Banksy is totally going mainstream.  Okay that’s a lie…he’s not really going mainstream, but he is certainly marketing himself as if he were opening the next Mooby Town (SEE: Dogma). Recently, Banksy and his colleagues have delved deep into the, let’s call it, more accessible world. That is the everyday, normal place where people go and everyone knows their name.  Clearly, we mean the internet.

There is now, an App, a Banksy App that uses Google maps and your closest cell tower site to pin point local Banksy marks, drawings and ‘toons. You can also access the history of his pieces through the same lens, though impressing your friends with esoteric street-art knowledge is optional.

The man- err enigma? – has also premiered a new show on UK’s Channel 4. Titled Antics Roadshow (pun intended), Banksy’s idea takes an irreverent look at the history of coordinated public pranks. And with said tongue firmly placed in cheek, the show incorporates Banksy’s idea of fun as well as international talent. You can look forward to commentary from the FilmBuff favorite, Remi Gaillard, whose infamous stunts stretch the gamut from live action Mario Kart to a Rocky Montage all over streets, grocery stores and cafes in Paris.

Ultimately, these actions beg certain questions. And, well, our curiosity, and likely yours, rests on top of Banksy’s firmly planted apparition. Does employing such accessible, open and even mainstream media, undermine the essence he so furtively and purposefully cultivated over the last decade? Do these actions beckon a response conducive to his work, or do they invite copiers, posers or overzealous haters?

We do not worry for Banksy, since such action is like a rocking chair; with purpose but without movement. But, we do hope that our divine faith, our blind following of such an iconoclastic model does not begin to wane. Though, then again, a man with such influence, such ineffable clandestine physique is surely aware of what is appropriate for his character. There is such a thing as a Banksy sensibility.

There’s an adage, a maxim coined by Marshall McLuhan that claims, “The medium is the message.” In other words, the way in which we access a distinct medium has an indelible effect on the actual content itself. Banksy epitomizes this fact. And accordingly, garners concern when his medium flirts with such tainted love as an iPhone application, or JackAss like TV show.

We’re sure he knows what he’s doing. Like we’re sure he exists. Like we’re sure Exit Through The Giftshop is truth. Banksy…

When you hear that a movie is less than 90 minutes long, do you sometimes think it’s going to be awful? Or a boring documentary? That’s completely understandable, because sometimes it’s completely true. However, we at FilmBuff have decided to take that idea and smash it by bringing you some pretty kick ass less-than-90-minute films. If it’s a documentary, we made sure it will hold your interest for so long you won’t want it to end, and if it’s more on the narrative and funky side—we made sure you would laugh and get a kick out of it. Some of the best ideas can be told very simply in less time, so we compiled a few for you here. Take some time to look through them but obviously, not a lot.

Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010) Street art has never seemed more attractive as a career than in this film directed by the obscure and talented street artist Banksy. As you follow Guetta’s attempt at developing his own art show, the heart behind the art (oh the rhymes) is at times so inspired that you can barely wrap your mind around it. You can’t help but root for Guetta AKA Mr. Brainwash, even when it seems as if he’s ruining his chances of becoming a street artist. Even if you aren’t into documentaries, the art itself is something you can marvel at.

Smiley Face (2007) Watching people get high can get old. Watching Anna Faris get high and then eat an entire platter of pot cupcakes however, is comedy gold. Please enjoy 88 minutes of pure hilarity as she tries to replace the cupcakes by using any means necessary, including but not limited to: talking to the narrator of the movie, operating a vehicle, frying marijuana, and going to an acting audition.

God of Love (2010) Shot in black and white, an average dude prays to the Gods that they will help him win the woman of his dreams—and he gets cupid-esque darts in return. Sounds pretty typical, but it’s the characters that are the polar opposite of those you are used to seeing. It’s quirky, it’s different, it’s funny, and it’s non traditional…all in a very short period of time.

MacHeads (2009) Everyone knows that man’s best friend is his… Apple Computer? In this documentary it seems so. On the surface this film might seem like some text book, informative look at Apple – it’s not. Take a look at how a product create a cult following to eventually become the juggernaut it is today.

Miracle Fish (2009) Anyone who has ever been bullied will be able to relate to an 8 year old boy who gets only a fish for his birthday and is made fun of for it. He wishes them away and he wakes up one day and they’re gone. Don’t you wish that could have happened back in the day? The story takes a turn for the shocking and unpredictable—let’s just say it’s not for the faint of heart—but don’t let that stop you from watching. It’s only 17 minutes out of your day after all.

The inside of a Soundbar

This being award season at the movies, Filmbuff is reminded of all the people that go into making a film.  Editors, visual effects designers, sound mixers, sound editors.  There are 2 major sound accolades awarded at the OSCARS.  For FilmBuffs a movie can’t just be good lookin’… it’s got to be good soundin’ too. Think about the electric guitar riffs that power through a film like Electric Purgatory.  Consider the bone chilling screams in Hatchet 2. Now try to imagine what these films would be like without that.  You can’t, can you?

When assembling our personal home theaters, the first thing everyone wants is a big screen to watch our favorite movies on.  Next is sound.  Often we want good sound but we are forced to sacrifice.  We simply don’t have a room that accommodates running wires all around to recreate the movie theater 5.1 surround sound effect.

Recently, many companies have found an alternative – Soundbars. A soundbar allow a home theater to have that movie theater 5.1 sound, in one simple piece of equipment (actually 2, when you add in the subwoofer to deliver that deep bass punch).  Wouldn’t it be great to hear the whole Dogtooth family barking their brains out on your brand new Sony Soundbar?  Perhaps you can finally figure out what Banksy’s voice actually sounds like in Exit Through the Gift Shop on Harmon Kardon’s Sb 16 Soundbar .

These systems allow for sound to be both distinct and full.  They allow for a film to not only be viewed, but to be experienced.  Just think, the next time you watch the original Inglorious Bastards you will be able to hear the bullets whistle past your head from the sleek convenience of one kickin’ speaker – the Soundbar.