Film Review: Before Midnight (15), (U.S.A. 2013) (Director: Richard Linklater), Saturday 22.06.2013 18:15, The Cameo Cinema, Screen One, Edinburgh

This is the third part of a trilogy, the first two parts being 'Before Sunrise' (1995) & 'Before Sunset' (2004). The first of these I saw on video and the second on DVD, once they were released for rental. I greatly enjoyed both of these previous parts on first viewing. Both of the previous installments, as with this most recent slice, presents a refreshing approach to 'romance' where the lead characters take time to have meandering conversations that take in all manner of randomness, both appear intelligent and believable & there is a complete absence of slush.

With this part, as with the second, the lead actors (Ethan Hawke & Julie Delpy) wrote the script along with the director and this may well have contributed to the 'real' quality of what is on screen. The films each time catch up with where the characters are 'now', and the relationship as presented has an evolution which intrigues and is quite distinct. This chapter contains more discord and complexity than the first two films, though this in itself is entirely appropriate as that in itself is the reality of the majority of romantic relationships after years of familiarity between two passionate and intelligent people.

With this being the third part of a trilogy, it is hard to consider the film by itself. I think the film could well be enjoyable without having seen the previous two parts. Though I also feel the film gives a lot more if the viewer knows the back story (as it were). I feel it is difficult to communicate quite how good these films are as all of the best parts are just to two leads chatting, how do you make that sound exciting? I am unable to find fault with any of the three films and would happily recommend all three parts, though obviously also recommend watching these in order.

Rating: 10/10.      

Live Performance Review: The Stone Roses, Glasgow Green, Glasgow, Saturday 15.06.2013, 16:00 (Supports: The View, Jake Bugg, Primal Scream)

Having enjoyed so much the 'Roses' gig in Manchester last year (rated as the third best last year, and would have been the best, had there not been two of such astonishing greatness) as soon as this gig was announced I did not have to think as to whether to try to get a ticket.

The weather was intermittent with a shower prior to the 'Roses' coming on stage, though then it was lovely weather for the rest of the eve. As with Heaton Park I was in the front enclosure though this time I was closer within this area and was stood literally just behind the front row. Due to this I had a fantastic view without ever having to relay upon the screens to see what was happening. The stage was a slightly scaled down version of what was used at Heaton Park.

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The Supports:

The View: I'm not keen on them and they did nothing to change that. Though I have to acknowledge that the crowd appeared to greatly appreciate them. Rating: 02/10. 

Jake Bugg: Jake is a musician I had wanted to see perform. Sadly his concerts appear to sell-out too quickly. So although a support slot is not the ideal way to see him, I was still very happy to see him perform. He did a good spread of songs from his album and a couple of newies. To consider Jake is still only 19, he has a command of singing, guitar playing (with nice variation & flourishes) and songwriting, displayed through his recordings and now supported in my mind by very capable live performance, that I feel he has to be considered as one of the most promising young British musicians. Rating: 07/10. 

Primal Scream: Quite simply, Past It. Embarrassing. Rating: 00/10.    
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The Stone Roses: 
As with last year, the 'Roses', musically were fantastic. The set-list was as follows: I Wanna Be Adored/Elephant Stone/Ten Storey Love Song/Sally Cinnamon/Standing Here/Shoot You Down/Fools Gold/Something's Burning/Waterfall/Don't Stop/She Bangs The Drums/Love Spreads/This Is The One/Made Of Stone/Breaking Into Heaven/Elizabeth My Dear/I Am The Resurrection.

The 'Roses' were piped onto stage by a man in typical Scottish attire playing 'Flower of Scotland' on the bagpipes. Although I am by no means a fan of the pipes, I did think this was a nice touch. The set-list had some variations to last year and it was nice to hear the likes of Elephant Stone. From 'The Second Coming' (1994), as at Heaton Park they played 'Ten Storey Love Song' & 'Love Spreads' though replaced 'Begging You' with 'Breaking Into Heaven'; it was nice to hear the other good song from that album. The 'Roses' played for about 1 Hour 45 Minutes, just short of the length of the performance at Heaton Park.

I had greatly enjoyed the gig, though it was not the emotional experience it was last year. Though then last year was the first time of getting to see one of my favorite bands after years of expecting it to never be possible. I also suspect it is harder to feel emotional when you are being squeezed from all sides and bracing your body to try to hold onto your position in the crowd.

Ian appeared a bit more relaxed this year and was making some funny moves for the enjoyment of the audience. John and Gary were just as good as they were last year, and Alan is still the bollocks. His drumming was continually of the highest possible standard with moments which were dumbfounding in their brilliance. He is in my mind without doubt the greatest drummer in popular music.

I was surprised to find the audience both less tuneful and more aggressive than they were in Manchester, though I can not deny that the enthusiasm and volume of the 'wegie' crowd was quite remarkable. The whole of the 'Roses' performance was treated as a singsong by the crowd, which is always good fun.  

As I sit writing this the following day, I feel tired and still slightly sore. I also wonder when I will reach a point of no longer trying to get down the front of these gigs. Though then I also think, don't be stupid you love these kinds of events.

Prior to seeing the 'Roses' in Manchester last year, I considered the Red Hot Chili Peppers to have given the greatest rock performances I've seen. Heaton Park surpassed the Chili Peppers, and now it has been followed by Glasgow Green. Hopefully now we will get a new great album and then more fantastic shows.

Rating: 10/10. (& I got to shake Ian's hand.) 

Film Review: Man Of Steel (12A), (U.S.A./Canada/U.K. 2013) (Director: Zack Snyder), Friday 14.06.2013 18:00, The Cameo Cinema, Screen One, Edinburgh

I was initially not fussed about seeing this, and although it would be difficult to pretend I was excited, I was certainly curious. What made me curious was Chris Nolan, the director of the 'Dark Night Trilogy' (2005 - 2013), was involved in a producing capacity and he tends to be regarded as releasing stuff of high quality. The other element that peeked my curiosity was that it has Michael Shannon playing General Zod (previously played by Terrance Stamp in 'Superman II' (1980)).

This is a 'supes' origins story. The detail about what happened to 'supes' home planet of Krypton is nicely fleshed out to a degree I have not seen in other 'supes' films, and incidents in his earthly upbringing are nicely told through flashback. Russel Crowe plays 'supes' biological father and Kevin Costner plays the Earth farther and neither manage to ruin the scenes they are in. Michael Shannon as Zod is very good and Henry Cavill as 'supes' very acceptable. Zod's suit for coming to earth I felt to have Geigeresque qualities. The means by which Zod & his forces intended to try to destroy the earth, turning it into a new Krypton, to my layman's brain felt to have a believeability to it.

Some of the fight scenes I felt to be over-the-top, even taking into account that they involve beings from a different planet who are used to differing gravitational forces and therefore have a greater degree of strength on Earth (although why this is the way it is, I felt to have been well explained). There is no Lex Luther and sadly for me there was no real excitement as there was never any real jeopardy. This is an issue 'supes' has always had. This is the crucial difference between 'supes' and 'the bat'.

Although there was no excitement for me, I can't deny that the film is well made and easily the best film by Mr. Snyder (300 (2006), Watchmen (2009), Sucker Punch (2011)). I f 'supes' is your thing, I'm sure you would get a lot from the film and find it very satisfying.

Rating: 07/10.  

Live Performance Review: Billy Bragg, Monday 03.06.2013, 19:00, The Queen's Hall, Edinburgh

There was very enjoyable support from The Lost Brothers, who are two Irish chaps on vocals and acoustic guitar. They did a fantastic version of 'Lonesome Town', though regrettably I cannot find this commercially available for purchase.

Billy Bragg is someone who I have had a wish to see for some years. I have to say I was very disappointed. The banter was tired and world weary. The sound of the band struck me as sounding 'cod', to a degree that I found uncomfortable.Billy's annunciation was appalling, I could not understand what he was singing in any song except the one, which thankfully was my favorite song of his. This was the third song in, 'Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key', written by Woody Guthrie. I was not able to last the whole gig as my discomfort was great enough, though lasted I would reckon approx half of it. I am thankful I saw him perform my favorite song of his, though I would not be tempted to see him again. At least the rest of the crowd appeared to be enjoying themselves.

Rating: 01/10.

Live Performance Review: Iron & Wine, Friday 31.05.2013, 19:30, Barbican Hall, Barbican, London

At the end of 2012 I had speculated that there were two musical artistes who would release albums in 2013, and if they did so, I would intend to see live. One of these was Iron & Wine, when tour dates were announced sadly there were no Scottish dates. As I had seen him twice before when he had toured for his two previous albums, I initially thought not to do this extravagance. Though then also thought that when it came to the dates and if I was not going I would be grumpy to say the least. So I decided to get a ticket and managed to get a ticket for the front row.

There was a support act, thought it was not worthy of discussing. At least it was short.

Iran & Wine is the name under which a Mr Samuel Beam releases and performs music. He started out as a solo acoustic performer, though for the most recent three albums and performances he has worked with other musicians. On stage with him doing vocals and acoustic guitar, he had someone on differing keys, another on drums, another on bass, and a three piece string section, a three piece brass section and three backing singers. They performed for just under two hours. In the middle of the performance there was a parred back section and within that there was a couple of songs of just him doing solo acoustic and taking requests (or as he termed it The Iron & Wine Buffet). There was a good spread from across his recording career: a hefty chunk of the new album ('Ghost On Ghost' 2013), several from both of his last two albums ('Kiss Each Other Clean' 2011 & 'The Shepherd's Dog' 2007) and less from the first two albums ('The Creek Drank The Cradle' 2002 & 'Our Endless Numbered Days' 2004), and B-Sides & songs from E.P.s he has released. There were quite a few songs he is known to rarely play live - at absolute treat.

When I have seen him before he has taken older songs and done them well in the fashion of the music he was doing at the time. This time with the older songs, there were some he was doing in a new way (not necessarily in the stile of the new work) and some were left as they were originally recorded.

The musicianship and blending of the musicians throughout was first rate. The man himself also gave good measured banter throughout.

The first song I ever knew of his was a cover version of 'Such Great Heights', which I had known from the film 'Garden State' (2004).  I still regard this as one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. This is a song he rarely performs. When I realised he was doing the introduction to it, I found myself clenching my hand over my mouth and my jaw was clenched shut. I felt overwhelmed and this was all I could do to not be bawling at the the beauty of it.

At the end, he came back on by himself for a final number. Before he had a chance to say anything I shouted out for him to perform the beautiful 'Naked As We Came'. He then said he was going to do one more and 'as my friend over there has requested 'Naked As We Came', that is what I am going to play' (I may be paraphrasing). I was utterly delighted. He played it beautifully and afterwards the man next to me thanked me for requesting that song.

Both previous times I've seen him perform have been very good, though this was the best and a privilege to see at such close quarters. I had no regrets at taking the day off work, the cost of the journey and accommodation. An experience like this cannot be equated in terms of money, this was very special indeed.

I felt very tempted to say that this was beyond being able to be considered in terms of a rating.

Rating: 10/10.
   

Film Review: The Stone Roses: Made Of Stone (15), (U.K. 2013) (Director: Shane Meadows), Thursday 30.05.2013 19:30, The Cameo Cinema, Screen One & Friday 14.06.2013 13:10 The Cameo Screen Three, Edinburgh

This is a film I enjoyed from start to end, though then I have to declare my bias. The film gives a decent potted history of the band, and great present day footage since their reformation. The film ends on footage of them playing 'Fools Gold' in its entirety from the Saturday 30th of June performance at Heaton Park, Manchester last year (the night I was there). This track was the highlight of a fantastic concert, and it did manage to bring back some of the euphoric feeling from that night.

The film also shows very well the indescribable power music can have & passion that people can hold towards these sounds. The footage from Warrington Parr Hall (free, first concert since reformation) of the people who did not manage to get in, was very moving, including a man who was saying that he was offering someone to give them his car in exchange for their pass to get in. How the ending came was slightly odd, going from the concerns after the disruptions of the Amsterdam show straight to Heaton Park, though this aside I cannot complain. Shane Meadows had been upfront from the off saying he was not a documentary maker, though being a fan (they are his all time favorite group), I feel helped in capturing the fevered passion which die hard fans carry for these northern scamps.

In differing ways, I found this to just as rewarding a watch as 'Searching For Sugarman' last year. I feel I have to state is very much a personal reflection, If you are not a Roses fan, I can't expect you would get the same enjoyment.

Rating: 10/10. 

Film Review: Something In The Air (15) (France 2012) (Director: Oliver Assayas) (French, English & Italian with English Subtitles) Saturday 25.05.2013 18:00 The Filmhouse Cinema Screen Two, Edinburgh 

I went to see this film as one of the leads was performed by Lola Creton, who had performed as the lead character in 'Goodbye, First Love', which was No. 3 in my Top 10 of films released last year.

The film is set in 1971, three years after the student riots in France. Central to the film is a group of 'young adults' that would have been just too young to take part in the '68 protests. As many of this age, they feel angry at conditions they see around them, and with the example they have had set for them from the events of '68 they decide to take direct action. Then ensues the repercussions i.e. periods in exile and splintering of the central group etc.

The only thing the film appears to say is that the causes people tend to unify behind when young, tend to also be what also lands up driving those same people apart. These causes by their very nature do not allow for the expression of the self and tend to require a high degree of compromise of individual values and beliefs. People on the whole tend to get to a point when they are no longer willing to put up with such a degree of making their own needs and expression subservient.

Regrettably the film is too episodic. When returning to some characters it can be hard to remember what exactly was happening for them when they were last on screen. The film is also never clear as to exactly what is fueling the characters ire in the first place and gives no background to them. The characters portrayed spend the majority of the film smoking and fairly listless. They are essentially naive overly privileged bohemian bourgeoisie, and ultimately annoying, as many young adults are. As a result of this it is very difficult to care in any way for these characters. As a result of this issue and the fact that there appears to be very little development of character, I found myself getting bored by about half way through. I was very disappointed and would not recommend this nonsense to anyone.

Rating: 2/10.