By Jason Delgado

Music is magical; it can transport us to another time and place. In the case of the Dirty Heads, music takes me back almost seven years ago to my wedding reception, with a sand-filled backyard on a hot Summer day, filled with good friends, family, and the love of my life doing sand angels by the end of the evening. I can feel the Dirty Heads music pumping through the speakers my best man brought over, completing the vibe throughout the joyous day.

It’s surreal to me that Jared Watson, aka Dirty J, co-lead singer of the Dirty Heads, later became my neighbor. Last year we talked a little about movies and music, but mainly he told me how awesome it is to be a dad, at a time when I was nervously about to become one for the first time. The love for his daughter emanates through Watson’s soul, and I know that incredible pride in parenthood and joy-filled feeling, now that my son is here.

So why should you listen to Jared Watson about movies? J knows a thing or two about pop culture, singing beautifully and flowing about The Goonies and Marty McFly in “Sloth’s Revenge.” Dirty J says that he feels like a film critic because he’s constantly watching movies when he’s out on long, worldwide tours. I asked him for some recommendations, and these films definitely “come original”, as his buddy Nick Hexum of 311 would sing (J was stoked to tour together with 311 last year).

Inquiring fans want to know, so let’s get to his picks:

Blade Runner 2049 (Amazon Prime/IMDB TV) – J says, “I’ve just recently fallen more in love with Blade Runner 2049 than the original, which is gnarly because the OG has been my favorite movie forever. I think it’s the only sequel of any movie that’s as good or better.” Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn recently put out a short list on Twitter of sequels he thinks are better than the original, such as Empire Strikes Back, Terminator 2, and Evil Dead 2, with Blade Runner 2049 on it as well. Both the original and sequel are revolutionary, mind-bending sci-fi classics that age like fine wine, and only get better with repeat viewings.

Spring (Shudder/Tubi) – J calls this movie “a sleeper,” as in a film that you had no idea that it would be as good as it is. From the rare romance/horror genre, it is a movie that I personally loved. I don’t want to give too much away, but Spring reminds me of another favorite of mine, the Before Sunset/Before Sunrise/Before Midnight trilogy (directed by Richard Linklater, starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy), except that this one takes place in Italy and has a horror twist, which serves as a metaphor for certain relationships in general.

The Killing of the Sacred Deer (Netflix) – “Have you seen this movie? WTF is up with this movie? Watching it now; I can’t stop watching it. The dialogue and the way the director has them speak is spooky as [email protected]#$, yet I want to keep going.” I felt the same way as J watching this film, starring Colin Farrel and Nicole Kidman. It’s so strange, yet you can’t turn away, like staring at a funky Comic Con cosplay. It all made more sense when I realized that it was directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, who also did the way out there film, The Lobster. Definitely check out The Killing of the Sacred Deer, and be prepared to be weirded out.

Assassination Classroom the Movie (Live Action version) (Amazon Prime rental) – Based on an anime series, J says this film is “a blast,” and I concur. It’s absurd and strange like most anime, but alluring at the same time. It’s about a misfit class that must kill its smiley face/octopus, super fast and deadly, yet wise-cracking, fun-loving, tentacled teacher, to stop him from destroying the Earth. Nuff said.

I can’t wait for the day when it’s safe for Dirty J to go back on tour, bringing good vibes and sweet tunes to the masses. Until then, check out Dirtyheads.com, and his solo hip hop project Sword Beach, which is dropping new tracks as we speak, including one titled: Steve McQueen! Thanks again J!

P.S. – Love is what this life is all about, in the big and small ways. Like in the song, What a Wonderful World, “I see friends shaking hands, saying how do you do. They’re only saying I love you.” Okay, bad example for COVID-19 times, but you get my drift.

I think that we should replace handshakes with movie suggestions as the new form of greeting. Immediately throw out a movie title on the phone or six feet apart. No need for hellos, just “Black Panther,” and leave it at that.

Join the conversation and let us know what else you’re watching in our Forum!

Like this: Like Loading...