Transsiberian [Movie Review]

Transsiberian, is a sophisticated thriller that follows an American couple, portrayed by Woody Harrelson and Emily Mortimer, on a suspenseful express train ride across Siberia.

Although the trip begins innocently enough, things becomes tense when the pair encounter their mysterious new cabin mates, Carlos (Eduardo Noriega) and Abby (Kate Mara). As the ride progresses, it becomes more and more obvious that the young couple may be trafficking drugs, a custom that is popular along Siberian railways. Things get worse when Russian detective Grinko (Ben Kingsley) boards the train and becomes suspicious of the American couple.

Transsiberian is the kind of thriller that gives thrillers a good name. The acting is superb, and the story keeps you on pins and needles. The plot line is not convoluted, and the tone is consistent. The plot twists are believable, but still manage to catch you off guard.

All five lead characters have depth, and most have secrets that are revealed as the film progresses. Past demons see new light, and bonds grow tighter. And the film manages to raise ethical questions about honesty and trust.

If you scare easily, it leaves you with a slight feeling of paranoia (especially about traveling) but not enough to make you sleep with the lights on. The only sour note this film hits is that there are a few questions left unanswered, but none important enough to effect the outcome of the plot.

With a stellar cast and a smart plot line, Transsiberian may be one of the best thrillers so far this year.


*A-

Kayak Town Lake [Things to do in Austin]

With the summer heat dying down (maybe) and school back in session, weekend fun serves as a refreshing break from the week's monotony. On the water of Town Lake, one of Austin's most popular attractions, is the perfect place to beat the heat.

Rowing Dock on Town Lake offers kayak and paddle boat rentals by the hour. They also offer private lessons and group events. One hour kayak rides are $10 for single riders, and are a great way for beginners to get accustomed to rowing.

Rowing Dock is located just west of Zilker park. A kayak ride to the east offers down town views, and a ride to the west offers more natural scenery, and views of some spectacular lake front homes on the cliffs above.

Encounters at the End of the World [Movie Review]

I had the opportunity to see filmmaker Werner Herzog’s latest project this July at the Angelika Film Centre in Dallas. And, with outdoor temperatures skyrocketing to 108, º Herzog’s journey to Antarctica was more refreshing than a lime sorbet.

Encounters at the End of the World begins on a crowded military plane hailing from New Zealand; apparently the best way to get to the South Pole. Much of the film takes place in McMurdo, Antarctica’s largest (who knew?) town.

Herzog obviously develops a love-hate relationship with McMurdo, or he is at least initially perplexed by it. With a population of nearly 1,000, it looks more like an industrial mining town than a community at the “end of the world.” He half-jokingly refers to the town’s yoga studios and ATM machines as abominations.

During his stay in Antarctica, Herzog has the opportunity to accompany scientists at several research sites, even diving below the level of ice to point the lens at some of the shockingly beautiful creatures that thrive beneath.

All of McMurdo’s residents have unique stories to tell. Some are modern nomads, fleeing to Antarctica to escape the complexities of life in their home countries. As seasoned travelers who have done-it-all, and seen-it-all, they find Antarctica to be a sort of last frontier.

Most are scientists and academics, sometimes working menial jobs just for the opportunity to live in this amazing place. We meet PhD’s waiting tables, and Linguists tending greenhouses. Even against the spectacular backdrop of Antarctica, without giving away too much, the human element of this film is what makes it truly remarkable.









*A

Zack and Miri have trouble with the MPAA

In an earlier post I reported that Kevin Smith's new film Zack and Miri Make a Porno will hold its US premiere at Austin's own Fantastic Fest Sept. 18.

Reports on the web have revealed that Smith has had a lot of trouble marketing the film to the MPAA for a rating. The film was initially rated NC-17, but was changed to an R after an appeal by Smith. Nothing was cut out of the film to obtain this lower rating.

This week, the film's official poster was banned in the United States as being inappropriate. The poster features the films two stars, and tuffs of hair on the bottom of the screen, insinuating that they are receiving oral sex. Smith said that he thinks the film is being targeted because it has the word "porno" in the title. The poster will still appear in Canada.



Check out the Red Band trailer for this film on Youtube.

My Top 5 Internet Picks [This Weeks Picks]

Tonight, I thought I would dedicate a post to some of the things that made me laugh on the web this week. Most, have been little treasures which found me via my RSS feeds.

Without further ado:

#5: Collider's merciless review of Disaster Movie: The boys behind Date Movie and Meet the Spartans are back, which begs the question: Why are people still paying to see these movies? With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of "0" (thats 27/27 negative reviews) it is safe to say that any competent review of Disaster Movie would not be tolerable. With quotes like "I'm not sure if "Disaster" is the worst movie the boys have churned out, but, at this point, that's like asking if a bullet hurts more than a knife," Brian at Collider's review gave me a big laugh.

Read it here.

#4: Null Hypothesis's list of bizarre objects launched into space: A pretty hilarious list, and we could all have fun with the #1 pick.

View it here.

#3: Putin saves camera crew from loose tiger: This week it was reported that Vladamir Putin shot a loose tiger with a tranquilizer gun in order to save a camera crew.

Read it here.

#2: "Clintowned": This video popped up on Digg today, the winning caption seemed to be "Once you go black..."

Watch it here.

#1: Mccain's voicemail to Palin leaked to the press: Not really, but this hilarious recording from 23/6 gives us an pretty good idea of what it could have been like..

Listen to it here.


Feel free to upload your own picks, happy surfing!

Fringe

Fox's new hit, created by LOST genius JJ Abrams, is a bizarre look into the world of "fringe science."

The new series, with a cast that includes Dawson's Creek alum Joshua Jackson, seems to be more promising than just an X Files for a new generation.

Check out the promo trailer below.