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Got a couple nice little short films for you. First up is Who I Am and What I Want.

(dir. David Shrigley)

And Oscar nominated Animated Short, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore from Moonbot Studios on Vimeo.

(dir. William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg)

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Flosstradamus has been doing it for me this week.

Luuk Out Gurl (dir. Grizz Lee Arts)

The video makes this song.

Zebra Katz ft. Njena Reddd Foxxx Ima Read

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Very nicely done new Light Asylum video:

Skull Fuct (dir. Emilxa Xuryłowicz, Cezary Zacharewicz)


Now I'm in love with Alexis Krauss:

Sleigh Bells Comeback Kid (dir. Miller and Gregory Kohn)


And....The Cranberries are back together? Do I like this idea?

Tomorrow
New album Roses out on Feruary 28.

Must See Bands of SXSW 2012 - Charli XCX

Seven weeks to go...

Charli XCX

I previously made a brief reference to the fact that there will be a lot of electronic acts at SXSW this year. If I may be a little more specific; SXSW will be heavy on the chillwave and all of the sub genres that have have come after it. Not much can be said that hasn't already been said on the subject of chillwave.  It isn't exactly the most beloved of music genres and it hasn't exactly been my favorite.  Generally, I thought this past year was a pretty poor year for music and I feel that this particular genre is to blame for much of that. So much of it is just so banal and saccharine and desperately needs to be pushed to more extreme levels in order to be interesting. Most artists have failed to do this.  Some have succeeded. Charli XCX has succeeded with...well, one or two songs really. So yes, I'm basing all of my expectations on a couple songs, but even with this limited output she's been able to push the boundaries of this genre just far enough to make something pretty damn good.  Granted, technically this probably isn't even considered chillwave, but I don't think it would exist without the genre. It's got a dark-goth-pop edge to it that I enjoyed and I'm looking forward to seeing what else she has to offer.

Nuclear Seasons (dir. Ryan Andrews)

Chuck Norris: Icon

My brother and I had Sidekicks on VHS when we were kids and we watched it on a continuous loop. We rented Three Ninjas every time we had a chance. Of course, I'm very much aware that both of these movies borrowed most of what they had to offer from The Karate Kid (and did so rather poorly) and also that they were brought on by the popularity of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They weren't great movies, but martial arts films aimed towards children were a big deal in the early to mid 90s. Our interest in martial arts was no exception. We even took karate classes for several years.

Chuck Norris, the star of Sidekicks, has been in the news a lot lately.  Well, a lot for him and the current state of his non-career anyways.  He has endorsed Newt Gingrich, because for some reason an endorsement from Chuck Norris means something in our current state of politics. Mr. Norris was also recently the supposed reason behind Expendables 2 shooting for a PG-13 rating. I couldn't care less about this movie or its rating as I didn't see the original film nor do I plan on seeing its sequel. I just find it interesting and maybe a little sad that this childhood icon (yes, really) of mine has become the representative of conservative Republican values for the state of Texas. I've known for many years now that Chuck Norris isn't a perfect man. I'm not sure at exactly what moment I came to this realization. I do know that it was sometime pre-Conan O'Brien Walker, Texas Ranger lever. It was similar to that moment when you realize that your parents aren't perfect. But. 

Come on Chuck, get your Jesus boner out of my eye.

5 Best Films Set in Texas

I feel the very best about my home state of Texas when it's represented favorably in film. Otherwise, I'm ambivalent. I feel that the following films represent a wide range of some of my favorite aspects of the state. Friday Night Lights (not the movie) would probably be #1 if it only met the technical requirements of the list. I miss that show so much.

5. Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada 2005 (dir. Tommy Lee Jones)

The border patrol issue, in my opinion is a major point of embarrassment not only for the state of Texas, but the entire U.S. This film is my favorite portrayal of the Texas side of the conflict.

4. No Country for Old Men 2007 (dir. Joel and Ethan Coen)

I just think that this is the best, most exciting story ever told in a film set in Texas.

3. Death Proof 2007 (dir. Quentin Tarantino) 

Of all the great Tarantino flourishes represented in this film perhaps my favorite section is the more carefree first half where the focus is on the group of girls just hanging out in a dive bar in Austin taking shots and drinking Shiner. That is a Texas I'm very much familiar with.

2. Tree of Life 2011 (dir. Terrence Malick)

I may not have grown up in the 50s, but that sense of nostalgia Malick created for growing up in a Texas neighborhood around other kids and spending summer evenings getting into trouble was extremely palpable for me.

1. Paris, Texas 1984 (dir. Wim Wenders)

As far as pure Texas cinematography there is nothing better than Paris, Texas - from the desert landscapes to the sparse highway system and the city skylines. I don't think it's coincidence that it took a German director coming in from the outside to take notice of Texas' unique landscape like no other directer ever has. 

5 Most Boring Boring White Dudes in Movies

These boring white dudes could have been created in a lab.  They may actually be the same person.  Who am I to decide? I just know they are served best shirtless in order to showcase their perfect nipples and are most appreciated by 17 year old girls. I realize that it's probably unfair to judge them in this way, especially considering that several of them I've never seen in a single film, but I'm willing to take that chance. How well do you know your dudebro actors?

Channing Tatum
Featured in such riveting cinema as Dear John and The Eagle.

Garrett Hedlund
Blowing shit up real good and shit in Eragon and TRON: Legacy.

Chace Crawford
Blowing minds to shreds in films such as The Haunting of Molly Hartley and What to Expect When You're Expecting.

Liam Hemsworth
Flexing his man rack in films such as Thor and Snow White and the Huntsman. Actually, wait. Huh? There are two of them? I'm confused.

Alex Pettyfer
Removed his shirt a grand total of 36 times in movies such as I Am Number Four and Beastly.