Musical biopic with a mystical edge. Could have been a little longer? It is the mid-1970s, and Jamaica is in turmoil since gaining its independence from the United Kingdom. Musical sensation and icon of the country, Bob Marley, plans to put on a show to lessen hostilities. But is his chilled demeanour more naiveté than…
Tag: music
Banter: Time of Tunes
Remember when movies had affiliated pop songs? Between the late eighties and early 2000s, having a single in the charts to promote your movie was a pretty big deal, and major blockbuster releases would be complete with a singer/songwriter providing their skills. Not even an “inspired by” album, or a pre-existing song being licensed for…
Banter: James Bond themes Ranked
Now firstly, I am no expert in music theory, and I don’t have an ear for picking up on talented performances in music. But I do love the Bond themes, and I have immense respect for the franchise maintaining this tradition in each and every film. In some ways, I look as forward to the…
Review: Fyre
A great example of how easy it is to trick the internet culture of today, but also how stupid or deceitful those in charge can be. A Netflix documentary following the disastrous Fyre festival of 2017, a tropical island escape where party-goers could mix it up with supermodels and music stars. Only due to colossal…
Review: Bohemian Rhapsody
If you aren’t stomping your foot, and maybe even welling up a little while watching Bohemian Rhapsody… then you are doing it wrong. A powerful dramatisation following the formation of the band Queen and the inspirational but troubled life of its lead singer Freddie Mercury. Upon its production, some onlookers questioned the casting of lead…
Review: Yardie
Great soundtrack and great style doesn’t fully disguise a paint-by-numbers screenplay. D. (for Dennis) a boy living in Jamaica falls into the service of one of two rival gangs after his brother is killed in the crossfire. The gang’s boss, King Fox, hires him for a job in London, delivering cocaine. But D. isn’t one…
Review: Coco
An absolutely stunning piece of animation. A bright, vibrant and heartfelt experience. It is Dia De Los Muetros, the Mexican Day of the Dead, when families celebrate lost loved ones and honour their memory. Miguel is torn; his love of music is not shared by his family, who after his great-grandmother’s fury after her husband…
Review: Whiplash
A tremendous short story following a young drummer student locking horns with his sociopathic but passionate mentor. Andy Neyman is a young student at a prestigious music school studying the art of drums. But when he catches the attention of a notoriously strict but skilled jazz composer named Terence Fletcher, Andy must drastically improve his…