• Blog,  Movie Reviews

    Beetlejuice Beetlejuice 2024 A.D. Movie Review

    Let me preface this by saying I have loved the movie Beetlejuice since it was almost new, when it was released in 1988.

    And I have read rumors for years about a possible sequel, but it never quite happened.

    But now it FINALLY has.

    Beetlejuice Beetlejuice 2024 A.D. was released on September 6 of 2024, and I think it was worth the wait.

    Director Tim Burton returns with title star Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara reprising their roles in this new tale.

    I’m going to give spoilers here, so don’t read on unless you have already seen it or don’t care:  Winona Ryder’s character, Lydia Deetz, at this point is a rich TV show host talking about ghosts and the paranormal/supernatural.

    Her Dad from the first movie passes away so her, along with O’Hara’s character Delia, and Winona’s daughter in the movie Astrid (played by Jenna Ortega) go to the funeral at the old house from the first movie.

    Beetlejuice, who has obsessed over Lydia since the first movie, ultimately gets her attention when Lydia’s daughter is taken into the otherworld and wants Beetlejuice to help her.

    Also, Beetlejuice is now in fear of his soul being sucked away by a literal soul sucker named Delores (played by Monica Bellucci), who was also Beetlejuice’s wife from many years ago.

    I’m spoiling everything here, but let’s just say that all you loved about the first movie is pretty much here.

    Michael Keaton is still awesome as Beetlejuice, causing crazy things to happen.  But Keaton is always awesome in every part he plays, in my opinion.

    Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara are very good in reprising their characters, and the rest of the cast are solid and all do a great job.

    Most especially Willem Dafoe, who plays a fun actor/cop.

    No, this movie is not 36 years old and so it hasn’t had decades to be adored.  So please take that out of the equation, and just have fun with it.

    I think it is a lot of fun and I laughed and smiled a lot watching it.

    Go see it.

     

     

  • Album Reviews,  Blog

    The Black Crowes Happiness Bastards Album Review

    The Black Crowes are back with a great new album called Happiness Bastards.

    Released on March 15 of 2024, this album marks The Crowes’ first full on new album of original material since 2009 (they released a cover EP in 2022 called 1972 though) and many thought this would never happen.

    That’s because the band broke up, and by all accounts, singer Chris Robinson and his brother, guitarist Rich Robinson, did not get along.

    However, they apparently put aside their differences and got back together a few years ago, and now the band includes Chris and Rich, as well as bassist Sven Pipien (who was been in the band for many years), Nico Bereciaua also on guitar, Erik Deutsch on keyboards, and Brian Griffin on drums.

    This album rocks!!  It sounds like a Black Crowes rock album to me, which is how I want it to be.

    Some don’t like that more classic members aren’t there, but Chris and Rich are still great, can still write very good songs, and have a tight, rocking band.

    If you don’t like it, fair enough.

    But I do like it very much and I’m glad The Crowes are back.

  • Album Reviews,  Blog

    Jon Anderson And The Band Geeks True Album Review

    Original Yes singer/founder Jon Anderson’s latest album, now with his group The Band Geeks, was released August 23 of 2024.

    Called True, it is very much what you expect from Jon and his massive discography.

    This album is truly awesome.

    Jon’s voice is still as great as ever, and his band are great.

    It consists of Jon on vocals of course, along with Richie Castellano on guitar/bass/keyboards/backing vocals, Andy Ascolece on drums/percussion/keyboards/backing vocals, Andy Graziano on guitar/backing vocals, Christopher Clark on keyboards, Robert Kipp on Hammond Organ/backing vocals, and Ann Marie Nacohio on backing vocals also.

    If you are a fan of Jon, you should really enjoy this.

    Every song is great.

    I love when my favorite musicians keep making great music, even in their later years.

    Sometimes they make some of their best work then.

    I wish more would do that.  I know most people don’t buy music like they used to, but I know there is still an audience out there.

    Many classic artists like Jon Anderson, Ace Frehley, Deep Purple, Mr. Big, and others have put out great albums just this year.  

    So, it is possible for new music by classic artists to still be great.

    Fans need to seek it out.  

    So, seek this one and others out and see what you think.

    Oh, and I got this album signed by Jon, courtesy of TalkShopLive.  I appreciate it!!