Watch the Watchmen!

Over the weekend I went with a few people to check out the Watchmen. We saw it at the cinema dome at Arclight Hollywood, which was a cool experience in itself. That theater is huge! Anyway, theres been a lot of opinions thrown around about this film from the very beginning of its production. It was deemed unfilmable and even scrapped after a few false starts. Its based on a very influential graphic novel of which I read the majority. So coming into the film I had the perspective of someone familiar with the characters and the themes from the graphic novel but also the curiosity of a newcomer. The real question was how do you make a film for both groups of viewers? The ones who want to see their beloved comic book come to life true to form, and those who just wanted to see a super-hero movie. In the end, I think it was difficult to satisfy both. As a movie goer, I really actually enjoyed this film. I think its easy to get caught up in the back story of a film production and miss the point of movies in the first place - entertainment. I decided to put aside what I knew about the film and just come into it with an open mind. Sure some parts could have been better. The subtle nuances of the novel's subplots are lost, and certain performances leaving you disappointed. If you just sit back and enjoy the visual aspect of the film and invest what you can into the characters, (Rorsach was great!) then you will enjoy this film more. I would say to go see it despite what you've heard. Yoou might be surprised.

New UP trailer..

Every trailer Pixar releases for Up just seems to get better and better. Check out the animation on the dog in this newest trailer. They nailed it! Cant wait for this movie, it looks great.

Matt & Kim - Daylight

I heard this song a couple months back on KCRW here in LA, and meant to write down the name. Of course I forgot. Luckily I ran across it today while looking through upcoming shows at the Henry Fonda Theater. These guys are playing with Cut Copy later this month, but unfortunately both shows are sold out. Good to see that people are still paying to see good music. Sucks that I didnt find out about that show sooner. But hey, I remembered the name of that song I loved on the radio. Here it is:

Late Night Drawing Salon - February

I had a chance to attend the Late Night Drawing Salon in downtown LA a couple weeks ago, and this is the result. I heard about it a while back and finally made the time to head down there to check it out with Lindsay. It was really awesome. Its a figure drawing salon run out of a loft down town just off the 10 in strip club country. Its a $10 suggested donation, and they have a bar setup along with a DJ. Its held once a month or so and its great practice. I can wait to go again. More info on events like this can be found at illustration.org.

Terminator Salvation Trailer

Just saw this trailer for the latest terminator installment. I have to say - it looks better than I expected. I might have to go check this one out.

Yankee Gal: Amazing short film

Produced at Supinfocom Aniamtion School in France. Beautiful work all around! The art direction and style of this piece along with the precise story telling and stunning visuals make it very unique. Check it out!

Best. Acceptance Speech. EVARRR!!

Kunio Kato For Best Animated Short - La Maison en Petits Cubes

This one definitely deserved the oscar. Great film! Watch it if you haven't yet:


See the full list of winners here.

Coraline: Review

I finally had the chance to catch Coraline with Melissa on Saturday night. All I can say is uhhh-mazing! This film is beautiful and entertaining. Its worth seeing in 3d too, it wasn't too distracting. The detail in the facial animation blew me away. And as a side note, I found it funny that she's from Michigan. Go see it, you wont be disappointed!
Also, check out the panel discussion about the crew's creative process on the film:

Creative Stop Motion

I've found quite a few creative stop motion animations on the web recently and thought I would share them on here.

love the dog in this one! Thanks for the link Will..


Everything about this one is awesome!

The depth and inovation in this one are very cool.

Make little changes to earth..

I have been diggin this album from scottish band Frightened Rabbit for the last couple weeks now and I thought I would share it on the blog since I haven't been doing monthly music finds lately. This video for the single "Heads Roll Off" makes me smile. I love how kids will dance to anything. Anytime, anywhere. You wanna dance? Kids are always down. How sweet is that?