Two Weeks Out: Diablo, David Byrne, and The Brave Keep Undefiled Wisdom of Their Own.

The problem with books that get adapted into movies, is that, well, if you've taken the time to read the novel then you've created an entire ecosystem of scenery, face and motivations in your head. It's a completely unique world that's precious and belongs only to you. But when an auteur armed with a budget and his own ecosystem comes along, all those images are forcibly replaced. It's like a referendum on your imagination. It's not even a matter of not seeing the movie; advertising and promotion are unavoidable. So while there is some thrill in watching fuzzy-wuzzy creatures come to life or some Victorian suitor resurrected, it most often feels like a transgression, like something is being taken, not given. And that's why I won't be seeing "The Informant," which is based on the Kurt Eichenwald book. (Ha, got ya.) But here's some stuff that you should see and do.

Still. True. We are all up in arms about adaptations, due to news of a movie version of Netherland—and also there is product placement in the upcoming "The Road." (How?) Harumph!)

On to delightful things!

Movies: Consider The Fox

Jennifer's Body. Me and The Awl staff are torn on this moving picture. But I'm going to overall endorse it and tell you that Megan Fox embodies the evil alpha queens of Heathers and does a pretty marvelous job delivering Diablo Cody's dialogue. Here are six other great reasons to see it. (Today)

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs: Oh man, I really liked this! (II know, surprise!) Mr. T has a big-ass part and is surprisingly a pretty fine voice actor. It also has a kicky script (even though it has a obligatory 'message to young people' ending tacked on. Boo!) and transfixing effects. (Today)

Brief Interviews with Hideous Men: So, this was a risky move, right? It's not all bad, there are some very good monologues and sincere performances but there is a mortal flaw: David Foster Wallace. Writer/director John Krasinski, of Office-fame, did not adapt the book for the screen – as in, the actors are essentially reading off the page. Which means you have 17 different character actors all talking like DFW, it's unnerving and kind of deadening. Still, not terrible though!

Also, this trailer for Paranormal Activity, which comes out in small release on the 25th, has been getting a lot of hype and has been called one of the scariest movies EVER. Thoughts? Anybody?

TeeVee: EmMehs?

You know, I love the silliness and pomposity of the Oscars but the Emmys have always been totally lifeless. BUT! TV is kinda better than movies these days, right? So it could be cool this year. Also. Mad Men looks to sweep so might be worth tuning in to see steely Hamm eyes and man bangs. (ALSO! Our fabulous pal Mary may be live-blogging right here! SUSPENSE!) (9/20)

Bookses

Everyone and his mother is reading tonight! Bennett Madison! Paul Ford! Others! (9/18)

Preorders:
Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby. Hey guys, Hornby! (9/29)
Richard Powers: Generosity: An Enhancement. (9/29)

Music: You once were poor and lonely, wise and brave

Lightning Dust, live. Rather spooky indie folkies, really quiet enjoyable—opening for someone we've never heard of, at Bowery Ballroom. (9/19)

PLASTIC ONO BAND. FOR REAL. (9/22)

A.F.I. There are a slim selection of our readers who understand why A.F.I. is a 'problematic' but super catchy punk-vegan-straight edge band that enjoys commercial success. Do you want to be one of them? (9/29)

Mariah Carey. We love her. She has problems. She is probably a genius. (9/29)

Things To Do In New York That Do Not Involve a Trattoria

Tonight, awesome Miami photographer Naomi Fisher opens a new show at Leo Koenig. It is about a bunch of vintage Versace she found in the trash and nature? Totally worth it. (9/18)

Brooklyn Fashion Festival+Williamsburg Fashion Weekend is being billed as THE TENTS VS. 11211 (9/19)

The Craft Beer Scavenger Hunt. For those of you who like hops and being zany. (9/19)

Taxi Driver at the MOMA! (9/21)

David Byrne will be speaking at Barnes and Noble! Someone bring me a silver hair spike! (9/22)

There's a fake wrestling show thing at the UCB . It's called Cage Match. Described as Winner vs. Classic Masculinity. (9/24)

Doesn't that just sum it all up? Have a blessed weekend, you guys.