Sarah Silverman's favorites

Sarah Silverman's Favorites

I don't really think these are all of her favorites but maybe just her favorites from Borders. I agree with most of her choices. I did like the Squid and the Whale. Here's more from her.

Introducing: Manikin

Introducing: Manikin

A band that I really enjoy watching and listening to in Austin. A post punk vibe with a unique sound that is peppered with other sounds. Had a moment to share a few words with Alfie from the band. I highly suggest you check them out and catch one of their shows in the area.

How long has the band been together and how did it form?

We form the band out of boredom- it's been almost a decade in the making and there's seem to be nothing to cover the void we all feel inside.

Where are some the most memorable places that Manikin have played at and why?

One memorable show was at Emo's where there was only one guy at the front dancing like he was doing the P90X commercial. it was a little show in it self. I almost forgot we were playing- it was that cool to watch.

What are some of the influences of the band, also any favorite local bands that you enjoy playing with?

Early Siouxsie and Joy Division, The Avengers, Prince and Michael Jackson, the Adolescence, The Vibrators, Madonna, the Normals, maybe Lydia Lunch and Richard Hell. Lots of stuff. We enjoy paying with The Hexie, Bottle Service,

On your most recent album, Stop the Sirens, how long did it take to record and write the songs for the album?

like five minutes- it comes to us in a dream and completely ornamented and ready to be disastered.

Can you elaborate on what the song Sirens is about?

it's about escaping but getting caught. Also Perfect Picture is another song that grabs my attention, can you tell a little bit more about? Our struggle is the same in any generation. The message is the same but with different author. We are not any better.

Do you have songs that are not released yet that you didn’t find to fit on the last three albums, any thoughts of working on a B-Side compilation cd?

We're breaking that mold actually. Soon we'll be as free as a caged bird.

How many albums do you have out and how do they differ from one another?

3 albums- they're different because the were made from different places in our lives. We're changing constantly.

How does the band develop songs? Do usually come up with a concept or just work off from each other jamming?

In a dream- I heard this question before or was I just dreaming again.

What are the upcoming plans for the band and thoughts about working on another album?

Focusing in making good songs- better songs.

Who does the art work for Manikin?

global consciousness does it

More info on the band can be found at:

http://www.myspace.com/manikin

http://www.themanikin.com/

Film Review: Fantastic Mr. Fox

Film Review: Fantastic Mr. Fox

The first stop motion picture from Wes Anderson based on Roald Dahl's children novel. Tells the tale of a Fox with his lady, Felicity, getting busted while stealing chickens on a farm also found out she is pregnant with a cub. Felicity convinces Mr. Fox if they live that he will find safer employment. Time passes, currently living in a hole and decided to find shelter in a new home at the base of a tree. Right in the front yard of the new home are three farmhouses which rekindles old habits and leads to them being chased down by the three farmers. With his new copilot the possum, he steals from all three farms. Many other characters are portrayed, such as the Badger ( voiced by Bill Murrary), Felicity (Meryl Streep), Mr. Fox ( voiced by George Clooney) and much more. The film is very uplifting and has the Wes Anderson quirks and dry humor.

Jarvis Cocker (Britpop band Pulp) makes a guess cameo as a song writer towards the end of the film while the farmers are in pursuit. Another brilliant soundtrack that's worth listening to over and over. The film over all is great and worth watching over a few times. I would consider this a borderline family type movie that's enjoyable. It was nominated for the 82nd Academy Awards for best Animated Feature and original score. I really felt it should have won both, well at least the Animated Feature Academy Award.

Director Guillermo del Toro's book series

Director Guillermo del Toro's book series

The Strain is the first novel of a vampire trilogy to be co-authored by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan.
The book was released on June 2nd, 2009 and the second installment, entitled The Fall, is to be released in September 2010. I'm going to to have to catch up on some reading real quick. I found this to be very interesting since one of his influences is H.P. Lovecraft.

Here is a link for more information on the series.
http://www.thestraintrilogy.com/

Film Review: Battle Royale

Film Review: Battle Royale

This is in my top ten favorite films.

A Japanese film based on a Japanese novel. Stars Takeshi Kitano along with Chiaki Kuriyama whom was GoGo in Kill Bill among others. The film takes place in the near future of Japan where much of the children have kinda caused the adults to have a fear of a threat. The story continues with the main character losing his father to suicide after his mother abandons him. Finding his mind clouded by disillusion and little respect for authorities like his peers. The class ends up on going on a bus trip to be gassed, kidnapped and slowly awaken to find metal collars around their necks in a cold tattered classroom with their old teacher. The teacher informs them that they have been selected to participate in a program called "Battle Royale" which means everyone has to kill each other off until there is one person left. The children are devastated and shocked by but proceed to a bloody slaughter of each other. Some get with the program and others that don't are slain by fellow classmates for survival. Fewer and fewer students are left from the traps set from their teacher and fellow classmates on a rampage. There is much to tell about this film and I should write a paper on how great this film is. The character build up in the film is great and you can relate to most of the students. The cinematography was a little above average but set the mood. The score of the film really set the mood. A very bloody and tasteful film of many themes.

Here is a film trailer from Japan. Enjoy.

Film Review:Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

Film Review:Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

A Fantasy Film by Terry Gilliam, Monty Python Troupe, tells the tale about a traveling Theater Troupe that made a deal with the Devil long ago and a passage way in a mirror that explores ones imaginations. Staring Heath Leadger, Tom Waits, Christopher Plummer with cameos from Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell. The film was one of the most creative and interesting films with for Art Direction. I found Tom Waits portrayal of the Devil to be one the highlight of the film. Another would be the elephant temple and history about the curse/deal that the Devil placed. Sadly to say that this is Heath Leadger's last acting film role due to his death. The cameos appearances were obviously to replace the remaining parts for Heath but did fit very well. I'm not going to say this is his best performance but the film was great overall and looking forward to adding this to my personal collection. The camera work was amazing and the screenwriting also the character development. I found the film to be overall interesting and enjoyable for all ages. If you found this to be enjoyable also check out The Adventures of Baron Munchausen and Time Bandits.

Film Review:Thriller

Film Review:Thriller

A 1973 Swedish Exploitation Film that was banned from the whole country for it's content. Also known as They Call Her One Eye. Tells the tale of a young girl who is sexually assaulted as a child that leads to her being mute. She's innocent and very vulnerable. During a walk down a road she decided to hitch a ride with a guy that kidnaps and cons her into becoming a heroin addict sex slave to some of the worst kind of people. She's stabbed in the eye for not doing her duty with a client. She eventually saves money for weapons, training in driving, long range shooting to fulfill her vengeance on the people that brought her down. She goes on a blood lust rampage. It had an influence on Elle Driver character in Kill Bill hence the eye patch. I found the film to be rather intense and would watch it again. The film soundtrack was on point and the camera work was ok. This film is pretty hardcore and extremely violent. It's banned in Sweden.