Director of 'Trainspotting' and '28 Days Later' discusses his latest, disturbingly gritty film
It’s likely that most people have at least heard of a few of the cinematic pieces of art that director Danny Boyle has created. With movie titles such as “28 Days Later” and “Trainspotting” under his belt, it’s hard not to admit that this man deserves praise as a visionary director. Boyle’s new film “Slumdog Millionaire,” however, is a far cry from the aforementioned films.
Director Gus Van Sant’s quality filmmaking has struck again with the thought-provoking biopic “Milk.”
“Milk” tells the story of the rise and fall of America’s first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk. With an all-star cast including Sean Penn, James Franco, Emile Hirsch and Josh Brolin, this film delivers an eye-opening account of the fight for gay rights in the 1970s
Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like a stage full of unconventional puppets and an array of socially questionable Christmas carols.
Yes, you get to enjoy great music around San Diego. You have that luxury to be a part of someone’s creative experience, and that is amazing.
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The 007 franchise has suffered in the past, but thankfully 'Quantum of Solace' adheres to the roots
“When you start featuring Halle Berry and a giant laser beam controlled by a Korean guy whom underwent a Michael Jackson procedure to bleach himself white, it’s time to go” - that’s how M’s line from the trailer of “Quantum of Solace” should have been after seeing the last of the “Pierce Brosnan 007” films.
Fan of reggae? Then Groundation will tickle the little Rasta in your soul
For the Rastafarian band Groundation, three words sum up its musical movement: spiritual, roots and reggae.
Standing with a half-grin at a towering height on the center stage, a jean-clad, buttoned- up Mason Jennings entered wearing his predictable pair of mountain boots. As he prepped his harmonica for play, the crowd at House of Blues in downtown San Diego cheered and chanted his name.
Creepy stalkers, finding a pirate’s cave, and being eaten alive by a lake are just some examples of the subject material the band Ludo sang about last Saturday night as part of its “Apocalypse Now On Ice Tour” at Soma.
MCASD presents the fourth annual Cinefemme to honor female filmmakers
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla presented the Fourth Annual Cinefemme festival on Thursday. Cinefemme is a nonprofit organization based out of Los Angeles and San Francisco that presents female filmmakers who strive to push the envelope through cinema. Michelle Kantor is the director of two of the featured films, as well as the leader of the organization.
If you like American Apparel deep v-neck T-shirts and just-so headbands, then the up-and-coming artist Lights is for you.
The night of Nov. 10, Grammy Award-winning musician Alanis Morissette graced the stage of the San Diego Civic Theatre.
Finally, the 'Twilight' book series is hitting the big screen
If you haven’t heard of “Twilight,” then you may have been living under a rock in Siberia for the past couple of years.
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‘Role Models’ will make you rethink driving drunk for sure
In a time of crappy movies, “Role Models” is a delight.
Rum, music and art — a deliciously cheap combination
Thursday Night Thing is one of San Diego’s seductive little secrets. A place where art and music collide into a colorful crowd, TNT brings together both the artsy intellectuals and the musical underground.
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For someone whose knowledge of Broadway musicals begins with “West Side Story,” you might have a vague notion of what “A Chorus Line” is and are probably scratching your head over who wrote it.
Discovered by singer Josh Kelley, Wilkinson's bluesy rifts and lyrics are truly appealing
If you are fan of the bluesy, popish rifts of musical artist Josh Kelley, then you are probably going to enjoy the feminine version of him in the music of up-and-coming artist Alexa Wilkinson.
Her latest performance at PETCO Park was an iconic moment in musical history
Icon. Diva. Sex symbol. Rock star. These are just a few of the words that come to mind when you hear the name Madonna.
Maylene and the Sons of Disaster attempt to remaster dirty Southern rock, sort of
There’s Southern rock, then there’s dirty Southern rock. And then, there’s dirty Southern rock that’s filthier than hell.
Long, crazy hair, high-pitched voices singing and dancing to poppy, electronic rock. All these things describe what was going on inside the House of Blues last Sunday as Cobra Starship took the stage, along with the other bands that opened for the SassyBack Tour. For the masses that don’t know what Cobra Starship is, it can’t be easily defined.
It’s that time again for Tempo’s weekly dish on hip events going on around San Diego. Everything for the artsy-fartsy loving artiste residing in your beret, to a little something for the more polished theater-loving performance junkie, a little rockabilly, a little Latino ramba and even a bit of musical barbecue; it’s all here in San Diego!
Legendary artist proves he can definitely 'Keep on Rockin' in the Free World
It felt like 1972 inside Cox Arena last Wednesday when Neil Young walked onstage.
It’s safe to say that when punk is involved, there is no set age limit for crowd-moshing. On Saturday night, 20-year-olds and 40-year-olds alike enjoyed the raucous show at House of Blues that featured historic punk bands The Adolescents and The Damned. Hailing from London, The Damned has revived its legendary punk sound with several new members and a new edge.
Gaslight Anthem, Thrice and Alkaline Trio urged the crowd to keep moving
With a receding economy, an unpopular war, an even less popular president and one of the most important elections in this nation’s history approaching rapidly, the feeling in the air is just right for an old-fashioned punk rock show.
Last Thursday in Cox Arena, that show materialized.
The Lyceum Theatre's recent production allows for an intimate experience
Horton Plaza is a shopping center downtown that we’ve all been to. Not so widely known is that there is an underground theater below the shopping center. This semi-secret location houses one of San Diego’s most acclaimed theaters: the Lyceum Theatre.
In case you’ve never watched Spike TV, the Scream 2008 Awards is cable TV’s homage to all things fantasy, horror and science fiction. This year, Scream paid tribute to some of the most legendary characters and creators of those genres. Breezing by security with press passes along the red carpet was an ultimate experience, especially because it was teeming with celebrities.
These girls made love to the audience and even cuddled afterward
The thought of seeing Von Iva at an intimate bar with just the right pink lighting and glittered drum set should make you shiver with excitement. However, last Tuesday night at Bar Pink Elephant in North Park, the turnout was shockingly sparse. Not only would you have been inches from the richest voice since Aretha Franklin, you would have paid a whopping zero dollars to get in.
Chase Beckwith and Lauren Ventura
For years, the HBO series “Sex and the City” provided an outlet for many sexually frustrated older women as well as a validation of rampant superficial and consumerist values that are second in contagiousness only to STDs among America’s youth. Somehow, some way, a movie adaptation was made in 2008, instantly surpassing all the other films on this list as the most terrifying film of all time.
The moment the band said “hello,” the power at Epicentre said goodbye. On Friday, Hellogoodbye closed the night, after Say No More, Never Shout Never and Ace Benders warmed the audience up. Teenyboppers decked out in skinny jeans, plastic watches and parental supervision filled the floor. But sadly, the venue had technical difficulties throughout the night and the bulk of the power problems occurred when Hellogoodbye hit the stage.
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Get your scary face paint lacquered and your ghoulish garb sewn: It’s Halloween and you don’t want to be the lone soul not going out on the most immature adult night of the year! Here’s your second installment of your music guide to this week’s terror.
Stereolab has been called one of the most influential bands of the ‘90s, and it’s not difficult to see why. Formed in England in 1990, the band has been around for almost 20 years now. It’s dealt with its fair share of complications over the years, but has endured it all, proving the band is more than a one-hit wonder.
If you don’t recognize the name Kevin Smith, then it is time to start watching good movies and paying attention to the rolling credits. Smith is the mastermind behind films such as “Clerks,” “Mallrats,” “Chasing Amy,” “Dogma,” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” “Clerks II” and the blemish that is “Jersey Girl.”
In the past few years, I’ve noticed that dressing and living vintage has conquered the title of trendy — old school is the new school. Whether or not Cold War Kid’s is a part of the trend or is authentically “old school,” doesn’t matter: Its a talented, creative foursome that represents it well.
Russell Pollard of Everest talks about touring with Neil Young, western-style shirts and fame
From the hills of Los Angeles hails Everest, a five-piece band that’s come into the limelight very naturally, just as the members wanted it to. Each of the musicians has played with a slew of other bands through the years, such as The Watson Twins, Great Northern and John Vanderslice. They finally realized that they should put a halt to the other projects and come together to form what is now known as the band Everest.
It’s getting to be that time of the year when the leaves fall, the air becomes a little crisper and everyone’s inner child becomes giddy for the scariest holiday of the year. This week’s City Scene will be the first installment of your musical guide to Halloween festivities. Children are not the only ones who get to dress up. More often than not, adults are indulging themselves in costumes, candy and all-around debauchery in remembrance of more sober times as adolescents. This guide will lead you to all of the above, plus oh-so-scary musical performances.
Recently, MythBusters paid a visit to San Diego, but unfortunately there wasn’t much “bang” for your buck. MythBusters duo Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman didn’t blow anything up during their visit here, but they did tackle some pretty tough questions from some of their youngest fans.
Last Friday night found Cox Arena packed with fans to see Tokyo Police Club, Angels and Airwaves and headliner Weezer. However, in case you didn’t get there early, Weezer guitarist Brian Bell’s side project, The Relationship, went on at 7 p.m. The Relationship, which incorporated a slide guitar into its country-tinged sound, performing a different version of Bell’s song, “Thought I Knew,” released on Weezer’s latest experimental “Red Album.” They were good, but honestly not as good as the headliners. Bell should keep his day job and continue writing songs for Weezer.
Gym Class Heroes and The Roots kept the energy going by keeping the flow
As part of the Gym Class Heroes and The Roots’ 24-venue tour across the U.S., the alternative hip-hop talents of this amazing duo stopped at 4th and B for the night. This downtown venue was big enough to give the appearance of a large concert while still maintaining a small-concert feel. With promises of this double headliner and happy hour drink prices, the crowd came early and eager.
Box office smash 'Max Payne' lets viewers enjoy the ride without thinking
In 2001 there was a PlayStation 2 game titled “Max Payne,” that, despite its dorky name, managed to sell more than five million copies and set the bar for the role of story lines and theatrics in video games. With the introduction of the game, the line between movies and video games began to blur for the first time. Now, seven years later, director John Moore has created a film adaptation with Mark Wahlberg as the movie’s over-stylized, awesomely suicidal hero.
If you haven’t heard of the band Hellogoodbye, don’t be concerned — you will, eventually. Headed by lead singer/songwriter and guitarist Forrest Kline, Hellogoodbye is making waves with young people across the globe who are fans of their 2006 debut and only album, “Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!”
“Ummm … wait – I’ve heard this before.” This is a thought that will likely run through the mind of a faithful fan while listening to the two time Best Electronic / Dance Album Award-winning British duo Ed Simons and Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers’, newest album, “Brotherhood.” They may feel as though they are hearing a blast from the past instead of a peek into the present, which isn’t a bad thing.
A dark alley corner, lit only by old, handmade candles and a full moon is where one might expect to hear the eerie and nearly creepy sounds of Dark Dark Dark.
With an album cover depicting a smiley face cookie smoking a blunt, hopes are (no pun intended) already initially high. Fortunately, the expectations are met. Highly original, as well as entertaining, local favorite The Bigfellas’ self-produced album, “Chubbed Up,” delivers a whimsical and lighthearted sound, accompanied by often comical lyrics.
Try and think of all the amazing things the great city of San Francisco is known for. You may start thinking of the hippie days of Haight-Ashbury, deadheads and the countless joints the city has seen. Or maybe your mouth starts salivating at the sound of the city and its cable cars because you have a secret love of Rice-A-Roni, the San Francisco treat. Well, add Von Iva to your list of San Fran sensations that leave lasting impressions in your ears and on your soul.
The curtains draw back, revealing the silver screen. A cartoon penguin appears waddling in the tundra, forcing a wave of laughter, giggles and smiles from an audience filled with children and parents, along with just about every other demographic.
Here’s a drop of knowledge for everyone: Sometimes in life, you go into something thinking it’s going to be bad, and it turns out to be awesome. Sometimes, you go into something thinking it will be good, and you come out a little disappointed. And, sometimes, when the conditions are right and you’re least expecting it, you go into something and then spend the next few days wondering what the hell happened to the last 60 minutes of your life that night.
This week will include various nights of mingling among San Diego’s finest crowd. Dancing, boozing and schmoozing will be goin’ down in all corners of our fine city for musical acts from near and far.
The woods of upstate New York are quiet and eerie, lush with foliage and wildlife but distinctive in their serenity. In a haunted recording studio right in the middle of these woods is where Rachel Yamagata crafted her second record, a two-part creation she titled “Elephants...Teeth Sinking Into Heart.”
For those odd few who have always wanted to play drinking games without actually doing the drinking, you have reason to rejoice. Midway has released the sequel, “Game Party 2” for the Nintendo Wii, a series of mini-games that includes everything from trivia games to beer pong. That’s right, beer pong.
If it weren’t for artists such as Santogold, the clothing decisions often made in the ‘80s and early ‘90s would go down in history as hideous, tacky and just unflattering. But thankfully, we are increasingly reminded of the high-waisted pants, floral get-ups and scrunched socks because trendy musicians are bringing back the style as “hip,” thus making us feel less guilty about the wardrobe sins we have committed in our past.
Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay is a venue tucked away on Shelter Island in picturesque Point Loma. The venue is arguably the most beautiful in all of San Diego, with its open stage and treelined paths. Preluding this week’s recent Duffy performance, the wind blew and the twinkle of lights in the marina kept the crowd at ease while they waited. The fully stocked bar may have helped as well.
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Scully and Mulder muddle through their second big screen ‘X-Files’ movie
What happens when a cult classic releases its second movie?
It’s terrible when producers abandon all that made the show what it was.
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So maybe your week didn’t plan out in the way you were hoping. You finally got that parking ticket after three years of parking in the X lot without a permit. Or was it that your significant other broke up with you because you don’t have the right color Ray Bans? But of course! It was the show you went to, hoping for a grand old time and all you wound up with were vomit-filled kitten heels. Yes, life can throw you the most rotten vodka-soaked lemons sometimes, and all there is to do is bounce back and slap life with a round of the stiffest lemon drops you can make. Check out these upcoming shows for a distraction until you recover your misplaced luck.
In this Q&A, Quaid talks candidly about racial tensions in America
The thought of being on film and acting as if you were someone else is mind blowingly scary for those of us who do not act. To accurately and honestly portray an actual historical person seems like a nearly impossible feat. That is, unless you are a longtime acting professional such as Dennis Quaid.
The Season 3 DVD of 'Robot Chicken' is hilariously absurd and worth renting
If you haven’t seen the rapid-fire, Attention Deficit Disorder inducing 12-minute frenzy that is “Robot Chicken,” you should reevaluate what you’re doing with your life. But before you begin the search to find out where your life went wrong, you should know that it’s a stop-and-go animation show that uses action figures, dolls and claymation to make satirical comedy sketches that are almost as funny as they are completely random
“Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” plays out like a high quality YouTube video.
A group of teenagers who haphazardly end up hanging out for the night, exploring streets of New York City in search of a very drunk friend and the secret location where their favorite band Where’s Fluffy? is playing.
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Inspired by a true story of the first African-American to win the much revered Heisman Trophy, this film not only follows the journey of a talented football player it emphasizes the conflict behind the civil revolution churning in our country that was on the brink of exploding.
Tom Morello’s second studio album, 'The Fabled City' is utterly impressive
Melodic guitar strumming accompanied with inspiring songs sung by a smooth, strong voice: those less familiar with the man will be surprised this describes the album of rock legend Tom Morello. Morello’s second studio album “The Fabled City,” produced by Epic, is another display of Morello’s impressive songwriting capabilities.
Dylan’s newer album ‘Seeing Things’ is nothing flashy but good enough
Continuing in his father’s footsteps, songwriter and musician Jakob Dylan, son of legendary folk musician Bob Dylan, released his first solo album, “Seeing Things.” Produced by Columbia Records, “Seeing Things” puts Dylan’s talents on display for all to hear.
Senses Fail's fourth album is loud without saying much
Despite its best efforts, the music genre emo still lives on. Produced by Vagrant and Drive-Thru Records, Senses Fail’s newest album, “Life Is Not A Waiting Room,” stays true to the stereotype of screamo-style music with emotionally charged lyrics.
The band’s stage presence and acrobatics enough to impress new and old fans
With no supporting act opening for it, The Mars Volta took the stage at 8 p.m. on Thursday at the San Diego State Open Air Theatre. The crowd may have varied from young indie hipsters to black-shirted metal heads, but everyone was equally excited to see the super-froed, super-genius duo Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Cedric Bixler-Zavala take the stage.
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‘Trouble the Water’ shows the destruction of Hurricane Katrina
Aug. 29, 2005: Hurricane Katrina makes landfall in southeast Louisiana.
It was supposed to be a Category 3 hurricane, one not expected to cause excessive damage.
But the levee system in New Orleans was weak.
And the Category 3 hurricane turned out to be a Category 5.
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The Ting Tings pump up the British and USA pop scene
If you’re skeptical of the name, you probably speak a dialect of Japanese. One variation of their name means “penis” when transliterated, which unfortunately doesn’t have anything to do with their style, unless male genital pop music is making its grand debut.
The Ting Tings, comprised of Katie White and Jules De Martino, entered on the indie pop party scene in England in 2006. They released the debut single, “That’s Not My Name,” in the same year.
Comedy Central is one television station that has yet to fail most young viewers. With shows such as “South Park” and “The Colbert Report,” it seems safe to say that Comedy Central has good taste in its programming. This holds to it’s new show, “Chocolate News,” which airs on Oct. 15 at 10:30 p.m.
San Diego's four-day festival proved to be a great hit
It's a beautiful day in downtown San Diego, the birds are chirping, people are bustling about and taxi drivers are cussing and honking in sync. A plethora of people are making their way to the San Diego Film Festival, the city's seventh tribute to up-and-coming filmmakers, actors, artists and producer/directors. The four-day festival presented more than 75 features, including full-length films, short films, documentaries and surprisingly, music videos.
Film Rocks! showcased 10 Californian and San Diegan artists' videos sponsored by Wonderland, a VIP service that "makes dreams come true" and enables people access to private jet services front row tickets to any concert, and exclusive sporting event tickets. An introduction from the founder was followed by 90 minutes of musical and cinematic genius.
The Spite Shorts: Little films with big ambitions hit San Diego Film Festival
San Diego was buzzing this weekend, and the movie reels didn't take any breaks.
One of the most memorable nights was Saturday when a collection of short films, the Spite Short Film Series, was presented in clusters and ranged from the controversial to the comical.
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Forget that you have a looming paper deadline, or maybe you are still recovering from the previous night's wild antics. Either way, get out of the house and go see some live music! Your body, mind and ears will thank you.
It has been five years (arguably 11), but the lords of metal, otherwise known as Metallica, have finally returned to reclaim their throne with their ninth studio album "Death Magnetic." With lead-heavy guitar riffs and thunderous drumbeats, Metallica's new album pays homage to its classic sound that made the band the musical legend it is today.
Keeping the spirit of artistry in music alive, the power trio Earthless combines the two seemingly incompatible genres of metal and psychedelic rock as it unleashes a psyche-metal jam session at the annual Roadburn Festival in Tilburg, Holland.
Sometimes you just need to be alone. For Jenny Lewis, this realization came in 2006. After more than five years fronting for the much-adored indie band Rilo Kiley, Lewis took refuge in solitude when she released the album "Rabbit Fur Coat." Her solo debut received much critical acclaim because of its confessional lyrics and gospel-like melodies. Questions arose if, when it came to Rilo Kiley, Lewis was gone for good.
A real story that defies Hollywood drama
It's the kind of film that gives hope that good filmmaking is still alive and kicking in the midst of so many films created for a Hollywood-dependent society.
Academy Award-winning director Jonathan Demme returns to a style that once defined him long before making it in the Hollywood scene with films such as " The Silence of the Lambs," "Philadelphia" and "The Manchurian Candidate."
Kiera Knighly reigns supreme as The Duchess of Devonshire
Keira Knightley breathes life into Georgiana Cavenaish, The Duchess of Devonshire in "The Duchess," directed by Saul Dibb, just as author Amanda Foreman did in the original biography "Georgiana: The Duchess of Devonshire."
New WWII memoir film reminds us that 'Miracles are the only sure things in life'
Why would a postal worker with the prestigious Purple Heart, no debts, no enemies and a clean record, be sentenced to 25 years in prison?
Some may find this bizarre, but until you see "Miracle at St. Anna," you won't get it.
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My Morning Jacket's intoxicating, ephemeral tunes transcended time as the band served their heart to the crowd straight up like a shot of absinth.
On Thursday, at San Diego State's Open-Air Theatre, they seemingly entered a zone where time stretched and shrank simultaneously.
Group members of The Raconteurs are the perfect 'Consolers of the Lonely'
So, what is a "raconteur" anyway?
According to Webster's Dictionary, it is "a person who is skilled in relating stories and anecdotes interestingly." Obviously Jack White knows exactly just how talented he is, because The Raconteurs exhibit just that.
In the heart of Balboa Park, after a short walk through the leafy pathway behind the Casa del Prado Theatre and the San Diego Museum of Art, lies the Old Globe Theatre - a convincing replica of Shakespeare's famous theater. It is here where on Sept. 13, the premier of Clare Boothe Luce's "The Women" took place.
A popular question that may come up in a conversation, especially with what can be done with technology in this day and age, has been brought to the silver screen, again. "What if computers become too powerful?"
Artists from all over the world inspire MSTRKRFT mixers Jesse F. Keeler and Alex Puodziukas, better known as Al-P.
They have remixed more than 30 songs, blending every genre of music and attracting audiences who are familiar fans of fused sounds from the retro eras of the '70s and '80s.
Their ability is unique and their talent is undeniable, as they have transformed numerous Top 40 pop hits into popular club tracks.
