Caroline Attack: An Entertainment Blog

Waititi's "Boy" Tops box offices in NZ

2010-03-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

"Boy" the second full length effort from "Eagle vs. Shark" director Taika Waititi topped the box office in New Zealand this week, beating out big budget competition like "Alice in Wonderland."

No word yet on US distribution, but the film did screen at Sundance, so hopefully it'll have a shot at limited release in the states.

I can't wait to see it.

Check out the trailer below:

SXSW, a whirlwind

2010-03-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

It's finally over, but our coverage hasn't stopped pouring in. Check out our SXSW page for stories + videos + photo gallery.

Coco's going on tour

2010-03-11T08:18:00.000-08:00

That's right folks, after being "legally prevented from being funny on television" our favorite Tonight Show host, Conan O'Brien will be embarking on a national comedy/ music tour and there is an Austin performance set for May 14.

It's being hailed as a night of music, comedy and the occasional awkward silence.

Tickets are available on the Team Coco site and through Ticketmaster.

Tickets for the Austin show, which is being held at the Austin Music Hall, are not available through Ticket Master, but instead through Frontgate.

Looks like the nosebleeds will cost you about $40, with priority seating going up into the hundreds.

Can't wait to see what Coco has in store for us.

Your Guide to Surviving SXSW

2010-03-10T05:04:00.000-08:00

Whether you’re a South by Southwest veteran or new to the Austin music scene, there are certain things every SXSW goer needs to know. To make the most of your SXSW adventure, check out our survival guide. It gives you seven tips for getting all you can out of the craziest week in Austin.

Note: this article was written in conjunction with my co-editor, Holly Aker, to see the original piece, as well as more SXSW content, visit the Hilltop Views.

1. Get a bus pass
Driving and parking downtown is a hassle during a normal day, so imagine how crazy it will be during the week of SXSW. An easy solution? Buy a seven-day Metro Pass. You can buy one for $8 at H-E-B and ride the bus as many times as you like. It’ll pay for itself in one day by helping you avoid those pricey parking lots and garages downtown that can charge up to $10 a day. It’s also in tune with the festival’s new green philosophy. If you live especially far from downtown, a good option is parking on campus and taking the Metro straight down South Congress Avenue.

2. Rest up
Showcases can start as early as noon and end as late as 2 a.m., so take advantage of any opportunity for sleep. You’ll be going strong for the first few days, but by the end of the week you’ll crash if you try to party like a rock star. Use the week before SXSW to load up on sleep, and strategically plan to sleep in on days when day parties don’t catch your interest. Coffee always helps too.

3. Keep your fashion functional
Yes, those boots are very cute, but are you still going to enjoy those three-inch heels after hours of trotting up and down Sixth Street? Probably not. Stick with functional footwear (Vans or TOMS are always acceptable.) Also, dress in layers. While film venues will probably be cooler than outside temperatures, the music venues will be warmer than outside due to body heat. Backpacks and satchels are much handier than little clutches because you’ll be getting a ton of free swag. You’ll also need them to carry all your supplies for a full day’s activities.

4. Do your research
Even though there’s always a chance you might stumble upon your new favorite band, doing your research is always recommended if you want to get the most out of your SXSW experience. The SXSW Web site recently published “The Grid,” an easy-to-use guide that lists every band and every venue. This year the folks at SXSW also released a new iPhone app, my.SXSW. The app lets you manage your schedule and provides you with a map to help you find those obscure venues. Whether you’re going badge-less or buying a wristband or badge, know what you have access to and what is free for everyone. That way you’ll know all your options and won’t have to suffer the embarrassment of being rejected at the venue door.

5. Brown bag it
Unless you have the money to buy breakfast, lunch and dinner downtown for a week, think ahead and stash some food. Plan a makeshift picnic, and find a green patch to eat your sammies downtown. If you live on campus and have a meal plan, you can buy ready-made sandwiches or tacos from Meadows and stow them in your bag for lunch. Leave the plastic water bottles at home, and bring your reusable bottles to SXSW. It’s eco-friendly, and you won’t have to buy half a dozen plastic bottles a day to keep yourself hydrated. SXSW will provide water coolers in many of the venues for your hydrating convenience. When you’re in the mood to splurge for dinner, but you still don’t want to break the bank, check reliable street vendors and quick bites like Torchy’s Tacos, Which Wich, Kebabalicious and the numerous pizza joints scattered on Sixth Street.

6. Don’t get your hopes up
Even if you’re flying badge-less, many shows still let in paid ticket holders. But if you don’t get into the show of your dreams, don’t let it ruin your week. Keep a cool head and avoid getting into skirmishes over who has a better beard or place in line. Whether you get in or not, plan on some backup shows, keep an open mind and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. Remember, SXSW also hosts hundreds of films and interactive events. Auditorium Shores will always make a great backup. The shows are outside, free and open to the public with no capacity limit. The main thing is to have fun and enjoy your week. Even if you don’t get into any shows, people-watching and shows at various stores around Austin can make your Spring Break unforgettable.

7. Carry cash
If you are going to pay for any shows or films, it’s cash only, so make sure you have some on you to avoid pricey ATM service fees downtown. Cash will also come in handy if you plan on purchasing food, beverages and merch, or if you decide you need a late night cab.

Free Music, now that's something to blog about

2010-03-09T18:36:00.000-08:00

Whether you're going to South by Southwest this year, or you're just a fan of discovering new bands, Spin magazine is giving music fans the hook-up. The magazine is offering up a 29 track download of some of the most anticipated bands playing this year's fest.

The download includes offerings from Miike Snow, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Frightened Rabbit, the xx and more.

Spin has also crowned 50 bands to watch at SXSW, some being well-known, Stone Temple Pilots for instance, and others being new to the festival scene.

Back in the swing of things

2010-03-08T17:18:00.001-08:00

Since I'm trying to get back in the swing of things with Caroline Attack this year, I made the crossover to full blogger today by downloading a blog app for my iPhone. Now I can post from anywhere. Full frontal nerdity at its finest. Look out for posts from South by Southwest, friday's opening night for film.

SXSW Film Festival: Ones to Watch

2010-03-08T10:13:00.000-08:00

With nearly two thousand musical acts descending on downtown Austin every March for South by Southwest, it’s probably easy for some people to forget that SXSW also hosts an internationally acclaimed, rapidly growing film festival.

This year, the festival lineup contains hundreds of films, including some world premieres, local works and other films that have already garnered significant buzz after showings at Sundance and other world-class festivals. Here’s a look at what you can expect from some of the big name films.

Leaves of Grass

Alamo South Lamar

Friday, March. 12, 9:30 p.m.

Starring Edward Norton, Keri Russell, Richard Dreyfuss and Susan Sarandon, “Leaves of Grass” tells the story of twin brothers who took vastly different paths in life. Reunited to take on the Oklahoma backwater’s drugged-up underbelly, the two brothers encounter a range of twists and turns. Fans of Edward Norton will delight in his ample screen time, as he is taking on the role of both twins. Kind of like “Parent trap,” if the “Parent Trap” twins were into faking their own deaths, drug deals gone bad and police chases.

World’s Largest

Alamo South Lamar

Friday, March. 12. 09:15 p.m.

For this documentary, filmmakers Amy Elliott and Elizabeth Donius traveled around the country to take in 58 roadside attractions claiming to be everything from the world’s largest killer bee to the world’s largest strawberry. The result, a 75 minute documentary chronicling the spirit that makes these tiny attractions dotting the American landscape special, and proof that there is still a little slice of Americana left in the modern US.

Saturday Night

Alamo Ritz

Wednesday, March. 17. 09:45 p.m.

Directed by actor James Franco, this documentary goes behind the scenes of the legendary show “Saturday Night Live” to chronicle what it takes to make an episode of the show, from the pitch table to the live broadcast. Along the way, we get a hint at the politics that come with skit and actor selection, and how they handle the guest host. The film is Franco’s directorial debut as a documentary filmmaker, and the screening at SXSW will be its world premiere.

When I Rise

The Paramount

Wednesday, March. 17. 11:30 a.m.

This film is screening in the Lone Star States category and hits close to home, by telling the story of Barbara Smith Conrad, a black music student at the University of Texas, who is cast in an opera opposite a white male student, fueling racist backlash from the Texas legislature, and attracting national media attention. It promises to e an inspirational story about overcoming adversity and the power of doing what you love.

The Runaways

The Paramount

Thursday, March. 18. 8 p.m.

“The Runaways” tells the story of the legendary 70’s female rock band of the same name. The film has received a lot of attention for placing Kristin Stewart in the role of Joan Jett, and Dakota Fanning in the role of Cherrie Currie, and the buzz has only continued after what is said to have been a positive reception at Sundance. The film is actually going to be in limited release shortly after its SXSW screening, so don’t fret if you aren’t able to make it to the glitzy screening at the Paramount, it’s coming to your local megaplex soon.

Hate groups on the rise

2010-03-08T10:03:00.000-08:00

Interesting article from Brave New Traveler suggests that hate groups are on the rise in the US.

The author argues that this could spell trouble for travelers.

"Fear-mongering in the States usually equals a backlash in other countries, and unfortunately travelers who are open-minded and wish to connect with other cultures end up receiving the brunt of that anger."

Has anyone seen any signs of this already?

TOMS Shoes: Spring Styles Are Here

2010-03-04T10:28:00.000-08:00

TOMS Shoes has rolled out a new collection for Spring 2010, including linen classics and cordones in spring colors and nautical prints. Check them out over at the newly revamped TOMS website.

To see or not to see: Cop Out

2010-02-18T15:51:00.000-08:00

Pros:
-Kevin Smith directing
-Tracey Morgan
-Some funny moments in Redband trailer
Cons:
-The name of the film
-Bruce Willis' accent
-No funny moments in theatrical trailer
-Especially the knock knock joke from trailer
-Written by the Cullen brothers, known for a catalog of canceled sitcoms, and DOA pilots.
-Smith has actually said on record that the film is,"not MY movie, [it's] a movie I was hired to direct."

Additional factors to consider:
-The working title was previously "A Couple of Dicks," and while that's pretty stupid as well, I'd definitely prefer it to "Cop Out."
-Seann William Scott

You be the judge.

Ben Kweller to play at SEU

2010-02-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

The University Programming Board will be treating St. Edward’s University students to a concert by musician Ben Kweller.

The show will be held March 26 on the Main Building lawn.

Kweller, now an Austin local, has gained notoriety for his high-profile festival performances and collaborations. His musical style blends numerous genres, including folk, country, indie and rock. Kweller’s most recent album, “Changing Horses,” was released in 2009. It was recorded in Austin and received widely positive reviews.

While the concert will be free, donations will be collected at the performance to benefit the American Red Cross. Students will also be able to contribute by entering a raffle for an electric guitar and purchasing custom event T-shirts and concessions.

UPB has hosted similar concerts in recent years with well-known musicians like Okkervil River and Bob Schneider.

UPB music coordinator Faith Chonko thinks it is important for UPB to coordinate these kinds of campus events for several reasons.

“There’s the typical answer that it’s Austin and music is important for the city, but I think also a lot of people can’t necessarily make it off campus or don’t have the funds to pay for a show,” Chonko said. “So we try to offer a free show with someone recognizable that they are going to enjoy.”

The show will also feature an opening act, which will be announced closer to the performance date.

SXSW iPhone App

2010-02-15T22:12:00.000-08:00

South by Southwesters will have an easier go of it this year with a new iPhone app that lets registrants customize their personal schedules.

The app also has a news feed, some social networking functionality and a Google map component to help you with venue navigation.

For iPhone users, gone are the days of trekking through downtown with a faded print-out schedule that may or may not actually reflect the current, updated lineup of showcases. (Just reflecting on my high school days)

No word yet on if a version will become available for other smart phones.

As most of the showcase schedules are tentative right now, the events in my schedule are populating to the same days, but as details become available in the coming weeks, they should spread out to their intended dates and times.

Can't wait to test this baby out come festival week.

Check it out iPhoners: my.sxsw

Looking back at New Zealand

2010-02-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

A year ago today I was boarding a plane bound for New Zealand with no idea of all the magical things that trip had in store. All cliches implied, it feels like only yesterday. So, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite photos from my time in NZ to commemorate the bitter sweet occasion.

Dear John not Notebook Remake

2010-02-04T09:46:00.000-08:00

Note: the following piece was co-written with my co-editor for the Hilltop Views, Holly Aker, to view our complete Q&A with Tatum and Seyfried, visit the Hilltop Views.

Moviegoers looking to relive the heartfelt romance of 2004’s “The Notebook” will find some comfort in another film based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks.

While many fans are expecting another “Notebook,” Seyfried said that while the two bare similarities, “Dear John” is a darker, different film—the kind that isn’t released often enough.

“Dear John,” starring Channing Tatum (“G.I. Joe” and “Step Up”) and Amanda Seyfried (“Mean Girls” and “Mamma Mia”), tells the story of two young lovers who fight to stay together despite being separated by John’s deployment overseas.

“Dear John” unfolds over the course of seven years, during which the couple remains largely separated, staying in touch through a series of letters.

Tatum said he admired couples that stay together despite being separated by obstacles like time and distance.

“I can’t imagine being away from the person I love for that long,” he said. “I am seriously awed by people who do it.”

Playing the role of a soldier was not a new experience for Tatum, who also played an enlisted man in “G.I. Joe” and “Stop-Loss.” But while he has experience playing the part, he said he doesn’t pretend to know what it would be like to really live that life.

“It’s in no way, shape or form in my head that what I do makes me understand a soldier because me or anybody else that is not in the armed forces will never know what it’s like to be a soldier,” he said.

Seyfried agreed, adding her gratitude for deployed men and women.
“I really appreciate the sacrifices they’re making and also leaving their loved-ones, as well,” she said. “That’s a whole other story. Not only are you risking your life, but you’re risking what you have here in the states.”

Both recognized the challenges that come with long-distance relationships.

“When you have that much time away from somebody it’s hard to stay connected in each other’s lives, so that’s the one thing you’re really fighting,” Seyfried said.

Tatum agreed, and elaborated on the challenges.

“It’s painful, and it’s funny, the things that it does to you,” he said. “You start fighting over stupid things. All of a sudden you’re having an argument about nothing, and it’s really just that you miss the person so much.”

But Tatum does offer a message of hope.

“I absolutely think these relationships can work,” he said. “You just got to really want it. You can’t just give up on them.”

To see if love can conquer all for the young couple in the film, check out “Dear John,” in theaters Feb. 5.

According to TMZ...

2010-01-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

Am I the only one who is sick of legitimate news organizations citing TMZ as a source in their entertainment-related stories?

Sure, in an age of new media, and lightening fast news dissemination, it's easy to rely on whatever second-hand, unsubstantiated knowledge you can collect to get the story out early.

But that doesn't mean the LA Times needs to publish a story solely based on TMZ reports.

In a time where reporters and news organizations alike are wondering why the public has lost its faith in the industry, and there is a prevailing idea that you can't believe what you read--take this as a small hint.

When you source a gossip site known for hounding and sensationalizing, a tabloid that doesn't get it right half the time themselves, you're only setting your publication up to look foolish and irresponsible.

Doesn't being a reporter first and foremost require just that, reporting. How about doing a little research and contacting your own sources?

Yet, even with the logical fortitude to know it is not good news gathering, tabloid journalism continues to seep into mainstream news with increasing prevalence.

Taking a Stand

2010-01-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

Krasinski makes foray into directing

2009-11-12T13:42:00.000-08:00

Note: the following piece was co-written with my co-editor for the Hilltop Views, Holly Aker, to view our complete Q&A with Krasinski, visit the Hilltop Views story.

Before anyone had ever heard of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company’s resident funnyman Jim Halpert, New York waiter John Krasinski was planning his foray into directing with the screen adaptation of “Brief Interviews with Hideous Men."

Seven years later, the actor, best known for his role as on NBC’s The Office, has finally brought his brainchild to the big screen.

The film is based on the book of the same name, written in 1999 by the late David Foster Wallace. It contains fictional interviews and short stories in which the male subjects reveal their repulsive characteristics, fantasies and behaviors.

Krasinski, who adapted the screenplay, also directed and acted in the film.

Krasinski said his decision to make the film was twofold. First, to draw further attention to Wallace’s work, and secondly to create a conversation about the provocative topics discussed in the film.

Krasinski said one of the highlights of his career was actually getting to elicit story feedback from Wallace prior to when filming began.

“[Wallace] said he was trying to write a book about a character that you never see or hear from, but through all the guys around her, you get to understand what she’s all about,” Krasinski said.

When adapting for a visual medium, Krasinski made the choice to create a narrative and further develop the female lead.

The story follows Sara Quinn, a recently dumped graduate student doing her dissertation on male sexuality. Quinn assembles a lineup, all of whom reveal themselves to be sexually deranged, misguided men suffering from a wide range of fears and inferiority complexes.

The film has a largely nonlinear, experimental style, and reveals more about each character with the story’s progression.

As part of the ensemble cast, Krasinski plays the role of Sara’s ex-boyfriend. However, this was not part of the original plan.

“I actually was planning on not being in it at all,” Krasinski said. “In the end, the reason why I was in the movie at all, was because an actor dropped out about two weeks before we were shooting.”

Krasinski and the producers felt that since the movie was such a unique project, someone wouldn’t have time to learn the lines, let alone grasp their concept in only two weeks time.

“I think the only thing on my resume that allowed me to do that part, was the fact that I had read the book 150 times,” he said. “And, I will say it was the most terrifying performance I’ve ever done.”

The film, which brings up many heavy subjects, will leave movie-goers thinking.

“I really hope that people leave the theater and can’t decide what they think of the movie for a few minutes until they talk about it, so that was my big goal,” Krasinski said.

The dirt on Fun Fun Fun Fest

2009-11-09T13:41:00.000-08:00

Festival-goers were treated to many perks as they arrived at Waterloo Park Saturday morning for Fun Fun Fun Fest.

Among them, a speedier willcall line than years past, free iPhone and iPod cases from sponsor Incase, a string of vendors offering up tasty treats, and of course, a wide array or musical offerings, poised to deliver a good time.

An early afternoon performance from Austin’s own L.A.X drew a sizable crowd for so early in the day, and managed to get many people dancing. The six-member dance hybrid group showed off their moves as well as their musical talent.

Altercation Comedy members JT Habersaat, Jake Flores and Joe Staats garnered laughs at the yellow stage for ripping on hipsters, UT football fans and the realities of being broke. The jokes seemed to strike a cord with much of the crowd. Ironic considering the packed stadium was only blocks away.

Vega and Neon Indian, both projects of Austin native Alan Palomo, performed on the blue stage only hours apart. While both projects produce danceable electro tunes, Neon Indian’s set was more psychedelic and hypnotic than the livelier Vega show.

Brooklyn band Les Savy Fav gave what was arguably Saturday’s most inventive performance.

Lead singer Tim Harrison embraced his balding head and prominent gut, by strutting around on stage in everything from a reptilian mask paired with a wedding dress, to a pair of iridescent purple leggings, worn under blue brief-style underwear. Harrison also applied black and red face paint to himself, his band mates, and members of the crowd and press pit.

His onstage antics were extended into the audience further with multiple stage-dives, one of which included a fully extended ladder being spread horizontally across the crowd so he could walk on top of it.

Yeasayer, Face to Face, 7 Seconds and Ratatat also delivered popular performances on Saturday.

The second day of the festival was dampened by rain, and eventually a thick sludge of mud covering large parts of the festival grounds.

Nothing Austinites were not accustomed to after ACL’s now notorious Dillo Dirt sludge-fest.

The Austin buzz band Black and White Years played an early set on the orange stage. Their blend of electo, dance and rock coupled with some bold fashion choices, made for a entertaining set.

Alaska in Winter played an inventive show on the blue stage. The one-man electro band, Brandon Bethancourt, sang and played the keytar onstage, while his virtual video orchestra was projected on a screen above the stage. The video featured images of Bethancourt playing all of the different instruments utilized in each song.

Boston punk band Street Dogs inspired circle pits in the rain with their performance on the black stage, drawing on live show mainstay tracks like “Tobe’s got a drinking problem.”

Of Montreal headlined the orange stage, and gave the kind of flamboyant, psychedelic performance that is typical of the band, known for their live show featuring dancers, ninjas and elaborate costumes. Probably the only notable difference between the band’s performance and their other shows was the fact that lead singer Kevin Barnes kept his clothes on for the rainy occasion. In previous Austin performances, Barnes has opted to strip into more revealing attire.

Competing with Of Montreal in the 8:30 timeslot was Danzig, returning to Austin for the first time in approximately 15 years. Though frontman and namesake Glen Danzig may have aged a bit since his Misfits, Samhain and early Danzig heyday, his vocal abilities were still on point. Fans stuck it out through the rain and sludge to rock out to the rock legend’s performance.

Other notable Sunday performances came from Atlas Sound, Youth Brigade, Mission of Burma, D.R.I and Crystal Castles.

Review: Flight of the Conchords

2009-11-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

There are two types of people in this world: people who love Flight of the Conchords and people who are genuinely perplexed and annoyed by why other people find them so funny.

Exaggeration or not, the former are still in luck, because New Zealand’s most popular musical export, not to mention television’s most endearing bromance, has cranked out a second studio album.

Like their self-titled debut, the majority of the songs on the effort, aptly titled “I Told You I Was Freaky,” were featured on this past season of Flight of the Conchords. But what the album lacks in surprises, it makes up for in consistency and hilarity.

For Conchords fans, the album sticks to the format that has catapulted them to success: catchy, genre-bending instrumentalism, coupled with infectious, witty and predominately bizarre lyrics.

While tracks like “Fashion is Danger” and “Too Many Dicks (On the Dance Floor)” showcase synth-infused dance beats, other songs range from reggae to heartfelt acoustic ballads. But regardless of the genre, each track tethers on the delicate edge between parody and paying tribute.

Time will tell if any of these new tracks can ever reach the quote-worthy status of “Business Time” or “Hiphopopotamus Vs. Rhymenoceros,” but some show considerable promise. In “Carol Brown,” the pair fictitiously details a number of creative excuses women have given for leaving them: “Felicity said there was no electricity, Emily, no chemistry. Fran ran, Bruce turned out to be a man.”

While “I Told You I was Freaky” abounds in many of the same successes as its predecessor, it may also suffer its most obvious pitfall. That is, that many of the tracks are far more enjoyable once you have seen them incorporated into the plot of their HBO series, rather than exclusively on the album. A bit of the humor could be lost on those without the frame of reference.

But whether they find the album to be epically hilarious or simply silly, fanatics and newcomers alike should be able to appreciate the musical diversity and lighthearted charm of this solid sophomore release.

Beware of your choice, Marge

2009-10-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

Marge Simpson is baring it all.

This November, the mother of three is making history as the first cartoon character to ever grace the cover of Playboy. The following is an open letter to Mrs. Simpson.

Dear Marge,

I apologize for writing publicly, as I was unable to locate your address—you’d be surprised how many Springfields there are in this country. Anyways, I have to say I’m conflicted about your recent decision to pose for Playboy.

On one hand, there is no denying that aside from some pigment issues, your body looks pretty amazing for a woman of your age, not to mention after three kids. It’s obvious why you would want to show it off.

And I have to applaud you on your decision to keep the full-on exhibitionism above the waist, as you are saving yourself from countless carpet-matching-drapes jokes, even if you are kind of asking for it with that signature ‘do.

It is refreshing to see a woman with some intelligence and life experience behind her making this plunge. Obviously, you are not some barely legal, bottle-blonde co-ed with delusions of sexy stardom. You have been representing the blue-haired, maternal minority in the public eye for 20 years, and only now have you chosen to pose nude.

But this drawer-dropping decision can be lofty.

What starts as female empowerment soon has every dribbling regular at Moe’s Tavern oogling your goodies while pounding back Duffs. Imagine Homer’s dismay when he finds Barney Gumble stockpiling copies of the issue for his personal collection.

When I was reading the magazine for the articles, I noticed that you said in your Q&A that Bart and Lisa are never to find out about this.

But Springfield is a small town, and word travels fast. It’s only a matter of time before your center spread is passed around the playground of Springfield Elementary, more popular than the latest Jonas Brothers Tiger Beat cover. A simple “eat my shorts” from Bart isn’t going to keep those loquacious schoolchildren from discussing your lack thereof.

Take it is as a cautionary warning — flaunt it if you got it, but there will be consequences, not the least of which will be some exasperating lectures from that preachy Ned Flanders.

Sincerely,

A Concerned Reader

Zombies: slow vs. fast

2009-10-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

Classic films taught us that zombies are supposed to be slow, dumb and persistent. They were usually easy to see coming, but they would take humans down with their relentless nature and unbridled pension for human flesh.

However, newer films such as "Resident Evil," "House of the Dead" and the 2004 remake of "Dawn of the Dead," challenge this notion with strong, stealthy, speedy zombies.

While purists of the genre prefer the classic lumbering zombie, does the outcrop of agile zombie flicks prove this to be a welcome transition?

Perhaps.

In the early days of horror, zombies were not the only slow villains. Classic horror icons were never seen running, yet they always had the uncanny ability of catching up to their winded victims.

Today, aside from remakes, our movie villains tend to move faster. It's a combination of better special effects and a move savvy audience. For zombies and other creatures alike, we can now see them move at the speed of light without awkward, primitive editing to make them appear faster, or worse, relying on the physical limitations of the actors.

Because today's horror films tend to rely much more so on blood, guts, gore and "gotcha" moments, we are conditioned to fear swift attacks. Gone are the days when the fear was in the approach, now, the film victims tend to be dead before they even see their killer coming.

So, you certainly have less hope of escaping a fast zombie. They can be everywhere you can be, and they tend to not be halted by small obstacles.

Classic slow zombies on the other hand, usually cannot break into a well-built structure, and are easier to outrun on a straight-away.

If the viewers correctly identify with the human victims, there is some motivation for preferring the zombies slow. The characters have a better chance of escape, and the audience has that hope.

Many fast zombie movies justify the speed of their creatures by including a back story of some kind of genetic modification. A good move, because otherwise the audience would not be likely to assume that a decomposing corpse is suddenly able to achieve startling feets of speed and strength.

On the other hand, they came back from the dead, didn't they? Maybe we shouldn't be so quick to make assumptions about their physical abilities.

Zomcoms, that is, comedic zombie films, tend to parody the slow zombie. This is because most zomcoms highlight the human character's zombie kills, and it has proven to be far more comical when the opponent is much slower.

For purists, and comedic spoofs, slow zombies will always be the desired foe, but fast zombies still instill fear, in their victims and the audience

Stardom no excuse for Polanski

2009-10-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

When we think of criminals fleeing the United States to avoid arrest, we often imagine them living off the grid in some exotic country, keeping a low profile by assuming a new identity.

However, after engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor in 1977, filmmaker Roman Polanski fled to France. There, he has continued to live a privileged life, direct high profile films and even receive an Academy Award.

As we know, all of this changed when Polanski was arrested on an outstanding warrant in Zurich, Switzerland, Sept. 26, while visiting the country to accept a lifetime achievement award.

He is currently in custody, awaiting a formal extradition request from the U.S.

The 2008 documentary “Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired” illuminates the details of the original Polanski case. While photographing then 13-year-old model Samantha Geimer for the French edition of Vogue, Polanski engaged in sexual intercourse with the teen.

After the victim turned him in, Polanski faced a barrage of charges, including rape by use of drugs, perversion, sodomy, a lewd and lascivious act upon a child under 14, engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and furnishing a controlled substance to a minor.

Polanski pled guilty to the lesser charge of engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

While the film begins with a transcript of the victim’s chilling testimony, it soon delves into the narrative of Polanski’s life. He survived the Holocaust, suffered the pain of his pregnant wife’s murder by the Manson Family, was hounded by a relentless press and faced a ruthless judge who played fast and loose with the legal system.

After the initial shock, it’s actually easy to feel sorry for the man. Couple this narrative of perseverance with the fact that he is an award-winning filmmaker, and the Hollywood elite would have you believe this is enough to forget about his crime.

But Polanski is not above the law, and his accomplishments do not make his crime any less heinous or illegal. It’s only prestige that separates him from any other sex offender in the registry.

Yes, it was a different time; Polanski was confined for a 42-day observational sentence in state prison, and the victim is currently preaching forgiveness. But no inconsistency, legal injustice or minor technicality excuses what he did and how he subsequently handled it.

As we await his extradition, the thing that should matter above all else is a fact one wouldn’t think needed arguing: that no amount of wealth, talent or connections makes it all right for a middle-aged man to have sex with a 13-year-old child.

Swimmin with Seals

2009-08-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

Finally developed the underwater camera's shots of our seal swim in Kaikoura, NZ this April. Pretty hit or miss, but there are a few interesting ones.

New Zealand Photo Essay #4: Parting is such sweet sorrow

2009-06-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

New Zealand Photo Essay #3

2009-06-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

New Zealand Photo Essay #2

2009-06-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

New Zealand Photo Essay

2009-05-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

Alive and well in New Zealand

2009-02-16T11:29:00.000-08:00

Check out the beautiful view from our flight into Wellington

Oscar Nominees

2009-01-22T08:11:00.001-08:00

From Oscar.com

Richard Jenkins
THE VISITOR

Frank Langella
FROST/NIXON

Sean Penn
MILK

Brad Pitt
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

Mickey Rourke
THE WRESTLER

Josh Brolin
MILK

Robert Downey Jr.
TROPIC THUNDER

Philip Seymour Hoffman
DOUBT

Heath Ledger
THE DARK KNIGHT

Michael Shannon
REVOLUTIONARY ROAD

Anne Hathaway
RACHEL GETTING MARRIED

Angelina Jolie
CHANGELING

Melissa Leo
FROZEN RIVER

Meryl Streep
DOUBT

Kate Winslet
THE READER

Amy Adams
DOUBT

Penélope Cruz
VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA

Viola Davis
DOUBT

Taraji P. Henson
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

Marisa Tomei
THE WRESTLER

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

THE DUCHESS

MILK

REVOLUTIONARY ROAD

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

THE BETRAYAL (NERAKHOON)

ENCOUNTERS AT THE END OF THE WORLD

THE GARDEN

MAN ON WIRE

TROUBLE THE WATER

THE CONSCIENCE OF NHEM EN

THE FINAL INCH

SMILE PINKI

THE WITNESS - FROM THE BALCONY OF ROOM 306

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

The Baader Meinhof Complex

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

THE DARK KNIGHT

HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

"Down to Earth"
WALL-E

"Jai Ho"
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

"O Saya"
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

La Maison en Petits Cubes

AUF DER STRECKE (ON THE LINE)

MANON ON THE ASPHALT

NEW BOY

THE PIG

SPIELZEUGLAND (TOYLAND)

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

THE DARK KNIGHT

IRON MAN

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

Extreme Home Makeover--Keller

2008-12-15T09:27:00.001-08:00

A house in my hometown, Keller Tx, is currently undergoing an Extreme Home Makeover. A visit to the home yesterday didn't yield any sightings of the designers, but the house seems to be making great progress.

I have a collection of photos from yesterdays events, but will be returning today for the big "move that bus" moment. So, I will post all of the photos tomorrow.

The one piece of juicy gossip from yesterday was concerning host Ty Pennington. Apparently, Pennington just arrived at the house yesterday (the day before the big reveal, mind you). So, part of his shtick is to change shirts from room to room to give the appearance that he has been present all week.

The magic of television.

Flight of the Conchords Premiere on Funny or Die

2008-12-14T09:56:00.000-08:00

Our favorite duo, er--band, returns to HBO for their season 2 premiere on January 18. But if you feel like you've been waiting long enough, head on over to Funny or Die, and catch the premiere episode online beginning December 17.

Knocking a month off the wait time for the first episode is a nice gift to fans, one that I can assure you, I'll be taking advantage of.

Caroline Attack--Kiwified

2008-12-09T13:36:00.000-08:00

With our Entertainment Journalism class coming to a close last night, I think its appropriate for a post on the future of this blog. While I hope to keep up with the entertainment buzz, and still post on a regular basis in the coming weeks, the blog will be taking a special turn in 2009.

In February, I will depart for a semester abroad in Wellington, New Zealand. At that time, I plan to take Caroline Attack into a more travel-focused direction. I intend to continue posting movie reviews, restaurant reviews etc., just often with a kiwi twist.

I'd love for my blog to become an unconventional and valuable resource for other students planning to study in New Zealand. I know I've done extensive research on what to expect, but nothing compares to hearing from someone who's actually been there and done that, and I hope to be that resource for others in the future.

Equally important, this outlet will provide my friends, family and followers with a way to stay in touch during my time abroad.

Its important to note that posting on this blog daily has been an extremely rewarding learning tool, really forcing me to keep an eye and an ear on the Austin arts scene, and I hope to continue experiencing its benefits.

My top 15 films of 2008

2008-12-08T17:10:00.000-08:00

With award season around the corner, many lists of the year's top films have been popping up online and in print. So, I thought I would supply my own favorites List for 2008.

Note: This list only includes films I have seen, while I'm sure in weeks to come I'll be wanting to add Doubt, Frost/Nixon, the Curious Case of Benjamin Button, the Wrestler etc. to the list, for now, this is it.

In no particular order,

The Dark Knight
Slumdog Millionaire
Encounters at the End of the World
Milk
Wendy and Lucy
In Bruges
Son of Rambow
In Search of a Midnight Kiss
Iron Man
Synecdoche, New York
Let the Right One In
Humboldt County
Burn After Reading
Transsiberian
Visioneers

Austin Girl's Gift Guide

2008-12-07T18:49:00.000-08:00

I'd be lying if I said this wasn't my personal Christmas list, but hopefully it can give someone a little insight on the perfect gift for the Austin girly in their life.

A Sigg graphic water bottle from REI

Feather tights from Free People.

The Kimchi Blue Buffalo Pintuck tunic from Urban Outfitters

Of Montreal Gemini Tactics vinyl wall decal from Blik. A digital download of their new album, Skeletal Lamping, is included in the price of the decals.

Toms wrap bootie in red. Each purchase of Toms shoes provides a pair for you and a pair for a child in Africa.

The Mae West Gloves from ModCloth

A backpack tote in an owl motif from ModCloth.

Milk [Movie Review]

2008-12-05T19:43:00.001-08:00

For many, the new Harvey Milk biopic has been a long time coming. As the first openly gay politician ever elected to major office in the United States, and the victim of an untimely assassination, Milk's life story is both inspiring and tragic.

Sean Penn doesn't just bare an eerie physical resemblance to the civil rights figure, but becomes him in every sense of the word. The transformation is incredible. But Penn offers up only one of the stellar performances in the film.

Josh Brolin plays Dan White, Milk's killer, with surprising empathy, and James Franco and Diego Luna do their real life counterparts immeasurable justice. But it is Emile Hirsch who really stands out as the best performance in the supporting cast. His portrayal of Cleve Jones is so entertaining, he comes close to outshining nearly anyone sharing a scene with him, except Penn himself.

Visionary Director Gus Van Sant was the right man for this job. The cinematography is breathtaking. The music is a perfect fit. And Van Sant's technique of blending archival footage with his own shots is so seamless it is often hard to tell if you are looking at the actors or historical figures.

I'd be hard-pressed to imagine an Oscar nomination lineup that didn't include nods for Milk in atelast the Best Ensemble Cast, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor categories.

A

Somnio's [Restaurant Review]

2008-12-05T08:46:00.000-08:00

Somnio's Cafe is an inconspicuous little eatery on S. First. Blink and you'll miss the single room cafe, quietly tucked away next to Flashback Vintage, but take one bite of their inventive and earth-friendly fusion cuisine, and you will not soon forget.

The locally owned restaurant serves lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. The menu is very limited, but the handful of tempting appetizers and entrees all seem to pack a punch.

First, we tried the mushroom stuffed avocado appetizer, which was breaded and fried and covered in queso fresco and pecans. It was hearty and delicious. I would have been satisfied with the delicious dish as the main course.

Next, it was entree time. I opted for Nynavae's tacos, which were stuffed with fried mushroom fritters and an Asian slaw. The tacos were incredibly delicious, but I kind of wish I had opted for another item, because the tacos bared such a strong resemblance to our appetizer.

My friend and dining companion opted for the Mediterranean quesadillas. Stuffed with eggplant caponata and mozzarella, they were a yummy choice indeed.

We both were served a cup of the pumpkin soup. It was a strong orange color, topped with pumpkin seed garnish, rich and earthy with a hint of sweetness.

The menu at Somnio's is largely local and organic, and extremely vegetarian friendly.

The ambiance is cozy and low-key, but the food is vibrant and sensuous.

I'll definitely be back to try the brunch.

The other cupcake joint in town

2008-12-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

Sugar Mama's Bakeshop: try it, you'll like it.

The new bakeshop on S. First st. is family owned and operated, and specializes in a diverse range of flavorful cupcake concoctions. The neon cupcake sign is less attention-grabbing than the giant cupcake-topped airstream on S Congress, but it packs just as much of a punch.

The cupcakes are not huge. But what they lack in size they certainly make up for in flavor and affordability.

I chose the German chocolate, which proved to be a delicious and decadent choice, though my friend's Hula (coconut with coconut cream cheese icing) was equally tasty.

Sugar Mama's also cooks up dessert bars, cookies, vegan specialties and other treats daily.

Andrew Bird announces tour dates

2008-12-03T09:26:00.000-08:00

In support of his upcoming album, Noble Beast, Andrew Bird has announced the first leg of tour dates for 2009. And lucky for Austinites, this announcement includes a show at the Paramount.
Here's a list of the US dates.

28-Jan	CARNEGIE HALL	NEW YORK
30-Jan	THE ORPHEUM THEATRE	BOSTON
3-Feb	CLUB 9:30	WASHINGTON DC
4-Feb	THE VARIETY PLAYHOUSE	ATLANTA
6-Feb	THE PLAZA THEATRE	ORLANDO
7-Feb	HOUSE OF BLUES	NEW ORLEANS
12-Feb	THE PARAMOUNT THEATER	AUSTIN
13-Feb	THE EL REY THEATRE	ALBUQUERQUE
14-Feb	THE RIALTO THEATER	TUCSON
18-Feb	THE ORPHEUM THEATRE	LOS ANGELES
19-Feb	THE FILLMORE	SAN FRANCISCO
20-Feb	THE FILLMORE	SAN FRANCISCO
21-Feb	THE ROSELAND THEATER	PORTLAND
23-Feb	THE MOORE THEATER	SEATTLE
24-Feb	THE KNITTING FACTORY	BOISE
25-Feb	THE MURRAY THEATER	MURRAY
26-Feb	THE OGDEN THEATER	DENVER
27-Feb	SLOWDOWN	OMAHA

Noble Beast will be available in the US on Fat Possum records January 20th.

2 Minutes of the LOST Season Premiere

2008-12-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

ABC has released a two minute clip from the season five premiere of LOST. The episode, titled "Because you left" features Kate getting an unwelcome visit from some blood thirsty lawyers. Check it out, below:

Let's hope that this season will finally carry some answers, after all the series is winding down.

"Because you left" airs January 21st.

Hilltop Views Newsroom Tour

2008-12-01T15:12:00.001-08:00

For my video blog this week, I thought I'd give you all an inside look at the Hilltop Views newsroom. See where our University's newspaper is produced, and meet some of the dedicated and serious staff. I look forward to hearing your comments after you take this exhilarating tour.

Ginger Spice makes an ass of herself

2008-11-30T08:09:00.000-08:00

The classy folks over at TMZ have released this photo of Ginger Spice aka Geri Halliwell sporting a buttocks-bearing dress at an English children's award show.

Looks like someone could use a mirror, or at least a perceptive friend, to look out for this kind of thing before skirting off down the red carpet.

I would love to be a fly on the wall to witness when Halliwell was made aware of the blunder. Next time, wear underpants and it wont be such a big deal.

Roadtrip Playlist

2008-11-29T11:34:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I will embark on the trip back to Austin after a great Thanksgiving.
I thought I'd share some of the albums I'll be cruising to on the return trip.

Jenny Lewis: Acid Tongue

Bishop Allen: The Broken String

Ra Ra Riot: The Rhumb Line

Belle & Sebastian: Dear Catastrophe Waitress

Of Montreal: Skeletal Lamping

Chris Lilley IS Summer Heights High

2008-11-28T07:37:00.000-08:00

Australian phenom Summer Heights High has hit the US.

The series, which swept Australia back in '07, is now airing on HBO.

Summer Heights High is an eight-part series which chronicles one term at an Australian high school. The series is shot in a satirical, mockumentary format, with Australian funny-man Chris Lilley playing the three main roles.

Lilly transforms from the effeminate and self-absorbed drama teacher Mr. G, to the vulgar, Pacific Inlander, Jonah Takalua, to the privileged and bratty teenage girl, Ja'mie King.

Three episodes in, the show is so humorous that it is depressing to know only five more exist.

Lilley also played multiple roles in another popular Australian series, We Can Be Heroes. Hopefully, Summer Heights High's international success will lead to an international distribution for this series as well.

New York gets Rickrolled

2008-11-27T07:16:00.000-08:00

English musician, and eighties icon Rick Astley made a grand return to the stage today, with a surprise rickroll of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route. Astley appeared on the Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends float.

Kudos to Astley for breaking the parade's monotony of marching bands and Broadway musical renditions.

Watch the video below:

Who wore it better?

2008-11-26T07:08:00.000-08:00

Kate Bosworth(left) wore this Etro ethnic-print dress with a scarf, tights, boots and a studded belt. While Kimberly Stewart went more minimal, pairing it with a wide belt, tights and studded pumps.

Who wore it better? Vote in the comments section.

Michael Cera to Play 14-Year-Old

2008-11-25T06:37:00.000-08:00

Production is underway on the cinematic remake of the C.D. Payne's novel, Youth in Revolt. And 20-year-old Michael Cera has been tapped to play the lead role.

Cera's character, Nick Twisp is the 14-year-old son of two trailer trash parents in a see-saw marriage, and is on a crusade to lose his virginity to a girl he meets on a family vacation.

I have to admit I'm a little conflicted by Cera's casting. On one hand, I'm a fan of the novel and of Cera so it seems like a natural marriage. Of course, the six year age leap is a little odd. We'll just have to see if he pulls it off.

Film School Rejects has released the first images of the film.

The cast also includes Justin Long, Steve Buscemi, Ray Liotta and Zach Galifianakis.

5 American Trends to Keep an Eye on

2008-11-24T18:48:00.000-08:00

Vampires: Hollywood films, an HBO series, Hot Topic racks and even an episode of Southpark are making vampires a cultural phenomenon usually reserved for Halloween.

Leading Lesbians: Bones and House, two of the most popular shows on Fox's fall line-up, have recently outed prominent characters, featuring them in steamy make out scenes that audiences weren't likely to see coming.

Slouchy Sweaters: Check the racks at your favorite trendy women's clothing destination, and you are likely to discover that long, slouchy sweaters are keeping girls warm this winter.

Christmas in October: People like to joke the Christmas comes earlier every year, but in 2008 the economic downturn meant major retailers rolled out the tinsel and stockings before Halloween costumes were even off the shelves. Christmas in October?

(fill in the blank) on a dime: Advertisements, promos and various media outlets are all aiming to keep nervous consumers spending, by not spending too much. Lure 'em into the stores with promises of cheap buys and maybe their lack of impulse control will be your corporate pay-off.

New favorite show: Whale wars

2008-11-23T19:47:00.000-08:00

After a couple weeks of action-packed and emotionally charged episodes, its safe to say Whale Wars is my new favorite show.

The dedicated crew of sailor and environmentalists aboard the Sea Shepard's SS Steve Irwin troll the arctic seas in search of Japanese whalers, intervening by throwing stink bombs, boarding the ship, and attempting to strangle the boat's motor in rope.

It's like pirates of the Caribbean, for a cause. The only thing better than watching the fierce battles between the Sea Shepard conservation ship and the fleet of whalers, is watching the tension between crew members and the array of unlucky mishaps that happen on board the Steve Irwin.

It seems everything that can go wrong, will go wrong for these dedicated (if not a little loopy) whale warriors.

Twilight Review

2008-11-22T11:04:00.000-08:00

I'll preface this review by saying that I have never read any of the books in the Twilight series, and really had little desire to see this film. However, I accompanied some friends, flocking to the theater like a fangirl, and in some ways was pleasantly surprised.

Besides the whole vampire thing, Twilight is a chick flick in every sense of the word. We are greeted with a female lead who is easy to empathize with, and a handsome, mysterious male lead--a bad boy, with a sweet side.

The high school atmosphere is easy to relate to, but the science fiction elements don't always stick. The flying scenes, for instance, don't have anything on similar films, most notably, Harry Potter.

Twilight is infused with a heavy layer of cheese and teenage idealism, but the romance is sweet, and it is enjoyable to watch. Maybe I would feel different if I had read the book and had a strong sense of the characters, but the casting seemed on point for the screenplay.

Don't take it too seriously, and the little budding teen romance alone is worth the price of admission.

B-

Brenham, TX

2008-11-21T09:17:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow's adventure takes me to Brenham TX, a blip on the radar, but a hotspot on my map because I'll be visiting my two best friends. I believe the weekend will include a trip to see Twilight, I'm apprehensive, but expect a review to come.

Opinion: California Proposition Fights for Animals

2008-11-20T13:56:00.000-08:00

Because we are a nation comprised of conflicting political persuasions and values, Election Day is always full of both national and localized triumphs and tragedies. And while the state of California has been in the national spotlight for the disastrous outcome of proposition eight, another statewide proposition represents an enormous victory for the most disenfranchised and often overlooked residents of this nation—animals.

The California Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act, known as Proposition two is a modest yet monumental measure, ensuring that farm animals have the ability to turn around, stand up, lie down and extend their limbs while caged. The initiative specifically applies to egg laying hens, pregnant sows and veal calves.

Currently, many factory farms cram hens 3-6 to a battery cage, keep pregnant sows confined to claustrophobic gestation crates for nearly the entire duration of their pregnancies and keep veal calves tethered from their necks in narrow crates.

Under the measure, which passed by approximately 63% to 37%, farms are expected to phase out pens that do not comply with the new standards by 2015.
Similar, yet less comprehensive measures have been passed in Florida, Oregon, Colorado, Arizona and throughout the European Union.

With an historic election and a controversial marriage bill on the ballot, it seems like Prop. 2 didn’t get nearly as much media attention as the top of the ticket. This says a lot about the growing practicality of animal rights. Perhaps, when voters looked at the initiative in plain language, stripped of all the pretense of high dollar propaganda, it just seemed like a common sense decision.

Animals pay the ultimate sacrifice for humans, especially those raised on factory farms; they spend their entire lives in cages and march to their deaths in slaughterhouses, only to be butchered and unpacked on grocery store shelves. And throughout all of this, they obviously never have a choice about whether they would prefer to live or die.

According to a 2003 Harris poll, less than 3 percent of the people in the United States are consistent vegetarians. Clearly, while humans no longer need meat to survive, its popularity and perceived integral position in the American diet is not waning. Therefore, we all have a responsibility to make sure these animals are treated fairly for the short amount of time they are permitted to spend on this planet.

See this viewpoint in print in this week's issue of the Hilltop Views.

Today's Playlist

2008-11-19T09:24:00.000-08:00

Andrew Bird: Armchairs

Jenny Lewis: Acid Tongue

Belle and Sebastian: Piazza New York catcher

Cat Power: Living proof

MGMT: Love always remains

Handsome Furs: Handsome Furs hates this city

She and Him: Black Hole

The Ruby Suns: Morning Sun

Depressed? Step away from the remote!

2008-11-18T14:13:00.000-08:00

A recent study, highlighted by the folks over at Live Science, found that 'unhappy' people watch an average of 30% more television than happy people. That's a difference of approximately 19 hours to 25 hours a week.

This is not good news for me.

Even as I type now, I have Hardball with Chris Matthews blaring in the background, I sleep with the TV on every night. In fact, my slumber suffers from the silence if this habit is compromised. I watch talk shows while I get ready in the morning, and late night shows as I doze off. I even watch the prime time shows I miss during the week online when there's a lull, and go to pseudo-illegal downloading measures to secure a couple of my favorite shows that air on premium cable channels.

Now this is embarrassing.
Depending on the season, I regularly watch Flight of the Conchords, The View, Dexter, Southpark, Hardball, Countdown, The Rachael Maddow Show, What Not to Wear, The Colbert Report, The Daily Show, Project Runway, Bones, Fringe, House, Lost, Entourage, Whale Wars, Monsterquest and any variety of news, entertainment and trashy reality shows if none of these titles appear in the TV guide.

Maybe silence makes me uncomfortable. I keep my TV streaming as I surf the web, do homework, put up my laundry, work out in the fitness center, clean or participate in any other distraction.

And amazingly, I'm still highly productive.

And, I feel happy.

Does the exception make the rule?

Wikipedia Random article #3

2008-11-17T09:34:00.000-08:00

Daddy. (1989 film)

A Bollywood film about a young girl that tries to reunite with her father, but is struggling to battle alcoholism. It won a critics award for best performance.

Wikipedia Random article #2

2008-11-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

The Rosenbach Museum and Library in Philadelphia.

The library, which is comprised of two restored 19th century townhouses, holds rare books, manuscripts and art.

Wikipedia Random article #1

2008-11-15T09:44:00.000-08:00

I've decided to try a new blogging experiment using Wikipedia random article search. Today's post will be the first in the series, so here we go:

Independent Social Democratic Party of Germany

It was a short lived political party during the Second Reich.

"The history of the USPD began on December 21, 1915, members of the SPD fraction in the Reichstag, the German parliament, voted against the authorization of further credits to finance World War I, an incident that emphasized existing tensions between the party's leadership and the left-wing pacifists surrounding Hugo Haase and ultimately led to the expulsion of the group from the SPD fraction on March 24, 1916."

You learn something new everyday.

Let the Right One In

2008-11-14T15:38:00.000-08:00

If you're a fan of vampire flicks but aren't in a tizzy over Twilight, check out Let the Right One in, now playing at the Alamo South Lamar.

Let the Right One in is a Swedish film, but it has been making waves a film festivals worldwide. The film focuses on the relationship between two children--Oskar a lonely boy who is often the target of school bullies, and Eli, a 12-year-old vampire.

The film evokes snippets of the famous vampire genre, but is more of an emotional tale than typical horror movie. Sure, theres blood and guts, but this film manages to communicate more about emotional pain than physical.

I won't give too much away. So, I'll just say this: believe the hype.
A-

Changeling (50 word review)

2008-11-13T13:59:00.000-08:00

Angelina Jolie carries the heart-breaking role of a grieving mother with conviction and depth in Eastwood's Changeling. While the plot-line is moving, the fashion is booming, Jolie looks right at home in authentic and beautiful 1920's style: prominent red lips, feminine leather gloves and a characteristic wavy bob.

B+

Of Montreal @ Fiesta Gardens

2008-11-12T15:23:00.000-08:00

Of Montreal took to the outdoor stage at Fiesta Gardens, and delighted the crowd with their musical styling and brilliantly and bizarrely choreographed sideshow.

The show, which was opened by Icy Demons, (members of Man Man) drew an enormous crowd.

Through numerous costume changes and off-the-wall scenarios, the musicians and dancers of Of Montreal were a sight to be seen. The band played for nearly two hours, covering tunes from several albums, most notably, their newest--Skeletal Lamping.

It's 11/11

2008-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

I'm posting at 11:11 on 11/11.

Make a wish!

Barton Creek Square Mall> Highland Mall

2008-11-10T13:46:00.000-08:00

Having been an Austin resident for over a year and a half, it may shock some that I had never visited Highland Mall--until today.

Barton Creek Square Mall is a comfortable 5-10 minute drive from campus depending on traffic and time of day. And while the variety of stores leaves something to be desired, the movie theater and convenient location make it a worthwhile trip.

However, my desire to visit Forever 21, an old standby for cheap and stylish mall-bred clothing, drove me out of my south Austin comfort zone.

Highland Mall, or as I have often heard it referred to as, "the ghetto mall" did a fair job of fitting the description. The stores were clean enough and stocked, but many lacked the organizational flow of newer establishments. The mall itself was small, and it was difficult to maneuver through the department stores. The parking was cramped with bus traffic.

Maybe it was the bad lighting or cramped shelves, but I only made one purchase today, an $8 belt. Hardly qualifies as a shopping spree.

Which dog should the Obama's get?

2008-11-09T09:50:00.000-08:00

It's your turn to weigh in.

Make your suggestions in the comments section.

Fun Fun Fun Fest Volunteer Diary

2008-11-08T23:50:00.000-08:00

Todays volunteer duties were twofold.

1) approximately seven hours at the will call and wristband tent

2) the rest of the evening patrolling the park's fence to make sure kids didn't jump over and sneak into the festival

The will call table was fast paced, we had a strong and steady crowd for at least five hours straight, but there were no major blunders and we were within earshot of one of the stages.

The territory for my second duty was a long expanse of fence in the far corner of Waterloo park, an area isolated behind a lengthy expanse of porta-potties. My only companions during this time, besides the little punks jumping the fence, were the homeless men on the other side, the occasional loners seeking quiet space to chat on their cellphones and the numerous impatient and conspicuous men who thought it was a good idea to just whip it out and pee behind the porta-potties rather than inside of them.

Perhaps my presence is not as imposing as the festival coordinators would have hoped because at least three lil' juvenile delinquents jumped over and took off running like ninjas in the night less than 100 yards from me.

Bands overheard: YACHT, Dean Deacon, Z-Trip, Dead Milkmen, Octopus Project, ALL, The National, Deerhoof, Atmosphere & the Adolescents.

bands watched: zero.

Fun Fun Fun Fest [Preview]

2008-11-07T15:56:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow and Sunday, I will be posting about my experiences volunteering at Fun Fun Fun Fest in Waterloo Park. The lineup, which includes Bishop Allen, Dead Milkmen, Minus the Bear and Leftover Crack, can be found at http://www.funfunfunfest.com

Also, remember there is a student discount on ticket prices.

For now, I want to share a tip about where to park. There is free parking on nights and weekends at the Capital Visitors' Parking Garage, pretty much directly adjacent to the park--in fact, that is a good tip for any night on the town.

An Airedale for the Obamas

2008-11-06T16:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Obama family,

I will pretend for a second that you are loyal followers of my blog, and throw out a suggestion. As indicated in Barack's victory speech Tuesday, your family will soon be welcoming a new addition. I saw the press conference in which Barack listed the stipulations for the new pooch.

1.) Malia is allergic, so the dog should be hypoallergenic
2.) You would prefer a shelter dog

Without overstepping my boundaries, I would like to recommend the perfect canine companion for your white house years. The Airedale terrier.

Even though Airedales grow curly long coats, they are completely hypoallergenic and shed-free. They are great with kids, and often referred to as clowns for their playful, humerus dispositions. They are regal and presidential, yet fun-loving and youthful.

Three US presidents, Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge and Warren Harding have all owned Airedales during their time in office. Even John Wayne had an Airedale as a boy, affectionately known as "little Duke."

As the next president of the United States, I'm sure you have the clout to locate an Airedale in a shelter if you put the word out, but best of all, there is an extensive network of Airedale rescue groups, including one in Illinois.

Sure, you could get a Shih-Tzu or a Maltese--but why not get a larger, shed-free dog that can play a decent game of fetch.

My Airedale, Winston, approves this message.

Agent Orange @ RED 7

2008-11-05T18:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight's entertainment...

Another STRUT post

2008-11-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to inform all the lady readers that Austin Strut stores will be giving out 20% discount cards with any purchase beginning Friday, the 7th, while supplies lasts. Each store has 150 cards, and they will be good on any purchase until January.

Considering Strut seems to have a 30-40% off sale every 2 or 3 weeks, this additional 20% is an added bonus.

Visit their website for store locations and to sign up for the mailing list; that way, you'll be keen to these special deals.

Election Eve

2008-11-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is election day, and the whole world is watching.

And regardless of your political affiliation, lets hope Americans turn out in drones to support.

It may sound cheesy, but hey, participation is what Democracy is all about.

Trend Alert: Vampires

2008-11-02T14:33:00.000-08:00

Maybe its the Halloween exuberance still hanging in the air, but it seems it tis' the season for blood-suckers.

HBO's original series, True Blood premiered in September, and is attracting a loyal following thus far.

And how could I even begin to report on this trend without discussing the startling success of the Twilight book series. The first installment is making its big screen debut November 21. The film hasn't even been released and already, pre-teen girls are so wound up you would think they were in line for a Jonas Brothers concert.

But its another vampire film I have my sights on, Let the Right One In, a Swedish flick about the relationship that develops between two young kids, one who happens to be a vampire, is getting outstanding reviews at festivals across the globe. Some reviewers are claiming this atypical horror movie has a great chance of winning the Best Foreign Film Oscar. (Even though it has barely graced American shores, Cloverfield director Matt Reeves is already planning a remake, but I wouldn't count on that one to be near as good. ) Let the Right One In opens at the Alamo Drafthouse November 14.

Where else are vampires popping up?

Austin Film Festival Volunteer Appreciation Party

2008-11-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

The Austin Film Festival put on an appreciation party for volunteers at the Great Outdoors tonight.

Amidst the flora, we dined on BBQ, and watched cinematic gems like The Monster Squad and Evil Dead II. The weather was a perfect compliment to the outdoor festivities and the turnout was great.

I was delighted to win a free AFF tote bag in a raffle, and other lucky volunteers took home additional swag, one winning a coveted Producer's Badge for next year's festival.

Bruce Campbell, BBQ and free stuff: I'd call that a success!

Rocky Horror Picture Show @ The Alamo

2008-10-31T20:52:00.000-07:00

We spent the latter half of our Halloween at an interactive performance of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Alamo Village. The event included a costume contest as well as all the seemingly sacred rituals performed before and during the show.

Performers put on this show every Saturday at Midnight, and almost nightly around Halloween. You could tell the regulars were really having fun; they chanted nonsensicals and danced around in delight.

But it wasn't really my cup of tea.

There were hilarious moments, don't get me wrong. But loud obnoxious inside jokes and fleeting partial nudity definitely aren't my scene. The best part of the experience was an old standby, Alamo Drafthouse chips and queso.

It was a fun thing to do once, but I don't plan on going back. Next time I go to a movie where they talk over the dialog, rest assured it'll be a Master Pancake.

Dear Blog,

2008-10-30T21:29:00.001-07:00

Today was a good day for a number of reasons.

1.) I found out Time Warner and KXAN resolved their dispute, meaning after nearly a month, NBC is back!
2.) I got to bust out my Amy Winehouse Halloween costume early at our night of Mischief and Mayhem, a collaborative event between Dujarie hall, the Casa, and BMH.

and..

3.) Our class articles ran in XL. Talk about cool, I raided the Statesmans on the BMH news rack to score a couple keepsake copies.

Stay tuned this weekend for Halloween commentary--

For now, it's going to be exciting to watch Conan for the first time in weeks....

If the world could vote...

2008-10-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

Barack Obama would undoubtedly be President.

And if anyone had any reservations about that, a new website provides some proof.

http://www.iftheworldcouldvote.com is a website created by three men from Iceland who were curious about seeing what the outcome of the US presidential election would be if every country in the world were given a say.

Anyone, including US citizens can go on and vote for president, and the website detects your current geographic whereabouts.

The site features a pseudo-electoral map of the world, and all countries are shaded from red to blue in accordance with their preferences.

With over 600,000 votes counted from around the world thus far, Obama is currently holding an overwhelming 86.8% of the vote. Comically, McCain's only strongholds are Albania and the former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia.

But don't worry, he also holds 50% of the vote in the coveted swing state of Lesotho.

If only the World could vote in our election, pretty sad when you can trust Bahrain to make a better decision on US politics than half of us can.

$8 Sale at Hush Hush

2008-10-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

Head on over to Hush Hush, the clearance store for Austin area Strut stores. Today, everything--clothes, shoes and accessories are only $8. The sale continues tommorow, and everything will be marked down to $6. Additionally, everything at Strut is 40% off for the next two days.

Some of the items at Hush Hush have landed there because they have minor imperfections like broken zippers and missing buttons, while others are simply overstock and maintain their mint condition.

Strut is famous for these drastic markdowns and secret sales, sometimes only applying the discount if a password is given. So, if you like a bargain, sign up for their mailing list so you'll be in the know.

My purchase today included a $90 coat, sold for $8 because its missing a button, now that's what I call a steal!

Master Pancake: Friday the 13th

2008-10-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

If you are an Austin resident and have never had the pleasure of witnessing the Alamo Drafthouse's Master Pancake Theater crew mock an overrated movie, what are you waiting for?

This month's mocking of horror classic Friday the 13th may be one of the funniest I have witnessed. I'd say the general rule of MPT is: the worse the movie, the funnier the jokes. So, it comes as no surprise that this terrible movie would generate plenty of hilarity.

Friday the 13th will continue at the Alamo Ritz until November 1st. And starting November 7th, the crew will take on the timeless classic, Forrest Gump.

Synecdoche, New York [Movie Review]

2008-10-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

Eccentric and esteemed screenwriter Charlie Kaufman makes his directorial debut with Synecdoche, New York, a goulash of human and cinematic constructs. The film paints the rapidly progressing existence of theater director Caden Cotard (Philip Seymour Hoffman), a man trapped in an empty, estranged marriage, and suffering from a debilitating and mysterious illness.

One by one, Cotard begins to lose control of his autonomic functions, and terrified by the idea of his impending demise, sets out to achieve his masterpiece. He creates a massive and multidimensional theater project, a living and breathing metropolitan replica, housed in a New York City airplane hanger.

When viewed through strictly analytical eyes, the film’s beauty can be easily overlooked and the plot can become maddening. The audience is left to constantly guess whether or not the events on the screen are occurring in reality or are simply products of Cotard’s ailment. And from this view, the film’s progression, or perhaps lack thereof, becomes drudgingly anticlimactic; the big pay off never comes.

Conversely, absorbing the film’s stylistic and humanistic charm as it plays, and not harping on the logistics of it all, is an incredibly rewarding and engaging experience. The film is superbly acted and delightfully crafted. The dialogue is consistently witty and charming, and quirky nuances coat the screen at every turn. Synecdoche, New York is a film that transcends space and time, and reveals some insightful truths about the nature of both life and death.

Amy Winehouse Halloween

2008-10-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

I've finally decided on a costume for Halloween, the train-wrecked queen herself, Amy Winehouse. The costume will include a ratty beehive wig, fake tattoos, globs of eyeliner, heels, and an Amy-esque dress with a sweetheart neckline. Heck, maybe I'll spice it up with a faux bloody nose.

What are you being for Halloween?

What is being sold here?

2008-10-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Tongue Piercing [Video]

2008-10-23T17:50:00.000-07:00

Now this is entertainment!

The video below features my roommate, April, getting her tongue pierced last weekend. I wanted to share it with you because I think the dialog is particularly amusing.

Watch her handle it like an old pro.

Thanks to Becca for filming.

AFF Conference Diary

2008-10-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

As a conference volunteer for the AFF, I had the opportunity to attend a diverse range of panels with some accomplished guests.

From young filmmaker panels to scriptwriting for video games, I watched as film and television titans elaborated on the creative production process.

Some observational highlights include:

Melissa Rosenberg, screenwriter of Twilight and Executive Producer of Dexter, spoke to high school students about keeping a series fresh and adapting a novel with a huge cult following into a film.

Greg Daniels, (left) creator of the office, blew Paul Lieberstein's (Tobey, The Office) cover and announced his presence to a room full of people. This inspired a small frenzy of fans to swarm him after the panel.

Giving directions to the Austin Club to John August, screenwriter of Big Fish, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride etc.

Phil Rosenthal, creator of Everybody Loves Raymond, joking that the creative process is fueled by a big breakfast.

Adam Resurrected Review

2008-10-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

"Adapted from the novel, ADAM RESURRECTED is a searing journey through the post-WWII psyche that illuminates the indistinct lines between freedom and captivity, truth and artifice, tragedy and comedy. At the center of the story is Adam Stein, once a popular German cabaret star who now, in the early 1960s, is living in a very different kind of three-ring circus: an experimental insane asylum in the Negev Desert in Israel. (Austin Film Festival)."

Adam Resurrected, the new WWII festival darling starring Jeff Goldblum, is the type of film you expect to see at a film fest--it's complex, daring, experimental, visually stimulating and at times, emotionally draining. It is the kind of film that, for better or worse, leaves you speechless.

That being said, there is no denying the fact that Goldblum owns this performance; he carries the narrative on his shoulders, truly personifying the tortured yet spirited character, however likable or unlikable he may be. It is this single quality, perhaps, that makes the film inspire conflict and provocation of thought. Adam is brilliant and a victim of hardship, yet he is flawed with a raging temper, and a manipulative and domineering personality. Yet, as the film progresses, we begin to see glimpses of humanity, and motive for Adam's persona.

William Defoe, who portrays a Nazi in Goldblum's flashbacks, also gives an incredibly strong performance, as does the supporting cast--a peculiar and damaged crew of insane asylum residents.

In an industry where WWII films are a dime a dozen, Adam Resurrected gives the audience a haunting and personal glimpse into one man's life amidst the war's aftermath. The film teeters on the edges of sanity and humanity and explores the pain that comes with surviving tragedy.

House of Torment

2008-10-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

No matter how chilling a haunted house may be, visitors can always find solace in one simple rule--the goblins and demons that roam the hallways are simply not permitted to touch you.

Yet, in the absence of traditional physical contact, the performers still find ways to make your skin crawl.

A popular method of torment seemed to be flowing from the mouths of numerous male creatures. While their cadaverous extremities politely halted inches from my body, their mouths broke rank and blew a gentle twist of lukewarm air. The act served as an unwelcome greeting.

As foreign diaphragms extracted breeze onto the back of my neck, it was clear the space barrier had been thoroughly penetrated.

They were no longer horrendous zombies or stalking masked nightmares, but just some creepy twentysomething dudes blowing on the back of each passing neck.

Volunteer Diary #2-- Danny Boyle

2008-10-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

Friday: My first night of working as a film venue volunteer.

Arriving at the Paramount Theater at 6pm, I was scheduled to work the premiere of Dir. Danny Boyle's (Trainspotting, 28 Days Later, Sunshine) Slumdog Millionaire. Little did I know, I was stumbling upon one of the festival's greatest gems.

The film drew the biggest crowd of any I saw all weekend, one that was only rivaled by Oliver Stone's W as a far as I can tell.

Slumdog Millionaire is a gritty yet heartfelt tale of an orphaned slum kid, Jamal, who rises to fame as a contestant on the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?
To the surprise of the producers, Jamal nervously flies through the questions, answering each correctly, until the buzzer sounds before the equivalent of the million dollar question. Accused of cheating, Jamal is taken into custody and asked to explain how a slumdog could possibly know the answers to such challenging questions.

What follows, is a beautiful narrative of Jamal's life; through tragedy and triumph, hardship and courage, each recollection demonstrates a life lesson to correspond with the gameshow questions.

The film encompasses many of Boyle's signature elements: stylistically skewed camera angles, vivid colors and all-around dramatic cinematography. All of these elements are enhanced by the film's backdrop--a mixture of natural beauty and urban waste that paint the screen, and come to mirror the relationship between the human spirit and the wicked obstacles placed in its path.

Considering that nearly half of the film is carried by actors under the age of ten, the performances are spectacular!

As the first wave of the audience exited the theater, heaps of teary-eyed viewers descended into the refuges, err, I mean restrooms to try and conceal the passion they felt for this moving plot. And even as the less emotionally-moved crowd made their way out of the venue, the positive buzz circulated like electricity.

No matter where I went, Slumdog Millionaire seemed to be the favorite film cited by many throughout the remainder of the weekend.
*A+

After Boyle's Q&A, there was a subsequent screening of his first film, Shallow Grave, which drew an incredibly large crowd for a 13-year-old movie.

Besides seeing two great films, the highlight of my night was being called "love" by Danny Boyle after a misunderstanding about a box of pencils. haha. :)

TBA

2008-10-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the lack of posting for the latter half of the week. It's been non-stop Austin Film Festival. I will be posting a sizable amount of material in the morning including insights on the films Ive seen: Slumdog Millionaire, Adam Resurrected, Visioneers etc. Conference wisdom from some film and TV heavyweights, and star sightings/ meetings.

Bachman McCarthyism--The Red Scare Returns

2008-10-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

Fall Fashions.

2008-10-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

With fall in swing, what fashions are hitting the shelves?

Slouchy sweaters, patterned tights, little loafers, and bold peacoats are all great looks for fall.

For accessories: try jeweled clutches, feather hair clips, headbands and hooded scarves.

My favorite look is patterned tights with boots, and a bold leg warmer or knee sock poking out in
between.

Free People is really picking up on this trend.

Austin Film Festival Volunteer Diary #1

2008-10-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

I spent my first day as a volunteer for the Austin Film Festival prepping for it's arrival. Along with tasks like filing, sorting, and unloading various materials, I braved the drizzly weather for some miscellaneous tasks at various festival locales.

The coolest job was one that was sprung on me, the task of picking up gift baskets and bottles of wine from Central Market, and delivering them to various downtown hotels to be left in the suites of some festival VIPs.

From tooling up in the valet lane, handing off my heavily-adorned key chain, to attempting to disguise my childish handwriting while crafting notes to accompany the filmmakers' baskets, it was a colorful experience, definitely an atypical day at the office.

Going to desperate lengths for Dexter

2008-10-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

In an earlier post, I blogged about the struggle of finding episodes of my favorite TV show, Dexter, online.

Last week, disgusted by the time delays on iTunes, I took my search to Google and finally found a low quality version on a random blog--worth the search. I'll take what I can get.

Yesterday I went out on a virtual quest for episode three, resulting in a forty five minute search before I finally nabbed a half-decent copy. Mind you, half-decent was a 3 second delay between the video and the sound.

The journey to find this copy was the most disgusting aspect of the whole ordeal. I patiently navigated the seedy underbelly of the Internet, sifting through Winrar suggestions, false links leading to pornographic websites, mandatory surveys, pop-up ads that defied my filter, and Asian uploads featuring comically large subtitles.

If I was surfing from a PC, it would be at tech repair right now.

Margot and the Nuclear So & So's Concert

2008-10-13T17:46:00.000-07:00

Last night's show at Mohawk was a charming one indeed.

Casually seated on the balcony with my feet stretched out on the railing, I watched as the musicians made beautiful music on the outdoor stage below.

The experience presented itself as a refreshing break from the sweaty, cramped moshpits that surround the stage at most shows. And affinity for that atmosphere aside, this claustrophobia-free thing at Mohawk has merits of its own.

The first band to hit the stage was Judgment Day, a three-piece classical-instrumental-metal outfit from San Fransisco.

I have to admit, I am not exactly a fan of any of these musical styles. But Judgment Day was in a new league.
Drums.
Violin.
Cello.
No pesky guitars or vocals to ruin the mood.

I was amazed by how rich strings can sound with metal when they aren't blanketed by guttural screaming.

Next up, David Vandervelde.

The group gave a strong rock n' roll performance, hindered by the fact that the vocals were buried for half of the set. However, after a request for the mic to be turned up, their music really came to life.

Headliners Margot and the Nuclear So & So's performed to a crowd that had quadrupled in size. Cramming ten people onto the stage, the band took on the the sound of everyone from Liam Finn to Tilly and the Wall to the Austin Symphony, depending on which instruments were being employed. The layering of sounds produced by the mini-indie-symphony provided the audience with a pleasant heaping of auditory stimulation.

Maybe it was the first feelings of cool autumn breeze circulating throughout the venue, or the sensation of looking down on the bands, or the lush upperwalls of Mohawk that evoke the image of a zoo habitat, or maybe it was just the beautiful music dancing through the air that made this a night to remember.

Tonight's Entertainment...

2008-10-12T18:57:00.000-07:00

The Margot and The Nuclear So & So's, Judgment Day, & David Vandervelde show at Mohawk.

Luckily the fall weather is gearing up just in time for this outdoors show, it promises to be a magical, musical evening.

A review to come tomorrow..

Quarantine [Movie Review]

2008-10-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

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..

2008-10-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

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]

2008-10-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-05T10:14:00.000-07:00

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.

1 month from election day

2008-10-04T10:22:00.000-07:00

One month from today, our country will have a new president elect.

Remember to vote!

Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist [Movie Review]

2008-10-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

"High school student Nick O'Leary, member of the Queercore band The Jerk Offs, meets college-bound Norah Silverberg and she asks him to be her boyfriend for five minutes."

While Michael Cera's new film, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist lacks over-the-top lingo like "honest to blog," it does consciously try to infuse as many hipster musical references as possible. But what saves this movie from turning too far into the realm of teenage cliches are the numerous wildcard plot elements delivered from the supporting cast like Nick's all gay band, and Norah's shitfaced friend Caroline.

Nick and Norah may not have the Oscar buzz of Juno, or the crudeness of Superbad, but it does manage to develop a charming little teenage-love-story between Michael Cera and Kat Dennings characters, Nick and Norah.

The plot is a little thin, and the last half of the movie seems a little rushed, but it still manages to come off more witty and endearing than sloppy.

This probably isn't the kind of movie you would want to drag your highbrow film-buff friend to, but for a feel-good movie that doesn't take itself too seriously, Nick and Norah is the ticket.
*B-

W. Opening Austin Film Festival

2008-10-02T16:33:00.000-07:00

Oliver Stone's W. will open the Austin Film festival Oct 16.
W. is the story of the controversial and eventful life of President George W. Bush. Josh Brolin plays Bush and Elizabeth Banks will be portraying his wife Laura.

The screening takes place at the Paramount, at 7pm. A festival badge or pass is recommended, but tickets will be available if the theater doesn't fill up.

View the Trailer here.

Other buzzed-about films screening at the festival include Max Payne, Happy Go-Lucky, Two Lovers and Synecdoche, New York.