Film

Any Thoughts????

A. Gotta See it
B. Ill wait for Blue Ray/DVD
C. Hell no
D. Can’t Tell.. I need more previews

Snowman Talk from Gasface on Vimeo.

Official "This Is It Poster"

Michael Jackson’s “This Is It,” is another jewel in the crown for the King of Pop. Its also a treat for any fan of MJ, moreover its a thrill to be privy to the man who has touched so many lives through his artistry.  There is no doubt I’m a fan of Michael and he gets unconditional love from me, so if you are not a fan than save your time and look elsewhere for any MJ bashing in this review.

The film is a documentary format with minimal interviews, but full of MJ and dancers, band and filmmakers producing probably the greatest concert (no one will ever see) of all time.  The set design pre-visuals are insane as well as various set changes for the concert.   Brief clips of the dancers selected to dance for the King is more than inspiring but in fact they probably had to overcome everyday their obsession of MJ.  For any artist who knows and looks to greatness you will connect with their remarks about their muse and inspiration.

I was most impressed with the short video/films “Smooth Criminal, and Thriller,” get do overs in this film and are just as energitic and genius as they were nearly three decades ago.  There’s an brief medley of “Jackson 5,” songs with archive footage of the 5.  During this moment I was in awe of seeing an artist who was the front-man at the age of  eight years old.  If you are a fan of great artists then go see this movie, because “they don’t make them like they used to”.  *Lastly, stay til the end of the credits.*

What’s good PMB fam? I’ve compiled a list of 10 DVD’s for  young urban professionals, thugs, students, movie aficionado’s, you, your mom and whoever else needs to get a fresh DVD collection.  You may have all of these or a couple, still this is my initial Pardon My Back DVD List created by your resident film producer.  My background is film and TV production. I’ve worked as an assistant editor on non-fiction films and I currently produce short films and videos in NYC.

PMB DVD List have both fiction and non fiction titles. My only criteria for this list are: Urban films with good to great production value and relevance to hip hop culture.   Each list I post will have a common theme among them.  I will continue adding to this DVD collection so check out www.pardonmyback.com for more.

10.  Scratch – (2001)  Dir. Doug Pray
Documentary about turntablism with interviews from Hip Hop dj legends to scratch experts.

9. Style Wars – (1983) Dir. Henry Chalfant & Tony Silver
Graffiti
Breakdance and NYC.  Legends of graf and b-boying can be found on this insightful documentary.

8 . Brown Sugar – (2002) Dir. Rick Famuyiwa
Hip – Hop love story with good acting and a bunch of cameo’s relevant  rappers and producers.

7. The Freshest Kids - (2002) Dir. Israel
One of the best documentaries about Hip Hop Culture. MUST HAVE!!

6. The Warriors - (1979) Dir. Walter Hill
Old school 70’s throwback flick that pays homage to Homer’s “The Odyssey,” Gang members must make it back home, while rival gangs are on the  hunt “for that azz.”

5. Fade To Black – (2004) Dir. Patrick Paulson & Michael John Warren
Jay-Z MSG concert film that is the companion to the “Black Album.” Best scene in the film is when Jay pleads to the camera about “rappers afraid to be themselves.”

4. Wild Style – (1983) Dir. Charlie Ahearn
The most independent beloved hip-hop film of all time.  Tells the story of two graf writers living in the world of hip-hop.  Busy Bee, Lee, Pink Lady, Fab Five Freddy, Grand Master Flash and more.
If you’ve never heard of Wild Style and you claim you are hip-hop “you lie!” Check this and know your history.

3. Juice – (1992) Dir. Ernest R. Dickerson
Tupac Shukar is amazing as the insecure wanna’ be thug.  Ernest Dickerson is Spike Lee’s Director Of Photography on “Do The Right Thin,” and other Spike Joints. Here Ernest takes the director’s helm to tell the story or 4 uptown youths in the early 90’s. Great soundtrack too!!

2. Beat Street – (1984) Dir. Stan Lathan
Not the greatest acting, but this flick pretty much sums up the start of Def Jam.  Most of the cameo’s are of Def Jam artists. LL Cool J first appearance on screen, Rick Rubin before he looked like a hippie and a dusted our Russell Simmons, along side RUN DMC.  Why was Shelia E in this movie I have no idea, but its still worth a watch.

* 1. Do The Right Thing – (1989) Dir. Spike Lee*
Just Google why you should own this movie.

* Criterion Collection, a continuing series of important classic and contemporary films. “Do The Right Thing,”  Criterion Collection is a double-disc set.  Included with the film is St.Claire Bourne’s 60 minute documentary “The Making of Do The Right Thing” *