In 2013, pop music artist Robin Thicke released a massive hit song alongside music producer Pharrell called “Blurred Lines.” The song became almost iconic, but it also instantly became infamous. Robin Thicke was accused of stealing the tune to Marvin Gaye’s “Gotta Give it Up” by Gaye’s family estate. Despite their initial denial, Robin Thicke and Williams were taken to court and forced testify, leading to a startling musical precedent that also ruined Robin Thicke’s career momentum.
Tag Archives: Drama
The Color Purple (1985) [4K UHD/Digital]
What with Warner Bros moving forward with their highly anticipated musical remake of Alice Walker’s 2023 musical remake of “The Color Purple,” the 4K UHD release of Steven Spielberg’s 1985 classic just made sense. With the continued push for the 4K UHD format, this re-release includes the original dramatic masterpiece on 4K UHD only. For hold outs the 1985 masterpiece arrives in a more restored and crisp picture quality. Spielberg seemed like an unusual choice to steer the adaptation of Alice Walker’s iconic novel, but his film has aged pretty well even if it has some very rough narrative choices it never quite topples.
The Iron Claw (2023)
Allegedly writer and director Sean Durkin had to water down the story of the Von Erich family because he didn’t think audiences would fully buy or comprehend such misery could befall one family in reality. For those that are in the know, they understand the all too heartbreaking tale of the Von Erich family and their wrestling dynasty. While they and many blame the alleged “curse,” what ultimately tainted them and their success was a combination of toxic masculinity, a seemingly relentless father who demanded too much from men that were ultimately human, and a profession that is still notorious for its high mortality rate, and ability to destroy its performers time and time again.
The Holdovers (2023)
The older I get the more and more I’ve grown to really appreciate Alexander Payne’s “Sideways.” His drama comedy about unfulfilled ambition, and arrested development is still a wonderful experience. “The Holdovers” is a character piece very much in the same vein, but while it might be a character piece it might also end up being one of the most unique Christmas movies ever made. Payne is wonderful at observing and dissecting such complex and unique characters, and with “The Holdovers,” he explores the lives, regrets, and frustrations of three immensely different people.
Maestro (2023)
Bradley Cooper’s film about the life of Leonard Bernstein is why I’m firm in my opinion that pretty much most music biopics are just terrible. Bernstein is an interesting figure that we learn almost nothing about by the time the movie ends. We explore his torrid private life, sure, but Cooper opts to kind of step back from the artist that was Bernstein in favor of the person. That’s understandable considering “Maestro” is a pitch for an Oscar from the starting gate.
Dumb Money (2023) [Blu-Ray/Digital]
One of my favorite moments of the 2021 Gamestop Meme Stock debacle is watching billionaire Leon Cooperman literally crying and having a bitch fit tantrum on live TV because poor people were getting rich by rigging a system that he and his buddies have been rigging for decades. It was a delicious brief moment of poetic justice that forever made me a fan of the Gamestop Meme Stock scandal. While the COVID lock up and pandemic were wrought with so many unusual moments, the Gamestop Meme Stock remains one of the most significant incidents in American history.
Monica (2023)
Andrea Pallaoro’s “Monica” is a beautiful film. It’s a film filled with nuance and subtlety and takes the classic tale of someone returning to their old home and gives is a contemporary all too relevant twist. Trace Lysette is excellent as the titular Monica, a woman who is spending her every waking moment trying to survive and reach some sort of human connection that she craves. This stems from her past with her family, including her mother who disowned her at a young age prompting her to run away from home. For a movie so centered on what is a very important, and common obstacle for people of the LGBTQ community.