was enjoyable, it FELT long and convoluted. The episode tries to establish EVERY subplot, while pulling the viewer in more directions than necessary. I felt like The Get Down wanted to be GLEE, Beat Street and The Warriors all rolled into one with Blaxploitation Sprinkles. It wasn't horrible, but it sure wasn't good. An 8-10 episode Part 1 would have been a better fit. The series ends great, but you have to get through the beginning.

GET DOWN: The Diva
As stated earlier, the battle tested adult cast delivers, but the show rests squarely on the shoulders of narrator Books whom we meet as Ezekiel/Zeke played by newcomer Justice Smith. Justice is "bookended" by young breakouts Skylan Brooks and Shamiek Moore, each who have clocked more screen time that all the other young actors combined. Zeke is on the path from boy to man and it is the scent of a woman that influences him. That young woman is Mylene portrayed by Herizen Guardiola. Hired likely for her voice as much as her chops, Guardiola's Mylene is a force of nature that refuses to settle for the life around her and communicates that message to all she comes in contact with. Her profound effect on the other characters as well as young female viewers is a thing of beauty and hope. She DOES sing in the series. I don't know how much is produced, but so far it's satisfactory. I am an ole disco and house music head, so I may be partial.


LET DOWN: The Other Smith
It's still unclear if Justice Smith will be able to utilize The Get Down as a springboard to bigger and better things. What IS clear is that Jaden Smith is STILL trying. To be fair, I actually DON'T hate Jaden. I don't even hate his possible lack of talent. I just don't know if he has any. Every character I've seen him play is unassuming and confused looking. To his credit, I'm sure there's a niche market for this as is everything else. Jaden's character Dizzy also has an interesting story arc, similar to his father's from 1993. I'm sure it will garner plenty of press, but the only thing that matters is can he be good. That question is has been ongoing for some time.


GET DOWN: Diversity
Welcome to the Bronx, where the population is majority 50+% Black and Latino diaspora of all shades. Representation matters and The Get Down knows it. From clubs, to bodegas, barbershops, to churches, the diversity of the Bronx is proudly on display. Cuban, Puerto Rican, African, Jamaican, American Blacks and others populate The Get Down set. With the white and light washing of much of American History, it's refreshing that to see Latinos take a prominent role, especially in urban musicals where they're often regulated as dance sidekicks to melanin deficient leads.


LET DOWN: Part 1?
What's new got old really quickly to the tune of $120M. A cast of barely millenials that required training in each Hip-Hop discipline as well as the 70s. A director who had NO experience in with the culture OR writing, producing and directing small screen series. The indecision that STILL lurks as to whether cut the final episode count will be 12 or 13. The fact that until THAT decision is made there will be no release date, only the projection of 2017. I mentioned earlier that Part 1 settled in and ended VERY well. So well, that instead of a movie, the writing could have been extended to be as many as 10 episodes making time for character development and storytelling.

I wasn't there when the Bronx was burning, but I am prior military, so I view military movies differently. Likewise with people who grew up stomping the boroughs of NY. I'm sure they'll view The Get Down through a different lense. In the end, Part 1 finishes strong, but it's far from a smooth ride. If you're like me, your love for the culture and nostalgia can see you through until the writing, acting and directing begin to gel into a cohesive product  (Episode 4) that explores the essence of Hip-Hop in an almost religious or mystical light. Do it for the culture. You might be glad you did...

BWLM: Behind The Music...

We're back at it again here at BWLM and we're going to take you behind the scenes. Well before talkies introduced integrated sound, music has always been a key element in moving pictures. It has been the purveyor of both theme and emotion throughout it's existence as a form of entertainment. However, today we won't be pulling back the curtain on your favourite movie soundtrack but the soundtrack of LIFE itself. Today I will cover three documentaries that any cross genre music fan would appreciate. Only one of the films is actually a new release, but all three are worthy of your time and attention. Though I won't be offering a review rating, I will say that each film serves up a wealth of information and tidbits that make good for future viewings and sharing. Let's get it on.

STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF MOTOWN (2002)

If you ask the average fan of the Funk Brothers who they are, they likely couldn't tell you. If you ask them about Motown, you'd find out that they're VERY familiar with the Funk Brothers catalogue. Hand picked by Berry Gordy, the Funk Brothers were a studio band that powered the Motown machine cranking out hits for more than a decade. Though they wrote and produced scores of songs, dozens of which were hits, they were famous only to those familiar with the workings of Motown. Never touring, signing lavish contracts or receiving much deserved press for their innovation, dedication and excellence these musicians built a mighty empire note by note.

The documentary, based on the best-selling book by the same name chronicles the legacy created by Band Leader Earl Van Dyke, legendary bassist James Jamerson, Eddie Brown and several others who would never be mentioned in the liner notes of songs that shaped and defined entire generations and eras of music. I'm moved to say Black music, but Motown's influence was universally polarizing and can't be contained to Black, R&B or any other genre. Director Paul Justmann takes us back in time with historical footage and first hand accounts from the players themselves revealing a series of funny stories, little known facts and intimate confessions about the backbone of the movement that was Motown from the people that fueled it. The cherry on top? Footage of the Funk Brothers Reunion and concert with current (at the time) stars/artists. As a note, you can download or stream it, but the DVD/BluRay has significantly more footage. Grab some popcorn and make it a family affair...

THE WRECKING CREW (2008)

California in the 60s was a hotbed for music. Band after band was cranking out album after album which contained hit after hit. There was one catch. Many of them couldn't play. Sure, SOME of the musicians of that era were capable of playing instruments but FEW were capable of producing (or reproducing) the music featured on their albums. That honour and those hits belong to the Wrecking Crew. If you started at the top of this post, then you already read about the Funk Brothers. Well, the Wrecking Crew were their west coast constituents. From commercials to TV to movie soundtracks to albums, there was little that the hardest working band in California didn't touch.

The story starts with director, Denny Tedesco's intrigue about his father Tommy, a member. Filmed over the course of eight years, Denny finds players, footage, family and friends that spill the proverbial beans about how some of the biggest acts of an era of American music fooled us all. High demand and countless sessions weave a tale of finance, family and fraud. Most importantly though was the music. Music was king and the Wrecking Crew was it's royal court, serving the masses making the pretty faces up front sound even prettier on the radio. The documentary also follows the paradigm shift that occurred as acts that did play their own instruments entered the fray. All in all this doc is a nice walk down a memory backstreet. You might not know them when you hear them, but if you've ever grooved to music between 1960-1970, chances are you were listening to The Wrecking Crew. The documentary is available on DVD and streaming services such as Netflix & Amazon. Enjoy...

THE ART OF ORGANIZED NOIZE (2016)

What you know bout that Dirty South? Honestly, there are a LOT of people that KNOW, but DON'T KNOW. Names like Outkast, Goodie Mobb and the Dungeon Family come to mind, but those who DO know will tell you that at the core is Organized Noize, architect. Most commonly referred to by it's stage name the Dungeon Family, Organized Noize is producers Sleepy Brown, Ray Murray and Rico Wade. 'The Art Of' chronicles their rise, fall and resilience as the backbone of a Hip-Hop movement.

Birthed out of need, The Dungeon was an unfinished basement at Rico Wade's mother's home, named such because of it's dirt floors. The move was originally made so that the youngsters would have a space of their own and cut down on disturbances associated with their previous address. Filtering in and out of the space were many teens with dreams of being, doing, having and seeing more. Mainly though, they just wanted to tell their story THEIR way and the Dungeon gave them that. At that time, Organized Noize was just a way to describe their SAMPLE FREE sound. Behind their most popular alum, Outkast, they would eventually grow into a multi-million dollar hit machine that transcended what Hip-Hop could be on their terms. Fame, egos, inner turmoil, money and Industry Rule 4080 helped to ground the high flying trio but didn't prevent them from moving forward. The Art of Organized Noize is a Netflix Exclusive available for streaming now and is an interesting ride for those who are in to Hip-Hop history. Welcome to the Dungeon...