Big Screen Berkeley: "Captain Fantastic;" "Breaking a Monster"

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC Trailer German Deutsch (2016)

Viggo Mortensen in Captain Fantastic, directed by Berkeley resident Matt Ross, is excellent

Three-quarters of the way into Captain Fantastic (opening at Landmarks California Theater on Friday, July 22), I thought I might be watching one of 2016s Best Picture Academy Award nominees. One implausible plot development later, I wasnt so sure but I am convinced that Viggo Mortensen is likely to receive Oscar recognition for his lead role in this frequently excellent (if periodically absurd) new feature.

Mortensen plays the films title character, an off-the-grid Noam Chomsky admirer known more prosaically as Ben. With wife Leslie (Trin Miller, seen only in flashback) Ben has raised his six children in the middle of a Pacific Northwest forest, training them in survivalist techniques and teaching them about great literature, political theory, and the Bill of Rights.

What he hasnt taught them is how to live in the real world, a problem that quickly becomes apparent when the family leaves the wilderness for a funeral in suburban New Mexico. Conflicts rapidly arise between the insular Fantastics and their normal relatives, including Leslies sister Harper (Kathryn Hale), brother-in-law Dave (Steve Zahn), and father Jack (Frank Langella).

Written and directed by Berkeley resident Matt Ross, Captain Fantastic is careful not to pass judgment on these competing visions of the way things should be. (Ross will be doing aQ&A in Berkeleythis Friday,July 22,after the7:05 p.m.screening of Captain Fantastic at theCalifornia Theatres at 2113Kittredge St.) Ben is clearly a loving father, but hes also a martinet whose parenting techniques sometimes border on child abuse; Jack has the best interests of his grandchildren at heartbut is willing to use social status and wealth to make life for Ben thoroughly miserable.

Captain Fantastic is the perfect argument for a Best Ensemble Cast Oscar, featuring excellent performances by all concerned including its youngest thespian, spunky little Shree Crooks, who gets many of the films best lines as six-year-old Zaja. Instead, itll be Mortensen who gets the most attention and deservedly so.

Beyond the implausible plot development (which I wont elaborate upon further), there are a lot of ways Captain Fantastic could have gone badly wrong. Its the sort of comedy-drama that has come to predominate the American independent film-making scene; frequently, these films are overly arch smack-downs of contemporary society (2007s execrable Juno being a prime example). To Rosss considerable credit, this isnt one of those films.

Alec Atkins, Malcolm Brickhouse, and Jarad Dawkins are the subjects of the documentary Breaking a Monster: Unlocking the Truth

I dont like heavy metal, but documentaries about heavy metal (e.g., The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years) are another matter. In the case of Breaking a Monster: Unlocking the Truth, the metal comes with a wrinkle: the band in front of the camera are three African-American middle-schoolers.

First exposed to metal at wrestling shows, pre-pubescents Alec Atkins, Malcolm Brickhouse and Jarad Dawkins decided to form their own band, Unlocking the Truth. Breaking a Monster (also opening at the Shattuck on Friday, and not a reference to the excellent Metallica doc, Some Kind of Monster) skims over their formative years before settling into a blow-by-blow account of their signing to Sony thanks to Welcome Back, Kotter creator Alan Sacks.

The film is clearly intended as part of the bands current promotional drive (their debut album was released last month), but to director Luke Meyers credit Breaking a Monster is a few steps removed from your average band video. As precocious and talented as these lads are, we also see them being put through the music industry meat-grinder, and it aint pretty.

Berkeleysides film writer John Seal writes a column in The Phantom of the Movies Videoscope, an old-fashioned paper magazine, published quarterly. Read more from Big Screen Berkeley on Berkeleyside.

Want to know what else is going on in Berkeley and nearby? Visit Berkeleysides new-look Events Calendar.Submit your own events for free if they arent there already and give them featured status for just a few dollars a day.

Source: http://www.berkeleyside.com/2016/07/21/big-screen-berkeley-captain-fantastic-breaking-a-monster/

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This Week in Miami Hip-Hop: DJ Khaled, Gill Graff, Ky-Mani Marley, and More

DJ Khaled - I Got the Keys ft. Jay Z, Future

Friday, July 29, 2016 at 8:59 a.m.

Illustration by Alvaro Diaz-Rubio

Miami artists like DJ Khaled and Ky-Mani Marley brought all corners of hip-hop together this week.

Throughout the week, DJ Khaled has been dropping verse afterverse from the best lyricists in the rap game with singles like Holy Key andDo You Mind. Meanwhile, reggaeton star Farruko and Miamis own Ky-Mani Marleyteamed up to fight off enemies in the visual adaptation of their joint record, Chillax.

But as Dade Countys heavy-hitters soak up the international limelight, rising acts from South Florida like Gill Graff, Grimass, and others also put in work to earn their individual shine. Check out the latest tunes to come from Miami"s chart-topping and up-and-coming artists.

5. DJ Khaled & Friends, Do You Mind.

Not long after releasing his collaboration with KendrickLamar and Big Sean called Holy Key, the King of Snapchat brought singersAugust Alsina, Jeremih, and Chris Brown together with RickRoss, Future, and Nicki Minaj for the next major single off Major Key, Do YouMind. The song was the final teaser before the official release of his ninthstudio album, which is available at stores and digital retailers everywherenow.

4. Gill Graff featuring Bernz, Clarity.

Miami natives Gill Graff and Bernz of the rap-rock band Mayday!recently connected to deliver their fresh collaboration, Clarity. TheVenezuelan rhymer and the veteran vocalist signed to Strange Music aim to makeauthentic lyrics matter in the new age of commercialized hip-hop. The MCs, both of whom recently made our latest list of up-and-coming Latin rappers, come togethershortly after the release of Bernzs solo LP, SeeYou on the Other Side.

3. Grimass, FMF3.

Miami rapper and actor Carlson Grimass Pierre got a lot ofbuzz after he released his single Im That Boy featuring August Alsina. Sincethen, Grimass has been working on exceeding the hype of his breakthrough recordwith joints like Million Dollar Plan and Catch Me If You Can featuring FlyGuy. Earlier this week, Grimass dropped off two fresh freestyles, including FMF3,in which he raps over the Migos track Say Sum.

2. Wifisfuneral featuring Danny Towers, Just a Year Ago."

Wifisfuneral is preparing to embark on his next major toursoon, and what better way to hype up his fans than with a new track? The West PalmBeach resident got together with rising artist Danny Towers to rekindle theirchemistry from their collaboration on Wifis most recent project, Black HeartRevenge. While his loyal fan base eagerly waits to see the Puerto Rican lyriciston stages around the country, you can listen to Wifisfunerals latest release, Just a Year Ago, produced by Henry Daher.

1. Farruko featuring Ky-Mani Marley, Chillax.

Farruko has collaborated with the most prominent Latin artists in the industry, but now hes joining forces with the Marley family to fight off his enemies. The Passion Wine artist links up with Miamis own Ky-Mani Marley for an intense short film for their joint record, Chillax. In the video, filmed in Dade County, Farruko and Ky-Mani team up to escape a squad of enemies out to destroy their lives. Director Jessy Terrero adds the right dramatic touch to Miamis tropical setting.

Source: http://www.miaminewtimes.com/music/this-week-in-miami-hip-hop-dj-khaled-gill-graff-ky-mani-marley-and-more-8639139

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Watch Katy Perry and Lady Gaga Perform at the DNC

Katy Perry - Roar (Official)

Last night, pop divas Katy Perry and Lady Gaga injected a little music into Hillary Clinton"s campaign. While Perry took the stage at the televised Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Gaga made a more intimate performance a few miles away, in Camden, NJ. They join the long list of artists, including Demi Lovato, Boyz II Men, Paul Simon and Carole King, who have sung at the DNC this week.

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Perry"s set marked her first major live performance of her newest song "Rise," which she released two weeks ago. She sang the tune, which doubles as a Rio Olympics anthem, followed by her 2013 power-song "Roar."

"I"m asking you to have an open mind and to use your voice, because on November 8th, you"ll be just as powerful as any NRA lobbyist. You"ll have as much say as any billionaire. Or you can just cancel out our weird cousin"s vote, if you like. Because, remember, it"s not where you come from, it"s what you grow into," she rallied the audience before breaking into song.

Perry, who"s joined Clinton on multiple stops on her campaign tour, also urged the viewers to donate to hillaryclinton.com with an interesting bribe: "Maybe I"ll let you borrow one of my outfits," she joked.

Meanwhile in Camden, Lady Gaga took a more laid-back approach (dressed in a white tank top and black ripped jeans) at a free, invite-only event for delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

Though she didn"t sing any of her own songs, she performed moving covers of Woody Guthrie"s "This Land Is Your Land," Neil Young"s "Old Man," and The Beatles" "Come Together." For an encore, she returned with Edith Piaf"s "La Vie en Rose." Lenny Kravtiz also performed at the event.

Source: http://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/news/a16976/katy-perry-lady-gaga-performances-dnc/

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All Eyes on Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) Earnings Today; Piper Jaffray Says Q1 Set-Up Looks Favorable

Eric "The Wolfman" Wilkinson"s Commentary $GOOG $AAPL $AMZN

Ahead of Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) second quarterearnings results expected today after market close, Piper Jaffray top analyst Gene Munster remains bullish, reiterating a Buy with a price target of $800, marking a conservative just over 8% upsidefrom where the stock is currently trading.

Munster asserts a continued long-term bullish stance onAmazon shares, based on our belief that the companys retail business has a long way to go in both domestic and international markets, its optionality in new verticals and services, opportunities for expansion into SaaS offerings with AWS, and its discount vs. long-term valuation metrics.

Particularly looking ahead to the second quarter, Munster finds an upside to profit margins for Amazon compared to Amazon guidance, its impact on consensus expectation, and a steady outlook for revenue, as units continue to grow by 26%. While Munster acknowledges the Streets margin expectations for third quarter are not ideal, he views the estimates as being a relatively low hurdle as unit growth deceleration should be moderated by a strong Prime Day.

Right now, Munster views Amazon in a favorable position to not only meet guidance, but report above the high end. Munster credits Prime as a key driver of momentum, as well as improved cost/unit structure, better profit performance internationally, and an upside thanks to Amazon Web Services. The analyst believes Amazon has a solid record for transcending high end margin each quarter and predicts the Streets expectations for the third quarter to rise accordingly.

According to TipRanks, Gene Munster is a top, five-star analyst, ranked #13 out of 4,087 analysts. Munsters success rate has excelled at 63%, averaging 16.2% in his annual returns.

TipRanks analytics exhibit AMZN as a Strong Buy. Consider that out of 36 analysts polled in the last 3 months, the majority, 33, rate a Buy, with only remaining maintaining a Hold. The price target is $831.87, marking a close to 13% upside from where shares last closed.

Source: http://www.smarteranalyst.com/2016/07/28/piper-jaffray-analyst-reiterates-long-term-positive-outlook-amazon-com-inc-amzn-says-q1-set-looks-favorable/

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Chelsea Clinton"s Husband Won"t Apologize To Investors Who Lost Money

Raw: Chelsea Clinton and New Baby Head Home

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Marc Mezvinsky, Chelsea Clintons husband, is refusing to apologize to investors after losing nearly $25 million of their money in a hedge fund hoping to profit from the turmoil in Greece.

Many of the investors in Mezvinskys fund, Eaglevale, are donorsto his wifes parents. I gave them money because I thought they would make me money, financier Marc Lasry told The New York Times last year.

Eaglevale set up a Hellenic Opportunity Fund, as Mezvinksy and his partners envisioned Greece being on the path to a sustainable recovery. The Greece investment fund collected $25 million by the end of 2014, at the same time when it stopped taking donations as it became clear the Mediterranean country was not on the rebound.

By early 2015 the fund had lost 40 percent of its value and 90 percent of its value up until it closed last month. When The Daily Mail asked Mezvinksy Thursday if he will apologize to investors he refused.

Mezvinskys father was convicted in 2001 for his involvement in a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme.

Source: http://dailycaller.com/2016/05/13/chelsea-clintons-husband-wont-apologize-to-investors-who-lost-money/

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One Of The Greatest Stories Of World War II Is Coming To The Movies [VIDEO]

Hacksaw Ridge Official Trailer #1 (2016) Andrew Garfield, Teresa Palmer War Drama Movie HD

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A trailer has been released for the incredible true story about World War II titled Hacksaw Ridge.

The plot of the film, according to IMDB, is, WWII American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss, who served during the Battle of Okinawa, refuses to kill people and becomes the first Conscientious Objector in American history to be awarded the Medal of Honor.(RELATED:Watch TheTrailerFor Tom Hanks Latest Film Inferno [VIDEO])

WATCH:

The film starsAndrew Garfield, Sam Worthington and Vince Vaughn.

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Source: http://dailycaller.com/2016/07/28/one-of-the-greatest-stories-of-world-war-ii-is-coming-to-the-movies-video/

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PGA Championship 2016: Leaderboard, Round 2 live blog, Friday highlights

PGA Championship 2016: Contenders

The 2016 PGA Championship kicked off in a rather mundane way Thursday, though business is sure to pick up during an action-packed Round 2 on Friday that will be fighting against potential weather delays.

Baltusrol Golf Club has already proven to be disastrous course for Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy, but Jason Day and Rickie Fowler -- still searching for his first major -- stood tough early Thursday and should be in the hunt Friday afternoon.

More PGA Championship

CBS Sports will be with you throughout the day posting the latest scores, highlights and shot-by-shot analysis in our leaderboard live blog. Updates will begin here at 8 a.m. ET and continue through the end of the round.

Be sure to stay with us and visit the links to your right for additional information, such as a list of tee times and ways to watch the PGA Championship live both on your television and online.

If the blog below does not load properly for you, please click here to view it.

Thanks for stopping by.

Source: http://www.cbssports.com/golf/news/pga-championship-2016-scores-round-2-live-blog-friday-highlights/

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