Joshua Ligairi » 12.2.11 »
What better way to kick off the Christmas season than with a great new country-themed Christmas song by The Killers? And a super-funny music video to boot. You can get the whole EP for $6 and all the money goes to a good cause.
Now, I know some of you are thinking, "But, Brandon Flowers just came out as a Mormon. Mormons hate LGBTQ. We should boycott Brandon Flowers!" What do you say, gay community, do you think writing six songs and donating a ton of money to fight AIDS is enough penance for Brandon Flowers for simply admitting he loves his faith? Not all Mormons hate LGBTQ, in fact, many of us support the gay marriage movement. I mean, Flowers does a duet with Elton John on the record for cripes sake! Give the guy a break, get into the spirit of the season, and please enjoy this fine tune from a fine band.
Showing posts with label Recommendation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recommendation. Show all posts
Friday, December 2, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
RECOMMENDATION: Sons of Perdition DVD
Joshua Ligairi » 11.29.11 »
New today on DVD: SONS OF PERDITION, a fascinating look into the lives of boys exiled from Warren Jeffs' polygamous compound. The film is directed by Jennilynn Merten and my friend Tyler Measom. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, it was distributed by the Oprah Winfrey Network, and it informed the Texas Attorney Generals as they built a case against Warren Jeffs. Interesting movie and a portion of DVD proceeds go to victims of polygamy. Win, win.
Actually, I just remembered that we also interviewed these guys for The Documentary Blog podcast. So, check that conversation out here. Buy the DVD here and spread the word!
Actually, I just remembered that we also interviewed these guys for The Documentary Blog podcast. So, check that conversation out here. Buy the DVD here and spread the word!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
LIST: The Best Thanksgiving movies
Joshua Ligairi » 11.23.11 »
Despite all of the obvious reasons to dislike Thanksgiving, I happen to enjoy the holiday. Mostly because I like eating large portions of mashed potatoes and gravy, but also because I love the coziness of the holiday and the opportunity to spend time with family. There is a Dutch word for that feeling. It's "gezelligheid." And boy are my family gatherings gezellig.
Another thing I like doing around this time of year is watch movies. Occassionally I'll be tempted off to a theater with a friend, but because I "spare the turkey," my food coma often subsides a little sooner than those of my friends and family and that makes for a perfect time to stretch out on my grandparents couch and watch a movie. But, what to watch? As you may remember from earlier posts, I tend to be very specific about my thematic movie watching. Problem is, there aren't many Thanksgiving films to choose from. In fact, the only two I can even really think of are A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (which doesn't hold a candle to the Halloween or Christmas specials) and Home for the Holidays (which I can't remember anything about).
So, until Eli Roth gets off his lazy butt and finishes his completely inappropriate horror romp, I'm stuck with my "Top 7 Not-Quite-Thanksgiving Films" that still manage to put me in the desired mood. Sorry, 7 was all I could come up with, and I was even stretching it with some of those. Though these films may or may not actually have anything to do with Thanksgiving, most of these take place in that wonderful transitional period between Autumn and Winter, have a strong nostalgic value around family and friendship, or are just plain good movies.
7. Indian Summer
6. Dutch
5. Grumpy Old Men
4. Hannah and Her Sisters
3. Dan in Real Life
2. The New World
1. Planes Trains & Automobiles
Any surprises? Certainly not with the number one. And isn't that a sad commentary on the state of Thanksgiving movies? Maybe, as mentioned before, Thanksgiving just isn't a very inspiring holiday. I mean, they made a better film out of Groundhog Day for crying out loud!
But let's consider this a challenge to young, Thanksgiving-loving filmmakers everywhere. The competition is almost non-existent. This is your chance to break into the American collective consciousness. But what's the story? Maybe a "Black Friday" Thanksgiving campout movie? No, that would suck. What I'd really like to see is an honest historical depiction of the first Thanksgiving. Something like The New World, but focused on the lead up to the initial celebration could be really cool.
Anyway, here are some honorable mentions: Son In Law (if you prefer weasels to turkeys), Leatherheads (if you are watching with your Grandparents), and maybe One Good Man (if your family happens to be both cheesy and Mormon like mine).
By the way, don't even think about giving me a hard time about omitting from my list films such as Pieces of April, House of Yes, Tadpole, The Ice Storm. Despite varied cult status and critical acclaim, these are not, IMHO, great movies and are certainly not great Thanksgiving movies. Also, please don't show your children that terrible Disney version of Pocahontas. The New World is far less sexist and racist and a much better all-around film.
Now, off to prep some homemade cranberry sauce. Which reminds me of another Dutch phrase I like to use this time of year: "Eets makkelijk!"
Despite all of the obvious reasons to dislike Thanksgiving, I happen to enjoy the holiday. Mostly because I like eating large portions of mashed potatoes and gravy, but also because I love the coziness of the holiday and the opportunity to spend time with family. There is a Dutch word for that feeling. It's "gezelligheid." And boy are my family gatherings gezellig.
So, until Eli Roth gets off his lazy butt and finishes his completely inappropriate horror romp, I'm stuck with my "Top 7 Not-Quite-Thanksgiving Films" that still manage to put me in the desired mood. Sorry, 7 was all I could come up with, and I was even stretching it with some of those. Though these films may or may not actually have anything to do with Thanksgiving, most of these take place in that wonderful transitional period between Autumn and Winter, have a strong nostalgic value around family and friendship, or are just plain good movies.
7. Indian Summer
6. Dutch
5. Grumpy Old Men
4. Hannah and Her Sisters
3. Dan in Real Life
2. The New World
1. Planes Trains & Automobiles
Any surprises? Certainly not with the number one. And isn't that a sad commentary on the state of Thanksgiving movies? Maybe, as mentioned before, Thanksgiving just isn't a very inspiring holiday. I mean, they made a better film out of Groundhog Day for crying out loud!
But let's consider this a challenge to young, Thanksgiving-loving filmmakers everywhere. The competition is almost non-existent. This is your chance to break into the American collective consciousness. But what's the story? Maybe a "Black Friday" Thanksgiving campout movie? No, that would suck. What I'd really like to see is an honest historical depiction of the first Thanksgiving. Something like The New World, but focused on the lead up to the initial celebration could be really cool.
By the way, don't even think about giving me a hard time about omitting from my list films such as Pieces of April, House of Yes, Tadpole, The Ice Storm. Despite varied cult status and critical acclaim, these are not, IMHO, great movies and are certainly not great Thanksgiving movies. Also, please don't show your children that terrible Disney version of Pocahontas. The New World is far less sexist and racist and a much better all-around film.
Now, off to prep some homemade cranberry sauce. Which reminds me of another Dutch phrase I like to use this time of year: "Eets makkelijk!"
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