The summer solstice has officially ushered in the season, yet for those in Portland, a persistent "June Gloom" has settled in, presenting an opportune moment for indoor pursuits. This atmospheric condition, characterized by overcast skies and cooler temperatures, creates an ideal backdrop for diving into long-delayed reading lists or enjoying outdoor activities without the typical summer heat. While the following weekend suggestions aim for broad appeal, encompassing realms of fairy tales, supernatural intrigue, and the often-unpredictable choices of middle-aged protagonists, they are not guaranteed to satisfy every individual taste. Nevertheless, they represent a diverse array of cultural offerings for a discerning audience. As always, fostering connections with friends, engaging with elected officials through actions like contacting representatives, and remaining cool during these warmer months are paramount.
Labyrinth Celebrates Four Decades of Enchantment
Tomorrow, Saturday, June 27th, marks the 40th anniversary of the theatrical release of Jim Henson’s seminal fantasy film, Labyrinth. The enduring impact of this cinematic gem warrants recognition, perhaps even a dedicated holiday replete with masked revelry, inspired by the film’s fantastical elements, including thematic pastries and artisanal beverages. In the absence of a formal global commemoration, individuals can observe this milestone independently. The film’s widespread availability across numerous streaming platforms facilitates easy access, a stark contrast to the late 1980s viewing experience, where audiences encountered David Bowie’s iconic performance on VHS, a far cry from today’s high-definition clarity. The iconic line, "You remind me of the babe…" continues to resonate with fans, a testament to the film’s lasting cultural footprint.
Released on June 27, 1986, Labyrinth was a significant undertaking, blending Henson’s signature puppetry with a live-action narrative. The film starred David Bowie as Jareth, the Goblin King, and Jennifer Connelly as Sarah, a teenager who must navigate a treacherous labyrinth to rescue her infant half-brother from the clutches of the Goblin King. Despite a moderate box office performance upon its initial release, Labyrinth gradually cultivated a devoted following through subsequent home video releases and television airings. Its unique blend of dark fantasy, musical numbers, and groundbreaking visual effects, particularly the intricate puppetry and creature design, cemented its status as a cult classic. The film’s themes of adolescence, escapism, and the transition into adulthood continue to resonate with audiences, many of whom discovered it during their formative years. The anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of Henson’s unparalleled creativity and his lasting legacy in the world of fantasy filmmaking.
Jackass: Best and Last – A Look Back at Enduring Stunt Comedy
Shifting gears dramatically, a different kind of cultural phenomenon is being celebrated: Jackass. While perhaps not always openly admitted, the Jackass franchise has garnered a substantial following for its unapologetic embrace of crude humor and elaborate stunts. The enduring appeal of Jackass was underscored by a notable cinema outing following the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The shared experience of watching the latest installment, complete with the cathartic release of laughter in a communal setting, highlights the film’s ability to provide escapism and shared joy, even in the aftermath of significant societal disruption. The release of Jackass: Best and Last, presented as a compilation of greatest hits interspersed with new, chaotic prankery, offers fans a comprehensive retrospective of the series’ most memorable moments and a glimpse into its continued commitment to extreme stunts. The decision to forgo trailers and experience the full spectacle on the largest possible screen speaks to the immersive and impactful nature of the Jackass viewing experience.
The Jackass franchise, which began as a television series on MTV in 2000, is renowned for its participatory approach to comedy, featuring a core group of friends performing dangerous and often painful stunts and pranks on each other. The series’ success led to a series of feature films, each pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable or feasible in a mainstream comedy. Jackass: Best and Last serves as a testament to the longevity and impact of this unique brand of entertainment. The franchise has faced its share of controversy and criticism, often regarding the perceived danger of its stunts and its sometimes juvenile humor. However, proponents argue that the underlying camaraderie among the cast and the evident self-awareness of the humor contribute to its appeal. The compilation format allows for a curated journey through the series’ evolution, showcasing the progression of its stunts and the enduring bonds between its stars.
Short Stories That Linger: Exploring the Haunting Narratives of Kristina Ten
Several months ago, a short story titled "Approved Methods of Love Divination in the First-Rate City of Dushagorod" by Kristina Ten left an indelible impression. Initially published in 2023, this narrative was encountered within Ten’s collection, Tell Me Yours I’ll Tell You Mine. For this reader, the story evoked a similar uncanny feeling to the most unsettling works of Kelly Link. In Ten’s story, residents of the titular city seek out love diviners to ascertain their future spouses. The narrative imbues these traditional divination practices—such as using apple stems or folded paper fortune tellers—with a disarming seriousness, drawing parallels to childhood games and rituals. The story’s delightful execution of this concept is particularly noteworthy. Following this, the short story "Bunny Ears," available online, proved to be another haunting experience, leaving a lasting impact. Kristina Ten is an author whose future work warrants close attention, promising further explorations into compelling and often eerie thematic territories.
Kristina Ten’s emergence as a significant voice in contemporary short fiction is marked by her ability to weave intricate narratives that blend the familiar with the unsettling. Her collection, Tell Me Yours I’ll Tell You Mine, showcases a range of stories that delve into human relationships, memory, and the subconscious, often with a surreal or speculative bent. "Approved Methods of Love Divination in the First-Rate City of Dushagorod" exemplifies this approach, taking a seemingly whimsical premise and infusing it with a sense of profound, almost ritualistic importance. The story’s success lies in its meticulous world-building and its keen observation of human desires and anxieties. The online availability of "Bunny Ears" has allowed a wider audience to experience Ten’s distinctive style, further solidifying her reputation as a writer capable of crafting stories that linger in the reader’s mind long after the final page. Her work is often compared to that of established authors like Kelly Link and Ted Chiang, suggesting a promising trajectory for her literary career.
Sugar: Colin Farrell’s L.A. Noir Unveiled
Leah Schnelbach, a noted admirer and expert on actor Colin Farrell within the Reactor editorial team, has long championed his work. While this author’s appreciation for Farrell’s performances has varied—from strong admiration for his role in In Bruges to a more indifferent stance regarding his portrayal in Crazy Heart—the series Sugar has engendered a mild obsession. The unexpected nature of the series, which defies conventional genre expectations, contributes to its compelling quality. Farrell’s performance is central to its success; he navigates the role with a subtle intensity, his character often exhibiting an almost apologetic demeanor. Playing a detective who is also a [redacted], Farrell inhabits a version of Los Angeles where traditional investigative tropes are replaced with cinematic allusions, rendering language itself as a form of cinema. The series also features extensive scenes of driving through the city in a luxurious vehicle. The first season notably included performances by Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Amy Ryan, both actors deserving of wider recognition for their talent. The second season premiered last week, but this reviewer has yet to commence viewing, having been preoccupied with a fascination for vampire narratives. The intention is to savor the latest season of Sugar in its entirety, allowing for a complete immersion in its distinctive California atmosphere.
Sugar, an Apple TV+ original series, premiered in February 2024, quickly garnering critical attention for its unconventional approach to the detective genre. Created by Mark Protosevich, the series stars Colin Farrell as John Sugar, a private investigator tasked with finding the missing granddaughter of a legendary Hollywood producer. The show’s unique visual language, which incorporates clips from classic films to illustrate Sugar’s thought processes and the noir-infused world he inhabits, sets it apart from typical crime dramas. The series explores themes of addiction, trauma, and the nature of truth, all filtered through the lens of cinematic history. Farrell’s performance has been widely praised for its nuanced portrayal of a morally complex character, bringing a depth and vulnerability to the role. The supporting cast, including Amy Ryan as a detective and Kirby Howell-Baptiste as a powerful studio executive, adds further gravitas to the narrative. The second season’s recent premiere suggests a continuation of the series’ exploration of these intricate themes and its distinctive stylistic choices.
The Scent of the Vampire Lestat: An Olfactory Exploration
In an extension of a personal susceptibility to media tie-in merchandise, particularly when it involves appealing scents, a recent release from Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab has captured significant attention. The lab has officially launched a line of perfumes inspired by Anne Rice’s iconic novel, The Vampire Lestat. While the "Brat Prince" himself, Lestat, has yet to be directly represented in the collection, the fragrances offer an olfactory journey through the world of Rice’s vampires. The perfume dedicated to Louis de Pointe du Lac is described as an intricate blend of dark vetiver, bitter coffee, bay rum, osmanthus, magnolia, scorched sandalwood, dry patchouli, and blood. Additionally, scents inspired by Armand, Gabriella, and a "Vampire DJ of Some Renown" are available. Notably, fragrances based on Lestat’s musical compositions, such as "Black Licorice," have also been released and have proven popular, with one scent being a direct addition to the cart of this particular enthusiast. The question of Daniel Molloy’s scent profile remains an intriguing one, with the hope of its eventual discovery. Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab has a long-standing history of creating literary and cinematic collaborations, having previously developed fragrances for films like Only Lovers Left Alive and Crimson Peak, as well as numerous books and comic series. This Vampire Lestat collection appears to be a particularly special offering, tapping into a rich vein of popular culture and beloved characters.
Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab has established itself as a leader in the creation of evocative scent profiles inspired by literature, film, and art. Their meticulously crafted perfumes are known for their complex layering of notes and their ability to translate abstract concepts and characters into tangible olfactory experiences. The collaboration with AMC for The Vampire Lestat perfume collection represents a significant endeavor, drawing inspiration from one of Anne Rice’s most enduring and influential characters. The release coincides with renewed interest in Rice’s universe, fueled by recent adaptations and ongoing fan engagement. The detailed scent descriptions, such as the "blood" note in Louis’s perfume, highlight the lab’s commitment to capturing the essence of the source material, even in its more macabre or unconventional aspects. The availability of scents tied to specific songs or characters further enhances the immersive quality of the collection, allowing fans to connect with the narrative on a deeper, multi-sensory level. The lab’s decades-long dedication to this niche market underscores the power of scent as a medium for storytelling and cultural appreciation.
