Happy "Avatar Day"

Moviegoers, Fans, and Critics alike will gather at dozens of theatres across the country tonight. Scenes from James Cameron's "Avatar" will be screened for a select number of people. "Avatar Day" started on Monday when tickets for the screening went up (for free) over the web. Fox's server crashed thanks to the number of people licking their chops at the chance to see "the future of film." With a budget more than $240 million, "Avatar" is the most expensive movie ever made...every single shot in the film is in Digital IMAX 3-D. The film has been an idea of Cameron for years...he's even been tweaking this film for 4! The movie takes us to an alien planet in the future, with all kinds of alien races, weapons, and a few U.S. Marines thrown into the mix. Give props to Fox and Cameron for keeping this project hidden deep within their archives. The teaser trailer was released all over the internet yesterday. Today could mark a new beginning for films...could we see more movies screened in advance on a national scale? Only time (and critics) will tell if the screening process was worth the hype. I'm attending the screening tonight in Nashville. I have not seen the teaser yet...I wanted to wait and see a glimpse into this world in IMAX. For a full recap of the footage, be sure to tune in to next week's podcast!

Who Says "You Can't Always Get What You Want?"

The Rolling Stones are all about welcoming the 21st century with open arms. Today the Stones are releasing their entire 2009 Remasters Collection digitally. Which means that you can now go to iTunes or wherever you get your music and get the remastered version of "Gimme Shelter" and all the other Stones' favorites. Earlier this year, the band released the "hard copies" of 13 albums. For a full list of albums click here . Blending evolving media with one of the greatest bands of all time is proof that..."if you try sometimes, you get what you need!"

Happy Birthday, Hitch!

Okay, one more post before I hit the sack.
Last Thursday would have been Alfred Hitchcock's 110th birthday. What a masterful filmmaker, and surely one of the all time greats, no question about it.
My Mom never liked "horror" movies, but for her, Hitchcock was different--his thrillers could scare you, but also be very entertaining.
My favorite Hitchcock film would have to be "North By Northwest." Just look at that cast, the story, the score.. It's got everything--even Mount Rushmore!
But honestly, I love them all. He was truly a gifted artist, and I'm just glad we have his films with us today.
For a more comprehensive look at his work and life, check out this post.

Weekend In Pop

Good morning, everyone! Let's review the Weekend In Pop before I get too sleepy.
I saw "District 9," and within the first 15 minutes, I was thinking how cool a concept it was, and how I would encourage everyone I knew to see it--it was making some very good sociological and psychological comments. Unfortunately, the second half of the movie turned into an action-packed shoot 'em up, ruining what could have been something very special. I will give it an A for effort. We've seen the themes of alien life integrating with human society before, but this was a very original story, and the South African setting was perfect. I enjoyed the documentary style of filmmaking, as well as the special effects, but in the end, it's a rental.
On television, I watched "Monk," and thought it was better than the Season 8 premiere. There was a teaser for a web series on USA called "Little Monk," but I haven't seen that yet. Looks interesting.
I also saw "Eureka," "Defying Gravity," and the Season 3 premiere of "Mad Men." It was quite good, and promises to be another good season. A lot of stuff to digest in last night's episode. Quite a bit of symbolism.
As far as movies go, I also watched "I Love You, Man" again with my girlfriend who hadn't seen it yet. We both laughed a lot. It's my favorite comedy so far this year.
Got my toes stepped on with the local "48 Hour Film Project," but was actually relieved when I decided to end my involvement. Long story. Listen for more about that on this week's PopSnap! podcast.
A special note, thanks to everyone who takes the time to read these posts. That's why Grant and I write 'em. Please feel free to give us your comments about things we're doing, stuff you'd like to see, etc.
Alright, bedtime for me.