best movie of the year? brokeback mountain is up there!

i had heard reports about how amazing this film was (especially after winning the golden lion for best picture at venice film festival this year), but i had to experience brokeback mountain for myself.

based on the short story brokeback mountain, annie proulx award winning short story was first published 8 years ago in the new yorker magazine. adapted for the big screen by pulitzer prize writer larry mcmurtry and diana ossana, it wasn't until ang lee's agreement to take on directorial duties, did the film finally take shape.

reserved yet heartbreaking, the tragic love between two cowboys spans two decades of their stolen intimacies. yearning for what they experienced when they first met on brokeback mountain, ennis (heath ledger) and jack (jake gyllenhaal) return annually to capture what little moments they can together.

under another director, this film could easily have taken the melodramatic route. but the deft subtle hand of director ang lee guides amazing performances out of a bottled up heath ledger paired up with the openess of jake.

in the end, brokeback mountain manages to stay deep within you long after its quietly powerful last frame.

though the film is cheesy, geisha is an explosion in visual fabulousness

don't get all offended about the inaccuracy of this film, even director rob marshall said that this is a fantastical homage to the world of geisha. that said, the look and DRAMA of the film (thanks to the gorgeous gong li) make it a crack up experience to be had for all.

want to see the most silky-fabulous gay explosion film of the year? here it is!

this rent ain't that bad

back in 1996, fresh of the plane from HK, this boy had a few things on his mind. besides trying to find a job, a mjor priority was to go and watch the broadway musical called rent. after waiting in line from 7am, we made the cut of 1st batch fans that could got front row seats to that evenings show. needless to say, the original cast (many who are in the film version) not only made an impression, but also represented a landmark incident of my new york adventure.

flash forward a decade later, sitting in yet another dark theatre (this time a movie one) and the opening keys of 'seasons of love' brought back memories and emotions that i hadn't felt of in years; it was a beautiful and bittersweet moment.

which is how i feel about the movie version of rent. representative of a different era, the music still lingers in your head days after hearing it, the energy of the performances jazzes you up (even though you know that most of the cast is nowhere near being the age they claim to be) and the realization that new york city just ain't as exciting as it used to be.

does the question of a films relevance to current society affect the long term box office chances of rent? perhaps, but all i can say is that i've been listening to the soundtrack non-stop since i saw the film (even did a round of rent-karaoke). it's that timeless quality that hopefully will introduce a whole new generation to the memories and emotions that us cult members have carried with us for the past decade. welcome to the club, rent-geeks!

read a track by track review of the upcoming madonna album

shameless self plug, but check out my track by track review of the upcoming madonna album 'confessions on a dancefloor' at BACK magazine. while you're at it, listen to 6 full streamable tracks on the site. enjoy!

listen to great music, help a wonderful cause: warchild

for the past few years, the non profit organization warchild has been releasing amazing music compilations with various kick ass artists, with all the proceeds going to aid the support of children in war torn countries like ghana, afghanistan and currently iraq.

their latest effort warchild - help:a day in the life features new material by coldplay, radiohead, keane, gorillaz, damien rice, the go! team, anthony & the johnsons/boy george and loads more.

if you got a spare 9.00 pounds (about 17 USD) go and support this wonderful organization and while you're at it, listen to some of the best acts out right now!

are you an inventor? wanna win a million dollars?

simon cowell and the american idol posse are holding auditions for the american inventor. basically, this national contest is looking for the next great american invention and if you have something wonderful, you have a good chance of winning a million bucks.

the crew are auditioning inventors in 8 cities starting the 14th of november. if you live in one of these 8 cities (listed on the webpage), bring a presentation and possibly a prototype to your audition. just remember to share a bit of your wealth with this website if you win.