hardcore sequel to johnny to's election, even more brutal and bloody and every bit as badass. the heir apparent to john woo and hk gangster classics, minus the sentimentality
a terrific overlooked noir, likely the best film of director phil karlson's career. john payne plays a washed up fighter who's constantly reliving his lost shot at the title, struggling as a cabdriver with a dissatisfied wife. what is it with boxers and noir? needless to say, he gets mixed up in a dangerous game, giving him one last shot at redemption. i don't wanna give too much away. everyone is great here, especially evelyn keyes as a standup dame trying to help him out of the jam. check it out
a fascinating look at the reclusive musician, who rose from boy band pop icon of the 60's to a truly avant garde artist. not as well known as he should be, especially in his native america (not that he cares), his influence can be heard from bowie to the the smiths to radiohead and beyond. his dramatic baritone voice, painting extraordinary images with abstract poetry, sounds like nobody else. i hadn't heard of him til fairly recently, my bad, but i certainly admire his courageous creative spirit and loyalty to his unique muse. and i'm acquiring a taste for his music too. he's still recording, every 10 years or so, most recently the drift in 2006.