Film Review: John Wick: Chapter Two

John Wick proves once again that style can be substantive

Baba Yaga is coming!

In 2014, John Wick combined a Taken-esque simplistic revenge tale with the unrelenting action of Korean and Indonesian action films like The Raid and doused it in stylized modernity. Directed by first-timer Chad Stahelski, who was the stunt coordinator and choreographer for dozens of action titles including multiple Keanu Reeves films like The Matrix trilogy, the film was highly regarded for its action sequences and instantly iconic central protagonist — a solemn hitman with an uncanny ability to kill. John Wick: Chapter Two continues mere hours after the first story left off, if not a day, and it maintains the same action sensibilities of the first film, including the knack for avoiding action cliches like checking bullet proof vests in the middle of gun fights and disregarding armed baddies after “offing” them with a single punch or non-fatal shot. The sequel also expands upon the original’s soft intro to an alternate world in which a secret society of assassins exists, with assassin currency and assassin leadership. This element may be exciting to some and a bit boring to others who prefer the franchise’s most prominent strength—lavishly choreographed action sequences. And still, John Wick: Chapter Two is a stellar sequel that packs a slick punch, in which carefully staged gun fights transcend violent skirmishes to become blood-splattered works of escapist art scored by cool electronic thumps.

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Spinning Platters Weekly Guide to Bay Area Concerts, 4/7/10-4/13/10

Hello, my name is Yuri, and I will be throwing a big party in Mountain View on Saturday. I know it's kind of a long drive for some of you, and it might be hard to take public transit there, but I think you should just suck it up and come. I don't care if it takes you 6 buses and 5 hours, and you have to sleep on a bench somewhere. You should come to my party!

In case you were keeping track, we are about to kick off our first week of Fauxchella. So, starting Sunday I want you to enjoy the finest music festival that doesn’t actually exist, and we will have some warm up shows listed below, in addition to a few Fauxchella recommendations.

Continue reading “Spinning Platters Weekly Guide to Bay Area Concerts, 4/7/10-4/13/10”

Wanderlust Festival Diary: The Photos

Jenny Lewis as seen without a photo pass
Jenny Lewis as seen without a photo pass

I took quite a few photos at Wanderlust Festival: nearly 500 of them.  Since I didn’t have any sort of media credential, you’re not going to see any amazing closeups of performers’ nostrils, but my handy pocket camera does a pretty good job of it.  I’ve selected 19 of my favorites, showing every musical act I saw over the weekend and more.  If you were there, I hope these act as a nice reminder of a wonderful weekend; if you weren’t, I hope it will inspire you to go next year.  Feel free to share these photos around.  Please just tell everyone where you found them!  Now, on to the photo gallery. Continue reading “Wanderlust Festival Diary: The Photos”

Wanderlust Festival Diary: Part Two

Everyone was really high at this festival.
Everyone was really high at this festival.

In order to get to the mainstage at the Wanderlust Festival, you need to board the funitel and ride the gondola to one the Gold Coast at Squaw Valley.  This is definitely the riskiest activity I’ve ever done to get to a show.  So what did I find when I got to the top? Continue reading “Wanderlust Festival Diary: Part Two”

Wanderlust Festival Diary: Part One

Sharon Jones belts out another one.
Sharon Jones belts out another one.

When I heard about the Wanderlust Festival, its amazing location, and its perfect lineup, I booked a hotel room the same day.  Because of this, I’m writing this diary post from an amazing hotel room with three queen size beds, a full kitchen with utensils, and killer balcony, and right inside the village where the festival is located.  The fridge is stocked (salmon for dinner tomorrow), the beds are made, and everyone’s getting ready for sleep.

But how was tonight’s music? Continue reading “Wanderlust Festival Diary: Part One”