It’s pretty likely that you have Facebook open in a tab on your browser, that you’re checking it on your phone, or that you’re on it right now. But will you be seeing The Social Network tomorrow?

At first, previews for the movie seemed bizarre: there was an almost scary element to them. Additionally, the movie seemed almost untimely. Wasn’t it too soon to be making a movie about the story of Facebook? Wasn’t that story still playing out?

But the more recent previews look much more promising. Plus, if you have a Facebook, then it’s probably a website that you frequent pretty often. It might be interesting to know the story (or the based-on-a-true-story) behind it. There’s certainly a lot of buzz about the movie, but we’ll just have to see for ourselves how it turns out.

Besides, you never know, you might get inspired to drop out of Brown and start up your very own, internet-changing, website! Then again, maybe that’s not the best idea…

So, will you be seeing The Social Network? Leave it in the comments!

As far as movies about being trapped in an elevator with Satan go, Devil is pretty good.

When it comes to fear, M. Night Shyamalan – who provided the idea and the funding for the film – has always favored the psychological. Certainly, the anonymity of the actors, the tight camerawork within the elevator, and the plays on expectations create a very human tension. Sartrean influences are evident. (Obvious inspiration and plot cues are taken from No Exit, but if you’re looking for existentialism, Cube probably does it better.) But while the “Hell is other people” theme is played out well, have no doubt: there is a very real supernatural threat here. [Read more →]

In Blake Nelson’s new film “Leaves of Grass,” Edward Norton plays two characters (acting win): Brady, a Brown professor from Oklahoma and his pot-grower stoner twin, Bill.  Think “Weeds” meets “life at Brown.” Er, just think “life at Brown.”  While we’re not sure that Walt Whitman would be entirely pleased with this arrangement, we’re intrigued.  Ever thought that one of your professors had a secret double identity as Sherlock-Holmes-the-pot-brother-investigator?  Look up at your professor.  Now look back at the blog page.  Don’t try to tell us you didn’t just see it a little bit.

Another blog find for you readers today.

Sex and the City fans may come hunting with pitchforks, but we nevertheless present Sarah Jessica Parker Look Like a Horse.

What? The blog says it’s done lovingly…..

In case you didn’t see it in the BDH this morning, Cable Car Cinema is set to reopen next Monday after a three month long renovation. Anyone who has ever been to Brown’s French Film Festival or likes Providence-made zombie movies knows and loves this cinema, with its black, comfy couches and unlimited popcorn.

Aaaaaaaaand can you guess which movie they will be running on Sept. 17? Needless to say, we are more than excited to have Cable Car Cinema back.

For all of you taking Existentialism this semester – prepare to experience an existential crisis first hand. Well known actor Joaquin Phoenix (Walk the Line, anyone?) seems to have done some serious soul searching these past few months (and seems to have forgotten to shave in the process). In an interview with David Letterman last February (which if you haven’t watched – you must) Pheonix announced that he had had it with acting and was going to pursue a career in hip-hop. This documentary (or mockumentary?) chronicles his life for the past year. Hopefully, Avon will run it.

©Tim Hetherington

“Restrepo,” the companion documentary to Sebastian Junger’s best-selling book War, diligently follows a US platoon during their 15 month deployment in the Korangal Valley, which had been considered as perhaps the most dangerous posting in the US military. Fittingly so, Restrepo is ugly. Yes, the cinematography is nothing short of beautiful, especially considering the circumstances. One can almost feel the pull of the choppers taking off, the pulse of the guns as they fire. But sharing the hell that these soldiers underwent daily for 15 months, and the contrivances they had created to distract themselves, indeed fills one with awe at just how human war can be; it’s the moments in-between the fighting – somberly strumming a guitar, shuffling through pictures of family, swapping stories about old friends who won’t make it home – that are when the real struggle takes place.

It’s difficult to walk out of Restrepo with much hope for our situation in Afghanistan. [Read more →]

Local moviegoers are rejoicing this week at the grand re-opening the Cable Car Cinema and Cafe, of one of Providence’s hidden gems and what has been called one of the ten “Coolest Movie Theaters in America.” Just a quick walk down South Main (only 5 minutes from Keeney, ’14ers) puts you at the doorstep of the independent cinema which, after having been closed for the summer, opened its doors again with a brand new redesign on September 1.

Remaining are the generous leather couches that are so accommodating to couples, the throwback popcorn machine, and the friendly atmosphere. New are the elegant swerving counter-top, increased indoor space, and an idiosyncratic scuba mural on the side of the theater area itself, painted by a local artist and RISD grad. As the improved sound system is still undergoing some tweaking, you’ll have to wait until September 11 for the re-inaugural showing. But, if you’ve got a craving for equal parts mocha and music documentary, heading down to the Cable Car next weekend is a great way to get your fix.   [Read more →]

Jackass creator and Where the Wild Things Are director Spike Jonze debuted his lastet short film entitled I’m Here at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, and has now put the video online for streaming.  The film follows a dramatic robot love story in a human world in an incredibly compelling, somewhat disturbing way.  So if you wanna take a quick half hour study break (29 minutes to be exact), I highly recommend watching the short.

Trailer:

Today really has the potential to be one of the best days of the year.  Not only is it groundhog’s day, and the day of the most anticipated TV moment possibly in our lifetimes, but The Academy just released their nominations for the biggest awards show in the world.  After the jump, lets see how they stacked up against our predictions: [Read more →]