Category Archives: Classic Films

"The Warrior’s Way"

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You will certainly enjoy the video (seen here) of Sngmoo Lee’s The Warrior’s Way, which is out in theatres on December 3rd. It stars Dong-Kun Jang, Kate Bosworth, Danny Huston, and Geoffrey Rush. It’s quite the visual feast! Billed as a “martial arts, western fantasy”, it features the kind of stylistic battles that became popular with the massive success of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – one of my favorite movies of all time.

Some of the recent martial movies have used amazing battle scenes and breathtaking cinematography to enhance the story, and leave moviegoers spellbound. The aforementioned Crouching Tiger and The House of Flying Daggers always come to mind. It looks like The Warrior’s Way may follow it their footsteps.

Love, Work, and Money: An Instant Classic from Josh Charles

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This is cross-posted in the Huffingtonpost Media Entertainment.

Remember where you were when you heard Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life, or Alicia Keys’ Songs in A Minor? Like these two albums, you will remember the moment you heard Love, Work and Money, the stunning debut album from visionary musician Josh Charles. It is, quite simply, an instant classic.

It draws on many genres – blues, gospel, R&B, pop – and incorporates them in a uniquely powerful way. Josh Charles’ distinctive voice is the perfect anchor (and perfect compliment) to this 10-track masterpiece. It opens with The Waiting Game, an invigorating, up-tempo track sure to be a solid, radio-friendly hit. From the awesome title track to the smooth Just a Man, the listener will never be disappointed.

Charles burst onto the scene in early 2009 with the emotional Healing Time, the hit record he used to inspire those struggling with the scars of Hurricane Katrina. He includes that record on the album, as well as the powerful I’m Always Here for You, which is as much a love song as it is a postcard to his beloved New Orleans, and the soaring spirit that makes it The Emerald City.

This album is a major charm offensive for music lovers in search of great tunes, and for music executives eager to find the “next big thing”. This is a great accomplishment for a musician, singer and songwriter who is also a tremendous humanitarian. Love, Work and Money is the sound of great music, and 2010 is the year of Josh Charles.

Charles will have his much anticipated album release party at New York’s City Winery on Monday February 15, 2010. You can also fan him on his Facebook Page, and follow him on Twitter.

Got "Slumdog" Withdrawal?!

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You know what I mean: you enjoyed Slumdog Millionaire s-o-o-o much that you’re hoping something else like it will appear on the horizon, something that could produce the same movie magic and evoke the same sense satisfaction. Well, I can’t speak for anyone else, but ever since I saw Slumdog Millionaire last year, no movie has even measured up.

And look, I’ve see a lot of movies this year. The independent, moderate budget flicks – The Soloist, My Sister’s Keeper, The Proposal, & Away We Go – are my favorites so far. Yes, the fanboy in me really got a thrill from Terminator Salvation, Pelham 123, Public Enemies, Star Trek, X-Men Origins, and Transformers. And the big kid in me really enjoyed Monsters vs. Aliens, Up, and the Ice Age and Night at The Museum sequels. I must admit, it’s been a banner year.

But nothing, I mean nothing, has even come close to the power of Slumdog Millionaire. It was the most rewarding movie experience that I’ve had in a long time. I walked out of the theatre with boundless energy, and the Herculean belief that I could move The Himalayas if they were an obstacle. The movie packs an unforgettable emotional punch, and it’s a visually dazzling feast from beginning to end. It’s what movie making is all about: stylistic greatness and unmistakable originality. Remember The Color Purple and the spider coming out of the hole as Celie looks through Mister’s belongings? Classic! Remember Aunt May talking to Peter Parker in Spider Man 2 about how people believe in folks who do the right thing? Classic! Remember the extended sequence of colonial-era music and violent clashes toward the end of Last of the Mohicans? Classic!

I could go on and on, but you get the point.

Eventually, I’ll get over my longing for “another Slumdog-esque movie”. More great movies and masterpieces will emerge, and my Slumdog withdrawal symptoms will be gone. Well, here’s hoping we get many more great, original, and extraordinary films in the years to come. But right now, in this very minute, as of this second, Slumdog still rules!