Rich Monetti
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I am, I write.
Stories (1006)
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Al Pacino Makes Us Believe in and Justice for All
1979's And Justice for All stars Al Pacino as an honest lawyer. In a profession where oath and ambition insulates judges, prosecutors, and attorneys from doing what's right, I hope after all my Star Trek commentary that the world is OK with more science fiction.
By Rich Monetti7 years ago in Geeks
'Hell or High Water' with Jeff Bridges Sets No Limits in the Vastness of Texas
Contrary to popular folklore, Jesse and Frank James did not steal from the rich to give to the poor. On the other hand, they weren’t happy with the outcome of the Civil War and robbed Republican held banks to help unsettle the new order. That said, Jeff Bridges’ latest film, Hell or High Water, has elements of both. The result is a drama that superimposes today’s disenfranchised underbelly of America over a modern day James Gang, which also takes matters into their own hands.
By Rich Monetti7 years ago in Geeks
Season One of 'Star Trek Discovery' Lacks a Bit on the Sci-Fi, but Has Laid a Strong Foundation
I watched Star Trek Discovery in the only manner in which the 23rd century is meant to be viewed—on a TV set. So I just got the DVD from the library, I'm all caught up, and I’ll send payment to CBS at a later date. Maybe not but my commentary is more in accordance with a review and hopefully doesn't spoil. I don’t want to ruin it for those who also doubt the fluidity of streaming and paying for Star Trek.
By Rich Monetti7 years ago in Futurism
The Ridgefield Playhouse Screens Blazing Saddles, and ‘Oh Dah Do Dah Day,’ There Was Plenty to Rejoice with Burton Gilliam
“Comedy has to walk a thin line, take risks. Comedy is the lecherous little elf whispering into the king’s ear, always telling the truth about human behavior,” Mel Brooks told Maane Khatchatourian of Variety in 2017. The American icon also lamented that our “stupidly politically correct” culture is the death of comedy, and that Blazing Saddles could never be made today. Even so, it’s pretty hard to find anyone online who doesn’t get the joke. A packed audience at the Ridgefield Playhouse seconded the sentiment on the February 22 screening of Blazing Saddles. But the showing wasn’t the only thing that made the audience want to jig it up with some Camp Town Lady.
By Rich Monetti7 years ago in Geeks
South Korea’s Love X Stereo Releases Title Track to NYC LGBT Short Film
Out of the darkness of Love X Stereo’s new video, lead singer Annie Ko emerges and brings somber reality to the pain of love lost. “Love is dead,” she begins, and her compliant look seems to agree. The signature electro rock beat of Ko and Toby Hwang doesn’t bode well for a resurrection either. But that’s not how Ko thinks, and neither does Zero One, which is the official sound track to the short film of the same name.
By Rich Monetti7 years ago in Beat
'THELONIOUS!' with Remington Moses Challenges the American Dream at the Theater for the New City
Whenever there's a discussion on the merits of the American Dream, a reference to Ozzie and Harriet is never far behind. Remington Moses knows this first hand as the great granddaughter of the iconic TV stars. So not playing along with the fantasy has been an unavoidable focal point of her entire existence. “I think my whole life as a human being has been talking about the fallacy,” said Moses. As a result, the irony of landing a lead role in the play THELONIOUS! by Peter Welch is not lost on her.
By Rich Monetti7 years ago in Geeks
Taiwanese Actress in NYC Dreams of Performing on Broadway
Kui-Fang Tseng recently completed her first lead role of a musical in Theater Row. Playing a North Vietnamese soldier in War+Lovers, she welcomed the story arc that her character had to carry. “There’s a beginning, a middle and an end," said Tseng. "You must build up the drama so the character changes, and the audience can experience the story." On the other hand, she did not initially pursue acting as a college student, but once she did, it was a revelation.
By Rich Monetti7 years ago in Geeks
The Burning of Bedford and the Local Collector who Holds Two Brown Bess Rifles that Were Present
236 years have passed since the war for American independence ended. Far from the foregone conclusion that history implies, the collective remembrance we accept plays more like a quaint little 18th Century affair than the win at all cost reality. On one end, the perception lines up gentlemanly British troops in coats of bright red who fail to understand the guerrilla tactics of modern warfare. And on the other stand rugged backwoods boy scout types who were taking their first turn at playing soldier.
By Rich Monetti7 years ago in Serve
'Father Goose' Notches Another Fairytale Ending for Cary Grant
When does it become too much to watch Cary Grant make forlorn look easy and lore in the girl with his patented reluctance. In a word, the consensus says never. But for those who may somehow tire, Father Goose puts a spin on his mastery and even adds war hero. All the while taking a gander at fatherhood to sweeten the sauce.
By Rich Monetti7 years ago in Geeks
French Jewish Spy Recounts Her Story Behind Enemy Lines
Unfortunately, there are no shortage of Holocaust stories. On the other hand, the inspiration we draw from stories of survival doesn’t run out either. But Rabbi Arik Wolf drew a distinction beyond the determination so many displayed in introducing Wednesday night’s guest speaker at Chabad of Bedford Hills.
By Rich Monetti7 years ago in The Swamp
The Wolff & Clark Expedition on Tour and Hanging out with Fans
The Wolff & Clark Expedition set out two years ago off a long working relationship between pianist Mike Wolff and drummer Mike Clark. With a debut album that goes with the tour, the adventure has so far laid waste to the country and shook critics to their core. Hopefully, the first of many collaborations, the main components of this exploratory committee took an afternoon respite in Union Square to discuss the success.
By Rich Monetti7 years ago in Beat
Love X Stereo Brings Electro Rock from South Korea
Love X Stereo plays an electro-rock sound that is heavily influenced by punk and alternative music of the 1990s. Based in Seoul, Love X Stereo makes the rounds in America and was last in the US with their third album, Glow. As such, the duo is not shy about their ability to get audiences dancing with the proficient use of the synthesizer. But techno pop songs like "Fly Over" and "Lose to Win," which uplift either way, start as simplistically as any unplugged artist with inspiration.
By Rich Monetti7 years ago in Beat
