Clive Owen celebrated the opening of his heart-warming new film for families, called “The Boys are Back” with a good pal last night: RZA (pronounced “Rizza”).
RZA, who’s with the Wu Tang Clan, cut quite an appearance at the “Boys Are Back” dinner at the Bon Appetit Supper Club. He came dressed in head-to-toe camouflage gear. He was the only one. If he was hoping to blend in and really be camouflaged, a suit might have been a better choice. He did not bring GZA (prononced “Gizza”) with him. But he seemed to have a good time.
“He and Clive and I were all in ‘Derailed,’ ” explained beloved New York actor Giancarlo Esposito, who was on his way to Africa to promote his new movie, “Gospel Hill.” Giancarlo is probably best known for his five episodes as a lawyer who battles Sam Waterston on “Law & Order.” But he’s literally like everywhere. He’s just signed to become a regular on “Breaking Bad.” Next year, he’s in the movie “Rabbit Hole,” based on the Broadway play.
Some of the other names at the “Boys are Back” dinner were actor Bob Balaban, who’s getting a cold and carrying Purell to disinfect anyone with whom he shakes hands; directors Robert Benton and Fred Schepisi, and, of course, Scott Hicks, the “Shine” director who made “Boys Are Back” such a treat. As for Clive Owen: put him on the short list for Best Actor considerations. He’s going to be there. And he didn’t have to blow anything up this time!
September 24th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
What made you mention GZA (aka The Genius)? Just cuz it sounded cool to say RZA and GZA? I’m not being snarky, I’m curious about GZA! GZA’s a guy whose name I never see mentioned anywhere and am somewhat interested in what he is doing (I don’t read the hip hop trades or listen to hip hop stations).
GZA’s 1995 Liquid Swords (produced by RZA) is one of the seminal/epic of all time rap albums, and remains the only rap album in my top 20 favorite albums of all time. The music, beats, and hooks stand out on their own, and GZA’s lyrics are brilliant. I’m not a huge rap fan, but I can recognize talent within a genre. I put GZA, Cam’ron, and Notorious BIG in the top 3 rap lyric writers of all time.
And Roger, been reading you since the late ’90s, big fan (except your movie reviews! but to each his own), but I’ve been livign in LA since ‘01, and I;ve never seen you mention the brilliant NPR/public station they have here – KCRW. You routinely complain about the poor state of NYC radio (I agree, I grew up in Greenwich), but you don’t talk about the oasis there is on the web! KCRW is devoted to supporting artists outside the top 40. They don’t play your fav’s of Mariah and Beyonce (thank god), but they are playing the contemporary version of your other classic rock fav’s, as well as other genres.
You should be pumping them up routinely as to put competitive pressure on the stations you are complaining about.
They have a great online presence.
January 8th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Rap music is my life I dream about being a DJ or maybe a producer some day. Mi familia’s on some tough time though, so it’s hard. People with the ducats get to the top usually. Some cat from my ‘hood tho.