Regarding James Brown...

James Brown:

-Was with "The Gospel Starlighters", "The Avons", and the "The Famous Flames", changing from gospel to R&B


-Was widely considered a legend in his own time - his bands spinning off talent, including such greats like Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, Bootsy Collins, Bobby Bird, etc.

-Was active in late 1960's and '70's political affairs, representing "for african-americans and the poor."

-Served two jail terms - for a total of 5 years (he was sentenced to almost 10, but got released early for good behavior.

-Was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 34th Grammy Awards Show.

There is much more to the James Brown story - way beyond the confines of these few details (will probably see a JB biopic w/ Eddie Murphy in the lead role).

Some read about his life and wonder if James Brown was a "sinner"? or was he a "saint" - I don't know...He reportedly told those close by him the night he died that he was "...going away tonight."

James Brown had quite an effect on popular music, a legendary performer and showman- out on tour right up until his sudden death.

In regard to James Brown: I don't think lightening will strike twice - at least not of this particular form - and not in the same place. Now moved on from these shores, but not forgotten by those who admired his skill and talent.

Regarding James Brown...

James Brown:

-in the early years, was with "The Gospel Starlighters", "The Avons", and the "The Famous Flames", changing from gospel to R&B

-was widely considered a legend in his own time. Musicians Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, Bootsy Collins, and Bobby Bird all played with and for Brown.

-was active in late 1960's and '70's political affairs, representing "for african-americans and the poor."

-served at least two separate jail terms - gaining early releases and serving 5 years (was sentenced up to 9.

-was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 34th Grammy Awards Show.

James Brown had quite an effect on popular music, a legendary performer, on the road right up until his sudden death.

Along the spiritual lines - some read of his life and curiously wonder if James Brown was a "sinner"? was he a "saint"? I don't know...He reportedly told those close by him the night he died that he was "...going away tonight."

There is much more to the James Brown story - way beyond these few details. With these limitations in mind....in regard to James Brown - I don't think lightening will strike twice - at least not of this particular form - and not in the same place.

James Brown - RIP

Christmas morning 2006: Received a text message at 5:15 a.m. from my son telling me that he had just saw a report on cable tv with the news that legend James Brown was dead - hard to believe - since JB was always on the move - had several gigs lined up (was going to be in California & Las Vegas in the spring).... he was referred to as the "hardest working man in show business" - and this moniker was provided to him by other hard working folks in show business. Anyway, a legend now gone - but surely not forgotten.

Brown was emulated, respected and appreciated by many - a true funk-soul-R&B pioneer. Will never forget seeing him in person - along with his backing band - Fred Wesley & the JB's - truly awesome performance - and all that he was said to be came to life before my very (young) eyes - at the Circle Star Theater, San Carlos (with the slowly revolving stage - providing everyone a straight-shot view of the performers).

JB was also referred to as the "Godfather of Soul" - a title that he proudly lived out - don't think that anyone will step up to take his place - as his place in music and culture was unique and one of a kind - he will continued to copied and admired - but never duplicated... when he was created the Master threw away the mold.

Many are very familiar 2 of JB's hits: "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" and "I Feel Good", but check out "The Big Payback", "Get Up Offa That Thing" and "Papa Don't Take No Mess, Pt.1" for funk at its finest....

JB RIP.

Endless Wire by The Who

The Who have released their first studio album in 24 years - "Endless Wire", a record with enough musical and lyrical strength to satisfy diehard Who fans.

The record opens with "Fragments" - sounding eerily similar to The Who classic song "Baba O'Reilly" (it is hard not to compare the new songs with their old ones) - but then moves in a different direction. This cut draws the listener in with a hypnotic array of synthesizer, guitar and vocals. Townsends questions about who we are and how we fit into the universe around us, providing a voice that others on a spiritual quest can identify with (Townsend, in remarking on one of his earlier projects said, "...what's important is that music reflects its audience as absolutely and completely as possible.")

The first single from the record, "Its Not Enough" - is a classic Who hit complete with Pete Townsend signature guitar chords combined w/ the easily identifiable voice of lead singer Roger Daltry. The message of the song, about giving too much - and it never being enough - should resonate with those who have poured out their lives in relationships, careers and aspirations - and many still don't feel appreciated - and are not truly satisfied.

Other stand-out tracks include "A Man In A Purple Dress" (Townsend's pointed criticism of religious leaders - including priests, rabbis, the Pope, and even the mention of a Mullah), "Mike Post Theme", "Black Widow's Eyes" (as strong as many of their older classics - complete w/ current tour member Zak Starkey, son of Ringo Starr, on the drums) and "Mirror Door" (a song that begs the question as to what life may like after death).

Townsend's choice to include a total of 21 songs (2 of which are extended versions of songs) on this record was, in my opinion, too much of a stretch. Included in the set is a 10 song mini rock opera - entitled "Wire & Glass", including many good songs and thought provoking lyrics - that get lost in the sheer length of the album. I think that this material should be further developed and presented as a full length rock opera album (check out The Who's 1969 "Tommy" record, or their 1974 "Quadrophenia" set).

Much of the material on this record centers around spiritual themes - and showcases the struggles that many have with understanding and questioning if we can really know God in the midst of this "brave new world". Townsend seems to question God in the song "Two Thousand Years" - wondering if mankind has loved, served, and obeyed - and even betrayed the one who suffered and died (maybe I am reading too much into the lyrics - but who else died 2000 years ago and still has people asking questions of this magnitude?).

Townsend, when asked in a recent Pitchfork interview (www.pitchfork.com) about the records fragrant religious imagery - answers, "I respect those who follow religious routes only if they seem to me to be morally proper and in accord with the modern world." This is a very prophetic statement, given recent news events that have unmasked a well known evangelical representative, adding to the suspicions of an already skeptical and cautious world.

"Tea and Theatre", is a bare bones number allowing the listener to hear two old friends at work. This tune reminds listeners of Townsends skilled song writing craft and Daltry's ability to understand Townsend, and then pour out the intended message of the song with incredible passion and intensity (a talent that Daltry has long been known for).

The final song, "We Got A Hit" (Extended Version) is classic Who at their best - makes me flash back to the basic early rock sound put forth by the Who of yesteryear. Good sounds with strong up front guitar and vocals - with the energy of the early days.... which leads me to conclude that this record has many of the strong features of the Who, and at the same time lacks a bit of consistency (read: make a shorter, more concise record - maybe 10 or 12 songs max, thereby letting the world know that The Who is still making music that stands the test of time).

Amidst the many strong and standout tracks lie some songs that never get off the ground: "In The Ether" (Townsend tries to emulate Tom Waits), "Trilby's Piano" (the song may make more sense if I had read all of Townsend's "The Boy Who Heard Music" web based 23 chapter novella). Not bad to only have 2 weak tracks on such a far reaching and ambitious record - a remarkable feat for a pair of musical artists that began their recording career over 42 years ago.

Throughout this record there is ample evidence that Townsend has not lost his ability to write thought provoking songs and produce classic true to form Who electric in-your-face-guitar chords (and some nice acoustic guitar as well).

Roger Daltry's voice lacks some of the range of yesteryear (check out his work on "Who's Next" & "Quadrophenia"), but this is totally understandable - as he is a full quarter of a century older now than he was when the Who recorded their last studio record.

Evidence of this is painfully clear on "Mirror Door", as Daltry's vocals are stretched thin. Conversely, Daltry's strong vocal performances on both "Black Widow" and "Its Not Enough" stand up well beside Townsend's guitar- and make me want to catch one of the bands live shows (they are currently on tour in the United States, and recent performances have received strong praise from both fans and critics).

If pressed, I would have to rate this record as better than their 1975 "Who By Numbers" or their 1982 "It's Hard" (which included original Who member & bassist John Entwistle) - but not as good as their classic 1971 "Who's Next" record. I continue to wonder what the final product would have been like had drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwistle had still been around to add their talents to the mix.

I am glad that The Who has chosen to record and tour again - as is offers fans another "Who-fix" - and also introduces new audiences to rock legends of the first degree (I rate them right up there with The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Bob Dylan). I hope that we have not heard the last from The Who - as I believe that they have proved that they still have the good old rock spark and fire burning - demonstrated by their ability to make good records and provide memorable performances (not just an oldies set - but new & fresh material).

Bands like The Who don't exist much anywhere in modern music. This current Who configuration, built on the lyrical and guitar strengths of Townsend in tandem with the gut level honest song interpretive vocal power of Daltry (and the help of other talented musicians) satisfies much of the time.

Townsend's lyrics provide ample food for thought in regard to spirituality, God and relationships in general. God has asked that mankind would come to Him to "reason together" - and promises more than just dialog or discussion - as He offers us the ability for our sins, though scarlet, to be cleansed - so that they will be as white as snow. Quite a promise - providing hope for mankind at a time when hope seems to be in such short supply.

1. Fragments 3:57
2. A Man In a Purple Dress 4:15
3. Mike Post Theme 4:28
4. In the Ether 3:35 5. Black Widow's Eyes 3:07
6. Two Thousand Years 2:50
7. God Speaks, of Marty Robbins 3:26
8. It's Not Enough 4:02
9. You Stand By Me 1:36
10. Sound Round 1:21
11. Pick Up the Peace 1:28 12. Unholy Trinity 2:07
13. Trilby's Piano 2:05
14. Endless Wire 1:51
15. Fragments of Fragments 2:23
16. We Got a Hit 1:18
17. They Make My Dream Come True 1:13
18. Mirror Door 4:14 19. Tea & Theatre 3:23
20. We Got a Hit (Extended Version) 3:04
21. Endless Wire (Extended Version) 3:05

Modern Times: Bob Dylan

On his newly released Modern Times record Bob Dylan moves forward by forging songs that are strongly rooted in the past. This album is musically panoramic in scope as Dylan and his talented touring band comfortably and skillfully play a variety of music that includes slow & up-tempo blues, rockabilly, and timeless ballads.

Modern times has been compared to Dylan's 1997 Time Out of Mind and his 2001 Love and Theft records as the third installment of his latter day comeback masterpieces - but I consider his 1989 Oh Mercy record as the beginning point of his career comeback and resurgence.

By Dylan's choice and design, the production on this record is cleaner and sparser than his Time Out of Mind album. This approach showcases the lyrics and music that are rich with many subtleties that draw the listener back again and again (credit the genius of generosity for this).

Like a good red wine that needs to be properly decanted in order to release all of its flavors, Modern Times requires at least 4 or 5 listens before all of the records flavor notes and nuances rise to the top of the minds palette.

-Thunder On The Mountain features Chuck Berry style guitar riffs, and confidently offers both engaging music and intriguing words - including struggles with an unidentified woman who he can't live with or without, and Dylan's proclamation that "Some sweet day I will stand beside my king." (a taste of the records tension between the trials of this life contrasted with the hope offered by a relationship with Christ).

-Spirit On the Water and Beyond The Horizon are love songs with Dylan crooning like a latter day Bing Crosby. Both songs are subtle and pleasing with delicate nuances of instrumentation and vocal phrasing that add listening interest. Especially enjoyable is the harmonica entwined with guitar at the end of Spirit On The Water, some of the best harmonica sounds that Dylan has ever recorded.

-Along with Thunder On The Mountain, Rollin' and Tumblin' and Someday Baby provide Dylan and band an ample opportunity to strut their stuff. The infectious guitar riffs carry the songs along, while playful lyrics keep the ears tuned to hear what Dylan has to say. One of these songs may just earn a place as a pre-encore show closer, much the same way that Love and Theft's Summer Days has.

-When The Deal Goes Down begins with guitar notes reminiscent of Where Teardrops Fall (a song on his Oh Mercy album) and includes both subtle music, coupled with intricate lyrics that discuss the trials and commitment involved with close relationships:

"We eat and we drink, we feel and we think
Far down the street we stray
I laugh and I cry and I'm haunted by things that I never meant to nor wished to say
The midnight rain follows the train
We all wear the same thorny crowns
Soul to soul, our shadows roll
And I'll be with you when the deal goes down."

This is the first song on Modern Times to be released as a video (featuring young starlet Scarlett Johnansson), and is the type of love song that only Bob Dylan could write.

-Someday Baby (featured in the new iTunes & iPod commercial) sports a Harpo Slim style guitar riff and Dylan's blistering lyrics about payback time for love gone bad.

"I tried to be friendly, I tried to be kind
I'm gonna drive you from your home, just like I was driven from mine.
Someday baby, you ain't gonna worry po' anymore."

Both the guitar riff and Dylan's words are catchy and further serve to engage the listener in trying to figure out where Dylan is heading on this record.

-Workingman's Blues #2 is a social commentary song that provides a nod to friend Merle Haggard (Dylan has invited Haggard along on a couple of recent American tours). Although this song does not sound like Haggard's original, the connection between Dylan and Haggard is strong - sort of a mutual admiration society. Dylan recently said that he was waiting for Merle to write a "Blowing In The Wind #2".

-Ain't Talkin', Just Walkin', the albums closing song, paints a clear and stark graphic mental images of a journey filled with pain, suffering, revenge and love - all the typical things that go along with living here on planet earth. This song is a haunting and intensely engaging present day personal glimpse into the human heart. It pulls the listener in and takes them on a trip that includes painfully honest thoughts, perceptions and experiences encountered along the way.

Modern Times was carefully sequenced with specific songs placed exactly the artist wanted them to be. The opening songs give us the stage-show Dylan, boasting, "Today's the day, gonna grab my trombone and blow. Well, there's hot stuff here and its everywhere I go." (According to Dylan, he doesn't have anything left to prove, so I have to believe that he gets much joy performing, and along the way, stirring up continued interest in both himself and his music).

This last track provides a more personal glimpse of the private Dylan (he has held the cards of his personal life as close to his vest as possible, and has only recently offered fans a bit more insight via the Martin Scorsese directed, "Don't Look Back" biographical documentary and his "Chronicles: Vol. 1" book). On this track he sings that,

"They say prayer has the power to heal
So pray for me mother
In the human an evil spirit can dwell
I am a-tryin' to love my neighbor and do good unto others
But oh, mother, things ain't going well."

The record includes both lyrics and music that carry the listener along on a ride that is both timeless and timely. Modern Times' lyrics provide a good amount of food for thought that will keep folks busy trying to figure out what Dylan is saying (including references to finding and losing love, revenge, sin, forgiveness, faith in God - all set in the context of the beautiful, and sometimes cruel world, that we all live in).

Dylan's tasteful and skilled phrasing complements the record's well crafted lyrics. Throughout Modern Times the artist uses his voice as one of the instruments at his disposal, and this record his words are, for the most part, clearly enunciated (but now always clearly understood).

Although Modern Times may not bring any new converts into Dylan's fold, it is a record that showcases the skills and genius of a true living legend.

Modern Times Complete Track List:

1. Thunder On The Mountain
2. Spirit On The Water
3. Rollin' and Tumblin'
4. When The Deal Goes Down
5. Someday Baby
6. Workingman's Blues #2
7. Beyond The Horizon
8. Nettie Moore
9. The Levee's Gonna Break
10. Ain't Talkin', Just Walkin'

Music News - The Who have been busy....

The Who (one of my all-time favorite bands) have been busy lately currently performing in the U.K., on the first leg of a world tour which will soon hit the States, set to release a mini-opera single CD on July 10th, and still working on their first studio album (since their 1997, "Its Hard" record), which is scheduled for an October release (will be posting a record review - stay tuned).

During their current tour the band will stream some of their performances live to internet viewers (for a very nominal charge- the proceeds of which will be donated to charity) for more info on the internet telecasts, tour dates, etc. you can log onto the Who's website at: http://thewholive.tv/frontdoor/

In Memory: at a recent Who concert in London's Hyde Park (part of a series of concerts where Pink Floyd also played) pictures of the late Who drummer Keith Moon and bass player John Entwistle were flashed as the remaining Who members Pete Townsend & Roger Daltry continued to pound out solid Who rock - just like in the latter days (reviews of the show have been very positive - which bodes well for eager Who fans in the States who are anxiously awaiting to see these rock legends perform live again).

Side Note: Who lead guitarist Pete Townsend has announced that he has promised not to ever break another musical instrument again (at least on stage before a concert audience). Townsend has donated one of the very last guitars that he broke to charity, and the instrument will travel from venue to venue with the band, allowing interested fans and collectors an opportunity purchase a ticket and have a chance to own this now infamous guitar (customized by Pete Townsend!).

Cars: Movie Review

Pixar-Disney Does It Again....

"Cars", the latest Pixar-Disney collaborative effort, has raced its way into the hearts of American moviegoers. This movie sports a good screenplay, cutting edge c.g.i. graphics, appropriately selected music, and great character development. All of these elements work together and set the stage for a story that revolves around Lead character “Lightening McQueen” (a take-off on Steve McQueen?) and his unexpected trip of misadventure…

This film follows the activities of inanimate objects (cars) that have been brought to life (animated) with a personality all their own. Pixar and crew have indeed done wonders in transforming cartoon like cars into memorable characters that almost jump off the big screen with charm and warmth.

Shiny red (and immensely popular) Lightening McQueen runs headlong into unexpected adversity, detours and delays. Eventually, Lightening is challenged to find a way out of a tough spot (encountered during an unexpected delay in a little town called Radiator Springs) and make it to his ultimate destination…

McQueen believes that he is the “race-car champion heir-apparent”, and must prove so in a one final race against his biggest competitors.


Roadblocks, Detours and Blessings in Disguise...

As he struggles to get back on top of things, McQueen has time (for the first time in a long time) to think about where he is going, and the sort of car (guy) he has become. He begins to understand that for most of his life he has only had time for himself (hence, he does not have many friends).

One of the most memorable characters in the movie is “Doc Hudson”, a still sporty racing car champion of yesteryear. The voice of Paul Newman fits this character so well – expressing the spark of life that this old racecar still has within. Hudson is a sort of life-coach for Lightning, and provides some fatherly advice and training that prove to be invaluable as McQueen struggles to get back into the race.

In addition to Newman, the film benefits from talented actors who also lend their recognizable voices, including Owen Wilson, Larry The Cable Guy, Cheech Marin, Jennifer Lewis, George Carlin, Michael Keaton, and many more. Each of these talented actors and actresses add a depth of personality that help to make the cars come to life and leap off of the screen – and right into the viewers heart.

The movie comes alive with the incredible computer generated imagery. The visual screen scape produced by the animation skills from Pixar Studios (part of a Pixar-Disney marketing deal) helps to make “Cars” a fun-ride-must-see movie for all age groups.

This film is enjoying strong positive word-of-mouth advertising (the best kind), and many who view the movie at the theater will also want to purchase a copy of the DVD when released, as this one is truly a keeper!


The Story of A True Champion!

Many of us can relate to McQueen (and Hudson) in regard to getting tripped up and way off course. All of us have a hope that somehow we can get back on the right track – and reach our destination. The pitfalls, detours and delays that Lightening McQueen encounter eventually bring rewards that are totally unexpected – but extremely valuable. If I said anything else it would spoil the story. Check out this winning movie – and enjoy the story of a true champion.

The Da Vinci Code: Movie Review

The Da Vinci Code (DVC) movie continues to do well at the box office - it is currently in second place in the United States, and has enjoyed even stronger ticket sales worldwide.... Having read (and enjoyed the book, I went to see the movie - and was hoping that it would be a great movie - but it wasn't. Don't misunderstand me - this is not a bad movie - it is just not the great movie that I hoped it would be....

The continued popularity of this movie underscores the fact that there is something about the DVC story (based on the best selling book by Author Dan Brown) that has captured the minds of people everywhere. I personally enjoyed reading the book, but never believed that the basic gist of the story could be true (Dan Brown weaves a tale where Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene, who at the time of Jesus' crucifixion, was carrying his child - which if found to be true - has some incredible implications).

I enjoyed following the clues along with the lead characters as they tried to make sense of the ever deepening story and plot coined "The Da Vinci Code" (from so-called hidden clues and messages that artist Leonardo Da Vinci had left in his famous painting, "The Last Supper").

About half way through the movie I was reminded what a huge task it is to take a novel like the DVC and convert it into a workable (and enjoyable) screenplay. Although I can't point to all of the reasons why, the movie did not work as well as the book did. I know that I can't blame all of the movies shortcomings on screenplay writer Akiva Goldsman (who has enjoyed previous success and academy award recognition).

The movie is comprised of many good elements: Popular actor Tom Hanks plays the lead character Robert Langdon (I liked his roles in many of the films that he has starred in), who is joined by a slew of a handful of talented actors (including solid acting by Sir Ian McClellan as Holy Grail expert Sir Leigh Teabing) , filming on location (spots that I would want to see for the first time or re-visit), rich photography, a good musical score (by Hans Zimmer), coupled with the directing skills of Ron Howard.

You would think that a movie, based on such a popular book (the DVC is now the number- two all time best-selling paperback book - outsold only by the Bible!), would have been an absolute smash hit (Sony Pictures pumped up pre-release interest in this movie - by some good marketing and also by putting a lid on any advance info being leaked prior to the films premiere opening). The sum of all these elements never seem to come together to produce a movie that is at least half as enjoyable or exciting as the book.

The lack of solid character development (especially for the 2 lead roles) made following the lead characters on their path of discovery a mediocre journey at best, and boring at worst. Tom Hanks never quite nails the role of the lead character Robert Teabing. He often comes off both wooden and flat as he attempts to deliver his lines (and this is being written by a person who has truly enjoyed many of Tom's previous and more memorable roles). His interaction with co-star Audrey Tautou (who plays Sophie Neveu) is lukewarm. This tone is somewhat understandable, as Sophie is the stranger, who into a crime scene (purporting to be someone who needs help to solve a mystery of biblical proportions) and expecting to be believed - and followed - is a stretch - which takes more than the movie could offer in order to make this tale believable (even though the book somehow did).

The movie takes the viewer on an almost never ending gallop from location to location as the characters are piecing together "The Da Vinci Code". In addition to these places of interest, their are some key moments in the film that help the viewer better understand the genius of Da Vinci (as it ties into "The Code"), including the "Cryptex" - a special metal and wood secret code only entry chamber that contains a concealed message written on papyrus, and potentially ruined by the enclosed vial of vinegar - if broken by the entry of a wrong code (made me want to examine both the inventions and art of Leonardo Da Vinci all over again!). Seeing the Louve Museum was also fascinating - with the screen shots of numerous works of art, including the famous Mona Lisa (one of the most recognizable paintings in the world, and a Da Vinci classic).

I don't know if I would have perceived the film much differently if I had not read the book prior to seeing the movie, as the difficulty of following all of the details and clues, without having had the time to already absorb some of the material, may have made it even harder to watch.

I had hoped that this movie would be as good (or as fun to follow) as the book - but this was not to be. I still think that it is a good film to see, as the movie tackles some issues and covers some ground that provides some rich food for discussion (for more info see The Da Vinci Code News blog on HollywoodJesus.com).

My advice: if you have not read the book yet - consider reading it - and then also consider viewing the film. Don't expect the movie to be as good as the book - but listen carefully to what is said (literally, read in between the lines) - and then follow the clues to see if they lead you to any of the same conclusions as portrayed in the movie. I won't list the many good resources that are available - as the books that have been written about the original DVC book are numerous and easy to access (check out the group of essays posted on the HollywoodJesus website that provide a good deal of info for those who want to follow the clues).

Even though the content of the movie is pure fiction (just like the book), people have wondered and asked themselves, "what if?". After checking out some of the clues, as presented in both the movie and the book, you will discover that there is no veracity to the story as told - proving that this work of fiction is - simply, a work of fiction (even if Author Dan Brown makes it seem otherwise).

United 93

—1. Overview
—2. Cast and Crew
—3. Photo Pages
—4. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack
—5. Posters (Airplanes)
—6. Production Notes (pdf)
—7. Spiritual Connections
—8. Presentation Downloads

“United 93” – is an important movie to see, but very difficult to watch. Even though the tragic events of 9/11 have been seared into my heart and mind, this movie served, albeit painfully, to provide me with an inside glimpse of the suffering and hurt that so many people experienced on this fateful day.

A Real Honest Movie

Director & Screenplay Writer Paul Greengrass deserves credit for making a movie that tells the dramatic story of the 4th hijacked plane on 9/11 in a realistic and non-sensational manner. This movie is a real time account of the United 93, from the dual vantage point of inside and outside the plane, as passengers, crew, and air-traffic controllers understand and respond to the unfolding events. The hopes, dreams and plans of the passengers contrasted with the acute tension of the hijackers serves as a dramatic backdrop for the story that unfolds as the movie progresses. (Yes, artistic license is taken to fill in the missing gaps of the story, but this is handled well and the dialogue is believable and provides some valuable insights into what it must have been like to be aboard this airplane as the flight progressed).

As I watched the story of the passengers and crew of United 93, held hostage by a group of religious extremists, and their struggle to stay alive – I began to identify with those who would eventually lose their lives on this mournful and fateful day. Throughout the movie I could not help but to continually flash back in my mind to September 11, 2001 – when I, along with the rest of the nation gradually became aware of what was transpiring –right before our very eyes. This film provides a clear view into what the passengers and crew of United 93 must have been thinking as they too began to realize what was happening.


Spectator vs. Participant

The big difference here is that I have been a spectator on both occasions – and that the passengers and crew who experienced this never lived to personally tell their story.

It is has been often said that the best way to understand someone else is to put yourself into their shoes- this film allows the viewer to do this – and for a tension filled 111 minutes this movie offers a glimpse into what it must have felt like to BE one of the passengers on United flight 93. The awful and bleak reality slowly creeps into the minds and hearts of the flight 93’s passengers and crew – as they realize that the hijackers are crazed zealots who have no intention of ending this ordeal except through suicide.

Prior to the film’s release there was a good amount of talk that the filmmakers were merely attempting to make a quick buck by capitalizing on the events of United 93. With this in mind I went to check out this movie – and was not sure if I would walk away with a similar opinion.

After viewing this movie I am disturbed and upset – not at the filmmakers – but conversely at the hijackers and those who support their cause. I don’t define courage by taking your own life – and taking others to the grave with you in the process. It takes an immense amount for courage to realize that you and those with you are going to die – and then decide to do something about it.


Heroes for Today

Heroes seem to be in short supply these days – but I think that the passengers and crew of United 93 can be considered heroes. It takes courage to do something about a very difficult situation, and it takes great skill to work together w/ a group of strangers – when you life is being threatened. The passengers and crew of United 93 demonstrated extreme courage under extreme pressure- and every American can be both proud and grateful that this group of people had the strength of character to look evil straight into the eye and fight.

A small group of passengers and flight attendants teamed together in an attempt to alter the destructive course of the hijacked airplane. Although everyone on United 93 met a fiery death – plowing nose first into the ground – their actions set an example of courage for every American who enjoys the freedoms and liberties available in our nation.

In United 93, Filmmaker Paul Greengrass provides each of us a very clear and poignant record of what happened, and because he did such a good job – we can better understand the sacrifice that was made on that day and why it is so important for each of us to work together to hopefully prevent another tragedy like this.

This movie is a cinematic record, very well executed, reminding each of us that freedom is not free – and it sometimes requires incredible sacrifice to maintain (after seeing this movie it was not difficult for me to connect the sacrifices made by the passengers and crew, to the incredible sacrifice that God made when he sent His Son to suffer in our place – so that all of us who are a part of the human race, can have true freedom, both in this life – and in the one to come).

— Overview

Dave Chappelle's Block Party: Movie Review

—1. Overview
—2. Cast and Crew
—3. Photo Pages
—4. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Books, Soundtrack
—5. Posters (Current Films)
—6. Production Notes (pdf)
—7. Spiritual Connections
—8. Presentation Downloads

Dave Chappelle has invited you to his Block Party – and my advice is that you take him up on his invitation. I viewed this film last weekend and enjoyed it all the way. No, I was not one of the people that received a golden ticket from Dave (as did some fortunate souls from Chappelle’s Ohio stomping ground) inviting me to hop on the bus and travel to Brooklyn to check out the party – I had to travel down to the local theater to check it out.

In the film Dave is heard telling some Central State (Ohio) University Marching Band members (that Chappelle recruited to travel to New York and perform at the Block Party) that this is a “low budget movie” – but in viewing the film you would never know it. Chappelle enlisted the services of Director Michael Gondry (Director of “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and also known for his excellent videos for such artists as The White Stripes & The Beastie Boys) and Cinematographer Ellen Kuras (The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Neil Young: Heart of Gold, The Ballad of Jack and Rose), who meld their talents with Dave’s fast paced comedic genius and a powerfully talented group of hip-hop and R&B artists that perform on the streets of Brooklyn, New York.

The movie works on many levels (see below), but the very best part of the film was the music – the performances by the musicians themselves are nothing short of incredible.

The reunion of the Fugees alone was worth the price of admission – you have to check out their performance to fully understand what I mean. (This part of the show almost did not happen –as Dave Chappelle explains that Columbia Records executives could not seem to find a way to let former Fugees member Lauryn Hill perform – due to contractual constraints – but Lauryn Hill realized that she could perform as a Fugee- and joining former Fugee members Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel, was able to go on with the show).

Block Party attendees (and movie goers) are also treated to performances by Rap & Hip Hop artists Kanye West, The Roots, Mos Def, Common, Dead Prez, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, and Talif Bweli - check out the Block Party Soundtrack Album-to be released on March 14th.

Before the actual concert Dave is shown driving around the streets of Ohio and New York City calling out to passers by inviting whoever will listen to come over and enjoy the show (reminded me of the bible verse where a rich man had invited guests to a his banquet, but when they did not show up he instructed his servants to go out into the highways and byways and invite all to come and eat - see Luke14:23 )

The cast of characters that attend the concert show are a show in and of themselves: check out the woman clerk from the local convenience store that Dave shops at in Ohio, who admits that she needs to learn what rap music is all about, and somewhat reluctantly joins the bus trip to New York to attend the party and find out.

The well-into-middle-age hippie couple, whose house borders the Block Party location, relate a story to Chappelle that was, for me, very profound: they tell of walking the streets of New York and discovering a broken angel sitting in the gutter – and rather than just passing up what appears to be a piece a junk – the woman takes the angel (viewed by her as some sort of omen that her and her friend are to get married - how she got this message is not clear) and together her and her friend glue the figurine back together (later on they find out that the angel was not really a rare collectors item, but rather a mass-produced figurine – and yet they regard this angel as special – as when they glued it together it became a bit different than all of the others – they describe it as, “….more fluidic, with more character that all of the other mass-produced ones….”

The house that they share, depicted in the movie, is named “Broken Angel” in honor of the angel figurine that they found in the gutter. When they first viewed the house it was in great disrepair – having become a haven for crack addicts. Like the angel figurine, they realized that the house was a diamond in the rough, and are in the process of restoring it to use as an art studio – where they will create new things (works of art?).
As I listened to their story I could not help relate their tale to the way that God reaches into the gutters and pulls people (the broken angels) out, puts them back together – and then showcases them for all to see His restorative work.

Chappelle’s inclusion of this couple in the movie becomes even more interesting when the wife admits that she “…does not like rap music because of the language that is so often associated with the music…”, and yet Chappelle accepts this couple for who they are – even if they don’t embrace or enjoy the type of music that Chappelle is having at the party.

The people that Dave invites to his party each add something of themselves that help make the movie memorable. The movie does not try to make people fit into its mold, but accepts people for who and what they are. Although some people will be offended by the language that is part of this movie, prominently heard in some of the rap songs and the background dialogue, the movie provides an honest view into culture – even if the culture is a bit different than what some viewers may be comfortable with.


Throughout the movie viewers are treated to a hefty dose of Chappelle’s spur-of-the-moment fluidic comedy and his love for common people – which he admits that he was – before he somehow “talked himself into an enormous amount of money” (Dave Chappelle impresses me as a man who has made it big in terms of career & financial success, but who has not forgot from whence he came from – an admirable character quality in this day and age).

The fact that Dave Chappelle has brought together such a powerful cadre of talented musicians – and pulled off a very successful Block Party illustrates Chappelle’s ability to uses his rather large bankroll to make some fun things happen, and invite others (including the viewers of this film) to come along for the ride and enjoy the party.

Beyond this, the music performances captured in this film, coupled with the brilliant rapid fire brain comedic skills of Dave Chappelle, serve to further underscore the fact that Hip-Hop and Rap music is no longer merely “on-the-fringe” of music and culture, but has become mainstream in all aspects – and that Dave Chappelle has been rightly crowned as one of the most talented comedians of our day.

— Overview