Movie Review: Invictus

By Jonathan Pattishall | December 13, 2009

“Invictus” tells an incredible and entirely true story, that of the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa. In that year Nelson Mandela (played in the movie by Morgan Freeman) used a white-dominated sport that had been a prominent symbol of apartheid to reconcile white and black South Africans. With the help of the Springbok’s captain Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), he launched a PR campaign that brought the leftist agitators of the anti-apartheid African National Congress into the same sports tent as right-wing Afrikaners, most of whom were rugby fanatics. By championing the Springboks, Mandela convinced whites that he respected their culture, and in the process he helped unify a nation on the verge of race-based civil war.It is essentially a story about the charm, magnanimity and political geniusof Nelson Mandela. So even if some of the historical details were allowed to slip by the wayside (and they were), the only chance this movie stood of being a success was in hitting Mandela’s chord in perfect harmony. If director Clint Eastwood couldn’t do that, he should have scrapped the project altogether.Click above to read more

Reel Deal: "Arrested Development" Movie Finally On Its Way!

By Rocco Giamatteo | December 11, 2009

"As Hollywood agents worry about the demise of the town's lowing cash cow, the multi-camera, staged sitcom, here to save the day is Arrested Development, a farce of such blazing wit and originality, that it must surely usher in a new era in comedy." – Alison Powell (The Guardian) Arrested Development was a one-of-a kind marvel for American television, a perfectly realized sitcom about a hilariously dysfunctional family of offbeat, self-destructive characters presented in a fresh style of insider jokes and plot-dependent flashbacks that has come to define the show as the most sharply written sitcom ever to air on American television… and America missed it. Throughout its three years on Fox, Mitchell Hurwitz’s Arrested Development received very poor ratings, but garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. It won six Emmys and a Golden Globe Award, and yet America was so oblivious to the show’s very existence that it was finally cancelled in February 2006. But we faithful Arrested Development fans (one of the biggest ones among us being Keith Olbermann, by the way) have been desperately waiting for a film conception of the show to be developed since narrator/producer Ron Howard alluded to the prospects of Arrested Development: The Movie in the final line of the sitcom.Click above to read more.

Mixtape Round-Up: December 4-10

By Benn Wineka | December 10, 2009

Tuesday had some pretty big name releases in the hip-hop world, but if you couldn't afford to cop albums for fee then I got some for free.It's pretty safe to say Kidz in the Hall emcee Naledge is the hardest working rapper in Chicago. The Interwebs is always full of some freestyles let out by the head of the Brainiac Society. On the flip side, we hadn't heard a lot from the duo. The new project with LRG is brand new material and released in anticipation of the Kidz' next album, tentatively scheduled to drop in March. Double-O and Naledge continue to make smooth hip-hop a little outside the mainstream but with a more mature vibe than a lot of records. The group tries some new things on tracks with Marsha AProxy-Connection: keep-alive Cache-Control: max-age=0 orsius yet sounds like classic Kidz on "Grizzly Man." This is a legit album and should be downloaded.What's Good?: "Grizzly Man," "We At It Again"Tracklist and Download link for The Professional Leisure TourClick above for more mixtapes.

A year in concert photos

By Jordan Lawrence | December 8, 2009

In honor of today's Year In Review issue of the DTH, Dive has compiled a slideshow of photos to sum up the events and happenings in Triangle music this year. Take a look and enjoy.

Interesting CD Releases for Dec. 8

By Jordan Lawrence | December 8, 2009

Hey guys. It's Tuesday again, and unlike last week there's actually one or two interesting things to talk about. So let's get to it.Nobody drops a slightly, kinda, but not really too offensive rap lyric like Virginia hip-hop duo Clipse, and this pattern continues on Til The Casket Drops. Containing a bevy of great soul-influenced beats and straight up crack rap lyrics that are straightforward and clever as hell, it shows them at the top of their game. With a guest list that includes Kanye West, Pharrel and Cam'ron, this one is poised as the album that breaks them big, but whatever commercial success it reaches, this record is one of the better hip-hop releases to come out this year.My next bit of advice is not a recommendation. It's a word of warning. DO NOT BUY SHOCK VALUE II! I know it's going to be tempting. Timbaland is known as the guy who can polish a turd better than just about anybody on the planet. But here he stacks the odds against him to such a high degree not even he can dig himself out. The guest list for his second self-agrandizing compilation features Chad Krueger of Nickelback (not kidding), Daughtry (still not kidding), Miley Cyrus (look it up) and Jet (there is no God). And let me assure you, I've endured all four, and they are every bit as bad as they sound on paper. So please, don't give in. It's not going to be good. It's not even going to be bad in a funny way. It's just going to be awful.

Q&A: Brendan Benson

By Jordan Lawrence | December 8, 2009

Brendan Benson is more than a Raconteur. Well, it might be better to say that he's a raconteur that's got more on his mind than the aggressive rock 'n' roll swagger of The Raconteurs, the powerhouse band he takes part in with White Stripe Jack White. On My Old, Familiar Friend, Benson's first solo record since joining up with the band, the singer/songwriter takes an easy stroll through '60s and '70s pop with big hooks and catchy melodies. Tonight, Benson will bring his neo-McCartney stylings to Cat's Cradle. The show starts at 9 p.m. and costs $15. In anticipation of the show, Diversions Editor Jordan Lawrence caught up with Benson for a quick chat about album titles, influences and the lessons learned from a taste of the big time.Diversions: Does the album title refer to anyone in particular?Brendan Benson: No. It's a lyric from "Eyes on the Horizon." I was having a hard time coming up with a name for the record. I sat down, and I listened to the record, thinking, "The title's got to be in here somewhere." That line came on, and I thought, "Yeah, perfect, I love it." I just like the way it sounds. It makes you wonder, and it's thought provoking. It's kind of lyrical but to no one specific.Click above to read more.

The Movie Trail for Dec. 8

By Mark Niegelsky | December 8, 2009

Remember that hilarious movie with Chris Rock in it? Me neither. For such a talented comedian, Rock has never had much success on the big screen, with his funniest material coming from TV shows and stand-up specials. Nonetheless, he’ll be starring in Neil LaBute’s new film “Death at a Funeral,” alongside Luke Wilson, Martin Lawrence, Danny Glover, and Tracy Morgan. The movie is a remake of the 2007 British film of the same name, which was apparently at least decent, according to a quick perusal of Rotten Tomatoes. LaBute is responsible for directing “Lakeview Terrace” and 2006’s “The Wicker Man,” two of my least favorite films in recent memory, so I’m hardly optimistic about this project. Enjoy the painfully unfunny and slapstick trailer below, and ponder how filmmakers always manage to waste Rock’s talent.Click above for more trailers.

A harmonious evening

By Jordan Lawrence | December 7, 2009

Bowerbirds - Gerrard Hall - Dec. 7 Raleigh's Bowerbirds are certainly one of the more majestic sounding bands in the area, and it showed Monday night in Gerrard Hall. In a free show for UNC students, the band set up as a trio and laid down a set full of blissful harmony and tense, engrossing melody. As lead singer Phil Moore's piercing voice reverberated to the rafters, the nice sized audience was entranced. As students approach finals, it was a great, relaxing musical treat, the kind of lovely, locally focused musical event that campus should open itself up to more often.

Misheard It Here: "Juicebox"

By Elizabeth Byrum | December 7, 2009

Up this week, it’s The Strokes, masters of garage rock. Frenetic and fun, it doesn’t really matter what the band makes music about, because it is guaranteed to be a good time. However, a song that is named after a popular and cute children’s drink yet contains no reference in the actual lyrics, can be perplexing. Add a racing frenzy of screechy synthesizers, and you’ve got a song that isn’t at all cutesy or like casually drinking juice.

Screen Time for Dec. 4

By Jonathan Pattishall | December 4, 2009

What a Friday this is shaping up to be. What a baller, rip-roaring,ass-kicking Friday. First of all Dive has its semi-annual party at the Local 506 at 10 pm, for free. (Don't you love shameless self-promotion.) Then, two highly anticipated movies are opening in Chapel Hill. And don't worry, neither of them are "Armored.""Brothers" (Wide): This remake of an award-winning 2004 Danish film, directed by Irish film-maker Jim Sheridan, and starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire, has all the trappings of an emotionally powerful Oscar-contender. It follows the story of two brothers, a straight-laced Marine (Maguire) missing in action in Afghanistan and his ne'er-do-well sibling (Gyllenhaal) who looks after his brother's wife and kids, getting a little closer than a missing husband would like.When the Marine is found alive and returns home, he begins to spiral out of control with the worst-case-scenarios of a traumatized veteran. Look for some heavy-duty war time drama from the two lead males, as well as Natalie Portman, who plays Maguire's grieving wife.

Reel Deal: Facebook Film - "The Social Network"

By Rocco Giamatteo | December 4, 2009

You’re probably reading this post with your Facebook page opened up in another window, perhaps ‘officially’ ending a relationship or maybe fervently sending friend requests to start new ones. You also have no idea that this vast virtual world of social connectivity through which all of your interpersonal relations are forged was created by a couple of Harvard misfits with characteristically geeky computer skills. At the dawn of Facebook’s success, their friendship deteriorated and egos expanded in an epic struggle for power. It’s one hell of a story - and it should be one hell of a movie. Columbia Pictures has bought the rights to Ben Mezrich’s novel about Facebook’s genesis, "The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding Of Facebook, A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius, and Betrayal." Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin (best known for penning “A Few Good Men”) has written the screenplay, and a surprising choice has been made for the director. David Fincher, mostly known for dark, stylistic movies such as “Se7en”, “Zodiac”, and the cult hit “Fight Club”, is taking on the project, which is considerably less grand and ambitious as his latest work – Academy-award nominated “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” As a huge Fincher fan, I personally cannot help but wonder how this master of mystery and suspense will tackle such melodramatic material. Then again, Fincher just might add that touch of shrewdness that has been his signature in his films – visually captivating scenes fluidly swooping by with dark humor maintained throughout. In fact, it will be, in a way, refreshing to see Fincher’s trademark directorial choices made in a new context (no violence, no deaths, and no shady characters.) Jesse Eisenberg (“Adventureland”, “The Squid and the Whale”) has been cast as Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Andrew Garfield (“Lions for Lambs”) was cast as his co-founding pal Eduardo Saverin. Producer Kevin Spacey stated recently about the film, "The Social Network is probably going to be a lot funnier than people might expect it to be.” Well, considering that Fincher is known for his incisive drama, I didn’t expect too many chuckles. Filming began in October 2009 in Cambridge Massachusetts, and is set for release in late 2010-2011.

Mixtape Round-Up: November 20 - December 3

By Benn Wineka | December 2, 2009

Damn, I can't believe the amount of material that has dropped in the last two weeks. Forget yesterday being world AIDS Day, it was definitely the day of the mixtape. Let's start this rundown.First off, we have to mention the return of Lupe Fiasco. The Chicago emcee has taken a break from preparing to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and dropped some heat on Thanksgiving day. It's only around 25 minutes but Lupe return to his Killer self and says more in that time than most can do ever. He murks "All the Way Turnt Up," a beat that was unheard of to remix until he came out of sleeping. He also borrows an older Lil Wayne joint to steal as well. While Lupe's at it he also grabs a couple Jay-Z and Clipse tracks.To me the man seems to take himself a little too seriously at times, but this sounds like him on that Pre-F and F trip and just going back to rapping for fun, not all business like.What's Good?: "All the Way Turnt Up." Fireman (Yoga Flame)," "Popular Demand"Tracklist and Download link for Enemy of the StateNext we got a real nice diddy that I've been waiting on for a minute. Mick Boogie and Terry Urban assembled what is probably the most bad ass collection of artists and producers for a mixtape I have ever seen. I'm going to name drop first: Phife Dawg, Camp Lo, Talib Kweli, Kardinal Offishall, U-N-I, Tanya Morgan, Skillz, Colin Munroe, Big Pooh, Chaundon, Chip tha Ripper, Daytona, 6th Sense, The Kickdrums, Apple Juice Kid, etc, etc, etc. All these dudes do a remix of old De La joints and they are all badass.'Nough said.What's Good?: "Rock Co Kane Flow" Feat. Shawn Chrystopher, "Breakadawn," everything on hereTracklist and Download link for Le Da SoulClick above for more mixtapes.

Local Song of the Week: Dive Party Edition

By Jordan Lawrence | December 2, 2009

Friday night Diversions and our friends at Local 506 will play host to three of the area's best bands in our seventh semiannual Dive Party. Transcendently anthemic indie rockers Aminal will hit the stage first, followed by the powerful pop rock of I Was Totally Destroying It. Both lead up to a headlining set by the propulsive, tongue-twisting fun of Raleigh folk-rock band Lonnie Walker. The show starts at 10 p.m. and will cost you the low, low price of FREE.To get everyone excited, we filmed each band performing a stripped back version of one of their songs. Aminal performed "Hopeless to Ignore," an excellent bit of defiance set for release on the band's forthcoming full length, in the living room of drummer Cameron Weeks. IWTDI gave us a slow burning take on their "Beneath You All The Way" in Chapel Hill's Patterson's Mill Country Store — owned by singer John Booker's parents. And Lonnie Walker lead-singer Brian Corum let us invade his bedroom as he rendered a quirky guitar-only version of "Back Home Inside With You." Enjoy the videos, download the accompanying mp3s of the performances, and make sure you come out Friday to see the bands up close and personal.

Music Review: Real Estate

By Anna Norris | December 2, 2009

Real EstateReal EstateWoodsistOn their first LP, newcomers Real Estate shimmers and sparkles with easygoing beach music and nostalgia for the carefree summer days of a forgotten childhood.Strung together by the constant theme of water, lead singer Martin Courtney’s vocals echo and reverberate throughout, adding a fitting hazy sheen to the summery feel of the album. The lyrics aren’t especially mesmerizing or deep. In fact, when the songs transfer into the few instrumental tracks sprinkled into the album, the fact that there’s suddenly no singing doesn’t really hit you until the song is half over. But it’s OK because the lyrics aren’t the main focus, they’re just there to add to the aesthetic.The most noticeable thing about the instrumentation is the vibrant mood it provokes. From the jangling guitars and tambourines of instrumental opener “Atlantic City,” you can’t shake the feeling that this band would be equally at home jamming on the boardwalk or in your backyard on a lazy summer evening. The hint of influence from ‘50s and ‘60s pop-rock classics helps to build an innocent yearning for days long gone.Nothing is frantic or forced upon you as Real Estate is content to let you sit back (preferably in a beach chair) and dwell on their delicate electric guitars and steady percussion. But for all their jamming tendencies and dreamy summer day qualities, Real Estate remains engaging thanks to their intricate craftsmanship.Packed with almost more than the recommended dosage of feel-good emotions, this album is the perfect survival tool for staying warm and cheerful through the long winter ahead.Real Estate plays Local 506 tonight with It Is Rain In My Face. Show starts at 9:30 p.m. and costs $8

One-Hit Wednesday: "What Would You Do"

By Rachel Arnett | December 2, 2009

What would you do? I would stop listening to this song.With a music video that opens with “Bottom line, Loni’s a hoe,” the song quickly goes from really bad to devastating. If we are trying to empower Loni to overcome “work[ing] for a buck,” I’m pretty sure calling her a hoe and then judging her throughout the rest of the song is not the way to go about this one. Kick her while she’s down.City High opted for the tough love method when they decided to tell all the boys and girls a true story after running into Loni at “a real wild party.” For starters, how many people stop someone from Junior High to give them some advice about their life choices? But more importantly, how many house parties have strippers besides those thrown by the Duke Lacrosse Team?City High tries to give a few different perspectives on the complicated life women experience trying to raise a child while putting her troubled past behind her. But the chorus (a women’s perspective) seems to get lost in the judgment and lack of listening skills the verses emphasize. Loni openly admits her suicidal thoughts because she wishes her suffering could end. The narrator promptly ignores her attempts to make it through the day by suggesting she “let go of every excuse.” Smooth, really smooth.I wish I could have given City High some career advice before they recorded “What Would You Do.” Although this number peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, what happened to them? I guess they are trying to work for a buck.

The Movie Trail for Dec. 1

By Jordan Lawrence | December 1, 2009

Director Antoine Fuqua may have an uneven directorial record, but there’s always something slick and watchable about his films, from “Training Day” to 2007’s tepid “Shooter.” Fuqua’s new film is a crime thriller called “Brooklyn’s Finest,” and it looks to be in the vein of the former, not the latter, even though it includes Richard Gere in a starring role. Thankfully, Gere will be backed up by the likes of Don Cheadle, Ethan Hawke, Wesley Snipes, and Vincent D’Onofrio, among others. The trailer isn’t an official theatrical cut, but it still makes the film look like an entertaining, violent portrayal of street crime. So yeah, pretty much like “Training Day.” Click above to see more previews.

Hollywood Hopefulls: "Forrest Gump"

By Suzanne Eznerink | November 30, 2009

“My momma always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get:” this is perhaps the most famous quote from 1994’s Forrest Gump, and it has given rise to many spoofs, imitations, animated videos, and even a Weird Al song.YouTuber IamSuperman777 was also inspired to recreate the scene. And for effort, he definitely gets an A. Unlike the other videos we have seen so far, Joel Forleo—that’s his real name—actually took the time to both shop for an outfit, which he looked for “in every store known to man,” and to go to the park to film the scene. Together with his mother, he recreates Forrest’s famous bench scene. And to be honest, his mother is quite good. Unfortunately, Forrest’s diction proves to be a problem for IamSuperman777 himself. The word “chocolates” is especially problematic and sounds nothing like the endearing Tom Hanks-character.But if you like what you see, he also has his own comedy series exclusively for YouTube called “The Bachelor Pad.” This innovative concept revolves around two roommates (Joel and his best mate) who are addicted to videogames. And that’s really it, no other bachelor activities going on so far. So for impressions and/or comedy, go to youtube.com/users/iamsuperman777.Click above to see the impression.

Misheard It Here: "Loser"

By Elizabeth Byrum | November 30, 2009

This time, I've examined a song that misinterpreted or not, makes utterly no sense even when you finally decode it. Beck’s 1993 hit “Loser,” contains so many ridiculous lyrics and potential metaphors, that is almost better to just sit back and not try to figure out his intentions.

The Movie Trail for Nov. 24

By Mark Niegelsky | November 25, 2009

Except for “The Producers,” I really don’t like musicals. That being said, it’s hard to ignore the upcoming “Nine,” a movie adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name. Based on Federico Fellini's “8½,” the film has a stacked cast, including Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Judi Dench, and…Fergie? The trailer didn’t really grab me, but I figured it was better than posting the trailer for “Armored,” which features an increasingly obese Laurence Fishburne. Anyhow, fans of Fellini-inspired dance numbers, eat your hearts out.Click above for more trailers.

Interesting CD Releases for Nov. 24

By Jordan Lawrence | November 24, 2009

Unless you're interested in glam-rock obsessed American Idol winners and musical Ladies with questionable gender, I don't see a whole lot in this week's record store haul. But despite this week's lack of quality loot, there is one jewel among the pile.Brutal, honest and adventurous, Tom Waits lays hold to one of the most distinctive voices in the history of American popular music. And from what I read, there's no better environment to enjoy his unique pipes and elusively evolving sound than live. And by the buzz it's been getting, the new two Glitter and Doom Live would appear to be a fantastic document of it. A good chunk of it was available about a month ago as a free download, so you may have heard some of this already. "Fannin Street," a cut available on Waits' MySpace features him finding the broken-hearted edge to his abrasive tones over a beautifuly delicate folk song. If the rest of the album is this good, it would be a shame to miss it. As an added bonus, the album includes a second disc which consists of one full-length-long track of Waits' famous stage banter. What's not to like?

DIVERSIONS