Where the Wild Things Are

Although I went to see Where the Wild Things Are when it premiered on Friday afternoon, I have been putting off writing a review about it.

Why?

Because I really, really wanted to like it...But it turned out that I didn't like it at all. I wanted to refrain from going on a huge "anti-hipster" rant, although the obvious bent toward young adults, rather than children, is a big part of why this movie was so disappointing. I didn't want to complain about how the film didn't seem true to the spirit of the Maurice Sendak book, or about how the trendy Karen O. soundtrack was more distracting/annoying than refreshing, or even about how this movie didn't have any real point. However, I think that it's not really about the movie by itself, but rather about the turn that American "Counterculture" has taken in the past five years, which I think is important to consider, debate and change to become more individual again.

I think the reason why the "hipster" movement (and all that it has colored in the media, fashion, music, etc.) bothers me so much is because it has become so void of originality. I was thinking about it on the way home from the movie theater, and wondering if this is how "Hippies" felt in the mid 1970's after the culture and fashion of "hippie" became commodified, and void of the core values that started the movement.

I feel that before hipster was "Hipster," there were some cool stuff going on. I think that the point was kind of a return to the basics; do-it-yourself fashion, indie music, recycling, celebrating intelligence and geekiness, rather than standards of beauty and status that many of us grew up with. These are things that I really got behind and thought to be positive.

Now, however, I feel like this isn't even what "Hipster" means. It seems more synonymous with buying expensive clothing that LOOKS vintage or beat up (which, I believe, leads to the perpetuation of high prices and over-production of retail stores.) It's also about fetishizing everything that has to do with childhood and the unwillingness to grow up (while not being able to honestly emote or be vulnerable.) Essentially, "hipster" is all about an image, without any core beliefs or responsibilities needed to back up an honest movement. It's just an aesthetic façade, and that's disappointing to me.

Instead of going on further about how this relates to Where the Wild Things Are, I will just post an audio clip from NPR that condenses my main ideas about why the movie was so odd and uncuddly.

Sorry about the rant, guys--If you liked the film, all the more reason for you to comment! Let me know what you liked about it, I'm always open to debate.

Babelgum New Urbanism Website

Last night, Tommy was perusing Digg and happened upon a link to Babelgum.com's New Urbanism section. He sent me links to a couple of cool videos on the site, and I have to say I am pretty impressed. A bunch of kids (young adults, I guess?) our age are farming vegetables on the rooftop of a New York City warehouse...Which I think is just about as cool as it gets. Also, there is a really cool episode on a "Waterpod," which is essentially a completely self-sufficient living/working/growing space made out of a barge.

Not to quibble too much, the affected "hipster" accent in episode 2, "Rooftop Farming" was pretty irritating. Can someone explain to me why, as soon as hipsters start growing a mustache and wearing unnecessary glasses, they have to develop a retarded monotone/accented voice, regardless of where they're from? Just talk normally, por favor...I will respect you more (and listen to what you are saying) more carefully. Also, I was a little irked that Annie in episode 2 said that "highly educated" people were now into farming. Opposed to whom? In-bred illiterate farmers from the backwoods? Not cool, hipster, not cool. But all details aside, I find these projects and ways of thinking to be really positive, and they excite me.

Just a Great Day

Today was a pretty awesome day.

Tommy and I went to see Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, in 3-D, which was great. The graphics were mind-boggling, and alone warranted seeing the movie even if it ended up being a steaming pile of poo in all other respects. But it was far from fecal.

The main character, Flint Lockwood, is lovable in his nerdy passion for science and technology. Although, his tuxedo tee-shirts and intentionally mussed up hair hit a little too close to hipster for my taste. It is pretty sweet, though, that he has a pet monkey named "Steve" who's voiced by none other than Doogie Howser. I do have to confess that I felt a short-lived dry heave coming on when Flint encouraged his love interest, Sam Sparks, to put on a pair of long-shunned glasses and to secure her blonde hair with a scrunchie. I don't think this would have bothered me five years ago, but with all of the jaded hipsters I've seen walking around with heinous (non-prescription) glasses, 1980's hair accessories, and mom jeans, I found this a tad offensive. However, the younger kids enjoying this film probably won't come away with that cultural observation, but rather the sense that it's OK to be who you really are, even if that is different and "imperfect"...Which gets two thumbs up.

I think my favorite character was Flint's Dad, Tim Lockwood. A man of few (but great) words, his unibrow made him look to be a distant relative of Bert, only with a bushy mustache. Oh, and by the way--Mr. T. voices one of the characters, and it's HILARIOUS. Overall, the themes were great, the animation was a veritable "feast" for the eyes, and the characters showed some encouraging depth.

After the movie we walked around the mall, which usually depresses me. However, not today, because the awesome costume store was open! The best part is all of the vintage stuff they have. I tried on a blue Sergeant Pepper-style military coat with tails, which was just about the coolest thing ever. It got me to thinking about how great it could be to dress up as a tin soldier for Halloween, but alas, I bought another costume at a rummage sale a few weeks ago.

Next, I spotted the coolest hat ever, hanging on the wall. An orange, close-fitting felt number with a HUGE feather curled over it. I nearly shat myself with excitement! On top of all that, there were lots of colorful ruffled bloomers that would have been great under a little sundresses. Very early 1900's Victorian, which is my time period of weakness.

Of course I tried on a myriad of vintage shoes, masks, and wigs, all of which were quite kick-ass. Tommy tried on a black English military coat with brass buttons, and it couldn't have fit better if a ten year old sweatshop employee sewed it on! I don't think I've ever seen him look that awesome in outerwear.

Oh, and did I mention all of this stuff cost anywhere from $2-$35? My favorite part is that half of the stuff I saw there was selling for at LEAST three times the price downstairs at H&M and Forever 21. Bustiers, little knitted berets, and faux military garb.

Needless to say, I'm probably going to have to go back tomorrow for the hat, coat, and bloomers. Time to post some things on Ebay so I can earn all the money back!

Listening to: "Lights Out" by Santogold