Movie Review ~ Grand Torino

Grand Torino is classic Clint Eastwood. Even though Walt, Clint Eastwood, is a grumpy old bigot who uses every racial slur that exists, you grow to love the old bastard. He redeems himself in the end, resulting in a sad ending that he wouldn't have any other way.

Walt reminds me of the men the greatest generation this country has ever produced who were too often misunderstood. They are and were the men I looked up to the most, Arthur Thur, Howard Raymo, and John Somerville when I was growning up.

Grand Torino in theaters December 12, 2008

Movie Review ~ Last Chance Harvey

I went to special screening of Last Chance Harvey with a Q&A with Dustin Hoffman. The movie was sweet and romantic, we need more films like this. Who says older people can't fall in love? The most touching scene was when Harvey, Dustin Hoffman, gives the toast at his daughter's wedding reception. Dustin said when they shot the scene, he asked the director, Joel Hopkins, to shoot it with three cameras because he didn't think he would be able to do the scene more than once. Emma Thompson is a great match for him, so there's no question why they were both nominated for Golden Globes.

Dustin Hoffman was humble and very interesting to listen to. He spoke not only about the movie, but from everything from Kramer VS Kramer to Rainman. He talked and answered questions for so long, we got kicked out of the theater because there was another screening and we didn't get a chance to get autographs or pictures.

Last Chance Harvey in theaters December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2008 had been a fantastic year!
I've had countless adventures I've experienced with family and friends, there was never a dull moment!

The top 10 most memorable moments of 2008


10. Meeting Ed Harris

Ed Harris was so nice to stop and talk to me and autograph my poster after the Q&A when I saw Appaloosa.


9. Meeting Patrick Wilson

Believe it or not, after I saw Phantom of the Opera, the first person I Googled was Patrick!
I can't wait to see Watchmen!


8. Meeting Danny Boyle

Slumbdog Millionare has all my support for it's Golden Globe nominations
Best Movie, Danny Boyle for Best Director


7. Going to the Nim's Island Premiere



The only photos I could take were outside, all of our cameras and cell phones had to checked in before we went inside the theater. I wish I had had it though, Gerard was great, he was the sweetest with the little girls we had brought, he autographed their Nim's Island books and took the time to answer all their questions. I don't know who was more thrilled, my niece's classmates or Gerard meeting his new fans.


6. Meeting Allan Rickman

I can't believe I met him! LOL!
My knees were shaking and I can't remember what I said to him.



5. Meeting Michael Fassbender

Michael was a thrill to meet and so generous with his time.
The Academy better not overlook his performance in Hunger!



4. Meeting James McAvoy

I still can't believe I told him I loved him! LOL!


3. Seeing Jeffrey at Comic Con

When Jeffrey was signing my Watchmen poster he said, "Hello! Nice to see you again!"
I'm going with that he remembered me when I met him at the PS I Love You Premiere after party and I told him I still haven't gotten over him dying in Grey's Anatomy. LOL! Then Jeffrey said, "Neither am I!" And then next thing I knew he was hugging me!

After the autograph signing Jeffrey was so sweet, even though the security guards were trying to whisk him away, he ignored them, wrapped his arm around me, and posed for the picture.


2. Seeing Gerard at Comic Con, how could I not? I was sitting in the second row!

Kisses are my favorite chocolate!


And the #1 most memorable moment in 2008 was...

1. Talking with Gerard at the RocknRolla Premiere

Joy and Allen were trying to get him into the Escalade after the premiere, but he stopped to say hello even though he knew it would cause a flood of fans to ask him to stop for autographs and well wishes. He autographed my favorite picture from Comic Con talked to me for a bit.
Gerard said, "I never forget you"
I'm surprised I didn't faint and actually remember the conversation. He said goodbye and got into the Escalade.

I wish everyone a wonderful and safe holiday season!

Here's to 2009, the year has already started off well.

Cheers!

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

My family and I went to see the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Robin Williams, Freida Pinto from Slumdog Millionaire, and Johnny Mathis were the guests. Robin was hysterical as usual with his off camera antics and Freida was an unexpected surprise, I loved her in Slumdog Millionaire, still my favorite movie this year!

My children -- Loren, Megan, & Ryan.
It's great to know that they think I'm a cool mom, LOL!

Revolutionary Road Premiere

I attended the Premiere of Revolutionary Road last night. Sam Mendes, the director and also Kate Winslet's husband, introduced the film as well as thanked all who made the movie possible.

The movie was very sad, but the performances of the entire cast including Kathy Bates, John Behlmann, Kristen Connolly, and especially Michael Shannon all contribute to compelling story.

Sam Mendes introducing Revolutionary Road


After the movie I met Kristen Connolly and she was kind enough to autograph my poster.

Movie Review ~ Revolutionary Road

Revolutionary Road, directed by Sam Mendes, was very sad, but had brilliant performances by the entire cast. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet have the same chemistry after all these years, matured and real, makes you wonder what real life would have been like if Jack had survived Titanic.

The 1950's was unforgiving for women who didn't fit the mold. Kate's portrayal of a woman trying to escape her stifling, mediocre, suburban life is heart wrenching and Leonardo's portrayal of a man who loves his wife, but doesn't understand how to make her happy, makes a sad reality of what marriage can do to destroy hopes and dreams. Young people should watch this movie as a prerequisite before hastily heading to the alter.

Revolutionary Road in theaters December 26, 2008

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE Nominated for 4 Golden Globes!

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE Nominated for 4 Golden Globes®!

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has nominated SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE for:

Best Picture, Drama
Best Director for Danny Boyle
Best Screenplay for Simon Beaufoy
Best Original Score for A.R. Rahman.

Congratulations Danny and the cast and crew!