pachanga fest

Pachanga Fest

This is on the schedule for festivals to cover today. Should be interesting!
Some of the lineup and more info down below.

Major Lazers- Hold the Line

Major Lazers - Hold the Line

GUN'S DON'T KILL PEOPLE. LAZERS DO.

This is a great vid from the good people of Mad Decent for the upcoming project Major Lazer. I've met Major Lazer many months ago in a tour bus talking about Brazil. It was interesting and intriguing.

Drag me to Hell

Drag me to Hell

I'm very excited to see the midnight screening of Drag me to Hell. It's a Sam Raimi flick and how can you go wrong. There's a lovely lady, a busted up gypsie, demons, cool effects and more. Basically a young lady in the housing buisness is trying to get a promotion and throws a gypsie lady out of her house and gets the evil eye from her. Then battles demons that are trying to drag her to hell to burn for eternity. Just if you didn't know Sam Raimi directed the Evil Dead series, Darkman and the Spiderman series.

Here is a small interview with Sam Raimi about the film.

Ghostbusters III could it be?

Ghostbusters III

Rumors have been flying all over the internet matrix about an upcoming Ghostbuster sequel finally. There's even a video game that's coming up in June of 2009 that's bringing great suspension of this.

Bill Murray discusses this at the past Fantastic Fest that's held in Austin TX.

This needs to happen. Seriously.
I can relate to Venkman on soo many levels.

Icons Among Us

Icons Among Us

It's out on the film like far out. Talkin all bout that jazz. This is a documentary about modern jazz and how it is today. Lot's to listen and learn by this film.

They're having a film celebration tonight at Antones on 5th and Lavca with dakah Chamber Hip Hop Orchestra.

More info about the film can be found at
http://www.iconsamongus.com/home/

Film Review:Ravenous

Film Review:Ravenous

This movie is simply amazing and everything about it if you don't mind a little bit of blood in your film diet. The film is directed by Antonia Bird and has an interesting cast that makes the film, such as John Spencer, Guy Pierce and Robert Carlyle to name a few. The setting takes place in the 1840s in California during the Mexican-American war. The film is similar slightly to the cannibalism of the Donner party in the 1840s. Dealing with vampirestic cannibals during the 1800s in the middle of winter sounds a bit interesting with a dash of cabin fever. Damon Albarn and Micheal Nyman team up to produce the score for Ravenous which adds to the films quirkiness. I highly recommend watching this film. This is personally in my top 10 favorite films.

Boards of Canada - Dayvan Cowboy

Dayvan Cowboy is Boards of Canada's first official video. Using reassembled documentary footage, the video to Dayvan Cowboy translates the power and atmosphere of Boards Of Canada's music into a dreamlike, imaginary journey from space, into the sea and to the shore, in one continuous sequence.

There is no known real video interviews with the duo or any major promotions for any of their albums. Yet they have a large cult following that would outweigh even most well known radio acts. Simply amazing.

Tiger evolution ends

Interesting animation I found about our Asian friend the Tiger by the World Wildlife Foundation. I'm a member of the WWF and all about the animals. They don't cut you off in traffic or litter. But this animation again is interesting on how they made the drawing just morph into something.

Buddy Holly and the Crickets

Buddy Holly and the Crickets

Buddy Holly influenced many with his catchy well played songs. Already having a promising career which ended with a coin toss during a snowy evening. Here is an early interview with him and the crickets when they just started out.

Film Review: Love me if you Dare

Love me if you Dare (Jeux d'enfants)

I ran into this film randomly in the French section of my favorite film store. A game that tends to get a little out of hand but it's all out of love. Love hurts. It's a tail of two young children that perform dares on each other while handing each with a circus tin. The coloration in the film tends to change as a reflection of the two aging in the film and developing stronger emotions towards one another. It's a great film with an odd twist of romance.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

The Assassination of Jesse James

by the Coward Robert Ford

I thought this film would be interesting and I was right. I've been a bit indecisive on the whole modernization of old western cult hero's. This film does deliver but be prepared for the long haul on it. Jesse James is portrayed by Brad Pitt as a early 30s man ready to settle down and hang the guns on the coat rack. Casey Affleck plays Robert Ford. Pretty much stalking Jesse James in the beginning in a very creepy manner. Very well portrayed. The voice Robert Ford has brought bumps to the back of my neck. The camera work in the film is amazing and the soundtrack is partially done by no other Nick Cave. After I saw the ending credits with Nick Cave's name up, it all made sense. It's a film I can see on the Sundance channel for sure and a sleeper. Slow start and a great ending.

Overall I give it 3 out 5.

Film Review: Terminator Salvation

Film Review: Terminator Salvation

I went ahead and checked out a midnight showing of Terminator last night.  Me and everyone else in line were extremely excited.  Unfortunately for me, I just didn't enjoy it much at all.  Sure it had action scenes and explosions, but it just never felt right.  It was lacking the depth and emotional impact of the other 3 *er 2 in my mind* films.  I just didn't care at all.  

I hate giving bad reviews of films, cause its not really my thing.  I'd much prefer to tell you all about a film I enjoyed, but I couldn't let this one slide.  My opinion: watch T2 again instead.

Upcoming Film: Sherlock Holmes

Very excited to hear about this one!  Sherlock Holmes by Guy Ritchie!  Sounds like it might be good.  I'm a bit skeptical though, since it isn't anything like the Sherlock Holmes I imagine.  Might work out though.  The cast looks good.  Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law.  

For some reason I am reminded of The Mask of Zorro, another film that tried to update a classic hero.  I hope this one fares better.  Check out the trailer though and see what you think.

Thoughts on the rating system

Last night I was thinking about the rating for Terminator Salvation and got really annoyed.  PG-13!  Are you kidding me?  The same thing happened to Live Free or Die Hard.  Some films just aren't supposed to be like that.  John McClane is meant to kick some R rated ass.... and the Terminator!  COME ON!  It's the ROBOT APOCALYPSE!  Don't you expect to see some serious shit go down?  Now I know they will most likely push the rating to its max, but still... it's kind of a tradition for films like these to have an R rating.  We grew up on that.  

Not to mention all the horror films in theatres these days with tame standards.  Also, remember when the new Predator vs. Aliens came out with a PG-13 rating?  Yeah?  I admit it wouldn't have made the biggest difference in terms of the quality of the film, but at least I would've gone into the theatre expecting a true Predator film.  

One more example from my childhood.  The Mortal Kombat film.  Where was Sub Zero tearing out a guys head and spinal cord?  Seriously!  The game had the balls to push the limits, it seemed like a crime that the film wouldn't do likewise.  

I know it is all about bringing in the most cash for a film, but I still feel some things were meant to be R rated... gives the kids a reason to sneak into the theatre.  

So what do you think?  Are my claims unwarranted?  Do you agree?  Can you remember a film that truly suffered from rating censorship?  

Film Review: Splinter

Film Review: Splinter

I recently checked out this great little horror movie!  I wasn't expecting much at all going into it and was pleased to find a smart creature feature with an interesting villian.  The story follows a couple on an anniversary camping excursion.  They decide a hotel would be best and hit the road.  Not soon after they are hijacked by a pair of fugitives and end up at a gas station in the middle of nowhere with a burnt out radiator.  They soon realize, after one of the team in attacked, that there is a crazy creature which jumps from host to host via splinters.  It's an interesting blend of zombie like infestation with other worldly fungus like spreading abilities. 

What sold me on this film is the idea of something crawling and growing inside of your body, taking control of your muscles from the inside.  There are some truly unnerving movements here.  I also was totally surprised by the acting talent on display.  Throughout most of the film I actually agreed with the characters course of action.  

The effects were very good as well, using a mixture of practical CGI effects and makeup.  To put a long story short, this film is ten times better than the crap they sling in the theatres.  I recommend checking it out for those looking for a nice creature movie with an interesting menace.  I'm also very interested in the possibilities of sequels, since the ending left me wondering how wide spread the splinters are.  

I rate it 4 self aware 'evil dead' type hands 

Karen O is scoring Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are Film Score

Pretty interesting to know about this and I'm simply excited.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs Karen O Talks 'Where The Wild Things Are'
Singer talks about Spike Jonze's controversial film of Maurice Sendak's book.

By James Montgomery, with reporting by Tom Thorogood


Late last month, the Interwebs went berserk when the trailer for Spike Jonze's much-discussed "Where the Wild Things Are" premiered on Apple's Movie Trailer site.

For some, it offered assurance that — despite some rather frightening advance press — the film would remain true to author Maurice Sendak's whimsical-yet-dark tone. To others, the re-recorded version of the Arcade Fire's "Wake Up" provided a sneak peek into the indie-riffic score, which was rumored to have been crafted by Yeah Yeah Yeahs' frontwoman Karen O and Deerhunter's Bradford Cox.

It was confirmed in the trailer that O and musician Carter Burwell would be tackling the "Wild Things" score ... but the YYY mouthpiece has kept mum about just what that score would sound like, and her involvement with the film — until Tuesday, that is.

In London to promote the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' new album, It's Blitz, she was asked by MTV U.K. about the trailer, just how she came to be involved in the project, and the music she created for the "Wild Things" film.

"I guess I got involved because of Spike, because I guess there is a childlike innocence about my music or my persona or whatever that he always just kind of dialed into," O said. "So I guess he thought I should make music for 'Where the Wild Things Are,' and [so] I kind of assembled a group of mostly rock musicians to make the music, including [YYY's guitarist/keyboardist] Nick [Zinner] and [YYYs drummer] Brian [Chase] to play on it. It was a really amazing experience."

And just what will the "Wild Things" score sound like? Well, she wasn't about to divulge all her secrets. But she has seen the film, and she thinks long-suffering fans are going to love what Jonze has done with it — so long as they're prepared for the impossible.

"What Spike has accomplished with the film is basically the impossible. There's a lot of stuff that they told me he couldn't do that he did anyway," she said. "It was a really inspiring and exciting thing to be a part of."

from mtv.com

Terminator Salvation

"If you are listening to this.. YOU are the resistance." John Connor.
This quote is simply inspiring to me.
Here is an extended and final preview for the upcoming film Terminator Salvation, opening in theatres 21 May. I don't understand how this film was rated PG-13. Couldn't we go for the R to add some more "umf" to it. The cast is outstanding for the film featuring Christian Bale and Common (Rappers can act too) and the cinematography looks on point. I have a good feeling about this film, every time I glance over the Trailer or see a Terminator Burger King cup. I just want to run through walls in excitement. There is some serious shit going down. Seriously.

Film Review: Let the Right One In

Film Review: Let the Right One In

I just got done watching Let the Right One In and I can already say it is one of the best vampire flicks I have ever seen. The story revolves around a young boy's interest in the girl next door. The problem being, she's a vampire. I was fascinated throughout the entire film at how they pulled off such a simple story with elegance and thought without tapping into cliche. As a parallel take Twilight as an example. Both stories involve a love affair between a human and vampire, yet only one of them pulls it off with a sense of sophistication. The one with the kids rather than 20 somethings!

This is a story everyone can relate to despite the supernatural element. I was also extremely impressed with the acting from these kids, especially Eli the vampire. She had me convinced she was ancient and young at the same time. Very curious.

The cinematography was fantastic, and the pacing of the film was spot on without dragging out. I suggest you give it a try and see what you think. If you happen to have a Netflix account you can watch it instantly right now! Pretty sweet.

I rate it 5 decapitated heads

I agree with most of what Eric wrote above. This film is more than just another vamp out and killem flick. I'm in debate to even consider it a horror film but definitely a drama. The camera work and film score has to be the best I've seen this year for snow scenes. It's a feeling of watching an Edward Gorey drawing come to life.
I'm buying this film when hits the shelves.
I rate it 5 decapitated heads.

introducing El G of ZZK Records

Introducing : El G of ZZK Records

Met El G via Orion of Rawwordrecords in email land. Decided it would be simply amazing to see him perform in Austin. It was a tropical throw down of sorts at Copa Bar and Grill. Saw him on the early set at Coachella this past year. It was amazing. Here is a small interview with him from uLOVEi.

El G of ZZK Records Interview from uLOVEi on Vimeo.

Movie Review: Star Trek

Movie Review: Star Trek

Right off the bat I must say I loved this film.  I'm a big fan of J.J. Abrams and thought he did a phenomenal job recreating the wonder of the Star Trek universe.  I have to admit I was never a huge fan of the series.  I guess I didn't really give it a chance and watch all the episodes or anything.  I did like Star Trek 2 The Wrath of Kahn though, and am familiar enough with the characters and story to nerd out on the re-imagining of the characters.  Anyways, here's my thoughts on the film.  I have to warn you there will be SPOILERS! 

There is so much debate over this film among the fans for basically destroying everything you know about the Star Trek universe due to a plot device in the film involving time travel and the butterfly effect of altering the past.  I had no problem with this and thought Abrams really had some balls to play it out this way.  I am also excited about the possibilities this presents for re discovering familiar moments in the Star Trek world from a fresh perspective.  Sequels and a new series are undoubtedly on their way.  I felt all the new actors were spot on, while still bringing something new to the table.  I especially enjoyed Spock's character, although he does seem a bit more conflicted emotionally than I remember.  The new Kirk was decent.  I am not the biggest fan of Shatner anyways.  

The film was a great, albeit simple story.  Good popcorn fare.  I left the theater very happy, yet with a few grievances I will now mention in list form:

1. If the Romulan bad guy went back in time WHY did he just wait around for revenge for 25 years when he could've done SOMETHING to prevent the destruction of his planet... or at least warn them with enough time to escape!  That makes no sense to me.  

2. ...and I've heard this elsewhere... how is creating a black hole going to save the planet anyways?  A planet can't survive without a sun.  When they were busy talking with Spock about saving them why didn't they think to EVACUATE THE PLANET just in case the plan didn't work!!!  

3. a couple of minor irks: Kirk was promoted far too fast, when they skydive onto a verrry tiny platform I found it to be quite funny....although pretty cool looking, that was one hell of a coincidence for the U.S.S. Kelvin to be in the exact spot of the Romulan ship at the beggining. 

4. Ohhh also, where were the Vulcans when their planet was being drilled.... wouldn't they have sent a fleet to help fight the threat??  Or are they that peaceful?  Maybe I just don't know enough about em to gauge.  

So that is about it, I think.  All my issues with the film didn't stop me from enjoying it.  What are your thoughts???

Upcoming Film: 9.99

Upcoming Film: 9.99

Here's an interesting one. A feature length stop motion film with a very unique style. I am looking forward to checking this one out. Sure, it's a little creepy looking, but pretty damn awesome too.

cartoon

Here's a really cool and simple animation. I saw this on drawn.ca today and had to repost since it is such a well made short.
Enjoy: