I thought maybe this year I will skip the whole Oscars fiasco. I mean, haven’t you seen the best picture selections?
This year Hollywood even went back to the roots of filmmaking with the silent movie “The Artist” as it has received 11 nominations already.
Nothing is unique about this year’s film choices. Indeed they are even a bit boring. Overdone themes and story-lines dont even begin to cover my disappointment.

Lets break this down a bit; Best Picture nominees:
The Artist–a silent film by Michel Hazanavicius, full of hommage of the beginning stages of filmmaking. Brings us back to the Lumiere brothers, the roaring twenties, the black and white, acting and actors fear of change with the coming of “talkies”. It is charming indeed. But society is so spoiled with car chases, fires and computer generated images, how are they going to settle for this as the best picture of the year?
Hugo–a computer enhanced cinematography. A story about a little boy who lives inside a clock at a train station. His opt desire to uncover a secret leads him of uncovering Georges Melies and his hit film “A trip to the Moon”. Martin Scorsese once again outdoes himself with his cinematic ability to portray a well preserved memory and hommage of one of the first filmmakers and visionaris of his time, Mellies.
Midnight in Paris–A surprising and stunning story by Woody Allen. Owen Wilson an uninspired writer travels with his fiancee to Paris. There he endures a magical transformation. Thrown into the past amongst world renowned poets, writers, singers and filmmakers, such as Cole Porter, the Fitzgeralds, Hemingway and other iconic figures, fascinated and inspired he is able to recreate the past by writing again. An inspirational story with quite interesting performance.
The Tree Of life–is another riveting film following the usual themes of life, love and death. A story about the relationship between a father and son set in the 1950′s. Terrance Mallick paints and incredible picture of the raw truth about life.
War Horse– from Broadway to the big screens, Steven Spielberg adopts this touching story of the 1940′s, about a boy and his love of a horse who is then taken away from him and sent to war.
The Descendents- from the guy that brought to you “Sideways” Alexandar Payne, here comes a drama of a family in Hawaii. As the beginning of the film states; It doesn’t matter where in the world you live, we all die from the same cancer. It boggles my mind of why we-humans like the watch the pain of others and place it on such high stool of expectation.
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close– for starters this film has a great title, however the worst possible reviews at rotten tomatoes. Are we NOT Tom Hanks fans anymore? This film appears to have failed to portray the eye opening in viewers as intended. Or maybe the viewers just did not get on the same mind page with Stephen Daldry and his intentions of a touching and riveting work of art.
The Help– is an adaptation of a famous novel written by Kathryn Stockett. Tate Taylor directs a story set in the 1960′s of 3 extraordinary women in the Mississippi who build an unlikely friendship over a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk.
Moneyball– is a story about a baseball team with no success of winning. Based on a true story and directed by Bennett Miller, this film undergoes transformation and hope for those lost in their dreams that might seem to never become a reality.

In other words, all these films appear to share the same theme– the Past– seen from different angles, we are trying to recreate what was unique in the past, as if butchering our ancestor’s creativity.
This year’s Oscar will go to the one who might have gone to greater lengths deeper into the psyche of that ancestor, that visionary, that original thought and re-created it better.

Fellas, stay glued to your big screen TV’s for another Oscars presentation Sunday February 27th and wait… and see … the hommage of all hommages.

Well, Charlie Sheen certainly has gone off the reservation. You probably already know that.
The star of this hyped up show airing on CBS is being replaced. Rumors say Ashton Kutcher will be taking Sheen’s place in the main role of Two and A Half Men.

That 70′s Show, star Kutcher is just finalizing his deal to join CBS and eventually attempt to repair the grandiose mess Mr. Sheen caused over the past few months.

In the meantime, Sheen has filed a $100 million lawsuit against Chuck Lorre- the creator of Two and A Half Men and the show’s production company for wrongful termination.

The president of CBS, Les Moonves suggested to Lorre to aim high in replacing Sheen,
The role was first offered to Hugh Grant who apparently turned it down early today, thus Kutcher was the next choice in the running.

Charlie Sheen is the highest paid US television actor earning more than $1.2 million per episode. Of the runner ups to fill his shoes in the show there are choices such as Rob Lowe and John Stamos.

Drama Drama Drama…

“No Strings Attached” starring Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman is a cute comedy- love story about boy meets girl, boy looses girl, boy gets girl back. This is your standard principle of writing a romantic comedy. Most of these films share the same base. However, what makes this film story unique is targeting the idea of no actual relationship commitment, rather than, just sex with that one favorite person of yours, that also happens to be your friend. Predictable as it is… that is what a committed relationship is all about! Strong Friendship and Great Sex. Am I wrong?
This film, directed by Ivan Reitman, had a production budget of $25 million dollars, and once released made $19 mil. in the opening week. Now its gross tops out to roughly $145 mil. worldwide. Not bad- given its redundant story line and very predictable script.
Released in January 2011- this film didn’t make much of an impression in the long running sense- people dont remember and quote it, such as one might do for a film like “Knocked Up”, released in 2007.
This film centers around the same idea. read more…

The wrath of bad hosting has swarmed every review all over the internet about the Academy Awards show this evening.

Where is that sexy man with an Australian accent dancing the stage in a charming manner?? Mr Hugh Jackman you have been missed this year!

Indeed, James Franco and Anne Hathaway might not have been the best idea to host such the biggest event in the film world.

Despite an overall rewarding of brilliant performances and no truly shocking didn’t-see-that-coming upsets, the 83rd Annual Academy Awards will likely be remembered as the night James Franco couldn’t act like a host.
Somewhere Ricky Gervais is laughing like a school girl. If Franco thought Gervais “bombed,” he’d better not get on the Internet on Monday. Or, for that matter, the next several weeks. It wasn’t just that he didn’t actually host — meaning, do more than just introduce presenters but actually entertain viewers and guide them through the night’s proceedings — he often looked bored or like he was back in Pineapple Express.- The Hollywood Reporter

It is sad to have such a long show that underlies a lengthy boredom- all the waiting and the overwhelming commercials… But to have boring hosts through it all made it simply unwatchable. At least Hathaway proved to try and be entertaining…

Alas, maybe Franco can cut his hand off to survive while stuck amongst rocks, but yet he cannot find a way out of his own misery for the 3 hour long event to be known in history as the least interesting to watch.

On the other note, the films nominated were no surprise to anyone- that is if you have not lived under a rock this whole time.

And the winnings, not so surprising as well…

So here comes the list:
BEST PICTURE:
The King’s Speech by Tom Hooper
BEST DIRECTOR: read more…

My heart felt as if drifted to my toes, beating loudly. My palms sweaty. My body shivering and achy as if I ran 5miles- as I walked out of the cinema after 2 intense hours of Natalie Portman and the Black Swan.

This film is perfect.
Directed by Darren Aronofsky, a visionary, and thumping the throne of eerie psychological thrillers. He was born 1969 in Brooklyn, NY, and studied film and animation at Harvard university. His graduation thesis film “Supermarket Sweep” starring Sean Gullette, became a National Student Academy Award finalist. From such start, Aronofsky has grown his repertoire of film success accordingly.
He scripted and directed “Pi” in 1998, followed by “Requiem for A Dream” in 2000, “The Fountain”, 2006, and “The Wrestler”, starring Mickey Rourke, 2008.
The dynamic from The Wrestler, to, 2010′s Black Swan, is a gender swap opposition – companion film that shares a similar passion and commitment toward a talent. In this case; Mickey Rourke vs Natalie Portman.

Black Swan is a ballet story of the famous ballet Swan Lake, that portrays the ill will of perfection, success and intense passion of a ballerina and her expression in that art form.

Nina is an innocent, frigid ballerina , driven by perfection to a point of self destruction. read more…

Imagine a lone adventure, you, in the middle of nowhere, for 127 Hours. What if something goes wrong?
A man named Aron Ralston, a mountain climber and public speaker, took upon himself in 2003 to bask in the empty canyon near Moab, Utah, thus his adventures then, is now part of a big screen fiasco delegated by Danny Boyle. He uses Ralston’s autobiography that was published in 2004 “Between a Rock and A Hard Place” and delivers a film, with stunningly kinetic photography and rapid-fire editing that might as well change the way we connect with films today.
Aron Ralston is played by James Franco, a man, filled with adventure, passion, hopes and admiration. This film truly provides a sincere look of the talent behind Franco. His comparison as Toby Mcquire’s side-kick, can now subdue, thus Franco has proven to be emotionally captivating and exhilarating in this brilliant set of adventures Danny Boyle has neatly organized in 127 Hours.

Amusingly so, this film had 2 DP’s- Director of Photography, cameras in all kinds of angles with the film crew belaying down a cramped canyon, only to successfully portray a sense of openness and hope. Although, clustered in the tiniest of cracks amongst rocks, the film gives a provoking story and undeniably so, a pungent truth of the survival of mankind.

So Far our latest onscreen patrons have been:
Bruce Willis , John Malkovich and Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds) get together for the shockingly adventurous action comedy film RED, about retired CIA agents returning on the field to set things straight .

Ben Afleck, Actor, Director and Screenplay writer, surprises us all with his yet another success(director of Gone baby Gone,) THE TOWN, which shows to be a well sustained story about bank robbers in gritty Boston, MA, well filled action thriller combines a love story and dramatic twists of events, keeps you glued to the seat all night long.
Not to mention, this year’s Oscars might even promise Ben Afleck a spot amongst the nominees for best director and best picture, yet this has not been confirmed quite yet.

Michael Douglas, who was recently pronounced with stage 4 lung cancer, successfully performed in Wall Street:Money never Sleeps, a film that closely followed our recent(2008) downpour and economic crisis in the USA, starting with the stock market exchange.
Well captivating intriguing and close to the truth Wall Street, starring Shia LeBeouf is a promising good times.

The Social Network- Story based on the founding of Facebook- worlds biggest online social network at the moment, kicked off well over 79.8M at the box office. Rotten Tomatoes gives it 94% freshness…maybe worth seeing what the big fuzz is about.
Here is the kicker… Why on earth would you want to watch a flick about the fact that all day long you sit on your F-Book Page chatting with long lost friends?

Finally, the weekend of Iron Man 2 has arrived. The opening night is this Friday, the 7th of May.
Personal suggestion: Pre-order your tickets online, because I have a feeling it will be a bloodbath at the box office ALL WEEK LONG!

Robert Downey Jr returns as Mr. Tony Stark, in what might be a better yet escapade on the big screen.

The excellent additions to this sequel, Mickey Rourke (academy award nominee for “The Wrestler” ) and the beautiful miss Scarlett Johansson, are going to unmistakeably win the seat of top notch villains.

And for the rest… I suppose we wait, and see…

This is by far the best Tequila Drink I’ve ever had. For the full recipe go to Purple Gecko

Enjoy Responsibly!

Happy New Year!

These past couple of weekends have definitely raised the bar and expectations for the upcoming films in 2010.

- Simply Avatar itself has shown to be a record breaker at the box office for just the past two holiday weekends reaching just above $1 Billion dollars worldwide, New Years weekend being the biggest grossing ever seen, tightly followed by Sherlock Holmes.
And here is what to expect in 2010

- On the TV show front, Dexter left us in complete astonishment at the loss of Rita- Julie Benz, who’s career from a caring wife of the Serial Killer is moving into a role of a lone stripper landing onto Wisteria Lane, as Debbie, a new addition to our Desperate Housewives.

- As for 2010 film repertoire, these selections coming out will simply blow your mind. And here is to a whole new technology-driven Hollywood.
Martin Scorcese takes on the psychological thriller, novel written by Brad Fischer, “Shudder Island” to a whole new level of absolute craze, starring Leonardo Di Caprio and Ben Kingsley, releasing mid February.
And on the less talked about side of films, Christopher Nolan’s (Batman Series, Memento, The Prestige) “Inception” expected to be released in July is a whole other whirlpool of excitement. Inception is a story about the architecture of one’s mind.


- March 2nd is the opening of Tim Burton’s remake of ALice in Wonderland, starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. With more of a serious tonality of films comes Louis Leterrier’s version of “Clash of the Titans, expected toward the end of March..

-For all the ladies out there, the sequel of Sex in the City is expected to open mid May.
While on the topic of sequels Harry Potter’s last book has been segmented in 2 parts, thus ” Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 will reach theaters early November.

As well as the Twilight Saga series, Stephanie Mayer’s third book, Eclipse is in production as we speak, expected to release late November.
As for the hearthrob vampire Edward Cullen/ actor Robert Pattinson, rumors have it he is not REALLY a vampire… indeed his new film “Remember me ” starring Pierce Brosnan, Chris Cooper and Emilie de Ravin, is a story about a misguided adolescent living an ordinary life as a real boy. Directed by Allen Coulter, (Hollywoodland, Six feet Under, The Sopranos.), Remember Me is a romantic drama revolving around a young couple and their daily misfortunes that lead them to the true meaning of love.

-As for the more serious side of Raw films, Ridley Scott’s (Blade Runner) Robin Hood reenactment, is taking a whole new turn of Gladiator type films, starring Russell Crowe, Mark Strong and Kate Blanchet, this primal warrior action film might possibly create a whole new box office record in late May.
- While on the theme of raw warrior-like films, Prince of Persia, The Sands of Time, is the remarkable works and recreation of a video game set, of Mike Newell(Pushing Tin, Donnie Brasco). Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, which I might add, is looking damn fine, has done an incredible job bouncing off the never forgettable BrokeBack Mountain, as yet again an alpha, macho male. Jake, who has managed to completely transform his body and beef up to fit his role as Prince Dastan in Prince of Persia, has revealed his range of talents. Prince of Persia, is also expected to reach theaters late May, has been in production since 2008, mostly filming in Morocco, North Africa, with close to $150 million budget.
Starring Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina, Prince of Persia is expected to hit another box office breakthrough.

I have to say, I have never seen Manhattan so udderly empty and bare of humans as it was on Christmas Day!
After standing in line at the theaters for 45minutes to purchase movie tickets for Avatar, I have realized where most of New Yorkers were hiding, hence, all show-times were sold out and I was left to settle with the less liked film choices.
Avatar, which came out December 18th, seems to have blown the box office off the roof grossing closely to $73million on approximately 7000 screens in the opening week, which is the highest rating seen for a movie that is neither a remake, a sequel, nor a direct adaptation.
Avatar is second highest grossing December film right after “I am Legend” in 2007, with $77.2million.
Written and directed by James Cameron, Avatar is a fantastical tale about a paraplegic marine dispatched on a unique mission to planet Pandora, who is torn between obeying orders and protecting the world he feels is his home.

Available in IMAX and 3D presentation, Avatar set a new 3D record of $52 million, showing on 3129 3D screens. Previously climbed 3D films followed “Up” with $35.4 and Monsters vs Aliens with $32.7.

read more…

As we are nearing the end of 2009, simply the saddest year in the loss of celebrities, I am going to hurry up and add Brittany Murphy to the dead bunch.
Thirty two year old actress and singer was rushed into Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Sunday morning, after she was found collapsed in her Hollywood Hills home. Firefighters, who responded to the call around 8 am, attempted to revive her on the way to the Hospital, unsuccessfully thus she was pronounced dead a couple of hours later. It is save to say her collapse was due to a cardiac arrest, however the true cause of this detrimental event is yet to be discovered.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s office released the autopsy findings on Monday afternoon. The star’s cause of passing has reportedly been “deferred” pending other tests.
The LA County Coroner is now said to be awaiting a toxicology report and studies of the deceased’s organs, tissues and brain.

-Los Angeles Times

Speculations suggest the cause of her death has to do with a drug usage. Authorities have reported, that she has been taking prescription drugs due to a medical condition, however, whether this may caused her death, we will know once the toxicology reports are released.
Murphy’s final public appearance was said to be a fashion event in Los Angeles December 3rd, where she appeared upbeat and lively.

read more…

Apparently I live under a rock since, midst my net browsing I came up on some dramatic news I should have been posting weeks ago. Alas, my slacking, I’ve arranged to indulge you in yet another version of the dramatic outbreaks in the Transformer-land.

Dumbfounded at reading about this call out, I decided to further explore Megan Fox and her attempts at success in the film industry.

Who is Megan Fox? And why does she think she has the right to publicly criticize and insult the man that practically created her?

read more…

Cosmopolitans, high heels and sheer, the ladies are back in town filming this Fall.
The hype has already been started with the casting calls of extras that crazed New York women in a frenzy.

Director Michael Patrick King the man in charge of the City Gals for over 80 Tv episodes and the first Film in 2008 is now back on his game recapping another feature of 1998 TV series, “Sex and the City 2″

Lets hope this No. 2 will find a way to redeem itself from the first feature- which I personally thought of as a flook. Although there isn’t much to expect when it comes to a feature film based off of a TV series – plot line that repeats itself.

read more…

Born in February of 1950, John Hughes, died while walking in Manhattan from an instant heart attack August 6th 2009. He was 59 years old. Known by his craft in the film-industry, Hughes was an American film director, writer and producer.
He became what we remember of him today as the hit writer/director of the 1980′s with classics such as “Breakfast Club” “Sixteen Candles”, “Pretty in Pink” “Home Alone 1&2″, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” “Ferris Bueller’s Day off”, “National Lampoons Vacation” and many more.

Hughes dropped out of the University of Arizona in 1970 to begin his career as an advertising copywriter in Chicago. read more…

As charming as it sounds, running into a movie set, after a while it is just too much.
So is the Greenpoint, Brooklyn hood the place to be these days?
I had the chance to speak with a few of my neighbors today, to find that their irritation about the abundance of trailers crowding the streets, and cranes blasting light in their house windows, is becoming simply unbearable.

As a film lover myself, I found it quite exciting bumping into a film set, although the ratio of film sets just within my block has cracked some boundaries.

“The thrill is gone. As far as I m concerned, this is a nuisance,”; shopkeeper Larry Moore told The New York Post. “This is of no benefit to anyone around here”

This evening a crazy car chase scene took place starring Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan in the upcoming film “A couple of Dicks”/ “Cop Out” (title is work in progress) directed by Kevin Smith (Silent Bob from Clerks)

Earlier, just a few blocks away, Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler were getting cozy in the film “The Bounty” directed by Andy Tennant ( Fools Rush in, Sweet Home Alabama )
Now this crew was kind enough to show mercy to the respected residents by offering them to sign up as extras for $75/day, however as many of them did, were, of course, played fools- since the crew brought in their own extras! Funny how that goes!

Now Martin Scorcese jumps in this mix as the director of HBO pilot “Boardwalk Empire” starring Steve Buschemi. Although its been said , they mostly have been filming on private property, their trailers are still occupying most of resident’s parking spaces.

And if thats not enough for Greenpoint-ers, lets add on some more shiny bright lights for TV show “Royal Pains” shooting this past weekend. “Date Night” starring Tina Fey and Steve Carrell, director Shawn Levi (Night at the Museum) and Disney’s romance flick “Step up 3-D”

As far as Hollywood goes, if they got the budget to film, they should’ve at least provide their own parking spaces!

Remarkably enough I feel that 2010-Hollywood is preparing for a NYC scenery filled film screens- all within the same block- how purely original?!

What a sad day to remember!
Farrah Fawcett, 62, died today in Los Angeles after battling a long term war with anal cancer.
Her last strength in this battle was the courage to share her every miserable step in her attempt of recovery with the world on NBC’s “Farrah’s Story.”
This all- American beauty celeb is to be remembered as one of the post-feminist Hollywood film stars with a solid 30 years career under her belt.

Amongst all, the one thing every woman can ask for is the Farrah Fawcett’s hair!

I have provided you with a video that can bring you up to date with this classic film star.

And who else could possibly steal Farrah’s thunder but the “King of Pop”, Michael Jackson.
read more…

Administrator’s log
Star date- 313582.3180809234

In the recent weeks I ve been letting my inner nerd come out, making remarks to my peers, paralleling minor day to day events to Harry Potter, Star Wars and Star Trek.

Perhaps my need to reveal my Sci-Fi kid is because of the gentleman sitting behind me in the movie theater commenting about Star Trek: “Well, it wasn’t great, but I suppose it was entertaining.” And to this I turned around and flipped him the Vulcan bird saying. “Live long and prosper, punk.” I’m sure he is still bemused.

Admittedly ashamed, I doubted the genius behind the new Star Trek movie. The idea that young actors could take over the roles of the characters we’ve come to know and love for generations was simply stupid. Chris Pine was hilarious in “Bottleshock”, but no Captain Kirk. Little did I know that Star Trek would tie my movie record of 3 sit-ins to Beauty in the Beast in 1991. My mother put up with my fanaticism somehow.

read more…

At times a little bit of history is a good thing, even if we played hooky from time to time growing up. So, at this moment I would like to step out of the realm of Hollywood and branch out into the world of television.
HBO, otherwise known as Home Box Office, has presented thousands upon thousands of people with the opportunity to comfortably sit on their couches with the divine knowledge that a program of substance will unfold in front of their eyes. After all, HBO has given us “The Sopranos”, “Flight of the Conchords”, “Sex in the City”, “Rome”, “The Wire”, and last night premiered the television movie “Grey Gardens”.

Two days ago I came across a new series. It was bound to be a sensation: after all its not TV:it’s HBO! So without hesitation I began to watch “Alice”, a new series produced by HBO Ole. I don’t speak a word of Spanish, so I read the subtitles, but as the show progressed I noticed a strange thing; why are they speaking Spanish? read more…

I need to get Rowling’s number and let her know that Hagrid is ALLIIVEEE!!! And Joaquin Phoenix is one hell of a comedian.

As they say all great artists steal, and Ben Stiller did his best to thieve the very soul from Joaquin at the Oscars, but my friend, Joaquin is one of a kind deal. Sure I laughed my ass off at Stiller’s presentation. Isn’t that the point? Isn’t it all a joke? Isn’t it? Isn’t it?? Am I going crazy thinking about it?!!
Alright, you’ve got me. It’s true. I am Joaquin Phoenix groupie. I spend nights cuddling with my pillow watching “Walk the Line” quietly sobbing like there’s no tomorrow.The HE-man great actor has left the building to perform sad rap for two-year old’s in a Yenta get-up. Why Joaquin, why??!!
read more…