Rented by the Hour

     This week- a pair of films adapted from the stage.

     1931, Berlin, while finishing his doctorate a British academic, Brian Roberts, takes residence in a boarding house. Finding his room is too small to teach English lessons, which he must to survive, Brian strikes up a friendship with his neighbor, Sally Bowles, a performer at the Kit Kat Klub. Soon Brian finds himself caught up in her bohemian lifestyle. One of the first films to be rated X with fiendishly catchy songs, strong performances, plenty of thought-provoking subtly under the bawdy exterior, and possibly Bob Fosse's most enduring and still relevant work- Cabaret.
     Liz is a street prostitute who is weary of her life and desperate to escape her pimp. As she wonders the late night streets of LA, Liz directly tells the audience of her history, from her youth to the current moment, and why she keeps going. Based on a monologue play, one of the first to be given a NC-17 rating in the US, anchored by a strong lead performance and strong visuals. Ken Russell's satirical drama tries to bring pathos and humanity to the world's oldest profession, Whore.
     All that and Dave finds his memory slipping, Craig discovers pain in the ring, Kevin gets classy again, and Tyler plots to ensure there are no flawless victories. Join us, won't you?
    Episode 356- Rented by the Hour

Glowing Axe Dances

    This week whirling, fast, furious, breathtaking, intricately choreographed action of multiple varieties.
     LeRoy dreams of becoming a great martial arts master. Taking a journey to find a master who will help him unlock The Glow, the final level of accomplishment which allows one to channel energy into a glow around their body. Sho'Nuff, another martial artist, sees LeRoy as the last remaining obstacle to his being acknowledged as the True Master of Martial Arts. Meanwhile, a mogul with criminal tendencies sends his men to kidnap a popular local VJ to force her into playing his girlfriend's video on the air and in a prime location. Soon all of their fates are on a collision course. Who will emerge as The Last Dragon?
     The violent and brutal Axe Gang rule the streets. Sing and Bone are small time hustlers who aspire to join the gang and shakedown that uses the people's fear. When a small extortion doesn't go as planned, the slum of Pig Sty Alley becomes a giant battleground between the gang and some unlikely heroes. Part kung fu action, part live action cartoon, part attempt to bring a modern high budget slickly stylish take on classic Hong Kong martial arts films to a world suddenly hungry for them- Kung Fu Hustle.
     A film based on a musical based on an Italian film. Charity Hope Valentine is a taxi dancer who longs for love. With a spirited and charming lead performance and some solid musical numbers to back it up, maybe there's some hope for Sweet Charity after all.
All that and Kevin tried mind bendingly long form films, Anna gets her prestige TV on, and Dave reads a book with lots of pictures. Join us, won't you?

Episode 257- Glowing Axe Dances