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BUTT-NUMB-A-THON 10: PRE-PARTY, STANDBY LINE & THINGS ALLOWED & NOT...

Published at:  Dec 10, 2008 9:29:58 PM CST

Hey folks, Harry here... I am finally essentially through with nearly all BNAT X prep. THANK GOODNESS! There's a few things to let folks know.

1) BUTT-NUMB-A-THON 10: PRE-PARTY

Ok, first off. BNAT is a party, but over the last few years, we've congregated at an agreed upon location the Friday before BUTT-NUMB-A-THON and gotten a LOT of the chatter out of the way. Cuz once films start, mouths stop - but BNAT is about creating new friendships, as well as enjoying the Saint Jack style friendships that come about through this festival.

This year, we'll be meeting up at SCHOLZ BEER GARTEN at 1607 San Jacinto. They serve food and a ton of beer. There's an in-door and an outdoor area - and there's a possibility that we'll be in both - so dress accordingly. IE - Bring a coat. They have a tremendous selection of good drinking stocks and we'll have a great time there.

TIME: Please arrive beginning at 7:30pm and note that I will most likely be leaving at 10pm, kinda have a full day the next day and I'd recommend doing the same, if you have a similar day, the next day. That said - some of you are maniacs that party till 3am and then turn around and attend BNAT - but that's your funeral, not mine. I'm a BNAT professional. I've got it down to a science. Heh.


2) STANDBY LINE

First off - there's no need to get there at dawn, or line up the day before BNAT. Yes, people have done that before. You don't need to humiliate yourself. Bringing me tremendously expensive items to bribe your way in... well, won't hurt - I will take them from you, but you should be aware... it still won't help you.

Get to ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE SOUTH at 11am. You will see 1 line of extremely happy people - and most likely another line of desperate looking sorts. The desperate looking sorts line, is your line. Smiles will not be upon every face in this line. As of right now - there are ONLY folding chair seats available - and very very few at that. Less than two handfuls that we know of. When you get there - you should make sure you find a lottery ticket. These tickets will be chosen - AT RANDOM - by a designated GREAT NEWS GIVER and HORRIBLE NEWS GIVER.

We will attempt to have this process done no later than 11:30am - so you can locate your seat (if you're lucky enough to get a magic ticket) - pay, gather up your goodie bag and skip like you're on the Yellow Brick Road.

After this process is done. You're more than welcomed to purchase a ticket to see another film playing at the resplendent ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE SOUTH. You can pay to see movies the whole day if you wish, but if you're thinking of sneaking in? FORGET ABOUT IT. Everyone will be wearing amazing badges, all the seats are reserved, and you really have no chance of getting in. If, perchance, you have FLOWN or DRIVEN cross-country to get in - I applaud your faith and dedicated lunatic leap from the lion's mouth... but I can't help you. The process is officially out of my hands at this point. And the odds are against getting in. But to each of you in that desperate looking sorts line - know that I applaud you. You're what is best about geeks - and I hope to see you inside and I hope to shake your hand. As you folks will be sitting behind me and in front of Moriarty. You're all that protects him from public sacrifice.


3) THINGS ALLOWED & NOT ALLOWED


Ok - there are no CELL PHONES ALLOWED. (If you are one of the recent MOTHERS, that have made yourselves known - you may give your cell phone to the manager at the manager's office - between the water fountains and the men's room. If you need to call home to check on the baby, knock on that door and you may CALL from that point and hand your phone back when done.) OTHERWISE - NO CELL PHONES. Not only that, but no CAMERAS, NO DIGITAL RECORDERS, NO BLACKBERRYS, NO HANDHELD VIDEO GAMES, NO ELECTRONIC PETS - Look - you're gonna be really preoccupied. NO LASER POINTERS. NO NOISE MAKERS. NO FOOD - (Unless you've contacted the ALAMO with some medical need) but otherwise - The ALAMO has an amazing menu at quite affordable prices. They have and serve many types of booze and this is all available to you.

Some people bring a change of clothes... house slippers... blankets... a pillow, etc. This is all fine - but please cooperate and pay attention in line to what the Alamo's staff are requiring. It will help with everything.

Couple of additional notes.

Look - I know many of you are excited to see a lot of long lost friends and internet companions. SO AM I. But we have an exceptionally tight schedule. So once you get through the admission process - Take your seat and stay in it, unless you have to use the restroom, but get back into your seat ASAP. We'll need to know where everyone is and if any seats are empty. To process the folks in the Desperate Looking Sorts Line.

PLEASE save the excited chatter and wandering for the breaks - and for the PRE-PARTY.

Once we begin letting folks from the DLSL - we're going to get underway.

If you're attending BNAT - do not arrive at the theater at 11:30am - we want all attendees there by 11am (you can be a little early, please do not be late, I'd hate to see your seat given to someone else.)

Thanks - and I will see you all there!


Harry



    + Expand All

    Readers Talkback

  • Dec 10, 2008 9:16:37 PM CST

    Won't be there but-

    by sonnyfern

    -I wish you all the best of times and ENJOY it...for those of us who can't!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 10, 2008 9:51:49 PM CST

    ANTICIPATION

    by nordling

    CAN NOT WAIT

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 10, 2008 9:55:30 PM CST

    It's kinda sad....

    by docbosch

    ...thats it's not at the original Alamo. I keep picturing all the mayhem taking place there, but have to keep reminding myself that its gone now (what did they end up turing the building into anyway?). I hope to apply and attend next year, since i will be truly free then, and though i know the Alalmo South Lamar is awesome in its own right, ill miss never experiencing BNAT at the original.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 10, 2008 10:13:38 PM CST

    Isn't there usually a movie on Friday night?

    by garbageman33

    I mean, I like beer as much as the next guy but I can drink beer anywhere.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 10, 2008 10:36:42 PM CST

    DVD SECTIO!?

    by enough22

    Harry, you are lucky nobody can fire you. Many of us follow your dvd section every week and we do not deserve the way you treat us. Shame on you and on your lame excuses.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 10, 2008 10:37:45 PM CST

    SECTION, not sectio.

    by enough22

    Sorry for the spelling error. And Quint, do not forget to take grammar lessons!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 10, 2008 11:24:17 PM CST

    Funny...a Website Built On Spying Asking Attendees NOT To Spy

    by read and shut up

    No phones, no cameras, no Blackberrys, no photographic memories. Jeez - what time IS the human sacrifice, anyway?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 10, 2008 11:52:20 PM CST

    Difference between "spying"...

    by docbosch

    ...and piracy.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 10, 2008 11:57:54 PM CST

    Oh, Quit Splitting Hairs, You Douche Nozzle...

    by read and shut up

    ...this site's been accused of both. Or haven't you heard of Joe Hallenback?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 12:52:42 AM CST

    Sooo ready to go

    by footnotegirl

    All packed up!
    Practically bouncing!
    It helps to be going from frigid north to more temperate south.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 1:08:08 AM CST

    Dublin Airport

    by dman den

    I am in Dublin Airport right now and I will be in Austin Airport about 5pm 11 December. Yay me.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 1:21:41 AM CST

    Have fun y'all!

    by aphex twin

    And Happy Birthday Harry, ya big lug...Hopefully I'll catch BNAT 11.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 1:28:42 AM CST

    I'm with you Read and Shut Up

    by white goodman

    I'm choking on the hypocrisy.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 1:29:51 AM CST

    Seriously, have fun people.

    by white goodman

    No offense, but I don't think I could sit in the same room with anyone on here for 24 hours. I hope you get to watch some good movies, though.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 1:43:20 AM CST

    Haha, somebody called me a DOUCHE on a TalkBack!

    by docbosch

    A nozzle of one, in fact. About time. But that is true about Joe Hallenback, I'd forgotten. Also, sometimes they also link to camera phone video of trailers and advance footage, so you are right in those cases. Oh, and I was also recently thinking about the whole academy awards short list debacle, so also, add 'hacking' to the list too. "Douch nozzle," hehehe...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 1:50:07 AM CST

    Still waiting on that DVD Article, Big Guy

    by white goodman

    The level of professionalism on this site never ceases to amaze me.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 2:06:59 AM CST

    have fun everybody!

    by freydis

    sounds like a good time to me

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 2:33:51 AM CST

    No electronic pets?

    by catnip_thieves

    Well if Muffit ain't going, I ain't going either.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 3:26:41 AM CST

    Can't wait!

    by mastidon

    See you guys tomorrow night!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 5:29:43 AM CST

    Doc Bosch

    by renonevada2000

    I think that since its been so long ago, we can let go of the whole Joe Hallenbach thing. It was unfortunate, and a loss of a real good writer here, but really how many years has it been? It's like still blaming Clinton for things.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 6:51:45 AM CST

    Alamo food and service is amazing

    by knightshift

    I yearn to go back there someday for another of their wonderful pizzas :-)

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 7:08:22 AM CST

    The level of entitlement on this site never ceases to amaze me.

    by garbageman33

    I don't bitch this much when my porn sites don't do regular updates. And I pay for those. Remind me again how much this site costs? Oh yeah, nothing. So shut the fuck up and understand that Harry has a hell of a lot on his plate right now.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 7:32:43 AM CST

    You pay for porn?

    by bloo

    I kid I kid, but I agree, it's a free site and Harry told us last week that the DVD column was going to be late...quit bitchingas for BNAT, I wish I could go and represent the Oleg brotherhood but not this year

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 8:09:34 AM CST

    Despereate Looking Sort Right Here

    by thegreatpumpkin

    Desperate? Check, double-check.I'll see you there at 10:45-ish. I'll bring snacks.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 8:09:48 AM CST

    RenoNevada2000

    by docbosch

    I agree. I wasn't the one who brought it up. It was the other guy, the one who called me a "douche nozzle" (still cracks me up) who did. I was just going "Oh yeah, I remember that."

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 9:35:08 AM CST

    Greetings from Austin.

    by the reluctant austinite

    Greetings all. The Reluctant Austinite is here willingly in Austin. It's like the calm before the storm. FLESH GORDON is working on more secret props for BNAT, but there's not much going on today. I met a couple of BNATers at the airport yesterday, including one from London! Everyone seems filled with equal parts excitement (about seeing something like "Watchmen" or "Star Trek") and dread regarding Harry's infamous 3AM torture screenings (see: "Tiptoes"). It's not as warm here in Austin as it is sometimes. I've become accustomed to seeing everybody wearing t-shirts and shorts at Christmas, but this year it's almost as cold as it was back in Louisville. Well, maybe not that cold. I wish everyone the best as they arrive over the next 24 hours.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 9:35:26 AM CST

    Can I bring a gun?

    by themasterofnonsense

    I really, REALLY want to bring a gun.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 9:36:16 AM CST

    It's pretty simple, actually.

    by gotilk

    They bring you this party once a year and they have certain rules they must stick to in order to make what you see there HOLY CRAP I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY GOT THIS amazing. That's not hypocrisy, that's generosity.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 9:54:35 AM CST

    why no cell phones?

    by ufoclub1977

    Seems restrictive in a self important way...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 10:18:12 AM CST

    why no guns?

    by themasterofnonsense

  • Dec 11, 2008 10:19:45 AM CST

    What the fuck did people do before cell phones?

    by 433

    Seriously, people, I've only had one for about 6 years, and people could get ahold of me in emergencies before that. Christ, it's Geek Christmas. Nobody's that important that they MUST be reached between noon Saturday and noon Sunday.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 10:35:16 AM CST

    Ooh, Harry, I'd love to be a NEWS GIVER!

    by 433

    Either variety! I love that there are people that have traveled long distanced on the off chance that they will be able to sit in a folding chair on the side of a movie theater for 24 hours. That's dedication, and that's awesome!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 10:41:19 AM CST

    ufoclub1977

    by rodnunley

    There are no cell phones allowed because there is always the chance that we will see something that is prerelease and we don't want leaked photos or video to get out because of us. If we leak something then we may not ever get anything from the studios again. Pretty simple really.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 10:44:13 AM CST

    Leaving your cell phone behind is liberating...

    by goonie

    ...It's nice to be totally cut off from the outside world, stuck in a badass movie theater with great food, awesome drinks, amazing films, and 200 rabid geeks. DAMN I'M EXCITED!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 10:55:43 AM CST

    What's the deal with cabs?

    by garbageman33

    Are they plentiful? Do they drive around the area the theatre is in? I didn't rent a car because, well, I'm gonna be in a movie theatre for almost the entire trip. But it might be nice to get back to the hotel afterwards. I'd hate to have to get a ride from a 16-year-old movie usher. Those motherfuckers are crazy.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 11:01:02 AM CST

    Who is Joe Hallenbach?

    by white goodman

    Will someone fill me in on this guy's story? feel free to email me at monkeypoo08@yahoo.com

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 11:10:46 AM CST

    but.... rodnunley...

    by ufoclub1977

    And what sort of image leakage could be detrimental from a cell phone that wouldn't actually be viral promotion anyway? What sort of quality cana cell phone record? I just experienced the fact that sneak previews don't allow cellphones: I was asked if I had a cell phone at a sneak preview of the new Bryan Singer movie (of course I lied because I wasn't
    going to go all the way back to my car to stow away my cell phone for a movie viewing). At this Valkyrie preview, I know most people just lied about having their cell phones on them, because it's just not worth the trip back out to the parking lot. It did however set an appropriate mood (since a policeman also warned us that there were night vision patrols in the theatre looking for electronic device usage) for the paranoid setting of that movie.

    I sometimes work on creative projects that can require around the clock communication to keep the ball rolling, and that is far more important than the movie company restrictions.

    At the same time, I am completely against non emergency cell phone usage in a movie (unless the movie sucks so bad, it's not worth the respect).

    In my opinion, the movie company, the theatre staff, the event organizer can only ask that you don't use your cell phone, and further enforce the prosecution of actual pirating. I don't think most people would think seeing a movie is worth being searched or told to go put away something as harmless as a cellphone.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 11:17:57 AM CST

    I wondered the same thing about Joe Hallenbach

    by garbageman33

    I did a google search that led nowhere. Now I feel totally out of the loop. Just like I did with the disappearance of Mirajeff until some kind soul directed me to the "You don't mess with the Zohan" talkback in which he basically had a nervous breakdown in a public forum. I can only hope the Joe Hallenbach story is half as good.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 11:24:28 AM CST

    ufoclub1977, who determines what an emergency is?

    by big jim

    An emergency with your creative projects that require around the clock communication means jack shit to everyone sitting around you. They came to watch the movie, not listen to you get updates, whether they be voice or text. If the event organizers make exceptions for "emergency calls", who's to say someone getting a call from their friends to meet them at some club later isn't an emergency? If buddy doesn't respond right then and there he might not get in. To him that call is essential; to the rest of us it's simply annoying.

    Reply to Talkback

  • I just did. I have to be honest, I'd never go through this much pain to watch some fucking movies. Plus Texas is just too damn hot.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 11:34:08 AM CST

    Ufoclub1977's post, condensed

    by garbageman33

    I'm more important than you are.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 12:03:22 PM CST

    Big JIm

    by ufoclub1977

    I NEVER try to disrupt those around me during a movie. If I get some random emergency buzz, I will leave to use the phone. My post is not about the other viewers around me, its about the entertainers having restrictions on the ones they are entertaining. I am the one that pays to be entertained. In the long run, if I don't make a little money, or don't feel good/repected for paying, I don't buy blu-rays, dvd's, tickets etc.

    That's the actual "jack shit" that the entertainment industry needs to care about.

    I don't use my cell phone during movies, but I do keep it on vibrate in case someone is dying (it's happened), or a project suddenly is in crisis (it's happened). If I feel like I am unfairly handicapped, it won't seem fun to go to the movies and more than that, why not join the ranks of those that just watch shit for free and illegally on their own terms?

    There is a sort of polite manner that needs to be in place between audiences and entertainers. I do agree that blatent cell phone use and bringing your kids into SAW 13 or crying baby into a movie is grounds for condemnation.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 12:09:40 PM CST

    garbagemann33

    by ufoclub1977

    wrong interpretation. The correct one is "we are more important than the movie, because it was made to entertain us"

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 12:13:48 PM CST

    STANDBY LINE FOR APPLICANTS ONLY?

    by birdy birdman

    Rejected applicants only in the standby line or just anybody?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 12:53:31 PM CST

    ufoclub1977, you seem to be the exception by being

    by big jim

    considerate with your calls. I understand where you are coming from but I also understand that theaters and events need to take a hard-line to ensure fairness to all who paid to be entertained. If they make exceptions, it will be abused. "I'm not talking, just texting", "I'll only be a minute and I'll talk quietly", "Of course it is an emergency - the babysitter can't find the remote".For every person like you who will be respectful and take the call outside the theatre, there are a multitude who won't. Unfortunately, as you put it, you are being unfairly handicapped because the majority sees themselves, and the minutiae of their lives, as being the most important thing in existence. They have no regard for those around them and feel, because they paid their $10, they have the right to do whatever they want.I think it is easier for theaters and events to disallow phones across the board than to deal with people on an individual level. It's easier to ban the device than ban the paying customer. Remember ushers? Remember how they would shush people, make you take your feet off the seats, walk around to ensure no one was being annoying or disruptive? If theaters truly wanted to make going to the movies as pleasant an experience as possible they would bring them back. Make them easily accessible to inform them "this dude's being a dick and won't shut up" and have the authority to remove people who are being disruptive. And put in place a system that bans repeat offenders. End of rant.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 12:59:45 PM CST

    RICK ASTLEY FOR UK XMAS #1

    by elbowburger

    RICK ASTLEY FOR UK XMAS NUMBER ONE!!!!!!!!

    http://www.ultimaterickroll.com

    JOIN THE GLOBAL CAMPAIGN THAT EVEN MADE RICK ASTLEY'S WEBSITE

    http://www.rickastley.co.uk

    50,000+ SUPPORTERS IN TWO WEEKS AND COUNTING!!!!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 1:14:49 PM CST

    Attendees: Let us know how Abrams' STAR TREK is

    by darth busey

  • Dec 11, 2008 1:16:00 PM CST

    The whole "emergency" phone call is

    by comedian_x

    a bullshit excuse. If there is a real emergency that's why there are police, firefighters and paramedics to deal with things like that. You, on the other hand, can not talk on phone for two hours -- it is possible. People did it for many decades before the invention of cell phones.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 1:21:42 PM CST

    Harry's wikipedia page

    by white goodman

    Harry comes off as kind of a douche at the end of that article. I guess the writer wasn't a big fan.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 1:23:27 PM CST

    Cell phones and text messengers

    by the reluctant austinite

    I hate 'em. I got my first cellphone this year out of professional necessity. However, it seems anyone in a movie theater under the age of 21 is almost certain to either check their messages or text someone a message during a 90 minute movie. They just can't go that long without their devices. Trust me, in stadium seating, everyone in the audience can see your cellphone the second you whip it out. I saw horror movie recently with an entire row of girls texting each other during the movie just to tell each other how scared they were. Don't do it!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 1:24:00 PM CST

    What if I have my gun on vibrate?

    by themasterofnonsense

    Is that acceptable? C'mon! I REALLY want to bring my gun!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 1:25:00 PM CST

    What if I have to do an energency shooting?

    by themasterofnonsense

  • Dec 11, 2008 1:25:04 PM CST

    If we see Abrams' Star

    by the reluctant austinite

  • Dec 11, 2008 1:26:31 PM CST

    Does MiraJeff still post on here

    by white goodman

    I just went and reread that Zohan talkback. That was some funny shit.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 1:27:57 PM CST

    If we see Abrams' Star Trek--

    by the reluctant austinite

    --I'll legally change my name to Turd Fergason. It's about the odds of successfully navigating an asteriod field. Maybe one of you can compute that for me.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 2:16:15 PM CST

    I think Mirajeff drove his Geo Metro off a cliff

    by garbageman33

    Reading his posts, it certainly appears that's the way he was headed.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 2:27:40 PM CST

    Well, Harry must be a douche then

    by garbageman33

    I mean, if it says so on wikipedia...

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 3:18:50 PM CST

    poor argument

    by jambone

    Just because you pay to be entertained doesn't mean you get to do what you want. "Creative projects", what pompous poopery.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 3:39:06 PM CST

    Those waterskiing squirrel pieces don't produce themselves

    by garbageman33

    I reckon that's what he means by "creative projects".

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 3:52:04 PM CST

    Quick question RE: bathrooms

    by themasterofnonsense

    I have what doctors refer to as a "furious bowel condition" and I need to know exactly how bathroom breaks are going to work during BNAT (due to my condition I have to shit about every 1-2 minutes). Now, as a precaution I have come up with 2 bathroom options for myself and others like me: OPTION 1)I will keep a large bucket beneath my theater seat allowing me to relieve myself when necessary, I will not be able to empty the bucket until the end of the event but don't worry, I will be sure to keep the bucket covered at all times (with like a hat or something) OPTION 2) During the course of the evening I will use Yoko's mouth as a toilet. Ok, please let me know which option will work best.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 4:16:30 PM CST

    themasterofnonsense

    by the reluctant austinite

    The good folks at the Alamo will provide you with the latest in technology, the Alacamode, which will allow you to eat and deal with your furious bowl condition at the same time. In fact, the Alacamode will recycle your waste product into a delicious $5 milkshake. Just tip your wait staff. BIG TIME.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 4:29:12 PM CST

    Alamo serves alcohol - SOOOOO

    by headgeek

    legally in the state of texas you can not bring your gun.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 4:36:50 PM CST

    The Reluctant Austinite

    by themasterofnonsense

    Thanks for the tip, I can get cherry-vanilla right?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 4:41:38 PM CST

    garbageman33, Have I wronged you in someway?

    by white goodman

    Is there a reason you're acting like a bitch?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 4:46:19 PM CST

    Wish I could go.

    by jobafet

    Man BNAT sounds so awesome every year. Hope I can make it there some day. Enjoy it guys I'm sure you're going to have an awesome time.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 5:08:52 PM CST

    God no, White

    by garbageman33

    My beef is with the guy who can't live without his cell phone because he's more important than everybody else. You, I like.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 5:23:36 PM CST

    Alcohol, guns and "Tiptoes" just don't mix.

    by the reluctant austinite

  • Dec 11, 2008 5:51:08 PM CST

    What the fuck did people do before cell phones?

    by quake ii

    Be a lot less obnoxious for one. And most likely avoid early brain cancer.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 5:54:47 PM CST

    comedian_x Cell phones for "emergencies"

    by quake ii

    I agree. It's amazing how we survived for thousands of years before cell phones. In the late 70's, my parents left me home alone at age 9 and told me to go to the neighbors house if there was an emergency.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 5:57:43 PM CST

    It's pricey, but mega cool

    by quake ii

  • Dec 11, 2008 5:58:26 PM CST

    Theaters should use cell jammers like this...

    by quake ii

    http://www.thesignaljammer.com/portable-cell-phone-jammer.html

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 6:11:51 PM CST

    my sister

    by bloo

    she's 12, has a cell phone. There have been times my folks have threanted to take her cell phone away, and she's like "how would i get ahold of you then" (i.e. how would I text my friends), the other day I told her 'I lived for 20 some years without a cell phone, so can you" and she shot me the dirtiest lookI too hate the texting/calling during movies thing, I sat and watched a friend of mine text during an entire 90 minute movie, a movie she paid for, stupid and disrespectful imoif you're looking for information on Hallenback, I think that is the way it's spelled, anyways, he was a early contributior to AICN on the west coast (I think the original "crew" was harry, hallenback, Mori, and maybe Robogeek, Quint possibably was there from the early days too), he got busted for using Harry's name to try and get bootleg movies. His last review that I remember was for Scooby Doo on Zombie Island. His reviews were usually very violent, hatefilled, profanity laced and funnyand I thought by Texas law, Booze and guns were required to be togather

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 6:12:43 PM CST

    Sounds good Garbageman33

    by white goodman

    I think they'll survive one day without a phone. Anyone who texts during a movie should be kicked in the balls.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 6:14:15 PM CST

    Also, Garbageman33

    by white goodman

    I like to think of Mirajeff as the Will Ferrel character from that SNL skit with Sarah Michelle Gellar. The one were he yells over the argument that he drives a dodge stratus.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 6:15:34 PM CST

    God I wish I was there.

    by elgordo

    The Alamo is the shiiiitzz. So much fun there at the last Fantastic Fest and I'm trying my damnedest to get there next year.
    While I'll be chilling with the inlaws in Florida, keep it real in Austin and have a blast.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 6:18:15 PM CST

    "I drive a Dodge Stratus"

    by garbageman33

    People are afraid of me! I can do a hundred pushups in 20 minutes! Yep, that sounds a lot like the Mirajeff I remember.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 7:44:51 PM CST

    As far as cell phone usage...

    by ufoclub1977

    I've been at a festival screening and sat right around Harry Knowles who had his cell phone and was taking calls and checking messages in the theatre (maybe not blatantly during the movie... but he didn't have to leave it in the car).
    PS... Valkyrie was odd in that all the "Germans" had English accents except for Stauffenberg who had an american accent... but it was pretty good, and kept you engaged for the duration... much better than his superhero ventures... back to form like "Apt Pupil".

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 10:44:29 PM CST

    One other bit of advice (from an attendee last year)...

    by knightshift

    You know how the Boy Scouts motto is "Be Prepared"? Well, just to be on the safe side, prepare PLENTY of room to bring stuff back home. If you're coming in by plane, might be a good idea to look for some shipping places in Austin that you can pack and ship the extra-sized swag home from. It's what I had to do last year.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 11:06:50 PM CST

    Eat a croc pot full of chili before you go

    by white goodman

    That will guarantee you get the arm rests. And it will be funny as hell.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 11, 2008 11:24:10 PM CST

    Just got into Austin today...

    by bob loblaw law blog

    and it sure as hell ain't cold here. I'm staying at my sister-in-law's place here in on the South side of Austin, and I've got the fan going full blast!But, then again, I live in the Pacific NW where it's rarely warm or dry anyway.Can't wait for Saturday!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 12, 2008 4:16:45 AM CST

    ufoclub

    by headgeek

    If admission to a screening asks that I leave my phone in the car - it is left in the car. Most film festivals though do not require this. ALL THE STUDIOS that have content in BNAT require this stipulation - and as a result we honor it.

    And yes before and after films I'll turn my phone on at festivals and screenings where I'm permitted to have a phone - BUT I ALWAYS TURN MY PHONE COMPLETELY OFF during screenings of all movies... EVERY TIME! Rudest thing in the world is cel phone usage DURING movies.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 12, 2008 6:37:33 AM CST

    fake list?

    by lex romero

    Isn't there normally a fake list of the films being screened at BNAT put up before the event? So we can all try and guess what is really being shown? Or was it just a one off thing last year? That's as far back as my AICN relationship goes.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 12, 2008 8:14:21 AM CST

    Harry - what about that "2nd Half Standby" you mentioned...?

    by sandman642

    One of the earlier BNAT posts mentioned the possibility of letting more folks in towards the 2nd half of BNAT...any more word on that?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 12, 2008 8:36:25 AM CST

    Does anyone know how many people on average show up...

    by excaliburffolkes

    ...each year for the standby line? Harry always makes it sound like they have hundreds of people queue up for it each time, but I wonder what the truth is. Can anyone here give me an independent estimate on the actual number?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 12, 2008 8:37:49 AM CST

    Predictions

    by mooseaka

    Half Blood Prince, Valkyrie, Watchmen (lucky bastards), 20 Minutes of Star Trek, some grind house garbage, some 50's horror movie, some movie that involves naked high schoolers.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 12, 2008 8:38:30 AM CST

    ExcaliburFfolkes

    by sandman642

    I've done standby the last two years (and actually got in the year before last!) - I'd estimate there were around 50 or 60 folks there.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 12, 2008 9:00:07 AM CST

    HEADGEEK

    by ufoclub1977

    Your response actually brings my question back to my original focus... why is a studio threatened by the media recording capabilities of a cell phone? The only thing I can think of is to secure secretive information like hiding the look of a creature because much of the film is the mystery of that look, but other things like narrative plot points are already loose just by word of mouth once a screening occurs. Or is the studio stipulating no cell phones because of film viewing nuisance? That point would be moot at a dinner movie theatre where people are ordering food and waitstaff are walking around. But once again, I do feel like cell phone usage during a movie is horrible, but a security guard refusing someone entry because they are carrying their cell phone (even if turned off) is a little oppressive of the film studios.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 12, 2008 9:27:10 AM CST

    Thanks, sandman642

    by excaliburffolkes

  • Dec 12, 2008 11:56:19 AM CST

    ufoclub

    by bobsullivan

    and of course if you use your cell phone during ANY movie at the Alamo, they'll take your ass out.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 12, 2008 1:32:55 PM CST

    bobsullivan

    by ufoclub1977

    I've seen people checking/using their cellphones during screenings at Alamo, downtown Austin, off Anderson, off Lamar, even in Houston....

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 12, 2008 2:19:52 PM CST

    New prediction--

    by the reluctant austinite

    Wagner's complete Ring cycle, and if we have time left over, a cartoon.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 12, 2008 4:29:13 PM CST

    The Fake BNAT list!!!

    by smokefilledtavern

    Come on, Harry. Some of us look forward to this.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 12, 2008 5:08:40 PM CST

    Check back after midnight, Tavern

    by the reluctant austinite

    The Fake BNAT never gets posted until either then or early tomorrow morning. Even then you won't be able to guess anything.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 12, 2008 5:18:25 PM CST

    What about the legal wrangling with Watchmen?

    by garbageman33

    I'm really hoping to see it, but I'm afraid the arguments over who actually owns the rights to it might prevent them from showing it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 12, 2008 5:33:25 PM CST

    cell phones...

    by 7cal

    Christ I don't get why all the "why no cell phones, Harry? cmon....." comments. Have any of you ever visited Pirate Bay or a torrent site? ALL the new genre (blockbuster) movies have cell phone / vid camera streams up there before the 'good quality' shit gets up. No, I don't know why people would download that crap either. I don't download any movies off the net, since $20 - $25 gets you a bluray which kicks the ass of whatever file is up there for the taking.But at any rate, that's why no cell phones. Period. If you allow cell phones, some douche is GUARANTEED to try to film it, which in turn GUARANTEES it will be up on Pirate Bay within 3 hours of BNAT ending, and will have like 6500 seeders and 4500 leechers within 12 hours of that. It just happens. Always. Fuck get over not having your goddamn cell phone in there for 24 hours and stop whining about it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 12, 2008 6:43:50 PM CST

    "Why no cell phones?"

    by mcvamp

    Because when a movie--or even a trailer--is playing, seeing that little square of light annoys the shit out of me, even if you aren't actually talking on your goddamn pocket servant's bell. What happened to going to the movies and escaping reality? If you aren't an on-call doctor or firefighter and you don't have a child under the age of 13, a cell phone should never have to leave your pocket during a fucking movie. You aren't that important and that call or text you're taking will NEVER be that important. Turn it off, shut your mouth, and stare for two hours. If you feel the burning desire to open your flapping yap and talk about big important things like what you're doing later or the guy you ran into in the lobby, go the fuck outside and do it or better yet, just stay home and watch a DVD. BNAT or $2 Saturday Matinee, a cell phone is a rude intrusion and you are a fuckface for pulling it out and holding it in front of your face during a movie unless you think ignoring it means someone is going to DIE. Whew. Sorry.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 13, 2008 10:40:34 AM CST

    Cell Phones and New Mothers

    by manzoniman

    Newsflash. If you're a new mother (or a new father for that matter) you need to be with your baby.

    And to all the people who bitch about cell phone bans, you are simply displaying your ignorance and announcing to everyone that you don't work in production in any way shape or form.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 14, 2008 6:38:20 PM CST

    I always wondered what happened to Mirajeff

    by canopus

    I just checked out that Zohan thread, man, the kid didn't just burn his bridges, he pissed on them too. I think he was drunk at first, then sobered up and tried to fix it a little, but by then it was way too late.

    Reply to Talkback

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