Thursday, January 31, 2008

Lost Is Found

The hit ABC show "Lost" is returning to television tonight, with a promising two-hour premier. The wait has been unbearable, and tonight is like having a second Christmas for hardcore fans (which is really the only kind of "Lost" fan there is). The third season left too many unanswered questions, and if ABC does not want a riot, then they had better give some answers in season four.

If there is anyone out there who has managed to somehow not catch this highly addictive show, then here is some advice. One should not start watching this television program without literally weeks to waste, because this is not a show where one episode is enough. It will leave the viewer begging for just one more bit of juicy "Lost" secrets. Wow, that is actually somewhat frightening. But it is the truth, scary or not.

Unfortunately, however, this season of "Lost" has the unfortunate short but sweet lifespan of 16 episodes instead of the normal 32. This does not seem to keep fans from scouring message boards, reading "Lost" magazine (yes, this show has its own magazine), or from gossiping with friends about what is happening on "the island" each week. In an interview with newsok.com "Lost" star Terry O'Quinn says that the show is taking "a completely new turn" this season. That does not exactly reveal anything too amazing, but most "Lost" fans have faith like O'Quinn's character, John Locke. It is going to be intense for sure. This is the first time when some of the inhabitants escape "the island", while others choose to stay behind. Who is lost and who will be found? Each episode just takes the viewer farther down the rabbit-hole, and it all starts tonight; the night fans everywhere have been waiting for. Now if "Lost" fanatics could just figure out what to do with themselves on days other than Thursdays...

Monday, January 28, 2008

Matrix Brothers Take On an Old Classic

Go! Speed Racer Go! Those were words many children grew up on. Though it may seem dated by today's standards, Speed Racer was once a staple in Saturday morning cartoon line-ups. Speed entered races with his Swiss Army Knife of a car, the "Mach Five", all around the world. He traveled to exotic locations, battled the forces of evil, and all the while managed to somehow pull out the lead position at the end of the race. Okay, Okay, so it may seem a bit cheesy, but no matter what you think about cartoons, Speed Racer has undeniably reached "cult classic" status. Unfortunately, in an age of computer generated animation the classic cartoons many people grew up on are quickly forgotten.

It is for this reason that Speed Racer fans everywhere rejoiced when the Wachowski Brothers, creators of The Matrix trilogy, announced that they would be directing a live action adaptation of the Speed Racer animated series. Now a lot of people are probably groaning at the thought of another cash in on old franchises, but rest assured this is going to be a wild movie experience for "Speed" fans and newcomers alike.

The film stars John Goodman as Pops Racer, Susan Sarandon as Mom Racer, Emile Hirsch as Speed Racer, Christina Ricci as Trixie, and a plethora of other big names as well. It looks like it is going to be an all star cast. Not only is the cast top notch, but the roles were cast perfectly; all the actors actually look like their cartoon counterparts. No fan will be disappointed with the actors chosen.

The Wachowski Brothers also are apparently using some type of new film style that will be unlike anything before it. In an interview by collider.com , Susan Sarandon reveals more information about the new filming technique. It is supposedly all in high definition, with layering that mixes 2-D and 3-D effects to create a cartoon-like experience using real actors. Yes, it does sound confusing, but it is seemingly working quite well. The recently released trailer simply confirms that the film is on the right track (no pun intended), and that the new camera style will be a complete blast to watch in action. And if that were not enough, the film is shooting for a G rating. So there is nothing that can keep fans of all ages from yelling "Go Speed Racer!" together this summer.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Coachella 2008

There is something special about music festivals. Thousands of people come out to battle possible harsh weather, cleanliness, sunburn, and late nights all for the sake of music. Every April 25-27, the Coachella Music Festival coaxes the music community into knocking the frost off its boots and braving the great outdoors of the beatuiful Coachella Valley in southern Cal. to enjoy good times and great music.

Coachella is one of the most renowned, (and most well organized) music festivals to date, and the line up of musicians is never short of extraordinary. The roster for the 2008 is no exception. According to Coachella's official website, there are well over fifty artists confirmed with more to come as the festival draws closer. The big names include the likes of Kraftwork, Roger Waters (playing "Dark Side of the Moon" in its entirety!), The Breeders, Jack Johnson, Justice, M.I.A., Hot Chip, and My Morning Jacket, just to name a few.

Unfortunately, those attending cannot have their cake and eat it too. There are so many artists playing that many of them must play at the same time, so it is important to weigh options and plan out a tentative itinery to get the most out of the days. Ticket holders must choose, but choose wisely which bands they want to see most. It's shaping up to be a memorable festival this year,so tickets should be purchased as soon as possible. Tickets go on sale Jan. 25, so have the credit card ready and the sunblock close. It's going to be a crazy three days.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

A Great Loss to the Filming Community

Academy award nominee Heath Ledger, age twenty-eight, passed away today at 1:40 p.m. in his New York apartment. According to The Associated Press, his body was found at approximately 3:30 p.m. Police have confirmed that his death was due to drug overdose involving sleeping pills. Ledger had finished filming his role as the joker in the upcoming Batman film, and was supposedly suffering from pneumonia when he died. Ledger's family has taken an adamant stance against his death being a suicide, but the authorities are not as easily convinced. Furthermore, foul play has also been considered as a possibility. He had a lot of promise as his roles were steadily becoming more mature in tone, with his last three roles arguably being his best. He had a great deal of potential; the acting world will miss him.