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Five for September

Jason — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 06:47:14 +0000

I totally skipped writing one of these for August. It was a slow month for events and busy one for moi. In September and things are picking up again with a bang. Pretty much everything I’ve ever been waiting for this year. But before I get ahead of myself, heres one for last month.

0. Inglourious Basterds

For me there is nothing so cinematic as attending a Tarantino film on the big screen. It’s an archetypal experience where you know you’re watching a movie – but in the good way. And it manages to fulfill your wishes for a movie without being a cliche boring repetition of the past. But it’s no mystery why his films are so good – the guy lives, loves and breaths cinema. The powerful and also absolutely beautiful Shoshanna Dreyfus (played by Melanie Laurent) is enough of a reason to see Inglourious Basterds. Twice.

1. Kate’s Birthday

Birthday’s are great. Especially Kate’s.

2. Movies

Pixar make some of the most magical films in the world. Without a doubt my favorite is Monsters Inc. directed by Pete Doctor. It’s one of my treasured DVDs. Pixar’s latest offering Up is helmed by the aforementioned director. I haven’t looked into the synopsis or reviews, I don’t think I’ve even seen the trailer but I expect great* things.

*Also magical, whimsical, endearing, cute, enchanting and so forth.

Funny People

After witnessing Click – let me get this straight, I never watched the film Click but I did see the surrounding billboards, synopsis and T.V. commercials – I realized that I may never watch a new Adam Sandler film again. When I was in high school I reveled in Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison. But that time had passed. Hilarious had become uninteresting, zany had become annoying. Adam Sandler’s repetition of being angry had lost it’s magic. And here I am torn. Beloved producer turned director Judd Apatow has made a film with Adam Sandler in it. I’m worn down to “never say never”. After all – Punch Drunk Love was a totally decent film. This is worth a chance, and so far the trailer points to a good film – especially when you throw in a little faith in Apatow. I wrote a few other things about Funny People here. Since this film seems to be bridging into reality and back again I’ve been watching a few Sandler flicks to make sure I’m not too out of the loop. I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry – not bad, less offensive than I expected and at least a mixed message by the end. Big Daddy – hasn’t held up so well, but it’s Jon Stewart in a movie with Joey Lauren Adams and Leslie Mann, still kinda funny.

Grease

I don’t need to tell you about Grease, apart from that it’s showing at The Embassy Cinema on the 18th and 20th of September. Click for details: http://www.deluxe.co.nz/

3. The World Press Photo Exhibition

World Press Photo Exhibition (Photo by Eric B: http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikb/)

This annual selection of photography is my favorite exhibition. It’s missed Wellington the past two years but -thank god- is returning this year from the 11th of September until the 4th of October. I’ll be there at least once. For only a gold coin donation I highly suggest seeing this if you’ve never been before. More details at Texture.

4. Skate of Emergency

This event kicks of the first full competitive season for Richter City Roller Derby – Wellington’s very own roller derby league. I’ve already got my tickets. The 19th of September at the Wellington Basketball Association South West Stadium

5. The Big One – Yayoi Kusama and the reopening of the City Gallery.

Yayoi Kusama - Infinity (Photo from watz: http://www.flickr.com/photos/watz/)

The City Gallery in Wellington has been closed for something in the vicinity of one year. It reopens September 27th with Yayoi Kusama’s Mirrored Years. The newly revamped gallery is bound to open on a great note.

Five for July (2009)

Jason — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:28:08 +0000

It sometimes feels like you have to make your own fun in Winter. Even then, there’s still plenty of things to help you along in July.

The Limits of Control

1. NZFF

It’s the big one. The only downside of the New Zealand International Film Festival is that there are too many movies to see. Not even the full-timers seem to come away entirely satisfied that they’ve filled their viewing requirements. These are the movies that I know I want to see, I might not make it to all of them, but it’s a short list that’ll make it easier for me to buy tickets.

Adventureland

Greg Mottolla’s follow up to his breakout feature Superbad. Mottolla seems magically endowed with the ability to precisely capture the zeitgeist of teenage times in a way that is entertaining, warming and eerie in it’s precision. I’ve already got tickets for my birthday present from my lovely.

Daytime Drinking
Brendy has been raving about this one since he saw it at Toronto last year. Throw in the fact that there are so many good films coming out of Korea and I think this is more than a safe bet for a great film.

The Limits of Control
Jim Jarmusch – you tend to like his films, or you don’t. I do. Also, Isaac de Bankolé is captivating to watch.

Dead Snow
Zombie Nazi’s. It’s a gimmick, but why not? How often do I get to see this sort of thing on the big screen.

Thirst
Borderline legendary Korean Director takes a step away from his vengeance series and brings us a Vampire Flick. Anyone who has seen Old Boy won’t argue with buying tickets to this right away.

The September Issue
I like a good crazy person and I like a good doco. This should kill two birds with one stone. Here’s one impression.

2. Winter Warmers

Wellington is under the control of a fierce winter this year. But when forced to stay huddled up within the confines of a warm house sometimes all I want to do it is be able to leave the house. It doesn’t have to be a torturous affair. Warm coat, gloves, scarf and ear-muff-acting headphones will allow you the freedom to venture forth to somewhere warm, fun and delicious. This is where I’ll be going:

Scopa – $8 Tuesday Pizzas – Possibly the best pizza in the CBD. 11am – 3pm.

Duke Carvell’s – $10 Express Lunches.

Pub Quiz – The Bristol, The Backbencher and other such pubs every Tuesday.

Higher Taste – If there’s a better way to fill your belly I don’t want to know about it. Actually, I really do, but you’ll be hard pressed to get such a big wholesome plate of food for such a reasonable price, hari-krishna or not.

Sweet Mother’s Kitchen – I go here for dinner and by the time desert hits I’m way to full to bother. Next time I’m skipping the beers, shakes, curly fries and tacos and heading straight to a coffee and pie.

3. Fabric-a-brac

I’m sure we know plenty of people who have hoarded bundles and bundles of fabric for those future projects, pieces that are too good to throw away or retired stitch dreams sitting in the attic. Here’s your chance to get at some of these fabrics in the jumble sale. 12pm – 3pm on the 18th of July at the Brooklyn Community Center.

4. Hothouse Ignites

Entrepreneurship meets design. . . in an art gallery. Kind of off putting, kind of intriguing. I think the intrigue will win out on this one for me. From July 1st.

5. The Locals

Strike Session with Adam Page
I’ve seen the Wellington percussion group Strike live before and they give a great performance. Adam Page played the fringe this year and walked away with a couple of awards and a ton of great reviews. I didn’t see the show myself, but I’ve only heard great things. The idea of both of the Strike/Page combo is very exciting. 14th July – 1 August at Downstage.

Blackspot
It’s been a year on the festival circuit, picking up awards along the way. Blackspot has finally come home for it’s New Zealand premiere. 15th July at The Embassy Theatre.

Five for June

Jason — Thu, 28 May 2009 00:37:07 +0000

Five for June and One for May.

The famous frozen horse heads of Guy Maddin's Winnipeg.

0. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Rejoice. The Embassy Cinema is having one of it’s magical screenings of this iconic film tomorrow Friday 29th of May. Sold out I’m afraid.

1. Terminator: Salvation and Land of the Lost
Terminator. Really? But unlike last time round, this film is shaping up to be anything other than ordinary. Christian Bale doesn’t do ordinary. For me his inclusion in this film is enough for it to warrant interest. The alternative cinematography techniques are what pushes me over the edge. These two facts aside and there is still what could be a totally decent action film. If we overlook director McG’s history it seems we could be in for something special. Oh, and of course. The rant.

Land of the Lost. I’ve long given up on Will Ferrel, but the trailer for this film got me interested. If it has dinosaurs then it can’t be all bad. But the real reason I’ll take to the cinema for this one is the lovely Anna Friel, who played Chuck on the absurdly brilliant TV show Pushing Daisies. Check out the trailer.

2. My Winnipeg DVD
This is likely to hit New Zealand on June 2nd. I’ve been waiting to get my hands on this favourite film of mine since I saw it at the NZIFF last year. I really can’t get enough Guy Maddin. It’s hard to say what this film is; a pseudo-documentary or docu-fantasia, perhaps a subjective experience or a new kind of film in the vein of Orson Welles’ F For Fake. Also on the way is a My Winnipeg book.

3. The Eels – Hombre Lobo
A new album from my favourite band. I’m hoping for it to hit iTunes NZ on it’s US release 02/06/09.

4. Cafe Scientifique
I missed the last one and I don’t know the subject of this one but they always have me intrigued. The last Thursday of every month at Cafe Reka. 25/06/09.

5. Alan Lee Signing
Famed Tolkien illustrator Alan lee will be signing books at the Weta Cave on Saturday June 20th.

Five for April

Jason — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:55:13 +0000

Bat for Lashes - Two Suns

Five for April

1) Easter

So Easter isn’t quite as simple as it used to be. Once upon a time you were delivered eggs of chocolate by a rabbit. Then Jesus came onto the picture. Eventually the mix of chocolate and Jesus became confusing. Last but not least the global obesity scare that burst upon the scene and attempted to put a final death knell into the heart of Easter. Hold up. Take Easter back. Grab one delicious chocolate egg and save it for Easter Sunday. There’s little harm in taking in some chocolate one day this week. Enjoy it. If you still feel anything is missing then take a spiritual hit of Tom Waits.

2) Craft 2.0

I haven’t yet attended a Craft 2.0 but they keep on coming so it must be a good thing. This one (like the past few) will take place at The New Dowse in Lower Hutt. There are plenty of amazing crafters in Wellington and this is a great chance to see them all together. I for one will be after a Casablancalovesrodriguez notebook. The only decision – Mills and Boon or Sweet Valley High?

Still not convinced? Cafe Reka is at The New Dowse. They serve the best breakfast I have ever had in Wellington. I recommend the Banana Buckwheat Hotcakes – A May Zing! Cafe Reka & Craft 2.0 it’s worth making the trip Saturday April 11th. 10am – 3pm at The New Dowse.

3) Bat for Lashes Two Suns

April 6th. So soon! Bat for Lashes new album ‘Two Suns’ will be the first of my five things to happen next month. I absolutely adore Fur and Gold and I’ll be nabbing this one from iTunes on release. I’m not one for reviewing music so visit her site and listen for yourself.

4) Steve Coogan Live

Though I wish I could, I can’t quite afford tix to Steve Coogan live. They’re a little steep somewhere around $70. This does mean that there are an extra two tickets floating around for some lucky punters to snap up. Anyone’s who has watched I’m Alan Partridge will know better than to miss an opportunity like this. April 30th.

5) X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Tough month for movies. There’s The Reader, which no one feels compelled to see and Monsters vs Aliens, which I do hope will be some good fun in 3D. On the plus side the month will be beefed up by The Wrestler and The Wackness starting at the end of March. One last thing for April though: Wolverine. ‘Nuff said. From the director of Totsi plus some of it was filmed in Otago. Starts April 29th.

6) Whoops!

After really struggling to find that “fifth thing” I’ve realised that the World Cinema Showcase hits Wellington in April. There’s a Kaufman film, a Coppola film and a Jean Claud Van Dam film!

Too many movies and not enough money. If anyone can suggest something fun and free then comment below and I’ll add it to my events calendar. xx