Fantastic Fest: Martyrs and Not Quite Hollywood reviewed September 26, 2008

I actually saw four movies on the last day of Fantastic Fest, but can’t recommend Gachi Boy: Wrestling with a Memory or The Wild Man of the Navidad.  I also showed up hours early, hoping to get into the secret screenings of RocknRolla and City of Embers, but there were guys who actually spent the night outside on the sidewalk and were unable to get in. Now for the two worth talking about:

Martyrs - The French’s latest and greatest sick-out. This incredibly is better and gorier than last year’s Inside.  The word intense cannot begin to describe this movie. At one point in the second half, “wtf?”s were jumping from the mouths from the audience around me.  And then we got the answer to our question — in what is perhaps the most high-concept moment I can remember in any horror film. This left me utterly numb.  Warning, be careful you can handle this movie before going.  Rating: 9/10

Not Quite Hollywood – This film rocked!! Unless you’re Quentin Tarantino you probably don’t know about the Australian genre films of the seventies and early eighties except for Mad Max maybe. This documentary chronicles twenty to thirty of those movies that were truly fantastic. You get to see most of the cool parts of the movies, while hearing some hilarious stories by the people who were involved with them. It’s like a film festival in two hours with Quentin Tarantino hosting. Certainly the most fun I had at Fantastic Fest, and I’ll be seeking some of these gems out when I get the chance.  Rating: 9/10

Hope you enjoyed the reviews! I’ll continue to unearth the films you should know about.

Fantastic Fest – Let the Right One In, Alien Raiders, Astropia, The Burrowers Reviewed September 25, 2008

Vampires, aliens, monsters, and RPGs on Day three of Fantastic Fest. The earlier secret screening was Appaloosa, and I swear I’m going two hours early tomorrow to try to get into the last two secret screenings. So my fave of the day:

Let The Right One In – If Gus Van Sant at his best made a touching and sweet vampire movie in Sweden, then you would be close to imagining what this film is like. The more I think about this coming-of-age story, the more I like it. It just captures the innocence of youth in such a unique way that you can hardly believe it is also masquerading as a horror film. Initally I thought it was too slow, but, yeah, I really want to see some of this again. Rating: 9/10

Alien Raiders - Here’s a workmanlike alien action movie set in a supermarket that gets great performances from the actors and stays entertaining throughout. Unfortunately, people with flashlights searching dark corridors got old on the umpteenth time, and there’s really no need for it here. The ending is predictable too, but it’s clever enough to be the only real solution. Recommended. Rating: 7.5/10

Astropia – This Iceland film about the ‘geek’ community may not be as cool as the picture above suggests (girl with the swords), but it is certainly a crowd pleaser. Pretty incredible that it was number one at Iceland’s box office, because it seems VERY low-budget. The lead actress, Ragnhildur Steinunn Jónsdóttir (yep - girl with the swords), has star potential, and carries this production on her back to the promised land. Or is it the Enchanted Swamp?.  Rating: 6/10 

The Burrowers - For every interesting development in this movie, there is something equally banal. You have to applaud its ambitious cross of the horror and western genres. But then, I’m not sure the monsters are all that scary in this, maybe gross, but scary? I can see this one improving if they somehow found a way to improve the pacing of the movie in the second half. It just dies in parts it should be cookin’. Also, it makes you wonder who the real monsters are/were.  Rating: 5/10

Fantastic Fest: The Good the Bad and The Weird, Estomago, The Chaser, and Left Bank Reviewed September 24, 2008

Day 2 for me at Fantastic Fest and I’m wiped-out again, so please excuse if my writing is wonky here in the wee hours of the morning. I was unable to get into the secret screening of The Brothers Bloom, but heard mixed reactions about it.  I’ll start with my faves and work down:

The Good The Bad and The Weird

THE Asian action-comedy-western to see this year, this ballet of bullets and laughs is the perfect movie to show at Alamo Drafthouse. Ji-woon Kim directs this masterfully, and proves that his A Tale of Two Sisters (a film I adore) was no fluke. Song Kang Ho, also in The Host, has the charm of John Wayne, and is becoming a great comedic actor.  Good. times.  Rating: 8.5/10

Estomago: A Gastronomic Story

This is the gorgonzola of culinary movies, being too adventurous and risque to win over mainstream audiences like Eat Drink Man Woman or Like Water for Chocolate did. But if you like dark-humor off the beaten path, and especially if you like to cook, then keep an eye out for this. It certainly captures the flavors of Brazil, some which most wouldn’t care to taste. Audience members ordering the set menu were treated to fried ants and pork butt if that gives you any idea. Rating: 7.5/10

The Chaser

This movie is sure to ignite discussion that could generate hype akin to Oldboy.  It is essentially a crime/serial killer movie, but very unconventional. Without giving away any spoilers, the tension really gets to excruciating levels towards the end of this movie, mainly because EVERYBODY is seemingly inept at their task. I really wanted to strangle some of these characters. And as the movie reaches for its conclusion, I was ready to throw my seat at anybody associated with it. But you’ll have to watch it for yourself to see if I got the chance. Rating: 7/10 

Left Bank

Very S-L-O-W. Nothing much happens in this movie until almost an hour and a half into it. The story recalls aspects of The Wicker Man and Rosemary’s Baby. Yes, the cinematography IS beautiful, and sporadic nudity keeps me awake, but get to it already! Once it ‘got there’, it was really interesting, even unpredictable. Wait for the DVD, so you can manually ‘get there’ faster, perhaps slowing down for the love scenes. Rating: 5/10

Fantastic Fest: Ex-Drummer, Sauna, Deadgirl, and The Substitute Reviewed September 23, 2008

14 straight hours at the Alamo Drafthouse after my first day, and I’m back to spread the word. I’ll start with my favorites and work down.

 Ex-Drummer - If this movie was in English, and had all the X-rated parts cut out, it would be a sensation on par with Memento or Trainspotting. It’s a primal thrash of a movie that takes the punk aesthetic to new levels, while remaining as complex as a Bergman film. The director Mortier looks like he could be the next cinematic visionary from Europe. Sordid characters: check. Offensive in every way possible: check. Excellent soundtrack: check.  Can’t wait to see it again: checkmate.  Rating: 9/10

The Substitute – Elementary school-age kids in Denmark suspect their new teacher is an alien. Here’s the entertaining little Danish brother of The Faculty, but with a flawless presentation, and a hell of a lot funnier. Ending had potential to be much better, so Goonies is safe for now.  Rating: 8/10

Deadgirl – I’m not sure how this picked up a most-likely to-get-distribution award when it is about zombiephilia, which is essentially necrophilia. Well, maybe because it very a well-done and clever movie, with a great cast and soundtrack. Shiloh Fernandez in the lead role looks like a young cross between Brando and Depp, and has the charisma to go with it.  A daring, lurid movie that feminists could sink their teeth into.  Rating: 7/10   

Sauna – Heres a Finnish horror movie with plenty of atmospherics and great photography that is edited in a very challenging manner. It is difficult enough to quickly apprehend the complex political and religious history of Finland that the movie revolves around. There are some chilling scenes here, but they are surrounded by either plot holes or moments lost in translation.  Rating: 6/10

Two Must-See Documentaries! September 20, 2008

The Rape of Europa - 

America was an integral reason that the world did not fall to darkness in WWII, but I think it is hard for us to realize, at least domestically, the utter ruin the Nazis and war left on Europe and Russia. This documentary details how the Nazis systematically pillaged, raped, and destroyed the art of the Western World. It wasn’t enough that they could exterminate and destroy the lives and communities of different peoples, but that they attempted to wipe-out their very cultural identity.  This is a harrowing look at the diabolical plans of a once aspiring-artist Hitler, the totality of the destruction he ultimately caused, and the world’s fight to stop him.

 

Young @ Heart

On a more uplifting note, here’s the documentary you can recommend to all of your family members at the Thanksgiving table. What transpires in this film is truly inspiring. Alot of it is hard to sit through, and there are some unnecessary music videos. But by the time the credits are rolling, you might have laughed, cheered, and cried, while feeling a little bit wiser afterwards.

Rating for both: 9/10

Justice – Planisphere remix (Culture Prophet) September 19, 2008

This might be the most devastating remix I’ve heard this year. I knew there was a great track in there, and expect even more diamond-skull mixes to come from Justice’s ripe material. Turn it up loud and be ready to be smashed. to. bit. s..:::

Download or stream it here:

Justice – Planisphere – Culture Prophet remix

Mister Lonely review September 18, 2008

 

I like director Harmony Korine’s movies, but this is a failed experiment about a community of impersonators living in the Highlands. The movie is really just a series of improvisations made by the impersonators, who don’t seem like they have any real acting experience and go on f-bomb tirades. There is a random sideplot about flying nuns that is more interesting than the main story, and features a cameo by the always-fascinating Werner Herzog.  Samantha Morton (as Marilyn Monroe) and Diego Luna (as Michael) generate some sizzling chemistry, but that equals about four minutes. And Shirley Temple and Buckwheat are really cute, but that’s maybe another 5 minutes. The rest is languid sketches that are depressing or embarassing. This subject would have made a better documentary.

Rating: 4/10

The Fall review September 14, 2008

 

Terry Gilliam meets Christo. Imagine The Baron of Munchausen but with the cinematography and locales found in Planet Earth in high definition. Tarsem, whose first movie was the promising-but-flawed, Jennifer Lopez-wielding The Cell, thankfully keeps Lopez out of this production. And what a labor of love it is. The man traveled 18 countries to get some of the most stunning landscapes and buildings ever to grace actors. Oscar noms for cinematography, costume design, and art direction are sure to follow. The pacing is soporific and dreamy at times, and some may feel manipulated in the third act, but the ending; the ending is so original and fascinating it would never be greenlighted in a Hollywood vehicle. This really is something you have to see to believe. 

Rating: 9/10

Midnight Juggernauts: Thursday at Beauty Bar; Free! September 10, 2008

Yep, the same Midnight Juggs I’ve been raving about all year. It’s a free Scion party too, so all you have to do is RSVP and show up early. RSVP here: https://secure.scion.com/scion/ssl/rsvp/housePartyAustin.do

New Justice track: Planisphere September 8, 2008

The new, epic 17 minute Justice track has hit the internet, and if you ask me it is 24-carat zero-gravity operatic disco. (**OK, so after further listens this is way too long and bloated, but there is a great 4 minute song somewhere in there.) What ya’ll think?  Get it here before it goes:

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?rxzzwfesto3

Girl Talk – Shut The Club Down video September 4, 2008

Girl Talk is the cat who makes those irresponsible mash-up party albums. You know, the ones that mix songs together like a kid with ADD drinking too much Kool-aid? I’m not sold on the first part of the song, but I love the midsection with Aphex on top of “Throw some D’s”, as well as the Rod Stewart ending. Mad props goes to Bunny Greenhouse for making this video happen.

6 Films To Keep you Awake Reviewed September 3, 2008

 

 

 

Spain has become a hotspot for new talent in cinema with a focus on genre and these horror films don’t disappoint. As a whole they are better than the recent 8 Films to Die For and Masters of Horror series. I’ll start with best and work down:

 

 

 

[GOLD] The Baby’s Room – This gets top prize for being the only one that really scared me. It takes a clever concept in the haunted house story and runs with it. The execution is nearly flawless and the jump-scares are really good. Alex de la Iglesias has an interesting filmmography. The cult film world awaits the DVD release of his Day of the Beast. 

Rating: 8/10

[SILVER] Xmas Tale -  Horror, Xmas, and the 80’s is a lethal combination, and Paco Plaza, the director of [Rec], does it justice. This tries hard to fit in The Goonies/The Lost Boys/The Monster Squad mold and succeeds in the end. Have patience however, as it takes almost 40 minutes before any characters even break a sweat.  

Rating: 8/10

[BRONZE] A Real Friend - Like Xmas Tale, this effort revolves around kids having to decide whether monsters are imaginary or real.  This stays entertaining mainly because of the most awesome imaginary friend ever: Leatherface. Something about the effort feels like an extended Tales of the Crypt, maybe due to the cinematography or pacing.  But the ending delivers. 

Rating: 7/10

To Let -  Here’s a survival horror flick with a clever twist. The movie is flawed, in my opinion, because of victims who repeatedly make very stupid decisions. I also don’t care for the director Balaguero’s shaky cam work that he also used in The Nameless. He does have a certain visual flair though, and this introduces a unique weapon to horror cinema. 

Rating: 6/10

Spectre - A coming-of-age story crossed with a ghost story that has good production values and performances. Like the next movie, it is relatively relaxed and tame by horror standards, which may translate into not keeping you awake.

Rating: 6/10

Blame – If you like your dramas with a little horror then look no further.  This isn’t really scary at all, but is mysterious and has a powerful ending. Good acting saves it from being dismissable.

Rating: 5/10

September Sizzlas September 1, 2008

 

I’m starting to work hard so that you can immediately download or listen to the music on the monthly charts.  If I mention the track is available for download it has been approved legally through those sites (left click will play it, right click and hit ‘Save Target as’ if you like it). Chime in and let me know what you think, if you agree/disagree…

1. Don Rimini remixes of ‘Ghostbusters Theme’ and Young MC’s ‘Bust a Move’

These will implode any house party. The ‘Ghostbusters Theme’ remix is available for download from Discodust here, while the second link to the Young MC remix can only be streamed:

http://discodust.com/files/Ray%20Parker%20Jr.%20-%20Theme%20From%20Ghostbusters%20(Don%20Rimini%20Ectoplasm%20Edit).mp3

http://hypem.com/track/619272/Young+MC-Bust+A+Move+(Don+Rimini+Ravekid+Rmx)

 2. Apex - Wall of Sound EP

The newest headturning drum n’ bass sensation. Listen to his music here:

http://www.myspace.com/apexmusik

3. VA – Kompakt Total 9

Over two CD’s worth of top-notch techno-house-disco tracks of which half are superb.

4. Hot Pink DeLorean remixes of Fantastadon’s ‘Anesthesiologist’ and Katy Perry’s ‘I Kissed A Girl’

The Fantastadon mix is a rock-out and the Katy Perry mix will send the young chicas into hoots.

Both are available for download through DiscoDust here:

http://discodust.com/files/Katy%20Perry%20-%20I%20Kissed%20A%20Girl%20(Hot%20Pink%20Delorean%20Remix).mp3

http://discodust.com/files/Fantastadon%20-%20Anesthesiologist%20(Hot%20Pink%20DeLorean%20Remix).mp3

5. Alexi Delano and Tony Rohr – ‘Run 0′

Spooky techno with R2D2 singing an opera solo. Sorry, but couldn’t find any good streams.

6. Dark Captain Light Captain – Circles EP

Fantastic melancholic, chill-out rock perfect for the post-party hangover. Listen to their music on their MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/darkcaptain

7. Vaccine – ‘Fever (Original)’

A blonde bombshell delivers this bomb unto the dub-step nation. Visit her MySpace music page here: http://www.myspace.com/vaccinedub

8. Simian Mobile Disco – ‘Hustler (Joakim mix)’

Joakim goes with a bare bones b-boy mix that should give electro mixes some variety. You may want to mix out early though. Download it from Fader here: http://thefader.cachefly.net/hustlerremix.mp3

9. White Lies – ‘Death (Crystal Castles Remix)’

White Lies could step in for The Killers and nobody would notice, at least on this song. Here’s the crazy Crystal Castles mix which will download from Cannibal Cheerleader here:

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/44872/04%20Crystal%20Castles%20-%20Death%20%28remix%20of%20White%20Lies%29.mp3

10. Weird Tapes – ‘The Heavens’

I discovered this electro-disco-downtempo band on DiscoDust and so can you (download):

http://discodust.com/files/Weird%20Tapes%20-%20The%20Heavens.mp3

11. Poni Hoax: ‘Antibodies’ + ‘The Bird is on Fire’

The two best tracks off this Italo-disco, emotronic band’s new album. Wacky stuff. You can stream ‘Antibodies’ off of Lastfm here: http://www.last.fm/music/Poni+Hoax

12. Deetron – ‘Let’s Get Over It (Henrik Schwarz mix)’

Soulful, guitar-driven house that will be PLAYED OUT in house clubs everywhere. Stream it over on Deetron’s MySpace page here:  http://www.myspace.com/deetronofficial