Tokyo! and other happenings...

Since I haven't posted in the last... well... three weeks or so, I need to give you all an update on the goings on that have kept me away from the posting!

Go See:
Watchmen
Tokyo!
The Present

Go Do:
Medieval Times (Buena Park)
Frankincense (City of Industry)
Billy Shire Fine Arts (Culver City)

Watchmen - opened last weekend and there has been some mixed reviews. Those that are not familiar with the graphic novel may want to peruse a library or Borders for this piece before watching the movie. I went in without any prior knowledge and I would give it a C+ ... lots of heady material and mortal superheroes, both of which I liked, but the film was too long and yet not long enough. Just a prime example that a great work in another medium does not always transition well into Hollywood productions.

Tokyo! - screened this Tuesday, but opens at the Nuart on Friday. I would recommend this to any indie flick connoisseur and movie buff. A three part commentary on Japanese culture directed in part by Micheal Gondry - who was present at the screening and a jovial interviewee. It is sad, hilarious and offending all at the right moments and in a poignant fashion. C'est Gondry.

The Present - being a guest at the premiere of this documentary along with the new line of Nike sportswear, it was a real treat. The film itself was beautifully shot and directed by Thomas Campbell, whom I admire for using the old school film rolls for part of this film. It had great texture and hypnotizing musical scores to accompany the rolling and twisting ocean waves. If you're a surfer, this is the thing for you. If you don't know surfing or can't stand watching countless shots of surfers sliding across waves - don't bother, you might fall asleep.

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Medieval Times - YOU HAVE TO DO THIS ONCE!! It was amazingly kitch, but a wonderful treat to those in love with Knights in shinning armor. You can't beat the aura of the renaissance with a five course meal you have to eat with your fingers.

Frankincense - Comics, collectables and more.... If you have been to and enjoyed ComicCon, Anime Expo, APE, or any geek/nerd fest you will LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place. I passed on through with a couple friends and I could possibly have spent many more hours than I had taking in the multitude of wares and books and games that were available to the public. It also has great potential for artists that may wish to license their work by setting up a booth there. I shall find out more soon!

Billy Shire Fine Arts - Fine Art gallery in Culver City, a great little place where I have seen many of my professors' work and some of my collegues' displayed. Bob Dob happened to have an opening there on Valentine's day, and oddly enough I have seen his work popping up everywhere - including the magazine they had at The Present openning. So if ever near gallery row in downtown Culver City, take a peak at the next wave of art to hit the streets.