The Messenger Movie Review

As part of the CMJ Music Festival, I  had the pleasure of attending “The Messenger,” an interesting and touching film directed by Oren Moverman-he also co-wrote the movie along with Alessandro Camon.  The movie essentially offers a different view at war from the people who are most affected by it – the soldiers and their families.  It chronicles the soldiers who have the grim task of delivering death messages to the family members of soldiers who have died in the war.   Did you know there’s such a job? I didn’t and the movie completely opened my eyes.

The movie features two soldiers who deliver death messages. One soldier, Captain Tony Stone and is played by Woody Harrelson, Stone is a “pro” at his job but is an alcoholic, lost, hardened, and yet all his problems make him endearing.  Stone , has the task of training Staff Sergeant Will Montgomery brilliantly played by Ben Foster — Montgomery was choosing to do job three months before he is scheduled to leave the military. Will is intense, emotionally battered and beaten down but still manages to show compassion to the people he has to deliver the messages. He also has been labeled a hero for saving some of his squad mates and Ben Foster does a really job at portraying this conflicted character.  Yet , Will is messed up, and we see him courting Olivia Pitterson (played Samantha Morton) whose husband was killed in war and he had to deliver the message. Messed up, right?  But, in strange way it makes sense. Will is intense and Foster’s  performance tugs at your heart and his heartbreak also kills you.

In the first part of the movie we see The Messengers as they delivering messages.  The myriad of reactions from people from all walks of live are equally unsettling and all leave you sad and emotionally spent.  They don’t get easier to bare but in the midst of all that sadness there’s laughter and feelings of joy.  I really enjoy the movie and I highly recommend the movie.  Whatever side of the war fence you stand this movie doesn’t make you question your stance and it doesn’t make a statement on war itself but it just offers you an insight at people in war living their lives.

http://www.themessengermovie.com/

Michael Jackson “This is it” Review

By Shantee Gordon

Michael Jackson is in the building. The beloved king of pop, is immortalized in the film “This is It” directed by Kenny Ortega.  Droves of adoring fans are coming out to have one more moment with this great icon. So far, the movie has grossed over a hundred million dollars world wide making it the highest grossing concert film of all time.

“This is It” started out as just footage for the Jackson family archives. However, due to MJ’s untimely death the film was released as a memento for his adoring fans. The film is primarily footage from the rehearsals for Jackson’s much anticipated final tour.  Fans get to see the preparation that went into what would have been MJ’s greatest concert to date.  The film acted as a mini concert that had the audience clapping, cheering, and singing along after every musical segment.  I sat in awe as I witnessed this great in action. I also witnessed someone moved to dance in the isles during “Billie Jean” and other’s egging him on saying “We all family here…do your thing”.  Only Michael Jackson can have people from all walks of life come together in celebration during what is really a sad moment in history.

It was refreshing to see MJ in his element as charming, down to earth, and funny. In the last few years the media portrayed Michael Jackson in a negative light. This film reminded people of who he really was i.e. a humanitarian, brilliant artist, and a down to earth brother who was living and loving his craft. Jackson’s untimely death in June of 2009 left many fans feeling empty because a piece of our culture was taken from us too soon and under horrible circumstances. Once you see this film you will further fall in love with Michael Jackson and wish for a second to have just one more “woo-whoo”, one more moon walk, one more moment.

Around Town: Man Shops Globe Launch Party

You know you have a problem when you are sick  and take sick self around town to party.  Well, that’s what I did and went to a couple of parties and yes I know I have a problem no need to tell me.   And,  I seriously paid for my bad decision the next day as I was in bed but I enjoyed my time out while I was out.

I started my night  near Rockefeller Center at the Anthropologie store to celebrate  Keith Johnson (Buyer-at-large for Anthropologie)  new documentary style show  the called “Man Shops Globe.”  The show which will air on the Sundance channel follows Mr. Johnson “on his adventures abroad in search of extraordinary antiques and found objects, as well as artists and artisans to commission for original works.” Anyways, the event was packed with guests shopping  and drinking all while waiting for the man of the hour to make an appearance to discuss his show.   The opportunity came around eight when everyone was asked to pite down and listen to a special announcement.

It was interesting to hear this humble man recount his story and how he was able to have a show.  He seem surprised that anyone would be interested in his adventures.  I don’t see why though, I was really hanging on this every word perhaps because I am travel junkie. I mean how cool is your job that you get to travel the world in search of new and exciting things for people to buy?  And, if doesn’t like what he sees he is able able to commission new things. I would say that’s pretty cool job – sign me up. Seriously.

Anyways, the show will start airing today October 7 at 10PM EST.  Check out the trailer now on the Man Shops Globe Website.

Flash Forward Preview Event

Vanity Fair and Banana Republic Present Project:Involve City Stories

Go to vfgenda.com/BananaRepublic