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

Looking back at New Zealand

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

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...

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

Krasinski makes foray into directing

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

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

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

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