SHORT TERM 12 - Review

Written and Directed by: Destin Cretton

Rated R for language and brief sexuality

Release Date: August 23^rd, 2013 (limited)
Review by: Sean Kayden

“Short Term 12” is a moving drama about Grace (Brie Larson), a fierce yet fragile twenty-something year-old supervisor at a foster-care facility for at-risk teenagers. In addition to navigating through the trouble waters at the group home, she is dealing with her own personal issues and difficult past. However, by her side is her long-term boyfriend and co-worker, Mason (John Gallagher Jr.). When a problematic teenage girl enters the facility, Grace is reminded of her past that she’s tried to put behind her. This leads to an electric connection between the two girls. With a subject matter that is often ominous and multifarious, “Short Term 12” easily finds the balance of drama and humor in the most unexpected scenarios. Destin Daniel Cretton’s second feature film (adapted from his own short film) supplies superb performances, razor-sharp writing, and stunning direction. “Short Term 12” is sincerely poignant and an exceptional movie going experience that should not be missed by film lovers of all ages.

Brie Larson is going to be the next big star. Her portrayal of Grace, the leader at the group home, is simply marvelous. I hate to even call it a “performance” because she basically sinks so deep into this character that it feels overwhelmingly real. The entire film doesn’t seem like a work of fiction, but as if we’re watching the lives of real people as the cameras shoot their daily lives. Larson is a revelation and this breakthrough accomplishment will undoubtedly put her on everyone’s radar in Hollywood. As for the film itself, “Short Term 12” is nothing short of extraordinary. Deeply emotional, severely emphatic, and dashes of authentic humor mixed in for good measure, “Short Term 12” quite possibly may just be a masterpiece. All the supporting players are terrific as they are uniformly convincing in their given roles. “Short Term 12” packs every kind of punch possible and each one is a knockout.

If there’s anything wrong with “Short Term 12,” I couldn’t find it. The whole film works like magic. It’s a prime example of not only what independent filmmaking is truly all about, but also all cinema alike. It will move you, send chills down through your body, and may even have you shedding a tear or two. At the same token, it’ll toss a few laughs your way, inspire you, and have you leaving the theater with a smile. If that’s not a rare experience these days, I don’t know what it is. “Short Term 12” is the best American film of 2013 so far.

Grade: 5 out of 5

Published by Mountain Views News on September 14th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n37/p16.htm

The Kissaway Trail - "Breach" Review

Artist: The Kissaway Trail

Album: Breach

Label: Yep Roc Records
Release Date: August 20^th, 2013

Review by: Sean Kayden

Denmark indie rock group The Kissaway Trail’s existence in the states is comparatively unknown, but with their third album, “Breach,” they hope to change all that. After the departure of two founding band members in 2012, the internal discord could have imploded the band all together. Instead, the group ultimately decided to stay together as a trio. However, their sound is tighter and more cohesive than ever before. With material of theirs played at a Google Glass conference earlier this year, they may be heading out of obscurity. Nonetheless, the real test comes with the reformed band and their latest release. “Breach,” The Kissaway Trail’s first album in over three years touches greatness. Back are the huge crescendos and anthem driven songs found on previous affairs. Rather than completely treading the same ground, the band has pushed their limits into new heights. They may look and sound familiar, but this is a brand new frontier they’re embarking on. After hearing the first track, “Telly The Truth (The Breach),” I was fully on board to follow them into the unknown.

I’ve always found this band to be criminally underrated. I love the vocals of Thomas L. Fagerlund especially when you can make out what he’s singing. With the combination of dreamy rock and minimalistic synthesizers, “Breach” dabbles in both 90s indie rock and 80s snyth-pop. The record is more in your face at times than, their debut self-titled album and sophomore release “Sleep Mountain.” “Breach” bleeds with a youthful and anthemic resonance. The record settles on an ethereal vibe most of the way through. It’s painfully romantic at times with tracks like, “Beauty Still Rebels” and “Sarah Jevo.” The production values seem to be higher than previous efforts because The Kissaway Trail has created an enormous sound with their third LP. “So Sorry, I’m Not” dabbles with darker snyths this time around. This is the track that kicks off the second half album where the band takes a bit of a  detour. However, as it may be, it was a diversion worth taking. The Kissaway Trail may share some comparisons with better-known acts such as Arcade Fire. Don’t think for a second this is second-rate material. In fact, “Breach” proves to be an outstanding record that will be disappointing if it doesn’t launch the band from anonymity to celebrated indie rock act.

I must say the single, “Nørrebro,” which is awesome in its own right felt slightly out of place. It sounds more like a modern day rock track, with the rest of the album wearing its influences on their sleeves. There is nothing wrong with that.  Still, for “Breach,” it tilts the album just a bit from smooth sailing. However, with the exception of the two instrumental songs that don’t provide too much thrill, I was hard pressed to find a flawed song on the compilation. In the end, I was completely enamored by “Breach.” It’s usage of prior sounds of generations before them really shows, but never overshadows the bands artistic intentions. The influences merely add an element to the record, but it’s the way The Kissaway Trail puts together the pieces that demonstrates their pure talent. “Breach” may be the ticket The Kissaway Trail has always needed, but regardless of gaining popularity, the record shines with or without a new fan base. Those willing not to take a chance on these guys will miss out on the incredible and pure emotive experience that “Breach” effortlessly guides you along on.

Grade: 9.3 out of 10

Key Tracks: “Telly The Truth (The Breach),” “Cuts Of Youth (Razor Love),” “The Springsteen Implosion,” “Sarah Jevo,” and "The Sinking”

Published by Mountain Views News on September 7th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n36/p13.htm