As a long-time Bollywood fan this episode of Oprah is one of my favorites. Oprah chatted with the Bollywood power couple on her special about megastars around the world. Aishwarya and Abhishek were charming together and everyone couldn't help but stare at Aishwarya's eyes, even Nacho Figueras (Ralph Lauren model/Argentine Polo player) was tantalized for a moment.
It was an all-around cool show. Hopefully you caught it!
One of the more exciting bits of New Moon will be the introduction of the Wolf Pack. Especially Alex Meraz, he'll be playing the bad boy. I hope this role opens new opportunities for him because Hollywood is in dire need of a Native American movie star.
I met Meraz at the Chicago Comic-Con and he was extremely handsome in person. Casting directors take note!
Olivier Martinez is extremely dashing as a rebel solider caught in France during a cholera outbreak. There he meets Juliette Binoche's character and they embark on journey together. The Horseman on the Roof is one of my favorite films and if you appreciate epic love stories then you'll enjoy this one.
This flick was in the Toronto International Film Festival in 2006, and released on DVD September 2008 but somehow I managed to miss it until recently. This movie follows Todd (Josh Hamilton) from his job in the United States to India where he supervises a call center and falls for one of his charming employees (Ayesha Darker). This unorthodox rom-com breaks barriers not only for the interracial romance, but also for the demystifying of outsourcing North American call centers and humanizing the workers that man those telephone lines. It is a movie with more than one message and a delightfully quirky film.
Once is full of beauty, heart, and amazing music. It's a Cinderella story for indie filmmakers everywhere (it won an Oscar). So please tell me you've seen it! If not, add it to the top of your Netflix queue, rent it a video store or buy the DVD. However you chose to view it watch it ASAP. That's how essential it is.
If you're already a fan, share some of your favorite scenes and songs. What makes this movie special to you?
Abbie Cornish is one of my picks for The Film Experience's Actress Psychic Contest , which is basically a fun game Nathaniel hosts on his blog to see who can pick the most Oscar-nominated actresses far before any of the Oscar buzz begins. And come September, Cornish is still very much in the race. Not only is Bright Star getting buzz for its leading lady, the film's director Jane Campion is being mentioned as a strong contender for best director so things are looking good for this film.
If you've ever considered yourself a poet at heart then this film is for you.
Topher Grace and Anne Hathaway make a cute onscreen couple (at least from the glimpse I caught). The trailer for Valentine's Day is packed with cuteness, and of all the pairings they're the ones I'm most interested in.
If you enjoy Diablo Cody's stylized writing then let's play a little game. Which actress would you most like to see Cody write a script for? This includes film or TV.
Ellen Page was pitch-perfect in Juno, Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried were evil/good in Jennifer's Body and Toni Collette is brilliantly schizophrenic in United States of Tara. So who's next?
Here are my candidates:
1. Kristen Bell - Before she did voice overs for Gossip Girl she was Veronica Mars and that was pretty sweet. Kudos to the writers on that show because Veronica Mars was someone you didn't want to mess with. If anyone can handle an offbeat Cody one-liner, it will be her.
2. Zooey Deschanel - When she's not making great films (500 Days of Summer) she's making great music (She & Him) and her snarky comedic timing would be a nice fit for Codyspeak.
3. Rosario Dawson - She's worked with Robert Rodriguez, Kevin Smith and Quentin Tarantino so a gig with Cody would be a smart move. I'd like to see what quirky lines Cody would give her.
Other names that came to my mind were Lauren Graham, Anne Hathaway, Alexis Bledel, Kat Dennings and Emma Stone.
So who would you pick?
UPDATE: Exciting news! Diablo Cody will be doing a film adaptation for Francine Pascal's book series Sweet Valley High. Who do you think should play the twins?
Brick Lane has some gorgeous cinematography. Some of the shots were really stunning and when paired with complex characters, it's a delightful thing to watch. The story centers around the life of a Bangladeshi woman unwillingly transplanted to London. It's somber, poetic and the vibrant visuals really help establish the mood.
For those of you who became instant Barry Jenkins fans after watching Medicine for Melancholy here's his latest project: a short film called Tall Enough.
Jennifer's Body makes indie rock wicked sweet, heavy on the wicked part. It's a tale of friendship (the bff kind) gone astray.
Diablo Cody dazzled me with her outrageously cool dialogue once again, this time mostly through Amanda Seyfried and Megan Fox's banter. The things that they were say were so unexpected causing a collective "oh yeah, she went there" throughout the audience that made people laugh out loud. And laugh, I did, from beginning to end because Jennifer's Body has the right amount of campy charm.
Which makes me wonder, who should be next in line as a Cody-inspired leading lady? Kristin Bell tops of my list. Imagine Veronica Mars under Cody's guidance, only good things could come from that collaboration. Or perhaps Alexis Bledel, Zooey Deschanel or Lauren Graham. They need your words, Diablo, please make it happen!
I saw Jennifer's Body to support a female screenwriter, an Asian-American director, to see how Megan Fox did in a starring role, to get a glimpse of the rising star Seyfried, and most of all to be entertained.
Box office disappointment, to some yes, but cult movie status...oh yes!
Years from now people will be lining up at Comic-Cons around the country quoting her wacky lines, and maybe that's all Cody wanted to begin with.
UPDATE: Check out these positive reviews of Jennifer's Body: Genevieve and EruditeChick get the movie!
Some of the best moments in White on Rice revolve around the relationship of Ramona (Lynn Chen) and Tim (James Kyson Lee), while it's not the center of the film I couldn't help but want more of their scenes, hopefully we'll get to see them pair up again.
The following are clips from our chat about White on Rice, music and what it takes to make it in the biz.
On what drew them to the project:
Lynn Chen (LC): To be perfectly honest it was an opportunity. An opportunity to act in a leading role...that’s what drew me to it.
James Kyson Lee (JKL): I had worked with Dave one time before on his first feature and had got to know him a little bit and when I read the script I felt like it had a lot of charm. The characters are relatable, unique and there’s a lot of quality to it. That’s how I came aboard.
On how they prepared for their characters:
LC: For Ramona I talked to a bunch of my friends who are graduate students just to see what the graduate student life was like because it wasn’t something that I experienced firsthand. And I really didn’t understand it. So I got to know just how much studying and how much work went into it and the process of graduate school. I listened to songs from childhood, not childhood, high school. Songs of my first love that we shared to get back into that nostalgia period of my life.
JKL: Tim was actually based, semi-based, on a real guy who is a very talented musician. So the first day we got to Salt Lake City we all went to Guitar Center and I bought my first guitar (which was an acoustic). And I got to meet the real Tim and spend some time with him and even got some guitar lessons. It was fun to try and write my own songs in the hotel room, even though they didn’t make any sense, trying on that side of the character.
On how they used music to “get into character”:
LC: Sometimes I’ll just put on my headphones and listen to music, to kind of zone out of everything and focus until it’s time to shoot.
JKL: Yeah, it’s a big element for me. I’ve always sort of tried to use that as an connection to the character, especially since Tim being a musician in this film and an aspiring band member/singer it was a big element for it. I try to sort of listen to the music that the character would be drawn to…that’s sort of how I remember when I look back on my life. There are different songs that mark different phases that you’ve gone into.
On what music they're listening to now:
LC: I really like the new Regina Spektor album that just came out. And, you know, it’s funny in the last five years I haven’t really been discovering new music as much as I did in college where I was discovering a new band or artist literally every other day. And it seems like nowadays I mostly listen to things that I listened to in college and I haven’t really branched out. Regina Spektor is an artist who I’ve really been drawn to and I’m gonna go see her perform actually in a few weeks.
JKL: I was in Vancouver earlier this year and I found a really good band from Halifax, Nova Scotia called Wintersleep that I really liked. And also Zee Avi, I’ve been listening to her for the past month or so. I’m really kinda diggin’ her vibe. On what inspires their creativity outside of acting:
LC: I have a food blog that I started about three months ago with a friend. And I found that it’s a really good way for me to use photography, writing, every single day. And it’s kind of like a job now at this point, doing the blog every single day and discovering new blogs. I find that it helps keep my mind creative without directly having to do with acting.
JKL: I do some improve here and there. It’s a playground for me to try out some new stuff. Sort of fly your free flag, if you will, try some outrageous stuff without having the fear to fail, I guess. And umm...I think sports and music are my way to unwind.
On what actors/directors they’d like to collaborate with:
LC: I would love to work with Spike Jonze, I think he’s amazing. He’s my dream director. But I would also really love to work with, I’m good friends with Mike Kang, who directed The Motel and another movie called West 32nd. I would just love to have the experience of working with somebody who I really respect and who’s also my friend. I’ve never had that experience before.
JKL: I’m drawn to guys like Charlie Kaufman, who just seem to be in their own world but they’re brilliant in many ways. And the actors that I really respect are the people who just disappear into their roles. Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Daniel Day Lewis. On “feeling like you’re in your own world when acting”:
JKL: I really enjoy trying to live out the life of a character in different ways. You know, that’s sort of the fun part of an actor’s journey. It does take work and afterwards you’re left with a lot of emotions that you have to sort out, slowly let it dissipate. I guess that’s the complexities of it. I feel like a lot of projects you bring some aspects of yourself into it but sometimes you get a chance to go through a transformation and I find that satisfying.
On the vibe of the set of White on Rice:
LC: Because we were on location and a lot of us were from Los Angeles. It was pretty much a bonding experience for a lot of us. We would travel together and spend days off together and explore the city together. And everyone who was there, there were family members, there were friends and everyone really wanted this project to do well. And everyone was there for the same purpose and you could definitely feel that every day when you were working.
On big budget productions versus independent films:
JKL: There's something about being on a project from beginning to end…it might be harder to put together some of the lower budget or independent films but I think it’s that much more satisfying because it is such a collaborative effort. Advice for aspiring Asian-American filmmakers:
LC: I would say perseverance, having a good support system and tapping into the community which is a strong one. And having a life outside of this business.
JKL: I agree. I think it’s really important that we find ourselves as people...it’s such a subjective thing, so much of who you are is involved with it. I think it’s something that you should only be in it if you really love it and you’re passionate about it. It’s a craft, so it takes a lot of work and you have to respect that. And at the end of the day I think it’s important to kind of find who you are and the rest will sort of take care of itself.
***
White on Rice is now playing in limited release in Los Angeles, Irvine, San Jose, and San Francisco. For info on upcoming showings visit www.whiteonricethemovie.com
Kristin Scott Thomas is a superb actress and in I've Loved You So Long she offers a simple yet somber performance. There are moments in the film where she doesn't say a word but the expression on her face speaks volumes. And that's exactly why you should watch this film.
A woman struggles to interact with her family and find her place in society after spending fifteen years in prison.
If you're not familiar with her resume then do yourself a favor, make a Kristin Scott Thomas movie night.
Last year I did an actress spotlight on Yvette Nicole Brown who at the time mostly had guest starring and supporting roles to her credit. Now she's a series regular on one of the most anticipated shows coming to NBC: Community. You can watch the premiere tonight at 9:30 p.m.
The following is a few snippets from the interview I did back then:
When did you get bit by the acting bug?
I've always loved commercials, even when I was a little girl. So I guess I've been "bitten" for as long as I can remember. But I didn't actually start auditioning for things (school plays, local community productions etc.) until I was in junior high school.
How did your family react when you told them you decided to be a professional actress?
My family is full of funny creative people, so everybody was pretty supportive. My late uncle, Charles Brown, was a successful actor on Broadway and in television and film. So it's sorta in my blood, I guess.
When you made the big move to Los Angeles what were those first few months like?
I moved to L.A. right after college. It was scary at first because I didn't know anybody and I only had a guaranteed place to stay for the first three days...but I had faith that God would make a way...and He truly has every step of the way. I ended up staying with a friend from high school's mom for my first three months in L.A. That was a blessing that came out of nowhere!
What's the best advice you've learned from someone in the biz?
I've gotten a lot of great advice through the years, but something I've learned from my own experience in this business is to not get attached to anything. That may sound a little pessimistic, but the truth of this business is that everything ends. Sometimes it’s after a day on set, for a commercial...a few weeks/months, for a movie...or after a few years (if you're lucky) on a TV show. It all ends. You can't get attached to the shape your life takes at any given moment. You have to stay loose and free and grateful. And pack up and move on when the time comes...and it's going to come. HA!
How does your faith keep you grounded in an industry focused on...well, you know what it's focused on?
I decided when I entered this business that the moment I couldn't continue on with my Christianity and morals in tact, that was the day I'd go no further as an actress. My goal when I started acting was to hopefully make some people laugh and make enough money to live off of along the way. Thankfully, I’ve been blessed to do that. Anything else that comes my way, is just icing on an already awesome cake. I think most folks who lose their way in this industry, lose it because they’re focused on riches and fame. And the love and pursuit of those things is what makes you compromise. I think it’s also important to know where your blessings come from. Mine come from God, not a particular studio head or casting director. So I never feel the need to do something I don’t agree with to gain their favor. At best those in power can be used by God to bless me (and thankfully so!) But what’s good in my life doesn't originate with them. As long as I keep my eye on where all the good stuff comes from, I won't be swayed by offers to take part in things that go against what I personally believe. Keeping my eye on God keeps me grounded.
What advice would you offer young actresses looking to make in it Hollywood?
Read as much as you can about the industry. The internet and book stores are full of info about breaking into the industry. I'd also suggest reading the biographies of folks who've had the kind of career you aspire to have. And also, always believe in your dreams. So many people will tell you that you can't do it. Your job is to not listen to them.
Since I know that some of you are Corbin Bleu fans here's a quick reminder that his new show The Beautiful Life premieres tonight on The CW at 9 p.m.
TBL revolves around a group of models living together in a co-ed residence in New York.
Mischa Barton (The O.C.) also stars, so I'm sure there will be plenty of glamorous drama if you have room in your TV schedule for one more guilty pleasure.
Patrick Swayze knew how to embrace a woman, anyone who's seen Dirty Dancing or Ghost can attest to this. He gave us several memorable roles, some clearly iconic. I'm sure that ten, twenty years down the line that young girls (and women) will watch Dirty Dancing and still give a collective sigh when Johnny storms into the ballroom and says:
I was an avid fan of Freaks and Geeks when it originally aired and saddened when they canceled it. Seth Rogen and James Franco are obvious mentions when people refer to the show but Rashida Jones was part of the mix too!
As quoted in Anthem magazine Jones said this about her time on Freaks and Geeks:
"That was a lot of fun because I got to wear a Journey iron-on T-shirt that was actually from 1980 that had never been worn. My name was Karen Scarfoli, and I was kind of a fat-ass bully."
And we enjoyed every minute of it! The show wouldn't be the same without random geek torture. Watch the following video, then head over to Kelly's site where she chats about Bill Haverchuck's sweet dance moves.
Get your DVRs ready! The season premieres of One Tree Hill (The CW) and Lincoln Heights (ABC Family) air tonight at 8 p.m.
One Tree Hill returns for its 7th season, leaving two of my favorite characters behind: Lucas and Peyton. As much as I'd like to see them again I'm glad the writers gave them a pleasant departure. Long live their famous line: "Your art matters."
Lincoln Heights returns for its 4th season as we catch up with the Sutton family and various storylines. It looks like Cassie and Charles are back together (I've lost count on how many times they almost broke up).
I enjoy both shows but if you can only catch one I'd say go for One Tree Hill.
I felt like talking about some of my favorite films so I pulled out my digital recorder and this is what you get...Reel Awkward Chat! In this episode I cover 500 Days of Summer, Away We Go and my affinity for skinny jeans (random, I know).
I play a snippet of music in the beginning by I Am Jen so if you like the song head over to her site and buy the EP.
I have to admit, I watched the pilot episode of the new Melrose Place. I never followed the original so I knew little about the concept other than it revolved around an apartment complex full of pretty people. Curiosity got the best of me so I gave the new version a try. Whether you're a fan of Melrose Place or not, here are two actresses of color that you should at least be aware of.
Jessica Lucas' credits include Cloverfield and the Canadian teen drama Edgemont.
Stephanie Jacobsen was last seen on Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles playing a rebel from the future.
I liked both actresses in their previous work (yes, I used to watch Edgemont) and I'm glad to see them have an opportunity to raise their profile, hopefully that will lead to other roles down the line. Especially Jacobsen, since there are so few TV shows and movies that star Asian-American characters (or in her case Asian-Australian).
Wayne Brady was surprisingly charming in The List, a romantic comedy about a guy who gets his heart broken on national TV. Sydney Tamiia Poitier plays his new love interest as he pieces his life back together. On paper I wouldn't have imagined Brady and Poitier to make a believable couple, but watching their scenes together it totally works, it's actually delightful. For an indie film it has just the right amount of cuteness to keep you engaged. If you're a fan of Poitier, like I am, then you'll definitely want to add this to your collection. It was nice seeing her in a starring role.
You can buy The List on demand via Amazon.com or purchase the DVD through the American Black Film Festival site.
Meet my new TV crush...well, sort of. His show hasn't came out yet but he'll be playing a doctor on the new CBS drama Three Rivers. I think it's safe to add him to the McDreamy list, shall we call him McHenney?
And looky here, Gwyneth Paltrow is crushing over McHenney in this Korean commercial:
I've been hearing a lot of Oscar buzz regarding this film, mostly about Carey Mulligan's performance. I really hope it lives up to the hype because I haven't seen an Anne Hathaway Rachel Getting Married type performance yet. And I'm so ready for the all hoopla over potential best actress nominees to begin.
For those of you who caught An Education at a festival chime in with your opinion. The rest of us have to wait until October 9th when it opens in limited theaters.
I was just thinking about how much I like this film and how there are so few female buddy comedies. Janeane Garofalo and Uma Thurman were hilarious as one part awkward, one part glam bffs who both had a crush on the adorable Ben Chaplin. Every time I hear Blues Traveler's "Run-Around" I'm reminded of the bar scene where Garofalo's character spills some food on her shirt. And that makes me really miss Garofalo's '90s films. The only actresses who sort of have a similar comedic timing are Kat Dennings and Aubrey Plaza and I wish they got cast in starring roles like this.
A successful veterinarian & radio show host with low self-esteem asks her model friend to impersonate her when a handsome man wants to see her.
If you haven't seen The Truth About Cats & Dogs then add it to your Netflix queue right away!
There's a special bond between a person and their artwork, whatever form it may come in. Everlasting Moments touches upon this principle in a unique backdrop.
In a time of social change and unrest, war and poverty, a young working class woman, Maria, wins a camera in a lottery. The decision to keep it alters her whole life.
No one likes a good action flick as much as I do. As much as I enjoy seeing tasty men star in action films and kicking some major butt, I also love to see women get the lead roles in something other than romantic comedies. So let’s take a look as this fall’s line-up of action/horror movies starring women.
Action Flick Chick’s Top 5 Movie Picks Starring Females:
5. 2012 (November 13) - Starring: Thandie Newton and Amanda Peet.
A group of people are trying to survive the end of the world. It’s quite a departure from Roland Emmerich’s previous films, don’t ya think?
4. Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (October 30) - Starring: Julie Benz.
This one mainly focuses on a family of two brothers and a father getting revenge on the mob, but Julie Benz plays a police detective who packs heat while wearing 6 inch heels. I’ve got high hopes that she too will get in on the action and kick some ass.
3. Jennifer’s Body (September 18) - Starring: Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried.
A cheerleader becomes possessed and is out to seduce and destroy all the males in her class.
2. Whiteout (September 11) - Starring: Kate Beckinsale.
Set in Antarctica, Beckinsale and co. are trying to find a killer before the sun sets for six months.
1. Sorority Row (September 11) - Starring: Teri Andrzejewski, Megan Wolfley, Marie Blanchard, and Briana Evigan.
Uh oh, someone is killing the sisters of a sorority. Gasp, who could it be? You can find out this weekend.
This is the Action Flick Chick, and you’ve just been kicked in the ass!
The main appeal of The Lake lies in the awkwardly cute chemistry between Devin Crittenden and Heather Ann Davis. They play Drew and Olivia in the WB's new web series about a group of friends who meet up every summer at Lake Eleanor. Each episode runs about ten minutes giving us a nice portion of teen angst moments that deal with light-hearted issues like first dates to more weighty ones like...well, you'll just have to watch and see.
Given the right script, Sigourney Weaver can probably embody any type of character and that's the mark of a great actress (she has three Oscar nominations to her credit). Yet somehow Snow Cake went under-the-radar in 2006, and that's the plight of smaller films sometimes they get overlooked by movies with bigger marketing budgets. At Reel Artsy it's our ambition to spotlight films new and old that offer a pinch of quirky. So you might want to give Snow Cake a try!
Reel Artsy fav, Rashida Jones (Parks & Recreation, I Love You Man), has an upcoming film gig that will hit the festival circuit in 2010. According to The Hollywood Reporter:
Monogamy is an indie romantic comedy that...described by filmmakers as a "cautionary tale about sex, photography and fear of marriage," the film will center on a young couple's relationship and its trials.
Her co-star is Chris Messina from Away We Go and Julie & Julia. That makes Monogamy #1 on my list of next year's must-see movies.
Whiteout is an action/thriller starring Kate Beckinsale. That's enough to get me hooked. After her impressive work in Underworld I'm ready to see Beckinsale kick-butt again.
Vampires are in vogue and True Blood tops the chart (unless you're a teen, then it's Edward Cullen). In a clever move Nylon capitalizes on all the vampire love and has Anna Paquin as its September cover girl.
Most quoted film descriptions are from IMDb.com, official sites, and press releases. ALL NAMES, TRADEMARKS AND IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.
On how they used music to “get into character”:
On the vibe of the set of White on Rice:
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