Zac Efron to visit Austin for premiere of “Me, and Orsen Welles” November 22, 2009
Posted by pjbradshaw in Uncategorized.Tags: Me and Orsen Welles, Richard Linklater, SNL, Zac Efron
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On November 30th “Me, and Orsen Welles” will premiere in Austin, Texas. Richard Linklater’s film premiere will be for the benefit of Austin Film Society’s Texas Filmmakers Production Fund.
Starring in the film is Zac Efron, probably best known for his leading role in “High School Musical”. Efron plays the “Me” role in a movie described as a coming of age “dramedy”. I only hope that the comedic weight isn’t resting on Efron’s shoulders.
After watching his comedy bore-fest hosting SNL recently, I can’t imagine how he could handle himself in a feature film that promises laughs and drama.
Perhaps we should all wait and see if Efron will make up for “17 Again”, and steer his film career in a better direction. It is clear that Efron has star power, and could be involving himself in films that would cement his big screen quality. He did take a step in the right direction by hosting SNL. The live show is really at a great point right now and anyone involved with it is making a pretty smart career choice.
Here’s to hoping that “Me, and Orsen Welles” is another step in the right direction for Efron.
Friday Night Lights November 22, 2009
Posted by pjbradshaw in Uncategorized.Tags: Austin, Friday Night Lights
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Friday Night Lights is a show I am pretty much unaware of, and I feel like I am probably not missing out on much. I don’t really even know anyone who takes the time to watch the show either. My roommate watches it from time to time, but he only watches it for the beautiful people.
So what is the actual draw that has kept the show going for four seasons? Is it only the beautiful people? Or does the show have a legitimate story line that people are interested in?
I read recent news that the show had introduced a rocker female role to the show. Perhaps introducing edgy roles is keeping the show going.
I did find it interesting that the rocker girl was a UT student. Stephanie Hunt dropped out of school and just happened to get an audition for the show. She had to quickly learn how to play bass adequately and actually wrote an original song for her audition.
Lead roles confirmed for Predator reboot November 22, 2009
Posted by pjbradshaw in Uncategorized.Tags: Predator, Robert Rodriguez, Topher Grace, Adrian Brody, Machete
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Topher Grace and Adrien Brody have been confirmed for the lead roles in Robert Rodriquez’ remake of 1987’s “Predator”. Although Grace and Brody are no Schwarzenegger, I trust that Rodriguez knows what he is doing. He must have something interesting in the works, because Grace and Brody are really delicate men. After recent movies like “Planet Terror” and “Sin City”, I am excited to see what Rodriguez will do with this remake.
Look forward to Rodriguez’ “Machete” to tide you over until July 7th when “Predator” is set to be released.
Andy Roddick pulls out of Barclays ATP World Tour Finals November 22, 2009
Posted by pjbradshaw in Uncategorized.Tags: Austin, Andy Roddick, Wimbledon, Shanghai Masters, Barclays ATP World Tour Finals
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Andy Roddick announced that he would not be competing in the years Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London. He injured his knee while playing in the Shanghai Masters tournament about a month ago. 
“I am really disappointed to miss the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. I love playing in London and I’ve heard so many good things about the venue. However, I have not fully recovered from my knee injury and I won’t be able to compete. One of my goals in 2010 will be to qualify for this event again.”
Number 6 in the world, Roddick was the runner-up in last years Wimbledon tournament but has not been able to even practice since hurting his knee.
Roddick will be replaced by Swede Robin Soderling who was the first alternate in line to replace any of the 8 players competing in London.
Julian Casablancas: “Phrazes for the Young” November 17, 2009
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Julian Casablancas became the third member of the Strokes to release a solo album. Casablancas album is titled “Phrazes for the Young” and doesn’t stray too far from the Strokes’ winning formula. Driving guitars, punchy bass lines and steady drums all back up Casablancas casual and melodic vocal tracks.
One thing that is different about his album is the lack of a real band sound. The opening track “Out of the Blue” begins with haunting synths, and gave the impression that Casablancas had gone in a different direction. However, he pulls us back within seconds with the introduction of a guitar riff smothered with overdrive.
So far, my favorite part of the album is Casablancas disgustingly catchy choruses. The introduction of synths and electronic riffs are about the only thing that separates this album with other Strokes albums.
Casablancas fails to meet the standards of Fabrizio Moretti’s solo album with Little Joy. Moretti brought the talent he provided in the Strokes and turned it into something that was different, yet just as accessible and interesting.
The standout songs from the album are unfortunately the first three tracks, “Out of the Blue”, “Left and Right in the Dark” and “11th Dimension.” I wish that I could say the remaining tracks made a complete album, but they really send the album down a slow, grassy hill. Nice to walk down, with nothing worth stopping for.
White Denim: “Fits” November 16, 2009
Posted by pjbradshaw in Uncategorized.Tags: Fits, White Denim, Workout Holiday
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White Denim released their new album “Fits”, their follow-up to their debut “Workout Holiday” and did not disappoint. Full of chunky bass lines, wah-heavy guitar licks and drum tracks that make you wanna tap your foot (except you can hardly ever keep up with the time changes).
“Fits” feels like a larger album than “Workout Holiday”. It almost seems like White Denim realizes they are playing for a larger fan base now. Tracks like “Say what you want” and “I Start to Run” are loud, melodic and plain old rock n’ roll. White Denim also chose to insert more breakdowns and longer interludes into their songs, and although they run the risk of boring their listeners, they did what they wanted to do. And it worked just fine.
The aspect that stands out most on this album is that White Denim sound like they are having fun. The songs are energetic, progressive and fun to listen to.
Later in the album White Denim gives listeners a taste of their ballad writing talents with “Regina Holding Hands.” This song is unlike any song I had ever heard by White Denim, and I was skeptical at first. However, as soon as you hear the first chorus, you will be convinced that these guys can really do what ever they want.
Perhaps that is one reason why people are interested in White Denim, because they don’t strive for anyones standards besides their own.
Sorin Reel Film Festival November 15, 2009
Posted by pjbradshaw in Uncategorized.Tags: Sorin Reel Film Festival, St. Edward's
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The Sorin Reel Film Festival took over St. Edward’s University last night. The festival is in its third semester of operation after beginning in the fall of 2008.
Now run by Sarah Burkhalter and Jon Wayne Martin, they had a lot to live up to after Justin Davidson and Charles Rogers put on two successful festivals.
With the recent flooding of Jones Auditorium, Martin and Burkhalter had to find a place to showcase St. Ed’s filmmakers. The Main Building lawn provided a nice alternative to Jones. Everything was set, a large crowd was in attendance, refreshments were served, and the first movie was good to go.
“Press” was directed by David Delgado and displayed Delgado’s writing and directing talents. The dialogue was intriguing, the suspense was tangible, and the camera work was spot on. “Press” set the stage for a promising Festival.
The festival continued running smoothly with Scott Perry’s “Cool It”. After watching a few movies by Perry, including last semester’s “Wannabe.” If I can say one thing, Perry knows how to make an audience have a good time. Laughs were plentiful and a choreographed dance to New Edition’s “Cool It” really put the icing on the cake.
What happened next in the festival took the tone of the night and brought it way down. It was like going to a bar, having a great time with your friends, and then all deciding to go to a library. Technical difficulties were the Achilles heel of the festival.
Film after film was introduced, only to be stopped because the DVDs began to skip. The audience was agitated, and the tech guys were powerless.
Finally, when most technical problems were solved, we were able to see a few more movies. However, we could have probably done without seeing half of the films that were shown. From a movie that featured a slow motion vomit scene, to a montage of guys jumping off of a diving board, we were treated to a series of movies that weren’t worth our time.
“I made this movie because I have a camera and I am in college,” came to mind a lot while watching some of the films. Martin’s film, “Romulus and Julianne: An Undead Love Story,” was disappointing, not because of the content, but because we couldn’t see the end. Once again technical difficulties ruined a promising film.
For the third semester in a row, Matthew Benoit took home first place. His film, “Rush the Lion” displayed Benoit’s technical abilities as a filmmaker. “Rush the Lion” was smart, the mid to late 80s setting was believable, and the characters understood exactly who they were supposed to be. Another impressive aspect was that Benoit and his band wrote and performed all of the music for the movie. Benoit deserved to win and did a part in salvaging the festival.
I look forward to the next festival, however I encourage Martin and Burkhalter to screen and test the films before showing them at the festival.
Hot Chip: “Take it In” November 15, 2009
Posted by pjbradshaw in Uncategorized.Tags: Hot Chip, Take It In
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Hot Chip is set to release their newest album “One Night Stand” in February. But they did have the courtesy to give us a single now. “Take it In” showcases the British group’s ability to take soft lyrical melodies and combine them with up-tempo, nearly aggressive beats and riffs.
The lyrics in the verses seem to take on a darker, 80s, almost Tears for Fears vibe. However, the chorus reminds listeners what sweet and aggressive pop can sound like. Hot Chip are not trying to reinvent their sound on this single, and they may not on their full length. But that is ok. As long as Hot Chip is producing quality songs that make you want to dance and tell your friends that you love them at the same time, I’ll keep listening.
FFF Fest: Day 2 November 15, 2009
Posted by pjbradshaw in Uncategorized.Tags: Austin, Car Stereo (Wars), Crystal Castles, Fun Fun Fun Fest, Of Montreal, Strange Boys
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Day 2 of the festival proved to be slightly less pleasant than Day 1. The morning was nice enough, but a blanket of dark clouds covered the sky by lunch. By 1 p.m. the rain had come, lots of it.
But just like any good festival, the bands kept playing, and the crowd kept coming. Standing just behind the mosh pit, we watched Youth Brigade. Their energy seemed to be fighting the rain, daring it to rain harder.
And it did.
Car Stereo (Wars) performed in front of a packed crowd, and an even more crowded stage. His mash-ups were entertaining for a while, but the rain had stopped and there was much more to see, including Coalesce, Strange Boys and Health.
The unbearable rain decided to come back just before dusk. So we decided to take a break from the Fest to warm up, eat and dry our clothes.
When we got back to the Festival, we made our way to the Orange stages to see Crystal Castles and Of Montreal. The rain had stopped and we all felt a little better about our situation.
Crystal Castles put on a really intense show. The light show was blinding, and the performance was an unconventional rock show, the Castles were only equipped with a mic and DJ station. But their sound was as big as a wall of Marshall half stacks.
Of Montreal put on a tamer-than-usual show. But they still produced an entertaining show featuring background videos and live actors. Kevin Barnes produced a show that lifted the mood of the festival after a long day of rain.
Fun Fun Fun Fest! Day 1 November 10, 2009
Posted by pjbradshaw in Uncategorized.Tags: Austin, Ratatat, Les Savvy Fav, Face to Face, Vega, Neon Indian, the Sword, MC Chris, Fun Fun Fun Fest
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Fun Fun Fun Fest came to Austin last weekend, setting up shop in Waterloo Park. A smaller festival than ACL, FFF Fest was still able to draw in a large crowd and quality entertainment.
Day 1 of the festival couldn’t have asked for better weather. The air was cool, the sun was pleasant, and the bands brought the fun.
Vega, MC Chris and the Sword played during the day and displayed the diverse set of acts FFF Fest lined up for the weekend. More than ACL, FFF Fest went for groups with loyal fan bases and groups that anyone could enjoy while perusing the food and souvenir stands.
Moving between acts was made easy by the use of stages side by side, and also the relatively small Waterloo Park (compared to Zilker). The park provided lush grass areas to lounge on and cabanas to relax under during breaks between acts. And probably the best part was the elbow room you had during the shows. It didn’t matter whether you were front row or in the middle of the crowd, you were comfortable.
Neon Indian, Les Savvy Fav, Face to Face and Ratatat performed at night. Each group was really able to give their crowd inspiring shows. Even the crowd waiting for Ratatat was able to enjoy the outrageous show put on by Les Savvy Fav, complete with frontman Tim Harrington in his skivvies atop a ladder in the middle of the crowd.
Austin favorites Ratatat delivered a show to remember, using their signature back ground video visuals and guitar virtuoso moves. Oh, and there were also lasers, awesome green lasers.
The crowd left with spirits high, ears ringing, and aspirations for enjoying a second day of musical bliss.
