Best Documentaries of 2012

IMHO Movie Reviews:

Side by Side

I saw the documentary, Side by Side at the NoHo Laemmle Theaters in August and I can't stop raving about it!

Side by Side is all about digital v.s. film or how more and more movies are being made digitally as the celluloid filmmaking process (cameras included) fades away. This film is directed by Chris Kenneally who I think did a marvelous job with the subject matter. Also, well done was the way actor, Keanu Reeves (The Matrix, Speed, The Gift, Thumbsucker) did double-duty as the on-screen interviewer and narrator for the film. Reeves also co-produced the film through his production company with fellow producer, Justin Szlasa. 

Watching Side by Side was very educational for me. In fact, it almost felt like Film School 101 because I got such amazing insights from the greats of filmmaking such as Martin Scorsese, David Fincher, David Lynch, Chris Nolan etc. on where they stood on digital versus celluloid filmmaking. A film like this could have become too technical and unengaging in the wrong hands but the subject was so well presented that nothing went over my head.

Side by Side is full of fun and humor, too as are the film's director and producers, which I found out at the Q&A following the screening. Kenneally and Reeves recounted how Reeves came up with the idea for the documentary and then they jokingly shared amusing anecdotes on how they got all the cinematic legends in the doc to agree to the interviews. Kenneally and Reeves even called upon the film's cinematographer, Chris Cassidy to answer a few questions about cinematography for the film.

IMHO: Side by Side is a  "must see" if you love movies and the film industry so don't miss it! It's both fun and informative and it'll kept you interested the entire time.

**Kudos to Tribeca Films for getting the distribution rights for SBS in the U.S. SBS is currently available on VOD but I hope it is released more widely in theaters in the US and abroad because I think they may have a chance of an Oscar nomination with this doc- it's that good!.

(see more of my comments as blessedinLA   www.DeadlineHollywood.com )

                               The Side by Side team  (Cassidy, Szlasa, Kenneally, Revees)
Update: 10/1/12
I've suggested Side by Side for the "must see" list for the film discussion group at my church so we'll see  : )  

Update:  10-20-12
Side by Side was screened for the Academy of Arts and Sciences on Oct 7th 2012. Could an Oscar nomination be in the works? I hope so!

UPDATE: 10-24-12

Live in or around NYC? Side by Side screens for FREE at Tribeca Cinema for the Future of Film
Symposium with a post-film discussion panel planned - don't miss it! Best doc of the year for me and
a "must see" if you're a film buff!  http://futureoffilmoctober2012.eventbrite.com/#

See the full list of Side by Side's upcoming screenings in the U.S. and internationally
HERE   http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/sidebysidethemovie?fref=ts

You can also watch Side by Side on Video On Demand (VOD) $5.99 for a 3-day rental
HERE      http://www.amazon.com/Side-by/dp/B0090EJZA8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351233469&sr=8-1&keywords=side+by+side+movie

I still hope Company Films & Tribeca bring Side by Side back to L.A. theaters soon so more industry folk can see it on a large screen here as SBS has finished it's run in the L.A. area.

Update: 11/8/12   Side by Side is coming back to LA!
The Hollywood Post Alliance hosts a screening of Side By Side followed by a Q&A with the director and producers at Arclight Theater on 11/19. A small reception will follow. Get tickets at
http://www.hpaonline.com/side-by-side-screening

More IMHO Reviews to come:
I hope to see a few other documentaries this year especially Searching for Sugar Man which I've heard the most about. I'll also post more of my IMHO reviews starting with the new Indie film, Sironia which was directed by Brandon Dickerson, the former lead Pastor of Ecclesia Church.

Lent And The Oscars

I had been surprisingly uninterested in this year's Academy of Arts and Sciences Oscar Award race often times turning the channel as they interview nominees or talk about the contentious race for the award. This is especially uncharacteristic of me as I love movies and I love the Oscars.

Plus, this year has 2 black women nominated for best acting and best supporting actress (Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer respectively of the movie, The Help), which should have put me in Oscar viewership heaven. But I was still all ho-hum about it. I didn't even go to the Animated Feature Film Symposium at the Sam Goldwyn Oscar Building as I always do and it was being hosted by Pat Oswald(my fav)!

I didn't understand the wave of this ambiguous malaise feeling until the gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit as I rode past the Oscars red carpet set up at night on my way to church on Ash Wednesday. I resisted the feeling for the rest of the week but the feeling increased as I woke up this morning and got ready for church. Then it hit HARD! Give up all things Oscars for Lent and fast from certain entertainment and TV...

I asked myself, "was my love for this industry, which at its zenith is primarily represented by the Oscars, getting in the way of God? My immediate answer was a resounding "no!" but I thought of my past Oscars and red carpet exploits and considered the Holy Spirit's nudge. I prayed on this for a while and He confirmed it... *big inhale* So now I am doing a total Oscar and Media block-out which is tough in H-wood but I'm doing it. Whew! *big exhale*

2/26/12 I started out on this former Oscar Sunday to my church on Hollywood Blvd. past throngs of people heading through police blockades to wait at the Oscar red carpet-lol. God has an amazing sense of humor!

I kept on track and had a wonderful day at church where our Messianic Jewish pastor-in-residence, Scott Nassau, talked about the woman with the issue of blood, about how unclean she was in the Jewish tradition and how Jesus imparts His divine purity to clean us.

I thanked Scott for infusing the message with many translations and references to the Hebrew text and traditions. We talked about fibroids, a common cause of prolonged bleeding which I myself overcame through God's grace, prayer, good doctors and a few medical procedures. Then I told Scott my hilarious anecdotes about hospital work, lice and other unclean things. Thank you, God for cleansing us!

I talked with friends after church then we all drifted out at about 1:30 pm to go about our respective day. Funny, not one of this congregation of Ecclesians, from the pastors, deacons, prayer team to the members (many actors, writers and producers themselves), I repeat, not one mentioned the Oscars which was just about 3 blocks and 3 hours away. So I walked from church confident that my Oscar fast was correct and with a love abounding for Ecclesia.

So I smiled and praise the Lord as I walked by many tourists and little girls in toy tiaras plus 20-somethings fashionistas hoping for their big Hollywood moment. I also walked past a 6'4" guy in a mini skirt and tank top and high stacked Lucite heels and his friend, a black male version of the infamous cat woman of plastic surgery due to an over aggressive check implant and tight eye job and a long blond weave.

Despite those obvious distractions and the steady flow of people heading towards the Oscars' red carpet, I was all smiles and my mind serene as I prayed and marshaled my thoughts in the opposite direction of the Oscars and walked away in the opposite direction, too.

Update: 3/4/12
It's 1 week later and I only have flashes of info about the Oscar results. I saw a headline on AOL while checking my e-mail indicating Meryl Streep may have won again after umpteen nominations and 1 or 2 previous wins. Meryl is a fav so I'm happy for her and Viola Davis is bound to win soon with all that acting talent she possesses.

A recent Google search for a new documentary premiering at the Berlin Film Festival revealed a funny story about Octavia Spencer and that she'd won her category, which was a no-brainer.

I think The Artist may have won for best movie and that suave, dapper and dancing French actor may have beaten out favs like Clooney and Pitt for best actor, too because I think I would have heard about those "hot" and "in" celebrity dudes and any of their Oscar wins by now. Or would I?

Fashion:
I have been hearing a lot about the split in Angelina Jolie's dress though (whatever that means). And I caught a brief glimpse of a magazine's cover at a convenience store check-out with photos of their Oscars 2012 fashion spread with "full figured nominees" Melissa McCarthy(forever known as Suki)and Octavia Spencer. I thought both made great choices but that Spencer's gown looked especially lovely.

Stay tuned to see how long I can make it through this Lenten Season without knowing the final Oscar results.

Lent 2012 Begins In Hollywood

Lent Season- 40 Days And Counting...

Wed 2/22/12
Another Serving Of Breakfast:
I began the day listening to a talk about the Cub Scouts followed by more Broadway show tunes with Don Snyder and a guest vocalist at The L.A. Breakfast Club (for more on LABC see previous post). I strolled for a bit at the park afterwards as it was a bright and beautiful morning but yet still cool and crisp (almost like an East coast Fall but with lots more sun).

Ash Wednesday Noon Observance:
The temp heated up to 80 by noon as I headed to Ecclesia church for a noon day observance of Ash Wednesday and the giving of ashes. The church would be offering ashes and prayer for anyone who wanted to receive them along Hollywood Blvd.

Years ago, I never thought the day would come that I would actually see such an open acknowledgement of faith on H-wood Blvd like how Ecclesia lives it, so I was going to be there to support the cause of Jesus. It's really such a blessing to see God at work in such a spiritually dark and weird place that at times the experience can be over-whelming. So I obviously needed to be at church at noon to focus myself on Jesus and my own lenten devotions.

I dressed in my black t-shirt with Hollywood emblazoned in hot pink across it and I grabbed my pink scarf with the rabbit fur trim. I had no car for the day so I would first have to survive the crazy bus ride there. Things began badly when the normally red rapid bus which makes fewer stops was orange today which is the color of the regular line.

As you can expect, people got on the bus innocently only to found out that they had to walk 3 blocks back to their true stop. As we passed stop after stop, more people were arguing loudly with the bus driver, sometimes in 2-3 different languages at a time (one Russian lady looked ballistic). The constant clammer was ruining my Lent prep buzz but as most of those complaining were old people with joint complaints, I could really sympathize.

Then an older flushed-faced man, snuck in the back door without paying. He had a grocery bag with liquor bottles in it and he pulls out one bottle and starts chugging large gulps of 100 proof hooch openly from the bottle. Man, he looked like his very life depended on each swig. Everyone tried to ignore him and I tried to think sympathetic about him because he was obviously deep in an alcohol addiction. I know that the man needed prayer so I tried to be mindful of that and pray accordingly.

Not surprisingly, the man's bottle was near empty within 2 stops but then he starts spitting on the floor of the bus. I let it pass and tried to pray for him even harder. I tried to avert my eyes, too but the man was directly in front of me. He let another large lugey one out and I stopped praying because I was just so plainly grossed out. I tried to turn my entire body 180 degrees away but I was cramped in between a metal chair rail and a beefy guy(talk about being caught between the proverbial "rock and a hard place").

The inebriated man lets a 3rd very large lugey fly and my stomach just rolls. I just had to say something! So I very politely say “Sir, You can't keep spitting in the bus like that”. The man sassed me back with a lot of lip and drunk-ittude but he did stop. I was tempted to give him some attitude back after he said he didn't need "no momma" to tell him what to do but I controlled myself. I did tell him, "No, you need Jesus". Now that I think of it though, I didn't say it in the nicest or most Christian of ways... God, please forgive me.

When I finally exited the bus a few people told me that I was right to have spoken up on the bus but my spirit felt so antsy. You can imagine the 2 or so blocks up the street to church seemed endless. It was already 12:45pm and my mind was racing with worry. “I can't miss the ashes today”, I thought, "cause I so need prayer and repentance after that bus ride".

Well good Christian faith and counsel came to the rescue, both of which I got in good measure as I arrived to the capable ministering of the pastor, deacons and prayer team of Ecclesia church.

Prayer team member, M.S. was especially helpful as she joked about her horrifying experience of riding the NYC subway and buses with riders like the Riker island prison guards. Her anecdotes made my L.A. bus experiences pale in comparison and made me laugh. She prayed with me again about pouring God's love into people and not letting them pour their negative into me (a must have faith skill to keep you resilient here in LA) and after a few minutes of prayer and reflection, I was back to my old happy self.

Pastor Joseph came over and prayed for me and gave me my ashes. His solemnly spoken words especially "and from ashes you shall return" nearly made me cry. Then he discussed Psalm 103 with me and encouraged me to read it especially verses 8-18 which I did. Of course I was struck by God's great love and compassion for us even though we are filthy in sin.

I did some more self-reflection then I stood with the team for a while as they offered coffee, tea, water and of course prayer and the ashes to any and all passer-bys who walked by. Some normal looking people looked at us as if we were freaks, Some freaky looking people looked at us as if we were freaks.

One lady asked if we were Catholic, when she was told that we were evangelical Christian she made a sick face. She walked away quickly (fearfully?) and as an after thought I thought that I should have probably referred her to the Catholic church on Sunset with the beautiful blue candle-lit interiors and large organ. I had visited there by my lonesome self on my first Christmas in L.A. and they had had the most beautiful Nativity program with a real 10 pound baby Jesus who the little girl Mary could baerly lift. They also had a live choir and a brass band that fine night and they played all my favorite Christmas hymns and praised the Lord 'til way past midnight. (I had literally crawled in this church another time when my back completely gave out but that's a whole other story).

Anyway, others passer-bys knew about Ash Wednesday, too and they asked for prayer and the ashes and were thankful to receive them. Sadly, countless others had never heard about it but they seemed interested and asked for more info. The team told them about Lent and provided them a card with more info about Lent and invited them to the 7:30 pm services. Other team members talked deeper about Psalm 103 to those interested.

Many first timers thought it amazing that 20-30 somethings Christians (some with piercings etc.) were on H-Blvd reflecting on such godly things. We discusses our lives with Christ a little and also discussed what we may give up for Lent. Some said TV of Facebook which was big at church last year. One passer-by mid-20s or so and goth-looking with multiple tattoos said that he think that he should gave up alcohol. One team member told the guy gently, "God will let you know” then I told him of my epic 40 Day Fasting Battle of 2011 where I resisted potato chips and Cheetos last year. Everyone laughed and a few others admitted they were giving up chocolate or sweets this Lent, too.

The Oscars!
After church, I was off to my doctor's at Cedars so I got on another bus. And surprise, surprise! With all my Lent preparation and soul searching I had forgotten that The Oscars/Academy Awards are this weekend so all the Oscar craziness was up the street at Hollywood and Highland at the former Kodak Theater.

By crazy I meant to include road blocks, diverted traffic, traffic snarls, tons more tourists, sight-seers and fans and tons more people who are in obvious need of attention or mental help. For example, one goofy-smiling youngish shirtless dude standing on the corner with a hand-written cardboard sign with vulgar references to a woman and her body parts. The guy looked so sad and awkward when no one even blinked at his sign("Hey, this is Hollywood, dude! We've seen it all!").

I finally made it to the doctor's office and the staff and I had a long conversation about Lent. Eventually we got to what we would give up. One guy said Lent was new to him so he had done online search and he's considering it. We told him it's not just food and others were giving up swearing, TV shows, shopping etc.

I told him that from my experience whatever you give up, big or small, that thing that seemed so important won't feel so at the end of the fast and how I always feel more focused on God after. For example, thanks to my potato chips fast last year (which actually lasted about 55 days), I can now take or leave chips at the grocery and they're not a must have for me every week. So as I constantly "chip" away some of my earthly and fleshly yearnings during Lent I build a new and deeper relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Ash Wednesday 7:30 PM Service:
I rode the bus again and an older man came on in a mini skirt, halter top with his back out and a fur coat slung over his broad football shoulders. The man wore a blond weave/wig that was askew and his lip stick was badly smeared. He clutched his purse and seemed to be talking to himself a lot so I think he may have mental issues or he could have just been complaining about his sore feet in his stacked heel(seriously). The bus was filled so the man had to stand in the packed aisle as many in the bus looked away from him in disgust or to hide their laughter. I tried to keep prayerful again so I prayed for the man and I prayed for a good dependable car for myself.

I arrived back at church at 7:15 pm and my back was acting badly. I had had a full day up and about but I just had to be back to church. The church was full but more drifted in as people came after work. We started praise and reflection in the lobby with just John playing on the guitar. Then Psalm 103 was read to us followed by more singing and reflection as ashes were given out by Pastor Scott and other deacons to those who wanted. We filed slowly inside and had more praise and worship with the full praise band on stage. We sang one of my favorite songs called Hungry" by Kathryn Scott as well as many other praise songs.

Then we did corporal confession lead by Pastor Joseph. He told us he took the words from an atonement confession for Yom Kippur that he got from our messianic Jewish pastor, Pastor Scott. Pastor Joseph said the Hebrew name for the confession but I can't recall it. It has really been a blessing to have Pastor Scott in residence because he helps bring so much of the Old Testament scriptures to life and he helps us understand how the Jewish traditions relate to us as Christians. Hearing a full congregation of people confessing sin as one to God is so mind blowing! The confessions were very deep. Here's a list of those that were especially deep for me:

I sinned against you with a glance...
I sinned against you unknowingly...
I sinned against you in wrong confessions...

Then Pastor Joseph invited us all to come forward for prayer. I was in so much pain but I resisted. I had been offered prayer for my back by a church elder at the noon Ash Wednesday but I had refused because I didn't feel I should keep going to get prayer for my back every week. I thought, "I have faith and I believe God can heal me but I may have to just wait for my healing".

Then Bang! The pain increased as I stood in church and I was conflicted about getting prayed for, until I remembered the scripture, "God's word does not come back void" so I know the prayers for my healing are not wasted even if I have to wait. And it does not show lack of faith instead it shows more faith as the Book of James says, "if there are any sick among you have the elders pray for you". So I went and got prayed for and felt immediately better. I also got a ride home so I missed all that bus drama. Thank you, Jesus!


Update: 3/12/12
After an amazing session on learning "How To Hear From God" at the Artists' Listening Group and a strong prayer from Melissa Smith and the group, my right hip and leg were miraculously healed today! It has been nearly 16 years of difficulty and pain for this leg related to herniated discs and spinal stenosis so bad that it was causing paralysis in the leg. I had had surgery in 2000 but many symptoms including painful leg cramps and tight hip flexors, foot numbness, leg weakness and poor gait) had still remained in the 12 years prior to this healing. Thank you, God! Now just 3 other quadrants to go!

Oscar Night 2011

Sat 2/26/11 The 83rd annual Academy Awards or Oscars (as it's more commonly called) is tonight and I have my winners picked!

Oscar Night Picks and Pans:
Here are my Oscar picks and why-

Best Picture Nominees:

Black Swan, The Fighter, Inception, The Kids Are All Right, The King's Speech, 127 Hours, The Social Network, Toy Story 3, True Grit, Winter's Bone And the Winner is:
I pick The King's Speech for the win but Toy Story 3 was the best IMHO! It was well written and very touching, just like UP and WALL-E before it.

Best Lead Actor Nominees:
Javier Bardem, Jeff Bridges, Jesse Eisenberg, Colin Firth, James Franco
I pick Colin Firth for the win because Jeff Bridges won last year and Oscar loves classic British actors and accents. Bardem already has a best supporting Oscar so he can wait a bit for his next one. Eisenberg and Franco are young and talented and they have much more to show the Academy in the future.

Best Lead Nominees: Annette Bening, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lawrence, Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams
I pick Natalie Portman is a shoe-in because acting crazy always wins!

Best Supporting Actor: I pick Christian Bale 'cause crazy and crack always wins. Best Supporting Actress: I pick Melissa Leo but Amy Adams has a slight chance to edge her out. Either way, The Fighter sweeps the best supporting category.

Best Director:
I think DavidFincher wins because I just feel it took more to get performances from such young actors as in the Social Network. No disrespect to King's Speech director, but I doubt that Geoffery Rush, Helen B. Carter and Colin Firth needed much directing for their performances. But, who knows, the Brits may win this category as well!

Best Original Screenplay:
David Seidler for The Kings Speech 'cause I didn't think Inception was original at all :P

Best Adapted Screenplay:
Aaron Sorkin is a lock to win!

Best Animated Film:
Toy Story 3 for the win but HTTYD was very good, too.

Update: 2/27/11
Hey, I only missed with one of my predictions so Oscar was a bit predictable this year. Still, my congratulations and God's blessings to all who won!

Happy Oscar Sunday: Sun 2/27/11

The morning of the Oscars didn't dissapoint as I had a great day at church where we continued in I Corinthians Chap 8 & 9 lead by Brian(a church elder and writer). Most of the congregation of Ecclesia are in the entertainment industry or aspire to be, so we were encouraged to “do everything for Christ” and to do our best not to cause "anyone to stumble through our actions". And lastly, as Brian held up a small Oscar-like statuette, we were instructed through the word that we shouldn't make anything an idol in our lives. He reminded us also that as we walk on the stars of Hollywood Blvd., we haven't a clue who the past stars are proving that idols don't last but that God does! Then he prayed over us and blessed us and sent us off to have a "Happy Oscar Sunday"! I had brought my most recent script to church hoping for such a sermon of encouragement from fellow Christians within the industry and I thank God for it.

The Oscars Night Red Carpet & Arrivals:

Feeling inspired from the church service, I braved the crowd at H&H Blvd. and, despite the usual craziness plus the new caged-in feeling due to the new heightened security measures (10 feet tall fencing, cement barricades, metal detector wands and bag searches), I still had a wonderful time. I ended up in the best spot in the front row where I could lean up along a fence post and I even had a little foot rest to put my foot up. All the arrivals happened in less than 2 hours so the standing was less than last time. Though the crowd was easily 10-12 people thick, even the pushing wasn't a big problem because most of the people around me worked together to form a buffer zone and the police also kept an eye on us. God is so amazing!

The Who's Who of Oscar Night:
I was able to see practically everyone as they arrived! Sandra Bullock (happy and waving to the shouting crowd), Matthew McConnaughy and Afro-Brazillian beauty, Camilla, Robert Downey Jr. and wife, Halle Berry (smiling and solo), Natalie Portman 9glowingly pregnant), Penelope Cruz (looking surprisingly lithe and busty after her recent pregnancy) and Javier Bardem(ruggedly handsome), and Colin Firth(all British suave and sophistication).

I also saw famed The Godfather director, Francis Ford Copola as well as Jeniffer Hudson(almost unrecognizable now but gorgeous dress), Jessie Eisenberg (looking tousled), Justin Timberlake, Robert Downey Jr, Russel Brand, Amy Adams, Mark Ruffalo and Sunrise(she looks like Medium actress, Arquette). Then I saw Donald Trump, Mario Von Peebles, Ed Beagly Jr. and David Seidler, the 73 year old screenwriter and winner of the Best Original Screenplay Oscar for The King's Speech.

Near misses:
Mark Wahlberg practically raced by and got swallowed up in the arrivals crowd so I only saw his head. I saw (but didn't recognize) Celine Dion looking extremely thin in a close-fitting silver metallic gown. The same went for Geoffrey Rush whose hair is all shaven off, hopefully for an upcoming role.

Mistooks:
We mistook an Oprah-look alike in Navy gown for Oprah but it wasn't her. Instead, Oprah was wearing an off the shoulder, dark grayish black down with sequences on the skirt and an off the shoulder bodiced top.

Who I didn't see enter:
I didn't see Christian Bale enter but I really wanted to see him. Later, I saw pics of him totally unrecognizable with a reddish longish beard and goatee. I also wanted to see Helen Mirren, Anne Hathaway and Helen Bodham Carter in person as they are the poster children for fashion do's and don'ts, respectively.

Speaking Of Fashion:
I saw all the fashions up close and it was exhilarating! Lots of shades of reds and purples and nude/peach tones and even a few chartreuse colored gowns but not much black, blues or grays. Lots of ruffles, tiers and sequences and structured garments and free-flowing ethereal or draped Grecian styles. Then the shoes! There were stacked platform pumps or stroppy sequenced sandals all with 6 inch heels. I even saw a pair of flip flops (lol). The jewelry was understated but elegant (read as not much bling) and the bags were understated, too.

The men were all handsome, mostly in black tuxes of satin or velvet fabrics. A few men deviated from black and wore navy blue (Robert Downey Jr.) or dark gray (Justin Timberlake). Still, as lovely as everyone was, this red carpet was not as glamorous as previous years.

My Best Dressed Noms:
Michelle Williams (serene and beautiful in a beaded smoky column gown with capped sleeves)
Sandra Bullock (elegant and refined in red sculpted gown with bow at back).
Gwyneth Paltrow (sleek and icy in metallic silver fitted sleeveless gown).
Halle Berry (in nude frothy ruffled fish tail gown with a train).

Honorable Mentions:
Natalie Portman in a maroon drape off the shoulder dress with a small train Jeniffer Hudson in tangerine-red sculpted gown with plunging neckline(maybe too daring) and a fish-tail. Her hair and make-up were also flawless. Reese Witherspoon (classic in black gown with diagonal white off the shoulder draping at the neckline Hailee Steinberg was beautiful and age appropriate in a pale pink 3/4 length tulle princess dress. <

Oscar Goes Young With Oscar Telecast:
The academy is trying real hard to bring in younger viewers besides the choice of Anne Hathaway and James Franco as hosts for the show. Last week, on-line voters picked the dress that the presenting models would wear for the evening. The Academy is also using social networking to promote online Viewing and Live-Streaming with 8 on-site camera's at the Oscars and after-parties. Follow the happenings at Oscars.com, twitter or facebook.

Update:2/28/11
Apparently the choice of going young may have backfired on the Academy with poor ratings and lots of post-Oscar panning. From the little I saw, Hathaway was okay but Franco seemed in over his head and very distant.

Oscar 2011 Preview

Pre-Oscar Events:

I attended the Animated Symposium but missed most of the other pre-Oscar events held this week like the Nominated Foreign Film and the Make-up and Hair Stylist Symposiums. I also missed attending the Nominated Animated Shorts Symposium but I am especially upset that I missed the Short Features Symposium, hosted by noted actor and director, Kenneth Branaugh (see video). All these events are held at the Samuel Goldwyn Bld in Beverly Hills and are priced from FREE - $5. Other free Oscar events and exhibits were held at the Kodak Theatre this week also.

Oscar Viewing:

The Oscars is fastly approaching and since I didn't get bleacher viewing seats this year (again), I am not sure how I'll view the 83rd Oscars. I will be in the area for church service and a child dedication on Sunday so I might brave the bad weather (was that hale in Burbank today?) and the crush of the crowd to see the red carpet arrivals in person at Hollywood and Highland. If you are regular to this blog you will recall that I promised to never return to the Oscars arrival side walk troupe ever again! It was fun in 2008 and I did see a few stars like Katherine Heigle, Nicole Kidma, George Clooney but we stood for hours in a ridiculously packed in crowd. To make matters worse, a 6' tall German lady nearly took me out while trying to see Clooney. Then Japanese tourists were climbing over me to get to the lamp posts overhead so that they can get good pictures. Then some Italian man in the crowd was groping butts accidentally :( The cops were suspect too because they were letting many pretty Brazilian women (who were showing ample cleavage) pass the police barricade, therefore allowing them close enough to see everything. It was such a zoo that I didn't get any pics of the stars and my back and my mood were bummed from all the pushing and standing.

Oscar Viewing Parties in LA:

I was considering attending one of the Oscar viewing parties here in LA. As a back-up plan. Oscar sanctions 50 official viewing parties across the US and the funds raised benefits various charities in the respective cities. I attended one such sanctioned event years ago at AFI in Silver Spring, MD and it was a blast including red carpet interviews of us stars/guests as we arrived and photographers. We watched the event live on the theater screen and won prizes for correct nominee ballot picks. Of course, there are the post-Oscar industry parties like Vanity Fair's and others but I don't think I'm on their guest lists(lol).

There are also a number of unofficial viewing parties and after-parties in LA. I've listed a few below (all under $60) but there's nothing to stop you from throwing your own fab Oscar party for about the same price for your favorite cinefiles and fashionistas. I usually do my Oscar viewing solo at home but I'm always dressed for the red carpet complete with gown, heels and bling, as well as winners envelopes, acceptance speech and an a gold Oscar-esque stand-in and I think that maybe I'm not alone in doing this.

Oscar Viweing Parties:

1. Cinefamily fund raiser When: Sunday, February 27 (5-11pm) Where: The Cinefamily Theatre, 611 N. Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 Cost: Suggested donations are $15 general admission/free for members, $60 for a 2-person couch, and $90 for a 3-person couch

2. F.A.M.E. And Bel-Air Magazine Party When: Sunday, February 27 (4pm-midnight) Where: Falcon Restaurant, 7213 W Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046 Cost: Varying prices. While you could technically RSVP for free, this doesn't guarantee seating. Tickets start at $25. http://www.clubzone.com/events/340794/los-angeles/falcon/fame-3rd-annual-oscar-viewing-and-after-party 3

Digital Entertainment and IVY Entertainment's Party Digital and IVY (Ivy League alumni who are industry professionals) are hosting an Oscars viewing party at

Capitol City. They will have a 14 by 8 foot projection screen as well as a dozen flat screens for viewing. The cost is under only $14 plus the cash/food bar plus it's a great opportunity for networking. When: Sunday, February 27 (4:30-8pm) Where: Capitol City, 1615 N Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90028 Cost: $14 4. W Hotel's Party Where: Whiskey Blue 930 Hilgard Ave., 310-443-8232 this Sunday starting at 3 p.m.

Sources:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/25/oscars-2011-viewing-parties-in-los-angeles_n_827417.html#s243761&title=Kimera_Restaurants_3rd www.RedCarpet.com and www.Zevents.com

Update: Sun 2/27/11

Happy Oscar Sunday!A few of my friends from church, who are musicians or in the industry, told me that they would be attending various casual viewing parties at restaurants on Sunset and Hollywood Blvd. along with their other friends.

2011 Oscar Animated Features Symposium

Thurs 2/24/11

The 83rd Academy Awards Oscar Nominated Animated Features Symposium was tonight and I had a great time seeing the nominated clips and hearing from the films' directors. I saw both Toy Story 3 and How To Train Your Dragon in the theaters last year but I had not even heard about the delightful, The Illusionist. Illusionist is a traditional 2 D hand drawn film about a stage magician in Europe during the 1960's. The film, which was written for adult audiences, looks absolutely beautiful to the eye and is very funny as well.

I think Toy Story 3 will win this category but this is the closest animation features race ever because HTTYD is phenom, too. Still TS3 writing was better with more 3 dimensional characters (no pun intended) with full back stories (i.e. Lotso and Big Baby). TS3 is up for best Picture, too but I doubt the academy is brave enough to pick it for a win over such a classic British film like King's Speech.

It was a nice outing but there were a few downers for the night. First, Sylvain Chomet, The Illusionist's director was unable to make it from France because he was getting an award there. Then, I was unable to meet any of the other directors after the panel. I had already met Chris Sanders and Dean Deblois from HTTYD at the 3D film Fest last year but I was really trying to speak with TS3's, Lee Unkrich, but to no avail.

Out Of The Mouths Of Babes:
I was able to meet up and coming film critic, radio talk show host, artist and self-promotional whiz kid, Perry S. Chen. Perry is just 10 but he handled himself like a pro as he asked the panel questions and promoted his various websites and projects. Later, I got the opportunity to shake Perry's hand and he handed me his business card like a tried and true industry professional. We spoke about the business a bit then I spoke with Perry's mom, film producer Dr. Zhu Shen, about what's on the horizon for him.

I was able to view Perry's art work and movie reviews on-line and I concur with the Oscar panel's response that Perry's future is bright, indeed. Here's a list of awards that the 10 year old has already racked up:

Young Journalist awards:
- “Excellence in Journalism Award” at the San Diego Press Club, Oct 2010
- Honoree of the Cox Communications Asian Heritage Month, May 2010
- Vic Kops Children’s Challenge Award:
- “Excellent Writer for We Chinese” for movie review column, January 2010:

Art awards:
-San Diego County Fair, First Place, 2010 and 2009
-San Diego City Hall Children’s Art Show, October 2009
-San Diego International Art & Music Festival, January 2010

Check young Perry out at:

www.wsRadiocom/Perry
www.youtube.com/perryspreviews
www.facebook.com/perryspreviews
http://twitter.com/perryspreviews
www.linkedin.com/in/perryspreviews

Halle Berry At AFI Fest

I headed to the Graumann's Chinese Theatre on Tues November 9th to hear Halle Berry On Acting at AFI Fest. I arrived at the last minute and still got the best seats in the house. In fact, I was so close that I was where the official photographers sat...again (see video clip below). Halle was stunning in a black form fitting dress to the delight of all the men drooling in the front row (see pic). She seemed real down to earth and expressed surprised that the theater was actually filled to capacity just to hear from her.

The evening quickly got on the way and we got to hear Halle's thoughts on acting, winning the Oscar and her various and often, as she puts it, “tragic” movie roles. We saw many clips from her movies including her current turn as a strip club dancer with multiple personalities in Frankie and Alice, which is actually based on a true story. Sadly, Halle expressed that it is still hard for her to get roles as a black woman in Hollywood. She denied rumors that she had lots of movies in the works and lamented that things were still a struggle for her even after her Oscar win.

So it is no surprise then that Halle is now a strong proponent of producing her own film projects and making her own opportunities which she did by producing and developing Frankie and Alice. Her producing experience began when she brought Introducing Dorothy Dandrige to HBO as a TV movie over 10 years ago. She talked about the eerie similarities between Dandrige and herself (born in the same hospital, same birthday etc). Dandridge was also the first black woman nominated in the best lead actress category and Halle was the first to win same. I prayed a bit when she said that she and the crew for the Dandridge movie felt that Dandrige's spirit visited the set but it seemed to not bother Ms. Berry as she stated that it encouraged her and the movie cast and crew to complete the project.

After the talk, they turned the stage lights down and Ms. Berry sprinted off the stage as security surrounded her and blocked off any easy access to her. I had no need to fear as a gap opened right up in front of me allowing me to step up right next to her. She is a very petite woman, only about 5' 4” even in 4-5 inch heels and maybe a size 0 in her black designer dress. Her hair and make-up were also flawless but looked natural at the same time.

The fans were calling her name quite loud, pushing and begging her for autographs or for pictures, as light bulbs flashed all around us. Even though I was in this wild fray, I spoke to her very gently and referred to her only as “Ms. Berry” at all times. Security let me step closer and I shook her hand (“for my sister”) and she gripped mine back softly and moved closer to me as we talked like old friends for a bit. This happens to me a lot and I think that people most likely get mesmerized by my accent. It also may have helped that she has a sister, too (lol).

Side-note/Fashion:
I loved the black Elie Saab dress Halle wore and, fashionista that I am, I was eyeing the beautiful jeweled bracelet that she was wearing with it. I love sparkly and shiny things and I was dressed in everything gold and shiny from my closet as well as my faux fur. Seeing Halle dressed so well made me very happy that I had made the effort to dress up also. It also almost made the pain from my beautiful but pinchy shoes go away(lol). I was elated but I headed home right after as the weather outside was decidedly Arctic. God is indeed amazing!!!!

Jon Favreau and Movie Monsters Panel

The Academy of Arts and Sciences Science and Technology Council presented their Monster Movie panel just in time for October 31st. I've loved some of these movies since childhood(Planet of The Apes anyone?) so I couldn't wait to attend this event. I got there early and got a seat up front as they flashed on-screen black and white stills of Bella Lugosi, Lon Chaney and Boris Karloff in their iconic roles of Dracula, Phantom of the Opera, Quasimodo, Frankenstein and The Mummy, respectively. To my surprise and delight, they also had a full Iron Man suit standing next to a 10 foot golden Oscar statue on the right of the stage. Wow! So of course I relocated my seat to that side to sit right in front of it.

I eventually calmed myself and settled down in my new seat as the lights went down. They introduced the panel moderator Shane Mahan but another guy walked onto the stage from behind the curtains. The guy sits in the moderator's chair then reaches up and takes off his face(literally). Turns out that it was Mahan after all but he was wearing a Tony Stark/Robert Downey mask that they made for the stunt men to wear on Iron Man and so he was unrecognizable as himself. Mahan is too much fun at these Academy panels. Last time he brought in an actual Iron Man metal head and allowed us to try it on.

Mahan quickly got down to business and we watched shorts from great monster/horror movies from the original King Kong and Bride of Frankenstein from the 1930's, through Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde in the '50s, An American Werewolf in London, Aliens and Jurassic Park from the 80's and '90s and up to the present 3D and CG laden fare like Avatar. Mahan explained some of the techniques we were seeing after he introduced the appropriate panelist for each clip. The panel included animatronic experts, visual and make-up artists, producers, directors and actors and they discussed the various effects (stop motion, go motion, puppetering, make-up and prosthetics, sculpting, 3D and CG etc.) that were used to create the various monsters, robots, dinosaurs and aliens and how long it took to accomplish it. For example, there were lots of laughs when actor, David Naughton, described his many hours in make-up and his acting method when developing the transformation sequences for American Werewolf.

All the guests were great but my fav was Jon Favreau of Iron Man fame. They introduced Favreau and he stood up from his seat which was just across the aisle from me. He bounded on stage to thunderous applause (his birthday was on 10/19 so he's due). He brought clips from Zathura which he joked that no one saw and of course Iron Man clips. Shane worked on both Zathura and the IM films with Favreau so it was very nice to hear all the details of the process.

Afterwards I got a pic of my two metal men, Iron Man and Oscar, just before security told me not to (lol). Then I got a chance to meet Jon Favreau and to pump him for some more info on Cowboys and Aliens (they're still editing). I did get a picture of him(sort of) and all the shaky video you can handle(lol). I shook his hand, too and I'm never washing it again :D

God is amazing!

2010 Academy Award and Oscar Week Events

February 18, 2010I just got my tickets to this years Academy Award Oscar-Nominated symposium events and I am very excited, to say the least. I will be attending the animation and make-up/hairstylist/special FX symposiums as I've done for 3 years straight. At each event, we see film clips from the nominated movie and the year's Oscar nominees discuss their work and take questions from the audience.

March 4, 2010
Academy Award Oscar-Nominated Animated Features Symposium:
The symposium featured 5 films;

3 that I had seen in theaters--
The Fantastic Mr. Fox (stop-gap animation) about a chicken stealing fox who can't go legit and be a family man. The Princess and the Frog(old fashion/classic Disney style 2-D hand drawn animation) based on the classic fairy tale but with a race twist and some New Orleans/bayou spice and Up (3-D CG/computer generated animation).

And 2 that I did not see--
Coraline (3-D CG)cautionary horror about a young girl who finds a creepy version of her parents(button eyes and all) after crawling through a door in her house and
The Secret of Kells (2D hand drawn film from Ireland) about a young boy monk in a small Irish village as the Vikings come to kill and pillage. It was a bit bloody and suspenseful (think Samurai Jack) but the tension is relieved when he meets a helpful faerie as he looks for ink in the woods(think fairies/power-puff girls). I think the ink was needed so that the older monks could finish translating copies of the Bible but I'm not sure. I can't wait to see Kells when it is released in the U.S., which the designer/writer/director, Tomm Moore, assured us will be soon. I love every thing animation and I had not even heard about The Secret of Kells before this event but, as it came from a small Irish studio, it's understandable.

Academy Award Oscar-Nominated Make-up/Hairstylist Symposium:

This event was great! The team who did the alien special FX for Star Trek had a full display booth. They even brought the 6'5" guy who played the "long-faced alien at the bar" (no kidding, that's how he's credited). The Italian team who did the movie, Il Divo, had some great insights on the business and the movie clips were awesome. Unfortunately, the make-up and hairstylist team for The Young Victoria was stuck at the airport clearing customs and missed the on stage panel discussion. They finally arrived for the buffet/meet and greet later and astounded us with their knowledge of hair, wigs and make-up of the Victorian era.

March 8, 2010 Oscar Update:
I decided to fore-go viewing this year so I stayed at church for both he 10 AM and 4 PM services and didn't watch the event. However, all my predictions were spot on!

Congrats to:
Kathryn Bigelow and The Hurt Locker,
Jeff Bridges
Sandra Bullock
Mo'Nique

and

Writers:
Best Original Screenplay

Best Adapted Screenplay

The Blind Side:
I still haven't seen The Blind Side yet but it's showing at my favorite $2 theater so I'll get to it soon and post my review. Better late than never(lol).

Update: March 21, 2010
The Wrong Kind of Bombshell:
The news about Jesse James infidelity broke this week and I am saddened for Sandra Bullock. She thanked him so often during the award season for having her back then you see this mess. It appears that the real Mrs. Touhy has reached out to Sandra during this tough time and I will continue praying for her also.

Movie Reviews:
Good news! I finally got to see The Blind Side and it was excellent! Sandra is totally believable and a force to be reckoned with and I left the theater wanting to see more of Big Mike and the Touhy family. I liked it so much that I suggested it for our "Jesus And A Movie" series at church and hopefully we will show it in April.