The VJ Battle's Imminent Return!

Ok, prepare yourself – Seattle is ramping up to host another VJ Battle! Yep, you heard me; I am, in fact, talking about a competitive battle between video jockeys. For me, discovering that Seattle hosts a VJ Battle or “OptiClash” was on par with discovering that Roller Derby was alive and skating through the warehouses of Seattle – simply incredible.

I’ll paint a little picture, last year some friends and I wandered into the Capital Hill Arts Center and ran smack-dab into a full-out competitive event. I was amazed to see a full panel of judges studiously watching the increasingly competitive rounds of VJs, two at a time, using their laptops to spin images onto two large projector screens whilst a DJ spun the music that they had to match beat and tone-wise, all on the fly. I’ve never seen the like. If you like hearing DJ’s spinning and have ever wondered how VJ’s do their thing, this is definitely something to see. I’ll tell you that last year the competition was fierce and the winner, who, by the by, carried an ax on all of his rounds, upon winning, smashed a video monitor à la MTV. I’m not sure what I was expecting but this event exceeded anything I had imagined.

So, consider yourself on notice: This year’s “OptiClash” is on its way! A little birdie told me that the target date is June 13th and I, for one, am marking a big ol’ star on my calendar to make room for the Battle for Seattle!

Indie-films: Where to Find Them in Their Natural Habitat

If blockbusters strike fear into your heart or you would simply like to clean your cinematographic pallet, as it were, prior to descending again into their patented shock and awe, you should check out the Grand Illusion Theater. This small 50-person theater located in the U-district offers a wonderful selection of independent, classic and cult films in its one-room, tin-ceilinged screening room. In my opinion, this is the best place to see a quality film on a medium-sized screen; it makes up for in personality what it lacks in magnitude. The folks at the Grand illusion add in a healthy dollop of tender loving care by beginning each show with a short, in-person introduction, bringing you up to date on relevant film history and influences. This in itself is worth the price of admission.

Otherwise, if you are brave, you can choose mix a possible ghostly encounter with your film outing at the Harvard Exit Theater located just off of Broadway on Capital Hill. Be sure to show up a little early (preferably on a stormy night) to give you ample time to wander about the lobby of the Harvard which resembles a formal sitting room with requisite grand piano and fireplace; the décor is fitting as it was originally built to house The Woman's Century Club in 1925. While waiting for your show to start you can read all about the resident ghostly film buffs, which have been apparently haunting its hallowed halls since its first hours of operation. For more details on these otherworldly theater patrons visit this site .

If you would rather cast yourself adrift on the tides of cinema as opposed to be haunted by them, try the Neptune .
located on 45th Ave in the University District. This historic theater offers a lot of charm while always keeping its chosen sea god at heart; purchase your vittles from the sea-worthy concessions counter and then while you wait for the film to wash over you in the 800-person auditorium you may pop your popcorn under Poseidon’s watchful gaze.

Live Free or Die

Friday, I conquered SIFF! I am quite proud of myself, as I have long feared the serpentine lines of eager moviegoers that one can spot every year during the Seattle International Film Festival. But, this year was my year thanks to the generosity of a co-worker with free passes. And my goodness, I was certainly rewarded with our chosen film: Live Free or Die. It turns out that "Live Free or Die" not only inspires state pride in New Hampshire but also inspires fantastically funny movie making. This little gem flawlessly delivered my favorite kind of comedy: a film that takes itself seriously and is thus hilarious. I enjoyed this much in the same way that I enjoyed the everyday ridiculousness of Napoleon Dynamite. In Live Free, we follow the story of a young man trying desperately to blacken his name, so desperate to acquire a bad reputation and thus garner respect, our protagonist, John "Rugged" Rudgate, even goes so far as to take credit for crimes he wouldn't and couldn't commit. His dreams of hero-worship are realized when he finally finds someone who is perhaps more clueless than he: Lagrand.

The true brilliance of Live Free is found in the beautiful pairing of clever writing and excellent casting. A marvelous balance is struck between the two lead characters: Rugged, played by Aaron Stanford, is delightfully earnest which allows Paul Schneider’s equally sincere Lagrand to shine with all of his strange physical stances and stilting speech. In fact, in Lagrand we find a truly memorable comic role, from the first moment Paul Schneider stepped on film as Lagrand I was captured. Schneider’s previous roles in The Family Stone and Elizabethtown were dress rehearsals for Lagrand.

I strongly recommend Live Free or Die, however there is one hitch: they have not yet found a distributor for this little piece of brilliance. Hopefully, the logistics will soon be settled, surely winning a Jury Prize at the Seattle International Film Festival for best New American Cinema will only help speed the process. My congratulations go out to Live Free’s talented Writer/ Directors: Andy Robin and Gregg Kavet. Check out their movie Web Site for the latest and greatest.