Guitar god Jeff Beck hits the road early next year on a solo and co-headlining tour with ZZ Top. Beck’s run withZZ Top are rescheduled dates from September, in which their double bill tour was cut short to an injury sustained by ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill.
“We’re so glad that Dusty made a full recovery and now, we are looking forward to getting back out there and finish what we started,” said Beck, a twice inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist (as a solo musician and as a member of The Yardbirds).
Tickets to Beck’s solo tour is on sale starting December 5. Vocalist Jimmy Hall, bassist Rhonda Smith, drummer Jonathan Joseph, and guitarist Nicolas Meier are joining Beck on the tour.
Along with his tour commitments, Beck is also working on his next solo album which is expected to come out in 2015.
Tour details are below:
April 16 The Paramount Huntington, NY April 17 The Paramount Huntington, NY April 18 The Capitol Theatre Port Chester, NY April 19 Orpheum Theatre Boston, MA April 21 Ulster Performing Arts Center Kingston, NY April 22 Bergen Performing Arts Center Englewood, NJ April 24 Count Basie Theatre Red Band, NJ April 25 The Strand – Capital Performing Arts CTR York, PA April 26 The PalaceTheatre Greensburg,PA
With ZZ Top:
April 30 Cedar Park Center Cedar Park, TX May 1 Winstar Casino Thackerville, OK May 2 Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion The Woodlands, TX May 3 Concrete Street Corpus Christi, TX May 7 MidFlorida Credit Union Amph. Tampa, FL May 8 Cruzan Amphitheater West Palm Beach, FL May 9 St. Augustine Amph. St. Augustine, FL May 10 Verizon Wireless Amph. Alpharetta, GA
The blood red poster for Starry Eyes pretty much says it all, as Alexandra Essoegives a disturbingly magnetic performance as Sarah, a Hollywood starlet who will do anything to land a promising movie role.
Starry Eyes – Alex Essoe
Echoing David Lynch’s classic Mulholland Falls and Brian De Palma’s psychological thrillers from the 1970s (Sisters, Carrie), Starry Eyes is as unsettling as the day is long, and if you love creepy, haunting journeys of the soul, Starry Eyes, which is now available on VOD and iTunes, delivers the goods.
I’ve seen a ton of this year’s awards driven performances, and though she won’t receive a huge Oscar campaign push from the major studios, Alexandra Essoe’s work in Starry Eyes is one of my favorite performances this year (she certainly gives Sissy Spacek and Jamie Lee Curtis a run for their money).
Living in the fringes of Hollywood, Sarah has “starry eyes” for A-list actresses of yesteryear, as her apartment wall is adorned with pictures of some of Tinseltown’s most alluring leading ladies. To prep for the role, Alexandra Essoe used Rita Hayworth’s iconic performance in Gilda as a form of inspiration.
Sarah, desperate to see her name in lights, makes the ultimate Faustian bargain in Tinseltown, and unfortunately landing a bigtime movie role leads to a devastating transformation.
During my sit down with Alexandra Essoe, she talked about the keys of staying in the moment as an actress:
For PlayStation 3 gamers yearning to save a bit of cash with their in-game purchases, the free to play title Ace Combat Infinityis holding its “Infinity Festival” sale through December 2.
The sale enables players to purchase the such in-game items as the Ace Combat Infinity Rookie set for $0.99 (its regularly priced at $1.99). If you want to purchase the Unlimited Campaign Play Tickets, you’ll shell out just $14.99 (regular price: $19.99).
Running until December 1, the “Defeat the Butterfly Master” online co-op missions ranking event has gamers competing to earn the most points from their missions. Winners of the event receive a “Butterfly Master” limited emblem and an “MiG-21bis-Sagittarius” limited special aircraft.
On December 4, publisher Tivola GmbH are publishing Animal Hospital 3D Africa for Apple’s App Store, the Amazon Appstore for Android, and Google Play.
Available in nine languages, the free to play title was nominated for “Best Mobile Kids Game 2014” by the German Game Developer awards jury.
Tivola will also release the apps Dog Hotel 3D, Hippo Sports, and Teddy the Panda in December. All of the titles are kid-centric and for adults who refuse to grow up.
Animal Hospital 3D Africa – Tivola GmbH
The trailer for Animal Hospital 3D Africa is below:
Felicity Jones delivers an inspired performance in The Theory of Everything as Jane Hawking, the woman who spent a substantial portion of her life as Stephen Hawking’ssteadfast companion. The critically acclaimed film, now playing nationwide, is based on Jane Hawking’s memoir Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen.
Jones also did memorable work last year playing Charles Dickens’ mistress in the Ralph Fiennes directed drama The Invisible Woman (Fiennes played the author), and just from those performances, one would assume Jones’ acting path will continue to grow in a creatively sublime manner.
The Theory of Everything, Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones. Credit: Liam Daniel/Focus Features
During The Theory of Everything interviews, I asked Felicity Jones what advice she’d give up and coming actors, and she noted that “stamina” and “determination” are two important qualities to in one’s tool set.
“You’re not acting unless you’re doing it. You’re not an actor unless you’re there doing it with other people. You can’t be an actor in isolation. And so wherever you can – I just started off (with) a local drama group and that’s such a useful way to start acting.”
To hear Felicity Jones’ full answer to the acting question, please click on the media bar below:
“There’s been an awakening – have you felt it?” – Star Wars: The Force Awakens VO provided by Andy Serkis
I’m still a bit annoyed by the Khan (Benedict Cumberbatch) plotline behind the disappointing Star Trek Into Darkness, but today’s release of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser trailer reminded me that director J.J. Abrams is also a talented craftsman.
His coming of age, sci-fi tale Super 8 definitely tugged at the heartstrings (as well as displayed Abrams’ innate love for filmmaking), and hearing John Williams’ iconic score brought on years of nostalgia – feelings which almost got me choked up (I stayed the course, however and didn’t shed a tear).
Walt Disney Studios also released its first set of images from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, featuring a few new additions to George Lucas’ ever expanding universe. Here’s the set:
Walt Disney Studios
Actress Daisy Ridley feels the need for speed. I have no idea if Ridley’s cruising around Tattoine or playing two point hit ’em up with a bunch of Sandcrawlers. Needless to say – it’s awesome.
Walt Disney Studios
John Boyega, best known for his work in Attack the Block, is having a very bad (but possibly elucidating) moment. If this picture could speak, I’d venture that Boyega’s storm trooper days are over after looking into what seems to be the face of terror. A switch to the Light Side perhaps?
Walt Disney Studios
I can’t seen anyone but Han Solo in charge of the Millennium Falcon, but one wonders if this rust bucket’s days are numbered. Still, don’t expect two measly TIE fighters to take this baby down!!
Walt Disney Studios
And the winner for most dangerous looking lightsaber goes to . . . Adam Driver. The Girls and What If star is rumored to be playing one of Star Wars: The Force Awakens‘ major villains. I’m guessing he’s a Sith – but I’ve been wrong time and time again.
As for John Williams (I count myself as one of the millions, thanks to his work on Brian De Palma’s horror/thriller The Fury), here’s a bit of good news:
Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens nationwide December 18, 2015.
So what are your thoughts on the Star Wars: The Force Awakensteaser and its first images? Did it live up to your expectations? Feel free to comment below!
Since I’m a veritable cheapskate who prefers spending my cash on food and drink, free to play titles like the recently released Call of Duty: Heroes will always grab my attention (for my detailed review of the game, check out my Arcade Sushi review).
Starting today, owners of COD: Heroes as well as newcomers who download the game will receive a 20% bonus on their PVP (player vs. player) battles through the end of this weekend. Getting as much oil and gold currency is of utmost importance since your COD base will consistently be attacked by other players. Gold and oil is primarily used to upgrade and build your weapons/units/buildings, but a huge chunk of your resources will be depleted from base invasions.
For details on this weekend’s deal, check out the photo below:
Call of Duty: Heroes – Activision
Call of Duty: Heroes has a ton of gameplay and, along with Boom Beach, it’s a must play app on my iPad.
If you’ve stumbled upon this COD post, I’d love to hear your thoughts on Call of Duty: Heroes as well. Until then, I’ll head back to my base for a bit of housekeeping.
Call of Duty: Heroes – Activision
Call of Duty: Heroes is now available as a free to play download at the App Store.
Pete Kelly’s Blues is a recent Warner Archive collection Blu-ray release that took Joe Friday out of his element and placed him in an entirely different, yet equally immersive, universe.
Jack Webb left an indelible mark on the television landscape with Dragnet and as a producer of Adam-12. Though he flourished within this creative arena, his auteur sensibilities took full shape with the 1955 jazz drama Pete Kelly’s Blues, a visually arresting story about a cornetist (Webb in the titular role) who simply wants to play in his band sans any complications.
But life has a funny way of throwing a few curves. It’s the roaring twenties, and though Pete and his jazz outfit (they’re called Pete Kelly’s Big 7) have a regular gig at a local bar/restaurant in Kansas City, their threadbare wages may suffer an even bigger hit after crime boss Fran McCarg (a menacing EdmondO’Brien)offers to be their manager and protector.
Drummer Joey Firestone (Martin Milner, who would later star in Adam-12) refuses to yield to McCarg’s threats, and for a spell Pete thinks the band can weather the storm. Janet Leigh is Ivy Conrad, a wealthy and seemingly trifling society girl who takes an immediate liking to Pete and his music, and though he continues to reject her advances, a jazz man has his limits (especially if it’s Janet Leigh waiting in your lonely apartment!).
Pete Kelly’s Blues – Blu-Ray Menu
Jazz great Peggy Lee, in an Oscar nominated performance, is Rose Hopkins, a once promising songbird whose wings are clipped by McCarg’s abuse. To handle the pain, Lee hits the bottle before she performs onstage with Pete Kelly’s Big 7 (McCarg forces Pete to include her in the band). But there’s no easy way out for Rose, especially when her longtime companion is a hardened criminal. Jayne Mansfield also has a bit role in the film as a waitress who flirts with Kelly.
The beauty behind Pete Kelly’s Blues rests in Webb’s layered approach to the story. One of his great choices was getting cinematographer Harold Rosson, a master at lighting and framing, to lens the movie.
Thanks to expansive detailing of CinemaScope, Rosson’s camera work, and Webb’s surefooted direction, the film is able to breathe without being trapped into a generic, genre driven corner.
Instead of shooting Pete Kelly’s Blues as a straight ahead crime/romance drama, Webb also explores the narrative from a musical angle with performances from Ella Fitzgerald (she’s a singer at a different gin joint in town) , PeggyLeeand even Janet Leigh. If you’re a fan of either Fitzgerald or Lee, Pete Kelly’s Blues definitely delivers on the music end.
Jack Webb will never be confused with Marlon Brando or Montgomery Clift, and though Pete Kelly would have best been served with a different, more charismatic, lead actor, Webb understands that occasionally giving up center stage and enabling his co-stars to shine is simply the best way to go. Each of the film’s players get their moment to shine in the film, with Lee receiving the showiest (and most heartbreaking) role as Rose. Lee received an Oscar nod for her work in Pete Kelly’s Blues, and it’s a shame that the singer wasn’t a more prolific actress – she definitely had the chops.
Rosson was a master at visual composition, as Pete Kelly’s lonely road to redemption is mainly told by what we see in the frame. Whether it’s watching Rose walk away for the last time or if it’s dancing cheek to cheek with Ivy on a darkened evening, Pete struggles with his solitude and occasional ambivalence, and Rosson captures these moments in an subtle yet ultimately eye-catching fashion.
Richard L. Breen’s screenplay is infused with memorable, film noir inspired monologue. Though he may not have the innate presence of an A-list star, Webb delivers these standout lines with his usual, understated aplomb.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Robert Altman’s own classic Kansas City, an intricately woven kidnapping story that was punctuated by first rate jazz performances, was partly inspired by the innovation behind Pete Kelly’s Blues.
The movie’s opening sequence, shot in New Orleans, is set in a funeral, with the cornet being played by an understandably somber man. For several minutes, we follow the cornet’s circuitous journey from funeral procession to serving as Pete Kelly’s go-to instrument. It’s an intriguing way to start the picture, and that loose, improvisatory style floats throughout this can’t miss feature.
A lifelong jazz lover (Julie London was a former wife), Jack Webb put his creative heart and soul as the director and lead actor behind Pete Kelly’s Blues. The picture hits a ton of inspired cinematic notes, and it’s an unexpected gem that’s worth a look.
During the original theatrical trailer (featured below), Jack Webb pulls out a reel of film, and says, “A lot of unexpected things happen in this picture.” It’s something Joe Friday would say, but these days, my mind’s still fixated on Pete Kelly and all those seductive blues.
Special Features: The Blu-ray features two versions of the theatrical trailer for Pete Kelly’s Blues (one of which is in B&W). Also included is the Oscar nominated short Gadgets Galore and the Looney Tunes cartoon The Hole idea, which centers on a henpecked inventor who develops the hole to end all holes (it’s an amusing 6 minute plus cartoon).
One of the many joys of watching Big Hero 6 is the cameo of comic book icon Stan Lee, and though he’s popped in an out of a ton of Marvel pictures (as well as the Kevin Smith comedy Mallrats), it’s hard to top his latest appearance.
“When I was a kid, Walt Disney was like my god,” says Lee in the just released Big Hero 6 featurette. “And to think that I’m now part of a Disney animated feature – I just can’t tell you how pleased I am.”
Released on November 7, Big Hero 6 is one of this year’s biggest box office hits and it’s the frontrunner to win the Best Animated Oscar (its Rotten Tomatoes audience score is a whopping 94%). Along with Stan Lee, the Big Hero 6 voice cast includes Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter, Daniel Henney, T.J. Miller, Jamie Chung, Damon Wayans Jr., Genesis Rodriguez, James Cromwell, Alan Tudyk, Maya Rudolph.
Ken Follett’sbestselling novel The Pillars of the Earthis being developed as a video game. The adventure title, which is being developed by Daedalic Entertainment in conjunction with publisher Bastei Lübbe, will come out 2017 on PC, Mac, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and iOS.
Follett is currently working on a new novel about the fictitious medieval town of Kingsbridge that will also be released in 2017.
“I’m delighted that Bastei Lübbe will publish my next book, a new story about Kingsbridge, the fictional town in which I set ‘The Pillars of the Earth’ and World Without End,” said Follet. “I’m hoping to finish it in time for publication in 2017. I’m thrilled that The Pillars of the Earth – which is probably my most famous book – is going to be turned into a computer game by Daedalic, now part of the Lübbe organisation. I believe this will bring my work to the attention of a new generation of readers. I’ve been working with Bastei Lübbe, and with the Lübbe-family, for 35 years now. It has been a most congenial partnership, and a very successful one. So I’m very happy that our association is being continued in these exciting ways.”
Published in 1989, The Pillars of the Earth is a medieval set story that centered on the religious and social struggles that surround the building of a cathedral in Kingsbridge. The project was adapted into a 2010, Golden Globe nominated miniseries starring Eddie Redmayne and Hayley Atwell.
In the video below, Ken Follett talks about researching the Berlin Wall for his novel Edge of Eternity:
