Raised By Wolves: Thought-Provoking Sci-Fi

As a genre, science-fiction can astonish, entertain and enlighten us, with a diverse group of stories, including action-adventure epics, and cautionary tales, offering a mirror to our own world and time. One of the more fascinating and intriguing television series to come along in recent years is Raised By Wolves, which just finished airing its second season on HBO Max. The show, created by Aaron Guzikowski, who also wrote Prisoners (2013), is a thought-provoking story of a future Earth which has been devastated by a war between a religious sect called the Mithraic and a science-based group of atheists. After locating Kepler 22-B, a suitable planet to settle on, both groups launch ships into space to assure the future of humanity, but the atheists go one step further. They send two androids, along with some human embryos, to ensure the continuation of the human race. These androids, named Mother and Father, whose mission is to raise and protect these children. The two surrogate parents are tasked with teaching these children the scientific based tenets of the atheists, in order to help ensure the ultimate survival of the human race.

The series focuses on Mother and Father’s attempts to establish a colony on Kepler 22-B, while dealing with some dangerous creatures that inhabit the planet. Only one of the children Mother and Father cultivate, a boy named Campion, survives on the new world. A space ark, sent by the Mithraic order, arrives at Kepler 22-B, and Mother (who reveals herself to be a powerful type of android called a Neuromancer) battles the crew. The ship crash lands, and Mother kidnaps several of their children, intending to raise them with Campion. Meanwhile, a Mithraic man named Marcus, finds some mystical artifacts, believes he’s heard the voice of God, and declares himself a prophet. He assumes leadership of the crash survivors, and goes on a quest to rescue the children and establish a permanent Mithraic settlement on the planet. 

 

Raised By Wolves is thought-provoking, intense and absorbing. It’s a captivating series that uses elements of science-fiction, horror and even a touch of fantasy to tell a fascinating and story that definitely upends the conventions of the genre. In a time when so many movies and television series are remakes, reboots or sequels, it’s nice to see a science-fiction show that tells a truly offbeat story that combines a lot of the genre’s elements in a unique and original way. One of the executive producers of the series is Ridley Scott, of Alien and Blade Runner fame. He helmed the first two episodes, and brings his striking directorial style to the show, helping to establish the look, tone and visual language of this alien world. It’s easy to see what attracted Scott to the project. While it’s an original story, it feels like the series could be set in a world much like the universe established in the three films from the Alien series which he directed. 

The cast for Raised By Wolves is uniformly outstanding, with Amanda Collin giving a superb performance as Mother, the android who’s trying to balance being a caregiver for the children with her other directives, including being a weapon of war. Abubakar Slim is equally strong as Father, who wants to be a true father figure to the children. Both Mother and Father struggle with the fact that they’re androids who are feeling more human all the time, due to the roles they need to fulfill for the children. If you’re a fan of Vikings, Travis Fimmel (who was so good in that series) is terrific as Marcus, the leader of the Mithraic. The rest of the cast is also wonderful, including Niamh Algar as Marcus’ wife Sue, and a fine group of young actors as the children, including Winta McGrath as Campion.

Raised By Wolves is a sharply written, solidly directed and well-acted series. The show is captivating, gripping and often surprising. Just when you think you’ve figured out where the plot is going, the story goes off in an unexpected direction. For this review, I tried to give just a basic outline of the story, so I don't spoil some of the mind-blowing moments and startling plot developments featured in the show. This is a fantastic series that’s definitely worth checking out, and worth viewing without much prior knowledge about it beforehand. Raised By Wolves is highly recommended for fans of thoughtful, mind-blowing and thrilling science-fiction. The show is now streaming on HBO Max. Here’s a look at the trailer for Season 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAg6RTQEfeM.

A Noir-Infused "Batman" from Matt Reeves

Zoe Kravitz and Robert Pattinson

There have been a lot of cinematic versions of the Caped Crusader, and since Tim Burton's 1989 blockbuster Batman, most of them have leaned towards a darker interpretation of the character, largely inspired by Frank Miller's much-celebrated graphic novel, The Dark Knight Returns. But none of those previous films are as noir-ish as director Matt Reeves’ The Batman. This version of the character prowls the streets of an often rain-soaked, shadowy Gotham City that wouldn’t feel out of place in a vintage 1940s film noir or a classic crime novel. There’s also more than a hint of modern day thrillers like Seven in the script by Reeves and Peter Craig. The story is set in the second year of Batman’s career as a vigilante. The story is narrated by Batman, as he goes on his nightly quests for vengeance against criminals. That's an important distinction, as this iteration of the Dark Knight seeks vengeance, not necessarily justice, and even says in an early scene "I'm vengeance." instead of the often-quoted "I'm Batman," from previous films.

This Batman has a tenous relationship with the police, many of whom view him as a dangerous vigilante. He works with Lieutenant James Gordon, who sees the worth of having a connection with Batman, who can work outside the system to apprehend criminals. The two men are thrust into a mystery involving a serial killer who is targeting prominent Gotham politicians and public figures, leaving riddles in notes addressed to Batman at each crime scene. The villain is eventually revealed to be a twisted version of The Riddler, who claims he want to reveal the truth about Gotham's corrupt government. Batman uses his detective skills to try and to identify the killer, and figure out his ultimate goal. This brings him into conflict with a mysterious thief named Selina Kyle, and prominent members of Gotham's crime families, including mob boss Carmine Falcone and an ambitious (and shady) underground club owner named Oswald Cobblepot.

The unique visual aesthetic of The Batman (courtesy of cinematographer Greig Fraser) gives us a different version of the Dark Knight than has previously been portrayed on screen. Director Reeves has stated in interviews that he took inspiration from 1970's thrillers such as The French Connection, Chinatown and Taxi Driver, and that is reflected in the style of the film. This is a strikingly photographed, street-level version of the character, and while there are a couple of gadgets on display, it's a much less "comic-book" iteration of the Dark Knight. There's a car chase featured in the film that owes a lot more to Bullitt and The Seven-Ups than the day-glo antics of Batman Forever. The Batman also embraces a much darker version of The Riddler, whose twisted quest for his own version of justice is a twisted mirror to what The Batman is trying to achieve in his own vigilante crusade. Once the hidden truths about Gotham which The Riddler are trying to bring to light are revealed, the Dark Knight may have to reflect on what he's been doing, and figure out what being The Batman really means to him, and to his city.

The cast is superb. Robert Pattinson does a fine job as the Dark Knight, portraying the character as a haunted man who's more comfortable wearing the mask and beating up criminals than in being Bruce Wayne. He doesn't know how to live a "normal" life, and that brings him into conflict with his mentor, Alfred, his late father's bodyguard. Andy Serkis acquits himself well in the role, but has limited screen time as the character. Zoe Kravitz is terrfic as Selina Kyle, the "cat" burglar who becomes an ally to Batman on his quest, who has a few secrets (and an agenda) of her own. Kravitz and Pattinson have great chemistry, and it would be interesting to see the relationship developed further in a sequel. Paul Dano (who was excellent as a young Brian Wilson in Love and Mercy) offers a strong performance as The Riddler, who's more of an obsessed, demented killer than the humorous interpretations we've seen in the past from actors like Frank Gorshin and Jim Carrey. There's also great work from Jeffrey Wright as Lt. Gordon, John Turturro as Carmine Falcone and Colin Farrell, who's unrecognizable as Oswald Cobblepot, aka The Penguin.

The Batman is a fascinating, noir-infused take on this classic character. Matt Reeves (who also directed two entries in the recent Planet of the Apes trilogy) has given us a different perspective on the early years of the Dark Knight. The inspiration for the film comes from works such as Frank Miller's graphic novel Year One, the 1970's back to basics comic book stories from writer Dennis O'Neil and artist Neal Adams, 1970's crime films, serial killer tales like David Fincher's Seven, and even a hint of Ridley Scott's rain-soaked cityscapes from Blade Runner. The film benefits greatly from a wonderful score by Michael Giacchino, which adds to the sense of menace and dread in the story, but is also epic and romantic. The movie is a bit overlong at three hours. The story could have ended after a powerful scene between Pattinson and Dano, but it goes on for almost another half hour with a sequence that feels a bit out of place in the film, but does serve to deepen an important realization for Bruce Wayne about his ongoing role as Batman. If you're a long-time fan of the character, I think you'll appreciate The Batman. Here's a look at the trailer for the film, which is currently in theaters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqqft2x_Aa4.

"It Was Fifty Years Ago Today" Rocks Ridgefield

The music of The Beatles continues to delight long-time fans and enthrall new generations of listeners, more than 50 years after the band went their separate ways. Throughout the years, both Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have hit the road with set lists chock full of Beatles tunes. There are also a number of bands who pay homage to the songs of the four lads from Liverpool, including the top notch group The Fab Faux, featuring Will Lee and Rich Pagano. One of the more enjoyable celebrations of the music of The Beatles is It Was Fifty Years Ago Today: A Tribute To The Beatles. Todd Rundgren, Micky Dolenz, Christopher Cross, Joey Molland (of Badfinger) and Jason Scheff (of Chicago) toured in 2019 and performed The White Album, as well as several of their own hits. For this year's edition of the show, Rundgren, Cross, Molland and Scheff return, and are joined by Denny Laine, a founding member of The Moody Blues and Wings, to pay tribute to Rubber Soul and Revolver, two of The Beatles' finest albums. The tour stopped off at The Ridgefield Playhouse in Connecticut on Thursday, March 4.

The night kicked off with a stellar run through of 'Drive My Car" that immediately enthralled the audience, followed by a terrific take on the George Harrison penned "I Want To Tell You." The set list featured tracks from Rubber Soul and Revolver mixed with performances of the artists' own hits, so Denny Laine took the lead spot for his renditions of "Go Now" (from his time with The Moody Blues) and a fabulous version of the Wings classic "Band on the Run," while Joey Molland led the band through the Badfinger tunes "No Matter What" and "Baby Blue." Other highlights included a marvelous "Good Day Sunshine" and a rollicking version of "You Won't See Me." One of the nicest surprises of the evening was Christopher Cross, who was in fine form on vocals and guitar. Cross got one of the biggest audience reactions of the night when he performed his hits "Ride Like The Wind" and "Sailing." The first set concluded with a seriously rocking version of Revolver's "She Said She Said," led by the energetic Rundgren, who impishly yelled "Intermission!" at the song's conclusion, before running off stage.

The second set began with "I've Just A Face" originally the opening track on the U.S. edition of Rubber Soul, followed by a stellar "Norwegian Wood" and a lovely version of "Michelle" featuring lead vocals by Christopher Cross. The enthusiastic Rundgren got the audience singing along when he performed his hits "I Saw The Light" and "Hello It's Me." One of the true VIPs of the show was Jason Scheff (the bassist and lead singer for Chicago from 1985-2016) whose vocals and bass work were excellent throughout the night. During his spotlight mini-set, Scheff sang the Chicago ballad "Hard To Say I'm Sorry" and then electrified the theatre with a truly epic version of the classic "25 or 6 to 4," which featured Scheff jamming with Rundgren on guitar, and the whole band kicking out the jams. It was one of the highlights of the concert. It brought the house down, and then brought the audience to their feet.

There were more Beatles classics as well, including Rundgren leading the group through an awesome version of "Tomorrow Never Knows," and a dynamic rendition of "Got To Get You Into My Life," with vocals by Scheff. Denny Laine took center stage on "Nowhere Man" and Joey Molland offered up a dynamic version of "Doctor Robert." By the time this amazing show wrapped up with another sing along on "Yellow Submarine," it was evident from the mile-wide smiles on everyone's faces that these talented artists enjoy playing together, and have a deep love and affection for the music of The Beatles. Great songs stand the test of time, and the music of The Beatles, and artists like Rundgren, Chicago and Badfinger clearly hold a special place in the hearts of both the performers and the audience, who clearly loved every minute of this amazing show. It Was Fifty Years Ago Today: A Tribute To The Beatles is touring now, so if you get a chance to check out the show in your area, it's well worth your time.

The Explorers Club Shines with "Wattage"

Remember listening to your AM radio in the 1960s and 1970s, when just the twist of a dial could land you on a great pop, rock or soul tune? Then you need to check out Wattage, the latest release from The Explorers Club. The band was founded in 2005 by singer-songwriter Jason Brewer, and features a rotating group of supremely talented musicians on each of their excellent records. The group has released terrific retro-styled pop albums such as 2012's Grand Hotel, and 2016's Together. If you're a fan of bands like The Beach Boys, The Byrds, Burt Bacharach, Paul Revere & The Raiders and The Turtles, the you'll really dig The Explorers Club. In 2020, the group issued a pair of outstanding albums, the self-titled The Explorers Club, which includes a dozen stunning baroque pop originals such as "Ruby" and "One Drop Of Rain," as well as To Sing and Be Born Again, a collection of covers of songs by bands like The Lovin' Spoonful and The Zombies.

Wattage is a marvelous record, featuring eight terrific cover versions of songs by The Rascals, The Four Tops and Little Anthony and The Imperials. The concept for the album is that you're listening to a broadcast on a vintage radio station, complete with song intros and commercials. It's a clever idea that will have you thinking about listening to your local radio station on your transistor radio in your backyard, or driving around with the windows down and blasting your car's radio back in the day. But the idea wouldn't work if there weren't some great tunes on the album, and there are some excellent songs on Wattage. Things kick off with the sunshine soul/pop tune "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy," featuring a fantastic performance by Las Vegas based singer Lannie Counts, who also provides vocals for covers of Brenton Wood's "Gimme Little Sign" and The Four Tops classic "Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever."

The album also includes top-notch versions of Little Anthony and The Imperials "Hurt So Bad," performed by Jeff Celentano, a veteran performer who has been a member of The Beach Boys tribute band Good Vibrations, and a wonderful cover of the Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions hit "I'm So Proud," featuring vocals by Ryan Williams. Jason Brewer himself takes on lead vocal duties for "Tragedy" a song originally released by Thomas Wayne and The Delons. Brewer provides us with a touching, powerful performance. The wonderful production on the album by Brewer and the backing work by the usual assortment of talented musicians adds to the record's rich atmosphere and overall success.

Wattage, like the rest of The Explorers Club's catalog, is recommended listening if you're a fan of 1960s pop, rock and soul. Jason Brewer and company have provided us with another enjoyable album full of splendid music, deeply steeped in good vibes. The track list is a marvelous combination of classics and lesser known but equally amazing and memorable songs. Wattage is currently streaming online, and a CD and vinyl release is forthcoming. Here's a link to a very cool retro-styled promo video for the album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWcMUsIWeLA, as well as a link for ordering info on the record: https://wattage.theexplorersclub.com.

Grey DeLisle's Haunting "Valentine"

For many of us, Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate the love in their lives. For others, it's a time to remember loves that are lost, or wistfully recall the ones that were never meant to be, or perhaps didn't get a chance to flower. There are just as many songs about heartbreak as there are about the joy of love, and few are more wistful than "Valentine," written by Murry Hammond, and originally recorded by his band the Old 97's. There's a beautiful new cover of the song by Grey DeLisle, which is now available as a single on Regional Records.

Grey DeLisle is a wonderful singer and songwriter who has released several acclaimed albums, including Iron Flowers. She's a veteran voice actor and performer whose work has been featured in series such as The Simpsons and The Fairly Odd Parents. DeLisle is also the long-time voice of Daphne in the Scooby Doo franchise, and has portrayed a variety of characters in the DC Animated Universe. Her cover of "Valentine" is a rich, emotionally resonant version of this memorable song, and you can absolutely feel the heartache in her compelling and passionate vocals. It's a stunning performance that will remain with you long after you hear it, and have you reaching for the replay button multiple times.

In addition to Grey's powerful vocals, the single features Murry Hammond on acoustic guitar, and the amazing pedal steel work of Greg Leisz. "Valentine" was produced by Marvin Etzioni, of Lone Justice fame, who's a founder of Regional Records. The song is part of Borrowed, a forthcoming covers album from DeLisle. You can check out the song, and purchase the single, by following this link: https://redonred-greydelisle.bandcamp.com/track/valentine, and you can also listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s04saIeR_A4. "Valentine" is haunting, beautiful, and a terrific showcase for the enchanting and magnetic work of Grey DeLisle.

Retro Film Noir: Tangled in "The Web"

Vincent Price was a wonderful actor who had a long career in movies, television and on stage. He's beloved by fans for his many appearances in horror films like Roger Corman's Edgar Allan Poe cycle, the original version of The Fly, and The Tingler. The talented actor also appeared in comedies, romantic dramas, period films, and thrillers. During the 1940s and 1950s, he appeared in several noir films, including the memorable Laura (1944) and Leave Her To Heaven (1945). One of the most entertaining of the films noir that Price starred in was The Web, which was originally released in 1947.

The movie tells the story of Bob Regan, who crosses paths with Andrew Colby, the owner of Colby Enterprises. Regan meets Colby while trying to collect on a small claims case. Colby is impressed by Regan's style, and hires him to be his bodyguard. It seems that Leopold Kroner, a former associate of Colby's, has just gotten out of prison for embezzling money from Colby's company. Colby's worried that Kroner may try to exact revenge on Colby for having helped send him to prison. Regan ends up shooting Kroner when he appears to be threatening Colby with a gun. A friend of Regan's on the police force, Lieutenant Damico, investigates the killing. Damico isn't so sure things are what they seem, and thinks that there's more to the story.

 

Regan becomes suspicious as well. He and Colby's secretary, Noel, start to look into Colby and Kroner's past dealings, and suddenly things don't seem to add up. While they try to piece together what really happened, Colby is setting a plan in motion that will land Regan and Noel in hot water. The clever and resourceful Colby is one step ahead of both the police, and Regan. Will Regan and Noel figure out what Colby is up to? Will Damico arrest Regan for Kroner's murder? Everything comes to a head on an eventful night at Colby's house, where all the twists and turns of what Colby is up to are revealed.

The Web is a fast-moving thriller, well-directed by Michael Gordon, who made films in a number of genres, but may be best known for his work with Doris Day on Pillow Talk (1959) and Move Over, Darling (1963). The moody cinematography for The Web is by Irving Glassberg, who also worked on the noirs Larceny (1948) and The Price of Fear (1956). The film features some excellent dialogue, courtesy of writers William Bowers and Bertrand Millhauser, whose screenplay is based on a story by Harry Kurnitz. 

The cast is superb. Edmond O' Brien (The Killers) is solid as Regan, who gets misled by the scheming Colby, marvelously played by Vincent Price. He gives a wonderful performance, fully embodying Colby with the style, wit and energy of those "villains you love to hate." Speaking of wit, the crackling dialogue and excellent chemistry between O'Brien as Regan, and noir veteran Ella Raines (Phantom Lady, The Suspect) as Noel is one of the highlights of the film. William Bendix is very good as the sharp and intuitive Lieutenant Damico. Character actor John Abbott, a familiar face from his many roles in film and television, appears as Charles Murdock, Colby's right hand man.

The film is available on DVD and Blu-ray and is often screened on cable channels such as Turner Classic Movies. If you're looking for an enjoyable, twisty noir featuring Vincent Price at the top of his villainous game, look no further than The Web, which features a score by Hollywood stalwart Hans J. Salter. This is a fine example of the kind of well-crafted classic studio film "they don't make anymore." Here's a look at the trailer for The Web: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcE8ESlRJDU.

The Protege: A Solid, Old School Thriller

Maggie Q is The Protege

There's something about a well-acted, solidly directed thriller that's very appealing in today's overcrowded cinematic and home video marketplace, where action films are a dime a dozen, and sifting through them all to find the good ones is often a thankless task. The Protege, which was released last year to little fanfare and so-so reviews, is actually well worth checking out. The film, directed by Martin Campbell, who also helmed Goldeneye (1995) and Casino Royale (2006), is an entertaining tale about a top-notch assassin named Anna, who works as a contract killer. Anna was rescued as a child by Moody, a veteran hit man who raised her and trained her to be the best in the business. Anna and Moody take on difficult and high-paying assignments, but only accept contracts on those targets they feel deserve to die.

When Moody is killed, and an unsuccessful attempt is made on Anna's life, she tries to find out who wanted her and her mentor dead. The trail leads to someone from Moody's past, and as Anna investigates, she crosses paths with Michael Rembrandt, a skilled assassin who plays a cat and mouse game with her. He seems to be working for whoever is behind Moody's death, and the botched attack on her. While they're essentially enemies, there are some powerful romantic sparks flying between Anna and Michael. As she gets closer to the truth behind what's going on, Anna may have to choose between her feelings for Michael, and getting revenge for Moody's death. But there's more to the story than Anna bargained for, and the truth could change her life forever.

The Protege is an engaging thriller, and features a terrific cast including Maggie Q as Anna, Samuel L. Jackson as Moody, and Michael Keaton as Michael Rembrandt. Robert Patrick of Terminator 2: Judgement Day and The X-Files, is also featured in a supporting role as an old friend of Moody and Anna's. Maggie Q, best known for her roles in TV series like Nikita and Designated Survivor and films such as Mission: Impossible III and Live Free or Die Hard, is excellent as Anna, and she has great chemistry with both Jackson and Keaton. Samuel L. Jackson is his usual entertaining self, and Michael Keaton is fantastic in his role. His fight scenes with Maggie Q's Anna are well-choreographed and brutal. They may be on opposite sides, but their attraction is undeniable, and you can feel the romantic energy and sexual tension between these two characters.

The film may have some familiar plot elements, but it's an absorbing espionage tale, written by Richard Wenk, who also scripted the Denzel Washington version of The Equalizer, and the Jason Statham thriller The Mechanic. The Protege is smoothly directed by Martin Campbell, a veteran of the Bond films mentioned above, as well as other highly-regarded thrillers like The Mask of Zorro. The film is a fast-paced, colorful, and diverting popcorn thriller, with some excellent cinematography by David Tattersall. The movie is worth seeing, and will definitely satisfy fans of well-crafted, old school action films. The Protege is now available on DVD, Blu-ray and for online streaming. Here's a link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wujj1QTk5kY.