Star Wars, the version you didn't see...

If you have a fan of Luke, Han, Leia or Darth Vader in your family, you need to watch "Star Wars Uncut". It is the work of thousands of Star Wars fans to remake "Star Wars: A New Hope" into a fan film, only 15 seconds at a time. Fans were asked to recreate any 15 second scene from Star Wars, however they wanted, and then each of those scenes were pieced together to recreate the whole film. This is the result:

Messiah at the Mall

You probably have heard of Flash Mobs even if you haven’t been present for one. A Flash Mob is a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place to perform an unusual act like a dance, or a pillow fight, for a brief time; and then disperse as quickly as they appeared. Most times Flash Mobs are heavily reliant on social media and are often organized via cell phones, Twitter, Facebook and the like.

This past weekend, shoppers at the Avalon Mall in St John’s were pleasantly surprised by a Flash Mob. Members of the Philharmonic Choir of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra treated shoppers with a sudden performance of the famous oratorio from Handel's "Messiah." The video below was provided by Nine Island Productions. Thanks to my cousin Emily for the link.

Life in a Day

One of the most talked about movies at Sundance this year was Life in a Day. Dubbed an experiment in citizen film making, this documentary makes use of YouTube videos shared by thousands of people across the globe- sharing the silly, mundane, disturbing, poignant and achingly sad moments in brief snatches of time. The aim is to show the shared experience that is our lives in one single day (July 24, 2010).


The result can be seen tonight at 8 p.m., when Life in a Day is screened live on YouTube from its Sundance world premiere. Ridley Scott, and Kevin Macdonald direct.

Nativity Story goes Digital

The Nativity story for the digital age:

For Fright Night

I have always loved Halloween. It wasn't just the bags of free candy that had my attention, it was the the spooky stories and cool costumes. When I was too old for trick or treating, I turned to decorating the house, and scaring the coco puffs out of the neighborhood kids.

We had to tone back the decorating a little since my son came along- we are in "cute scary" mode these days. Nothing too threatening. But I still need my dose of the scary stuff. Don and I usually rent a few horror flicks, grab some food which would terrify a cardiologist, turn off all the lights in the house and head for the couch. Last night that is just what we did.

Note, I said horror films. That is not the same as a slasher flick. I can't watch slasher flicks, and not because I am afraid of them, but because I can't stand all the gore and I am not a fan of ripping flesh sounds.

I like films that mess with my head a little bit; leave a little something for the subconscious to play with later on. I thought I would share a few of my favourites- perhaps you are planning a little fright night of your own.

Paranormal Activity: This was last night's choice. For the first 15 minutes I hated it. I didn't like the characters, didn't like the sound, the script, the lack of camera shot variety...and then I was sucked in a little. I became more curious than annoyed. Curiosity gives way to a constant state of nervousness and claustrophobic tension. The film has a serious creep factor- a lot of what happens you don't ever see. Just glimpses. Just tidbits for the brain to fill in for you. I spent most of last night awake, listening to every little creak and groan the house could produce, and staring at the door.

'The Silence of the Lambs' : This is the quintessential thriller. Anthony Hopkins performance is almost hypnotic. His quiet, understated, and unblinking turn as the evil Hannibal Lector has never been equaled. Jodie Foster was also perfectly cast. I still remember the moment I realized Hannibal was not actually on the run- that he was literally under their noses. My stomach made an unsettling lurch and I actually groaned out loud in the theater.

'The Exorcist' I know that a lot of people these days, especially people younger than me, do not find this movie scary. I know this- but I do not understand it. How can you not find the complete and utter destruction of innocent and sweet little Regean horrific and disturbing? Just look at her face people! The voice! The backward walk down the stairs! I think if you were raised Catholic this film has a few special tricks there just for you- it really gets into your head, and it stays there.

Låt den Rätte Komma In (Let the Right One In): It is subtitled film, and I do admit it starts off slow. But it has this sad, brooding atmosphere which settles into your bones like a cold winters night. Leaving you feeling chilled and exposed.

So those a just a few of my favourites. Do you have any you would like to share? Tell me, I am waiting here...in the dark.

New Social Media

It is amazing to think of the changes we have seen in the way we live, work and connect with media. Gone are the days when the newspaper and your local news cast were your most often chosen forms of information. The newspaper is terminally ill and may soon be going the way of cave drawings- where perhaps the writing on the wall may also warn of television's possible demise.

Simply migrating those two sources of information and entertainment to the Internet has not saved them, but it has put them on life support. The interactivity the Internet provides has given them a chance to push on through to the next technical leap- but only if they can let go of old ideas, and get ahead of the new ones.

I thought this video was neat because it shows just what kind of an all consuming monster this "New Social Media" is, how fast it is spreading and becoming a part of our daily life. From Blogs, and Facebook to HULU and YouTube, and the way it reaches us in our cars, on our phones, on the internet, and at the office. We are connected to everyone, all the time, everywhere.

I will be watching tonight

Two of my favourite shows have pulled out all the stops for their Fall premieres. This Hour Has 22 Minutes makes its season debut this evening ... and Danny Williams is on the menu. Oh I do hope they make a nice liver pate out of him. I may even open a bottle of wine. According to the CBC, Mark Critch will once again demonstrate an unmatched talent for his dead-ringer impression of Danny Williams. Have a listen to this my friends ...just enough to whet your appetite.

And if that wasn't enough, RMR is back! Wahooooooo! Disgraced media baron Conrad Black is scheduled to appear in a taped segment on the season premiere of The Rick Mercer Report tonight.

Ahhhh, ladies and gentlemen, I will break open a bottle this fine eve; any suggestions for a nice red, something that goes nicely with crow?