Film Review
In viewing Kill List recently I couldn’t help but have high expectations going in. After seeing the snazzy trailer, and being subjected to a bit of the hype machine that is currently surrounding it I thought I was in for a real rare bird – a film that somehow transcended the pitfalls of genre-bending and muddled narrative. But despite what you might hear from many other sources, this one does not live up to the hype. I found fleeting glimpses of quality throughout this murky, slowly paced misfire. →

An Insider’s Guide to the SBIFF 2012 Sponsored by UGG Australia)
“The Arlington Theater is one of the most beautiful movie theaters in the entire world”. This statement was uttered, not only from the mouth of one of the guest moderators at the Virtuosos Awards Event, but from audience members and festival volunteers alike. The Arlington Theater is nothing short of breathtaking – quite simply a film lover’s dream come true and the main hub of events for the annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

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Design in the Blood
Design Opinion

This week I had the great fortune to attend the CUSP Conference in Chicago. Following in the footsteps of the TED Talks the conference was about “the design of everything”, which is obviously a broad subject. Though I had no idea what to expect I am still in awe of how unexpected it turned out to be. →

As presented by the Cinefamily, in a free sneak preview that was packed to capacity, Todd Solondz’ new film Life During Wartime is both boldly contemporary and transcendent in its exploration of redemption and forgiveness. The film explores with caustic satire and keen awareness, our collective human condition, warts and all, in a way only Solondz knows how. →

Design in the Blood
Design Opinion

I’ve had the great fortune to come in contact with truly inspiring people that have influenced me to do what I do. One such person is Ulfert Janssen, who I visited in Barcelona several years ago before I really knew where my career path would take me. As I look back, it was an undeniably catalyzing experience. This was owed in part to Barcelona’s vibrant surrounds but mostly to Ulfert’s lifestyle and diverse and holistic approach towards design. →

Design in the Blood
Design Opinion

I recently had the opportunity to curate a show back in my land of origin. Entitled Industrial Desire, it involved taking 9 highly-detailed scale concept car models from the permanent collection at Detroit’s College for Creative Studies to Artisan Galleries in Brisbane. The premise was simple; to put the models and the automobile itself within the context of art and craft, a place that it has become more and more distant from as time goes by. →

Genre Hound
FIlm Opinion

It is rare that a film can surprise a viewer with the simple yet very effective observational approach of just shooting “fly on the wall” documentary style. In the case of the documentary Where Are You Taking Me?, an uplifting contemporary portrait of Uganda, which recently screened at the Los Angeles Film Festival, this is its raison d’être. →

Design in the Blood
Design Opinion

Without a doubt things are changing. This may seem like a redundant statement since history and our own individual lives are shaped by change, but we are now at an undeniable crossroads. Politically, economically, environmentally, socially, and even spiritually there’s little now that is the way it used to be. This is an increasingly overwhelming feeling – a sense that things aren’t entirely right and an inability to know what to do about it.

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The Local Boy
Fashion Spotlight

The gentlemen from Loden Dager are unassuming individuals.  Their dress, to be sure, is impeccable but even their attire carries a sense of relaxed confidence that matches the calm, friendly demeanor which is so wonderfully refreshing in an industry of megalomania.  So it’s no surprise that their line can be described as nothing less than a revelation–a close to perfect collection for a balmy 2010 spring summer and an offering for fall winter that will leave jaws on the floor.  On-the-floor. →

The Local Boy
Film Opinion

The first time I came across “Kick-Ass “was browsing trailers on apple.com.  God, that looks retarded, I mused, quickly glossing over the row and clicking to the next page.  In the sea of stupid, someone managed to net a freaking whale.  But as clever ads started popping up all over Los Angeles, my curiosity was piqued.  I sampled the trailer.  Interesting.  I consulted the talking heads.  Positive feedback.  So with guarded expectations I grabbed a friend and swung by a late night showing at downtown’s beautiful Nokia Theater in the LA Live.  What we experienced was nothing like I imagined. →