The Swell Season

On Sunday night, The Swell Season performed to a sold out crowd at Allen Theatre in Cleveland. Coming from their Academy Award win for Best Original Song, their performance was absolutely beautiful and emotional. It was by far, one of the most memorable shows I've gone to.

In between the storytelling and jokes, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová along with their band made up of Joe Doyle (bass), Colm Mac Con Iomaire (violin), Rob Bochnik (guitar), and Johnny Boyle (drums), performed songs from Once and songs on the The Swell Season and The Frames albums.

It was a fantastic performance, Hansard is a pure talent, his vocals are filled with raw power and a relentless vulnerability.

It's nice to see the thier fanbase steadily growing. I look forward to discovering more of thier music, and I may even be seeing them perform in Chicago in mid-June (I hope)

Iron Man has enough charm and action to satisfy.

"Iron Man"
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, Terrence Howard, Shaun Toub
***/****

The summer film season begins with "Iron Man", a superhero film based off of the Stan Lee comics. John Favreau, who directed "Elf", is behind in the camera for this big-budget popcorn flick. Robert Downey Jr. plays weapons manufacturer Tony Stark, a multi-millionaire and playboy who enjoys the ladies and quick witted conversation.

Stark is charismatic, and Downey Jr. is the perfect casting choice for this role. With his slicked back hair and neatly designed goatee, Stark is the embodiement of confidence and naturalsim.

The film is basically an origin story, much like "Batman Begins," in that it shows Starks transformation into the superhero, which we don't see until 45 minutes in. In the beginning of the film, Stark is in the desert with soldiers and military personnel, trying to sell his new missle, called "Jericho."

On his way back to his plane, his convoy is attacked by terrorists, and Tony is wounded by a Stark Industries missile. Tony is captured and held hostage in a cave with Yinsen (Shaun Toub), a doctor who saves his life. The terrorists force Tony and Yinsen to reproduce the new destructive Jericho missile Tony was demonstrating from parts of other weapons. Instead, Tony decides to build a suit of armor with Yinsen's help. The suit gives Tony the strength and protection to be able to escape the terrorists.

Other supporting characters are played by Paltrow, who plays Pepper Potts, Starks assistant and love interest. Odadiah Stone, played by Jeff Bridges with his bushy beard and bald head. Who is Starks partner and eventual villian. Terrence Howard plays Air Force Lieut. Jim Rhodes, a close friend to Stark.

With all of the good performances and special effects, "Iron Man" is nothing more than the first film and starting point, in what will probably become a film trilogy. The pacing if a tad slow, and there isn't enough action. Downey Jr. has enough star power to carry the film, and Paltrow is also good, but Bridges isn't exactly an ideal villian.

"Iron Man" will surely appeal to all of its comic book fans, and any person looking for a good popcorn flick. While this doesn't rank with the first two Spidermans, or Batman Begins, its better than most comic book to film adaptations. See the film for Downey Jr. and the good CGI.