Recollecting Weekends Through Explosions

In which awesome New Zealanders Collapsing Cities eases our hangovers by blowing crap up and singing songs about the elusiveness of sobriety.

MWM 20/20 Barcelona Show

Dude, can somebody send this guy to one of the Matrix parties? This shit is fucking crazy. I love him. He makes me want to whip up my 40" white canvas into something new. Man, go teal! I love this guy! See more of the aerosol process on his Flickr.

The Bourne Ultimatum Review

While Bourne movies more or less outlines the cinematic stress for creative camera work; switching over from the usual blood-and-guts visual stage to the kinetic violence that tantalizes the viewer instead of desensitizing them. The final chapter in the Bourne series continues this trend, amplifies it just enough, and proves to be one of the more successful trilogies made in the recent early century. Of course, you can't expect plots deeper as far as an action movie goes, but who's to complain? It's one of the most entertaining trilogies out there (and hopefully ends here), though Green does have this thing about quite easily reshaping the story so that Bourne can always move to the next location to kill more baddies. 8.8/10.

Because Looking Like You're Airbrushed Doesn't Effect Your Bust Size

Let's see. Time for an overview of what's going on. These days I'm just working part time as an IT Manager at Novozymes and writing as a co-editor at Unplggd. My parents hate it, I love it, and everyone I meet scratches their heads. And in this 2.0 world, you know what? It really doesn't matter how you do things, just as long as you do them. That's how I'm starting to feel.

Casino Review

There is something about Scorsese's style that is undeniably underrated by movie aficionados worldwide. It's almost always complex, multi-layered, and ever so beautiful. As an older 1995 movie, I had slept on this movie for at least a decade without knowing how Scorsese's work looked before he mastered his edge. Casino masterfully narrates a story of destruction and betrayal, but more importantly, it takes more chances than any the movies of its kind at the time and does so in spectacular fashion. Though I must agree it flows much slower his later works, it's a fascinating story, filled with the typical fall from heights and flashing lights, leaving us with a gem that transcends a director's work for decades to come. 8.7/10.

Japanese Mario Is Insane, Kills Millions of Turtles

Further proof that the Japanese government needs to stop introducing experimental drugs into their peoples' water supply.

New Zealand Mixtape #3

Much more upbeat and diversified this time around. We got kids singing, angry 70's singers covering modern sound-scapes, and music for dancing in the sunflower fields by yourself.

David Sylvian - Forbidden Colours.mp3
Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Possess Your Heart.mp3
Depeche Mode - Personal Jesus.mp3
Dez Hope - No More Days.mp3
Hot Lava - Apple Option Fire.mp3
Jason Collett - Brownie Hawkeye.mp3
Joseph Arthur - I Wanna Get You Alone.mp3
Lykke Li - Hanging High (Live at SXSW).mp3
Micah P. Hinson - The Possibilities.mp3
Nathan Larson - Aviva Pastoral.mp3
Okkervil River - April Anne.mp3
Pnau - Baby (Breakbot Remix).mp3
Santogold - Shove It (feat. Spank Rock).mp3
Telekinesis! - Coast Of Carolina.mp3
The Outrunners - Cool Feeling (Anoraak Remix).mp3
The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name.mp3
Trentemoller - Tainted Copenhagen.mp3

Download it here: New Zealand Mixtape #3 (Expires 6/01/08)

Rambo Review

Damn, Stallone is older than my old man, but damn can he still kick ass. After a slightly better than average remake of Rocky, the product that is Rambo is a step up from his previous work. And then there was action; tons of constant, gory, and mind-boggling action. There is an over-the-top ending. A terrible storyline. Thus, action fans will surely find it their cup of tea. For me, however, I'm always looking for something more, even if it's an action movie. Call it an addiction of perfection. Still, watching Rambo make people explode can never really get old. 7.7/10.

3:10 To Yuma Review

Every so often, a stylized modern Western appears shot in such a unidirectional Hollywood-style that it simply is impossible to take seriously. Despite having decent cinematography, great performances by both Crowe and Bale, and an awesome ending, the movie's plot was ridiculous! Clearly, must've crossed out half the original script and imposed a bunch of unrealistic events to cater towards a more broader audience. I really hate it when studios do that. 7.8/10.

Set Yourself Free, Coldplay Covers Kylie

Sending you on an outward journey, dues paid, with no recollection of why you even signed up. In a way, we should always salute our favorites with a proper dedication. This is how you pull one off.

Coldplay - Can't Get You Out Of My Head (Kylie Cover) (MP3)

Treasure Island Music Festival

Alright. Final rollcall. Who is sexy enough to go with me to this shiet!? Artists from the first day of the festival include Justice, TV on the Radio, Goldfrapp, Hot Chip, CSS, Aesop, Amon Tobin, Foals, and more! The second day doesn't interest me much, but c'mon... Justice!!! Oh, I may just get the VIP... someone please hold me back! More information and purchasing info here.

BambooZoo Mini Series Has A Few Scares

But more importantly, super awesomeness! From weird horned creatures to slug-like goop dressed as princes, they all scream for attention and want to be your friends. Going as blind sets at you-know-who for $7.95.

Taeko Carroll From Fysh n Chicks Is Sad, Like Me

I'm saddened that people are stealing content... again. I don't like hunting you know who down and asking for a simple redirect. If you're going to use a link, please reference it back to my blog. It's not much to ask. I like hearing from people. Because people are awesome. Please help me me keep it that way. Thanks readers!

PS: I think bandanna scarves are more hipster than pancakes right now. So, if you're going to Japan, grab a neutral color and start rockin'!

Gone Baby Gone Review

Similar to Mystic River, a book by Dennis Lehane, Gone Baby Gone follows the story of a missing little girl; brilliantly directed by Ben Affleck (which came to a surprise) and encompasses much more than the simple domino effects seen in Mystic River. This film is about a society who has lost the importance of innocence, children, and life. The cinematography is beautiful, characters rounded in perfect depth, and intimately questions the viewer's struggle between situational ethics and moral absolutes. For those who've slept on Mystic River, I highly suggest giving this one a watch. 9.0/10.

Lykke Li Is About To Tear Up The Indie-Pop Scene

The last thing I want is for this to become another music blog, but you just can't help but to fall in love with the Lykke Li. She's hip. She looks like any other white girl on the street. But she's the coolest damn Swede ever.

It's The Roller Status

Jermaine and Brett aka The Flight of the Conchords have a new video called, "Ladies like the feel of the wheel." It's pure genius.

New Zealand Mixtape #2

More music for the missy overseas. C'mon mister, look at your girl, she loves it, too.

Atmosphere - Less One.mp3
Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken.mp3
Grass Roots - Let's Live For Today.mp3
Justice - D.A.N.C.E..mp3
Justin Timberlake vs The Cure - Lullaby love (Drum Mix) by Ben Double M.mp3
Ladytron - Destroy Everything You Touch (Hot Chip Remix).mp3
Modest Mouse - Ocean Breathes Salty.mp3
N.E.R.D. - She Wants To Move (Justice Remix).mp3
New Young Pony Club - The Get Go.mp3
Thao Nguyen & the Get Down Stay Down - Bag of Hammers.mp3
The Battle Royale - Notebooks.mp3
The Cribs - Saturday Night Facts Of Life.mp3
The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt1.ogg
The National - Slow Show.mp3
Young Rival - 415.mp3

Download it here: New Zealand Mixtape #2 (Expires 5/29/08)

A Farmhouse By The "L" Train

A lovely piece by the NY Times. I really enjoy the red lockers getting big attention as of lately. Especially on AT, where Matt's television stand pops out of the already warm space filled with great furnishings, sweet detail.

Introducing Zoe Pawlak, Modern Landscape Painter From Up North

Canadian painter Zoe Pawlak plays with pallettes like the way I play with food; she stacks it up and pushes it to a new level by combining the unexpected - like a sandwich made of bacon, peanut butter, and tomatoes. Come, give her a taste.

Retro Punk Super Pop Hipster Analysis

There are many reasons why this simply won't work, last, or become a sustainable trend. That also means there are articles of clothing out there that are attempting to stimulate the economy, but failing miserably because no one will buy this crap. On top of this, this means good material is wasted where it could be used to do much more meaningful things, like towels. Or maybe dish towels. But nothing with this pattern will stay cool for longer than a few months.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford Review

One of the longest runtimes and titles I have ever seen presents itself to me as more than just eye candy, but a poetic and extremely stylistic piece that's better than any homage from a photograph or old newspaper could reproduce. The frozen landscape blends with a musical score that subtly reminds you of Road to Perdition. Undoubtedly, there is amazing direction throughout, but as an "art film," I wish there was a little more definition and variety to keep a richly textured film from becoming a drawn-out Western with only the two elements of great acting and cinematography. 8.0/10.

Iron Man Review

Wonderfully cool and absolutely accessible; a perfect recipe to introduce a superhero I never really cared about as a child, but now cannot wait to see a sequel. After countless failures in the Marvel movie making business with the first Hulk, Fantastic Four, and the monstrosity Ghostrider, it seems they are now taking the realizations and molding it into something grand. Iron Man definitely lives up to the hype, with Downy Jr. delivering a fantastic performance, provided with a reasonable plot, and accompanied with downright breathtaking CGI. Sure, I will say the progression was much slower than I expected, but the overall execution equates to one of the most entertaining thrill rides this year. 8.5/10.

Floating Desks, Space Savers & Designer-Savvy

Any built-in look is a definite eye catcher, and a desk is no exception. I love the little details on this one; like the red phone that contrasts and pops out of the muted natural and monotone color palette.

Death Sentence Review

Kevin Bacon gives a stellar performance through one of the most unforgiving, straight-nosed revenge films I have seen. Hell, it's so polarized that any time it stems from "family" moments or when the cops start opening their mouths for even a second of dialogue, it's ridiculous. I broke out laughing at the cop as she tried to "threaten" Kevin Bacon's character to take him to court if he continues the "war." The murderous madness continues and then blasts into overdrive near the very end, and sure there is a plot, but the frantic camera is what truly keeps the viewer glued. All in all, gritty fun for those who love that Saw stuff. 7.7/10.

New Zealand Mixtape #1

Because my fair lady is halfway around the world, I decided to make a series of mixtapes for her. Of course, also because I am ever so creative, I am calling it the "New Zealand Mixtape" series. Feel free to grab some free music if you're interested and let me know if you like what you hear. I following is what you'll get:

Black Kids - I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You (The Twelves Remix).mp3
Coldplay - Violet Hill.mp3
CSS - Rat Is Dead (Rage).mp3
Cut Copy - Strangers In The Wind.mp3
Estelle - Magnificent (Ft. Kardinal Offishall) (Prod. By Mark Ronson).mp3
Hot Chip - Sexual Chocolate.mp3
Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart (Permanent Mix).mp3
Lily Allen - I Don't Know.mp3
Mazzy Star - Into Dust.mp3
Patti Smith - Free Money.mp3
Shwayze (Feat. Wale) - Buzzin (DJ Skeet Skeet & Cory Nitta Rmx).mp3
Spoon - Don't You Ever (The Natural History Original Version).mp3
The Embassy - It Never Entered My Mind.mp3
The Jesus & Mary Chain - Just Like Honey.mp3
The Raconteurs - Salute Your Solution.mp3
The Stone Roses - I Wanna Be Adored.mp3
The Ting Tings - Shut Up And Let Me Go.mp3
Turin Brakes - Full of Stars.mp3
Weezer - Pork And Beans.mp3

Download it here: New Zealand Mixtape #1 (Expires 5/11/08)