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Month: December 2021

The 10 Best Films of 2021
Features, Film, Reviews

The 10 Best Films of 2021

For as long as I have been breathing, there have been people complaining that it was not a good year for film. In the wake of a global pandemic and with the methods that most people use to consume movies changing all the time, there feels like there has been more of that than usual. There is an awful lot of Chicken-littleing across the internet, especially on 'Film Twitter.' One thing is certain: COVID accelerated the ever-shortening theatrical window. Not only do we see a lot more 'day and date' releases available to rent on video on demand or streaming providers, but even moderately successful titles have foregone a staggered theatrical release in favor of premium VOD rental access after 17 days of release. It will be hard to put that genie back in the bottle and, one might argue,...
‘The Novice’ is a Tightly Wound Tale of Obsession (Review)
Film, Reviews

‘The Novice’ is a Tightly Wound Tale of Obsession (Review)

Sometimes you watch a directorial debut and you find it hard to believe it was created by a first time filmmaker. Lauren Hadaway's thrilling debut feature is a shining example of this. It probably helps to craft a story that is inspired by your own life. Hadaway was a competitive collegiate rower and "The Novice" tells the story of Alex ("Orphan" star Isabelle Fuhrman), a college freshman who joins the rowing team and becomes obsessed with rising up the ranks. It's highly unusual for a freshman to be anywhere near the varsity team, but Alex's determination and laser-sharp focus finds her sidelining friends, classes, and romantic relationships in order to succeed against upperclassman competition. Fuhrman's performance is striking and borderline terrifying. We've all known somebo...
Tarah Who? Drop Buzzworthy New Single “Push Me”
Features, Music, Reviews

Tarah Who? Drop Buzzworthy New Single “Push Me”

Tarah Who? has teamed up with the talented London-based Brazilian group YUR MUM and the new single is available everywhere now. "Push Me" is the latest effort from Tarah Who? who are known for their unorthodox and non-conformist tone. The track is a direct response to the 2020 Grammy Awards. Tarah couldn't help but notice that the entire Rock category wasn't even aired on the broadcast. The winners' names just scrolled along the bottom of the screen with little fanfare. The moment inspired Tarah to compose a song that sheds a light on the lack of representation of rock bands in the music industry at the moment. Especially female-fronted groups. Using the power of sound and raw lyrics, Tarah Who? aims to shine a light on the situation and be a force for change. Follow the ba...
‘The Lost Daughter’ is a Harrowing Debut from Maggie Gyllenhaal (Review)
Film, Reviews

‘The Lost Daughter’ is a Harrowing Debut from Maggie Gyllenhaal (Review)

There are countless films about happy families and the joys of motherhood. The debut feature from award-winning actress Maggie Gyllenhaal is not one of them. Adapted from the novel by Elena Ferrante, it tells the story of Leda (Olivia Colman), a college professor who has gone off to Greece on holiday by herself. Italian literature is her forte and she has decided to hit the beach for some relaxation while working on some translations. The island choice appears idyllic, at least momentarily, but is soon invaded by a large vacationing family who take away all of her peace and quiet. Leda becomes drawn to a young mother named Nina (Dakota Johnson) and her daughter, who suddenly disappears one afternoon and sends every person in the vicinity off into the outskirts of the beach to search...
Dashboard Confessional Debut Introspective “Here’s To Moving On” Music Video
Music

Dashboard Confessional Debut Introspective “Here’s To Moving On” Music Video

Dashboard Confessional's Chris Carrabba suffered life threatening injuries in a motorcycle accident in 2020. The new music video from the band gives fans a peek into his recovery. "Here's To Moving On" chronicles a show day and starts with Carrabba in bed stretching his still sore shoulder as he gets out of bed. From there he strums the guitar and sings as he looks over get well cards as he sits on the couch. He proceeds to walk into the garage and examine the clothes and helmet he was wearing at the time of the accident. The track is quintessential Dashboard, Carrabba at his best. All The Truth That I Can Tell is set for release on February 25th and is available for pre-order now. You can choose your preferred music service here. Dashboard Confessional initially started in ...
Coheed & Cambria Set To Embark On “The Great Destroyer Tour” In Early 2022
Events, Music

Coheed & Cambria Set To Embark On “The Great Destroyer Tour” In Early 2022

Just as the band is preparing to head into their 20th year performing music together, it appears Coheed & Cambria's brightest days are still ahead of them. Ticket presales are underway for "The Great Destroyer Tour" that will take the band coast to coast with openers SHEER MAG. Pre-sales are underway with tickets on sale to the general public this Friday morning at 10:00 AM. Only fans who have signed up for Coheed's mailing list are eligible for the pre-sale. For more information, you can click here. Claudio Sanchez (vocals/guitar), Travis Stever (guitar), Zach Cooper (bass), and Josh Eppard (drums) continue to connect with fans across the country. Tour Dates Feb 16 - Pappy and Harriet's - Pioneertown, CAFeb 17 - Brooklyn Bowl - Las Vegas, NVFeb 19 - El Rey Theatre - ...
Green Day’s Kerplunk Album Turns 30
Music

Green Day’s Kerplunk Album Turns 30

The album that set the table for Green Day's Dookie is celebrating a big anniversary. Kerplunk was the bands' second studio release and was their last for independent label Look Out Records. Released on December 17th, 1991 Kerplunk was the first to feature Tre' Cool on drums along with founding members Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt. The album is 12 tracks but features four tunes from their Sweet Children EP. "2000 Light Years Away" was the lead single from Kerplunk, you can check out a live version from the recently released Green Day BBC Sessions below. Or don't, we're cool either way. Other highlights from Kerplunk include an early version of "Welcome to Paradise" and a cover of The Who's "y Generation". After a few US festival dates early in 2022, they're heading to Eu...
Academy’s Documentary Branch Whittling Down Shortlist for 2022
Features, Film

Academy’s Documentary Branch Whittling Down Shortlist for 2022

Earlier this week, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Scientists (AMPAS) announced the full list of feature films eligible for consideration as Best Documentary at the upcoming 94th Academy Awards. There are a total of 138 titles eligible for the category this year and members of the Documentary Branch begin voting today to whittle that list down to a shortlist of 15 films that will advance into the new year. The shortlist should be announced on Tuesday, December 21 and those 15 films will screen on their way towards a second round of balloting which will reveal the final 5 nominees in the category. One of the films you can likely expect to get nominated this year is "Flee" - the Danish film about a queer refugee from Afghanistan is the first to ever qualify in the Document...
Visitor Releases Dynamic New Single “Feeding The Dark”
Music, Reviews

Visitor Releases Dynamic New Single “Feeding The Dark”

Fresh off the release of their new EP Greetings From Titan, Visitor returns with the gritty yet melodic single, "Feeding The Dark". The Detroit, Michigan-based quartet combine elements of rock, metal, and grunge with a hint of Motown to form a vibe all their own. According to a recent press release, when asked about the meaning behind the song, guitarist Steve Dombroski described how "Feeding The Dark" is "basically about how depression, self-doubt, and self-sabotaging sometimes plagues our minds and paralyzes our ability to move forward." He continues, “we can sometimes find ourselves in these patterns or circles of decision, or even indecision, that forces us into feeling trapped, regardless of what we do. But, it is also about the mindset of letting go as the chorus goes, "when ...
‘Don’t Look Up’ is a Star-studded Apocalyptic Satire (Review)
Film, Reviews

‘Don’t Look Up’ is a Star-studded Apocalyptic Satire (Review)

Movies that take place during the end of the world are nothing new, but the COVID-19 pandemic feels like it accelerated their frequency. Over the last two years, we've seen "Greenland," "How It Ends," "The Mitchells vs. The Machines," "Songbird," and many more tread this territory in different ways With his latest effort, director Adam McKay ("The Big Short") teams up with journalist David Sirota to craft a stupidly hysterical screenplay about what might happen if the planet was facing an extinction level event. On the surface, it doesn't seem like that would bring about a lot of laughter, but for me, it definitely did. Jennifer Lawrence stars as Kate Dibiasky. She is an astronomy grad student who, while on a standard observation of the night sky, discovers a massive comet that appe...