Quarantine [Movie Review]

Quarantine is a new horror movie shot with a handicam; in the same vein as Blair Witch Project, Diary of the Dead and Cloverfield--what the camera sees is what you see.

The film follows reporter Angela Vidal (Jennifer Carpenter of Dexter) and her cameraman, as they ride along with a team of firefighters to an apartment complex where an old women was heard screaming, and suffering a horrible fall.

What they find, is a growing zombie-like epidemic of super rabies that begins to spread from person to person, pet to pet, forcing the rescue-workers and residents to try and flee the scene, but soon after they arrive, a SWAT team and the CDC barricade the building with Plexiglas, posting armed gunman at every exit.

The people inside are forced to try and survive by fighting away the infected.

This film manages to pull off the guerrilla style shooting with some ease, everything captured looks somewhat believable, and there aren't any annoying moments when the camera shuts off, or we miss what happens. While the camerawork may be smart, the main characters are not, constantly venturing upstairs into the zombie infested hallways instead of staying downstairs by the door like they are told.

Their risky behavior definitely warrants some scream-at -the-screen moments.

While all of the characters' actions are not always believable, their emotions are, the characters behave in a way fitting of such a extreme, unbelievable situation, even if their screaming and panting gets a little annoying.


I will say, this film has the kind of ending that I hate, an ending that really put a damper on a pretty enjoyable horror flick, but maybe I'm alone in my disdain for this particular breed of horror conclusion.

Over all, this was a good way to kill an hour and a half, its no instant classic but its no dud either.



C+

What NOT to where on Halloween

Whether it's the Pink Power Ranger or Capt. Jack Sparrow, every year it seems like there is a hot costume flying off the shelves of Halloween superstores, and dominating the sidewalks on October 31.

If you are looking for a unique ensemble to make a splash, avoid these "IT" costumes at all costs.

The Sarah Palin



Most of us probably know half a dozen women planning on dressing up as the VP nominee, and most of them probably think its original because they are adding funny touches like toting a rifle or donning a tiara. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of internet blogs and magazine articles are the phenomena, even some that include How To guides.



The Joker



Summer blockbusters are always a source for Halloween inspiration, and since The Dark Knight was such a hit, Joker costumes have been manufactured in bulk, with rubber masks and wigs included.

Remember, the keys to any great Halloween costume are originality and craftsmanship. Skip the costume aisle and hit the thrift and fabric stores. Or dumpster dive for cheap holiday fashions. Just make sure to think outside of the box.

Kath & Kim

NBC's new pilot for Kath & Kim aired tonight.

Kath & Kim, based on a popular Australian show, is the latest in a wave of international TV shows to be adapted for US audiences.

The pilot, starring Selma Blair and Molly Shannon, was lighthearted--a humorous look at an immature mother-daughter relationship.

Some of the "funny" moments really appealed to the lowest common denominator, as if writers were just fishing for cheap laughs, for instance Selma Blair's character Kim's misspelling of the word "over" within the first five minutes of the show:

"It's over, O-V-U-R"

While moments like this probably fell flat with many audiences, the chemistry between Blair and Shannon did give way to some more intelligent comedic moments.

Kath & Kim is no Office, but I'd be willing to give it a try for another week or two.

What's grinding my gears..

The only serious drawback to living on campus that comes to mind right now is the lack of premium TV channels, and now we can't even get NBC.

As a person with a pretty set schedule of flipping to NBC for Conan O'Brian after the Colbert Report every weeknight, trying to find something new to watch as I drift off to sleep is getting pretty maddening.

So that's beef number one: Charter please get it together and finish up your negotiations, it is ridiculous to not provide a network station. I have been patient for the past week, but not anymore.

Next victim...

iTunes.

As there is a both a torrent block and an inaccessibility to Showtime on campus, I have now missed two weeks of Dexter, and iTunes is not providing the new season yet. I'm willing to pay the outrageous price for a season pass just to get to see it, but no.. it's nowhere to be found. Entourage has been back for over a month and it is still not posted either.

Sure these are meaningless creature comforts to some, but enjoying a favorite TV show after a long day's work is a nice way to wind down, and these numskulls sure aren't making that easy.

Boots, Boots, Boots

I'm obsessed with boots for fall. Check out some of the styles below: trendy, chunky, woodsy, ankle, booty and more.

Eagle Eye [One Sentence Review]

Spielberg's new film, Eagle Eye, is an action-packed cyber thriller that keeps you in suspense, but doesn't hold much cinematic clout.


C+

Austin's Best Veggie Burger

Alright herbivores, your turn to weigh in. Who makes the best veggies burger in Austin?

I have to say, I'd give it to P Terry's any day.

But other notables includes Hut's, Hyde Park Bar & Grill and Shuggies.