6/14/07
So this here is a summary of a bunch of months into one post. To give you an idea of my life, I got home last night from work with a massive headache. This meant, bailing on Grindhouse (which I still need to see), and falling asleep while watching Machuca around 7:30pm. I should say, Machuca is so worth seeing. It reminds me of Y Tu Mama Tambien, without the likes of Gael Garcia Bernal. The kids are much younger, but some of the scenes had my mouth left on the floor. Use your imagination. 
As my movie page is now corrupt (meaning I cant figure out how to edit it), I also just recently saw a screening of the movie Stop Loss. This is Kimberly Peirce’s new film. She is the director of Boys Don’t Cry, which gave Hilary Swank her first Oscar. This movie is incredibly powerful, and its name comes from the Stop Loss program that the military is once again putting into effect. Officers that have completed their tours (sometimes 2-3) and are scheduled to be done on a certain date, are stop-lossed and must complete longer tours. This is happening a lot now (think 81,000 troops are stop-lossed) as we don’t have enough people willing to serve. These troops sometimes must go on and on with serving in the world. According to law, the stop loss program is only in operation in a time of war. The question comes down to, if we are not in a time of war, can you force someone to do this.
The movie is the story of Ryan Phillipe and some other friends from Texas who are getting ready to finish their tours, and once back in the states learn that they have been stop-lossed. Its interesting to see the different reactions and how it affects people differently.
As this was an early screening of the film, I have a feeling a lot of the film could change, based on comments about the film. I thought it was perfect as it was, but it was beyond violent, and its hard to watch a lot of the war shots, as they are so violent. Its very in your face, which is perhaps we as Americans need. It does seem like that at some point, the worst is going to happen – and by that I mean the draft will be reinstated.
Other things: The Long Blondes on Saturday night. Fun show, but didn’t blow me away. Had some catchy songs, but the bassist seemed like she’d have rather been elsewhere. And she wasnt very good. Saw The Veils at the Mercury Lounge. Brilliant show. Lead singer has a great voice and the band played a very tight set. The lead singer is spastic and out of control, all over the stage, but it adds to the show. Also, The Noisettes with Maccabees at Knitting Factory. The Noisettes were so bizarre and it was a pretty out there show. Im not a fan of them, so it was hard for me to really get into it, but the lead singer was a trip to watch. Maccabees tore the place up, and had a dance party with everyone singing the songs. Lead singer was so impressed that everyone knew the lyrics and they seemed so excited to have a packed show. Great! cant wait to see them again.
I know I’m missing out on a lot more shows. And there is so much good stuff coming around. Keep your eyes peeled
