Below is a collection of 2FL Short and Video reviews originally posted on 2FL's
Facebook page.
July 30, 2013
2FL SHORT: Kmart "Yo Mama" Commercial
by Lisa Adamowicz Kless
I know that I'm probably pushing the boundaries of what can be
considered art by posting a commercial, but this one, advertising
back-to-school layaway at Kmart stores, cracks me
up so much that I can't help it. Maybe it's because I'm old enough to
remember when "Yo Mama" slams *were* traded on the playground like this
on a regular basis, or because of the twist they put on it in the
commercial. Whatever it is, kudos to the marketing crew behind this
particular concept; it's great!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=G4VH99dvVCs
June 7, 2013
2FL VIDEO:
Fitzcardboardaldo
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Generations
of kids have known a universal truth: that the things that can be created with
a simple cardboard box are nearly infinite. They have almost magical potential,
limited only by one's own imagination. Robin Frohardt seemed to tap into this
timeless concept when she created, shot, and edited the short
"Fitzcardboardaldo", combining cardboard artistry with puppetry to
bring a delightful little film to life. (Special thanks to 2FL reader La Bibi
for bringing this one to my attention.)
May 7, 2013
2FL TRIVIA: Tami Stronach
by Lisa Adamowicz Kless
If you're a fan of the 80s-era movie "The Neverending Story", you know
Tami Stronach well. Granted, you might not recognize her name, but if I
mentioned the Empress, you'd instantly know who
I mean. What happened to Stronach after that iconic role though?
Except for a role in a Czech television movie and some more recent
onstage acting in New York, Stronach went back to her roots as a dancer
after "The Neverending Story", and now has her own dance company in
Brooklyn. You can check out her website here: www.tamistronach.com
April 23, 2013
2FL SHORT: "The Pocket"--Andy Grammer
by Lisa Adamowicz Kless
So many of the times that I've discovered new music have been when
friends or family suggest something to me. I thought that this was the
case again, when I recently got an Andy
Grammer CD from a friend. To my surprise, this wasn't brand-new-to-me
music after all; after listening to a few tracks, I realized that I knew
some of Grammer's songs. I'd heard them on the radio and liked them,
but just never knew the artist behind them. "The Pocket" is one of my
favorites from his self-titled album, released in June of 2011.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTkMB-0ZSYg
April 18, 2013
2FL VIDEO: "History of Rap"--Justin Timberlake & Jimmy Fallon
by Lisa Adamowicz Kless
I'm not exactly a superfan of either Justin Timberlake or Jimmy Fallon
on their own (although I do like the silly sense of humor they both
have). But when the two get together
and do an installment of "The History of Rap" on "Late Night With Jimmy
Fallon", well...I will go ahead and 'fess up to being a superfan of
those. Nostalgia kicks in when I hear songs that I know and love, and
the interplay between Timberlake and Fallon always cracks me up. I don't
know how long they'll keep doing it, but there are a few decades worth
of material that they can draw from. And I'll keep watching and
laughing as long as they do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EPl0OGz2Cg
April 16, 2013
2FL SHORT: "American Music"--Violent Femmes
by Lisa Adamowicz Kless
The music of the Violent Femmes took up a big part on the soundtrack of
my teenage years. When a concert was announced in a neighboring state,
a group of friends and I crammed as
many of us as we could into a van and drove to the show; I still
consider it one of the best that I've ever been to. Band member Victor
DeLorenzo left the band shortly after, and when "differences" erupted
between other members Brian Ritchie and Gordon Gano, the Femmes didn't
play together again until 2007. All of that changed a few days ago
though, when they reunited to perform at Coachella. And if that wasn't
enough to warm a Femmes fan's heart, it was announced that they'll also
be playing Summerfest this year, a music festival that's only a short
drive away for me. Time to load the car up again and head on out...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8KGHatrPWE
April 5, 2013
2FL VIDEO:
The Muppets: Cårven Der Pümpkîn
by Lisa Adamowicz Kless
I was reminded of this video when I recently had to re-watch it about five
times in a row per my son's request. As any parent forced to watch a video
somewhere in the neighborhood of seven gazillion times (give or take a few) can
tell you, those re-watches get old fast. But in the case of this video and
other Muppets clips, I don't get too tired of them. I get to step back down
memory lane, back to when I was a kid myself, and can appreciate the humor with
a now adult viewpoint. And, really---you've gotta love the Swedish Chef.
"Bork, bork, bork!"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qj8PhxSnhg
March 26, 2013
2FL SHORT: Irving Harper paper art
by Lisa Adamowicz Kless
I'm a writer (and not that great of a visual artist), so paper being
used as anything except a medium on which to capture words is always
interesting to me. I have a cousin who makes
some fascinating paper sculptures and objects a la "Between the Folds",
so when I stumbled upon the paper art of long-time designer Irving
Harper, I couldn't help but be intrigued by his work too. Making his
paper designs during his time off of work, Harper estimates that there
are about three hundred of his pieces in his house and in a neighboring
barn. To read more about the artist and a book that is in the works
featuring his paper creations (and to see more photos), go to: www.nytimes.com.
March 5, 2013
2FL SHORT: Karen Woods (oil paintings)
by Lisa Adamowicz Kless
At first glance, you might think that Seattle artist Karen Woods' work
was simply a picture that somebody snapped on their cellphone, bored in
the passenger seat while riding along on a rainy day. You have to look
closely to realize that the pieces are actually oil paintings, so
realistic that it's easy to dismiss them as just photos.
Woods was inspired after driving around her city, and wanted to
capture some of the beauty in an every day commute. The result is
indeed beautiful; her paintings full of contrasts like luminosity and
shadows, sharp edges and soft bends, all blending together to stunning
effect. To see more of Woods' series of paintings, go to www.lostateminor.com.
February 28, 2013
2FL VIDEO: "To This Day"
by Lisa Adamowicz Kless
Spoken word poetry is a genre known for being hard hitting, emotional,
and thought provoking. Canadian poet and author Shane Koyczan stays
true to the craft; the video for his piece "To This
Day" has gone viral, thanks to its powerful, to-the-point, but hopeful
message about being bullied. Koyczan has built on the attention that
the video has garnered and begun the "To This Day Project", as a way to
stand up to bullying.
Koyczan also has three books to his
credit: "Visiting Hours", "Our Deathbeds Will Be Thirsty", and
"Stickboy", a novel in verse. Check out his page here on FB, and/or his
website at www.shanekoyczan.com (where you can sign up to receive a new, free poem every month).
January 29, 2013
2FL SHORT: Elin Ruth
by Lisa Adamowicz Kless
Elin Ruth is a thirtysomething singer/songwriter/musician, originally
from Sweden. She began her "music career" playing the piano at four
years old, later taking a guitar from her dad's studio,
spray painting it red, and creating her own music. Mixing hints of
country, gospel, soul, pop and more into her songs, Ruth *just* released
her fourth album, "Bang EP", in the U.S. and Canada, but has five to
her credit in Scandinavia. She currently lives in New York with her
husband, and has her own record label, Diver's Avenue Music. "Love"
(video below) is a single from 2009's "Cookatoo Friends".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnawhnS55Dc
January 4, 2013
2FL VIDEO: "Shame"--Jill Scott
by Lisa Adamowicz Kless
Singer-songwriter Jill Scott began her career reading her own poetry, a
gig that evolved into her recording her first album, "Who Is Jill
Scott? Sounds and Words, Vol. I" in 2000. She's
gone on to release four more albums, as well as act in several movies
and the HBO TV series "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" (based on the
book of the same name by Scottish author Alexander McCall Smith).
This video, from her new album "The Light of the Sun", was filmed at a
recreation center in Philadelphia where Scott spent time as a child.
Always expressive and never timid about conveying her thoughts and
self-worth, Scott adds a little old school doo wop flavor (with the help
of the A Group) to this song, with what reminded me of a hint of the
equally expressive and never shy old-school duo Salt 'N Pepa (channeled
by Eve). "Shame" has become a new favorite of mine, and I've also found
that it's an excellent song to help liven up the boring chore of washing
dishes.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=361P_nyxoPw
December 20, 2012
2FL VIDEO: Target Women (series)
by Lisa Adamowicz Kless
It's the holiday season again. Time to prove your love, men, with the
gift of jewelry...or not. One of my friends introduced this video
series to me a couple of years ago, and I wound
up watching most of them in one sitting. "Target Women" is a snarky,
funny take-down of commercial marketing that's targeted at women, hosted
by Sarah Haskins. Whether she's poking fun at Brinks/Broadview
Security Systems ("Their moral is easy to spot...You can buy an alarm
system for only $99, or, you and your young, innocent daughter can be
assaulted in your own home. Still on the fence? The second key pad is
FREE!"), or recreating Paris Hilton's infamous Carl's Jr.
writhing-around-on-a-car-while-eating-a-burger commercial, Haskins'
matter of fact dry humor gets me every time. I encourage you to check
out the series; if for no other reason than to find out why yogurt is
"the official food of women".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzLWn3xTGL4
December 4, 2012
2FL SHORT:
Joshua James--"Meet Me In the Middle"
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
I can't
quite remember how I stumbled upon Joshua James' music, but this lovely song
was the first that I heard. And I keep going back to this simple video of just
the artist
and his guitar, strumming away while he breaks my heart with the lyrics, and
with his voice still soft and gentle despite being so heavy with emotion. While
his work is still fairly new to me, that should change soon; my iPod is newly
loaded with a handful of James' songs.
November 27, 2012
2FL SHORT:
Melissa McCarthy
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Actress
Melissa McCarthy's role as Sookie St. James on the TV series "Gilmore
Girls" was what first endeared her to me. McCarthy added layers and depth
to what could have easily been a o
ne-dimensional
character, if left in lesser hands. A fantastic physical comedian who may be
somewhat overlooked by the mainstream, that tide seems to be shifting a bit;
McCarthy has had roles in other series such as "Samantha Who?", and
was recognized for her laugh-out-loud performance in the movie
"Bridesmaids". Currently one of the titular characters in the TV show
"Mike & Molly", McCarthy is related to a more well-known
entertainment personality (Jenny McCarthy is her cousin), but deserves her own
time in the spotlight to keep doing what she does so well: breathe life into
characters who we can relate to, and laugh with (or often, laugh at), because
they're just "everyday people" like ourselves.
November 8, 2012
2FL VIDEO: Annie and the Beekeepers--"Come On"
by Lisa Adamowicz Kless
Watching this video, you almost feel as if you've been
invited to take a peek at some film that someone found in a dust coated box,
tucked into a forgotten corner of a cobweb-filled attic. The intimate feel and
sound of Annie and the Beekeepers' "Come On" comes from their latest
album, "My Bonneville", which was released this August.
October 18,
2012
2FL VIDEO:
Greg Laswell--"Take Everything"
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Sometimes,
there's just not much to say about a video. Not because it's not well-made, or
clever, or doesn't evoke emotion. In this case, for me, the main pull of the
video is that it's simply fun. I won't ruin it for you before you even watch
it, but the technique that they use gives the whole thing a certain appeal that
I can watch again and again. (It also doesn't hurt that I'm a huge fan of Greg
Laswell's voice and lyrics.)
October 4,
2012
2FL VIDEO:
Destiny
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
If you're at
all familiar with the movie "Groundhog Day", you can't help but make
comparisons to this short, created by French film students. Don't assume that
it's a cheap rip-off though; there's plenty that's unique and refreshing in
this little film, including a lot of lovely details and a pace that starts slow
and builds momentum nearly perfectly. For all of us that have ever wished we
could have a do-over in life, this one hits close to home (pardon the bad pun).
September 25,
2012
2FL SHORT:
Joey Ramone--"New York City"
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Using over
1,600 photos taken throughout the city, Greg Jardinan, an award-winning
filmmaker, directed this fun stop motion video for the late Jeffry Ross Hyman
(better known as Joey Ramone)'s "New York City". Featuring cameos
from New York residents, it also includes people like Tommy Ramone, Anthony
Bourdain, Andrew WK, Joey Ramone’s brother (musician and author Mickey Leigh),
and Ramones producer Ed Stasium. All in all, over one hundred people starred in
the making of this quirky homage to Joey and NYC.
August 30,
2012
2FL VIDEO:
The Camera
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
When I first
started watching this short film about a girl who goes into an abandoned beach
house and makes a mysterious find, a voice of reason in my mind kicked in and
started asking questions: "How does she know it's abandoned (it looks
awfully well-furnished)?"; "Isn't she creeped out, wandering around
this house alone?". Once I squelched that and let suspended disbelief take
over, it was easy to see this for the charming piece of cinema that it is.
Filmmaker Peter Lewis made this with no crew, on a budget of about fifty
dollars, and cast his sister as the lead. Even more wonderful, to me, is the
fact that the gorgeous score was also done by the filmmaker himself, a
classically trained musician. It was well worth putting logic on hold for a
little while.
August 14,
2012
2FL SHORT:
J.D. McPherson--"North Side Gal"
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
For me, this
track from J.D. McPherson's album, "Signs & Signifiers", is a
little spooky; his ability to channel old-time rock n' roll so masterfully is
just that uncanny. Had my eyes been closed the first time I heard this song, I
would've sworn that I was a kid again, in the backseat of the family car with
one of my dad's "oldies" cassettes playing. Raised on an Oklahoma
cattle ranch, McPherson played in a punk band in high school and soon became
fascinated with the sounds of artists like Little Richard and Fats Domino. It
seems that it's all come together, in McPherson's special brand of rockabilly
that's much less nostalgia and more like a form of musical time travel.
August 9, 2012
2FL VIDEO: Beastie Boys--"Make Some Noise"
by Lisa Adamowicz Kless
Twenty-five years after the Beastie Boys insisted that we all fight for our right to party, they created a "sequel" video with "Make Some Noise". The video not only pokes fun at the trio's alter egos circa 1987, but is a hefty dose of nostalgia for anyone who grew up with the Beastie Boys' music as part of the soundtrack of their teenage or young adult years (nostalgia that is especially bittersweet after Adam Yauch/MCA's death in May 2012). Seth Rogen, Danny McBride, and Elijah Wood play Mike D, MCA and Ad-Rock in the video, along with more celebrity cameo appearances than I could list. If you're a fan, check out the extended version of the video for even more crazy fun and cameos.
July 26,
2012
2FL VIDEO:
The Chase
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
This French
short film, directed by Philippe Gamer, toys with viewers' expectations and is
bound to turn them upside down. It follows four women involved in a breakneck
police chase, with sharp CGI animation and tons of action packed into its few
minutes of run time. The great twist at the end is the crown jewel of the
entire piece, adding a perfect dose of comedy.
July 17,
2012
2FL SHORT:
Brigitta Richter
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Brigitta
Richter is a visual artist who was born in Germany and resides in Kenosha,
Wisconsin. Using a variety of media, including oil paints, pastels, ink,
acrylics, and even clay, Richter creates lovely, delicate paintings and
sculptures that can best be described as having an ethereal, almost magical
quality about them. To see more of her work, visit her website at
www.wunderbarart.com.
July 12,
2012
2FL VIDEO:
Regina Spektor--"Us"
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Directed by
Adria Petty, the music video for the song "Us" feels a little bit
like a trip through the looking glass, Regina Spektor-style. Combining mixed
media, animation, still motion, and a whole bevy of other effects, it's
definitely fun to tag along though. It would probably take dozens of viewings
in order to catch all of the intricate details packed into the four minutes of
video, but if you're a fan of Spektor's quirkiness and powerhouse voice, it's a
challenge that you might just be up to.
July 3, 2012
2FL Short:
Kan Door Huid Heen (Can Go Through Skin)
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Showing a
young woman's attempt to cope after suffering trauma, this film from the
Netherlands, directed by Esther Rots, had a few spots that felt disjointed and
left me with some questions. However, Rifka Lodzeizen is absolutely compelling
in her portrayal of main character Marieke's turmoil and struggle, and setting,
camera usage, and lighting only heighten the viewers' tension. Though it's not
exactly a "feel good" film, for me, Lodzeizen's acting, the raw
emotion, and the brutal honesty of the storyline made it worth seeing.
June 21, 2012
2FL VIDEO:
La Queue de la Souris (A Mouse's Tale)
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
The
storyline of this French short is very similar to an Aesop-like morality tale
that I recently heard on a children's CD (a mouse promises to help a lion, in exchange
for not being eaten), except the way it's told here is much more entertaining.
Add to that the sharp, clean lines of the animation and the striking use of
only a few bold colors at once, and you've got four minutes of lovely artistry
on film.
June 14,
2012
2FL VIDEO:
Vovô
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
This short
from the UK was a graduation project, and is poignant and touching in its
simplicity. Directed by Luiz Lafayette Stockler, it tells the story of growing
up with his Brazilian grandfather (or vovô). Through a quiet voiceover and
uncomplicated line drawings, it shows the universal truth of how powerful,
treasured memories often come from seemingly ordinary, every day moments.
June 12,
2012
2FL SHORT:
Jacob Two Two
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Based on a
series of children's books by Mordecai Richler, "Jacob Two Two" is an
animated Canadian TV series that originally ran from 2003 to 2006. The shows
focus on the title character, who's nicknamed "Jacob Two Two" because
he's the youngest in his family, and often has to repeat things twice just to
be heard. With a large cast of quirky characters and a mix of both every day
and extraordinary adventures, it's a clever children's series that both parents
and kids can truly enjoy watching together.
May 29, 2012
2FL SHORT:
Steve Moakler--"Run"
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
One of my
newest favorite activities is playing musical roulette online. Through sites
like NoiseTrade or YouTube, I take a chance on artists that I've never heard
of; sometimes I get lucky and sometimes I'm out. When I happened upon Steve
Moakler's music recently, luck was with me. A singer-songwriter based in
Nashville, Moakler has a certain earnestness in his voice and lyrics that kept
me clicking on song links; and thanks to free downloads from the artist, some
of those songs have found a new home on my iPod.
May 24, 2012
2FL VIDEO:
Papiroflexia
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Taking the
notion that one person can change the world literally, "Papiroflexia"
(Spanish for "origami") is a sweet and fun little short by Joaquin
Baldwin. Viewers might find themselves wishing that they, like Fred, could
rework their world so easily.
May 17, 2012
2FL VIDEO:
Kiss: A Love Story
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Telling the
story of a meeting between the sun and the moon, "Kiss: A Love Story"
is the stunning first short released by Racecar Films, an Oslo based studio.
With Norwegian singer Bendik's song "Stille" as the soundtrack for
the mesmerizing (mostly) black and white 3D animation, you may find yourself so
enchanted by the exquisite tiny details that you can't help but click
"play" again once the film ends.
May 8, 2012
2FL SHORT:
Leonard Cohen--"Banjo"
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
From his
album "Old Ideas" released this year, Leonard Cohen's track
"Banjo" is a delightful dichotomy. The music and vocals are somewhat
dreamy and, at face value, seem perfectly suited for kicking back on a lazy
summer's night. The lyrics, however, are slightly ominous, adding a little bit
of edge to the song. This is definitely one that I'll be listening to again and
again.
May 3, 2012
2FL VIDEO:
will (animated short)
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
The
sparseness of sound and dialogue is used poignantly in this animated short by
Eusong Lee, adding another dimension to an already heartbreaking story about a
young girl who has lost her father in the September 11th attacks on the US. In
the beautifully hopeful, wishful thinking of a child, she imagines a reversal
of events as she plays with one of her last gifts from him.
April 25,
2012
2FL SHORT: I
Was Told There'd Be Cake
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
I can't
remember where I got this book, but I do remember taking it with on vacation a
few years ago, and not being able to put it down once I started reading it. A
collection of essays by writer Sloane Crosley, the topics cover everything from
career and romance to family and moments of feeling like you’re just fumbling
along in life. Witty, irreverent, and almost always laugh out loud funny,
readers will quickly see why this book became a New York Times bestseller.
April 19,
2012
2FL VIDEO:
Luminaris (Short)
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
This
charming and imaginative short by Argentinian director Juan Pablo Zaramella was
created using pixilation stop motion, a technique by which real actors are
animated, frame-by-frame. Zaramella
found inspiration for the film in "Llluvia de Estrellas", an
instrumental tango from the 1940s. After taking two years to painstakingly
create, the film won three awards from international film festivals, and was
also named to the Oscar shortlist for Best Animated Short Film (an honor that
was won by "The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore",
spotlighted over on our main site this week).
April 3,
2012
2FL SHORT:
The "Mr. Putter and Tabby" Series
by Lisa Adamowicz
Kless
Children's
literature is a part of my everyday life. As in any area of literature, there
are great books, and those that make one pause and question the publishing
industry. The "Mr. Putter and Tabby" series by author Cynthia Rylant
deserves to be near the top of the list of the greats though. The books focus
on Mr. Putter, an older gentleman who lives alone except for his equally aged
cat, Tabby, as well as their neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry and her "good
dog", Zeke. Each volume has Mr. Putter and Tabby tackling a problem that
crops up in their everyday life, or having some sort of low-key adventure. The
books are funny and sweet, with subtle lessons on how we build community with
those we surround ourselves with (whether human or a pet), and Mr. Putter's
memories of his childhood and his life as a younger man. With at least 15 books
in the series and wonderful, expressive illustrations by Arthur Howard, it's
not just children who enjoy them; it's always fun to stumble across a volume
that I haven't seen before.
March 29,
2012
2FL SHORT:
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
A
semi-autobiographical novel by Dai Sijie, it follows the lives of two teen boys
who are sent away for "reeducation" after the Chinese Cultural
Revolution. Their
days of
tedious manual labor are broken up by interactions with the daughter of the
local tailor, whom they both quickly become enamored with. The stakes are
raised when they find out that another friend is hiding foreign novels deemed
forbidden by the government, and they convince him to lend them one by the
French author Balzac. Though set in more modern times, this novel has a
distinct folk tale like narration that I really enjoyed. It was also adapted
into a film of the same name in 2005.
March 22,
2012
2FL SHORT:
Pray For These Little Children (Perforce They Live Together)
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
This piece
of visual art by American artist Ivan Albright (1897-1983) is in the collection
at the Art Institute of Chicago. Oil on silk, the eye doesn't quite know where
to go first when one sees it; the detail is so intricate that this is a piece
you could look at again and again, yet still come away with something new from
each viewing. Even the artist's signature is intertwined amongst the objects
and bursts of color in this fascinating still life.
March 13,
2012
2FL SHORT:
"Here and Heaven"
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Cellist
Yo-Yo Ma heads up a group of gifted string players for this lovely, spirited
song, influenced by bluegrass music. Among those joining him are Aoife
O'Donovan, vocalist for the bluegrass/string band Crooked Still, and Chris
Thile, mandolinist and singer for the progressive acoustic trio Nickel Creek.
March 8,
2012
2FL SHORT:
Kasia Drake-Hames
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
A visual
artist who works primarily in traditional fiber techniques such as weaving,
silk painting, felting, etc. and paper crafts (including the traditional Polish
paper-cutting art called wycinanki that I highlighted in a previous 2FL Short),
Drake-Hames' art is vibrant, animated and welcoming. This seems to be a true
reflection of the artist herself; as an instructor, her enthusiasm for helping
others discover or further their creativity is palpable. To view some of her
work, check out her blog at
www.kdhartstudio.blogspot.com.
January 31,
2012
2FL SHORT:
Pearl and the Beard--"Sweetness"
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
This is one
of those songs on my iPod that I just can't skip past; I always have to let it
play at least part way through. The strings at the outset of the song never fai
l to hook me
and pull me in, and the metaphors in the lyrics make the poet part of me smile.
This live version of the song is great, but to get the full strength of the
vocals, you may need to check out the radio version.
January 17,
2012
2FL SHORT:
Jane and the Dragon
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Based on a
series of books written by Martin Baynton, "Jane and the Dragon" is
an animated series that ran on Australian and Canadian TV, and currently runs
in the US on the Qubo network. It follows the adventures of a young girl named
Jane, and her 300 year old best friend, Dragon. Jane has been able to break
free of the standard expectation to become a lady-in-waiting, and is instead
training to be a knight. I was a little put off by the type of CGI animation
they use for the series when I first saw it, but was quickly won over by how
smart, fun, and creative the storyline is, with a great sense of humor to round
it all out.
January 3, 2012
2FL SHORT:
Löwendenkmal
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Located in
Lucerne, Switzerland, Löwendenkmal is a monument to fallen Swiss Guards who
defended King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette’s Parisian palace in 1792, as the
royals tried to escape the French
Revolution. The anguish on the dying lion’s face is so detailed, animated and
clearly expressed that it’s incredible that an artist was able to render such
intense emotion in stone. Dedicated in 1821 and seen by countless numbers of
people from all over the world since, it’s a stunning piece of sculpture in its
own right.
December 6,
2011
2FL SHORT:
Nuit Blanche
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
This is a
piece of art that needs to be experienced more than it should be explained.
Simple black and white creates the perfect atmosphere in this stunning short
film that interprets the imagined connection between two people in amazing slow
motion detail.
December 1,
2011
2FL SHORT:
Donnie Brasco
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
While Johnny
Depp may be best known for notoriously choosing quirky roles, he had a decidely
dramatic turn in 1997's "Donnie Brasco". Based on a true story, Depp
plays undercover FBI agent Joe Pistone, who's able to infiltrate a Mafia
faction and function as one of their own. Al Pacino is opposite Depp as
"Lefty" Ruggiero, the "made man" who befriends and vouches
for him. When suspicions arise that a mole might be in their midst, the already
intense pressure Pistone is under is ratcheted up to almost unbearable levels.
Not being a huge fan of crime drama, this movie still kept me riveted beginning
to end.
November 26,
2011
2FL SHORT:
Amy Stroup--"Hold On to Hope Love"
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
After
hearing at least a dozen of Amy Stroup's songs, this gorgeous song stands out
as my favorite thus far. Stroup's delicate voice has an underlying strength,
and th
e strings in
this song compliment the emotion of the lyrics and her singing so well. Check
out "Just You" too (although you may already recognize it from the TV
show "One Tree Hill" or an eHarmony commercial).
November 10,
2011
2FL SHORT:
Wycinanki
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Wycinanki is
a beautiful form of Polish folk art that incorporates paper cutting inlayered,
often complex designs. Two main styles of the artform are the more basic
Kurpie, which utilizes just
one color,
and Lowicz, which is more elaborate and uses many different colors. In the
past, wycinanki had a practical function: it literally used to decorate
people's homes. Walls were whitewashed, then wycinanki was glued directly onto
them, bringing new meaning to the term "wallpaper".
November 4,
2011
2FL SHORT:
Smell Like A Monster
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Sesame
Street made me giggle as a kid, and it still does, thanks to snarky spoofs on
pop culture like this one. Grover channels the "Old Spice Guy",
Isaiah Mustafa, in this video that's supposed to teach tots about the word
"on". Compare this clip to the original commercial
(
www.youtube.com/watch?v=owGykVbfgUE) and you'll appreciate the humor
even more.
October 25, 2011
2FL SHORT: Florence Parry Heide
by Lisa Adamowicz Kless
A prolific
and accomplished writer of childrens' books and other work, Florence Parry
Heide graced the world with her warmth, humor and endless encouragement of
other writers for 92 years. Though she recently passed away, she leaves a
legacy of many, many fond memories of those whose lives she touched, whether in
person or through her writing.
October 12,
2011
2FL SHORT:
Young Frankenstein
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
If you've
never seen this film--oh! The horror! (If you really *are* expecting horror
though, you definitely won't find it here.) This movie is full of comedic
genius from beginning to end. Directed by Mel Brooks, it starred Gene Wilder as
Dr. Frankenstein, supported by a stellar cast including Cloris Leachman, Marty
Feldman (as Igor), Peter Boyle (the monster) and Teri Garr. Madeline Kahn, as
the love interest, paired perfectly with Wilder; their hilarious interactions
alone make this a must see.
October 9,
2011
2FL SHORT:
House of Wax
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Though there
are some modern horror films that I really enjoy, there's something to be said
for the slow build up of suspense that helped amp up the sense of dread in the
films of yesteryear. With the
irreplaceable Vincent Price in the lead, the original "House of Wax"
is a must see for the Halloween season. (Interesting fact: this was Warner
Bros.' first 3D movie, filmed by director André De Toth--who was blind in one
eye, and thus couldn't see the effect.)
October 5,
2011
2FL SHORT:
Corpse Bride
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Though this
can't top my all-time favorite Tim Burton undertaking (pun intended), "The
Nightmare Before Christmas", there's still a lot of similar stop motion
animation magic in "Corpse Bride" too. Bringing Johnny Depp, Helena
Bonham Carter and more of the usual suspects together again, this film is worth
its 77 minute running time for the quirky characters, Danny Elfman soundtrack
and other unexpected fun.
September
27, 2011
2FL SHORT:
Hey, Porter
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Recorded in
1954 and released in '55, Johnny Cash wrote this song about returning home
after a four year stint in the U.S. Air Force. The tempo of the music and the
lyrics capture the excitement and anticipation of returning home beautifully,
and a few of the lines ("I smell frost on cotton leaves") are simple
but poetic.
September
21, 2011
2FL SHORT:
Rosi Golan--"Think of Me"
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
I've
probably stumbled upon more new music and artists on YouTube in the past year
or so than I ever have before. Rosi Golan is amongst those discoveries, and
"Think of Me" was the first song that I heard from her and my
favorite of any others that I've listened to since. The Hansel and Gretel-like
trail of paper hearts that she leaves behind in the video may be sort of sappy,
but I like it. I can use a dose of mushy sentimentality once in a while.
2FL SHORT:
Kenosha Festival of Cartooning
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
MAD
magazine. Editorial cartoons. Disney animation. Comic strips "Pooch
Cafe", "Between Friends" and "The Brilliant Mind of Edison
Lee". They all converged into a terrific mishmash in Wisconsin as part of
the Kenosha Festival of Cartooning. Artists shared their work, talked about
their processes, lectured at local universities and, true to their art form,
kept audiences laughing throughout the three day event that ended tonight.
September
13, 2011
2FL SHORT:
Jan Brett
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Jan Brett is
one of my favorite children's book authors/illustrators. I especially enjoy how
her incredibly detailed, gorgeous drawings often contain a bit of foreshadowing
in the margins, addi
ng to the
suspense and fun. To find out more about the artist and her work, visit
http://janbrett.com/biography.htm. (And go ahead--print off a coloring sheet
and grab a box of crayons while you're at it; why not?)
www.facebook.com/photo
September 1,
2011
2FL SHORT:
The Tell-Tale Heart
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
One of my
most treasured books was a volume of the complete works of Edgar Allen Poe. I
wouldn't be able to choose a favorite piece by Poe, but "The Tell-Tale
Heart" is high on the list. The horrific premise of the story combined
with the unreliable narrator is exquisitely suspenseful. If you've never read
this classic short story, it's a must.
August 30,
2011
2FL SHORT:
Everett Thomas--"Firesong"
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
"Firesong"
is a creation of St. Louis born and raised and now Wisconsin based Everett
Thomas. Themes of truth and self-discovery weave throughout many songs on his
albums; 2007's "Fools And Thinkers" and 2009's "Visions of the
Sea". Check them out on iTunes, and learn more about the artist behind
them on his FB page or over at
www.everettthomas.com.
August 25,
2011
2FL SHORT:
Reverse Graffiti
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Is it
vandalism if an artist is producing work by *cleaning* a dirty, soot-covered or
dusty surface? Reverse graffiti sparks so many intriguing questions. While some
examples aren't that far removed from "Wash Me" scrawled on
somebody's dirty car, other pieces are pretty remarkable (no pun intended).
August 23,
2011
2FL SHORT:
The Muppets: Pöpcørn
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Who'd have
thought that seafood could actually be cute? From the "shrimpees", to
the Swedish Chef's faux accent written out in captions, to the caption writer's
own personal asides, there's so just so much to love about this video. Hats off
to the folks at The Muppets Studio for continuing to create lots of laughs for
new generations of Muppets fans.
August 21,
2011
2FL SHORT:
Foux De Fa Fa
Flight of
the Conchords' Bret and Jemaine have great comedic timing between them and are
able to play off of each other with hilarious results. If you enjoy plain old
silliness, these guys have you covered.
August 15,
2011
2FL SHORT:
The Man Who Cried
A Johnny
Depp fan since my teens, I've got an internal "Depp Film Scorecard".
Some are absolute favorites (Edward Scissorhands, Alice In Wonderland), some
not so much (Nick Of Time, From Hell), then those falling in between (Sleepy
Hollow, Don Juan DeMarco). The Man Who Cried is in my latter category; it has
flaws, but also moments of dark beauty that stand out.
August 13,
2011
2FL SHORT:
Travels With Charley
John
Steinbeck journeyed throughout the U.S. in 1960, recounting it in this
bestseller. Some people debate the accuracy of certain things that he wrote,
but none of that crossed my mind as I read it. As Steinbeck said, "memory
is at best a faulty, warpy reservoir." If he took some creative license,
that's okay by me. I just enjoyed being along for the ride.
August 10,
2011
2FL SHORT:
The Swell Season--"Low Rising"
Glen Hansard
and Marketa Irglova first recorded together in 2005, then acted and wrote music
together again for 2007's "Once", one of the most successful indie
films that year. Since then, they've continued touring as The Swell Season.
(Special thanks to Dave Gourdoux for bringing this song and their new album,
"Strict Joy", to my attention.)
August 7,
2011
2FL SHORT:
Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson--"Winter Song"
I don't know
if there could be a better complement to the melancholy of the strings and
sparse piano in this song than Ingrid and Sara's voices. The wistfullness of
the music and lyrics is tempered by the charming animation in the video though,
making an already *really* good thing great.
August 5,
2011
2FL SHORT:
The Dark Crystal
As a little
girl in the early 80s, no other film both frightened and enchanted me quite
like "The Dark Crystal", filled with fantastic creatures locked in a
classic good vs. evil struggle. The special effects fascinated me: the villians
were downright scary, the magical elements amazing; a true testament to the
painstaking work put in to creating this movie.
July 28,
2011
2FL SHORT:
Melissa Czarnik w/ Eric Mire Band--"Thunder Summer Storm"
Not only
does this song fit nicely with the weather we've been having in SE Wisconsin
lately, it's also a perfect introduction to Milwaukee based Melissa Czarnik's
very poetic lyrics. Check out the eclectic collection of her music at
melissaczarnik.com and stay tuned for an article about her on 2FL's main site
in the future.
July 25,
2011
2FL SHORT:
Brandi Carlile--"Dreams"
There's so
much that I like here that it's a challenge to distill it down. Brandi's
another "accidental discovery" whose music I keep seeking out, and
the setting brings back memories of the first time I visited, and fell in love
with, New Orleans. Her voice, the song and the incredible floats are a whole
lot of wonderful packed into just a few minutes.
July 22, 2011
2FL SHORT:
Zen Shorts
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Written by
Jon J. Muth, this children's book is page after page of enchanting watercolor
illustrations with a captivating story to match. When a giant panda suddenly
becomes their neighbor, three children befriend him and learn valuable lessons
through the stories he tells. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the fun
illustrations and gentle humor.
July 21,
2011
2FL SHORT:
Eagle-Eye Cherry--"Save Tonight"
After
concentrating on acting in his earlier years, Eagle-Eye Cherry began writing
songs in his mid-twenties and had a hit in 1998 with the bittersweet "Save
Tonight". Music is in the family's blood; he's the son of musician Don
Cherry and brother of Neneh Cherry. Born in Sweden, Eagle-Eye returned there in
2002 and is working on his fourth album.
July 20,
2011
2FL SHORT:
Bicycle Thieves (a.k.a. The Bicycle Thief)
In post-World
War II Rome, Antonio Ricci (Lamberto Maggiorani) is struggling to support his
young family. Overjoyed when he's hired for a coveted job, his elation turns to
desperation after his bicycle is stolen, putting everything in jeopardy. A
tense, gritty film, it leaves viewers guessing until the end.
July 11,
2011
2FL SHORT:
Parc Guëll, Barcelona
by Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Parc Guëll
is a fascinating mish-mash of nature alongside visual art, designed by Antoni
Gaudí. A failed real estate venture meant to be a garden village, the city
turned it into a public park in 1922. Filled with whimsical mosaic pieces,
unique structures, fountains, a plaza and so much more, it's incredibly easy to
get caught up in the wonderment of it all.
July 5, 2011
2FL SHORT:
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole--"What A Wonderful World"
I've heard
many covers of this song, but the beautiful simplicity of Israel "IZ"
Kamakawiwo'ole's version is my favorite. The ukulele and IZ's gentle voice seem
to remind us that even in the midst of difficulties, it will pass, and a truly
wonderful world remains. "IZ" left a legacy of eight solo albums
before his death in 1997.
July 3, 2011
2FL SHORT:
The Mysterious Lady
By Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
Greta Garbo
was indeed a striking beauty, but it’s talent that she brings to her role as a
conflicted spy endangering herself for love in this film from 1928. The story
line is a little clichéd, but the costumes and sets are opulent; it's easy to
get lost in this cinemagraphic piece of a bygone era.
June 29, 2011
2FL SHORT:
Mo Willems
By Lisa
Adamowicz Kless
The “Piggy
& Elephant” series of children’s books by Mo Willems make my son laugh so
hard that, for a few tense seconds sometimes, I wonder if he’s going to start
breathing again. I can't blame him; the lively, silly humor cracks up adults
too (surely it's not just me?). Another Willems' character/series that's a
whole lot of fun? The perpetually conniving Pigeon.
www.mowillems.com
June 26,
2011
Artist
Barnaby Barford modifies existing ceramic figurines into all sorts of cheeky,
satirical and witty configurations. In his charming and eloquent short film
from 2008, a love story involving some of his creations plays out in a thrift
shop, between a top-shelf porcelain lady and the bric-a-brac boy who adores her
from afar.
