good luck deluxe

So guess what I did over the weekend.

I said guess what I did.

I attended the private screening of The Game Plan, starring Dwayne Johnson, and I interviewed him at the film’s press junket.

But let’s remember that Dwayne doesn’t go by his old wrestling moniker, The Rock, anymore — so please get it right.

Darling readers, sorry I haven’t blogged in a week. But hey — you would be MIA if you
were in my shoes, too, so cut a blogger some slack!

My interview of Dwayne Johnson was one of my more enjoyable ones, I’ll tell you that.

And before you ask, he didn’t do the eyebrow thingy. Not even once.

I recently had the pleasure of attending the private screening of Evan Almighty, and I did the press junket at Universal Studios.

After interviewing Wanda Sykes — I say with all sincerity — she is SO hilarious in person. The timing of her humor is so brilliant it’ll pull tears out of your orbs.

Wanda had me SICK with laughter. Just the sound of her voice alone makes me shake!

You know how some celebrities say what is expected of them, and they give generic, insincere answers that they know will appease the crowd? Not Wanda! She is as real as it gets in Hollywood.

As for the film…

For anyone who has been waiting for a clean movie that you can actually take your children to, you’ll be pleased with the content in Evan Almighty. It’s a pure, sweet movie with a good message. Finally, right?!

Go see Evan Almighty when it opens in theaters nationwide tomorrow, June 22nd!

Speaking of film festivals, I thought I’d mention that the Los Angeles Latino International Film Institute (LALIFI) is holding its 11th annual film festival at Arclight Cinemas on Sunset Boulevard here in L.A. on October 7-14th.

Support these filmmakers by attending! If you live outside of Los Angeles, make a vacation out of it!

Per the site…
The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival’s (LALIFF) mission to showcase and nurture existing and emerging creative Latino talent while serving as a springboard and catalyst for the promotion of Latin films and filmmakers. To bring awareness through film, the most influential audiovisual medium of our time, the richness and diversity of the Latin culture. To invest in our community, and develop an audience for our works.

A premier Latino International Film Festival in the USA, LALIFF is the prominent venue for exhibition of the best of Latin cinema and artistry from the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, and Portugal. The festival creates a bridge between Hollywood and independent filmmakers, as well as nurture existing and emerging creative talent. The festival serves as a springboard and catalyst for the promotion and distribution of Latino films and awareness for our artistry.

LALIFF presents feature films, documentaries, shorts and special side bar screenings. The films presented at the festival showcase a wide variety of themes by Latino filmmakers, producers, writers and actors, as well as movies that depict Latino culture. It is a competitive festival with prizes and a venue where filmmakers come together with buyers and distributors.

Our Industry Office facilitates meetings and keeps a video library for Hollywood executives. LALIFF also offers industry workshops, panels, labs, networking receptions, educational programs, and hosts some of the best galas in Tinseltown. We hope you will join us!

I’ll certainly be there, readers. I better see you there!

On the topic of quality film, now is a good time for me to mention that Ralph Fiennes is one of my favorite actors. Sir Fiennes is sexy in a subtle manner on screen…
the best kind.

Ralph has maintained that delicate balance of being a quality actor in Hollywood, while retaining his foreign (British) charm and appeal. He adds a touch of elegance to everything he does in film.

Please don’t ask me to delve into Ralph’s rambunctious indiscretions with the Romanian singer and the stewardess in the Mile High Club. Now folks are calling him the “Mile-High Daddy.” I have no comment.

I certainly wasn’t there and I prefer to focus instead on Ralph the actor, instead of on Ralph the Romeo; or worse, Ralph as some sort of lewd lothario.

I will say, though — I kind of like that Ralph plays a lot of conservative, stuff-shirted roles, but in reality, he seems to be quite spicy and mischievous.

The Internet Movie Database (IMDB) lists Ralph’s upcoming film “The Gifted” as being still in production. My curiosity and interest are definitely piqued! The description for the film is as follows:

“The Gifted,” based on Ian Parker’s New Yorker article “The Gift,” about the life of controversial philanthropist Zell Kravinsky (Fiennes). He made millions in real estate, and over the past six years he has given it all - nearly 45 million dollars of assets - away. He kept for himself only a modest house. But this was not enough. In 2003, he donated his kidney to a stranger who needed it.

Ralph, even if it takes me 20 years to finish my script, I will create a role just for you, sugar. I just hope you have all your hair and teeth by then!

Blogging about the 2010 World Cup in South Africa got me to thinking about another event I’m looking forward to… Sundance 2009, to be held on January 15-25, 2009.

It should be no surprise to you that I am a foreign and indie (true indie) film buff.
I love artistic, well-made films! That’s actually why I moved to L.A. — to sell my screenplays to quality producers, or simply produce the films on my own.

Has it happened yet? Well, I’m working on it… I’ve got the connections covered; it’s being satisfied with my own material that’s the problem. I’m a wicked perfectionist.

The greatest thing about being a writer is you can write at any age, looking any which way — fat, skinny, wrinkled, gray, beautiful…

No one cares how old a writer is or what they look like. If you only knew how many times I have blogged with hot rollers in my hair and a facial masque on, even wearing mismatched socks in bed…

So even if I finally crank out my script when I’m 60, so be it! Besides, my writing mentor (whom I thoroughly respect and admire) will kill me if I don’t complete my screenplay; so I do know this has to happen someday.

But, yet again, I digress.

I can’t believe that I still haven’t gone to Sundance! Even when I was working in the thick of the entertainment industry and had all kinds of opportunities to go, my schedule just never permitted it.

I am DETERMINED to make it to the 2009 Sundance film festival in January.
Come heck or high water, I’m going!

I have friends who have flown to the festival in snowy Park City, Utah each year and they make a whole week out of it. I hear it’s a great, good, fun time!

Screenwriters, Producers, Directors: The Early Submissions Deadline is
August 18th. I wish you tremendous luck and success with your film(s)!

Travelers: Sundance’s lodging and other tips are a must for having a blast when you fly in for the festival. From planning your trip, to getting around the area, even to “Sundancing” on a budget, you’ll find a wealth of information on the Sundance site.

Note: Now is a good time to start booking your travel and lodging reservations, as Park City gets crazy the closer it gets to festival time.

Sundance’s official lodging provider boasts primo accommodations during your stay.

Who can resist skiing, cozy bistros and bungalows, quality films, and hot toddies?
Not me!

I say this with emphasis: If you’re unhappy with what Hollywood has been cranking out, quit your whining and take the time to explore independent, artistic, and foreign films, and you will discover a whole new realm of entertainment. Explore your neighborhood indie and foreign film houses, and modify your NetFlix film preferences. Or dag, go see a play or a live musical for a change. Hollywood is NOT the only source of entertainment!

ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS!

There are three actresses who stand out in my mind as looking absolutely beautiful “in person.” Here in L.A., you pretty much bump into everyone famous at one point or another.

I am extremely partial to exotic dark hair and dark eyes, so I confess that I’m
a tad biased. But it’s my blog, so I’m allowed to be.

And these top three actresses are… (drumroll, please!)

Sanaa Lathan!
She consistently looks effortlessly pretty, polished, and classic.
Sanaa’s hair always looks LUSCIOUS, and she has great skin.
A natural beauty indeed!

Sanaa is just too cute!

Alyssa Milano!
Even when I saw her without much makeup and her hair in a ponytail, she was absolutely fresh-faced and lovely!

How could I ever forget witnessing Salma Hayek’s perfect hair up close?
Salma looks even more stunning in person. Yep, sorry to disappoint any haters who secretly hoped she couldn’t possibly be this pretty naturally! Don’t hate — just hit
the gym and a good salon. I know I need to!


Curvy will ALWAYS be in with men. Don’t let anyone tell you differently!

So there you have it — naturally pretty celebrities. Now that I really think about it —
it’s just NOT FAIR!

Why can’t everyone be rich and beautiful?!

I am admittedly all late in the game with this post.

It’s a delayed reaction to a sorrowful event that has taken me quite a while to gather my composure before I can share my feelings about it…

What can I say - Jessica had me at “Buffalo Wings.” Once I saw that snippet, there was no pulling me away from that show. Wild horses couldn’t have driven me away from it!

I thoroughly ADORED Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson together. They were such a fun pair to watch…so perfectly yin and yang!

After I saw the “Chicken of the Sea” and “Buffalo Wings” episodes, I would think about them all day at work, and I couldn’t wait to get home and watch those bits on repeat. Weren’t those episodes HILARIOUS?!

In the words of my mother, “How did Jessica think Buffaloes could fly with such tiny little wings?”

I’m one of those dorks who used to watch their wedding video just to get all misty-eyed. There is a part of me that believes in eternal love and all those mushy, romantic fairytales.

These are eyes of love, y’all!

So here I am, still holding out hope for what will probably never be…

When I realized Nick and Jessica had filed for divorce, I was so devastated. It hurt me to my heart. I was silently crossing my fingers, hoping they would call off the divorce at the last minute.

The day I heard that the divorce was final, I was crushed.

I hate when cute couples separate or divorce. Nick and Jessica were like Ken and Barbie! I still can’t imagine one without the other. That’s like Lucy without Ricky!

Some folks say they’re on “Team Nick” or “Team Jessica.” I’m on Team Nick & Jessica.

The day they reunite — party at my place!

I’ve never offered my two cents on what I think about Halle Berry.

NO WOMAN should be allowed to be this beautiful.

Yeah, go on and tell me that Halle “ain’t all that,” but you know what’s up.

Any woman who can rock but *this* much hair and look stunning IS all that.
I mean, what do you look like with a near bald head?

I actually prefer Halle without all that extra hair she’s worn over the past few years, so I am THRILLED that she’s soon to go bald for her upcoming flick, Nappily Ever After.

Yay, more cute Halle hairstyles for us to admire!

My blog is about beauty, and Halle fits that definition, at any age. Even without makeup, she’s undeniably gorgeous. Yes, there are plenty of more beautiful women of darker hues, thicker shapes and all, but I’m talking about my girl Halle right now.

Everything on that woman is in perfect proportion!

Natural boobs that are this plump and perky should be illegal:

Most of all, I’m happy that Halle found herself an Adonis of a man who seems to treat her well. Men are like buses…there is always another one on the way if your current man can’t buy a clue.

Gabriel Aubry is so chiseled and flippin’ HOT! Halle, you done good!

Go Halle!

I am a Jill of all trades when it comes to writing. If you want me to write something —
I can write it. Film reviews are included in this sentiment.

Here you will find a link to my film review of Smokin’ Aces, featuring Alicia Keys, Common, Ben Affleck, and Jeremy Piven. I attended the private screening and did the press junket for this film.

Go see this film, but be forewarned…it is not for those with queasy stomachs or those who have little tolerance for gore.

For the folks who are curious and may wonder, YES - Alicia Keys is absolutely beautiful in person. She looks like a ballerina. Alicia is extremely poised and has a pleasant aura.

Common is also quite handsome. He is quick-witted and has a humble demeanor. I was equally impressed with Jeremy Piven’s acting in this movie, and found his humor “in person” to be right on time.

So do go see the film, but with the caveat of only if you can handle raw. If you have been craving intensity, Hollywood really gives it to you with Smokin’ Aces.

TV One on cable showcases all of our favorite old-school reruns, primo cooking shows, and everything in-between; with a true sense of well-executed decorum and refinement.

Finally, a station for me!

Remember the shows 227 and Amen? Or how about Good Times? TV One’s got your number. They feature the classics and much more.

As for its primary audience, TV One appeals to the upwardly mobile demographic. So if you’re “movin’ on up” like the Jeffersons, check it out!

I’d be lying if I said I watch TV One primarily for its intellectual stimulation. Nah. I mainly watch it to drool over chef G. Garvin’s cooking on his visually-stimulating show Turn Up the Heat…

…which is inspired by his cookbook:

If you haven’t seen this man cook, you are really missing something!

TV One is sophisticated, chic, urban television programming that has been a long time coming. Truly excellent!