Author Archive

From The Last Time I Saw Paris. Photo from Wikimedia Commons.

For the Lady with the Violet Eyes: A Tribute to Elizabeth Taylor

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On March 23, 2011, the lights of the golden Hollywood of yore were dimmed as one of its talented representatives, Elizabeth Taylor, died at the age of 79 from congestive heart failure.

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Mar 25, 2011 | Leave a response

Sadly, the Tron Lounge had little to offer in terms of food. Photo by Monica Castillo

Livin’ La Vida SXSW: Popcorn for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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A healthy balance of Pepsi Max, fresh popcorn, and overpriced pizza keeps you alert for the eight hours of movie watching ahead.

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Mar 24, 2011 | Leave a response

From left to right, director Greg Mottola, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and Kristin Wiig

Reel Straight SXSW: Paul

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I’m trying to remember the last decent friendly alien movie. Was it all the way back with E.T.? Or does My Favorite Martian count? Paul, the title of the new [...]

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Mar 21, 2011 | Leave a response

marquee

Look at that Line: What’s the Point of SXSW and other Film Festivals

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Watching a movie is so much easier on the couch. Why bother with going to a movie theater– with the traffic, the people, the prices, the lines? And a film [...]

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Mar 21, 2011 | 1 Response

Rainn Wilson, star of Super. Photo by Monica Castillo

Reel Straight SXSW: ‘Super’ Review

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Taking on indie superhero comedy “Super” isn’t easy…

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Mar 18, 2011 | Leave a response

Directors Katie Galloway and Kelly Duane with one of the boys in the film, David McKay, and the other Common Ground Relief co-founder.

Reel Straight SXSW: ‘Better This World’ Review

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Up and coming movies one good reason to go through the hard work of attending a film festival, but the chance to see something you might never see anywhere else [...]

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Mar 16, 2011 | 1 Response

Director Aaron Burns attempts to explain the differences between what he made up and what he created in the movie.

Reel Straight SXSW: ‘blacktino’ Review

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blacktino, a new film about a mixed-race teenager, touches on interesting issues but ultimately falls flat thanks to a sub-par lead performance.

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Mar 15, 2011 | 2 Responses

Jake Gyllenhaal, star of Source Code, talks on the red carpet. | Photo by Monica Castillo

Reel Straight SXSW: ‘Source Code’ Review

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My review of opening night’s film, Source Code.

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Mar 15, 2011 | 1 Response

This is Austin.

Livin’ La Vida SXSW: Getting There and Getting in Line

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Before the reviews and panels and insanity of South by Southwest ramps up, here’s a quick recap of my first few moments in Austin, Texas, from a hostile airport check to a hostel bedroom.

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Mar 14, 2011 | Leave a response

Downtown Austin-this week's Promiseland.

SXSW Film Prep 102: Cram More and Invest in Time Machines

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Earlier this week, I started to compile my long to-do list for South by Southwest, the huge film, music, and tech extravaganza in Austin, TX. I conclude with a few [...]

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Mar 11, 2011 | Leave a response

Yeah, my view is a bit askew over this "sticking it to the man" campaign.

Kevin Smith and His Assault on Fandom

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Hello, I’m Monica Castillo, and I’m a Kevin Smith fan. I  usually feel a twinge of guilt when I say that in public. Kevin Smith is the director, writer, editor, [...]

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Mar 8, 2011 | 4 Responses