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Saturday, Aug 30, 2008
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Disjointed I Am Legend still entertains |
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| Disjointed I Am Legend still entertains | ||
| by Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid -
SGN A&E Writer I AM LEGEND DIRECTED BY FRANCIS LAWRENCE STARRING WILL SMITH, ALICE BRAGA, SALLI RICHARDSON, CHARLIE TAHAN, WILLOW SMITH OPENS DECEMBER 14 Maybe because someone told me that Will Smith's newest vehicle - make no mistake, it is his show - was based on a film made in the '70s starring Charlton Heston as The Omega Man, I went to see I Am Legend with great expectations. True, I've known to be wary of big budget Hollywood films starring known stars, but I have to say that aside from a little too much CGI, the film isn't awful. It isn't like The Omega Man but it's close enough, with the plot still being about the whole world being destroyed (this time by a mutating man-made virus meant to kill cancer), save one survivor. Oh yes, and there are mutants, of course. But the similarities to more recent films, like Children of Men and 28 Days Later, are much clearer (and harder to ignore) since those were better films than the action-packed, thin on storyline I Am Legend. Still, this film about a possible end for the world as we know it isn't bad to sit through. Will Smith is a good action star, and he also gets to show lots of emotion as he tries to work on a cure for the virus, even while trying to maintain his sanity as the only survivor - the only healthy human survivor - on earth&or so he thinks. Of course Hollywood (and perhaps the American moviegoing public) can't imagine someone being completely alone, or this kind of devastation (maybe that's why Children of Men, set in England, comes off as a stronger film), so our hero has company soon enough. Yes, he has a dog at the beginning of the film, but there's also a young woman and child who save him from certain death one night when he flips and goes after the mutants, only to have them turn the tables quickly, and with extreme force. So yes, I Am Legend has great action sequences, and Will Smith does get my sympathy vote for some of his more poignant moments after the loss of his family when things go way bad, before everything vanishes and he's alone in New York City. But, as the ads are saying "Oscarworthy," and I'm not sure about that, mostly because things like having Shrek appear on a television the discovered child is watching and some jokester moments by Smith (his typical mugging that he does in all of his films) weakens what could have been a great film. Still, after all is said and done, I Am Legend is a good film, and definitely entertaining. |
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| Live Performances | ||
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| by Albert Rodriguez, Richard Kennedy and Jessica Browning -
SGN A&E Writers Hottest Artists of the Year | Top Albums/CDs | Live Performances | Feature Artist Interview | Singles/Tracks | Worst Music of 2007 From Portland to Vancouver, and all over Seattle - we saw dozens of live shows in 2007, and even met seve ral of our favorite artists backstage. Upon reflection, these are our picks for the very best live performances this year. We look forward to covering more great concerts in 2008! ALBERT RODRIGUEZ'S PICKS (IN ORDER) 1. ARCADE FIRE MAY 27 SCHNITZER HALL (PORTLAND, OR) This wasn't a performance, it was a revival. Arcade Fire's intimate Portland show, in May, had concertgoers singing, jumping, swaying and rejoicing for over two hours. At any given moment I thought someone would be baptized. Complete with a grand pipe organ, "Keep the Car Running," "Intervention" and "Rebellion (Lies)" were pure bliss. 2. CAPITOL HILL BLOCK PARTY JULY 27-28 W/ SPOON, SILVERSUN PICKUPS, ETC. PORTABLE OUTDOOR VENUE Sure, we stepped on mounds of plastic beer cups and stood in 45-minute lines for one drink, but the two-day mini-festival was worth every bang for its buck. With Spoon, Silversun Pickups, Against Me! and The Cribs on the lineup, the Block Party found itself on the national map. 3. ARCTIC MONKEYS MAY 3 THE SHOWBOX (MARKET) Mega-hyped Arctic Monkeys surpassed all my expectations when they ripped through The Showbox in May with a feisty, top-notch performance. Front to end, the entire main floor became a sea of sweaty head-bobbers. 4. WHITE RABBITS OCTOBER 18 NEUMOS An androgynous-looking couple in ice dance costumes and a sleazy, intoxicated blonde hitting on every hot guy at the bar made for an odd yet incredible evening when White Rabbits delivered an electrifying blend of rock, ska and bossa nova tunes in October. Next time, fellas, more cowbell. 5. VIRGIN FESTIVAL W/ THE KILLERS, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, ETC. MAY 20-21 THUNDERBIRD STADIUM (VANCOUVER, BC) It rained nearly the entire first day of Vancouver's inaugural Virgin Festival, but that didn't stop thousands of concertgoers who came out to support The Killers, My Chemical Romance, Mute Math and The Reason - not to mention turning the outdoor arena's muddy terraces into a body-surfing recreational area. 6. PETER, BJORN AND JOHN MAY 13 NEUMOS Swedish pop act Peter, Bjorn and John played back-to-back sold-out concerts on the same night in mid-May. The first, an all-ages show, was like prom night with better music and cuter kings and queens. The cheery trio charmed the pants off everyone that evening, and then some. 7. MODEST MOUSE MARCH 21 SOUTH LAKE UNION NAVAL RESERVE Poor acoustics and a less-than-flattering venue were minuses for Modest Mouse's impromptu spring appearance, celebrating their newest CD release. But the group's terrific set of fresh material and rare favorites saved their ship from sinking. 8. KINGS OF LEON SEPTEMBER 2 BUMBERSHOOT MEMORIAL STADIUM Despite illness, Kings of Leon gave a riveting performance on Bumbershoot's main stage this fall. Lead singer Caleb Followill, in a tattered T-shirt and vest combo, stood out like a thrift store mannequin but sounded every bit like a veteran rock star. 9. DAUGHTRY FEBRUARY 6 NEUMOS Chris Daughtry, of American Idol fame, impressed the hell out of me when his self-titled band rocked a sold out crowd in early February. Honestly, I was just there to drool. 10. GUSTER FEBRUARY 14 NEUMOS Unattached hipsters filled Neumos on V-Day to partake of a date night-promoted gig headlined by Guster. Ryan Miller (vocalist) began the night in a sour mood, but finished the concert all smiles, thanks to an overly exuberant audience and many swigs of beer. RICHARD KENNEDY'S PICKS (IN ORDER) 1. SHARON JONES AND THE DAP KINGS DECEMBER 8 NEUMOS Before Jones even graced the stage, The Dap Kings had the crowd riled up with an authentic revue-style opening. Jones shook and shimmied all night, while belting out original material that brought the sold-out audience right back to the '60s. She even brought fans up on stage to dance with her! Unlike any other performers out there, their set is tight, fast-paced, raw and real! 2. HEART AUGUST 23 WAMU THEATER Plain and simple: This show FUCKING ROCKED! Ann Wilson's voice is an instrument itself, and she belted her way through Heart's catalog, as well as many classic rock covers. The Seattle natives kept with the theme, giving their '80s hits a '70s twist and proving why they are true music legends. 3. RUFUS WAINWRIGHT APRIL 23 THE TRIPLE DOOR I was expecting to hear the Judy Garland set that he had performed just before this appearance, but instead Wainwright fans and I were treated to an extremely intimate showcase of all new material. He was charming, funny and extremely relaxed with his devotees making it all the better. And, lucky for me, he did throw in a couple of the Garland covers! 4. SANDRA BERNHARD MARCH 17 THE TRIPLE DOOR I don't know how she keeps her material fresh, and her delivery effortless. After a long run in New York, Bernhard managed to have all-original monologues and songs for this Seattle appearance. Her dramatic opening with "And I'm Telling You&.," while sauntering through the back of the house to the stage gives her the number 4 spot alone! 5. SUZANNE VEGA NOVEMBER 10 NEUMOS Vega has always stayed true to her craft without ever letting herself get into a rut. Her set at Neumos showcased her songwriting and originality over the years. Most fan favorites were reworked with new arrangements giving them a fresh feel, and combined with the brilliant new songs from her latest album she proved that she'll never become a boring old folksinger just making the rounds. 6. NORAH JONES JUNE 29 MCCAW HALL The mega-successful singer-songwriter opted for smaller venues for this tour rather than more arena shows. The result was a tight and well-conceived performance showcasing her beautiful music and humble charm. There is nothing flashy about the production, yet the lighting and stage set were subtly designed to flow with the mood of the show. All in all, a perfect performance. 7. LYLE LOVETT/KD LANG JULY 21 CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE Not since early in their careers had these two original "alt country" singer-songwriters toured together. lang crooned and swooned through her set, garnering a few standing ovations and Lovett rocked the rained-out crowd with his incredible large band. It was an exceptional double bill. 8. JOAN RIVERS JANUARY 21 SKAGIT VALLEY CASINO RESORT I will never forget the faces of seniors who came to see Rivers, not ever expecting the trash talk that came flying out of her mouth. Grandmas everywhere had tears rolling down their faces from laughing so hard as the comic icon ripped on Gays, Jews, 9-11 widows and her own sagging vagina! She even made me blush! 9. SARAH VOWELL MARCH 31 MOORE THEATRE How anyone can turn US History into true entertainment is beyond me. Her spoken word combines her dry wit and knowledge, making the story of her "Tour of US Presidents Homes" a metaphor for all that is crazy in these modern days. 10. CHARO APRIL 5 SKAGIT VALLEY CASINO RESORT The first act was signature Charo, all cuchi cuchi, camp and glitz, but she turned the tables by Act II and completely mesmerized her audience. With sweat running down her face and hair flipping in every direction, she performed the most passionate classical guitar playing I've ever seen. JESSICA BROWNING'S PICKS (IN ORDER) 1. DAFT PUNK JULY 29 WAMU THEATER Talk about hot. This sold out performance from French electronic geniuses Daft Punk was the talk of the summer. They managed to top every other band - rock, electronic, or otherwise - with the sheer genius of reinventing their entire catalog live and making a huge venue feel like a sweaty, gyrating club. 2. LCD SOUNDSYSTEM MAY 2 THE SHOWBOX (MARKET) This was an incredible year for LCD Soundsystem. Sound of Silver is undeniably one of the most intelligent and danceable records of the year, not to mention one that will stand the test of time. LCD brought down the house as everyone predicted they would. 3. BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB W/ THE BLACK ANGELS MAY 13 THE SHOWBOX (MARKET) Two of my favorite bands paired up for a night of pure rock thrills. BRMC or The Black Angels alone are amazing; on the same bill they were a dream come true. 4. EMILY HAINES & THE SOFT SKELETON JANUARY 20 THE CROCODILE CAFE Emily Haines was the loveliest surprise of the year. Her album, her voice, her lovely performance at the Crocodile gave me chills. The shoulder-to-shoulder audience was enrapt and rightly so - Emily Haines is a treasure even without her better-known outfit, Metric. 5. HEAVY TRASH NOVEMBER 17 CHOP SUEY Jon Spencer (of Jon Spencer Blues Explosion fame) and Matt Verta-Ray blew the doors off Chop Suey. Their rockabilly spiced with punk and blues is so good it hurts; not to mention Spencer looks as hot as ever. 6. THE RAVEONETTES JUNE 5 THE TRIPLE DOOR The Raveonettes performed as a two-piece this time around, and proved they can steal your heart quietly just as quickly as they can with full volume. 7. THE STOOGES APRIL 27 WAMU THEATER The Godfather of punk still wears tight jeans and channels enough energy to power a small city. Long live Iggy Pop! 8. JARVIS COCKER APRIL 30 THE SHOWBOX (MARKET) For those of us that never saw Pulp live, Jarvis Cocker's Seattle date was a must-see. Clever and nerdy-sexy to the last, Cocker was debonair as always and can definitely hold his own touring solo. 9. DITA VON TEESE & THE ATOMIC BOMBSHELLS FEBRUARY 9 THE TRIPLE DOOR Taking your clothes off in public has never been so chic. Dita Von Teese is the queen of classic burlesque with a modern twist. 10. INTERPOL OCTOBER 18 WAMU THEATER Interpol proved on this night that they could connect to a mass audience as if it was still underground club time. They're so tight, and so lovely to look at - who could ask for anything more? |
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