Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Goings-on-matron
Movies!
-Hey kids, can't afford the good drugs? Go see Speed Racer! I guarentee that after watching two hours straight of images thatwontfuckingstaystill you won't be able to walk straight. For serious. I recommend focusing on Matthew Fox for the duration of the film. There is something oddly soothing about his head-to-toe black leather ensemble.
-Did you enjoy Billy Elliot? Me too! I get a kick out of precocious British kids doing wacky things. That's why I vaguely enjoyed Son of Rambow which is currently playing at Kendall Square Cinema. It isn't a masterpiece, and I doubt I'll still remember much about in a few weeks, but it is a good way to kill an afternoon. Also, I've now added the slang term "skills" to my vocabulary. It might even replace "boss".
-There's a new Narnia movie coming out on Friday! Skills!
Concerts!
-I saw Death Cab For Cutie at the TD BankNorth Pavillion on Saturday. They played a few songs from Narrow Stairs which came out on Tuesday (it is really swell). They also played a few tracks off of Transatlanticism which is easily one of my most favorite albums of ALL TIME. The show was about an hour and a half and I'm going to go ahead and rank it right up there with the Eels show I saw earlier this year.
You should really read this AV Club feature that popped up today. Good shtuff.
-I got free tickets to the Symphony last night (skills!) and saw Garrison Keillor. It was really swell. That's pretty much the best way to describe it. My guest and I were probably the youngest people there, and I'll guarentee you I was the only one with visible tattoos. A good time was had by all though. Nothing really beats the one-two punch of old-time folksy story-telling and one of the worlds greatest orchestras playing in a historic landmark. Can't wait to see the Pops play with Amanda Palmer next month. It will probably be one of the most bizarre evenings of my life. If I go.
Oh yeah, this post was brought to you by Enviga. Can you tell?
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Teen Sex and Super Heroes
No?
Yeah, me neither. I've never been a huge fan of blockbusters. Generally I'm big on sleepers, but whatever. I'm easily coerced into watching shoot-em-ups on occasion.
Luckily for me I've always been pretty avid reader of graphic novels. This is good because the suits in Hollywood have caught on that nerds like myself will pay to see their favorite mutants and super geniuses save the world time and time again.
So, I saw Iron Man. I'm sure you've all heard the praise for Robert Downey Jr., and I heartily agree. Really, if you're going to see this film you're probably going to agree that he is the best part. Go ahead and see the damn thing if only because everyone will think you're a loser if you don't.
---
Have you seen this? Probably. This image has been shoved down my throat by the media all week and all I can think is... so? Haven't I seen this picture 5 1/2 BILLION fucking times?
I'm not EXACTLY saying that Annie Liebowitz is a modern-day Vermeer, but she IS just another artist in a very, very long tradition of depicting young women in provocative ways. Defamer has said it best (so far) with their assertion that teenagers can and DO have SEX. SHOCKING. So why is everyone so bent out of shape over a VERY MODEST picture of a young girl? Because she doesn't look so innocent? She's not. I may have been a virgin at 15 too, but I had access to MTV and movies. I'd been skinny dipping. I'd taken art classes. I'd read Lolita.
The uproar over Daniel Radcliffe's nude photographs was much more subdued, perhaps because he was 18 when they were taken... But shouldn't it be just as traumatizing to Harry Potter's junk as it is seeing Hannah Montana's half-naked body covered in a sheet (actually it is a "stole", but I'm not that fashion savvy)? Why is it OK for Daniel Radcliffe to be viewed as a sexual being at a young age, and not Miley Cyrus?
Look, I'm not saying that I approve of old lecherous farts like you guys gawking at young Ms. Cyrus, but I AM saying that at 15 she clearly knows what she's doing. She knows she can say "no". And Annie Liebowitz knew what she was doing too.
Everyone is so up in arms about this girls loss of innocence... but she already lost it as soon as she signed that Disney contract. For every girl that made it out of the Disney machine without going batshit (like Haley Mills, Christina Aguilera, Hilary Duff and Raven Simone) there are those who didn't (Britney, Lindsay). It is a GIANT cliche at this point, and certainly one I've written about before. I'm not saying that Miley is going to lose her shit. What I am saying is that we expect her to, don't we? We see that picture and we think "here we go again".
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
pop*creep suggests/wants
I was wondering if it would be cool with you guys (I use the plural perhaps a tad prematurely) if I posted an update.
Yeah?
Boss.
Alright then.
These are things I like and/or want.
Like:
FILM
Forgetting Sarah Marshall: Most of you were probably too busy watching The Forbidden Kingdom this past weekend to catch the new Apatow-produced vehicle. That's fine, I understand your desire to see Jet Li FINALLY tear Jackie Chan a new one (I hear you, and submitted to the same desire). What you missed out on was a clever, sweet, crude and thoroughly entertaining film. To be honest I haven't liked the last few Apatow movies. Knocked Up left me thinking "You know... in real life Katherine Heigl would have had an abortion" (I know, I know. That wasn't what the movie was "about", but whatever) and Superbad's post American Pie sight-gags left me a little cold (though I am a huge fan of the cast). Sarah Marshall on the other hand was a great return to the 40-Year Old Virgin blend of gross-out humor and tenderness that made me love Judd Apatow films in the first place. Stellar cast, great one-liners, and gratuitous male nudity. It'll make you want to B your L on someone's Ts.
BEVERAGE
Enviga: Yeah... it is a glorified energy drink. Yes, it is manufactured by the Coca-Cola Company and is probably Satan's elixir. But DAMN I love this stuff. It comes in three varieties: Berry, peach, and green tea. The berry is my favorite. It gives you a nice boost without the jitters you get from Red Bull or Rock Star (and it tastes much MUCH better). It is being marketed as a "Calorie-burner" which I don't give a shit about... I just like it as an alternative to coffee.
Arizona Green Tea Red Apple: While we're talking about green tea, let's discuss Arizona Green Tea Red Apple briefly. Delicious.
Snake Bite: 1/2 lager, 1/2 cider... all tasty.
EVENT
Recod Store Appreciation Day: ...was this past Saturday. I know, I know... but better late than never. I dropped more bank than I should have at four different Newbury Comics locations on records and CDs. There were in-stores and free swag. "Lucky" customers got to watch Amanda Palmer of the Dresden Dolls paint at the Harvard Square Newbury Comics, and folks on Newbury Street saw Mates of State. Regina Spektor played at a shop in Brooklyn and everyone got sweet deals. Hopefully RSAD happens again next year.
MUSIC
Constantines + Feist "Islands in the Stream": Kids born in the early '80s like me are likely more familiar with "Ghetto Superstar" than they are with the classic recorded and made famous by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton (and written by the Bee Gees). Hell, the song is the same age as I am. At any rate, the Constantines and fellow Canadian Feist do the song some sweet and smooth justice on their new album "Kensington Heights" and I heartily suggest you check it out. Slow, sexy, and haunting. Do the right thing and drop some change on it.
PLACES
The Arnold Aboretum: I recently spent an evening strolling around the Arboretum. It was gorgeous and relaxing. There are fabulous views of Boston and cool trees and plants to look at.
Forest Hills Cemetary: Another great place to take a walk, especially now that the flowers are a bloomin'.
Want:
THINGS
Absinthe Lollipops: First the US prohibition on Absinthe was lifted, then some wacky candy makers in San Fransisco had a brainstorm. I haven't tried these, but the former Gawth in me is intrigued. The closest retailer is in Providence, but hell... these little babies might be worth a mini car trip.
And that is all.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
I'm back
Here are some highlights from the months I didn't post:
Shows
-Magnetic Fields at the Somerville Theater: The show was on Valentine's Day and was absolutely delightful. Who wants to listen to songs about people who are happily in love?
-Daniel Johnston at the Roxy: Awesome! Just an all-around fun show that let out just in time for me to catch sight of a full lunar eclipse over Boston.
-Luminescent Orchestrii at the Amazing Things Arts Center in Framingham: The more I see them, the more I love them. I'm a sucker for gypsy music and Lumi puts on a fantastically warm and welcoming show. The space was a converted firehouse.
Film
-Ratatouille and Horton Hears a Who: I'm always a bit skeptical when it comes to "children's" movies. I think that most of what is being made for the under 4-foot set is generic crap. On the contrary, these films give me hope. Rataouille is just a sweet, whimsical tale of "don't dream it, be it!" and Horton is just... oddball, surrealist fun - which is exactly what Dr. Seuss SHOULD be when it is adapted for the screen.
- Run Fatboy Run: In some ways this is a generic redemption tale, but it gets a pass because it was written by Micheal Ian Black and Simon Pegg. Simon Pegg stars and as always delivers a strong comedic performance. Hank Azaria co-stars as Pegg's competition to douche-y perfection. And the film is well-directed by David Schwimmer which will hopefully not scare you all away.
- Young at Heart: I cried on average about once every ten minutes at this screening.
This is a simply lovely documentary about Northampton's Young at Heart Choir, a group of senior citizens who sing songs by modern artists like Talking Heads, Sonic Youth, and Coldplay. Here's a clip from one of the most moving parts of the doc (and you need to see the film to understand why it is so moving):
Books
-Love is a Mixtape by Rob Sheffield: Rolling Stone writer and Boston Native Rob Sheffield's quais-memoir is out in paperback and I highly suggest picking it up. It is an easy read, but it is full of heart. Rob writes about his all-too brief relationship with his wife Renee who passed away five years into their marriage. When she died she left behind hundreds of mix-tapes that tell the story of their love affair. They are also a document of what was going on musically in the early-to-mid 1990s which is an era I find fascinating, at least literally speaking.
-Woman's World by Graham Rawle: Collage artist Graham Rawle took on the seemingly impossible task of writing a story entirely out of found words. He found the words in early 1960s women's magazines, snipped them out, and arranged them to create coherent story. The book is not only fun to read, but it is beautiful to look at.
-Y: The Last Man by Brian K. Vaughn: I waited for this much lauded Vertigo title to end its run before diving in because I knew it would be like comic-crack. I have trouble patiently waiting each month for my favorite titles to arrive at the comic store. I've only read the first trade, and I am SOLD. There are so many things I already love about the series, but I don't want to ruin anything for those of you who haven't started. Also, please no spoilers for me.
Blogs
-Modish: I'm pretty into DIY and this is a great blog if you are too. There are countless pictures of hand-made items. There are also spotlights on artisans and eco-friendly creations. I'm really not doing it justice. If it helps, the blogger updates WAY more than I do.
And that's all I've got for now.
Monday, February 4, 2008
We're closer to this than you might think....
Apparently, these guys feel the same way I do:
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
I don't usually post about politics....
And for the record, I probably won't be jumping on the political train any time soon, but I am 100% pro-voting, and I urge you to be as well. If you're curious (you probably aren't, but this is my blog) I'm Green Party so I'll pretty much vote for whichever candidate shares my views on the environment (uh... we should probably, like... do something about it). Otherwise I'm not huge on talking politics. I think the president is a lying, sexist, hatemonger (ps Dan Savage... maybe you should update the site a little).
So anyway, this is likely one of the last times you'll be seeing something political here, but don't mark my words. I'll probably have more to say come October.
Until then, I'll go back to doing what I do best (well, at least marginally better): Watching movies.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
An Open Letter to My Generation
Get your shit together.
Brad Renfro died of an overdose last week. He was 25. Amy Whinehouse got caught on camera smoking CRACK this week. She's 24. Heath Ledger died today. He was 28.
And we all know what Britney, Lindsay and Paris have been up to.
I hate to lump Heath in with the rest... he seemed to have his shit together, at least until recently. He seemed "normal". He was a gifted actor. He was a dad.
It makes me sad. I don't know these people, and the cynic in me questions why I even give a shit... But I'm 24. These are my peers. I probably won't ever meet them. I know that in every generation there are fuck-ups and idiots and tragedies. James Dean. Janis Joplin. River Phoenix. Kurt Cobain.
We all want to be remembered. I think Britney knows what happens to nice girls like Debbie Gibson: They end up on Broadway. And then we forget about them. Britney is essentially burning out so as not to fade away.
I'm sure people have always gone batshit... but now they're doing it for the cameras. Anna Nicole. Whitney Houston. Amy Whinehouse.
We debate who is "tortured" versus who is "pathetic". If you're tortured you're an artist. If you're pathetic. you're a pop tart.
Do you think Britney was hurt when she found out that the Associated Press had already prepared her obituary? She's 26, by the way. I don't know what to think. I shouldn't even have an opinion. I could give a shit about what Ms. Spears does. Thing is, I'm bombarded with news about her every day.
What's making them all go so crazy? Who do we blame? Is the internet making egos more fragile? Are fat pasty nerds who want pretty people to crash and burn actually being heard?
I do think that all of this is sick, though. I learned about Heath's death. I went to Defamer to figure out if it was a prank. It wasn't. A half hour later, I went back to Defamer. There were SIX posts about Heath. Video of the NYPD removing his body from his apartment building in SoHo.
So, Peers... let's say we take a nice long look at ourselves. Let's get off the drugs, stop being so fame-hungry, and take care of our children. Let's take some fucking responsibility. It may be a cliche to say so, but there are younger kids looking at us thinking the shit we're doing is cool.
I look at Britney and Paris and Lindsay and Amy and I think: Is this how I am supposed to be? Comatose in some club, malnourished with my twat on display? These girls are sick. It isn't funny. We need to stop laughing. We need to stop enabling them.
In fact, about a year ago, Craig Ferguson said it a lot better than I ever could:
Wild Speculatin': OSCAR Edition
Of course with the Writer's Strike still in effect, there is no guarantee that the Jon Stewart hosted telecast will go on. I personally hope that some sort of agreement can be reached with the WGA because I really, really love that tribute they always do for dead Hollywood types. Also, the Globe press conference made me twitch.
So, without further ado: Wild Speculatin'
Actor in a Leading Role:
I want: Johnny Depp to win...
Gold Guy Goes To: Daniel Day-Lewis
I'm Pissed Because: Where's James McAvoy for Atonement?
Actor in a Supporting Role:
I want: Casey Affleck because he was BRILLIANT in Assassination.
Gold Guy Goes To: Javier Bardem (though a case can be made for Phillip Seymour Hoffman)
I'm Pissed Because: Where is Paul Schneider for Assassination? I mean, yeah, no one has heard of him, but he was most certainly a stand-out both in that film, and as Ryan Gosling's older brother in Lars.
Actress in a Lead Role:
I Want: Ellen Page. Not because I think she's all that great, but because she's the one I can stand.
Gold Guy Goes To: Marion Cotillard because she got the Globe.
I'm Pissed Because: I HATED La Vie En Rose.
Actress in a Supporting Role:
I Want: Saorise Ronan (Atonement).
Gold Guy Goes To: Cate Blanchett because she played a man.
I'm Pissed Because: Where's Kelly Macdonald for No Country? She was adorable and subtle.
Animated Feature Film:
I have yet to see any of the nominated films in this category, but I'm rooting for Persepolis.
Art Direction:
I want: Sweeney Todd
Gold Guy Goes To: There Will Be Blood
I'm Pissed Because: Where's Assassination?
Cinematography:
I Want: Assassination
Gold Guy Goes To: No Country
I'm Pissed Because: -
Costume Design:
I Want: Sweeney Todd.
Gold Guy Goes To: Sweeney Todd.
I'm Pissed Because: There's another nod for La Vie En Rose.
Directing:
I Want: PTA
Gold Guy Goes To: The Coen Bros
I'm Pissed Because: No Atonement? No Assassination? JUNO got nominated in THIS category?
Documentary Film:
I Want: Sicko
Gold Guy Goes To: No End In Sight
I'm Pissed Because: King of Kong didn't even make the short list.
Documentary Short
I did not see any of the nominated films.
Film Editing:
I Want: There Will Be Blood
Gold Guy Goes To: No Country
I'm Pissed Because: -
Foreign Language Film:
I did not see any of the nominated films.
Makeup:
I want: Ugh.
Gold Guy Goes To: La Vie En Rose
I'm Pissed Because: Norbit seriously got nominated. Also, where's Sweeney Todd?
Music (Score)
I want: Atonement
Gold Guy Goes To: Atonement?
I'm Pissed Because: Nothing for Nick Cave and Warren Ellis for Assassination.
Music (Song)
I Want: Enchanted (I guess)
Gold Guy Goes To: Enchanted. Come on, the odds are with Alan Menken on this one.
I'm Pissed Because: I sort of liked that Eddie Vedder song from Into the Wild
Best Picture:
I want: Atonement
Gold Guy Goes To: No Country
I'm Pissed Because: Where's Assassination?
Short Film: Animated and Live:
I did not see any of the films nominated in these categories.
Sound Editing:
I Want: There Will Be Blood
Gold Guy Goes To: Transformers
I'm Pissed Because: Sunshine got shut out in the one category it would have cleaned house in.
Sound Mixing:
I don't care. No Country will get it, Sunshine deserved it.
Visual Effects:
I Want: Golden Compass.
Gold Guy Goes To: Pirates
I'm Pissed Because: Sunshine?
Writing (Adapted Screenplay):
I Want: Atonement
Gold Guy Goes To: No Country
I'm Pissed Because: While There Will Be Blood is a fantastic film, I don't think it is fair that it was nominated in this category. PTA only loosely based his screenplay on OIL! the Sinclair Lewis novel. Also, where's Assassination?
Writing (Original Screenplay)
I want: Lars and the Real Girl or Juno
Gold Guy Goes To: Micheal Clayton
I'm Pissed Because: Lars won't win.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Things I saw, did, and slept through this weekend
I didn't have much going on on Friday evening, so a friend and I decided to head out to Revere to see a movie. Long story short, we tend not to have to pay for films in Revere, which in the case of the film we ended up seeing was a blessing from the corporate cinema gods.
I just want to preface my next statements with a very important point: I am a HUGE fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000. One of the main reasons I have any interest in film at all is my love for that show. Possibly sad, but very true.
Anyway, the only film playing when we got to the theater at around 11:30 was "In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale".
We thought: What is this film? Why have we heard nothing about it? Ooooh, Leelee Sobieski is in it... she's cute, right?
So, we picked up our tickets at the box office and made our way to the very last theater in the darkest corridor of the cineplex. I'm pretty sure bats flew out of the theater when we opened the door to enter.
The film, if one can really call it that, began with Ray Liotta smooching Leelee Sobiesky affectionately... and honestly, that's where I got lost. Seriously. NO idea what was going on. Then I fell asleep. Then there were trolls and tree-ninjas. And I fell asleep again. More trolls, Evil Ray Liotta. More sleep... and then possibly the Greatest Song Ever over the credits. Oh, and apparently it was directed by Uwe Boll. Also, 124 minutes long. Seriously.
King would definitely be in the running for worst movie of the year had I actually been awake for at least a third of it.
On Saturday the previously mentioned friend and I took in the Puppet Showplace Theater's
bi-monthly PuppetSLAM. This was my third, and I still find it hard to describe these events. Basically about 12 performers present brief skits with puppets. Many forms of puppetry are showcased, but last night shadow puppets were representing. My favorite was a piece on the history of LeRoy New York, the birthplace of Jell-O. I know I'm not doing much justice to the PuppetSlams, but they are events I highly recommend. The next SLAM is on March 15th. You should really go.
When the PuppetSLAM was over, friend and I decided to take another trip out to Revere. We recently discovered that the cineplex has a bar and grill in the lobby. No lies. We thought it would be a great idea to get a little festive and then take on 27 Dresses. Part of that plan was a great idea.
Film critics throw the term "by the numbers" around quite a bit when referring to Romantic Comedies. The term 100% applies to Dresses. There isn't a single thing that makes it stand out, or even makes it worth watching. The two women behind us (and this was at 12:30 AM) seemed to genuinely enjoy the film. I have to wonder if they'd seen a moving picture before. I also have to wonder if I have a soul. Probably not.
I also fell asleep a third of the way into the film, and woke up sometime around the climax. I was also able to predict the final line of the film which, is not a good thing.
I'm not going to get into how degrading Dressed is to women... that fact is probably self-evident.
My goal is to find a winter film I can stay awake for,
Puppets: 1
Movies: 0
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Cloverfield
There's been a lot of hype surrounding the film, which isn't shocking due to cryptic trailers and somewhat unsettling NYC metro posters.
Thing is, it's good.
Or, I think it's good. It could be the Enviga and TERROR speaking.
I'm not going to be an asshole and spoil it all for you.
I will say though that you KNOW the characters in the movie. They are your friends. They talk and act in a way that your friends would. Be that a credit to Drew Goddard or some sweet improv skills on the part of the actors, I don't know.
Sure some of the film is pretty out there as far as logic goes. And a lot of it is tough to watch.
I have to wonder, contextually speaking, if Cloverfield would have caused me to have such a visceral reaction had 9/11 not happened.
I have to wonder if the film would have been made had 9/11 not happened.
Just so you know, this isn't a film ABOUT terrorism...
I guess just see it.
Especially because Lizzy Caplan from Mean Girls is one of the main actors. She is also the most recognizable and actually gets top billing which is great for her. Go Lizzy!
Oh, and skeptics? Yeah, my advice to you is just see the damn thing before some asshole ruins it for you. Remember how you felt watching the first ten or so episodes of LOST? If you liked the show, you were probably petrified. That's how Cloverfield will make you feel.
And you'll never want to ride the subway again.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Arcade Fire tribute guy strikes again
This guy is pretty amazing. He has a blog which is also a sort of portfolio.
New Media Tuesday: Radiohead, Sunshine. Goldfrapp
The packaging for In Rainbows is sort of like a folio with a sleeve for the actual disc that reminds me of what CD singles used to come in. There are some glossy inserts as well that I assume are meant to be used in a jewel case (not included). They even have instructions for how to adhere them to a jewel case. I guess. Interesting. Definately not the disc box to be certain, but certainly amusing.
I've yet to watch or even read the back of Sunshine, but I assume it will be pretty rad. I already have ideas for a tribute video set to Muse's "Starlight". Seriously, think about it. It works creepily well. Or, someone else could just make it for me and link to it here... I'll give you a veggie dog.
Finally, the music blogs are abuzz with opinions on Goldfrapp's new single and video for "A&E". The video (sorry kids, embedding is disabled) is certainly adorable, but the song ain't no "Ooh La La":
And, in local WTF news: The ABP in Brattle Square is no more. Not that I'm a huge fan of ABP, but it was right near my Tues/Sun job and was reliably quick. Today I was forced to finagle a bagel, and my stomach has been hating me ever since.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Resolution/There will be no country for old men
Rest easy dear friend for I have the antidote to your irritated flesh: My New Years Resolution.
I resolve to write more.
I know CRAZY. Especially for someone who spent five hard years in college studying away for a degree in writing ( to be fair, two of those years were spent studying Art and Music - lot of good that did me).
That said, I've seen two films in the past three days: No Country For Old Men and There Will Be Blood by The Coen Brothers and P.T. Anderson respectively. Both are heavy dramas with subtle touches of the absurd. Both films filled me with dread and unease. Both were period pieces that utilize desolate landscapes to showcase the greed and insanity of the main characters.
And of course, both have already gotten critical acclaim up the wazoo, so everything I'm saying is just another drop in the bucket.
I'm not sure how much longer these films will be in theaters, but I do recommend seeing them. I take no responsibility for any loss of sleep relating to Daniel Day Lewis's mustache or Javiar Bardem's hair.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to the release of Be Kind Rewind, Michel Gondry's latest effort just to lighten my mood. Seriously, I think 2007 was the year of the Sweeping But Unsettling Epic.
Or just the year of the slow-talkin Texan:
Friday, January 4, 2008
Friend Blog
I love this kid.
Seriously, thanks again for putting me up on NYE, and for introducing me to one helluva diner. I owe you one.