**We are currently looking for parents with their strollers to appear on three TV segments downtown the morning of this event, Tuesday, September 7th, at 7:45am, 8:15am and 8:45am. Please let me know if you are interested in being part of this fun event by leaving a comment here with your e-mail (no phone or other personal info, please) so we can contact you with further details.**
Baby Stroller Happy Hour with mySanDiegoAgent.com
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Sept. 7th
Enoteca Style 1445 India Street San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 546-7138
Greetings Mommy Bloggers!
This is one happy hour where you can bring the kids along!
mySanDiegoAgent.com, San Diego's premier real estate group, invites San Diego moms and dads to Enoteca Style Panini & Wine Bar in Little Italy to enjoy a Baby Stroller Happy Hour to wind down from the day.
Enjoy discounted glasses of wine and tasty appetizers with the team of mySanDiegoAgent.com
The cast of “Dancing with the Stars” will be revealed August 30th, but if you’ve heard the rumors, followed Twitter or watched the coverage on TV Tabloid shows it looks like most of the surprises have been spoiled.The show’s dancing stars have been slowly leaked over the last month with the biggest cannon balls left for the end.
The steady stream of information about who would be rounding off this season’s dance crew got a little choppy with the addition of muscle head “The Situation” of the hit MTV show “Jersey Shore”. Reactions were all over the place with this one, but certainly piqued anticipating viewer’s interest for the upcoming season.
If the latest rumors are true, another controversial member will be joining Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, David Hasselhoff, Audrina Patridge, Brandy, Michael Bolton, Florence Henderson, Rick Fox, Jennifer Grey, Margaret Cho and Kurt Warner. The latest cast member to be thrown into the dancers’ pool is teen mom Bristol Palin, who is all but confirmed according to E! Online.
Getty Images
With more and more television shows trying to appeal to a younger hip audience (MTV’s Teen Mom, etc), bringing in these unlikely ‘stars’ to the dance competition makes a mockery of the amount of talent it once took to get on TV. Instead, it sends out a message that if you want to be somewhat rich and notoriously famous you just need to get pregnant or be a purposeless drunk living on an east shore, or both.
On the other hand, this once-sophisticated ballroom dancing show might lose some prestige by casting such low-quality talent, though many will be tuning in to watch simply out of curiosity — like going to a circus to take a look at the freaks. If these stars of nothing can now get the celeb treatment with spray tans, wardrobe, hair and make-up previously reserved for the talent, I suspect teens will continue to line up to watch or audition themselves for the host of mindless shows networks conjure up to attract a wider range of viewers and therefore ad revenue (more acne and hair product commercials on the horizon?).
What has happened with DWTS? Is it losing its star power and relegated to using temporary reality personalities to attract curious viewers? It sure seems like this is the case. Who doesn’t want to get a glimpse into the depth of these so-called stars and their lives; how they manage the rigorous time and effort this physical talent show requires and to see them fail or, in the unlikely event, succeed – this is human drama at its best and worst.
Looking at this from another angle, and leaving the other proven stars of the show aside, “The Situation” doesn’t have much to lose here. In fact, if his personality lives up to expectations (behaving like the buffoon on the reality show), then he stands to solidify his fan base and might even gain some respect. (I know, what an irony, but this is the way the disco ball turns).
However, Bristol Palin has a lot more on the line in this situation. She will get scrutinized for dumping her infant; she’ll be criticized for being a fame whore just like she accused Levi Johnston when he tried to cash in on his derived celebrity. Won’t her mother get some flak for allowing this or enabling her daughter to capitalize on the name fame? Hasn’t the Palin name been trashed enough in the media to merit staying out of the glare of publicity for the benefit of the child? Either way, this looks, sounds and is starting to smell as bad as a dirty diaper.
As the pool of stars gets shallower and shallower, the reflection of the coveted Mirror Ball trophy might not be as glittery as it once was for DWTS when bright, talented celebrities (and maybe some has-beens here and there) were part of it. We’ll have to wait and see if after this travesty, they’ll polish up the show’s act in future seasons to incorporate veritable stars who are worthy of its once-glowing title.
In the meantime, what do you think: Should Bristol Palin stay home taking care of her fatherless child instead of learning to Cha Cha? Will you watch because "The Situation" will be on the show getting an even-darker shade of orange spray-tan on the show’s dime? Sound off!
I'm posting this on behalf of a friend who would like to help this family. I hope this helps them, too!
A very good friend of mine, Sonia Ruan, is holding a Happy Hour fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society tomorrow Thursday, August 26th from 4p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Bare Back Grill in Downtown (below you will find the address and link for directions). The Bare Back Grill has been kind enough to agree to donate 25% of their profits that evening to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. My friend is the Principal at Kimball Elementary School in National City and one of her preschool students, Jared, recently lost his battle to leukemia. She's decided to hold a fundraiser and run a marathon next October in Jared's memory. I hope you are able to attend and help this great cause. Please feel free to forward this information or e-mail it to your friends and family.
Thank You, Carmen
Bare Back Grill 624 E St (between 6th Ave & 7th Ave) San Diego, CA 92101 619-237-9990
Hey, San Diego! Here's your chance to find that movie-compatible partner. Do folks who like comedy flicks fall for action afficionados? Netflix will be heading to Little Italy next week to see if movies work as a matchmaking device. After all, the traditional first date is dinner and a movie, right?
This event is FREE, but to get on the guest list you MUST answer a short quiz on Facebook http://bit.ly/ntfxapp
NETFLIX DEBUTS FIRST EVER “STREAM UP” EVENT IN LITTLE ITALY WHERE MOVIE TASTES COULD DETERMINE ROMANTIC INTERESTS AND MORE ON AUGUST 26
Wine Is Poured, Movies Are Streamed and Conversations Are Flowing As Hopefuls Aim To Make A Love Connection At An Event Designed To Bring Like-Minded Movie Lovers Together
Netflix hosts the first-ever “Stream Up” event – a uniquely movie-themed setting for movie lovers looking to make a love connection based on their cinematic tastes.
Drama die-hards, romantic comedy junkies and thriller chasers will enjoy free food and drinks, as they meet other like minded movie lovers. There will be an opportunity to instantly watch the favorite scenes from the films they selected as the best representation of their movie taste. The movies (“Bottle Shock,” “When Harry Met Sally” and “Memento”) were selected from a quiz on the Netflix Facebook page.
WHEN: Thursday, August 26, 2010 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Mixture (Design Studio) 2210 Kettner Blvd. Between West Ivy and West Juniper Streets, San Diego, CA 92101
TICKETS: To reserve a spot on our guest list and be granted admission to the event, take our movie quiz to discover your own Netflix movie personality (mandatory for entry): http://bit.ly/ntfxapp. The event is completely free but space is limited so be sure to RSVP!
When you arrive, don’t forget to check-in on Foursquare (location “Netflix Stream Up”), and be sure to use the event’s hashtag in all of your tweets: #netflixstreamup.
Kendall Jenner Should Be Shielded, Not Overexposed
By Suzette Valle
Published: August 19, 2010
Well folks, another celebrity’s innocent child bites reality TV dust prompting many to reach for the remote and change the channel or turn off the set as the only way to escape watching unrealistic TV rubbish. In this case, we're talking about the sand stirred up under Kendall Jenner's feet when her recent photo shoot for a modeling portfolio hit the media.
Now that the dirt has somewhat settled, we can clearly see Kris and Bruce Jenner's teenage daughter revealed more than her next career move dressed in little clothes and too much make up.
This chapter is reminiscent of a previous story involving a minor posing in age-inappropriate photos, isn't it? This time, however, the young Jenner could have used the infamous bed sheet from the first installment of this unseemly over-sexualizing-teens trend to cover her 14-year-old figure.
The parallels we can draw between the semi-naked Jenner scandal and its antecedent, Miley Cyrus, who also appeared on national media baring too much under-aged skin at 15 are dreadfully similar. Both children had their famous parents’ blessing (if not cajoled by them) to take risqué photos. And both their fathers defended their actions telling the media that if their girls were older (18 or older) this would not be newsworthy.
What a bunch of nonsense.
Watching celebrity parents peddle their daughters in the name of fame and fortune is scarier than seeing the disproportionate amount of smoky eye shadow used on Kendall Jenner’s nubile face. Parents are supposed to shield their children, not overexpose them to the stares and glares of weirdos and perverts involved in the fame and money-making machine.
In a recent interview, the until-now lone voice of reason on his family’s reality television show “Keeping Up With The Kardashians,” dad Bruce Jenner said that having his adolescent daughter Kendall pose provocatively in a string bikini for a photo shoot was not a big deal. In fact, he referred to his teenage daughter’s photos as “hot shots."
It’s a shame Dr. Laura will be going off the air. I will miss her company, the advice, and support she gave me over the last 18 years. I really wanted her to stick around long enough for my kids to listen to her, and hear confirmation of what “Do the Right Thing” means in their adult life. Not all decisions are clear cut in our daily lives, but listening to her show sometimes helped me decipher the answer to many confusing situations. more»
L.A. PARENTS ONLY: Do you have a parenting question?
Are you the parent of a child between the ages of 4-12 years old? Do you need help with tantrums, the "gimme, gimme's" or talking back? Do you want answers to your parenting questions and/or any of the following: * How to handle the "Gimme, Gimme's". * What to do when your child starts talking back or showing a lack of respect. *Is your child acting up because they're bored? *Do you want help with getting your child to clean their room, do their homework or get to bed without having a tantrum? *Has your child started telling little white lies and you want to know how to nip it in the bud?
If you are a parent that has an important parenting question that you'd like to ask, then we want to hear from you! Please only contact us if you are willing to appear on television. Please contact Desma as soon as possible at 323-956-3263.
It's a topsy turvy kind of day around here trying to pack and organize the kid's stuff (on the last day, of course) before departing to drop him off at college. We set up Skype, tested it, and he even had me talk to some of his friends on the laptop. It's all pretty cool.
But still... It's moving out day.
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Check out my review of the "The Wiggles Wiggly Circus Show" at USFamilyGuide.com. The high-energy children's entertainment group was in San Diego for one day and two performances, and was nothing less than magical.
Disclaimer: The Wiggles Co. only provided tickets for the show and did not influence my review.
During Comic-Con, I was asked to screen this movie for Lifetime (aired Saturday, July 31). It sounded fun so I agreed. I sat us down for movie night, threw the DVD in the player, and since "Within" is described as a horror film I turned off the lights for effect.
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There's a first time for everything. For the cast of the television sitcom "Community," their first visit to Comic-Con left a lasting impression.
For this one-woman show, it was certainly a first to sit among a living legend like Chevy Chase, and Joel McHale a legend-in-the-making.
Joel McHale ("The Soup"), Gillian Jacobs ("The Book of Daniel") and Yvette Brown ("Tropic Thunder) (all photos by S. Valle)
The cast members of the smart comedy series traveled to San Diego to promote their second season, and witnessed the madness of the annual pop-culture convention as well as the emotional high only the Con's fandemonium can deliver.
The wide-eyed first-timers joined us for a round-table-style press conference after a successful panel at the Hilton Bay Front's Indigo Ballroom. It was evident the cast was still reeling from the thrill of the enthusiastic welcomed they got from supportive fans at the convention.
Veteran comedian, Chevy Chase ("Chuck"), was his charming self and very happy to be a part of this insanity. As I saw the iconic comedian approaching my table, there's was little I could do to contain my excitement about casually chatting with him. (If you watch the Youtube video coming soon, you'll think I was as cool as a cucumber!)
Chevy Chase plays Pierce on "Community"
After pretending I was not star struck by his close presence, I (The Wrap) asked him how he liked working on a sitcom since I recalled he had stated that this would be something he would not consider.
"I know I said that last year," he replied "but, then I thought, why not? I've done everything else. Besides, this is a great cast and the writing is very good. And the show is funny!"
Donald Glover jumped into the conversation and after a few minutes of funny man-to-funny-man banter with Chase, he explained in a rather serious tone that the show is funny because all the characters have something the audience can relate to: "We are all a bunch of losers on the show. And we've all at some point felt like a loser."
Donald Glover of "Community"
Yvette Nicole Brown (Shirley) and Danny Pudi (Abed) joined our table next and were very moved by what they saw at the convention; fans had been lined up for hours in the sun just to get into the panel.
"It was really an emotional moment to watch what people were doing to see us. We're not used to getting this amount of attention from people who like us. After an episode airs, I usually just get a text from my mom telling me I did a good job and that I had a lot of lines," Pudi told us.
"That was a room full of love in there," Brown explained.
The tall recognizable figure approaching the table next was Joel McHale with Allison Brie and Neil Goldman, the producer. (Yes, I went weak in the knees when I saw the man and the myth sitting just across the table.)
Joel McHale
The show revolves around Joel's character, Jeff, a wise cracking lawyer who had to go back to college after his law degree was revoked.
When asked what he thought about where he's at in his career, his quick wit took over and jokingly replied in his signature "Soup" sarcastic tone, "Much further along".
Surprisingly, McHale is not at all like that in reality. He explained to us that he's had a blessed trajectory and that he was also very humbled by the reception the cast got from fans at Comic-Con.
"I do consider myself very fortunate. I've had good fortune in my career decisions. I told my wife that when we moved to LA, the plan was to have a steady job in five years or move back."
If you follow Ryan Seacrest's nemesis' career, you'll know he has lined up more than one steady job. I asked McHale how he juggles the different gigs simultaneously: "The Soup" on E!, "Community" sitcom, and a stand up comedy show (he had a performance the previous night in San Diego).
His short answer was, "They pay me a sh#* load of money!"
To add to his overly-scheduled career, Joel also told us that though he didn't intend to drop names, he had just worked on a movie with Steve Martin over the summer. (Ahem?)
Neil Goldman writer/producer, Allison Brie and Joel McHale of the sitcom "Community"
Neil Goldman told us that one of the reasons the show has met with success is that the sitcom is mainly about people and not about relationships. "I don't want it to be like a soap opera," he pointed out. "Each episode is written to stand alone with only a few references to past shows in case you happen to see them, so you won't be lost each time you tune in".
I asked Goldman if there were any plans for the college students to graduate at some point, and almost in unison the cast said, "No!" Just take a look at how some of the characters never even open their books. They aren't in any hurry.
I missed seeing Ken Jeong ("The Hangover"), who plays the improbable Spanish teacher, Senor Ben Chang. He wasn't able to join the rest of the ensemble cast on this appearance at Comic-Con -- apparently he was attending a wedding according to his cast mates.
We did, however, get a little scoop about his character in the upcoming season. It looks like Sr. Chang will be handing in the homework instead of handing it out.
Yes. We were told Senor Chang will be coming back as a student this fall. (I wonder if he'll be invited to join the study group?)
The beautiful, and very busy, Allison Brie spoke to us at length about the show and the other couple of Hollywood gigs she has going on; a little show called "Mad Med" and she'll be starring in "Scream 4".
Allison Brie plays Annie in the TV show "Community"
Annie, the seemingly innocent character Brie plays, has seen a heightened sexuality directed at Jeff (McHale), and raised some eyebrows with fans of "Community" -- some were against it and others for it. Brie told us the loose behavior of her character is a lot of fun to play, and though fans have requested that it be toned down, she jokingly told us she hopes it isn't.
Allison also got emotional about the show's leader, and wrapping her arm around McHale's she mentioned that having a solid figure head leading a show like this one has made a difference with the cast and keeping everyone united.
She also went on to tell us that she really likes the show because it has a balance, it isn't just funny “it has heart". In each episode you'll laugh, "but you'll also go awe."
I agree. We watch this show without fail, and aren't disappointed with the content or feel like we need a shower afterwords -- something that is becoming more difficult to do in today's unrealistic reality-based TV shows.
After spending some personal time with these talented yet unassuming personalities, I found it even easier to invest in the show's characters because they're down to earth actors -- with very visible mutual respect for each other -- behind the characters of "Community" lending them a genuine approach to familiar school dilemmas many of us have faced at some point in our academic lives.
Chatting with this cast in an intimate setting revealed to me that this "Community" of actors has (non) sense and sensibilities I like... and maybe understand a little too well.
It was an exhausting 5 days of Comi-Con madness, but I enjoyed every minute I had to run through crows of Steam Punk-costumed people;
halls filled with wall to wall Avatars, Alice characters and Tony Starks;
or jog upstairs against a current of Spartans,
or Storm Troopers. Okay, a special Strom Trooper, my friend Kent from All Things SD and his friend Seth Green (Robot Chicken).
The yearly pop-culture convention also transforms our otherwise peaceful, unasuming town into a bustleling metropolis for the entertainment industry. Hollywood desencends on San Diego bringing every major film studio mogul, movie stars from A to C, producers, writers and all their ancillary staff along with them.
San Diego's Comic-Con has been dubbed 'Sundace Without the Snow' and the 'Cannes for Blockbusters' by The Wrap.
It is really nothing less.
Take a look at the photos of the few panels and press conferences I was able to get to in one piece (and without getting stabbed) to get an idea of the heavy weights of the industry who come to America's Finest City to pomote their films and television shows.
HIGHLIGHTS
Attending the "TRON: Legacy" press conference was nothing short of amazing! The cast was warm and friendly, and really added a human touch to the cold and impersonal feeling of sci-fi flicks.
Jeff Bridges at "TRON: Legacy" (All photos by S. Valle)
The largest press room was for "TRON: Legacy"
The next one was a roundtable with the cast of "Stargate Universe". To be honest, I don't watch these type of shows, but Comic-Con is precisely where the SyFy Channel should be. First off is the press line,
David Blue ("Ugly Betty") plays Eli Wallace on "Stargate Universe"
then the actors came around and (not so) briefly talk to us about both the show and their personal lives - to some extent.
Robert Carlyle plays Dr. Nicholas Rush on "Stargate Universe"
Ming-Na ("ER") plays Camile Wray, a lesbian, in "Stargate Universe"
Another very fun press gathering was the voice cast of Comedy Central's "Futurama". Those guys were so funny!
Left to right, Guiness World Recors Rep., Lauren Tom, Matt Groening (writter/creator), John DeMaggio (voice of Bender), David X. Cohen, Billy West (voice of Fry). (S. Valle)
By the way, the Guiness World Records people showed up and surprised the cast with an award for "Most Critically Aclaimed TV Series Currently on Television".
The next day was very exciting because I was able to sit in and listen to Guillermo Del Toro and Troy Nixey talk about their collaboration on the scary movie "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark". It was so interesting to hear how much my fellow compatriot, Del Toro, revealed about himself. (Read my detailed post about Del Toro's press conference here)
Guillermo Del Toro and Troy Nixey at Comic-Con press conference
Then came time for the "Community" cast to talk to us about their show. It's only been on the air for a year, and it was the cast's first time at Comic-Con! They were blown away by the fans and the sacrifices they made to see and listen to their favorite TV personalities -- they were not expecting so much love!
Joel McHale (The Soupe, E!), Gillian Jacobs ("The Book of Daniel") and Yvette Brown ("Rules of Engagement")
This man doesn't need an introduction, but just in case it's Chevy Chase.
Danny Pudi "(Greek") plays de role of Abed and Yvette Brown is Shirley
Suzette Valle and Joel McHale at Comic-Con
I'll have a little more about the round table press conference with Chevy Chase, Joel McHale, the producers and the rest of the cast in a separate post -- they were way too generous with their time and comments about the show, what it's like to work with each other, and some of their personal lives. So I hope you'll come back to read about them later.
There were other great encoutners at this years Con, but I'll post more in Part 2 later this week!
After three years of visits to Comic-Con, patient fans of Disney's "TRON" will hear the final pitch for this long awaited sequel (28 years!), and if the hype surrounding "TRON: Legacy" is justified.
Cast of TRON:Legacy at Comic Con 2010 (S. Valle)
Making their last appearance in San Diego at a closed press conference at the Hilton Bay Front to promote the futuristic film about life where computers swallow people into a videogame-like reality, it was all smiles and laughter between the film's stars Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner -- both actors are reprising their roles from the original "TRON"-- Olivia Wild, Michael Sheen ("Frost/Nixon", "New Moon"), Garret Hedlund and directors Joe Kosinski and Steve Lisberger.
The group seemed quite satisfied with the vision and direction provided by Hollywood newcomer Kosinski, an architect-turned-director in his first major directorial film. However, at ComiTron the protagonists were careful not to reveal too much of the plot except to reiterate that this is a sequel made to stand alone, and that a major part of the plot involves a father-son relationship.
The original "TRON" motion picture was considered technologically forward when released back in 1982; the lighted suits, ring games, light cycles and grid were conjured up in the imagination. All of these iconic props are back in the sequel and have been updated to match, or perhaps surpass, our imagery of the future.
Olivia Wild mentioned that the special body-hugging space outfits they wear in "TRON: Legacy" have integrated fiber optical lighting that when turned on made a sound which drove the sound crew crazy, and caused the director to have to first instruct the actors to light up, and then call "action!"
Besides getting a feel for the cast's camaraderie, we got a glimpse of both directors, past and present, sitting side by side with only a generation gap between them -- a gap filled by the technology one was dreaming about three decadesago, while the other has practically lived with it his entire life.
At the press conference I (The Wrap) asked Steve Lisberger, director of the original "TRON", what the legacy of the movie "TRON: Legacy" would be for the new generation of fans. Will it be the innovative technology used to make this movie, or is it the movie's message?
Steve Lisberger said, "The difference was that when we made the original movie, all we had to do was dream about what technology might do, but we really didn't get involved with what the technology would do.
As time went by, we've know reached the point where John and Joe (Kosinski) and their generations have had to make this real.
Technology is all about bringing people together. Supposedly. Now, there's a sense that technology has a dark side that keeps us from connecting with each other. And I think this film examines that problem."
(You can watch the YouTube video for this part of the press confrence here)
Essentially, it sounds like the anticipated mega blockbuster "TRON: Legacy" will not only be heavy on the technology front, but might also carry a weighty message alerting this generation to the possibilities and perils of the technology-dependent culture we have become since the first film -- a very current theme given our love-affair with machines.
The movie is scheduled for release in December in 3D and IMAX, and has also been encoded for D-BOX.
Regarding 3D, when Jeff Bridges was asked what he thought about the added dimension to "TRON: Legacy" he quipped, "Perhaps in the near future we won't have to wear the glasses, we'll just be able to take a pill."
Here you are folks! I've once again disected Comic-Con's dense schedule -- magnifying glass in hand -- and picked worth while panels, presentations and activities with a focus on families with kids of all ages to enjoy. When I say worth while, I mean worth the treck through the massess of costumed humanity crowding all paths and walkways challenging you and your brood to make it to the convention halls in time to get inside, and maybe scoring a seat!
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After disparaging public quarrels with the Palin family, Levi Johnston has changed his tune. US Magazine reported the engagement between Bristol Palin and former Playmate model and father of their one year old son Tripp, which is also wrapped in apologies.
Oh, man does this take guts!
Kids parenting kids in the public eye are getting to be a bit much (think MTV shows), but I have to hand it to Levi for showing an uncharacteristic amount of internal fortitude to face not only the media firestorm which will likely result from this turn of events, but from the Palin's themselves.
But, is this what's best for them and their son?
The odds are stacked against them, but hey, who are we to judge, right?
I hope this very young (Bristol is 19 and Levi 20 years old), couple hurled to the media's forefront much the same way Bristol's mother was, Sarah Palin, can keep it together and follow through with the biggest commitment of their lives: raising a child.
What do you think? Are they doomed or deft in taking this next step?
I watched a pre-screening of the movie Inception and I'm still replaying some of the spectacular scenes in my mind, like a recurring dream, with better protagonists. (Having Leo smacking people around in my dream isn't a bad way to spend the night, now is it? But. I digress.)
This thought-provoking Sci-Fi, action thriller will make you think more than twice if you should try following the plot on your own or just let the film take over your subconscious and allow yourself to get lost in the intricacies of the story.
If you don't want to feel stupid asking the guy next to you what's going on every two minutes, I suggest you surrender to the latter.
Just sit back and enjoy what will undoubtedly be an adult version of the summer blockbuster -- yes, it's that good!
Leonardo DiCaprio (Shudder Island), Ellen Page (Juno), Michael Cane, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ken Watanabe and Marion Cotillard (La Vie En Rose) form a tight cast which generate an unremitting combination of weightiness and wit in this unconventional film directed by the visionary Hollywood director Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight) -- and the hype surrounding Nolan's celluloid masterpiece is well deserved.
Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Dom Cobb, a love-tortured agent hired by big corporations to invade people's dreams and re-direct a competitor's success to their ultimate demise. Working with sidekicks Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Paige, Cobb is a mastermind at extracting information buried deep within the brain, but can also plant an idea to change the outcome.
Adding a human touch to the all-business action shots is the haunting romance between his late wife Mal (Cotillard) -- the character's name said it all! -- and DiCaprio skillfully written into the plot without the usual sap of a love story.
Did I already lose some of you skeptics of the Sci-Fi genre?
I was with you all the way to my seat on this one, but I assure you, this isn't a cheesy summer film.
You may have a tough time keeping up with the plot as Cobb tries to plant a new idea in a man’s brain; stealing thoughts is simple, but adding a life-altering one is a risky operation involving a dream within a dream within a dream. Even as you check off the film’s overload of references, though—a Matrix here, a James Bond there with Edith Piaf's music playing in the background—the amazing effects and Cobb’s quest carry you along.
Keeping your attention span from drifting during the movie is beautiful cinematography of incredible depth; Paris folds over on itself; weightless altercations and floating bodies puncture impeccable water-filled scenes; a pristine, snow-covered mountain encounter is reminiscent of a Star Wars battle. Though unbelievable, the architecture and perfectly synchronized action sequences engage your brain challenging you to keep up with the plot every step of the way -- was he dreaming that?
The film is also unique; it's not in 3D, a sequel, prequel or the next number in a book-based series of movies. It is practically a fresh genre. For brief moments it seems this picture is a mix of other films, but you won't be able to simply pigeon hole it like many movies have been lately.
Christopher Nolan makes you work while watching this film (you may even have to see it twice!), but the payoff will be the lingering conversations you'll have after you've left the theater.
Stunning effects coupled with an unpredictable plot made the two-hour and 27 minute motion picture fly by... similar to being in a deep, sleep-induced unconscious state: a dream.
I give it out of 5 for superb action sequences, visual effects, no language, and an unpredictable plot.
A sniveling Lindsay Lohan has top billing again after judge Marsha Revel saw right through her veil of tears and sentenced her to spend some time in a corrections facility.
To be honest, I was a little surprised the "Mean Girls" star got the amount of jail time she did. I was confident she would be receiving special treatment similar to other law breakers in Hollywood in recent months.
Lately, misbehaving Hollywood celebrities have been getting off easily with minimum sentences handed down. Paris Hilton served four full days of the 23 days she was supposed to serve out of a 45-day sentence, and Nicole Richie was there for only 82 minutes out of a four-day sentence for a DUI.
Ninety days in the slammer is no party for Lilo.
Whether Lohan will have to remain behind bars for the entire three months is anyone's guess.
The 24-year-old has certainly had plenty of brushes with the law, which should have given her a chance to display better civic behavior. But to most of us it seems she did quite the opposite, brazenly walking in and out of rehab, missing parole-fulfilling classes and partying and drinking while wearing an alcohol-monitoring ankle bracelet. Her behavior appeared to be an outright mocking of the justice system.
Furthermore, did Lohan's insolent message painted on her middle fingernail perhaps bolster judge Revel's rationale for the apparent harsh sentence? The flagrant "F**ck U" caught in press shots is very clear and further supports opinions of Lilo's roguish approach to her legal predicament.
There doesn't appear to be a balance in this young starlet's life. Her education now hangs on the scales of the justice system, which some think is the wrong way to direct an apparently substance-addicted person who rather than correctional isolation needs medical rehabilitation. (Not sure I agree with that diagnosis.)
California defense attorney Mark Geragos appeared on "Good Morning America" and said he thinks Lohan got an unusually harsh sentence for a parole violation -- a relatively minor offense according to him.
"I just think this sentence is utterly ridiculous. The fact remains that if she was anybody else, Lindsay Smith, that she wouldn't be treated this way. ... This is a completely outrageous sentence in terms of her violation."
The legal leniency toward celebs might be over, and possibly Lohan is the example others in similar situations need to heed as a warning.
Though Lohan pleaded her case to the court in advance of her sentence -- probably aware that she might be shown special treatment one way or the other -- she missed delivering an Oscar-worthy performance when she needed it most. She sounded insincere.
Using the word "children" in her plea incensed observers like this tweeter:
On the other hand, "Inferno" director Mathew Wilder said he will stand by his leading actress no matter what, and may be sending another message by doing so: Hollywood will give you a chance if you get your act together.
It is pitiful to watch how a once-youthful, charming child star began her career with so much promise, and then got carried away by the spoils of Hollywood to end up behind bars (not tending them, hee hee!)
We'll have to wait and see what the result of this shock treatment will be for Lilo, and if it will change the injudicious actress's ways to those the rest of us have to comply with.
Do you think Lindsay Lohan's sentence is fair, too harsh, or will it be inconsequential to her life?
TLC's hit lifestyle makeover show Home Made Simple is casting it's 8th season in the San Diego area!
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Well folks, another celebrity’s innocent child bites reality TV dust prompting many to reach for the remote and change the channel or turn off the set as the only way to escape watching unrealistic TV rubbish. In this case, we're talking about the sand stirred up under Kendall Jenner's feet when her recent photo shoot for a modeling portfolio hit the media.
