Rich Monetti
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I am, I write.
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'The Counselor' with Michael Fassbender Is Sure to get Your Attention
You can't watch The Counselor in the typical, play with your iPhone and catch the subtext in between setting off angry Facebook wars. Cameron Diaz cryptically deliberating with Javier Bardem in the New Mexico desert as they spy their pet cougars, a green clad biker racing to nowhere at 200 mph and Michael Fassbender discussing the reflective quality of nitrogen in the diamond he will spring on Penelope Cruz. This is all topped off by the deal the successful lawyer is about to engage in with a Mexican Drug Cartel. Left a bit a miss, you could easily be lulled to sleep amongst a very sedate dialogue. I was and almost turned it off. But that made the Ridley Scott film all the more chilling as I watched a second time, and the beginning and end were seared together in real time.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Criminal
'A Fish Story' Helps the Bereaved Heal the Pain in Pound Ridge
The death of Sam Roberts’ father in 1985 left the Pound Ridge resident an angry young man. On the other hand, it wasn’t long before he started to channel his grief, and a screenplay soon emerged. Reaching the tail end of the story meant a long journey against the current, though, and the film didn't make it into the can until 2013. Successes in a number of film festivals followed, and A Fish Story just secured a distributor. So it can now be found on Netflix and in 3,000 Walmart stores. Of course, having a Hollywood star attached to the credits would certainly make mass consumption much easier. But Roberts has come to realize that the healing nature of the film might not have come across as easily with that type of familiarity.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Geeks
Sculptor Christopher Green Sees the Potential in Each Piece of Stone
A glimpse into Christopher Green’s art studio might seem akin to stumbling through a rock quarry. “They are all just like boulders. You wouldn’t be able to see the differences,” says the Somers Sculptor. That said, any addition of unvarnished geology to his stash is like a Christmas morning gift. Only the thrill involved in shedding the exterior takes place before he ever puts chisel to the marble, alabaster or limestone encasing.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Journal
Al Pacino Makes Us Believe in and Justice for All
1979's And Justice for All stars Al Pacino as an honest lawyer. In a profession where oath and ambition insulates judges, prosecutors, and attorneys from doing what's right, I hope after all my Star Trek commentary that the world is OK with more science fiction.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Geeks
'Hell or High Water' with Jeff Bridges Sets No Limits in the Vastness of Texas
Contrary to popular folklore, Jesse and Frank James did not steal from the rich to give to the poor. On the other hand, they weren’t happy with the outcome of the Civil War and robbed Republican held banks to help unsettle the new order. That said, Jeff Bridges’ latest film, Hell or High Water, has elements of both. The result is a drama that superimposes today’s disenfranchised underbelly of America over a modern day James Gang, which also takes matters into their own hands.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Geeks
Season One of 'Star Trek Discovery' Lacks a Bit on the Sci-Fi, but Has Laid a Strong Foundation
I watched Star Trek Discovery in the only manner in which the 23rd century is meant to be viewed—on a TV set. So I just got the DVD from the library, I'm all caught up, and I’ll send payment to CBS at a later date. Maybe not but my commentary is more in accordance with a review and hopefully doesn't spoil. I don’t want to ruin it for those who also doubt the fluidity of streaming and paying for Star Trek.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Futurism
The Ridgefield Playhouse Screens Blazing Saddles, and ‘Oh Dah Do Dah Day,’ There Was Plenty to Rejoice with Burton Gilliam
“Comedy has to walk a thin line, take risks. Comedy is the lecherous little elf whispering into the king’s ear, always telling the truth about human behavior,” Mel Brooks told Maane Khatchatourian of Variety in 2017. The American icon also lamented that our “stupidly politically correct” culture is the death of comedy, and that Blazing Saddles could never be made today. Even so, it’s pretty hard to find anyone online who doesn’t get the joke. A packed audience at the Ridgefield Playhouse seconded the sentiment on the February 22 screening of Blazing Saddles. But the showing wasn’t the only thing that made the audience want to jig it up with some Camp Town Lady.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Geeks
South Korea’s Love X Stereo Releases Title Track to NYC LGBT Short Film
Out of the darkness of Love X Stereo’s new video, lead singer Annie Ko emerges and brings somber reality to the pain of love lost. “Love is dead,” she begins, and her compliant look seems to agree. The signature electro rock beat of Ko and Toby Hwang doesn’t bode well for a resurrection either. But that’s not how Ko thinks, and neither does Zero One, which is the official sound track to the short film of the same name.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Beat
'THELONIOUS!' with Remington Moses Challenges the American Dream at the Theater for the New City
Whenever there's a discussion on the merits of the American Dream, a reference to Ozzie and Harriet is never far behind. Remington Moses knows this first hand as the great granddaughter of the iconic TV stars. So not playing along with the fantasy has been an unavoidable focal point of her entire existence. “I think my whole life as a human being has been talking about the fallacy,” said Moses. As a result, the irony of landing a lead role in the play THELONIOUS! by Peter Welch is not lost on her.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Geeks
Taiwanese Actress in NYC Dreams of Performing on Broadway
Kui-Fang Tseng recently completed her first lead role of a musical in Theater Row. Playing a North Vietnamese soldier in War+Lovers, she welcomed the story arc that her character had to carry. “There’s a beginning, a middle and an end," said Tseng. "You must build up the drama so the character changes, and the audience can experience the story." On the other hand, she did not initially pursue acting as a college student, but once she did, it was a revelation.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Geeks
The Burning of Bedford and the Local Collector who Holds Two Brown Bess Rifles that Were Present
236 years have passed since the war for American independence ended. Far from the foregone conclusion that history implies, the collective remembrance we accept plays more like a quaint little 18th Century affair than the win at all cost reality. On one end, the perception lines up gentlemanly British troops in coats of bright red who fail to understand the guerrilla tactics of modern warfare. And on the other stand rugged backwoods boy scout types who were taking their first turn at playing soldier.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Serve
'Father Goose' Notches Another Fairytale Ending for Cary Grant
When does it become too much to watch Cary Grant make forlorn look easy and lore in the girl with his patented reluctance. In a word, the consensus says never. But for those who may somehow tire, Father Goose puts a spin on his mastery and even adds war hero. All the while taking a gander at fatherhood to sweeten the sauce.
By Rich Monetti5 years ago in Geeks