Jimmy Eat World at the Gothic

Finally I have something to post in the music section. So last night I saw Jimmy Eat World at the Gothic in Englewood. To be honest I have really liked them since “Bleed America” came out. I guess that is my dirty little secret that I keep hidden from the world. That and the fact that my first concert was Neil Diamond, so now that the cat’s out of the bag I will continue. It didn’t suprise me that the show was totally sold out, and when I got there the line was streatched down the street. For the most part it was somewhat of a young crowd, I guess we can chalk that up to MTV. Thank you…. I guess.

 When we got inside the entire floor was packed, so the chance of being extra close was somewhat out of the question. I decided to go back to the bar and grab a beer before the rest of the audience packed themselves in. I jockied for a spot just behind the floor. it was a perfect spot that was just to left of the stage and had a good view. For anyone who has never been to the gothic, their is really no such thing as a bad seat in that venue, and the sound is amazing.

 The opening act was an Artist named Maria Taylor. I had never heard of her before, it wasn’t until she took the stage that the name clicked with the face. She had done a few songs with Bright Eyes, and once did a suprise duet a few years back while at a show in Seattle. As solo artist she was ok, but I really didn’t dig her solo stuff as much as her work in Azure Ray, and the stuff she did with Bright Eyes. I could see myself picking up her new solo record, but I think I would have to be in the wright mood to really enjoy it.

The crowd aplauded her and she was off. Between the break I decided to get another beer from the bar and returned to my spot. Since this was my first time seeing Jimmy Eat World, I didn’t really know what to exspect, which added to the overall excitement of the show. As soon as the lights fell Jim Atkins took the stage with acoustic in hand. he played a few songs solo before the rest of the band came out. One serious change that I didn’t exspect was there choice to play songs that they don’t play on the radio. Some even going back to there second record “Static Prevails”. In between songs Jim would banter something silly in regards to the other members of the band, clearly stating an inside joke that the audience didn’t have an in on.

 Allot of the songs on there set list served to keep the mood light and turned the night into a slow jam rather then a faster paced concert. An hour and half in, the band left the stage for what was a predictable encore. The crowd clapped and chanted for the band to come back out. Not to stray to far from the mainstreem, Jim came out again, alone, for an acoustic version of “The Middle”, which may have just been added to my list of accoutic versions of a song that are as good or better then the orignal.

After they played a few more songs from there yet to be unreleased album they wished the crowd a good night and left the stage. I was left with a feeling of being satisfied and not really wanting more. I drove away from the show with a new respect for Jimmy Eat World, and had to give it to them for wanting to play good music that they liked rather then what was being played on the radio. Also I didn’t feel so bad for being a Jimmy Eat World fan, and almost felt grown up for liking there softer side more then there rock side.

Harry Potter: And the secret of the over hyped, under developed, waste of 2 and a half hours.

So last night I saw the latest Harry Potter movie entitled Harry Potter: And the order of the Phoenix. Since I have not read the books I was a bit excited to see this one. To add to all the excitement the screening that I went to was presented in IMAX 3D, which for some reason warrants a 11.50 ticket price. The movie that I bought tickets for was at 7:00. When we got there at 6:30, the line was almost outside. I thought to myself that it would not be a problem. When we finally got into the theater we saw that every seat was taken. I guess they had over sold the show all day, and the 7 o clock showing was no different. After I evaluated the scene I decided to go to the box office and see if I could get a ticket for a later showing. Surprisingly we were met with no objection from the Manager.

 

Since we had about 3 hours to kill until the next showing, we decided to come back in an hour and a half. When we returned the line was not as long, so we decided to secure our place in line and wait. And hour and 45 minutes go by and we are let into the theater. This time we have first pick of the seats. We decided to sit about mid center closer to the top of the isle for the best viewing of the movie. With my 3-D glasses in hand I was ready for a good flick. Before the movie started a theater manager said to make sure there was no flash photography and to clean up after ourselves. I don’t think anyone really was listening, but despite this the theater erupted when he said enjoy Harry Potter.

 

The one thing I noticed from the beginning was the fact that the movie did not have any trailers attached to it. The movie started out with a topical view of Surrey, the town in which Harry’s God parents live in. It is the middle of summer and as the camera pans toward Harry and anchor man can be heard saying that the weather is going to continue to be hot. As the scene changes and shifts to Harry we see that he is being taunted by his cousin, as he has been in previous movies. The final thing that sets him off and provokes him to wield his wand in, a threatening manner, is jab at his sexual orientation. No sooner does he get ready to throw down then the sky’s change to a dark black formation.

 

In fear Harry and his cousin run for their lives. Or in this case a sudden downpour. As they seek shelter under a bridge they both take note that the air has become very cold. If the sudden change is any indication of what’s to come Harry would have his wand in hand ready to dispatch some justice, wizard style. But his formula does not break in this movie and it’s not until two Dementors are sucking the life out of him that he actually does something. With a flick of his stick and a few magic words, the faceless demons are defeated and forced to float away with there ghost tales between there legless bodies.

 

After watching that scene I though the whole movie was going to be filled with epic battles, but it was filled with scenes of almost non existent dialog, and the actors used more facial expressions then words. Which is great if I was deaf, but to be honest it made the movie feel empty and almost lacking. But I don’t think any of the teenage actors are going to be winning Oscars any time soon. So the movie drudges on for about two hours, with a few twists and turns, but nothing that really keeps you on the edge of your seat, or answers any questions. But in the last 20 minutes of the movie the 3-D glasses sign is turned on. The audience as well as me follows suit and puts them on. Instantly the movie takes on another feel.

 

Provided we waited for most of the movie for this moment. Making the audience wait was a good idea, and I felt that this was the only redeeming quality of the whole movie. After the epic fight scene is over, the sign to take off the glasses appears and the audience, bummed, takes them off. The ending scene we are still back to the beginning and no questions are really answered and more questions are asked. As the credits began to roll I felt cheated that the movie didn’t explain more. The general feel of it felt rushed and in allot of ways was just filler for the next one. From what I heard the movie left out allot of what was in the book, not really caring, I did feel that it needed more. Maybe not 3 hours worth, but more plot development would have made the movie more enjoyable.

 

To sum it up, it sucked. I wish I could be more optimistic, but for someone who is not a fan of the books and doesn’t really follow the world of Harry Potter, this movie does not have enough to stand out, or on its own. With almost no plot progression, and limited amount of action, this movie is a disappointment in what has been a decent series so far. I know fans can overlook this and move on, but I just can’t let this one go with a slap on the wrist. So at this point the next movie needs to pack a punch, or at least have a love scene that includes Hermione Granger to bring me back to Hogwarts for a 6^th time.