Author: Jim Stalker

Avatar – Film Review 3

James Cameron’s Avatar is the event movie of the year if not the decade. It takes whatever technology began with Polar Express, refined with Golum in Lord of the Rings, and expanded to near perfection in Peter Jackson’s King Kong jungle sequences and takes it to a whole other level. If you don’t go to…

Avatar – Film Review 2

I haven’t gone back to see a movie twice in many years. The last one I remember was Collateral, which I thought was brilliant. My second viewing confirmed it. That is a great movie with a terrific ensemble performance and captures LA as only Michael Mann can. It might be Mann’s best film – although…

Avatar – Film Review

It’s been a lame year for movies. I can’t remember the last time I was actually excited to see a film. Wait, I was excited enough about Inglorious Basterds to write a review (out on DVD next week!). Even there however, it wasn’t anything like the excitement I feel for James Cameron’s Avatar. I am ready to ditch…

Facing Ali – Film Review

Muhammad Ali is one of the most beguiling figures of the previous half century. His place in boxing history is undeniable. With his colorful personality, quick wit, and seemingly endless charisma took the sport to another level riding on the back of the evolution of media from black-and-white TV and AM radio to the pay-per-view…

Frank Zappa

Dweezil Zappa continues the Zappa on Zappa Tour, and I thought this would be a great time to comment on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s most vexing inductee, his father, Frank Zappa. Zappa is singular. There is really no one like him before or since. His output is staggering in term of volume and…

Robben Ford

In a just world all lovers of blues-based guitar would know Robben Ford. Sadly they don’t. Allow me to introduce him to some of you, while reviewing and updating for the rest. Robben is one of the dozen absolute finest guitarist playing today. On paper, he has had a remarkable career from the blues of…

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concert

HBO this month is presenting a 246 minute version of the 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert which was held at Madison Square Garden in October 2009. A diverse and significant roster, representative of the Rock and Roll Hall’s inductees, perform in this surprisingly energetic and mostly entertaining performance. For those who…