Humboldt County [Movie Review]

Humboldt County is the story of a frustrated UCLA med student who finds himself stranded amongst a co-op of marijuana farmers in Humboldt county California, commonly referred to as "the lost coast."

Though initially shocked at the carefree, counterculture lifestyle of his new house mates, Peter (Jeremy Strong) soon realizes that there is more to life than the daily rat race of Los Angeles.

Superbly acted, and emotionally gripping, Humboldt County is a triumph in character study, from the uptight, disillusioned Peter, to the contrasting free-spirited Truman family.

Above all, this film is really about dreams--whether achieved or lost, it seems dreams have the power to intersect with reality in Humboldt County.

This Weekend at the Movies

The four big films opening at the box office this weekend are:

Eagle Eye

Fireproof

Nights in Rodanthe &

Miracle at St. Anna

With none of these films capturing a Rotten Tomatoes rating over 30%, this isn't going to be a record shattering weekend, though Eagle Eye will probably gain a semi-respectable amount of money regardless of negative reviews.

Now let me brighten up this weekend of big budget disappointments with a promising indie:

Humboldt County.






This film really resonated with audiences at South by Southwest in 2007. As a volunteer on the film venue crew at the Alamo Drafthouse, I watched as seat after seat filled up during each showing of this film, prompting managers to open an additional theater at its second and third showings. A rare move for SXSW. The additional theaters sold out as well, and positive buzz flowed from the mouths of viewers as they exited the theater.

While I didn't get to see the film, I was posted outside the theater at the third showing, and watched as the director and two of the film's stars excitedly took pictures in front of the double marquees inscribed with their film's name.

The film opens in limited release today, and luckily the Alamo S. Lamar is picking it up, no doubt a smart move considering how popular the film was at the festival.

Hopefully the Drafthouse can recreate the magic this opening weekend, I know I'll be there to see what all of the hype is about.



Synopsis: "Located on the far North Coast of California and on the margins of society is a region nicknamed "The Lost Coast"- known as Humboldt County.

It is there, amongst the state's breathtaking Redwood forests that marijuana farmers co-exist peacefully within the rural community. It is there that Peter Hadley (Jeremy Strong), a promising but tightly-wound UCLA med student, finds himself stranded when he's deposited at the multi-generational family home of the free-spirited Bogart (RETURN TO OZ' Fairuza Balk), following a drunken one-night stand.

Frustrated and disillusioned with his life after his professor/father (auteur/actor Peter Bogdanovich) fails him on an important exam, the unworldly Peter at first rejects the welcoming yet eccentric pot-smoking strangers, along with their eclectic group of friends and fellow farmers, but soon allows himself to be embraced by their ideals and begins to see life a bit clearer: despite the smoke."

The Office Returns!

Premiere season is upon us.

Last night, NBC rolled out the new episode of the Office, a one-hour special picking up a couple of weeks after where the finale left of.


If the episode is still sitting on your Tivo, or you're waiting to view it online, continue reading at your own risk.





The premiere takes place over a period of approximately 6 weeks. The office is involved in a weight-loss competition against the other branches, and the weekly weigh-ins help to inform the viewer of the time passing.

This is important because Pam has gone to New York for 3 months to attend a graphic design program at the Pratt Institute. So, the weekly count helps you keep up with the time until she returns.


As my tv clock approached 8:30, I was dreading the credit roll, but to my surprise it continued on for a full hour. A smart move, because the finale left a lot of questions open and the premiere attempted to answer most of them.

A must-watch for any Office fan, not only because its filled with quotable one-liners, but because there is one plot development in particular that has been such a long time coming.

This Week's Project Runway [One Sentence Exercise]

Project Runway designers became each other's models in a challenge inspired by diverse musical genres, and Suede hit the road for a lackluster rock n' roll look.


***

Dexter Season Premiere--Watch Now!!

Showtime's Dexter is back this Sunday.

But if you can't wait until then to find out what happens to everyone's favorite serial killer, you're in luck!

Showtime now has the season premiere of Dexter available for steaming on their website!
They are also featuring the premiere episode of Californiacation.


Dexter's finale was action-packed, but ended with a satisfying conclusion-- no nail biting cliffhanger. Ironically, this episode ends with a realization that could develop to be one of the series' biggest turning points. The plot twist could also provide more longevity to the already dynamic series.

Welcome back Dex.

Sarah Palin-Hockey Mom: The Movie

Check out this video from College Humor, promoted by Matt Damon's comments about Sarah Palin.

Torchy's Tacos

If you've never had the pleasure of eating at one of Austin's finest taco joints, the down home Torchy's Tacos, what are you waiting for?

With locations on sixth, Guadalupe, and two on S first, this independent taco house is rapidly expanding in culinary delights and popularity.

My usual order includes a friend avocado taco, complete with vegetarian refried beans and poblano ranch sauce, and an order of chips with green chile queso.

Check out Torchy's new location at the Trailer Park Eatery on S First st. They are joined by another Torchy's owned food stand, Shuggies Seafood and burgers.