Italian Saxophone Quartet Perform Eclectic Program at 222

Who knew that a sax quartet was a set chamber musical group? Not me. But, not only is the Italian Saxophone Quartet (ISQ) the longest contemporary performing group of more than four decades, ISQ is highly honored in the world of chamber music having won numerous awards including first place at the prestigious Premio Ancona Competition. My expectations for unique sounding classical compositions and I was not disappointed. In fact, my favorite pieces for the evening of this sold out performance were Bach's "G String from Orchestral Suite 3" and Rossini's "Allegro from Sonata 4 #3". The harmonies were lush offering a rich orchestral sound that also contained a percussive ornamentation coming from the alto and tenor saxophones. The soprano and baritone sax were clearly distinguished layered above and within the deeper stentorian levels. I had anticipated some jazz compositions having an all sax quartet would lend itself to jazz. The only somewhat jazzy composition led off the night with a fun number by Scott Joplin played by the four musicians strolling through the nightclub seating arrangements. This lent a festive Mardi Gras feel.  The program continued with more surprises including a medley of cinematic  scores that were arranged by Michele Paolino on baritone sax. While most of the scores were unfamiliar, the theme from "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" struck a very haunting chord. Federico Mondelci on soprano sax was the senior member of the group and the jovial spokesperson for the group albeit his thick Italian accent made him difficult to understand at times. Julian Brodski on alto sax was the youngest member and described by Mondelci as "being loved by all the women."  Brodski had wavy auburn hair jauntily covering one eye and donned hot pink socks that stood out amongst the otherwise similarly clad members. Silvio Rossomando on tenor sax was the only one not to perform a solo but he was the only member to perform on every composition on the program. The second half of the evening contained works by classical, 20th C composers: Giovani, Piazolla and Rota.  Mondelci announced that the group was going to perform two works that they'd never perform.  This required music to be read on stands set up with iPads and foot controlled mouses.  First were selections from Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" and the other selection was an unnamed surprise Mondelci was sure we'd recognize.  Indeed, Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" was a delightful number.  The four musician's left the stage the way they entered by playing their way through the crowd who sent them off to a rousing standing ovation.

PIANOFORTE-Doc Chopin Piano Competition-Compelling with a Soft Touch

The Int'l Chopin Piano Competition which is held only once every five years. This is held in Poland, the birthplace of Chopin and it is the pinnacle conquest for young, aspiring pianists.  The PIANOFORTE doc. is a delightful and exciting peek behind the scenes which captures the pressures, practice routines and passions that consume a field of talented artists all vying for top honors in this competition for talented  piano virtuosos. There's a visceral sense of the intense stress these artists experience while preparing and waiting to perform. The camera follows six competitors from six different nationalities who've been selected for this prestigious competition.  This international competition has only been held 18 times over the last 100 years.  Overflowing with beautiful classical music which sounds imperious and flawless to the untrained ear, the refining instructions give us a clue to what's honed in an exclusive master class.  For the competitors and their mentors, there is always more to perfect. The film contains a treasure trove of great music but what makes this an exceptionally captivating film is the camera's focus on a handful of pianists for whom we develop an intimate attachment and empathize with.  We are as much in awe of their talent as we are of their sheer devotion to the seemingly all consuming focus that is required.  Although, to my pleasant surprise, several of the artists we follow seemed to maintain a healthy perspective in regards to wanting a well rounded life that encompasses pursuits outside the realm of becoming a concert pianist.  The Japanese piano teacher who accompanied her student to Plant explained in her youth she was not willing to give everything demanded of her to take performing to the highest echelon.  Her mentorship style with her student contained a gentle touch and a great deal of pride.  One of the contestants fell ill from the pressures and bowed out despite having passed the first few levels in the 21 day competition.   Another contestant's tears at not finishing in the top spots was heartbreaking to behold.  There's much to embrace as you watch students get a feel for the various pianos they have to select from, as you witness the audience's emotional responses despite hidden behind COVID required masks and above all the camaraderie  evident amongst the competitors.  PIANOFORTE is winning not just for the splendor of brilliant classical compositions but also for the soft human touches highlighted, the rare insight of the tolls exacted and the rousing passions stirred through the allure of music. 

FEUD: CAPOTE vs. the SWANS-Swanky Hanky Panky and Swishy Fishy Capote

Fact, Capote was a literary genius. Fact, Capote captivated the elite echelon of NYC's high and mighty social set in the 60s and 70s.  Also true are the thinly veiled characters in Capote's chapters installed in an ESQUIRE issue '1975 which led to his social demise. Upon publication he was swiftly jettisoned and ostracized from their bejeweled mitts. Capote, one of only a handful of openly gay celebrities, was a witty raconteur and salacious gossip.  His unctuous, unthreatening demeanor secured him a spot as confidante to the comely likes of women such as Babe Paley, Slim Keith, Lee Radziwill. This ended abruptly when he bit the hand that fed him. Big mistake by the pint-sized Capote with a gargantuan mouth and high-pitched voice.  Tom Hollander cast as Capote is pitch perfect as the smarmy snob who was befriended by a bevy of belles headed by Babe Paley as the leader of the pack. Paley is portrayed by a steely Naomi Campbell.  The other ladies who lunch at La Cote Basque where most of the scurrilous conversations convene. The click includes Diane Lane as Paley's steadfast friend, an indignant Calista Flockhart as Radziwill peace-maker Chloe Sevigny who knows best whose side her bread is buttered. Demi Moore has little more to do than look drop dead gorgeous as Ann Woodward, Molly Ringwold as Joanne Carson, Johnny's ex and Treat Williams in his final swan song role as Bill Paley. Jessica Lange has a lurid role as Capote's mother who tries to entice him into suicide during one of his drunken stupors. No one comes off swimmingly which is precisely the point. The lives of this coddled, coiffed and manicured brigade have little in touch with the working class except for their doting maids and abject chauffeurs. This zeitgeist voyeuristic look at the chic set is enticing for just this reason. It's fascinating to see how the filthy rich fill their days and spend their millions. There's plenty to savor here along with mouth watering meals, imbued with alcohol, cigarettes and fleeting regrets. The eight part series airing on Hulu plays fast and furious with time-lines jumping between Capote's glory days with the grand dames and his obsequios squirming to regain a seat at the table. I enjoyed this frivolous foray into the original bravo housewives of NYC who seem to have nothing better to do than behave like sullen, mean girls and get dressed to the nines. I'll stay tuned at least until the infamous black and white party hosted by Capote i/h/o Katherine Graham at the Waldorf. For devotees of Downton Abbey looking for a new diversion, look no further than your own backyard for the upscale drama FEUD: Capote vs. the SWANS based on facts masked as glamorous glee. 

NEXT GOAL WINS-Mighty Ducks Story Soccer Team Loaded Ted Lasso's Winning Charm

 NEXT GOAL WINS is a comedic, feel good story based on the real American Samoa soccer team with the worst record in the league and league record of a 31-0 loss. The team is a mixed bag of sad sack, lovable losers.  All the team really needs is a coach to make them better cuz they can't get worse. The coach they get is an irascible hot head whose temper tantrums have gotten him tossed from numerous jobs. He's given his last chance to coach for the losing American Samoan team. The board meeting where Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbinder) is being reassigned comes with an overhead projector presentation that is on point in regards to Rongen's emotional responses that is the funniest firing scene ever seen on film. With no other options, Rongen begrudgingly takes the job he's deemed beneath his qualifications. Upon landing on the remote and sparsely populated island, he's hailed as a celebrity. The locals are all welcoming and hard working; everyone tackles multiple jobs. Rongen's lodging is abysmal except for its scenic location on the beach. The flailing team includes an overweight, sluggish goalie, a forward in the process of transitioning to a woman and an entire motley crew looking to Rongen to prepare them to qualify and seek redemption. The dir. and screenwriter is Acad. Award winner, Take Waititi ("Jojo Rabbit") whose quixotic humor is rampant between Rongen and team members and, especially between Rongen and the team's manager, Tavita (Oscar Kightley). "One goal, just one goal," is Tavita's mantra. He tells Rongen, ("It's more important to be happy. Do what makes you happy. I wouldn't wish unhappiness on anyone.")  Far from being sappy or a "Mighty Ducks"/"Bad News Bears" facsimile, there's an overriding elegance in the Samoan culture that exudes grace and empathy. Rongen whips the team in shape and builds kinship despite his frustrations. But, he resorts to his vitriolic outbursts and antics after their disappointing performance. It's Tavita with his compassion who elicits an epiphany from Rongen following Rongen's cruel outburst and quitting during half-time at the big game. The delightful acting by the entire cast solidify this as a winning picture. Waititi and Rhys Darby ("Flight of the Condor") sparkle in their cameos. Elisabeth Moss ("Handmaid's Tale") is terrific as Rongen's estranged wife. Kaimana in her role as the player transitioning is particularly affecting. And, Fassbinder is perfect as the crusty coach.  I had a lot of fun with this comedic romp based on real people and events. NEXT GOAL WINS hits the mark on what's expected in underdog teams and surly coach movies. It scores the winning goal for its heart, humor and humanity. RENT IT on Prime Video.

J Gilkeson's Memoir THREE LOST WORLDS-Loss of My Time

Last night was both rainy and dreary while my beloved Packers played the Chargers, hometown favorites,  in the waterlogged Bay. I ventured out to hear Jim Gilkeson talk about his memoir to a paltry crowd of fewer than two dozen people (not your football fan group) about his spiritual leanings that went through three incantations. I went with an open mind but it shut down early. Gilkeson, a self-proclaimed master in healing through energy, shared his background in his monastic and evolving energy-fusion ventures. Was I somewhat cynical? Yes, I was very skeptical. I don't equate energy healers with medical or technical expertise. Nor do I buy into the whole "LAH LAH" mentality. That's not to say I wouldn't mind learning something new from a different point of view. Gilkeson's first world was in the monastic order which stationed him in Oakland, CA. This austere, minimalist lifestyle required rising at 4AM for prayer and then work at a paying job where the pay stays in the monastery's kitty as men in "The Holy Order of MANS" take an oath of poverty. The Holy Order set up to preach and teach daily regardless of having anyone in attendance which was most days the norm.  The moderator touted the meditation she garnered through Gilkeson's teachings changed her life. (But, not whether for the better which I think she may have intended to infer). She attributed her personality traits to her astrological sign Taurus and Gilkeson's to his sign, Sagittarius. This only served to confuse us (or at least me) as I don't imbue the stars or espouse bodily energy emitted as being credible. At this point the whole evening was regrettable and I went home in the rain and caught the last few minutes of the big game.  The Packers loss was the real shame and blasphemous here in the Bay, "aynah hey!"  

ROLE PLAY-Mom's Work is Killing People-Movie Works with Kelly Cuoco/David Oyelowo

ROLE PLAY, just released straight to screening on Prime Video has the incredulous plot where mom, played by Kelly Cuoco is an assassin for hire which is unbeknownst to her loving husband, David Oyelowo and their son and precocious daughter.  We see Cuoco stealthily swapping her wig, contacts and clothes in a washroom after killing her mark. She then jettisons herself via plane and Uber to the family home in a NYC suburb. The family welcomes her home to a special dinner to celebrate the couple's wedding anniversary which she totally forgot. To make it up and to spice things up, Emma (Cuoco)  suggests they go into the city for a night in a posh hotel and role play hooking-up as strangers in the hotel bar. Dave (Ayelowo) is stuck in traffic while Emma waiting at the bar is waylaid by a dapper gent, Bob (the incomparable Bill Nighy). Bob sends over a drink and quickly follows its arrival. If only the entire movie lived up to the banter and polite irritation emitting from Emma. Emma provides a phony name along with subtle annoyance with Bob's unwanted overtures. Dave, also using a nom de plume as part of the role playing ruse, seems somewhat confused to Bob's overbearing presence but politely acquiesces to doing shots to celebrate Bob's sudden windfall at work.  Emma & Dave make their escape from Bob's clutches and retreat to their luxury suite. Already unsteady on his feet, Dave falls quickly asleep while prone and Emma is preparing to join him. Upon seeing him asleep, Emma hightails to Bob's room where he had invited them two to join him. Utilizing her cunning and skill, Emma manages to kill Bob whom she  discerned as a threat. Plausibility set aside, this retreaded storyline gets revamped with first rate acting by its likable leads and strong supporting cast. These seasoned actors are invested wholeheartedly into portraying a loving couple wherein one party maintained some serious secrets. Emma professes her undying love while spilling the beans about what really goes down when she's out of town. Dave needs a moment before assuring Emma that he loves her and their family, "But killing is like, really bad." Somehow that line rings with humor and hubris. Emma intends to hang up her arsenal and be a benign housewife but to no surprise, her mentor never intends to let her go.  I enjoyed this duplicitous rom/com that is a joy ride given a shot of credulity. I recommend this romantic thriller as a surprisingly delightful diversion.  ROLE PLAY hits its mark as a rollicking good time. 

John Mulaney Baby J-Gets an A for Addictive Humor

Is addiction funny? I can be, depending on how far one's succumbed and which one is delivering a diatribe of its highs and lows.  In JOHN MUILANEY: BABY J comedy special airing on NETFLIX, the pratfalls of being in the grips of addiction, his intervention and rehabilitation are sobering and downright funny.  This no-holds barred, baggage sharing tell-all, Mulaney's mostly drug infused dark-period doesn't overshadow his insouciant bad boy charm or brackish wit. Mulaney begins the evening by calling out an audience member who turns out to be an 11 year old 5th grader, Henry.  Henry assures Mulaney he's a fan and not the result of a last minute sitter cancellation. Mulaney assures the rest of us his routine won't in any way be waylaid knowing Henry's watching him. And, before delving into his drugged days material, Mulaney tells us he's the third of four children raised in Chicago.  In elementary school he was envious of his classmates whose grandparents died during school as they became the center of attention (something he's always craved). Having four grandparents, he prayed for at least one to die, maybe the mean, oldest one.  "Damn, she went and died over the summer. How unfair!"  From there he shared getting into trouble as a teen with the police alongside his two best friends, both named John. This disarming humor takes a sharp trajectory leading up to a dinner invitation at his friend's apartment in NYC. He was two hours late.  "My explanation for being two hours late made sense to me at the time because I reasoned I could be in two places simultaneously while strung out on coke." The joke ends up being on him as he was ambushed in the room by "an impressive comedy lineup" of hostile friends in the apartment and eight friends on zoom.  What works so well is the contrast between Mulaney's elfish grin and his self-deprecating manner.  Even he seems amazed at his days spent focused on suffusing his drug habit, his time spent in recovery and his discovery of how fortunate he is to have survived.  Mulaney's indebted with gratitude to his friends, "even those on zoom" who confronted him.  He can't forget they've saved his life, with a begrudging smirk he reaches and signs for the check, "No, I've got this. Thanks for saving my life. No, really." Name dropping aside, thanks are given in the credits to an A list of comedians.  This refreshing and LOL special is sharply honed on his harrowing haze of addiction,  Upon reflection, I commend  Mulaney on his sobriety.  I wish him continued success in his personal life and as a celebrated jokester. 

drug infused

STILL Michael J Fox Doc Will Instill Inspiration

STILL is the bio pick of Michael J Fox who first gained nat'l attention on the hit TV series FAMILY TIES  (1982-89) as Alex P. Keaton. While working on the series,  Fox was cast as the lead in BACK to the FUTURE which propelled him into superstardom.  Fox's gargantuan comedic timing and talent are condensed within his 5'4" frame which towered at the elite echelon of actors in Hollywood during the 80s.  The doc. STILL is also an exemplary bio-pic incorporating film clips, family footage, re-enactments, interviews and access to his present regiment which all make for an entertaining and thoughtful examination of a charmed life withstanding limitations caused by Parkinson Disease. The film opens with Fox's primping for the cameras. When asked about the film's title, "Still,"  "I was never still" replies a smiling, shaky Fox who regales us how he ran out of the house undetected at age 2 to the local candy store  with money in hand. Kinetic energy follows Fox throughout his childhood. His younger sis soon surpasses her older brother in height. As a teen, Fox crashed the family car repeatedly, maintained a C- average, played hockey and found his way into drama where he felt at home; especially with all the girls. Fox quickly landed a role on a TV sitcom in his native Canada. He pleaded with his parents to allow him to pursue acting in the states. With the support of his dad but little financial support, Fox dropped out of h.s. and moved into a studio apartment where he subsisted on McDonalds while auditioning.  Fox surprised me by saying, "People think actors do what they do because they're super confident. I do it to spend more time being someone other than myself." Regardless, Fox exudes confidence, tenacity and warmth. Fox addresses a period of being a workaholic and alcoholic putting huge strains on his marriage to actress Tracy Pollan whom he met when she guest starred on FAMILY TIES. Their marriage is still going strong as are his family ties. Home videos are a welcomed portion of STILL. So too are the reels from his hit shows, films and TV interviews. The repeated scenes of a shadowed figure running down long hallways towards a light are the only excess baggage to a well paced, entertaining journey through Fox's life. Fox chose to hide his diagnosis from everyone for 7 years out of fear of harming his career when the pressures of filming SPIN CITY in front of a live audience exacerbated his symptoms. Observing Fox's  P/T, Dr visits and dealings with the progression of Parkinson is poignant without arousing sympathy.  Perhaps, some envy for what's afforded him financially is justified. Overall, this is a radiant film that sheds light on a gifted actor with fascinating career and loving family buoyed upon pragmatic optimism and exuberance.

MR MONK'S LAST CASE-Alas Not a Classy Finale with Tony Shalhoub

MONK the TV series ran for 7 years and I was a steadfast fan to the very last. I was fully onboard for a movie reuniting its likeable cast. I anticipated having a blast with Monk (the incomparable Tony Shalhoub) as the neurotic detective whose behavioral tics and analytic shtick made him the most beloved  TV detective since Peter Falk as Colombo. Surely his annoying antics in the just released movie MR MONK'S LAST CASE would be reprised in a formidable format.  Monk, afflicted with obsessive compulsive disorder and being a germaphobe is at times off-putting to most people, but found to be endearing to those who know and appreciate his gentility and genius. The movie takes place in the post-COVID, present. COVID set Monk back into being the anti-social, homebody that is his nature.  Knowing this time of isolation would be difficult for Monk, his stepdaughter moved in with him over the pandemic. Now, post-pandemic, and post Monk's glory years in the Bay Area solving murder cases, his stepdaughter is about to be wed. Monk offers to pay for the wedding having been given a lucrative advance for writing about his numerous solved cases. The scenes with Monk meeting with his editor, played by Shalhoub's wife in real life, Brooke Adams, is a classic comedic scene playing up to Monk's eccentricities.  Unfortunately, the movie doesn't maintain this level of clever humor which made the TV series a fan favorite. The cast was reunited for some hits and misses. Hector Elizondo reprises his role as Monk's shrink, Dr Neven Bell. Their scenes together are the best part of the film. Bell's genuine concern for Monk and Monk's trust in Bell make for movie magic. Monk's conversations with his late wife (Melora Hardin) convey grief, despair and understanding in a heartfelt and intelligent manner.  Ted Levine reprising his role as Sgt Leland looks like a corpse being made-up. His makeup is far worse than Trump's faux orange tan. The case itself has a supercilious plot with a villain who mirrors Jeff Bezos as a corporate billionaire. It never made sense why the billionaire needed to kill Monk's stepdaughter's fiancé' the night before their wedding. The TV plots were subjugated to the fun inherent in solving the cases, the camaraderie of the crew and Monk's sleuthing reveal much like Colombo. The heavy handed hokey finale features a slew of corpses sheathed in white who appear to Monk to thank him for bringing closure and justice for their murders. Monk doesn't recognize one woman who tells him, "They haven't found me yet. I'm in a cooler." This was a stinky spoiler for a delightful detective series despite Shalhoub's superb acting in the reprisal of his  iconic role. 

NYAD-Neither Good Nor Bad Starring Jodie Foster/Annette Benning

NYAD, now screening one Netflix is a biopic about the Olympic swimmer Dianna Nyad who successfully swam from Cuba to FL in her 60s. The film focuses on four failed attempts by Nyad (Annette Bening) made while in her sixties while aided by her friend/coach Bonnie Stoll in tow. The movie treads slowly as Nyad hawks her tenacious determination to be the only one to make the crossing. Problems with the film arise with Nyad's persona as an over zealous self-promoter.  Her seemingly admirable goal lacks legs and her character flounders in her humanity. It also appears that her dream, drive and its accomplishment are sufficient to suffice for those she enlists which include her friend Still (Jodie Foster) and her navigator John Bartlett (Rhys Ifans).  Their sacrifices in her pursuit of glory, are deemed enough not to make them sorry. The epic swim eluded Nyad and thwarted her four more times in her 60s which makes one wonder about its appeal and whether this merits acclaim as a major ordeal.  The film makes no mention of this achievement being considered as controversial.  The swim has not been ratified by the World Open Water Swimming Assoc. or the Guinness World Book of Records.  Nyad insisted on swimming without the use of a shark cage to espouse risk but did enlist the additional help of 2 kayakers alongside her that utilized a pulse from their rods that sent the few sharks encountered swiftly packing. There's shade cast upon the swim's arduousness as being mitigated by the positioning of the ship and kayaker's to ease the currents.  There was a fear factor of jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war stings which posed deadly stings that not only ended two attempts but also ended her life for ten seconds. "I saw you die for 10 seconds," Still tells Nyad while she's in a hospital bed chowing on red jello. "So what, I'm here aren't I," is her nonchalant reply along with her mantra cry to try, try again.  The film sinks under cliches of never giving up strewn with plenty of scenes of Nyad throwing up.  Flashbacks into Nyad as a teen swimming sensation who adores her coach until it's revealed he sexually abused her are meant to garner insight into her psyche only add to the depiction of a confused, conceited character with a myopic vision.  Foster is likable in her sensible best role who rolls over to Nyad's needs regardless of how unfeasible or unreasonable. Ifans is your salty seaman who knows the narrow window of feasibility.  Unfortunately, their rancorous banter feels false and why he agrees remains a mystery.  There's very little excitement churning up the waters as we watch Nyad swim laps or pump iron.  NYAD conveys a grueling, demanding swim and an enduring friendship.  Nonetheless, there's hardly enough enthusiastic inducement to float my boat.