BoxxOffice (noun) - entertainment popular enough to attract paying audiences and make a profit; of or pertaining to the box office or to the business and commercial aspects of the theater; the drawing power of a theatrical entertainment or of a performer.

Review (noun) - the process of going over a subject again in study to summarize the facts; an exercise designed or intended for study; an inspection or examination by viewing.

Film (noun) - a delicate web of filaments or fine threads; motion pictures, as a genre of art or entertainment: experimental film.

Let's face it, there's a shit-ton of film reviewers out there. Some are good, some are bad and many are just best ignored. So what in the hell would impel us to write about film, especially such a narrow view of it as grim, independent film? Because we feel that most other film reviewers aren't out to do what KillingBoxx is here to do.

KillingBoxx is here to provide reviews that educate, not simply express an opinion. The reviews on KillingBoxx are written to help artists develop their craft, to give insights and guidance and perspective. To give support.

The reviews in the BoxxOffice are also there to teach audiences. To show them, that with the proper expectations and understanding of what an independent film-makers does, the privations they endure and the reasons they do what they do, they as the audience, can begin to appreciate this form of art and not compare them to the superficiality of Hollywood.

Film is a new art form and is not always accepted as such. The BoxxOffice is here to help raise film-making to its proper place amongst the other arts and to show audiences that huge budgets and slick production values cannot replace a lack of soul, a lack of sacrifice or a lack of passion; all the delicate filaments that, when woven together, create art.

Jukebox (noun) - a coin-operated phonograph, typically in a gaudy, illuminated cabinet, having a variety of records that can be selected by pushing a button; originated from juke joint

Juke Joint (noun) - from the word juke, "bad, wicked, disorderly", an African-American word meaning a roadside drinking establishment that offers cheap drinks, food, and music for dancing and often doubles as a brothel.

Nothing better describes underground, unacceptable or improper music than a Juke Joint. Juke joints were places were average people could gather and celebrate music as it should be celebrated, on a raw, visceral level. Music, like most art, is a basic part of the human experience and we've done ourselves a great disservice. In most cases our music is no longer experienced up close and personal. We mass in large spaces to sway in a 2-foot area and occasionally lift our lighters in a feeble attempt at expression.

KillingBoxx is here to recognize the musicians and artists out there who, on a daily basis, bring their art directly to people. But at the same time, we're going to have to be honest and talk about those few artists who "made it" but whose music still has integrity. Of course, we're also going to be honest and bring you our perspectives on those artists who have sold out and are deserving of the contempt that we'll heap upon them, not that they'll really care one way or the other. They're rich and famous and we aint.

Soap Box (noun) - an improvised platform, from which a speaker delivers an informal speech, an appeal, or political harangue.

Opinions are like assholes. And let's face it, we're assholes. Now, on KillingBoxx, we have a place to air our opinions like the assholes we are.

The SoapBoxx is a forum for us to express our own grim thoughts, ideas or observations on anything and nothing at all. Every once in a while, one of us feels the need to spew so, like one of the psycho street people you used to see much more often in Times Square, we'll mount the SoapBoxx and let fly.

So gather round, laugh and point, but just be careful because sometimes we psychos make sense and maybe, just maybe you'll feel the need to climb up with us.

Toy Box (noun) - a chest or box in which one stores toys.

Game (noun) - a competitive activity involving skill, chance, or endurance on the part of two or more persons who play according to a set of rules, usually for their own amusement or for that of spectators.

We're childlike, at times childish. And we're damn comfortable with that. We love to play, we amuse the hell out of ourselves and hope in some small way, amuse others as well.

We invite you to join us in our childishness, to come and play with our toys. So we've taken a good hard look at some devilishly grim games, to help you decide which toys and games you would like to play with; what games are fun, which ones are lame and which ones will blow your winkies off!

We welcome you! Come rummage around in our toyboxx to see if there's anything in there you would like to play with. And if you're not a complete asshole, we'll join you and promise to play nice.

Brother's Grimm (noun) - Jakob Ludwig Karl & his brother Wilhelm Karl German philologists and folklorists, who collected Germanic folk tales and published them as Grimm's Fairy Tales (1812-1815).

Killingboxx loves grim stories, tales that keep you up at night, sneaking peeks over your shoulder and making you feel there's something malevolent lurking just outside of your peripheral vision. KillingBoxx loves them so much, that we felt the need to create some of our own, and to invite others to share theirs with us.

Not all tales make it to the shelves of your local big box book store. Here's where you'll get the chance to read grim tales, tales that would make the Brother's shudder under their eiderdowns, tales you can't find anywhere else.

Settle in, snuggle down, read a while, but be sure to convince yourself that it really is just a twig tapping against your window.

Blood Donor (noun ) - someone who gives blood to be used for transfusions.

Transfusion (noun) - the transfer of blood or a component of blood between individuals whose systems are histologically compatible.

As we've mentioned, at times ad nauseam, KillingBoxx is a community; a community of like-minded or histologically compatible individuals. Since this is a community, the communication and intercourse (snicker... we said intercourse) cannot be one way, it must flow freely between and amongst us. So, we've begun to gather donors; people who through their art, their love of art or simply who they are, are of similar histology. We've done this to facilitate discourse, sharing, and to develop this community.

So sniff around, take a peek at some the Blood Donors and see if you can't stumble on someone who interests you, who creates something you want to know more about or who may be able to help you create something of your own. If you find someone here, give them a gentle tap, start a conversation and see if you can't transfuse some ideas.

Feed Box (noun) - a casing for the feeding mechanism of a machine.

The FeedBoxx is a casing for feeding the machine of grim, independent art. It's a quick reference of activities, upcoming releases, events, breaking news, theatrical reviews or exclusives that have come the way of KillingBoxx. These are things that we think are worthy of your attention.

Not a hell of a lot of detail, so stop whining, you won't need to read much. Visit here often to see what's coming down the chute, what's headed your way and is liable to leave you bloody, gasping, but definitely satiated.

Grim (adjective) - stern and admitting of no appeasement or compromise; of a sinister or ghastly character.

Link (noun/verb) - anything serving to connect one part or thing with another; a bond or tie; to join by or as if by a link or links; connect; unite.

There are a lot of others out there, who like us, are paying attention. They're musicians, clothes designers, movie buffs, book worms, artists, and writers linked by the same devotion to grim, all trying to live their lives independently.

While we're out sniffing around, looking for interesting shit, occasionally we stumble on sites that we find amusing. Never really sure what will pique our interest and end up following us home, so it's tough to tell you exactly what you're going to find here.

But take a skip through some of these sites and hopefully you'll find them as engaging as we did. If you happen to like something you see, don't forget to let 'em know you found 'em through KillingBoxx. It lets them know we're still out there, paying attention.

Cleaver (noun) - a heavy, broad-bladed knife or long-bladed hatchet, esp. one used by butchers for cutting meat into joints or pieces; a person or thing that cleaves.

Rating System (noun) - a system of classifying according to quality or merit or amount.

We thought Nigel Tufnel from Spinal Tap had the right idea. Only problem was, he stopped at eleven. We want to be even louder.

We love film; I think that's pretty well established. So when we write about films, especially independently created works, we're not going to come at it as so many others do: to slash it to ribbons, to contemptuously expose every flaw, to show you how much more we know about film than anyone else, to be really wicked cool and cynical.

What we are trying to do is look at films, as objectively as possible, and to offer our views on the quality and/or merits of any given piece of cinema. Everyone out there has their own way of enjoying films, and their own ideas of what makes one better than the other. We do too. Our rating system tries to look at all the angles, to look at the artistic and well.the downright nasty.

Although this list is geared specifically toward our film reviews, we look at all other forms of art in essentially the same manner. One or two of the elements may not apply, but most do.

Here are our 13 categories and what we look for:

Story:	First and foremost, we look at the story. All ya need to do is look at Hollywierd's productions to know that slick packaging don't mean shit unless you've got a solid, interesting, well developed story.
Acting:	It's tough being an independent, without the cash to pay artists what they're worth. However, quite often, filmmakers surprise us all and bring people to the screen who are just as gifted and talented as those whose names we know. Of course, there's the flip side to that.and we have to be fair and warn you of what may be more than a little painful to watch.
Direction:	We're always on the prowl for new, un-appreciated talent. There are many directors out there who, lacking a hefty budget, a gifted cast and all the highest technology can still bring something special to the screen, something whose shortcomingings should be over looked because of the talent that is there behind the camera, conducting the "orchestra".
Budget:	What can we say, but not everyone has money falling out of their ass. Do you like 'em slick and shiny or do you not mind a few cut corners and bits of duct tape and baling twine showing? Either way, we'll try and let you know what you're in for.
Cinematography:	Film is a visual medium and quality cinematography is often overlooked. We try to recognize the accomplishments of those who stand behind the camera and give the director the images, the colors and the emotions they want.
Score:	Not to contradict ourselves, but although a visual medium, music is another important element of film; an element that can convey dread, excitement and fear as much as the images that dance across the screen. A good score can make a film ageless, while a score that becomes dated and lacks imagination can limit a film's appeal to one specific time in history. Don't underestimate the importance of a good score. We try not to.
Sound:	Hey, even the cleverest dialogue, the creepiest sound effects and the most brilliant score aint worth a damn if you can't hear them.
Special Effects:	A small budget does not denote small effects. There are imaginative, creative and ballsey artists out there who, with limited materials and even fewer dollars still manage to make ass-tightening special effects, effects that keep us in the myth and the moment.
Wetness/Gore:	It's horror baby, and gore, blood, entrails, disturbing images and shit that makes you shudder are an integral part of the art. We'll let you know if it's there, if it's not and if it's OK either way.
T&A:	Will, like most guys likes boobs. Enough said.
Creep-Factor:	When you walk away from a film, do you continue to think about it? Did you get a little adrenaline bump when you were engrossed in the film and you heard an unidentified sound? Does it make you check your backseat before you get into the car at night? Does it make you lock your bedroom door when you go to sleep? Well, we really like films that do that, so we are always watching out for films that creep you the fuck out. Otherwise, it just aint grim.
Originality:	Copying something that was successful or something that people liked is cowardice. It's done to be safe and to make money. And that just isn't art, it's business. We keep our sights set on films that dare to be different, that dare to bring forth ideas that no one had the balls to bring forth before. Emulation may be the highest form of flattery but it don't do much for us.
Life Expectancy:	Once in a great while, something comes along that you know is going to be talked about, watched, remade and studied long after those who created it are dead. It's a special insight, and one you tend to realize as you are watching the story or the images unfold. How long a piece of art will be appreciated and talked about is an indication of the quality of the work and should be considered when reviewed. We love it when something stumbles by us that we know is going to be around for a long time.