Beats, Rhymes, And Life

In the opinion of many A Tribe Called Quest embody everything positive about the golden age of Hip Hop. A Tribe fundamentally changed the way many artists functioned at the time and shaped the music of the past two decades. In this documentary, Beats, Rhymes and Life, director Michael Rapaport takes us behind the scenes of this influential group.

As we find out in the opening moments of the film the group has had more than their fair share of differences over the years. The main culprits of these arguments, Phife and Q-Tip. The documentary does not blame one member or the other for the problems of the group, rather the film makes each member look as if they are fighting over petty comments and actions.

While the documentary focuses on the problems of Phife and Q, it also briefly touches on the two other members, Ali and Jarobi. Ali comes across as the cool and collected member who simply wants to make good music and Jarobi, as Q-Tip mentions, "is the heart" of A Tribe.

If you love A Tribe, music or just a fascinating story Beats, Rhymes, and Life is a film for you. Anyone who watches will recognize many of the men and women in the documentary who were inspired by this legendary group as the film puts into perspective how important A Tribe Called Quest was/is to Hip-Hop Culture.

7/10 lost wallets in El Segundo

Midnight in Paris

I tend to not be a fan of romantic comedies, but over the past couple weeks I have found myself enjoying these "rom coms".

Since I have been bit by this bug I had to watch the Woody Allen directed "Midnight in Paris" starring Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams. Wilson has not been this dynamic since The Royal Tenenbaums. Gone is the actor who has starred in Hall Pass and in is an actor who provides a charming performance.

The premise of the movie is simple, Gil (Owen Wilson) is writing his first novel when he visits Paris with his fiancee Inez(McAdams) and her parents. Gil loves the 1920s. He feels that was the Golden Age of writing and creation. He believed the 20s were simpler and far more inspirational. During a midnight walk without his fiancee, Gil is invited into a car with a group of strangers. Gil accepts this invitation and when he steps out of the car and enter a party he meets Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda.  The plot takes off from there with Gil taking nightly midnight walks to the dismay of his fiance and soon be in-laws.

The story explores the idea we all seem to have that for some reason the past is better than the present. Nostalgia is a concept the film heavily explores and delves into. Midnight in Paris is a short, easy watch. If you have an hour and a half give it a chance and enjoy the phenomenal sets and actors that bring the 20s alive.

8/10 Trips to Paris

American History X

I recognize I am only 14 years late on this post, but tonight I finally watched American History X. The movie was extremely compelling and thought provoking. Ed Norton without question deserved an Oscar Nomination for his role.

The movie is a great discussion on race and how it impacts society. If you get a chance I highly recommend it. Great performances for multiple actors and still relevant 14 years later. Always great to  see how people become who they are and why they have certain perceptions.

8/10 Ed Norton Blankets Folded Blankets (See the movie, you'll get it)