SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME of SHADOWS

Director: Guy Ritchie
Writers: Michele Mulroney, Kieran Mulroney & Arthur Conan Dole
Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Jared Harris & Noomi Rapace

Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and Dr. Watson (Jude Law) join forces for one last time in an effort to defeat Holmes' archenemy Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris) before Watson happily escapes in to married life. Along the way, they call on Holmes' brother, Mycroft (Stephen Fry) and gypsy, Simza (Noomi Rapace) to help get to the bottom of an even more widespread mystery than they originally thought.

This Sherlock Holmes flick is very much in the same style as its predecessor. From the very first scene there is action, intrigue and, of course, the obligatory witty banter between Holmes and just about everyone he talks to. Stephen Fry's place as Holmes' socially inappropriate brother was a very welcome addition to the cast and definitely added to the light-hearted feel of this sometimes action-heavy film.

Overall, this is a totally enjoyable film with just enough spectacular scenery, massive explosions and well executed fight scenes to keep the viewer enthralled on a visual level. Further, Sherlock Holmes' incredible ability to observe any situation and envision both what had happened previously and what was to follow was very effectively portrayed with the use of slow motion footage (as it was in the prequel). The best scene of the film was the chess match between Moriarty and Holmes, which very effectively showed the film maker's competence in both character relationships and spectacle. And, the multi-layered narratives created a very exciting climax.

xx 

THE MUPPETS

Director: James Bobin
Writers: Jason Segel, Nicholas Stoller
Stars: Jason Segel, Amy Adams

Walter grew up watching the Muppets on television and, for years, has dreamt of going to Los Angeles to join their act. His brother, Gary (Jason Segel) and, girlfriend, Mary (Amy Adams) are heading to Los Angeles to celebrate their ten year anniversary. Gary surprises Walter with a ticket to join them on their journey and the three of them head along to the Muppet Studios to take a tour of the once great show. Only to find when they arrive that evil oil boss, Tex Richman, wants to knock down the studio to drill the grounds for oil. It's up to Walter, Gary and Mary with the help of Kermit the Frog to round up all the Muppets and put on a telethon and save the studio.

It is extremely apparent that writers, Jason Segel & Nicholas Stoller and director, James Bobin are huge Muppets fans. This film plays out like a tribute to the Muppets. All your favourite characters are there, doing what they do best. Gonzo is doing some daredevil stunt, Miss Piggy is her usual dramatic self and Fozzy's jokes may have got even worse.. Though, they have modernized the act with a couple of contemporary tunes - my favourite is the 'barbershop quartet' butchering Nirvana's 'Smells Like Team Spirit.' Likewise, with every Muppets episode, this movie is riddled with celebrity cameos. And they all seem to be having a ball. Well, except for poor ol' Jack Black. Whether you are a Muppets fan from way back or discovering them for the first time, it would be hard not to walk away from this film without a huge smile on your face!

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It had just the right amount of heart-warming moments, corny one-liners, and catchy songs (with the exception of the unnecessary rap from Tex Richman.) I would recommend it to anyone.

xx

THE GEM BAR and DINING

289 Wellington St
Collingwood VIC 3066

One of the hardest things about living in Melbourne is that there are many more great bars and restaurants than there are days to visit them. Especially because, since discovering the Gem Bar and Dining, I haven't really wanted to go anywhere else.

The Gem is a comfortable pub, full of character, with a fun, countrified rockabilly vibe. The front bar is delightfully cluttered with plenty of odds 'n ends to keep your eyes busy while enjoying one of the several beers or ciders on tap. There are Mexican wrestling masks and cowboy boots up behind the bar, the walls are lined with posters of music legends and Elvis records. And, the furniture and bar is all hard wood with cow-skin stools to sit on. It gets a little bit rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights, particularly when any of the great live performers are at the mic. However, if you would like a quieter dining experience, there is a back dining area complete with taxidermy animals hanging from the walls and the upstairs dining area looks much like your nan's kitchen.

Oh, and the food! The menu comprises of your usual pub favourites like the Chicken Parma and the Fish & Chips, although there are many other delicious options like the Brazilian Fish Stew or the Pulled Pork Sandwich. If you're lucky you'll come in to find the Creole Spiced Pork Spare Ribs on the specials board. Every dish I have had at the Gem has been delicately flavoured, substantially filling and comforting as hell.

Head down there for a bit of live music, a good meal, a cold beer and some of the most amicable bar staff in town.

The Gem Bar and Dining website

The Gem Bar on Facebook

To book a table:

(03) 9419 5170

xx

JIM JONES REVUE at the EAST BRUNSWICK CLUB JAN 2nd 2012

Jim Jones Revue played an intense show at the East Brunswick Club last night. The forty degree heat created a pretty disgusting cesspool of a crowd which actually seemed quite fitting for the gig. Drummer, Nick Jones, mentioned afterwards that he likes the audience to get as sweaty as they do. And that was most definitely the case on this particular evening. The unified-sweat-bond does, undeniably, break down personal space barriers between you and your fellow fan. Especially when you're all singing at the top of your lungs, until your throat is hoarse, to the same great Jim Jones Revue songs. Front man, Jim Jones, has a on-stage personality that is part Johnny Thunders, part Dr. Frank-N-Furter, and part David Bowie! And keyboard player, Henri Herbert has the most expressive facial expressions you'll ever see. All live music performances should be this enthralling. I imagine that if Jerry Lee Lewis was born about fifty years later that this would be his kind-of music..

See for yourself! A hint of what to expect from their live show:
High Horse
Shoot First
Elemental

And if you're interested.. more photos

xx

HANNI EL KHATIB at THE TOTE JAN 1st 2012

It was thirty-something degrees and I'm pretty sure that everyone in the venue was running on about three hours sleep when Hanni El Khatib took to the stage at The Tote on Sunday night. But that didn't stop him from playing a great set. Accompanied by drummer Nicky Fleming-Yaryan, Khatib played just about every song off his debut record, 'Will The Guns Come Out,' and a few ones that we had never heard. It was an intimate gig, but still suitably rawkus. Distorted guitars, lo-fi fuzzy vocals and a cool beer in a iconic Melbourne pub was the best way to start a new year.

Have a look at some of his videos:
Dead Wrong
Loved One
You Rascal You

xx

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2011

Every year I write a diary to keep a record of all the music I discover, films I watch, and events I attend. This year, I have decided to take a step into the technologically advanced world of the internet and write a blog. 

And where better to start than with my top album releases of 2011.

Starting with number ten:

10. Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears - Scandalous

 Hailing from Austin, TX this is the second full-length album release from Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears. It combines rock & roll, modern soul and dirty blues guitars to create the closest thing you'll find to a James Brown record in this day and age... Song highlights: 'Booty City' & 'Mustang Ranch.'

9. The Horrors - Skying

 I like this album more and more with every listen. It is a more mature record than the previous two albums and very well produced. Great 80s synths and powerful vocals. Song favourites: 'I Can See Through You' and 'Endless Blue.'

8. Grouplove - Never Trust A Happy Song

I can't get enough of this feel-good album. It combines elements of pop, indie, folk, and alternative-electronica. It is filled with plenty of catchy songs with wonderful vocal harmonies, very much in the vain of the Mamas & Papas or more recently, Cloud Control. Best songs: 'Colours' and 'Slow.' 

7. Mariachi El Bronx - II

I do not mind in the slightest that there was nothing particularly new or different about the second Mariachi El Bronx album, it is exactly what I hoped it would be. And I was needing a new CD to play when we had friends over for a Mexican dinner and margaritas. It's hard not to be happy when listening to this stuff!

6. Jonathan Wilson - Gentle Spirit

An introspective singer-songwriter effort, this stunningly beautiful album that transports the listener back to Laurel Canyon in the 60s and 70s. I just love his heartfelt lyrics and soft building guitar. Best tracks: 'Gentle Spirit' and 'The Way I Feel.'

5. Wilco - The Whole Love

I am to a level of such incredible infatuation with Jeff Tweedy that I truly believe that he can do no wrong. Luckily for me, each Wilco album really is fantastic in different ways (and yes, that includes Wilco The Album.) It may be a more mellow album than some of their previous work, but I think it holds up with Tweedy's incredible sincerity, Nels Cline's spectacular guitar work and band's overall ability to work seamlessly. Favourite tracks: 'Art of Almost' - ridiculously good way to open an album! and 'I Might.'

4. The Black Keys - El Camino

My top ten was well and truly decided upon for the year, and then the Black Keys rocked up with their eighth and most accessible album to date, and messed it all up. If you haven't seen the clip for 'Lonely Boy' yet, then you absolutely must. Everyone should listen to this album!

3. My Morning Jacket - Circuital

A tremendously underrated rock band from Louisville, Kentucky, My Morning Jacket's seventh album release is close to topping their 2005 release 'Z' for me. There is something so incredibly captivating about the way Jim James' handsomely-hairy exterior is completely contradicted by his sweet falsetto voice. If you haven't embarked on the My Morning Jacket journey yet, Circuital is a good a place as any to start. Or check out this video from Okonokos: My Morning Jacket - Wordless Chorus

2. Gillian Welch - The Harrow & The Harvest

It's been eight years since her last record, but believe me, it was well worth the wait. Again, with her writing and singing partner, Dave Rawlings, she has created a simply beautiful country/bluegrass/folk record that appeals to every walk of life. Stand out tracks (though in this case, it was hard to pick just a couple):  'Scarlett Town' and 'Tenessee.'

and finally... numero uno!

1. The Decemberists - The King Is Dead

It wasn't until looking back at my top ten that I realised how much I have been enjoying county-influenced music this year. And,  The Decemberists are definitely one modern alternative band that dip their fingers quite heavily in the country music paint pot. I have really liked previous Decemberists records but this one was something truly special. Having listened to this album close to a hundred times and loving it more with every listen, I can't help but reflect over the incredible feelings one can have towards music. The fact that I got to see them perform a lot of these songs in New Orleans in April 2011 helped my love for the album grow quite considerably. Since Colin Meloy is such an entertaining front-man and raconteur, live performance gives real heart to the songs. I recommend this album to everyone out there. Fav songs: 'Don't Carry It All' and 'This Is Why We Fight.'

Now onward to the future...

Thanks for reading,

xxx Johanna Michelle