Stanley Jordan is an American jazz guitarist, pianist, and composer. He is well-known for his unique playing style, often referred to as the "Stanley Jordan Magic Touch." Jordan is adept at playing the guitar with both hands, simultaneously creating melodies, chords, and basslines. This technique, known as tap technique or touch technique, allows him to achieve a remarkably rich and full sound. Born in Chicago in 1959, Jordan began playing the piano at a young age and later picked up the guitar. He studied at Princeton University, where he made significant strides in developing his unconventional playing style.
John Cena will be a movie star one day soon. Just not with this film. By any rational measure you can muster this is mediocre stuff. For an hour and forty minutes Vacation Friends creates a comedy vacuum as Meredith Hagner, Lil Rel Howery and Yvonne Orji stand alongside John Cena in what can best be described as a travesty.
Unbelievable events drive these people apart, before pushing them back together, as five writers try to jump start this comedy stiff, with consistently ill-judged zingers. It s a benign sort of mischief, of course, meant to build up Marcus and Emily before their big day betting hard on golf games so that Marcus can embarrass his brother-in-law, helping Emily s grandmother with all of the ailments she suffers from by using some off-the-beaten-path treatment, and ensuring that relations between the families stay cool no matter how wild stuff gets but there are some mysteries remaining whose solutions might blow up the entire wedding.
He studied at Princeton University, where he made significant strides in developing his unconventional playing style. Jordan's mastery of the tap technique quickly became his signature sound. One of Jordan's notable achievements was his debut album, "Magic Touch," released in 1985.
Movie Review – Vacation Friends (2021)
Directed by Clay Tarver.
Starring John Cena, Meredith Hagner, Lil Rel Howery, Yvonne Orji and Robert Wisdom.
SYNOPSIS:
Ron (John Cena) and Kyla (Meredith Hagner) are a free spirited couple on vacation in Mexico. Marcus (Lil Rel Howery) and Emily (Yvonne Orji) their uptight counterparts. This is what happens when circumstance brings them together.
John Cena will be a movie star one day soon. Just not with this film. By any rational measure you can muster this is mediocre stuff. For an hour and forty minutes Vacation Friends creates a comedy vacuum as Meredith Hagner, Lil Rel Howery and Yvonne Orji stand alongside John Cena in what can best be described as a travesty.
Playing two couples with radically different outlooks on life, this is a culture clash comedy without the laughs. John Cena and Meredith Hagner are free spirited partners, while their co-stars provide the uptight angle. Resort disasters force them together, while cocaine before breakfast keeps things interesting. That this film then takes that premise away from Mexico and into reality, only makes things worse.
Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson may have forged careers out of these films, but at least they had the writing to back it up. Vacation Friends never falls flat, because everything about it is pedestrian to begin with. Lil Rel Howery populates a role better suited to Kevin Hart, while the cantankerous father-in-law riff gets gifted to Robert Wisdom.
Elsewhere Yvonne Orji clings on for dear life as girlfriend Emily, trying to conjure up countless levels of exasperation. That she comes out of this only slightly better than Meredith Hagner is a miracle, as neither actress is given anything to do. On the rare occasion that they are allowed to act rather than react, their dialogue adds nothing.
Every cliche that audiences can imagine is thrown into the blender here, as bad situations stack up like dominoes. Unbelievable events drive these people apart, before pushing them back together, as five writers try to jump start this comedy stiff, with consistently ill-judged zingers. An effort that elicits nothing more than the sound of cinematic tumbleweed.
There comes a point late on where Robert Wisdom is made up like a circus clown. Staring back from beneath exaggerated make-up, John Cena’s Ron and Lil Rel Howery’s Marcus try not to laugh. It is a sad indictment of Vacation Friends that this example could be classed as the funniest moment. Tonally awkward, emotionally vacuous and neither working as drama nor comedy; audiences will sit there slack jawed.
Wedding ceremonies, magic mushrooms and bad visual effects only complicate matters. John Cena is charming, boisterous and kind hearted as Ron, while Meredith Hagner pulls off the same trick as Kyla. Of the two, only he really gets away with this, by deploying charisma and commitment in spades. He seems oblivious to the fact that Vacation Friends is a huge waste of his time, while audiences will most likely give up after thirty minutes when that penny drops.
Vacation Friends might be the first streaming feature to have a joint release through Hulu and Disney+, but this is merely marketing. There is a disconnect from the opening frame, which never allows audiences to engage. A situation which is not improved by its desperate need to please a paying public. Unfortunately, this film is more likely to raise a person’s blood pressure before raising a smile.
It is reminiscent of an old Robin Williams film called Club Paradise, which featured Peter O’Toole and Rick Moranis. Written and directed by Harold Ramis, that had no idea what it wanted to be either, despite all the stars involved. Vacation Friends has a similar vibe without the exotic locations or hairy hyperactive headliner.
If this film had any redeeming features beyond its slim running time, John Cena would be amongst them. With carefully selected roles in Trainwreck, Bumblebee, The Suicide Squad and the forthcoming Peacemaker; there is clearly a game plan. However, Vacation Friends feels more like a contractual obligation than any conscious decision to test himself.
Every action star on his way up changes tack at some point and tries something else. Whether we are talking Vin Diesel in The Pacifier or Arnold Schwarzenegger for Kindergarten Cop. That being said, this mis-step from John Cena sits on shakier ground than Justin Timberlake’s turn in The Love Guru.
With the move away from digital releases in favour of theatrical screenings, it is interesting that Vacation Friends gets to bypass cinemas completely. However, for those who think that Disney are having a change of heart, after refusing to offer up digital options for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings; think again. Simply put, they must figure that Vacation Friends will find a more receptive audience outside of theatres.
Martin Carr
SYNOPSIS:
The album received critical acclaim and marked a turning point in his career. Jordan's ability to play complex arrangements with ease and fluidity was captivating for both jazz enthusiasts and general music fans. The "Magic Touch" technique allows Jordan to create intricate harmonies, melodies, and rhythm patterns simultaneously. By tapping on the guitar's fretboard with both hands, he can produce a wide range of sounds and textures. Jordan's playing combines elements of jazz, rock, classical, and even flamenco music, further showcasing his versatility and creativity. Throughout his career, Stanley Jordan has continued to push the boundaries of traditional guitar playing. His unique approach and innovative techniques have inspired many musicians and guitarists worldwide. Jordan's ability to create a full sound with just one instrument has been compared to that of a full band. His virtuosity and musicality have earned him recognition and respect from the music community. In addition to his solo performances and recordings, Jordan has collaborated with numerous renowned artists, including pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Marcus Miller, and guitarist Kevin Eubanks. He has also explored various musical genres, experimenting with electronic music and fusion projects. Stanley Jordan's "Magic Touch" has left a lasting impact on the world of guitar playing. His innovative techniques and musicality continue to inspire and astound audiences. Jordan's ability to effortlessly create complex and melodic arrangements has solidified his place as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation..
Reviews for "Unleashing Creativity with Stanley Jordan's Magic Touch"
1. Jessica - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Stanley Jordan's Magic Touch." I love magic shows, but this one fell short for me. The tricks were predictable and didn't have the wow factor I was expecting. Jordan's delivery was also lacking, as his stage presence seemed a bit awkward. Overall, I felt like I wasted my money on this show and would not recommend it to others.
2. Ryan - 1 star - "Stanley Jordan's Magic Touch" was a complete letdown. The tricks were nothing special and lacked any real originality. Jordan seemed more like a beginner magician rather than a seasoned professional. I found myself bored throughout the entire show and couldn't wait for it to be over. Save your money and find a better magic show to attend.
3. Lisa - 2 stars - I was really excited to see "Stanley Jordan's Magic Touch," but it didn't live up to my expectations. The tricks were generic and lacked any real creativity. Jordan's performance felt rushed and unpolished, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. I was hoping for a magical experience, but instead, I left feeling underwhelmed.
4. Jason - 1 star - "Stanley Jordan's Magic Touch" was a complete waste of time and money. The tricks were basic and didn't capture my interest at all. Jordan's stage presence was lackluster, and he failed to engage the audience. I wouldn't recommend this show to anyone looking for a truly magical experience. Disappointing from start to finish.
5. Samantha - 2 stars - I attended "Stanley Jordan's Magic Touch" with high hopes, but I left feeling let down. The tricks didn't leave me in awe like I expected, and Jordan's performance felt amateurish. It lacked the finesse and showmanship I've seen in other magicians. The overall experience fell flat for me, and I walked away feeling like I wasted my time and money.