dir. by Adam Green. Happy carvings, kyid!
Gatekeeper – Optimus Maximus October 9, 2009
Just in time for Halloween is this electro-goth power ballad set to an AMAZING set of images from god knows what movie. Let the power course through your veins–.
Fantastic Fest ‘09 Podcast Preview September 24, 2009
In anticipation of Fantastic Fest ‘09, we review Krabat, Antichrist, Smash Cut, Bronson, Kenny Begins, Hausu, and B13 Ultimatum. Looks to be another great year for the festival! (Go here. Listen via the podcast pickle or subscribe via iTunes.)
Salem – Legend September 23, 2009
Something hypnotic, yet unsettling about this music video. I’m wondering how ancient civilizations would react if they saw these flying chariots. I’m also digging the lo-fi electro-goth Salem is conjuring.
Patrick Swayze September 15, 2009
Something about Patrick Swayze gave you a warm fuzzy. He emanated something pure and good that corporealized what a man could be. I direct you towards a song with a particular sample from him that is haunting, yet beautiful; mostly because of his voice that carries the message. Lets hope he has found his perfect wave.
Sunset Cruisin – Perfect Wave (Le Batman mix)
hosted by Party CMYK
Ponyo vs. Antichrist September 8, 2009
Will love or hate, good or evil come out the winner? Is it wrong to compare these films? They make the most diametrically opposite movies ever pitted against each other. Ponyo fans: for the love of humanity, don’t watch Antichrist!! Antichrist viewers: Take two tablets of Ponyo to relieve and uplift your troubled mind. Enjoy the bite-size reviews!
Ponyo
I saw this in a theater with many young children who were worked up to such a fever pitch at one point in the movie that one girl erupted, “Wow. That is really cool!!” I laughed, but agreed with her 100%. As young as some of these kids were, they were still smart enough to know they weren’t being conned; this movie was different. Miyazaki’s latest, though imperfect, filled me with such love (and magic!) that I stopped being a critic and floated on benevolence. If you’re having a bad day, this could work wonders for you too(!). (9/10)
Antichrist
Graphically shocking beyond all belief? Check. Deranged and disturbing? Check. Future cult film? Check. Misogynistic? Perhaps. This is a mirror Eden created by Satan, thus the woman is inherently evil. Nature and human nature are included in that paradigm. The film seems to reference and/or trump scenes from films In the Realm of the Senses and Bergman’s Cries and Whispers. The cinematography is stunning and music grandiose. I seem to be swayed by the symbolism and very realistic XXX material and, believe me, that in itself is very disturbing. (6.66/10) — jk: 8/10
And the winner is: Ponyo !!
Health – Die Slow September 4, 2009
I think alot of people will not get or like this, but if you’re open-minded or artsy give it a shot.
Horrorphilia podcast August 31, 2009
I’ve begun sharing hosting duties on a new horror movie themed podcast caled Horrorphilia. You can subscribe or listen to this podcast though this website: Horrorphilia (On the page there are two players to the right which enable you to listen.) This week’s episode covered the movies of Tobe Hooper and our Top 5 Horror Directors of all-time. If this interests you feel free to listen or write us with your thoughts. The following preview has special Hooper “music” along with the movies we covered:
Best DVDs of the Month August 28, 2009
1. Gomorrah – The gangsta movie will never be the same after this. I think the writer is still under police protection. Rating: 9/10
2. Everlasting Moments – This might be Swedish director Jan Troell’s finest moment. It is a period piece of a woman who finds herself through technology. Rating: 9/10
3. London to Brighton – Bone-cracking debut by filmmaker Paul Andrew Williams. It blends the verite realism of those French films that seem to always win Cannes, but adds some brace-for-survival intensity that keeps it moving swiftly. The newfound actors are quite good, especially Georgia Groome who plays a 12 year-old in the throes of utter depravity. Take heed; some of these scenes will be too intense and shocking for everyone. Rating: 8/10
4. Katyn – The Polish Holocaust by the hands of Russia during WWII has never had such a harrowing depiction. Renowned composer Krysztof Penderecki delivers an incredible and haunting score. Rating: 8/10
5. The Class – Who knew a Paris classroom would be so like Austin, TX? Universal issues abound in this Cannes Grand Prix winner. Rating: 8/10
6. Big Man Japan – The ending of this goofy fantasy, superhero movie with great CGI is outrageous. Has to be seen to be believed. Rating: 7.5/10
7. Goodbye Solo – My favorite movie yet by American director Ramin Bahrani. His slice-of-life stories of the urban NE are too real for comfort. Rating: 7.5/10
8. Wolfhound - You take your epic sword-fantasy formula, add some Russian uniqueness provided you turn on the Russian language, and you get a movie striving for that LOTR fanbase with a tenth of the budget. The quality of the very important special effects/CGI is better than a cable movie, but not up to par to LOTR. The rest is just fine. Rating: 7/10
Ouroborous Summer – Best of the Blogs – yum! August 18, 2009
Dudes and dudettes, if you know any rain men please send them to Austin. I’m sick and tired of watering my yard to no effect. And I’m not talking special needs math wizards.
1. Howling Bells – Nightingale (Limited Time only)
This song is about to be played by radio stations around the world as it is tremendous. Off their sophomore album that boasts a couple other great songs.
2. Major Lazer – Keep it Goin’ Louder
This is also about to invade urban radio stations everywhere.
3. Clark – Talis
Perhaps the most exciting electronic musician working today returns with another album, Totems Flare. This isn’t the best song, but the album as a whole is groundbreaking artistry.
4. Julian Plenti – Only If You Run / Skyscraper
Interpol’s frontman goes solo and the results are astonishing.
5. Boy 8-Bit – Baltic Pine (Radio Edit)
Boy 8-Bit is maturing out of strictly party music as this sounds exactly as the title suggests.
6. VillA – Agneta
If you like Studio or Balearic this is for you.
7. One for the Team – Garden
Indie-rock gem that will worm its way into your head with its beautifully catchy two choruses. See below.
8. Friendly Fires – Paris (Computer Club’s Aeroplane vs. Au Revoir Simone)
Perfect summer dance jam that gets the girls dancing.
9. Flying Lotus – LTWRMX
Flying Lotus’s newest album is trying to capture those displaced DJ Shadow fans.
10. Vega – No Reasons
Austinite captures some disco magic with good vocals.
11. Wehbba – Cava
A cockroach shuffles under a radiation beam. And you dance to it.
12. IV – Alaska
80’s synths and 10’s beats.
13. Florence and the Machine – Rabbit Heart (Lionheart remix)
A remix for me has to be equal or better than the original. Florence is following in Bat For Lashes’ footsteps.
14. Renaissance Man – Aloha
More masterful minimal techno.
15. Karton – Phoenix
Electro-breaks confection.
Best Song of the Year pt. 4; The Dirty Projectors – Stillness is the Move July 29, 2009
I haven’t been able to get into their album, but this song has grown on me exponentially, so I’ll keep trying.
Bite-Size Horror Reviews: The Objective, The Messengers 2, Haunting in Connecticut, The Unborn July 28, 2009
Interesting – The Objective
A low budget can’t keep this military-meets-phenomena film from consistently being fascinating. The dialogue and acting is surprisingly well done and it has garnered three cinematography awards. The ending will certainly frustrate some and that’s all I can say without spoiling things. Who can explain the inexplicable? Rating: 7/10
Eh — The Haunting in Connecticut
The documentary on Discovery channel was very spooky and ‘factual’, but its many dramatizations left much to be desired. Enter this movie version to fulfill that, and it goes seriously overboard. Frenetic editing, ultrastylized shots, and some exaggerated movie magic swamp the realism and creepiness. That being said, there is a rollercoaster ride of fun jump scares and good camerawork to make this enjoyable for most. Kyle Gallner is very good as a young man with cancer, and Elias Koteas as the reverend is always a fascinating watch. I would probably recommend the documentary first. Despite its made-for-tv shortcomings, it has enough testimonials to make your arm hairs stand straight up. Rating: 5/10
Mediocre – Messengers 2: The Scarecrow
The best horror scarecrow film is still Dark Night of the Scarecrow, a 1981 made-for-TV movie that is genuinely scary and hard to find. This is an entirely forgettable, predictable, and derivative effort with not much gore. How many times do we have to see a protagonist fight his sanity that he is or isn’t the antagonist? At least The Messengers was somewhat unpredictable, visually unique, and had Kristen Stewart. With some pretty good acting by Norman Reedus and Claire Holt, this wasn’t bad enough to be a B-movie. Rating: 4/10
Awful – The Unborn
Gary Oldman–we deny you are in this movie. It isn’t really happening. Noooooo. Rating: 3/10
Fast Eddie – Yo Yo Get Funky (Deekline and Tim Healey Remix) July 15, 2009
A hot tune, some sweet moves, and Kid n’ Play viddies: What more could you want?
The Death of Heroes July 7, 2009
I’m a huge Titans fan and hung my Sunday hopes on a warrior named Steve McNair. I found solace in a displaced team with no stadium that always had a chance with this man. Likewise, Thriller was my first album, and I emulated MJ often in my very young life. I want to thank these men for what they gave. We shared a dream, now scattered, but never totally lost.
July’s 15 Poppers (Best of the Blogs Lazy Summer Edition) July 6, 2009
“Summer lovin’ happened so fast.” I really hope you are having a CRAZY summer. Feel free to leave stories below. But in the meantime, I’ve managed to focus long enough to bring the best of the best music downloads. Really, I trashed hundreds and hundreds of files to get to this batch. I feel like I’m broadcasting into space, but you are there.
1a. Memory Tapes – Bicycle
Memory Cassette + Weird Tapes = Memory Tapes. Weird Tapes have cracked #1 here before and Memory Cassette lands both top spaces this time. Downtempo pop brilliance.
1b. Memory Cassette – Last One Awake (Friend version)
Two words: steel drums. Lovely beach music.
2. Free Energy – Dream City
An indestructible and charming rock tune.
3. The Bloody Beetroots feat. Steve Aoki – Warp (Virgin Cavalier mix)
Here beggineth the bangers. If you don’t want to lose your mind on the dancefloor then skip to #7.
4. Zombie Nation – Shottieville (Proxy Remix)
Banger #2.
5. Armand Van Helden and Dizze Rascal – Bonkers (Doorly remix)
Banger #3
6. Felix Cartal – Skeleton (John Roman mix)
Banger #4.
7. Ace Hood – Loco Wit’ the Cake
The funnest rap song of the summer.
8. Chalie Boy – I Look Good
ATX Represent! Austin rapper will have you singing this in public while people think how arrogant you are.
9. Beastie Boys vs. Primal Scream – Check it Out vs. Loaded
Great mash-up that would turn heads as an opener.
10. Zoot Woman – Saturation
The album is apparently so close and this is just hot and sexy.
11. DJ Loveboat feat. Fab Marq – Oh the Bass!
Hot and sexy #2.
12. Simian Mobile Disco – Off the Map feat. Jamie Lidell
Jamie helps SMD craft their best tune yet.
13. Telepathe – Chrome’s On It (Gold Panda version)
Gold Panda have made this song new again and it’s irresistable.
14. Fever Ray – Triangle Walks (Rex the Dog Radio Edit)
Radio and club friendly version that screams 80’s out of every orifice.
15. Milke – Maybe I’m Crazy (Joe and Will Ask Remix)
Infectious and melodic progressive house.
NASA – A Volta June 17, 2009
I’m not crazy over the NASA album with its slew of guest vocalists, but this is one of the better tracks served with an outrageously inventive video. Skip to the end if it gets repetitive.
Che and Dog Eat Dog (Bite-size Reviews) June 15, 2009
Che (Part 1 and 2) –
Both parts of this total to nearly five hours of educational entertainment. The juxtaposition of the two films is interesting. The revolution works like a dream in the beautiful climes of Cuba, and likewise, part one is a dream of movie. What works in Cuba is a nightmare in the harsh landscape of Bolivia. Part two often feels unnecessarily slow, documentary-like, and plodding, but maybe that’s the point. Anyway, Benecio del Toro is great and delivers his best performance yet. I would say skip part two, but then your ideas of revolution would be skewed. And have fun spotting the Matt Damon cameo. Rating: Part 1 – 9/10; Part 2 – 6.5/10
Dog Eat Dog (Perro Come Perro) -
I’m tempted to call this the Mexican ‘Reservoir Dogs’ even though it is its own animal. It favors gritty realism over Tarantino’s cheeky flair and sense of humor. The new faces all handle their roles perfectly. This is a pressure-cooker that has absolutely no mercy. Rating: 8/10
White Lies – Death (Crystal Castles Remix) June 11, 2009
New video energizes this Crystal Castles remix introduced earlier in the year. I’m putting it back in the playlist.
It’s Official: Mgmt – Kids June 10, 2009
I sang this in a karaoke bar the other night. Goes to show everyday the earth revolves anew you have a chance. The official great 2009 video to a great song of 2008:
Birdy Nam Nam: The Parachute Ending: Perfection June 7, 2009
This might be a perfect video for this super track. Wow. Eee.
Best to Worst DVDs of the Month May 30, 2009
1. Dante 01 – See review below. Rating: 8.5/10
2. Wendy and Lucy – A human drama that tells a focused story with heart and realism. Michele Williams is great. Rating: 8/10
3. Outlander – One helluva entertaining sci-fi/dragon/Viking pic that makes you wonder how the Weinsteins dropped the ball on making $$ on it in the theaters. Even Ron Perlman has a sick role. Rating: 8/10
4. What Doesn’t Kill You - Wonderful Boston crime drama with great performances by Mark Ruffalo and Ethan Hawke. Based on a true story. Rating: 7.5
5. Just Another Love Story – Superb Danish psychological thriller with unpredictable twists and style to burn. Rating: 7.5
6. Detective Story - A solid Takashi Miike detective horror comedy that just misses being essential. There’s some laugh-out loud moments (happy showers!), sadistic killings, and wonderfully expressive and goofy actors. Miike mostly plays it straight, and the shock factor is nowhere near Ichi, Gozu, or Visitor Q. The movie fizzles out at the end, perhaps due to Miike’s prolific schedule. My advice for him: less movies, more quality! Rating: 7/10
—— OK
7. My Bloody Valentine – The only reason to watch this is for the 3-D effects (and some other eye-candy). So you’ll need to go find some glasses at a rental store. It’s a mediocre film otherwise. Make sure you watch it at night on a somewhat big screen to maximize the 3-D experience. It’s the same old 3-D, but it makes for an original and fun evening until your migraine sets in. Rating: 6.5
8. Eden Log - A frustratingly enigmatic industrial sci-fi film with a low budget, minimal dialogue, and not much light. It basically has a similar message as Dante 01 but with an environmental twist. Martyrs composers Seppuku Paradigm return to give this movie an eerie vibe. You’ll be confused until the final ten minutes and most will probably still be confused by the time the credits roll. Rating: 6/10
———WORST
9. Powder Blue - Noteworthy for Jessica Biel and her bare-it-all performance (hot wax has never looked so appealing). But really, when you have a recent Best Actor winner alongside a noteworthy cast, and it goes straight to DVD; that’s a bad sign. Every character in this movie is either: a.) dying b.) wanting to die c.) already dead or d.) a mortician. So it’s basically the feel-bad movie of the year. And Patrick Swayze and Lisa Kudrow seal the insta-depression deal. Rating: Ooohh, Blah
10. S. Darko – This sequel to Donnie Darko looks and sounds great, but is as hollow and insignificant as a fortune cookie. It goes back in time to go forward to go nowhere. I think S stands for sorry. Rating: Blecch
Twenty To Kickstart Your Summer — May’s Best of the Blogs May 26, 2009
(Video to the #1 song on the chart. The last 30 seconds are kinda frightening for such an elegiac song.) Indie-rock rules this time around. There should be a little for everybody’s taste so check out the descriptions and enjoy that suntan.
Bliss. The indie song that captures your future gorgeous day. Can’t wait to hear this sophomore album.
This sounds like a great, lost easy-rock song from the 70’s with a singer alot like Thom Yorke. The band is actually from Denton, TX.
Passion Pit’s best song yet. It proves this band has too much depth to be a one-hit wonder.
Sorta like a cross between Sonic Youth and Mazzy Star. The xx have exploded upon the blog scene.
5. Alex Metric – Head Straight (Radio edit)
A scintillating electro-pop song that would have gotten US radio play in the 80s.
Ditto for this electro-pop gem. The lyrics aren’t as good as Metric’s, but I like the music better.
Crookers hijacks some Russian-polka? festivities into 2009 dancefloor/carseat entertainment.
8. Don Diablo & Example – Hooligans (Spor remix)
Spor absolutely chews you up and spits you out in this drum n’ bass banger. Mosh-dancing ensues.
9. Airys – Vedo in Te (TiTAN un figo Remix)
TiTAN gives an incredible disco with sax rubdown to Italian electro-poppers the Airys. John Travolta would be proud.
10. Kolombo – LOL (Kolombo Remix)
I’d bet alot of $$$ that this is already blowing up Ibiza as I write this. It ingeneously uses laughter as a type of melody and the breakdowns are truly a hoot.
Siriusmo continues to stay in the laserlight with this unconventional and spacy electro with a kid doing vocals.
12. Wolf Gang – Lions in Cages
Great arty indie-pop for fans of Passion Pit or My Arcade Fire. Love the bells.
13. Classixx – I’ll Get You feat. Jeppe (Royal Rumble Edit)
Glossy electro for Vegas pool parties, but it works everywhere else too.
14. Heartbreak – We’re Back (Vitalic mix)
Vitalic brings his Eastern Europe techno stylings to these male swooners. File under electro-kraut wave.
15. Neon Indian – Deadbeat Summer
A perfect title for this detuned electro-pop song for that goofy ride to the beach.
16. Peaches – Mommy Complex (Barletta and Ernold Sane Remix)
Super-hot electro-beats that you can practice your breakdancing too.
17. The Kickdrums – When I Come Down
Sounds like a great lost song by Beck. Actually this band is from Ohio and have produced for the likes of 50 Cent and Chamillionaire.
This may not sound like much on your computer speakers, but on some big speakers this will make some dub-steppers go crazy.
19. Miike Snow – Animal (Punks Jump Up Mix)
Everything Punks Jump Up remix turns to gold, and this certainly is the best mix of this indie-electro song.
A good b-more beat that will make you want to go to Bounce Camp. Fans of ‘Day N’ Nite’ take heed.
Terminator Salvation Review May 21, 2009
Entertaining action film with wicked, state-of-the-art CGI and cinematography (yes–thank the Director of Photography who was the victim of Bale’s method acting.) And yes, it’s flawed if you really want to overanalyze it. The trailers essentially gave away the structure of the plot. There’s shoddy moments in the acting and script, including some ill-placed references to famous lines of the other films. Bale plays his grumpiest role yet (maybe the thought of another grueling action series wasn’t savory), but his performance is different enough from his Batman role to warrant my admiration. Critics have complained that the movie is too serious and not fun, but what do you expect in an apocalypse with people being hunted by horrific machines? Witty gabs by Scotty have no place here. Alas, the future we got a glimpse of 20+ years ago is here, so strap the seatbelt on and expect some skull crushing.
Rating: 8/10
MASHUP ALERT!! Ozzy vs. Pink vs. Clarkson vs. Daft Punk May 21, 2009
And here’s the track for download: HERE. (Thanks Mashuptown)
Daft Punk’s free and New Remix Album! May 21, 2009
Well, boyz and girlz–I’m back in business after replacing a motherboard and case (next time I’m buying Vaio!!). I’ve got Best of the Blogs and Best DVDs of the month coming, and might even take a stab at Terminator after tonight. In the meantime enjoy this free remix album of none other than Daft Punk. Danger Danger has the scoop–and a fine job they’ve done: GO HERE
Computer crash May 12, 2009
Not that kind of crash… I must have really pissed the computer gods off, because not only did my brand new, just-expired-warranty desktop bite it, but my laptop is officially kaput. So I broke into a neighbor’s house to use their computer. Posts should resume soon, but wait, I think I heard a garage opening–.
Calvin Harris + Coke May 8, 2009
Didn’t think they were showing this in the States so your welcome Coke. Send me a check, please. Just wished Matmos would have also scored this commercial. Anbody see the film Critters?
Major Lazer – Hold the Line (LehtMoJoe remix) April 29, 2009
Hot magma to get a party going. Santigold and Mr. Lexx are on vocals. LehtMoJoe’s remix splices Toto’s classic song to awesome effect. Major Lazer is like a real Jamaican commando or something. Look it up. But DL this first: here
Dante 01 Review April 23, 2009
I’m a sucker for symbolism and/or allegory, especially in the science fiction and horror genres. I honestly haven’t been this floored by a film since Martyrs (the French strike again!!). This is theosophical science-fiction that William Burroughs might have enjoyed. There’s heavy allusions to Dante’s Inferno, but I think the important allegory here is the myth of St. Georges and the Dragon. DON’T wiki that just yet. Absorb the movie and then start piecing together the pieces. Then let’s talk about that final shot…
Rating: 8.5/10
Forget it, don’t watch the trailer. Go in knowing zilch.
Fab Feb 15 (Best of the Blogs) April 21, 2009
1. Bat For Lashes – Daniel
If you don’t know know ya know: Bat For Lashes are this year’s Feist and Lykke Li. Singer Natasha Khan’s voice is more Sarah McLachlan with shades of Bjork though, and that’s part of the reason for all the fuss. The album Two Suns has universal appeal.
2. Desire – Under Your Spell / Mirror Mirror
These are demos apparently, and you can tell with some big production sheen these could be classic.
3. Little Boots – New in Town (The Golden Filter mix)
Best Little Boots remix ever? Conjures up emotions of that 80’s electronic sky, yeah…
4. Franz Ferdinand – No You Girls (a.Rogue Element rmx) + (b. Dances with White Girls rmx)
Combine these two for the ultimate ‘No You Girls’ remix experience!
5. Snoop Dogg – Pump Pump (Aniki edit)
Gangsta rap makes me wanna shoop and I like this Snoop track more than ever.
6. Dre Skull – Gone Too Far (Baraka Som Sistema Remix)
Philip Glass style chords give way too som dizzy electro beats with ragga vocal stylings by Sizzla.
7. TI – Whatever You Like (Discotech rmx)
Download everything by Discotech if you DJ and your crowds will thank you.
This is the track with the video below that goes from about 65 bpm to 195 bpm in the span of 5 minutes. Tim Exile’s new album is stunningly creative.
9. the Amplid – Geography (Xenobi remix)
Hi-nrg disco roller. Wooo!
10. Cellophane – Music Colors (pt. 3)
Real italo-disco from 1984. You could throw this in a mix and people would think you’re a DJ pirate with a wealth of booty.
11. Dusty Kid – Lynchesque
Ok, so I’m partial to all things Lynch, but I had this blaring at a drive-thru the other day, and the lady looked at me like I crawled out of a meteor.
12. Don Diablo – Too Cool for School (Trevor Loveys vs. In Flagranti Rmx)
B-more beats that brings fun back to the dancefloor.
13. Foreigner – Urgent (Myrone Aiden rmx)
If you’re looking for a slightly more danceable version of this essential tune then here ya go.
14. U2 – Sexy Boots (Justice remix)
Justice meets U2 and the results are predictably simmering.
15. The Glimmers – Galactic Prism
This is a glue track in the mix does exactly what its awesome title suggests.
House Review April 20, 2009
Christian horror? Is it possible?
The end of this movie does have a Christian message if you follow the symbolism/allusions to Christ and Satan, and the battleground that is The House, which is exactly as stated: a place for weary souls. The film starts very strong and gets major brownie points for inducing the southern gothic. The actors are great, and you gotta love Michael Madsen and Bill Moseley in their small roles. Eventually developments in The House start to become too slap-dash and repetitive. And the main climax is an overdose of fairy-dust. Yet the final resolution becomes emotional given all the symbolism going on.
Rating: 7/10
Catch the trailer.
Moby + David Lynch: Shot in the Back of the Head April 17, 2009
How am I not going to post this collaboration? Sounds like Moby may be back the right track with his forthcoming album.. Best of the Blogs music chart and a review of the Christian horror film House will appear Sunday.
Best DVDs of the month April 14, 2009
My top picks. What did I miss?
1. Synecdoche, New York - This movie is either the most pretentious or most brilliant thing I’ve seen in a long time. So either way it gets the top spot for starting that conversation. Rating: 8/10
2. Tokyo Zombie – Ridiculously goofy Japanese zombie movie about some guys who put their jinjitsu moves on some zombies. I might have chortled, whatever that means. Rating: 8/10
3. The Changeling – Clint Eastwood just doesn’t make bad movies. Rating: 8/10
4. Elegy - Sir Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz put on acting fireworks in this. Makes me wonder if Academy voters saw this before voting for HER HOTNESS. However, if you read or are planning to read Philip Roth’s novel (The Dying Animal), then I hear this pales in comparison. Rating: 7.5/10
5. Brigham City – A low-budget Mormon murder-mystery that really captures the small-town dynamic, and can certainly compete with the big boys. Rating: 7/10
6. Cthulthu – See below. Rating: 7/10
7. Vinyan – A couple lose their son in the Tsunami, and they continue to become more lost as they search the third-world heart of darkness. The last shot is outrageously beguiling. Rating: 7/10
8. Happy-Go-Lucky – I’m not crazy about the whole movie, but the scenes with Sally Hawkins and her driving instructor, Eddie Marsan, are some of the funniest and most heartbreaking of the year. I really want to watch just those scenes again. Watch out for Eddie Marsan. He’ll be in Sherlock Holmes, and is on the rise. Rating: 7/10
Tiga – Shoes April 10, 2009
Tiga’s new single-. The acting in this cracks me up. Not sure where I’d play this track though, hmmm…
Cthulhu Review April 5, 2009
The best Lovecraftian (more inspired by, then an adaptation of) movie yet; albeit a creepy, well-shot, but artsy, and low-budget, so no-monsters film. I really wanted to like this movie more and the set-up is fantastic, but there is really no pay-off, except for some stylistic and frenetic scene jumps and ‘discoveries’. Tori Spelling has a small role and is quite good playing the sultry, evil vixen. Then there are these incredible, mind-blowing shots, one with a swimming polar bear, and the other with some sort of dimension portal (I think). Overall, I found the material to be a worthy diversion, but it helps if you are familiar with HP Lovecraft and the Cthulhu story-line.
Rating: 7/10
LOLLLLLL April 2, 2009
Put a twang in it! SNL has nothing on Petey Greene. I surely must now watch Talk to Me, the movie about Petey Greene starring Don Cheadle. (Thx Adam-)
New Wolfmother for All March 31, 2009
Typical day at the office for Wolfmother:
“The triumphant return of Wolfmother has arrived – in the shape of a rollicking behemoth of timeless rock n roll, Back Round.Available for all and sundry for download now from wolfmother.com, Back Round is the first tangible snapshot into the cosmos of Wolfmother’s second album.
A liberating avalanche of skull-crushing drums and primal riffing, Back Round represents a joyous evolution for the Australian band following on from their 2006 self-titled debut.
In lieu of cash payment for the new track, Wolfmother are encouraging fans to put their money in a righteous place and donate to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal at redcross.org.au.”
