She-Hulk Attorney at Law-Marvel at the Morphing Super Hero Genre

Most could agree the Hulk has come to be the most likely Marvel hunk and most likely spin-off of its own.  The formidable actor, Mark Ruffalo, has become synonymous with his alter-ego superhero, Hulk.  Ruffalo imbues Hulk's character with gravitas and sensitivity, providing depth to a tantrum temper superpower possessed by many a toddler.  Regardless, the latest Marvel spin-off series, She-Hulk gives little girls a relatable superhero who has a day-job as a female attorney to aspire to.  No longer the only mean, green, omnipotent enforcer, the Hulk has a cousin who can pick up the slack when it comes to fighting off various villainous avengers.  The pilot episode brings Brian Banner together in jocular banter with his cousin, Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Mislay).   Banner and Walters are out for a joyride when they are knocked down a cliff by an interloping alien aircraft.   Banner warns his cousin to stay back as she clamors to his side after the tumultuous crash but not before his blood becomes intermingled with Walters.  This explains the mood altering mutation which transforms Walters into She-Hulk.  Has the Hulk ever bled before?  Not critical for the time being, just know that Walters is a begrudging superhero who only wants to do battle as an attorney in the courtroom.  Nonetheless, Banner takes her through the ropes of channeling her strength and her animosity for the greater good of humanity.  A montage of tossing boulders and each other into crumpling abodes brings the cousins closer and opens a new chapter of Hulk mania.  She-Hulk embarks into a new frontier of TV viewing meshing the mortal sitcom format of a legal comedy/drama with commonplace interruptions of flying, super-strength criminals.  The power of gab versus the powerful jab take on each other in front of a unfazed forum with a broken fourth-wall decorum.  She-Hulk doubles up on genres to generate extra zeal.  There's fun packed into a female Hulk figure who combines sex, brains and braun with combustible, superhero fantasy.  The cast of supporting characters are appealing and there are surprising, guest stars in the mix.   Was the flying saucer merely a flash in the pan?  Do you think you're likely to become a fan?  I think I can. 

Try Trivia Nite You Mite Like It-I Did

You might be surprised to know there's a trivia night taking place in your local town.  I was.  I was also thinking it might be fun to try it with a few friends.  (Pssst..."Friends" is a good guess in Trivia if your theme is the 90s).   I asked a couple friends if they were interested in checking it out with me.  Trivia night in our Sonoma town was at one of the tasting rooms.  There were plenty of wine to get those brain cells flowing.  I was the driver.  Next time, I'll leave the driving to someone else.  Perhaps, a glass of wine might've sparked the brain to gain more answers.  It couldn't of hurt. Our team name is MindFull.  Clever, yes?  Too bad points aren't awarded for best team name.  We went back in time for the evening to the 90s.  There were 4 rounds of 10 questions.  Each team turns in their written answers.  No shouting out answers or multiple choices.  The first round was a potpourri of pop culture and historic figures.  Do you remember the group who gave us the Macarena or who the first female Sec. of  State was.  The second round were photos of 10 movie posters from the 90s.  You needed to name the film.  Not easy.  Our MindFul trio had fun trying to solve the titles from the pictures.  The third round were specific questions about celebrity movie stars, sports figures and icons of the 90s.  The fourth and final round was an audio round which proved the most intriguing and perplexing.  Name the TV sitcom from the theme song played.  Could you identify "The Full House" or "Twin Peaks" themes.  We got one of the two, (yay).  We were successful in guessing at least 3/10 for each round.  Guessing is what we mostly did and mostly got wrong.  But, it was entertaining putting our heads together trying to come up with the correct answer.  We often settled for a humorous guess we hoped might pan out.  Our charming host for the evening, James, laughed reading out some of the incorrect but interesting answers.  If there were points awarded for the ones James thought were funniest, our team would've been deemed more mindful than senseless.  Nonetheless, it was a high spirited event mixed with good spirits and friends.  "That'sSoRaven" team was the 1st place winner and the team with adults and pre-teens.  "Whats4Dinner" came in 2nd.  Both were awarded prizes.  Don't take yourself too seriously and you're guaranteed a winning night.  By the way, do you recall what the biggest box office film of the 90s or what was the 1st reality TV show?  Well, you may just need to know.

Tribute to Bob Saget Benefiting Scleroderma Research Sept. 21, 2022

Bob Saget's passing in January of this year has left a huge chasm in the world.  He also left a lasting legacy with his beloved family, friends and his active commitment to raising awareness and funding for Scleroderma research.  Bob spearheaded the Cool Comedy Hot Cuisine event for 30 years.  He served on the Board of Dir. for Scleroderma and co-chaired every annual Cool comedy- Hot Cuisine.  Bob called upon his friends and fellow actors, comedians and musicians to perform. Laughter draws people together.  Bob brought people together with his humor.  On his podcast Bob SAGET's HERE FOR YOU," Bob called his fans to listen in on their lives.  He also did interviews with scores of friends in entertainment.  Tragically, Bob's sister Gay, died from complications of Scleroderma. He become a staunch champion for this painful and often fatal disease.  "I will spend my life dedicated to helping our amazing Board of Dir. at the incredible Scleroderma Research Fdtn. to work with the best medical minds in science as we raise the funds for research to one day find a cure."  The comics and artists who came to pay tribute to Bob were all close friends.  Jeff Ross, John Mayer and Jimmy Kimmel hosted.  Kimmel took the stage as guests meandered into the Beverly Wilshire Gala Hall.  The guests were not ready to settle down. Kimmel implored, "People, maybe some of you know I'm considered famous."  The self-deprecation and hilarity was full tilt.  Howie Mandel was riotously funny as he shared his Covid traumas.  He asked a question of a Dr. in the front who continued to interject until Howie asked him, "Do you think I might be a little busy right now."  Handsome and debonair, John Stamos paid tribute to his brother.  Joel McHale and Kevin Nealon provided levity and barbs with other comics.  Surprise (or maybe not) guest was Dave Chappell who brought Bill Burr onstage. The two ribbed one another relentlessly.  John Mayer sent everyone off with his guitar playing.  (He also auctioned off two of his personal guitars). John played "Free Fallin" which he said he played at Bob and Kelly's wedding.  Kelly, Bob's beautiful, loving and talented wife was there with her mother, sister and Bob's impressive daughters Aubrey and Lara.   Norman Lear, a close friend was there to honor Bob along with his FULL HOUSE family.  The event though bitter sweet, was a celebration of Bob's gift of gab, comedy, kindness and commitment to finding a cure.  The evening raised $1.5 million dollars and elevated the spirits of all who were fortunate to know Bob personally or know him through his many years in show business.   Bob you will be forever in our hearts for all you've doneS to make our world better. 

The Outfit (2022 film) Stars Mark Rylance and Zoey Dutch

 "The Outfit" is a psychological crime thriller set in gangster riddled Chicago, 1956.   Mark Rylance stars as Leonard Burling, a mild mannered, meticulous "cutter" of men's hand made suits.  The Tony, Oscar and BAFTA winning actor, Rylance makes this well acted and shrewdly written film worth watching.   It's written for the screen by Graham Moore (Imitation Game) in his directorial debut and Johnathan McClain.  The film has the feel of a stage production.  The tightly filmed story unfolds unhurried within Leonard's shop.  British native Leonard is irreverantly dubbed "English" by the flashy, fast talking young thugs who use Leonard's innocuous shop to run their nefarious dealings.  Leonard focuses myopically on the very detailed oriented steps required to comprise a perfectly fitted suit.  The laborious process of measuring, cutting and stitching are elaborated and demonstrated by Leonard instilling a calming, reassuring affect.  Leonard is perceived as methodical and forlorn. He and his secretary, Mable (Zoey Deutch) work companionably together.  Mable is envious of Leonard's life abroad. She's determined to travel far from Chicago's frozen tundra.  The first two thirds of the movie moves ploddingly.   Francis (Johnny Flynn) and Richie (Dylan O'Brien) are tough guys with more brash than brains.  Both relish their roles as heir apparent to the head honcho.  Richie is son to the head of the Irish mob.  Francis is obsessed with being Roy's lackey.  Having taken "6 marbles for Roy" Francis feels he's earned the top spot.  Richie makes it clear that isn't how it works.  What's puzzling is whose leaking information on the mob's activities.   Things take a dastardly turn when Francis and Richie show up late at night.  Richie is (bleeding from the abdomen from a gunshot. (It's enigmatic how blood never stains Richie's trousers). Francis holds a gun at Leonard coercing him to sew up the wounds.  Leonard is also ordered to protect the contents of an attache with a tape which should point the finger at the snitch.   Tempers flare.  Francis and Richie pull guns on one other while accusations fly.   A Hitchcock twist folds over this volatile, outdated tale that never quite goes out of style.  Rylance is impeccable in his role.  Deutch is perfect as the 50's self-reliant, ingenue.  Both Flynn and O'Brien look and act the parts of dapper delinquents.  And, Simon Beale as mob daddy, Roy, and his not too bright, gun totting enforcer add luster to the look and feel of the production.  The  costume design and cinematography along with a first rate ensemble bring a compelling fit to make this well-worn genre feel updated and spiffy.  I recommend viewing this superbly crafted crime drama that wears like cashmere on a chilly night.  

Mesa-Yakushev Cello Piano Duo at 222

Thomas Mesa, Cuban-American cellist and Russian born pianist, Ilya Yakushev, performed for a delighted audience at THE 222 Gallery in Sonoma.  Both distinguished int'l artists are highly awarded performers.  Mesa won the Sphinx Medal of Excellence (2022).  He's performed with the SF Symphony under MTT and toured with Itzhak Perlman.  Ilya Yakushev has won the World Piano Competition (2005) in the US and the Gawon Int'l Music Society Award in South Korea.  Performing in THE 222's intimate setting, the two musicians were relaxed, engaging and bantered humorously with the audience and each other.  The program was bookended by Beethoven's Sonata No. 3 and Rachmaninoff's Sonata in G Minor for cello and piano.  In between were contemporary classical compositions,  SILBO (2021) by Andrea Casarrubios (b. 1988) and OBLIVION by Astor Piazza (1921-1992).   Also on the program was Claude Bolling's (1930-2020) GALOP for jazz trio.  To comprise a trio, recorded snare drum music for the score was added. Yakushev noted performing jazz was not something they did often.  The piece lacked a jazz aesthetic except for one interesting phrase that clashed within the composition.  My favorite piece was the newest work, SILBO (2021).  Mesa spoke of his friendship and admiration for cellist/composer, Casarrubios.  Mesa commissioned her earlier work, SEVEN (2020) a tribute to essential workers during the pandemic.  SILBO was a very haunting and elegiac piece.  The evening was very special thanks to the close proximity between performers and audience providing an immediate connection with the mechanics and techniques of the artists.  In SILBO, Mesa's fingering was low on the neck of his cello, moving along the strings above the body of the instrument emitting a pleasing, hollow screech. Mesa's exquisite instrument is a Nibble Gagliano cello, c. 1750.  Rare Violins of New York City is generously loaning this rare cello.  Flailing stray bow hairs could be observed.  Mesa deftly detached these gossamer hairs.  The piano's repetitive stanzas underscored the wavering complex melodies of the cello.  SILBO's alluring intensity was hypnotic.  The compactness within the gallery made the the vibrations on the bow discernible, the hum of piano keys visceral and the impact of the demanding multi-operational components of playing, profound.   Mesa happily shared facts on Rachmaninoff's life. His hands were extremely large  which he used to shield himself from paparazzi.  His early works were not met with critical success leading him to a depression treated in part with hypnotism.  Yakushev wanted to close and join everyone in a glass of wine.  He motioned with one hand tipping a glass to his mouth and the other to wrap things up.  The two shared a warm laugh and embrace after their encore and rousing ovation.  

San Francisco Comedy Competition Semi-Finals

The 46th annual San Francisco semi-finals competition was held at the Luther Burbank Theater in Santa Rosa last evening.  The competition has heralded in top comics in the past such as Ellen DeGeneres, Kevin Pollack, Dana Carvey, Dane Cook and of course, Robin Williams.  Last night crop of top comics have been whittled down from hundreds to the top ten standing.  There were several promising prospects in the group and thankfully, everyone garnered their share of laughter.   The host for the event was Tim Rose.  The bloom was off this Rose.  His jokes were lame and his intros all the same.   Last year's emcee  was the funniest part of the show.  Better this year, however, was the talent for all those who chose to pursue a fiscally unsound career being funny and making others laugh.  There could be no complaints for lack of diversity last night.  Three contestants were female comics, six black comedians and one self-proclaimed Arab, Joe Abousaka.  Santa Rose is known for having a homogenous, white demographic as apparent in the audience.  There was also an older, "adult" group present.  Being black in a mostly white area was fodder for the black comics.  These deliveries were quick with an ironic twist you didn't see coming.  White comics bemoaned white privilege problems; amusing at best.  And, Abousakher, the "Arab" comic, quipped about Palestinian persecution, Pfizer vaccines leading to sterility and raising a step-daughter from an early age.  His plaintive patter resonated with humility.  As for the women comics, I wish I had more to champion.  While all were likable, they were also forgettable.  The comics who came to the forefront were Mario Hodge, Rob Edwards and Chris Riggins.  Hodge was the elder statesman on the sets.  His enactment of being mugged by a deaf assailant was hilarious.  He also did physical humor falling down and a vocal rendition of today's rap v. 70s soul.  His routine was unique and he was having the most fun onstage.  I found his zaniness infectious.  The majority of comics had an angrier vibe that worked with their material.  Edwards routine using slurs was clever and biting.  Chris Riggins did a lot of sex and dick jokes,"You know what I'm saying."  Edwards possessed a polished persona.  His comfort in front of an audience bespoke a veteran.   Covid jokes ran rampant.  It felt great to be in an audience, laughing and celebrating without masks running interference.  The panel of judges made their top five picks; two of which were chicks.  My guy, Mario Hodge missed the cut.  The finalist which included Joe, Rob and Chris all showed comedic chops.  My pick for the winner to be named later this month from the final five would be Rob Edwards whose future in comedy shines a beacon ahead.  

ELVIS Movie is Massive Missed Opportunities

ELVIS (2022) the biopic picture was massively disappointing for many reasons.  Directed by Baz Luhrmann, known for sumptuous classics such as "Gatsby" and "Romeo and Juliet" succeeded in creating another cinematographic marvel.  Perhaps Luhrmann lacked a literary classic to fall back-on to bring luster to Elvis' life story. The film failed to generate any emotional authenticity or heat for the larger than life rock legend whose talents transcends generations.  The film follows Elvis from a child literally moved by Gospel music to his days as a young performer drawn to the blues and black artists.  Much of Elvis' radical style and sound appear appropriated from black artists, particularly during the Jim Crow era. Raised in the south, Elvis never seemed to question segregated venues or crowds at his performances, but any constraint to his physicality on stage was sacrasanct.  His friendships with black artists in the 50s felt forgettable and the failure to explore this was regrettable.  The admiration of black musicians never led to  infiltrating his band or inner circle.  Elvis' limited inner circle focused far too much on Colonel Tom Parker (a repugnant looking and sounding Tom Hanks). The Colonel's Svengali influence over Elvis for so long was never flushed out.  Hank's role as Elvis' unctous manager was a major distraction.  The Colonel's sleazy, self-serving business dealings, motivations and narration made Elvis into a sniveling, secondary character.  Nothing revelatory was learned about his relationship with Priscilla (Olivia De Jong) or Elvis' dependence on pills and booze other than Priscilla was more phased by his drug induced fog at home than his infidelities on the road.  Luhrmann's ambitious, 3 1/2 hour film, was a montage of the many musical incarnations of Elvis over the years.   Austin Butler stars as Elvis and did an admirable job portraying Elvis' performances.   However, the movie only gyrated any intensity during the musical numbers; particularly during his Vegas reign.  The rest of the film felt either numb or dumb.  The Colonel helps a naive young Elvis exit the hall of mirror through a side door and onto the ferris wheel.  The two remain adrift until Elvis falls prey to the Colonel's plan punctuated with fireworks.  Elvis mother's battle with booze lands her crashing on the stairs and Elvis slobbering in her closet.  The final, mournful farewell, "I will always love you" mouthed to Priscilla was blasé.  I left the building feeling the movie on the King could be forgotten.        

Gerald Clayton, Jazz Pianist at THE 222

Last night, jazz pianist/composer Gerald Clayton, entertained us with his virtuoso command of the keyboard at THE 222.  Six time Grammy nominee for jazz, Clayton's style is a synergy of both classical and classical jazz forms that are woven together to form an intricate and stimulating narrative.  He guides you along skillfully, veering trajectories, pulsing with energy or winding down into contemplative melodies.  A man of few words, Clayton let his elegant fingers do his talking for him.  Donned in billowing black shirt and pants, red socks and sandals, crown rows gathered in a loose bun, he oozed coolness.  "Surfing is my other great passion," he intoned, "I'm going to paddle around here and hopefully we can find some waves to ride together."  These were the only words spoken until he finished his much too short of a set which was met with a rousing ovation.  He gifted the audience a much appreciated encore.  The first piece mirrored the sounds of rushing waterfalls.  An underlying melody held up a sluicing syncopation that sounded like Debussy's water music on steroids.  You're lured out and reeled back in with the tides.  Clayton's playing is fluid and spontaneous.  I felt an invigorating visceral response to his music. Much like Monk, Clayton masters an unconstrained style that is uninhibited, organic, and at the same time, deliberate.  The second composition transported me to an after-hours night club near closing time. The mood was melancholy and bluesy.  Clayton played as if for himself and perhaps Bogart and Bacall.  The only ballad for the night was my favorite composition from this amazing evening.  It held a deconstructed riff from "You are so Beautiful".  One was hard pressed not to think the piece was lovingly dedicated to someone special.  Throughout, Clayton performed with a playful seriousness.  The encore was exuberant and felt much like a joyous homecoming.  Overall, there was an intimate, relaxed atmosphere for the evening.  Before leaving, Clayton thanked us for hanging out with him while he practiced.  I'll thank him to let me hang out in a corner when he practices, anytime.   

Pete Holme's CRASHING Cringeworthy Comedy-Drama Worth Checking Out

Pete Holmes comedy-drama series on Netflix (2017-19) is a semi-autobiographical look into the world of stand-up comedy which has more cringe worthy situations that a barrel of monkeys but it does provide an inside look into crazy lives of comics.  Seen through the eyes of Holmes whose who pursued becoming a pastor but discovered his growing penchant for comedy outweighed his waning faith in God.  Getting a laugh out weighs all else despite his lingering doubts as to divine intervention.  Getting up in front of a crowd to make people laugh assumes a supreme driving force for the elite group who thrive on the adrenaline this type of high provides.  The darker side of dealing with addiction is tackled in a storyline that mirrors Artie Lange's own life that is sobering.  Holmes bring his somewhat holier than thou good guy persona into this competitive group of cohorts who form an extended family that thrives despite sustaining dysfunction and self-destruction.  Holmes is the new kid on the New York comedy scene and he brings his naivety and irrepressibility into the mix of comics which is out-of-place often making him the butt of most jokes.  Special shout out to Jamie Lee who plays a standup and Pete's love interest.   Lee is a great comic with strong acting chops. The series is packed with real life comics and actors which adds authenticity and star power.   Judd Apatow is  one of the co-executive producers, writer and director on the series.  CRASHING is an oddball mix of characters and storylines revolving around Holmes in a Ted Lasso cheerleading role while on a speeding roller coaster ride of after-hour parties and dingy nightclubs that is a train wreck about to crash.  I recommend this off-beat blend of embarrassing moments, comedy routines and the pan quotidian of a comic's life with a warning:  This show is not intended for a discerning audience.  It's for an audience that can appreciate the aspects of what goes into making the sausage to make us laugh.

CYRANO, No Lie, I Cried Starring Peter Dinklage

The film adaptation CYRANO (2021) is the best rendition of French poet/playwright Edmond Rostand's (b. France 1890) classic play "Cyrano de Bergerec (1897); a tale of love is blind and the blinding power of love.  The story is about the longtime relationship between Cyrano, a brilliant poet and orator serving as a nobleman in the French army, and the exquisite maiden, Roxane (Haley Bennet).  Roxane and Cyrano have been friends for a longtime having known each other since they were little.  The fair Roxane has many prominent suitors.  Unbeknownst to Roxane, Cyrano has been in love with her and he is about to reveal his undying love for her in a letter he's written.  Cyrano has been hesitant to profess his love because of his diminished stature.  In the play, Cyrano has a grotesquely large nose.  In the film Cyrano is portrayed by the incomparable Peter Dinklage.  The movie is set in France in the late 19th C when many viewed Dinklage's dwarfism as a freakish aberration.  Cyrano questions whether he is worthy of Roxane's love due to his physical appearance in comparison to her great beauty.  Nonetheless, Cyrano, writes his profound love for her with prose that would have Roxane swooning for him.  Roxane has noticed the handsome cavalryman, Christian (Kevin Harrison, Jr.) and he has vied her.  The handsome pair are both smitten with each other.  On the verge of being sent into battle, Cyrano intends to inform Roxane of his affections but the two become star crossed lovers.  Roxane first confides her longing for the yet unknown soldier whom she's attracted.  Crushed, Cyrano promises his beloved Roxane that he will bring the two together to meet and look out for him in battle.  Christian is overjoyed for he has fallen in love at first sight and joins Cyrano to meet Roxane.  Out of sight from Roxane, Cyrano feeds Christian poetic words of love to make Roxane swoon.  This version is an adapted musical.  Although, the singing and dancing start as a distraction the film coalesces around Cyrano's selfless love and kindness.  All three actors are superb but it is Dinklage's interpretation that connects straight with the heart.  The love and pain he emotes simultaneously make this love triangle story into an omnipotent isoscles unequaled in its artistry and ability to compel the audience to feel the anguish and injustice in love gone awry.  Try this film that received several nominations from the Academy of Motion Pictures, Golden Globes and the British Academy of Film.  That Peter Dinklage didn't receive the best actor award makes me think the voters didn't see his performance.