Faux Diggity @finessetheshow - Tumblr Blog

And when the world needed him most…. He vanished.

Faux here.

Just wanted to say…. Oof

Thanks Black People for never letting me down. The rest of yall though…on notice (looking extra long at white women here)

Cringing at all of these old reviews I got on here. Now some are not so bad, but the lack of due diligence is just sloppy.

Might have more to say in this day and age of low media literacy… or I might save my mental health the trouble… well see.

finessetheshow

The Case Against Killmonger

——————————-

I haven’t been alive long.

And I wouldn’t consider myself particularly intelligent by any sense of the word.

But one thing I can say UNEQUIVOCALLY about myself is….

…. I am a sociopath.

And because of this I am PRETTY GOOD at sniffing out other sociopaths and the like.

If you’ve seen the newest Black Panther movie you have probably had a decent cinematic experience. If you have African roots you probably are on cloud 9 right now.

If you haven’t seen it SPOILER ALERT 🚨

….but also…. baby…. what is you doin??

So normally where as I would do a review on the movie (I did actually, check my Anchor channel and podcast for those) today is different.

Today I’m hoping to counter a serious (it’s not actually that serious) and grievous (it’s not actually that grievous) misunderstanding, regarding the frequently quoted villain and current 2nd rising favorite (Shuri got that number 1 spot) of the Black Panther movie; Erik Killmonger.

So comparisons between T’Challa and Erik and MLK and Malcolm are being made and while I find some artistic merit and definitely layers of philosophy to be wrestled with there, I have to say one thing.

Erik Killmonger is NOTHING like the comparisons people have been making. He is a VILLAIN in every sense of the word. He is in fact closer to Hitler than Malcolm X.

Killmonger is charismatic. He’s clever. He’s strong. These are things that people look for in a leader. These are the characteristics that make people want to follow naturally. But these things are not a measure of moral standing. Not by a long shot. These are characteristics that leaders of totalitarian regimes and governments have exhibited. And THAT is what I am equating Killmonger to. Not a headstrong, by any means necessary, freedom fighter, but a man on a mission of violent self-gratifying conquest.

Exhibit A.

Killmonger murders his girlfriend in cold-blood. There are a few moments where you witness this woman’s devotion to Erik but the moment she is in his way. Bang. Lights out.

Now this is potent. You see this woman in a few scene, in one she passionately embraces Erik (tongue all free and everythang), before she dies she apologizes for getting grabbed by Claw Hands McGrab.

But underlining her character (and if you blink you’ll miss it) is that she is devoted.

To get a person to that level of devotion they have to feel safe. Like you got them. Erik led her to believe that. That he had her through thick and thin. But never did, he lied. And that’s what pyschotics do.

Next let’s talk about his merciless choking of an entirely defenseless old woman.

Please. Justify that….. just…..TRY…..

These quick interactions in conjunction with his scene in the thrownroom show Killmonger to be cold, calculating, intelligent, focused and above all….

Psychotic!

GOD TABLEFLIPPING PSYCOTIC!!!

Killmonger sees people as tools. HIS OWN PEOPLE. A black american woman and a Wakandan woman, either/both of which he identifies with as being in some form his tribe, his people.

And without hesitation they can be wiped out. Snuffed. Choked to death or shot for a MINOR infraction. This SHOWS that his talk of arming his people worldwide is EMPTY. He isn’t concerned with the well-being of his people only the destruction of his enemies.

WHO.EVER.THEY.ARE.

Exhibit B

The burning of the garden of the purple heartshaped flower thangys.

If Killmonger was anything like Malcolm he would be greatly against violence being used against black people, I mean he JUST SPOKE OF RESCUING THEM. Killmonger is clearly not against it, and with his burning of the garden we see that Killmonger is both removing non-leathal power from the equation, and destroying any possibilities of anyone opposing him.

CLASSIC STALIN MOVE.

Erik was written beautifully as every villian should be, because villians are people and people are incredibly complex. But he is far from an anti-hero.

Also T’Challa is being called a colonist sympathizer by randoms who forgot his arch in Winter Soldier.

T’Challa watched the desire for vengence (over the murder of a parent) destroy the Avengers and refused to let that same rage control him, only to see that same desire in his long lost cousin. T’Challa was pulling his punches early on, navigating complex feelings of betrayal from his father, sympathy for his cousin and the desire to protect his family and friends.

Yall jiggaboos better watch your mouth talkin down on the Black Panther like that. Yaddadamean?!

Anyway that’s just my take.

I really wish Killmonger did a Mac Dre shout out but that might have been corny…

….I still woulda been mad Hyped though.

finessetheshow

Because it’s still so good.

The Case Against Killmonger

——————————-

I haven’t been alive long.

And I wouldn’t consider myself particularly intelligent by any sense of the word.

But one thing I can say UNEQUIVOCALLY about myself is....

.... I am a sociopath.

And because of this I am PRETTY GOOD at sniffing out other sociopaths and the like.

If you’ve seen the newest Black Panther movie you have probably had a decent cinematic experience. If you have African roots you probably are on cloud 9 right now.

If you haven’t seen it SPOILER ALERT 🚨

....but also.... baby.... what is you doin??

So normally where as I would do a review on the movie (I did actually, check my Anchor channel and podcast for those) today is different.

Erik Killmonger is NOTHING like the comparisons people have been making. He is a VILLAIN in every sense of the word. He is in fact closer to Hitler than Malcolm X.

Exhibit A.

Killmonger murders his girlfriend in cold-blood. There are a few moments where you witness this woman’s devotion to Erik but the moment she is in his way. Bang. Lights out.

Now this is potent. You see this woman in a few scene, in one she passionately embraces Erik (tongue all free and everythang), before she dies she apologizes for getting grabbed by Claw Hands McGrab.

But underlining her character (and if you blink you’ll miss it) is that she is devoted.

Next let’s talk about his merciless choking of an entirely defenseless old woman.

Please. Justify that..... just.....TRY.....

These quick interactions in conjunction with his scene in the thrownroom show Killmonger to be cold, calculating, intelligent, focused and above all....

Psychotic!

GOD TABLEFLIPPING PSYCOTIC!!!

Killmonger sees people as tools. HIS OWN PEOPLE. A black american woman and a Wakandan woman, either/both of which he identifies with as being in some form his tribe, his people.

WHO.EVER.THEY.ARE.

Exhibit B

The burning of the garden of the purple heartshaped flower thangys.

CLASSIC STALIN MOVE.

Erik was written beautifully as every villian should be, because villians are people and people are incredibly complex. But he is far from an anti-hero.

Also T’Challa is being called a colonist sympathizer by randoms who forgot his arch in Winter Soldier.

Yall jiggaboos better watch your mouth talkin down on the Black Panther like that. Yaddadamean?!

Anyway that’s just my take.

I really wish Killmonger did a Mac Dre shout out but that might have been corny...

....I still woulda been mad Hyped though.

Gabriel Garzón-Montano : Jardin (Brief Album Review)

Ok so I recommend Spotify Premium to 2 kinds of people.

Album lovers. People that enjoy album listening, like myself. I honestly feel that the sonic journey of an album is not to be underestimated. Although songs are powerful in their own right, I can recall a few albums that completely shifted my paradigm. BUT this can be an expensive hobby in this era of music independence. There is SO much good music out there.

The second kind of person is music discoverers (normally DJs). This era of “crate digging” is much different the vinyl era. Now instead of developing an eye for album art or reading the album credits to find a gem, you simply click that next button.

In theory of course this shouldn’t be as time consuming... it is. Because as I said earlier, there is an abundance of good music these days but we want GREAT music don’t we?

Well don’t trip chocolate chip, I got you. Lemme introduce you to Gabriel Garzón-Montano.

So while I was perusing my Spotify radio I ended up on the track The Game. I hit that save button quick. I did a little research and found that this was not the first time I had heard GGM as his song Six-Eight from his EP: Alma del Huila, had been sampled by Drake for his track Jungle.

Ok ok. I could go into a whole spiel about that in and of itself but maybe another time. So after listening to that EP I decided to do a real quick review of the album Jardin which dropped this year through Stones Throw (indicator of greatness in and of itself).

So I don’t want to go toooooooo in-depth but I rocked hard with this album and just the vibe of this artist.

Fans of D’angelo’s skill with harmonies with vibrate with this project. The percussion choices were dope, probably the sonic highlight for me accompanied with the melodic choices. And can we talk about the use of counter melody? Simply mmmm👌🏽

You get a sense of style from GGM that makes you envious. Like you wish your friends were this xool so you could be xool by association.

Strong lyricism, smooth as butter flow, and the arc of the project is comfortable. I’m juiced enough to give this album 5 drumsticks 🍗🍗🍗🍗🍗

Highlight tracks: Sour Mango, The Game & Cantiga.

Cop Jardin on all major streaming services and Apple music probably.

#gabrielgarzonmontano #ggm #album #jardin #fauxdiggityreviews #sourmango #stonesthrow

Wu-Tang The Saga Continues Review

This album was a nostalgia trip. The intro made me want to lace up some Tims and throw on the baggiest Tommy Hilfigure jeans I could find. By track 3, I had somehow managed to find myself in a hooded Bomber Jacket (you know the ones with the fur) and a backwards baseball cap.

****************************

Rhymes 8/10

****************************

Something I have always loved about Wu-Tang is their story-telling, rhythm and their use of colloquialisms. Years after 36 chambers, I still have yet to hear anyone bring all these elements together in such a way (except maybe Earl Sweatshirt)

Each member has their own style but they blend in a way I’ve always envied. We can talk crazy days about how avant garde this team was in their day but I think that wouldn’t be productive. Not for a review anyway.

The rhymes are good. And layered. 90s lyricism was always layered in a way that required multiple listens to digest. So this is a score that I actually might change after I listen a few more times.

***************************

Tone & Composition - Nostalgia/10

***************************

So I can’t talk about one eithout the other in this case.

Soooo RZA basically charged Mathematics to learn that classic Wu-Tang sound and MAN DID HE SUCCESSFULLY DO THAT.

You can basically slap this album between their first and second album sonically with some refreshing flavor and nuances that are unique to Math as a producer.

I was really impressed with his choices. I actually had to checked the album publish year to make sure I had the right one.

*******************************

Theme 8/10

*******************************

So this is not OFFFICIALLY a Wu-Tang Clan album. U-God isn’t on it, for reasons and raisins....so technically this is a Mathematic album with MAD Wu features. The whole purpose is to carry on a sonic tradition. And in that it succeeds. Unfortunately I think that we all know from previous efforts that there is much more that can be expected and accomplished with so many skilled collaborators. And I know many people want to hear these cats on more modern sounds BUT that’s not what this effort was purposed for.

The use of samples on this record really fowards a narrative, an older wiseer perspective. It’s dope how Math chose these specific bits to advise the younger generation. It was dope to me, just not sewn up tight.

****************************

Feature - whaaaaaa/10

****************************

I mean Wu-Tang are basically features BUT this cat R-Mean spit a HOT VERSE. I’ll need to hear more from him. No doubt.

******************************

Final Notes

*******************************

Ayo Math, Good Looks B.

Long Live Shoalin and The Wu and all that nah meen. Anyone ain’t down or feelin this album is straight buggin yo. And if any of these bums can’t chill and what not with the disrespect we can throw hands. Deadass, on my mutha yo.

*cough cough*

Sorry sorry I dunno what happened.

I get like this when I listen to New York emcees for too long.

Anyway. For what it is I found it enjoyable Especially for a walk down memory lane. All the artists are polished but not really bringing anything new BUT they also don’t have to because they already did.

I give it 7/10 for chill listening

8/10 for nostalgia refresco

Faux Diggity Reviews.

What should be next on the chopping block?

I’m thinking Anime

New Album

Movie

Lets get this show on the road.

#bad movies #good movie #anime #television #music #faux #diggity #dante #fauxdiggityreviews #come #at #ya #boy #dancing #events #festivals #honesty hour

Netflix's Death Note Review

Heads up 2/10

1 point for casting William Dafoe. 1 more point for the beginning CGI shots with him as Ryuk. Besides that ...OMYGOODNESS THIS REVIEW IS GOING TO BE SCATHING. ****************************** Writing- 💩/10 ****************************** So maybe you've never written a screenplay before, but if you've done any creative activity you recognize when a novice is at the reigns. There is usually a lack of originality, a broken narrative (or lack of throughline) and recycled (painful) tropes. The first 10 minutes has all of these things. That alone makes me want to not give this movie a chance, but then we have the trickiness in that this is an adaptation. Now I can be forgiving with an adaptation, I think most people can now (ie. MCU). Given that Death Note was a popular season long anime, it's understandably hard to adapt something with such rich lengthy and also dense source material into an 1.5 hour film. But that is the problem here. Besides the names and the titular plot device this is NOT an adaptation. It's hard to even say that this is a re-imagining or anything of the sort. It seems like the writers skimmed the source material and more or less didn't even try to capture the spirit of the original animé. Your culprits in this include: Jeremy Slater (Fantastic Four(yeah I know)) and Vlas and Charlie Parlapanides (Immortals, Live Bet). Now Jeremy is quoted as saying much of what he wrote for FF was chopped so maybe he isn't terrible... and Immortals was an ok film but that was due more to it's stylization, and also it came out 6 years ago. That's a long time to go without good credits to your name. So out the gate it was not looking good for this team.... and boy did they refuse to put any makeup on. I could literally reem this film for its terrible, and I mean ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE, writing.... .... So after a quick overview of some other elements of the film...I will.... ****************************** Characters- 🤖/10 ****************************** I put a robot because no one seems to understand human emotions. ESPECIALLY not our leads. Light, and his rival "L" both are so ridiculously hard to believe are actual people. L's monotone delivery did not match his movement. Now I found myself liking the actor for L but not the direction he was taken in several times. ****************************** CGI/SFX - 8/10 ****************************** I really liked the special effects for Ryuk early on. Doesn't save the movie though. ****************************** Cinematography - 🎀/10 ****************************** That is a bow. Because even though the movie had some beautiful shots, it is the equivalent of putting a pretty little bow on a heaping doo doo log. The marble scene. The L introduction red hall. Gorgeous scenes. But still a bow. ****************************** Direction -🐃/10 ****************************** That is a bull. That's what this movie is. That's what this director's efforts are. Your culprit here is: Adam Wingard, whose credits include: You're Next & Blair Witch (2016). 😐 Now regardless of what anyone has made in the past, we shouldn't doubt their ability to, more or less, turn it around, grow and exponentially become better. No one is great their first few times around. I think why this isn't usually the case though is Hollywood movie culture thrives on self-gratification and justification. We saw it numerous times with actors, writers and directors arguing for the white-washing of more than a few beloved stories from across the pond. Now I am not against recasting people as different races AT ALL (Domino in Deadpool 2 is wifey) but the way these Hollywood types argued away legitimate concerns from people of different cultures shows a lack of empathy and ultimately a desire to be justified and accepted in their position, regardless of the stigma, versus seeking to honor the spirit of the characters they are chosen to play, to me anyway. I said all of that to say that this Director seems to have been more concerned about unapologetically making a movie HE wanted to make, instead of a movie the fans and public wanted to see. I think as an artist you should stay true to yourself always... BUT WHEN YOU PICK UP AN ADAPTATION YOU SIT YOUR EGO DOWN. You have to remember that no matter how good a property is, without fans it is nothing. Without fans it gains no notoriety and maybe becomes a rare gem or a cult classic after the fact. The opportunity to make this movie and get that check is because of the fans. HONOR THEM BY HONORING THE SOURCE MATERIAL. Jeez... ********************************** Conclusion - No / 10 ********************************** The original animé Death Note is a masterpiece of reoccurring visual themes, compelling philosophy, strong characterization, originality and believable storytelling. I don't believe a single exchange in this movie. I can't stand this casting choices. And are the writers completely inept? I am convinced they skimmed the originals, because the cues they should have taken and ran with were completely left out. The writers have ZERO understanding of common psychology. Lights girlfriend tries to off his Dad?!?! Trick what?!? And he LETS IT SLIDE??? I morally am completely against Kira and have a history of terrible relationship choices but RED FLAG bro. The motivations ARE SOOOOOOO JUVENILE. I much rather battle Tight Eyez, Konkrete, Neguin, Thesis, Waydi, King Charles, Toyin, Tsunami, Coflo, Nene, Kia Labeija, The entire fabulous House of Energi, Boogie Frantic, Future and Rashaad, Konichiwaack, Nasty Kidz, Wild 7s, Body Poets, every Bopper in LA and the contemporary dancing women from Block Party after drink expired milk and running 30 miles with an infected leg injury...than watch this film again.

#review #bad movies #netflix #deathnote #dutchtilt #butwhy #neverforget #thisactofterrorism

TV Review - Marvel's Defenders Review

Ok so before I continue. I was ROOTING so hard for this crossover but at some point whoever was on the writing staff made INCREDIBLY TERRIBLE storytelling and dialogue decisions. With our previous installments Marvel had a habit of establishing COMPELLING villains. They did it so well in DD and JJ that I began to consider it a hallmark of the Netflix Universe. The second half of LC of course didn't do this with Diamondback and IF completely missed the mark (I do however believe this is the fault of the writing staff as far as the villains are concerned). For some reason the staff of The Defenders thought that establishing a moderately interesting villain would equate to the same thing. It doesn't and that is a HUGE frustration. Kingpin, Purple Man, Punisher, Cottonmouth were all written and acted beautifully. Alexandra although played by the dope Sigourney Weaver wasn't at all compelling in her personal story. And they could have EASILY have made her so viciously fun. Grrrrr. Anyway here's my breakdown. (SPOILERS MAYBE) ******************************* Cinematography 8/10 ******************************* There are some beautiful shots in this series, some of those long one shot fight scenes (which we saw done well in Daredevil specifically) were a lot of fun to watch. Some shots had interesting composition but the jump cut B-roll transitions got old. ******************************* Soundtrack 7/10 ******************************** D'angelo. Wu-Tang. They had obviously someone with good taste making decisions at some point but there was not nearly enough of that happening. It's like they picked dope music for a few scenes with Luke Cage and meh every other opportunity. ******************************** Fight Choreography 7/10 ******************************** Ok so I thought that the scenes with the main four were actually not too shabby but this was due mostly to the shot choices. The fighting itself was mildly interesting in that the four characters all possessed these different styles but I felt those styles just weren't thought out enough. ******************************** Story 4/10 ******************************** Ok so what is everyone's problem?!

Why is everyone on their lone wolf hype even if it makes NO sense. I feel like SO MUCH of the initial tension in the group was SO contrived that it just took me completely out of the experience. It's like you guys have literally NO REASON to not like each other (except Danny, he's kinda a twat but they play that up). The initial dialogue between IF and Luke was cringe city. They created tension and problems between characters that was unnecessary several times. It would have made far more sense if LC and IF bonded over 90s hip-hop (they both like it) and then went on some side quest until they joined up with the other two. Having the four of them unnecessarily struggle just to decide to work together seemed pointless especially when the organization they were fighting was having struggles of its own. Also so many just terrible dialogue choice. This story could have been approached far more originally, as it had interesting elements to it. Also WAY too much Danny Rand. Also WAY too many pages taken out of Iron Fist in its story structure. ******************************** Dialogue - 🤦🏽‍♂️/10 ******************************** "You guys are on the same side!" "We're not so different, you and I..." "It's not your fault..." "I have to do this alone..." "They won't get away with this...." "I have an idea but.....you're not gonna like it....." Like really doe? Jessica at least had some sassy little quips and Matt has such strong delivery that he could talk about N. Korean economics and I'd be drawn in. But whoever wrote Luke's dialogue was getting on my last nerve. Danny Rand wasn't as unbearable this time. I actually felt there was some improvement in him as an actor BUT still way too much of him. Also seeing him get clowned by Stick, chewed out by Luke and beat up by the gang was satisfying. Claire's little stint as the voice of reason was contrived this time. We just got too much of her the last two shows and her and Collen's little monologues were tacky. ******************************** Characters 🙄/10 ******************************** Not enough Jessica or Trish or Malcolm. I rather have had them use Electra in a completely different story because Alexandra's character was not explored enough for me to care like with so many previous villains. I don't even know WHY she's bad. Luke didn't quite feel like Luke in the beginning and there was waaaaaaay too much Danny and Collen. There was simply too much Iron Fist in this show... Too many side characters brought in to have no effect on the story other than "look these people share a universe!" A side quest with Trish, Karen and Malcolm could have been super interesting. Luke and Claire being an item was mildly annoying. ******************************** Conclusion ******************************** A ton of opportunity was WASTED in this script. There were so many quality actors present so to reduce the story to a bunch of familiar tropes and team-up movie arcs was a complete waste. There are quite a few REALLY good scenes that I adored but there are also scenes that are just so awkward in their characterization. I thought the use of Stick was wise but poorly executed. There is even a scene where the guys are all arguing and Jessica just stands there silent. I was like....wait what? The Library scene, D and J scenes, and the architect bits were interesting. The subway scene tickled. The final battle was snooze fest mostly. My verdict is watch it if you've been following the universe. If not, it might not be worth your time. Overall 6/10 realistically 7/10 as a fan But I am also lowering my score of Iron Fist because it's still better than that heap...

BINGE THE DEFENDERS ON NETFLIX

#marvel #netflix #iron fist #luke cage #power man #daredevil #jessica jones #mcu

Artists to Watch: Jasmine Fuego - Unraveled

Genre: Pop/Soul/Experimental So I had the honor of seeing Jasmine Fuego live twice and I have to say she is an electric live performer; often employing loop pedals and small pop up bands as apart of her performance numbers. I was made a fan pretty quick so I've been looking forward to hearing more material. Unraveled is a exploration of Jasmine's spirit as a young artist. She dips in and out of different genres seamlessly flirting with EDM sounds, Afro rhythms and her Acoustic roots. Twice Reggae is employed to push the music tonally, which was low-key genius. You get a sense of fearlessness from the 6 track project. Production on the project is well done and melodic choices are original. It's impressive for a self-produced freshman effort. Themes of Womanhood are prevalent in the project as well as love, acceptance, heartbreak and perseverance. As her song writing evolves Jasmine stands to be a force in music. Fans of Ibeyi will vibe with the project. Highlight tracks: Love Song, Blessings, Light Up The Night.

#jasmine #fuego #artist #musician #singer #freshman #bayarea #permaculture #berkley

Album Review: Kendrick Lamar - Damn

8.5/10 So first thing I need to say is that Kendrick would have to do terrible to get anything less than a great from me. If you don't like Kendrick Lamar, that is fine, but if you don't acknowledge he is dope I can't trust your taste. There is an authenticity in his music that any good kid that came up in the hood can resonate with. He's demonstrated incredible flow which is JUST AS IMPORTANT as lyricism (which he has also demonstrated). Don't tell me Tribe Called Quest is dope and deny Kung Fu Kenny. Oh and if you one of these 21 Savage is doper cats. Have a seat at the children's table this is grown folk table. Now onto the Album Review. ----------------------------------- I think I listened to this album more times than any other album I've reviewed. There is a depth to this project that people haven't caught yet, that I don't think I'm gonna get until a few months from now. I will say that if you were a big TPAB fan this won't resonate with you as much as Section 80 and GKMC fans. Tone - 8/10 ****************** The tone is consistent and so is K in his delivery. He's exhausted, frustrated, chillen, jokin, boasting, insecure, doing self-inventory and pressing his listeners to do the same. Its the kind of album, I'd listen to while painting. Concept - 8/10******************* This concept is grounded. And its dope. He has different intentions and audiences for each track. He comes for the industry on Humble. He talks to the ghetto kids in Fear. But its all grounded in a personal philosophy. Lyrics - 7/10 ********************** I am a huge fan of the different techniques of prose and poetry that Emcees demonstrate. Kendrick reminds me of CS Lewis in his ability to state profound things very simply. It is a strength that many people don't resonate with because the complexity of the delivery is elevated over the meat of the message. Its all about preference, some people can do both but that is irrelevant in the scope of an Album Review. While I think this isn't the most stretched K has been in the Lyrical sense, there is also the consideration that at this point in his career he doesn't have the need to demonstrate the basics of that anymore. It would be like Remind doing six-step in a battle (we all know he can do all that foundation, what we want to see and NEED to see is Remind be Remind) Flow - pfft 10/10**************** I said this 100 times. Kenny is a jazz vocalist as far as I'm concerned. His attention to this detail is what made his last project so successful. NO ONE had the range of flow to do an album like TPAB. His attention to the detail in melody and harmony is incredible. It's like D'angelo in rap form. It shines through on tracks like Fear and Lust. Sound - 7/10****************** I didn't dig the sound a whole lot BUT like I said I was a TPAB fan. The sound choices melt into the current popular soundscape. LOVE could easily be in the same playlist as Location by Khalid. With that said this album is important to Kendrick's catalog. S8 established him as a HipHop emcee, GKMC established him as an conceptual Rap artist. TPAB showed his ability to make a TIMELESS piece of music. DAMN shows his ability to make a RELEVANT piece of music. So yeah I don't super dig it like the previous two but I think it's important and incredible as a project. Features - 9/10 **************** ummmmm U2.... yeah thats a Jay-Z/Kanye type move. I don't even dig Rihanna but she was used very well. Composition - 9/10 ************ The call backs. The chords. The transitions. Its simple but profound. His decisions to alter his voice, pitch, layer vocals. Its great, I know and appreciate the engineering flips that this must have taken, but also the thought put into it. Final Notes*************** Its a heavy emotional project with a bit to be unpacked in the coming months. Kenny is giving his reasoning and his hope for the times, which makes his choice in sound, again, genius. This album is for NOW. It's incredible, I think if I was younger and felt it's relevancy more I might give it a higher score. I might come back and change my score after a few more listens, who knows. Favorite tracks: Yah Element XXX And remember what happens on Earth stays on Earth.

Film Review: Batman V Superman (Repost; Aug 2016)

Retro Score: 6/10

No worries, no spoilers... But read this after youve seen the movie so it doesn't sway your opinion. So if youve been paying me a smidgen of your attention youd know my expectations were not extremely high. With that said I will say the movie was NOT horrible, alas it wasnt great either. It was solid. First the cinematography. Shots and color and tone were great. Beautiful visuals. Well picked shots and good mix of tone for different characters. This is important, you have two sharply contrasting characters in the star roles but the arent opposites, neither are they compliments. The dynamic of Batman and Superman is compelling in a way that hits close to home. You and your best friend are not the same, you might like similar food, clothes or hobbies but you have strong differences in opinion and you occasionally argue because you are human beings with depth. You are the respective main characters in your stories. Bats and Supes are very much like this. Therefore tact is required when approaching the tone of the separate characters.I felt after 1 viewing this was done well. Soundtrack. Meh. It felt like an after thought in the midst of everything. The score was seamless as most major motion pictures had better be, but it didnt move or add any zest or flavor and just wasnt memorable. Acting. Ok now to bash any of the acting in this movie would be in my opinion, nitpicking. I do think Gal's character (The WW herself) was a bit confusing as far as the role she was playing. I wasnt sure if they were going femme fatale who is secretly wonder woman or foreign diplomat with crazy secret identity but I think that comes down more to the writing..... Which was THE downfall of this movie. The movie spends the first act trying to decide if and what it wants to do with character development. It feels like this script traded hands a few times, which is something studios have a tendency to do when they are really feeling pressured to make a big feature work. Its a bit of an oxymoron. In trying to make a film good they tend to just make it worse. I dont know how true that is regarding the script trading hands (this is a fresh from the theatre review) but it certainly feels that way and if not well.... Jeez. Anyway because of this, there are a few scenes that are just incoherent and do not benefit the film nor add motivation to the characters or plot. Now I honestly feel we had something very close to a truly awesome film here. The fight scenes were well done, really capturing the nuances and character of the individual fight styles of the heros. And the two actors I was unsure about did well (Jesse and Ben) but with the shortcomings of the first act the second act couldnt bring the film to a strong enough close. WHAT WENT WRONG? Well I think there was a bit of flirtation with the origin story that didn't need to be there. Regardless of whether its been told or not, we are jumping into a point in this universe where Superman is the new kid and Bats has been around. We dont NEED Bats origin story. If they maybe gave a little more insight into the last 10 years of Batman (as he is 20 years in) that would have made for a more interesting story and could have added some unforeseeable motivation. Batman's crime fighting endeavors are alluded to but some solid exposition would have been interesting. Speaking of exposition. The pacing was ... confusing. In conjunction with a bit of unnecessary side plot and weird scene choices. Its like removing about 5 scenes would make this movie much better. Also they meshed two HUGE independent stories from the DC universe into one movie, which was cool and stupid. It should have been a case they bit off more than they could chew but man... They came close to devouring the thing. I didnt think Jesse would make a good Lex Luthor the Mastermind .... And quite honestly he didn't. I was feeling he was too Heath Ledger joker-esque but that speaks more the the epitome of comic book villian Heath is for us than what anyone else is/can/will do. But to retrack... Not a good Mastermind Lex....but a young mad man becoming the mastermind Lex Luthor... I could see right at the end. I left this movie wishing and knowing it could have been better but not upset that it wasnt. Not good enough to excite me for the Justice League, not bad enough to deter me. Good way to start this comic book movie frenzy year.

#batman #superman #movie #dawn #justice league

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