Censor...

Hey all!!

So yes, I should really be working on my script that I plan to start principle photography on in like 2-3 months, lol ;), but, instead I have decided to take a small break and write another blog post. (Yes, don't everyone jump for joy all at once, lol) ;).

I actually knew I needed to write this post the other night while I was at the Up In The Air screening (where I met my fabulous George Clooney again - aw, sigh, I will just take a moment for myself to swoon...ok, I'm good now, lol). I was talking with my amazing friends, while in line, about some of the films we have seen this week - namely, Sherlock Holmes, and we were saying how much fun it was. It was then that a nice fellow joined our conversation, but he started to say how bad he thought the film was. He then went on to find wrong things about a few others (although not my Inglourious Basterds, luckily) ;). It was then that I realized that I pretty much find something good about everything. I really do! Even films I don't really care for, I still might like the costumes, or the acting, or the music... you know?

So yes, anyway, I just thought I should let all of you readers know, that every film I see, I try and find the good in it, which is why my reviews are usually always promoting films ;). Because, hey, as a fellow filmmaker, I would want someone to do the same for me :).

I love you all, and happy viewing everyone! =)

Oh, and P.S. - I totally met my idol Quentin Tarantino this past Wednesday!!! :D And all I can say, is that the best motivation any of us aspiring filmmakers can get, is to meet and talk with a filmmaker you greatly admire. :) I hope you all get the chance to meet that superbly, wonderful man, or at least someone else you greatly admire =).

Sherlock Holmes as Seen Through Guy Ritchie's Wonderful Eyes

Aw, Sherlock Holmes... It's hard for me not love this amazing character from Baker Street who lives in my awesome London ;). He's one of those icons you grow up with; the "elementary my dear Watson"; that hat! - both of which are actually not in this latest Guy Ritchie version of Sherlock Holmes, set to be released on Christmas day. Actually, come to think of it, I don't think those two things were in the books either, lol ;). But anyway, Sherlock Holmes is a legend amongst pretty much us all - there is no denying that we all have some sort of fondness for the eccentric detective.

I was actually lucky enough to grab an invite to a screening of Sherlock Holmes at the DGA last night with a Q&A with the always wonderful Robert Downey Jr. :). And all I can say my friends, is that you won't be disappointed =).

From the opening scene, I knew I was in for a treat. The horses race down the macabre streets of late 1800s London, the sense of knowing something is about to happen as Watson readies his gun, the amazing score done by Hans Zimmer, and the first glimpse of our hero racing along to catch his criminal will all give you that excitement you look for in the movies. Right from the start there is action, intrigue, and non forced comedic lines that will not leave you cringing (thank goodness for that!) ;).

Needless to say I absolutely loved this film!! =D It's the kind of film that reminds me of why I want to be a filmmaker. And why I will continue down this adventurous path of doing so ;). It's fun, entertaining, and actually has a good story that I for one will say was really excited when Holmes was solving the case at the end - I was like hells yeah you solve this thing! lol ;). Yeah, I'm kind of a nerd, lol... but I digress...

Oh and can I just mention how amazing Guy Ritchie is as a director! He brings the grittiness of London that he knows so well to a classic story that we all know. Although I have been a fan of his since Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, so I knew he probably wouldn't disappoint me with this one. :) Which he didn't! And the fight scenes were absolutely amazing!! I'm the type of person that really likes my fight scenes - I mean they're just so awesome! And Guy really knows his fight scenes. I mean who doesn't love that classic scene in Snatch where Brad Pitt is punched out and he lands in water! I love that scene!! I actually sometimes back it up just to watch that again... because I'm kind of awesome like that...lol ;). Actually, at the Q&A Robert Downey Jr. said that some of the fight scenes were actually thought up on the day of shooting! Brilliant! There is a specific scene with a cow prod that he said they only knew what they were going to use, but didn't have it all worked out yet (which makes me feel better about not having all of my fight scenes in scripts all planned out) ;).

And now, for Robert Downey Jr... I will start by saying I have been a huge fan of his for years - I mean have you all seen Chaplin?! Brilliant! And I love Wonder Boys and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is one of my favorite films (which I actually had the pleasure of working on and was the first time I met the amazing Robert Downey Jr. - he's such a nice guy!). And the Q&A last night seriously was one of the best ones I've been to in a while! He's just such a funny guy! Definitely someone I would want to hang out with (as those who know me, know I love to laugh) ;). He really is just such an amazing guy! Words are really hard to describe just how totally cool and down to earth he is. I'm giving him a shout out, because he's just that awesome ;).

I actually tried to repeat some of the awesome things he said last night to my brother, but somehow they lost something with my telling, so I shall spare you all here ;). But he had us all being very entertained :). Oh, and if any of you have any doubts about him playing Holmes, well, you can just put those aside! He's brilliant! =) And really kick-ass =). I was rooting for him the whole time, which is what you want in a film ;). He's intelligent, a skilled fighter, and funny, I mean what more could you want?? ;)

Oh and I haven't mentioned the amazing Mr. Jude Law (who is not bad on the eyes, I'll tell ya) ;). He's brilliant as Watson - he and Robert Downey Jr. really just make the whole film. Oh and the guy who does the "Chambermaid Scene" - but that's actually more of an inside joke to anyone who was at the Q&A last night, lol ;). Ok, back to Watson, yes, he's awesome - and Jude Law does an amazing portrayal. [I hope this isn't a spoiler, but...] From the very start of the film, Watson is trying to get away from Holmes, which actually gives quite an interesting twist (in my opinion anyway)...[Ok, end possible spoiler ;)] Jude Law is always fun though, even if his reputation sometimes exceeds him...Oh, and I actually attended the screening with my amazing friend, and I will say that there is a certain scene with a nanny that she and I couldn't stop laughing for... are we bad?? Probably, lol ;).

I shouldn't forget to mention Rachel McAdams, she's always been one of my favorites, and she's quite good in this... although I kind of feel like she starts off amazing, and kind of fizzles out as the film goes on, but she's still good. :)

Mark Strong is good too (you might remember him from RockNRolla??!!) :).

Okay, my friends, this review is getting way too long!! So I shall cease. But to make a long story short [too late ;)], it's a brilliantly fun film that I'm almost positive you will enjoy :). So go see it when it opens on Christmas Day! It's really fun!

Thank you Guy Ritchie for making another film that I loved and for putting some very cute and talented guys in it, lol ;). I'll eagerly await the sequel. =)

And...I just want to end it with this:
"No girl is going to marry a doctor who can't tell if a body is dead or not." [I'm not sure if that's the exact quote, but it was along those lines, and I found it to be quite amusing, lol ;).]

Happy viewing everyone! =)

Cinema Italiano!!

Alright, so it has been a bit more then 12 hours since I got to witness the raw passion and sexuality that is Nine, but I'm still loving it! :D It probably also helped that I got to meet Daniel Day-Lewis (someone whom I think is most attractive, although my brother teases me for, lol), Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz (my second time meeting this amazingly sweet actress), Dame Judi Dench (whom I wish was my grandma ;) lol), Marion Cotillard, and Kate Hudson (I worked with her a few years back on her film, so it was cool to see her again).

But anyway, although the movie is not the best musical I have ever seen, it still evoked all the joy and love I have for everything Italian ;). Daniel Day-Lewis is always amazing as he turns in a performance that much resembles Fellini (although he said he was trying to not evoke the brilliant director of 8 1/2) ;). But it's hard not to think of Fellini as men in hot skinny ties drive the sleek fast cars that we all know and love. And there is even a scene towards the end with the goddess like Nicole Kidman and Mr. Lewis singing near a fountain (you have no idea how badly I wanted Miss Kidman to dance around the fountain a la La Dolce Vita style.) ;) There is just something so sensual and sexy about Italy in the 1950s/1960s. I mean come on, don't we all want to drive fast cars, be hot lovers, and just enjoy everyday like it might be our last??! This is why I'm such a fan of Italian films of that era ;).

Kate Hudson's character summed it up best with her line, "They want to live in an Italian movie!" And yes we do! Her song "Cinema Italiano" is the perfect summed up version of why we love Italy! :D It's one of the most fun moments of the film. And I must admit that it is my new favorite song to sing and dance to in the venue that is my bedroom. ;)

So there it is folks, my brief review of Nine. It's fun, hot as hell, and filled with the amazing essence that is Italy in the 1960s. It allows us all that feeling of actually being there in that time... and I mean who wouldn't want to be in an Italian movie, right?! ;)

Happy viewing everyone! =)

Oh, and side note, here's a photo I took of the amazing Mr. Daniel Day-Lewis last night before I got to talk to him (now I don't usually take photos of the guests, but I just admire him so, lol) ;)

Oh John Cusack, How I Love Thee...

So, in my amazing day off that I had today, I decided to go and see 2012 this morning.

I opted for the first showing since I thought it would be the least crowded (I was wrong by the way, since I always forget about those first matinee bargain prices, lol), but anyway, I made it and got myself a fabulous seat in the middle. I sat back and relaxed as I waited for my over-the-top end-of-the-world experience. And I really wasn't disappointed.

Yes, 2012 is a cheeky look at the predicted end of the world that is to happen on the 21st of December 2012 (which is ironically my father and Samuel L. Jackson's birthday) ;). It is very reminiscent of Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow, but with one added bonus: John Cusack.

I have been a John Cusack fan since I can remember and I will literally see anything this man does (yes, even War Inc.) ;). There's something so charismatic about him, that you can't help but simply fall in love with the man. Which is true of him in person as well. I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple years back at a screening he did of Grace Is Gone (a very sweet film, by the way). Mr. Cusack is witty, sincere, and just the type of guy you would want to be friends with. And I must confess, that when he talks to you, he looks you straight in the eye and he makes you feel like you are the only person in the world. I dare say I swooned, and immediately wanted to use the phrase from Arrested Development, "Marry me!" ;). Actually, a side note, there was an interesting occurrence that Monday evening, because a man in the audience asked his girlfriend to marry him in front of Mr. Cusack, but she actually turned him down! Yikes! The poor guy, lol!

But anyway, back to 2012... If you're looking for an intense escape for a few hours then look no further. It's not something one would call a work of art, but the effects are absolutely amazing, and the theme of how people will hopefully become selfless in the time of crisis is something I always believe and hope for.

2012 was a morning well spent with an actor I have long loved. Go see it for the effects and the amazing Mr. John Cusack. =)

Happy viewing everyone! :)