Trailer for Roger Ebert Documentary “Life Itself”

Life Itself Documentary

A new trailer is out for the documentary Life Itself, which recounts the life of movie critic Roger Ebert. It seems appropriate that someone who did so much for movies now will have a movie about this life. Steve James directed the film from executive producers Martin Scorsese and Steven Zaillian. The trailer looks great and as someone who grew up watching Ebert on television and reading his reviews, I am looking forward to the movie. Check out the trailer.

The film gets its name from Ebert’s memoir, which was named Life Itself: A Memoir.

Will you see Life Itself? Leave your two cents in the comments.

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    River Phoenix’s Final Movie

    River Phoenix Last Movie

    River Phoenix died in 1993 at the age of 23 while the movie Dark Blood was still being filmed. The movie’s director George Sluizer initially believed that the movie could not be completed without Phoenix. But eventually, Sluizer discovered some more film and decided he wanted to complete the movie, with some more work and some rewriting.

    Now, the story of a young man (Phoenix) in the desert who becomes interested in the wife of a couple (Judy Davis and Jonathan Pryce) will be available for Video on Demand later this year. Below is the trailer.

    Will you watch Dark Blood or skip it? Leave your two cents in the comments.

    Buy from Amazon

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    Maya Angelou’s Best Advice

    Poet and author Maya Angelou has passed away at the age of 86. In this video, the poet who has dispensed wisdom in numerous ways, discusses the best advice she has ever given and the best advice she has ever received. Check it out.

    When she speaks of forgiveness, she speaks from experience, having experienced horrible trauma as a child. Through her struggles, she helped make us better. Rest in peace.

    Leave your two cents in the comments.

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    I’ve Been Waiting For This Moment For All My Life

    Phil Collins Miami School

    For the first time in years, Phil Collins recently took to the stage to sing a couple of his classic songs, “In the Air Tonight” and “Land of Confusion.” His backing band was a group of students from the Miami Country Day School in Florida, and they do a pretty good job.

    Rolling Stone notes that Collins’s last major public performance was in 2010 and his last album of original material was 2002’s Testify. But this recent appearance with the school kids may be part of a gradual return to the spotlight. Collins has made some indications he might perform again, and he is writing songs with Adele. Whatever happens, though, the kids at the Miami County Day School had a day to remember. Check out the video.

    What is your favorite song with Phil Collins? Leave your two cents in the comments.

  • Songs About Homelessness

    • Travelin’ Soldier

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    Memorial Day, a holiday to remember men and women who died while serving in the military, originated not long after the Civil War where so many had died. The day became an official holiday in 1971, originally called Decoration Day (and like me you may know some folks who still use that name).

    One of the best songs in recent decades about a soldier dying in war is “Travelin’ Soldier,” which was made popular by the Dixie Chicks when it appeared on their 2002 album Home. Texas singer-songwriter Bruce Robison wrote the beautiful song that unfortunately became overshadowed when some people got mad at the Dixie Chicks at the time the song was released.

    “Travelin’ Soldier” tells the story of a shy man going off to Vietnam who meets a woman not long before he leaves. He asks her if he can write to her, and he does. At the end, the woman is at a football game when they make an announcement about soldiers who had died and, well, give it a listen if you have not heard the song. Below is a 2005 version by Natalie Maines, backed up by the songwriter Bruce Robison and his wife Kelly Willis.

    We wish everyone everywhere a safe Memorial Day weekend.

    Photo by Chimesfreedom. Leave your two cents in the comments.

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