Are you ready to take a walk on the wild side? Swing by our Movies That Rock DVD and Blu-ray display on the 2nd Floor. Not sure what to check out? Below are some staff recommendations from the display. Turn up your TV and get ready to rock!
Heather recommends:
Spin magazine says it best: "The missing link between punk and riot grrl wasn't a band or even a fleeting subgenre, but an amazing 1982 music-biz satire that was never properly released, seen only on late-night cable, crappy bootlegs, and at art-house revivals." Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains is a feminist sendup of the exploitative, sexist music business via the rise and fall of an all-girl band who embraces the punk ethos: we don't care what you think, and we're gonna do what we want to. Frontwoman Corinne "Third Degree" Burns encapsulates this feminist rebellion from the stage – "I'm perfect, but nobody … gets me because I don't put out." These 80s punk tweens – the actors who play The Stains (Diane Lane, Laura Dern, and Marin Kanter) ranged in age from 13-15 at the time of filming – present a refreshing perspective of the kind of defiant feminism embodied in the riot grrl movement. Some of my favorite musicians during high school – Courtney Love, Tobi Vail from Bikini Kill, Donna A of The Donnas, and virtually every member of L7 – cite this film as influential; members of The Clash and the Sex Pistols appear in supporting roles; this film has a lot of indie cred, but the main reason to watch it is that it's funny, smart, and stylish. Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the ride!
Joel recommends:
I’m Not There – For me one of the more memorable and fascinating biographical films ever made, Todd Haynes’ Bob Dylan biopic features 6 different actors and actresses playing Dylan and his multiple personas. More than just a gimmick, Todd Haynes assembles these multiple personas to create an intentionally fractured and complex portrayal of the very complicated legend, which somehow feels more true to Dylan and his career than any straightforward portrayal could.
Coffee and Cigarettes – Coffee and Cigarettes is a collection of short films that Jim Jarmusch made over his career featuring various actors and musicians talking over coffee and cigarettes. Not all of the shorts are winners but it sure is fun to watch these personalities converse over random topics. A few favorites: Tom Waits and Iggy Pop celebrate quitting smoking by smoking a cigarette. Steve Buscemi and Cinqué and Joie Lee (brother and sister of Spike Lee) talk about Elvis’s evil twin. Jack White explains the brilliance of Nikola Tesla to Meg White. RZA and GZA of Wu-Tang warn Bill Murray about the harmful effects of caffeine and tobacco.
Craig recommends:
Hairspray, released in 1988, starring Ricki Lake, and featuring Divine, Mink Stole, Debbie Harry, Jerry Stiller, and Ruth Brown. The film revolves around self-proclaimed "pleasantly plump" teenager Tracy Turnblad, as she pursues stardom as a dancer on a local TV show and rallies against racial segregation. Hairspray is John Waters' second-highest-rated film (behind Multiple Maniacs and is considered 'perhaps John Waters' most accessible film. As such, it's a gently subversive slice of retro hilarity.' In 2002, the film was adapted into a Broadway musical of the same name, which won Best Musical in 2003. A second film version of Hairspray, an adaptation of the stage musical, was also released in 2007, starring John Travolta, with many changes of scripted items from the original.
Kristin recommends:
The Doors' R-Evolution - Due to Jim Morrison's untimely death The Doors were only around for a short while. This Blu-Ray DVD features rare and seldom seen footage of the band and really showcases their creative style.
Myles recommends:
The Who’s Quadrophenia is a stylish coming of age film, based on The Who’s rock opera by the same name, directed by Franc Roddam. Bleak mid-sixties Brighton becomes the epicenter of two motorbike riding youth subcultures: the mods and rockers who clash in this grey seaside town. Unlike The Who’s previous rock opera adaptation of Tommy, Quadrophenia doesn't look psychedelic. Instead it appears gritty and true to life.
I Am Divine - Divine’s performances in John Water films like Pink Flamingos and Hairspray may overshadow her disco music career. I still hear “You Think You’re a Man” and “I’m So Beautiful” in clubs today. This comprehensive, biographical film takes you through every stage of the cult icon's life, from a young boy named Harris to the Divine we remember today.
Rhonda recommends: Cadillac Records
