He has a radio program on WXOU out of Oakland University
Wild At Heart
The Royal Oak Main Art Theatre has been bringing in some really cool midnight movies in since I can remember. This weekend, they are bringing in a new horror film for your enjoyment. In 2007, the Spanish horror film “[REC]” was released and thrilled horror fans and of course was remade in the US as “Quarantine”. “[REC] 2” is written and directed by returning filmmakers Juame Balaguero and Paco Plaza and the story takes place immediately after the events of the first film. Like the first film, this is done with a hand held camera look as we follow a medical officer and a SWAT team outfitted with video cameras who are sent into the sealed off apartment to control the situation and find a blood sample that will help make a vaccine. There is also a group of young kids that wind up inside trying to get some thrills. Like similar sequels, we have less character development and suspense with an increase in action and gore and somehow that is OK. The film is kept moving with a special added element that the virus might be religious in origin as well as scientific and that adds another layer of tension. Some people might not like that direction but I enjoyed the idea as it tries to add something new to the mix. This film does manage to stand on it’s own merits and is still better than most of it’s American counterparts. If you want something creepy and gory, this sequel is a film to check out tonight and tomorrow at the Main Art Theatre. Go to www.landmarktheatres.com for showtimes. My grade is a B+.
It is rumored that Filmax will produce two new “[REC]” films in the next couple of years called “[REC] Genesis” and “[REC] Apocalypse” from the same directors as the first two [REC] films. REC Génesis will be directed by returning director Paco Plaza, and take place before the first film, documenting the original infection and hopefully be released in the fall of 2011. REC Apocalipsis will be directed by returning director Jaume Balaguero and this film will end the saga with the infection spreading to unknown proportions with an expected release date of fall of 2012.
Tune is Saturday morning (8-10AM on 88.3FM or www.wxou.org) for my interview with Isaac Hanson of the band Hanson who will be in town at the Royal Oak Music Theatre on August 17th with opener Rooney. We will talk about the impact of “Mmmbop”, the new album including the Blues Brothers tribute in the first video release (see below), their continued support of their barefoot walks for charity and the role of independent musicians in today’s musical landscape. It is a very cool interview so don’t miss it. Hanson has been working hard to become more independent in their style which incorporates their love of early blues and oldies. Try them out since they have definitely have changed for the better
Museum buffs might be interested to learn that in honor of Detroit’s 309th Birthday, the Detroit Historical Museum will offer FREE admission and extended hours beginning Monday, July 19th – Sunday, July 25th. The Museum will be open each day from 9:30AM – 5PM. Also, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum celebrates their 50th anniversary on July 24th so go down to enjoy cupcakes and an appearance by Annessa Carlisle, author of "Bob-lo: An Island in Troubled Waters". They are open from 11AM - 4PM.
Looking forward to Cherry Poppin’ Daddies free show tonight at Campus Martius and Great White at St Clair’s tomorrow. Enjoy your weekend.
Almost forgot, this Sunday is the 32nd Annual Concours d’Elegance which is consdiered to be one of the world’s most prestigious classic automobile exhibitions and features a field of over 200 cars along with a range of vintage motorcycles. This year the Concours features unique car classes such as Drag Cars, Speedsters, Space-Age Sport Coupes, Celebrity Owned Cars, and a Super Car Display. Other notable highlights include four Motorama concept cars (includes the 1953 Pontiac Parisienne, the 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special, the 1953 Buick Wildcat, and the 1955 Chevrolet Biscayne) from the private collection of Joe Bortz, as well as the unique Triumph Bonneville TT Special collection of 5 motorcycles owned by H.C. Morris. I love cars as objects of art and this show routinely brings in cars that appeal to the sensibility. You will see cars here that you won’t see anywhere else in nearly pritine condition. Do not miss out on this opportunity to see some of the most amazing cars ever developed. Go to www.meadowbrookconcours.org for more information on the event.