“Mamma Mia” Review
Sophie is back and trying to carry on her mother’s tradition with restoring the Hotel Donna to it’s former glory for if nothing else to remember her mother’s legacy. The film follows the same structure as the original with Sophie (played by Amanda Seyfried) it opens with her sending three letters one to Bill, one to Harry and one to her long lost grandmother, though she decides at the last minute to rip the last one up and not send it.
At the same time of Sophie trying to reopen the hotel, the director, cleverly decides to cut to a new scene paralleling a Young Donna (played by Lily James) who is in the exact same situation as Sophie currently is. The choice of the director to seamlessly splice the film together reflecting the “like mother, like daughter” saying is crystal clear as the audience doesn’t have to know much about what happened in the first MammaMia film to know what is going on in the second.
Furthermore, the casting of James as Young Donna is exceptionally done as one can tell that Ms. James, studied the mannerisms and vocalizations of Meryl Streep, who played Donna in a way that is really believable. Her singing of the iconic Abba songs is remarkably done not only by her but by the entire young cast of individuals including her best friends, Rosie (played by Alexa Davies) and Young Tanya (played by Jessica Keenan Wynn).
Looking at the music, I was particularly impressed how the director’s choice in music used as he kept with the “Abba” music theme however tried not to duplicate the songs that were used. Only a few including the title song, ‘MammaMia’ and “I have a dream” were repeat songs, but were done in a new way that helped move the movie along.
A few surprises including the addition of music legend Cher who played Sophie’s grandmother, Ruby who finally decides to come around after Sophie’s boyfriend Sky {played by Dominic Cooper) invites her to the opening of the hotel. Of course, no appearance of singer Cher is complete without a song herself as she rekindles her spark with old flare, Fernando (Andy Garcia) in the iconic song, Fernando.
The film also brings back stars including Sophie’s three dads, Sam (Pierce Brosnan), Bill (Stellan Skarsgard) and Harry (Colin Firth) as well as Julie Walters as Rosie and Christine Baranski as Tanya. Of course, even though the film is set five years after the original, it wouldn’t be complete without a cameo song from Meryl Streep at the end.
The only issue I had is with the introduction of Sam, Bill and Harry. As far as continuity goes, the director reversed the order with Young Donna meeting Harry first as opposed to Sam. Not a big deal, but those who know the first one may notice the different.
Overall at nearly a two hour run time, MammaMia: Here We Go Again is a film that will have true Abba fans toe topping along the way, though one might question if it really is as good as the original, the film will captivate audiences enough to make one wonder. The film came out in theaters July 20th and is currently playing in a theater near you.
“Hearts Beat Loud” Review
It’s the summer before Sam is set to go to college and it’s her father, Frank’s last time to rekindle what they had a long time ago, through music.
The dramedy father daughter relationship captures the heart of what could potentially be a tough moment in any parent’s life, when a child leaves home for the first time. The director uses the words of songs to convey what both Sam and Frank are going through from their own relationship with each other as well as with Sam and her lesbian lover and Frank who still mourns the death of his wife. He does it in such a way that even those ultraconservative viewers should leave the theater saying at least, ‘that was sweet’.
Kiersey Clemens, who plays Sam, in what is her most dramatic role yet. Coming from other movies including Neighbors 2, Hearts Beats Loudly not only showcases her talent as an actress but also her musical ability. When she first sings, her voice carries the movie and we as an audience know that it’s only the beginning.
The chemistry between the actors, which was a small cast of names including Ted Danson, Toni Collette, Blythe Danner and Nick Offerman who plays Frank. All actors together provide a tight chemistry where even the slight disagreement in the beginning when Sam is trying to study in preparation of medical school, it definitely gave a sense that this relationship was rocked a little by something which we find out later is what drives them to want to write music.
Ultimately at 1 hour 37 minute run time, Hearts Beat Loud is a feel good movie for anyone who remembers what it’s like to either have a father or be a father and it’s a great movie to go to with your dad if you are able to. The film came out in theaters June 8, one week before father’s day and is currently playing in a theater near you. See it before it leaves theaters or wait to rent it on your nearest streaming device. You won’t be sorry.
Summer Concert Series in North Hollywood
As summer kicks off, various cities around the San Fernando Valley begin hosting their annual concert series at local parks. This year, the Valley Cultural Center put together a special line up for the residents in and around the city of North Hollywood and hundreds of residents showed up to kick off the first of the concerts by paying tribute to the legendary Queen.
Queen Nation, for the first time, performed at the park located on Magnolia Blvd and Tujunga, in walking distance to the Metro Orange line. The concert kicked off at 7 p.m. with an opening act, a woman born in Russia who has been performing around the world for years, Marina V.
Later, Queen Nation, rocked the park with a 90-minute concert playing iconic songs including Bohemian Rhapsody and We Will Rock You to close out the show.
The next concert will be Saturday June 23 with Billy Mitchell and his circle of friends performing at 7 p.m. All concerts are free with donations made to the Valley Cultural Center. For a complete list of concerts, visit the No Ho Summer Nights page.
LA County Salutes Recreation
The festival also contained various musical performances including an all girl sister act from Palmdale, Sledge Grits.
And in the Hawaiian village various themed acts attracted crowds over the weekend.
KLove Fan Awards in Nashville TN
Presented at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville TN, Matthew West and Mandisa hosted the first ever televised KLove Fan awards. The awards were filmed on Sunday night and aired at 8 eastern on Trinity Broadcast Networks on Thursday, May 31, 2018.
The first award handed out of the night as to Mercy Me who took group/duo of the year as well as Song and Artist of the Year. In addition the movie inspired by their number one song I Can Only Imagine took the award for Film/TV impact of the year.
In addition to the awards, Matthew West performed his song, All In/ Just As I Am as special tribute to one of the greatest/well known evangelists who past away earlier this year at 99, Billy Graham.
All the awards given out are below chosen by fans nationwide and tallied prior to the ceremony.
- group/duo of the year- MercyMe
- breakout single award- Cory Ashbury- Reckless Love
- Male Artist of the Year- TobyMac
- Female Artist of the Year- Lauren Daigle
- Film/TV Impact- “I can Only Imagine”
- Worship Song Of The Year- Reckless Love- Cory Asbury
- Song of the year- Even If- MercyMe
- Artist of the year- MercyMe
Remembering Veterans in Canoga Park
“Sherlock Gnomes” Review
Two stories come together in this new twist of the classic tale Sherlock Holmes gnome style. MGM’s Sherlock Gnomes picks up where Gnomeo and Juliet left off with the Montagues and Capulets finally living in peace and harmony as the garden gnomes venture to a new garden this time in London. Little do they know that someone is out to get rid of all the gnomes as Sherlock Gnomes and Watson seek to protect all gnomes from being smashed.
All in all, the story is told in the same fashion as the original, set to the iconic music of Sir Elton John who produced both animated adventures for new eyes.
Emily Blunt and James McAvoy return to voice the star crossed lovers in the new adventure and ultimately the two don’t disappoint with a new comic relief as Gnomeo and Juliet, now named leaders of the new garden, must figure out how to grow everything for Spring, while battling their first quarrel as lovers. The dialogue is crisp and new, as the writers purposely tried to keep the story moving with the witty banter between the two.
The new addition of the voice talent of Johnny Depp as Sherlock Holmes is typical as his own character illuminates in the image of Sherlock. I literally felt as though the character was made for him and I was watching the same character portrayal as seen in his Jack Sparrow role. Depp brought his own wit and humor to the character as well as his self love for himself that he is most definitely know for. Sherlock’s partner, Watson (Voiced by Black Panther star, Chiwetel Ejiofor) also provided a more serious side as Watson purposely made sure that Sherlock was always one step ahead of his notorious arch nemesis, Mankini (Julio Bonet).
The animation was lively and colorful as the scenes flowed at a fast pace adding to the need of Sherlock with the help of Gnomeo and Juliet to save their family. At times in the beginning the fast pace was a little unexpected and one might say, “Hold On”, but it also gives the audience the feeling of a new story inside another.
Overall Sherlock Gnomes is a film for everyone to enjoy. There are moments when literary fans will enjoy the twist of the story, similar to how the writers of the original Gnomeo and Juliet put the beloved Shakespeare play to the rock and roll music. Though, one might say, the sequel isn’t quite as well done as its predecessor. The beginning kind of comes out of nowhere as they try to mesh the to stories together. That aside, one does eventually understand what the plot is and shall hope to find the overall story somewhat enjoyable.
Sherlock Gnomes came out in theaters Friday April 23 and is currently playing in a theater near you. Watch the trailer below.
Indian Tradition Comes To LA
The annual Festival of Colors was back again at Whittier
Narrows Park in El Monte, California and young and old welcomed in the spring on a somewhat cloudy day on Saturday March 10 and Sunday March 11. Admission to the festival was just eight dollars, which didn’t include if one wanted the color. The tradition of the Holi
people is meant to chase away evil spirits with the throwing of colors on people, creating harmony and unity for all.
Color was available in packets of 8 for 20 dollars at the table as people entered the festival.
The color took away the race and ethnicity and made everyone the same for one day.
Mantra Bands had people in the center of the park throwing color as they listened to positive encouraging music all day long and everyone embrace in free love and hugs.
75th Annual Camellia Fest in Temple City
