Waititi's "Boy" Tops box offices in NZ

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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