Film Review: $9.99

Film Review: $9.99

I recently checked out the independent animated feature $9.99 as it is now Watch it Instantly on Netflix! I first blogged about the film last year after seeing the trailer, and for some reason forgot about it until now.
It is rare to find an independent feature animation done so well. Last year must have been the season of Stop Motion. We had Coraline, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and this little gem.
The film was inspired by the short stories of Etgar Keret and directed by Tatia Rosenthal. The audience is offered an inside look into the lives of several individuals who share an apartment complex. It is most certainly a comedy, as I found several scenes quite hilarious. I wasn't sure what to think of the film at first, but was quickly sucked into the story. The film isn't exactly about one thing in particular, but rather a series of interesting character studies. We've got a newly formed angel with a cynical outlook on the world, a out of work young man who seeks knowledge on the meaning of life through a self help book (on sale for $9.99), a hilarious developing relationship between a model and a repo man, and more. I'd hate to give away too much, since it is definitely worth a reviewing.
I was also very thankful for the quick runtime of the film. It was refreshing to sit through a nice hour and some odd minutes rather than the 2hr plus films that are typical these days. Sometimes you just want a quick little story.
I rate this film 4 out of 5! Check it out

Official Site for the film

P.S. I have to give special recognition to the set design in the film. Those little sets were so detailed and spot on. Very impressive!

Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain

Today is the anniversary of the death of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain. He was found by an electrician at his household but was deceased for a few days from a self inflected gun shot wound. He's an influence on many including myself since an early age. Still remember when it was announced on the news at my neighbors on my way to school. Rather shocking and but here is one of his last interviews to remember him by. Kurt you will be missed and I wish you were here still.

Read an interview with Kurt Kobain taken in the Fall of 1994 after the jump.

Pixels

Okay this video is just fantastic!!!

Film Review: A Serious Man

Film Review: A Serious Man



This film could be considered a sleeper but in a good way. The film tells a tale of a Jewish suburban family in Minneapolis in the 1960s. I found how the film was shot was stunning and how they just did their research on the set design. I found the film slightly amusing but more feeling sorry for the main character but in the end becoming more annoyed with his actions of not taking action. A Jewish Micheal Douglas in the 60s that didn't crack as hard to say the least. I found it rather quirky with a twist of dark humor.

Film Review: Wilco: Ashes of an American Flag

Film Review: Wilco: Ashes of an American Flag

I first heard about the Chicago based band Wilco from watching them side stage at Austin City Limits a while ago. I didn't know who they were at the moment but thought their live set was amazing and energetic. Asking a person before they set on stage which happened to be one of the members. I caught wind of this film when it was screened at the Alamo Draft House. What drew me to the film also was who directed it and mixed the film. One of the directors is Brendan Cantry of Fugazi and Eli Janney from Girls against Boys who mixed and engineered the film. A couple of people that I see as a big influence for me. It's an enjoyable film if you're a fan of the band and watching the film just might make you a fan. Ya never know!

Here is some more information of the film:

ashesofamericanmovie.com/

Film Review: Under the Great White Northern Lights

Film Review: Under The Great White Northern Lights

This picture is simply a Kodak moment at it's finest.
Director Emmett Malloy filmed a documentary in the Summer of 2007 of the White Stripes on tour. I'm usually thinking another tour film of bloopers but this was shot in the most artistic memorable manner that can be done of the band. Jack White mixed over 40 songs for the film soundtrack. It's been doing very well at all the festivals and was featured recently during SXSW at the Paramount Theater in Austin Tx with a couple of very special guests that would know this better than me. ;) The film should finally be out on on dvd and Blue Ray but also features very signature items when you purchase it. I highly recommend to see this film, it's simply amazing just like the White Stripes and simply inspiring for the music minded folks.

Here is a clip from the film on what to expect:


More info can be found at:

www.whitestripes.com/film/film.html