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The September Issue

Not many people find themselves both the subject of a documentary and the basis for a fictional character (The Devil Wears Prada). Whatever you think about the utility of fashion in society, this film is an entertaining look into the industry.

We Are Wizards

SxSW excels in showcasing documentaries about the fringes of pop culture. This look at Harry Potter fandom was one of my favorites from SxSW 2008.

Roku Picks of the Week

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Bronson
This stylized biopic about Britain's most violent prisoner is at times hilarious and disturbing. Tom Hardy, the lead actor, is going to be huge here eventually.

Slacker
Almost 20 years old, Linklater's Austin classic gets a biannual revisit from me. A recognizable location changes with every viewing.

Sarah Silverman: Jesus Is Magic

Part stand up, part music, part sketch, Sarah Silverman is the Lenny Bruce of our generation.

Breaking Bad: Season 1

Breaking Bad: Season 2
Not available for instant viewing, but worth moving up in your DVD/Blu-ray queue. Initially, I thought this show was an interesting cross between The Wire and Weeds. I'm now halfway through the second season and think it's one of the best shows currently on TV. Bryan Cranston is amazing in the lead role and his Emmy for best actor was well deserved.

Roku Picks of the Week

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Two very different documentaries, with two unique villains:

The King of Kong

Billy Mitchell, the villain in this rivalry for Donkey Kong dominance, defies description. Fiction can't do better.

Cocaine Cowboys
Explores cocaine trafficking in the early 80s in Miami and lays most of the violence at the feet of an insecure woman.

Roku Picks of the Week

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The Royal Tenenbaums

Rushmore is not available for instant viewing, but Wes Anderson's 2nd best movie is almost as good. So many subtle, hilarious moments. I can't believe this movie is 9 years old. With the notable exceptions of Bill Murray and Alec Baldwin (the narrator), no one involved with this movie has been better since.

Visioneers
This is a tepid recommendation at best. Some funny concepts here, but this movie would have been better as a 20 minute short film. That said, it might be more enjoyable to watch this film in chunks. Zach Galifianakis has a future as a serious character actor.

Roku Picks of the Week

Worthwhile viewing available instantly on Netflix.

Man on Wire
The winner for Best Documentary of 2008 is maybe the best caper film I've ever seen. Despite knowing the outcome, I was on the edge of my seat. Surprisingly moving as well.

Cool Hand Luke
Paul Newman, a man's man, can eat 50 eggs. That's all anyone needs to know before watching his best film.

Non Sequiturs - February 2010

Antonyms

1. The opposite of "spring in my step" is "winter in my neck".
   
2. The opposite of "workday drudgery" is "donut euphoria".
3. The opposite of "optimism" is "regularly going three days in between shaves".
4. The opposite of "nattering nabobs" are "hobnobbing Jim Bobs".

This Was Said©

Perfectly sensible sentences uttered by me, now stripped of all context.

1. I don't want to get too drum-circle with all this.
2. Sometimes, I get the feeling that I'm on the cusp of awesome. But mostly, I'm driving the slow bus to Avuncularville.
3. The appearance of being a nice guy is far more enjoyable than actually being a nice guy.
4. Nah, you don't want to spread your mother's ashes there. You'll end up with spreader's remorse.

Classic Grifts©
A public service to raise awareness of notable cons, flimflams, swindles, and cheats.

1. Doctor Floofnuppin and His Atomic Grope-fingers
   
2. Skullcap for Two
3. A Licorice Chapeau on Layaway
   
4. Steve Jobs and the Ill-fitting iCravat