The Adventures of a Cardboard Box

The Adventures of a Cardboard Box from Studiocanoe on Vimeo.

Today, find joy in something simple.

Wheezes [HP WEEK]

I'm a Hufflepuff!

This video has been working its way around the internet recently:



For the record:

You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true,
And unafraid of toil.

(via the Sorting Hat, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)

Daniel Radcliffe on Extras

If you've never seen Extras then you're missing out on one of the great British comedy gems of the past decade.  Developed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant (original creators of The Office), Extras follows Andy Millman (Gervais), an ambitious actor who can't seem to grow out of the bit parts in which he is repeatedly cast.

Each episode of Extras features a chance encounter between Gervais and a different film star—usually an A-list Brit portraying an outrageously parodied version of her/himself.  As with this episode guest starring Daniel Radcliffe, hilarity quickly ensues:



Other stars that have lent their considerable comedic talents to Extras include Kate Winslet, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and David Bowie.

Save Ginny Weasley From Dean Thomas, by Harry and the Potters

Because Harry Potter Week needs a theme song, here is the wizarding world's definitive punk rock cover band, Harry and the Potters.



Other songs by Harry and the Potters include: My Teacher is a Werewolf, Let's Drink to Aragog, The Economics of the Wizarding World Don't Make Sense, and Fleur is Fine.

Yes, you can stream all of their albums online.

Safety First

Hey folks.  This weekend, just be sure to remember, "Have a bucket and hose near and handy, just in case of careless Uncle Randy."

TRAILER: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

This came out a couple of weeks ago. It's the trailer for director David Fincher's film adaptation of Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I think it's possibly one of the best movie trailers I've ever seen.

Being a huge fan of the novel (first in the Millennium trilogy), I've been anxiously awaiting a preview for the American remake—which comes on the heels of the successful (and highly enjoyable) Swedish adaptation trilogy. I have no idea what it's like to watch this if you didn't spend a month of your recent life devouring Stieg Larsson's 1,500 page masterpiece on the New York City subway, as I did (although I'm not the only one). All I can say is that I'm terribly impressed by what I see here. Every time I watch this I catch something I didn't notice before. It's a testament to the book's lasting impact (and to the film's apparent fidelity) that one can immediately recognize scenes, locales, and characters from the vivid snapshots that strobe over Trent Reznor and Karen O's insane cover of Immigrant Song.

I'm obviously reserving judgment on the actual movie. The thematic centerpiece of Tattoo, and really of the whole trilogy, is a very frank discussion about violence against women—of the invisibility of crimes like abduction and rape. In fact, the book's original Swedish title is Män som hatar kvinnor, which roughly translates to "men who hate women." I'm not convinced that an American audience will necessarily flock to the theaters to see a "rape movie." And I'm not convinced that Hollywood is willing to sacrifice what might be a guaranteed tentpole flick in order to make a less profitable, but more honest, movie.

That said, if ever there was an American director up to the task, it's David Fincher, who isn't exactly known for shying away from the violent and disturbing. (He made this movie. Oh yeah, and this one.) The fact that the trailer has already dubbed Tattoo the "feel bad movie of Christmas" bodes well (I guess?).

I hope you consider reading Stieg Larsson's books. They're quite good. Buy the first one here, and try to read it before Christmas!

FACT: Owls are terrifying

Kelsey thinks owls are cute.

On the contrary, I don't think I have ever seen something so chilling.

Incidentally, you can download a high-quality video of this horror show from the company who did the slow motion photography. You know, so you can show it to small children who have wronged you.