07 Nov 21 - Sok

It's a special night On The Town adventure for SouthSide, blogspot readers! Recently, she was invited to check local band - Sok (pronounced Soak) at their Subterranean show featuring other bands Snooze, Disaster Kid and Cut Your Losses rockin' the lineup. Her interest was intrigued after speaking with Ana upon hearing the band being described as a crossover between Heart and Paramore. It was truly piqued upon sampling some of Sok’s music before attending the show. However, in all honesty, blogspot readers, SouthSide thoroughly enjoyed the live, energetic version of Sok instead of the recorded side …and she believes you will too.

 

From start to finish, Sok packed the SubT upper room with plenty of Heart (off the guitars) and Paramore (in the vocals by Alexis) within its set delighting their fans and new ones like SouthSide. Even while slowing down the tempo a bit for a heartfelt moment during the song Cling, this band never once lost that energy felt when opening with Midnight Muse and Pulp. Lead vocalist, Alexis, certainly owns the stage, blogspot readers, with her charismatic presence and body language engages the music listeners to rock out with the band without any encouragement to do so. It simply happens naturally. For example, during SouthSide’s favorite new song – Every Shade of Blue – it was incredible hearing as well as feeling that vibe pulsating throughout the venue which had the SubT floor thundered from fans jumping around and head banging. The evening ended with a rousing, fist pumping performance of Sok’s hit single – Jawbreaker.

If you ever get the chance, blogspot readers, check out Sok on Facebook, Instagram (soktheband) and Spotify …the live version is way better.

SouthSide would like to thank Alexis (vocals), Jonah (bass), Cameron (drums) and Ana (guitar) for the fun adventure after a long day at work.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

 

30 Oct 21 - Nocturna's All Hallows Eve Ball

Ah, creatures of the night ...what beautiful music they make, blogspot readers ...however in this blog, they were fashionably dressed to be seen at Chicago's famous Metro music venue for the annual All Hallows Eve Ball!

 

Everyone was in a festive mood and spirit after spending a year doing this annual dance party virtually. Decked out in their finest costume plumage or clothes, this annual party where everyone is inclusive no matter the gender identity or pronoun preferred, sexual orientation, etc was hosted by the "Mayor of Schaumburg" aka William Faith and his lovely wife, "First Lady of Schaumburg" aka DJ Scary Lady Sarah. 

Under the foggy mist and spooky web trappings, Nocturna attendees young and old danced to club favorites by Siouxsie and The Banshees, The Ministry, She Wants Revenge, Scary Bitches - just to name a few ...some were deep cuts while others were rarities before doing a crowd participation of Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

 

 

It was a fun time, blogspot readers, for SouthSide as she danced til dawn.

Here are some of the highlights from Nocturna's All Hallows Eve Ball 2021...

 

 

 

 

If you missed this Nocturna event, not to fret, blogspot readers. The next event is scheduled for December 11 at Metro. It's 18+ and ID with vaccination card / negative Covid test proof is required for entry.

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

09 Oct 21 - No Time To Die

"...We have all the time in the world..."

 "...this is the end..." (Skyfall by Adele), blogspot readers, yet this is more than a swan song ...a final Daniel Craig performance as Commander James Bond 007 with license to kill appearance. It's an ode to the longest running movie franchise that started with Sir Sean Connery in Dr. No spawning countless imaginative Q gadgets, the memorial evil geniuses as the baddies who were always out to clip James' 007 wings, the sexy, beautiful but deadly Bond girls with clever names like May Day (from A View To A Kill) and Pussy Galore (Goldfinger), and of course the Bond theme songs performed by top artists like Tina Turner, Louis Armstrong, Tom Jones, Gladys Knight, Garbage and the legendary Shirley Bassey. *sighs* The next actor - male or female will have very large shoes to fill as the next 007, blogspot readers.

No spoilers in this review as always, blogspot readers. 

No Time To Die plot begins with years later after Bond's last mission ...he's no longer in service and living peacefully with the love of his life. However, leaving Her Majesty's service doesn't mean you don't stop looking over her shoulder either because it doesn't take long before James is slowly drawn back into that former life when a laboratory in London is destroyed. What it contained was a deadly DNA-altering virus (almost like real life but without the DNA-altering part) which is now in the hands of someone unknown. Through the twists and turns of each clue as well as secrets revealed leads Bond closer and closer to his new nemesis (Rami Malek) behind this plot. Does Bond save the humanity from the evil plot this time, blogspot readers? 

For the answer and the "wow" moment of an ending, SouthSide highly recommends checking out No Time To Die.

SouthSide believes this one of the best ...probably the better out of all Bond movies ever made ...and she has seen most of the Bond movies made starting with Dr. No. This current Bond movie contains a lot of "firsts" within it such as the opening not doing the usual opening or projecting a reversal homage to a Bond movie predecessor which also includes a famous Louis Armstrong song. Plenty of "easter eggs" tucked inside this movie that had this reviewer closely watching the opening title sequence (very clever putting bits and pieces from Daniel Craig's other Bond openings) to noticing the original Aston Martin DB5 to many other hidden gems. Somehow it brought tears to this reviewer's eyes too. Yes, blogspot readers, tears will be flowing especially at the end. Now that was a first for SouthSide. No other Bond film has done that to her ..ever. Daniel Craig does give it his all during every scene in No Time To Die, blogspot readers. The stunt and action sequences are definitely intense ...sometimes even hardcore to imagine that he did most of them whether he's swinging on a rope off a stone ledge of a bridge in Italy or surviving explosive blasts in deep waters. A few scenes kept this reviewer's heart pounding and had her sitting on the edge of her seat.

However, the one part ...person that blew SouthSide away was Bond's new nemesis - Lyustsifer Safin (love the new spelling of Lucifer) portrayed by Rami Malek. And this is NOT your typical Bond villain here, blogspot readers, like Goldfinger, Ernst Stavro Blofeld (head of Spectre) or Kanangya (from Live and Let Die). Rami's approach to his Bond villain persona was completely different in which you don't usually see. He's someone who speaks to you rather calmly ...peacefully in a smooth subtle vocal tone yet very persuasive and suggestive with his words. Watching him convey his persona even without speaking with the use of his eyes as he stares longingly was frightening, blogspot readers. And sometimes it's not what he says that delivers his evil message. Those eyes as well as body language sent chills down SouthSide's spine. Though his screen time is somewhat brief, Rami Malek has definitely elevated being a Bond villain to the next level. This reviewer feels sorry for the next actor - male or female taking on the villain role. They certainly will have to up their acting game including the long staring gaze, blogspot readers.

Of course, no Bond film will be complete without the lovely beauties adorning 007's arms. However, during No Time To Die, we're introduced to a new class of Bond girls who are not only mysterious but also are kick- ass deadly as well as kick ass without James' help. Nope, not your typical damsels in distress anymore. Both ladies, Lashanna Lynch (as Nomi aka the new 007) and Ana de Armas (from Knives Out) as Paloma ...fresh out of a 3-week training course (yeah right) were cleverly written to be immune to Bond's dinosaur misogynistic charm and piercing blue eyes. SouthSide knows for certain she would. Men with blue eyes are her "kryptonite", blogspot readers. The other Bond beauty, Lea Soydoux as Madeliene Swann holds a special place within James Bond's heart as well as a few secrets in this movie. There's one secret to which he holds dear and it's also a definite first for this franchise too. SouthSide loved the look of real chemistry between these two actors that went beyond the sexual lust and tension to the point you could honestly believed James loved her until the...

Ah ...then there's the music! Hans Zimmer and his original movie soundtrack taps into nostalgic Bond theme by John Barry as well as creating some of his own that's now part of Bond movie history. SouthSide highly recommends checking out Zimmer's music for No Time To Die to which she did before reviewing the movie. She listened to the music first that she could see the movie inside her head from the way it told the story. While actually watching it, she found Zimmer's composition quite exhilarating and easily pushing the action or plot along like intricate quick-paced tango dance steps. Putting both music and movie together - totally mindblown moment here, blogspot readers. Also, Billie Eilish impressed SouthSide with her saddened melancholy theme song, No Time To Die. Though quite moody, dark and hauntingly emo, the song itself strangely sums up James Bond's life and career as a 007. The addition of Louis Armstrong's We Have All The Time In the World was a fitting touch, blogspot readers, that got the tears flowing again.

Sadly, all good things ...heroes must come to an end, blogspot readers. Don't leave right away after the last scene. Stay for the LONG list of "thank you" to the army of people behind the scenes who helped make each of Daniel Craig's Bond movies legendary. Like always, there's a "James Bond will return" message tagline at the very end. Huge shoes to fill after this heartfelt send off, blogspot readers.

Overall, SouthSide highly recommends seeing No Time To Die ...don't fret over the long movie runtime. You'll get caught up with the movie plot's twists and turns that you won't realize how long it was until it's over.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

02 Sept 21 - Candyman (2021)

…I am the writing on the wall, the sweet smell of blood. Be my victim… 

Say his name, blogspot readers, if you dare …not once but five times if you dare. 

It’s another adventure around town and this time SouthSide took in a movie at the famous Logan Theatre to see Jordan Peele’s Candyman (2021). Before she begins the review, let’s get a few things straight. Let’s NOT call this a “spiritual” sequel to the 1992 original version of the same name. However, there’s a slight difference between the original and this version, blogspot readers. Besides the horror side this storyline, Jordan Peele and his writing team also incorporated real life horror that effects inner city residents on a daily basis – police brutality, residential re-development/gentrification of a ghetto neighborhood and closet as well as open racism. Throughout this movie, many truths were exposed, blogspot readers, especially when one of the characters expertly noted how real estate developers entice White renters to rent in the low income neighborhoods like Cabrini Green with promises of trendy shops and cafes if they stay for a couple of years or so. 

Don’t believe SouthSide? This reviewer can remember the days when Cabrini Green was infamously known for gangs violence and generational welfare/public assistance/low income working class families. She can even remember a time when Mama SouthSide frantically told young SouthSide and her friends to roll up the windows and lock the doors while visiting the neighborhood as a church youth group for the first time. Yes, blogspot readers, middle-class Black Americans never dared venture anywhere near Cabrini Green out of fear of being robbed and or shot …perhaps murdered. Former (now deceased) mayor Jane Byrne as a publicity stunt live inside an apartment at Cabrini Green …of course with armed police security just to prove it was safe to live there. Another interesting fact, Candyman is loosely based on a real life murder (it happened in 1987) in which the murderers did come through the bathroom mirrored medicine cabinet. 

 That was Cabrini Green then.

 …Candyman is a way to deal with the fact that these things happened to us, are still happening… 

Cabrini now – the neighborhood has been gentrified, blogspot readers, and is a little safer these days. The infamous high rise apartment buildings have been demolished thus paving the way for newer and more modern mix-income buildings, single-family homes and condos …trendy shops and coffee cafes …a selective enrollment magnet high school named after a famous American football player and a Target – built on the site where the original Candyman was filmed. SouthSide sometimes get a weird feeling that it’s haunted whenever she shops there. Yes, gentrification is a real “horror”. So is the hive mind of police officers today and the brutality they bring against innocent people of color to which Jordan Peele and director Nia DaCosta terrifyingly bring to this sequel …especially towards the end of the movie. 

As always, blogspot readers, NO SPOILERS here. SouthSide highly recommends checking out Candyman (2021). 

SouthSide does advise viewing the 1992 Clive Barker original before seeing Jordan Peele’s version …solely for reference because theref are mentions about the original woven throughout the storyline. In case you don’t remember, the original was about a graduate student Helen Lyle who was researching her thesis about urban myths and legends. Her subject …then turned obsession – Daniel Robitalle aka Candyman. Now, it’s decades later baby Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is all grown up and a struggling artist living in the gentrified Cabrini Green area with his girlfriend – Brianna Cartwright (Teyonah Parris), art dealer/curator. Currently lacking any inspiration for an upcoming art exhibition, Anthony one day explores around the vacant row houses of Cabrini and becomes intrigued by the story of Candyman told to him by a Laundromat owner William Burke (Coleman Domingo …Victor Strand of Fear the Walking Dead) who by unfortunate chance met a Candyman as a young child. One tiny change here to the story about Candyman, blogspot readers, there were others besides the original Tony Todd character. And just like Helen Lyle, Anthony’s interest soon turns into obsession to which things gradually begin to happen to Anthony as well as people associated around him …some facing terrible, horrifying fates after saying his name. 

The one question on SouthSide’s mind while reviewing this movie – does Tony Todd make an appearance? 

Well …sorry, blogspot readers. SouthSide’s lips are sealed tight. She’ll have to shed innocent blood before revealing that surprising tidbit to you. 

Besides the rumored appearance of Tony Todd, this reviewer was happy to see the return of Vanessa Williams reprising her original character role though briefly as Anne-Marie McCoy, Anthony’ mother. Her brief appearance solidifies the urban myth (or legend) about the Helen Lyle story …she went crazy during her research about Candyman thus kidnapping Anthony as a baby to be used as a sacrifice. Not entirely true, if you have seen the original Clive Barker movie. This reviewer liked the artistic approach to this sequel by showing the beauty and the horror which traps the Cabrini Green neighborhood …seen both fictionally and in real life. She like the use of shadow puppets throughout the movie (and during the credits) to tell the tales of other Candyman incarnations. Want to know an interesting fact? Those row houses in the movie are still much there, blogspot readers, however this reviewer believes not inhabited. She does appreciate Jordan and his writing for truly capturing the horror narrative to which many people of color face today when confronted with police authority. The narrative sent dark chills down SouthSide’s spine during that one particular scene towards the end. It certainly had this reviewer cringing in her seat …heat pounding hard despite experiencing the intense swell of anger when the undercover officer ran his spiel for which story Brianna was to choose to admit. Many probably won’t understand what and why he was doing that. However that, blogsot readers, was racism and horror at it’s worst yet a reality faced by many like Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Tamir, Rice, Laquan McDonald, Emmett Till and many more. You see, blogsport readers, horror doesn’t have to be all blood, guts and gore. It can be every day occurrences most turn a blind eye to. 

SouthSide highly recommends checking out Nia DaCosta’s Candyman in theatres. She’s looking forward to the day when it’s out on DVD to run a Candyman movie marathon

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

13 July 21 - The Forever Purge

“…Only full blooded Americans are welcomed here…” 

Blogspot readers, United States is divided. Besides by gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation and social class status, the biggest one is by race. There’s heated tension in the air in these days due to White supremacy and hatred against immigrants crossing the border seeking asylum for a better life. Real every day life however, blogspot readers, this is also the basis for the latest Purge movie – The Forever Purge. Ripped straight from the headlines, art has finally imitated the reality of life United States but without the ideal of annual “Purge” where all crime and murder is legal for 24 hours. Still one question remains – is the purge necessary? Keep that particular question in mind as you continue reading this review. 

The Forever Purge, the fifth movie within the Purge Series, picks up where Purge: Election ends. Apparently, the New Founding Fathers have suspended the annual purge for some time but now are reconsidering that decision since there’s an steady influx of immigrants crossing the Mexican border to the US. This causes a rise of White supremacy, hatred towards immigrants taking American jobs, fears of “rapists and bad hombres” spiking crime, and a return of the notion “America for real Americans”. Something that’s currently happening today. The movie centers around two families – one is our immigrant couple, Juan (Tenoch Huerta) and Adela (Ara de la Regera) [SouthSide doesn’t understand why the writers failed to give them a last name – more about that late], who cross the border seeking a better life in the U.S. The other family are wealthy Texan ranchers known as the Tuckers featuring Caleb Tucker (the patriarch of the family), son Dylan and his pregnant wife Harper and Dylan’s sister – Emma. SouthSide found it refreshing to have a character like Dylan in this particular Purge movie, blogspot readers. He clearly exemplified the “I’m not racist towards anyone but…” White American especially telling a friend during a dinner gathering he didn’t want his kids learning/speaking Spanish. 

Meanwhile, back to our immigrant couple, Adela works as a supervisor at meat packing plant while Juan works as a cowboy at the Tucker ranch. Reports of the annual purge returning …tensions are visibly seen across the tiny Texan town where they live. People purchasing their guns and weapons of choice as well as noticeable signs of a supremacy/Neo Nazi group, known as Purge Purification, is staging to make an appearance. Luckily, they’re able to hide with others in a safe house for twenty-four hours while many others aren’t …but those who survive to live another day aren’t either because someone has decided it’s time for a “Forever Purge” . The notion of taking back the country from “haves” for the “have nots”. Yet it’s mostly about cleansing the nation from immigrants who aren’t “full blooded Americans”. It’s total chaos across the U.S., blogspot readers! As luck would have it, our immigrant couple and the Tuckers are pitted together to cross the US-Mexico border in El Paso, TX for safety …and they have the difficult task of doing it within six hours. The journey alone tests their beliefs and faith within themselves as well as each other. It also happens to open Dylan’s eyes to which he somewhat experiences what Juan and Adela had when crossing Mexico to the US but in the reverse – leaving the US into Mexico to be the “American Dreamers”. Sorry, blogspot readers, no spoilers here, yet, this reviewer will say this – The New Founding Fathers America is being destroyed by a concept that no longer can be controlled. 

Quite a change of pace for a movie of this caliber. Surprisingly, with The Forever Purge being more political than its typical bloodied, murder fest, SouthSide thoroughly enjoyed it, blogspot readers. She was expecting elaborate methods of murder/crime/torture however, that took a backseat behind the concept/plot. The murders/killings are still embedded in this movie but it wasn’t really the focal point something this reviewer believes the writers wanted a more of a message approach than a violent hour and forty plus minute movie watching. From such tone, it’s clear that everyone has forgotten United States was and still is a nation of immigrants …unless you can trace your ancestry back to a Native American tribe. Then too, as pointed out in this movie, the purge was designed by the wealthy to rid the “ills” of the country – legally so they can golf the next day without any remorse. The people who purge are simply their lackeys doing their dirty work for them. Even when Dylan Tucker (Josh Lucas) states “everyone should stick to their own kind”, he does make a valid point, blogspot readers, because he doesn’t understand the Hispanic/Mexican culture and puts out doubt that they in turn understands his. The “American Dreamers” (what American refugees are called in Mexico) is a fun way to poke at DACA. SouthSide found herself laughing at the NeoNazi savoring each sound the bullets as he expertly names the gun they came from. This guy was totally rockin’ out to the pops and bangs. The only problem this reviewer had with Forever Purge is why our immigrant couple have a last name. She knows it’s not really important that they have one but why didn’t the writers tagged Juan and Adela with a “Vega” or “Vasquez” or a any common Hispanic last name. They were, after all, the main characters of this movie! 

Recommended.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

21 May 21 - Spiral: From The Book of Saw

“…John Kramer was right. The spiral a symbol of change, evolution, progress…” 

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide is back! Did you miss her? She certainly did miss you …the fans, bands and the crazed adventures. So, let’s forget about 2020 …the year that everything went to heck in a heartbeat. It’s time we focus on getting back to “normal” with a few changes of course such as mask wearing and social distancing. So, to kick off her first SouthSide On The Town blog post, SouthSide decided to test the waters by seeing the latest chapter from the Saw series – Spiral.

Spiral: From The Book of Saw boasts a couple of heavy A-list actors which is quite unusual for a movie of this horror caliber. It stars Chris Rock …yes, that comedian Chris Rock debuting in a serious role, blogspot readers, as Detective Zeke Banks and Samuel L. Jackson …another definite yes that Capital One spokesperson portraying Chris’ father, Marcus Banks who was once the captain of the department where Chris’ character works currently as lead detective. One warning before SouthSide divulges a bit of the movie’s plot. No spoilers here. You simply have to see this one for yourself. 

So, blogspot readers, are you ready to play a game? Ready to live or die …then make your choice. 

The plot revolves around a Jigsaw copycat murder that leads to a few more. Someone has a serious grudge against the Metro police department especially since the victims are somehow connected to Detective Zeke Banks. However, wait a minute …John Kramer, the original mastermind behind Jigsaw is dead. Yes, blogspot readers, that’s quite true. Yet, you have to admit he probably left an impressionable mark certain people who were wronged in life. See, Detective Banks is not really liked amongst his peers …all because he ratted out on a fellow officer years ago and with every chance taken, they tend to remind him of that indiscretion until one of their own becomes the first victim of the Jigsaw copycat. It’s not a pretty end for our victim either. Blood splatter from the camera lens view was totally cool, blogspot readers. 

Now, if you’re squeamish when it comes to blood splatter and or intense violent scenes, then SouthSide highly recommends you wait until Spiral hits the DVD/Blu-Ray medium. This movie definitely has some cringe worthy moments to which had SouthSide squirming in her seat a little. Yet, what is a Saw type movie without its infamous traps designed to “punish” the victims …though not on a John Kramer level. Spiral’s copycat killer is a novice but quite creative …so he or she is still learning and perfecting their craft. 

What makes this movie somewhat different from the other eight chapters of Saw is the copycat seems to has a personal motive or agenda even though this the police aren’t left clueless or running around in circles. Chris Rock’s character knows that as well as his new rookie partner Detective William Schenk (Max Minghella) who gets some sound but comedic advice about being a married detective. This is the moment where a bit of Chris Rock comedy shtick shines briefly …something not truly seen in a Saw movie. This reviewer liked the fact the writers, Josh Stolberg and Peter Goldfinger designed this chapter to set itself slightly apart from the others. Good idea. In fact, she enjoyed the references to The Wire and New Jack City …a movie in which Chris Rock starred in as Pookie the crackhead. Also, there’s a reference to original Saw movie towards the end. Yes, blogspot readers, something personal is going that this copycat wants to punish the dirty cops. Basically, he wants to teach them a lesson for the wrongdoing they did in the past. 

Why is Detective Zeke Banks targeted? What does all of this have to do with his father? Who is pulling the strings as the Jigsaw copycat? Who lives or dies? 

Go see Spiral: From The Book of Saw to find out, blogspot readers. 

SouthSide enjoyed this movie even though she felt parts of the movie plot was a bit rushed here and there. The writing team could have gone an extra few minutes slower with the BIG copycat killer reveal despite the mountain of hints and clues pointing towards who it is. In this reviewer’s honest opinion, they made it way too easy for the average moviegoer to figure out that mystery. SouthSide also liked how director Darren Lynn Bousman shows us Detective Bank’s emotional breakdown and range from expressing grief over the loss of a good friend and fellow co-worker to a couple of scenes of intense rage and frustration because the copycat killer is teasing and taunting him with his neatly stringed packages. SouthSide would be feeling the same thing if someone was literally getting under her skin with such elaborate “games” of deadly chance that’s murdering her co-workers. And lastly, there’s a definite hint for a sequel, blogspot readers, at the end. Question is how will the writers play out between our protagonist and the antagonist …and will it top Spiral? 

The takeaway about Spiral, blogspot readers, is this – it totally changed the (hidden) horror movie rules. What rules? Oh, everyone knows them …or should know them especially one particular – casting Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson just elevated this genre into a whole new spectrum. Never once did SouthSide ever thought she would see Chris Rock cast in a serious role. That touch of his trademark humor within the beginning scenes reminds the viewer he still retains his humorous side within the serious tone of the scenes played out on the screen. And despite being serious most of the time, Samuel L. Jackson displays a comedic side to him with the best movie quote ever delivered within this franchise series – “You wanna play games, motherfucker? Alright, I’ll play”! Now that was really badass, blogspot readers. His character was about to cower to a copycat killer …not usually seen in a Saw movie. SouthSide welcome the flip to the script and hopes the sequel doesn’t deviate from that direction. 

Spiral: From The Book of Saw is currently in theatres now. SouthSide recommends seeing it. 

 Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide