The Year As I See It

This year has been a time of extreme highs and dangerous lows in pop culture. I’ll be honest. I can’t remember everything from the year but I present to you the Diva’s Year in Review (at least what I can recall):

Raunchiest Celebrity Trend

Flashing your cooter or bare ass to the paparazzi is tasteless. Isn’t that what the thong was all about? No panty lines. Going commando for women is just slutty and unsanitary. I certainly wouldn’t borrow any clothes from Brit or Lindsey.

Most Beneficial Celebrity Trend

Adoption. It might be self-serving but orphans around the globe are benefiting from this awkward trend to keep up with the Jolie-Pitts. At least these children are given a chance. I still think it might be more beneficial to pour that money into establishing strong country infrastructures instead of yanking kids from their culture.

Worst 90210 Rerun

Remember the one where sneaky Kelly went behind Brenda’s back while she was in Europe and cheated with Dylan? Denise Richards must have seen this episode because she didn’t even wait for Heather Locklear to leave the city before she made time with Richie Sambora. Weren’t Denise and Heather one-time BFF? How high school. I mean all of this for a man whose hair is coifed like a 50-something housewife.

Non-Event of the Year

Did we really care that Tomcat finally made it legal or unveiled their Suri. I don’t think the public cared nearly as much as the media outlets did. I tuned out the minute he jumped on Oprah’s couch. The rest has been white noise.

Best Decision of 2006

Whitney Houston finally realized that crack is whack and sent Bobby Brown packin’. Maybe this will finally put an end to the voyeuristically addictive Being Bobby Brown. Whitney ties with Britney Spears since the Louisiana lass got rid of her rapper-wannabe husband. May we never hear from Kevin Federline again unless he’s appearing on the Surreal Life.

Worst Decision of 2006

You’ve just split from your freeloading husband of two years, bore his second child in two years and are preparing for a long arduous divorce and accompanying child custody battle. What are you going to do next? Go to Disney World. No, you’re going on a week-long pantyless bender with ‘good’ friends Paris and Lindsey. Where are her PR people?

Most Surprising Movie of the Year

I loved the Lady in the Water. Am I the only one? It’s a bit creepy to be a children’s book but I adored the message of destiny, faith and courage. M. Night Shyamalan missed with The Village but redeemed himself as an imaginative creator and director with this movie.

Hottest Movie

Casino Royale made my contacts steam up and my hair frizz it was so hot. Daniel Craig is that unexpected hunk that grows on you over time. His masculine James Bond made me a fan of the franchise.

Most Unhinged Song of the Year

I couldn’t get the Gnarls Barkley tune Crazy out of my head this year. What the hell is it about? Losing your mind. In some bizarre way, I related to the words and loved it. What does that say about me or my need for therapy?

Year of the Gay Man

I personally love that so many celebs came out this year. It must have been crowded in that closet. I didn’t, however, appreciate how these men were shoved out of the closet. People seem to get real joy out of outing others. It’s become a real movement. I’ll be happy when saying your gay isn’t such a big deal requiring the cover of People magazine. Lance Bass didn’t invent being gay. It just seems that the older actors have confronted and expressed their homosexuality with a lot more panache and style.

Worst Falling Down Moment

Michael Richards and Mel Gibson share this honor. Their intense stupidity and ignorance were played out on a grand scale as they worked out their racial and identity issues in front of the world as we gasped in disbelief.

What was your favorite moment of the year?

Broadway Baby

Well, we made it through, Christmas at least. I hope it was everything you wanted it to be. My Christmas was excellent. The gift of shopping in the form of shoes, clothes and lingerie. Oh my. And let me not forget movies. I saw Dreamgirls the day after Christmas. Believe me I would have been there opening day but there was something about Christmas and spending time with J and family. Blah, blah, blah.

Dreamgirls tells the story of a 60s Supreme-esque girl group lead by the diva Effie (Jennifer Hudson) and supported by beautiful Deena (Beyonce Knowles) and cheerful Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose). The Dreamettes are taken under the wing of relentless manager Curtis (Jamie Foxx) and given the job as back-up singers to legendary James ‘Thunder’ Early (Eddie Murphy). The film follows the winding path to stardom and despair as talented Effie is pushed aside for the more marketable Deena.

Dreamgirls doesn’t disappoint. Visually it is a dream. The costumes and choreography take you back to the glittery gold of Motown where girl and boy groups reigned supreme. I wasn’t bored once and my mind didn’t wander which meant it held my attention. I didn’t think once about what I had to do afterwards.

The casting was another dream. While waiting for the film to start, I looked at the diverse audience and realized Dreamgirls is marketing heaven. It appeals to many audiences – those who appreciate black cinema (okay the black folks), the art house crew that follows award nominations, jazzhands (the Broadway set) and popular culture heads (Beyonce and Jamie Fox are hot right now) –essentially me. I fall into all of those categories.

It’s difficult to watch a movie that has a lot of buzz, which is why I needed to see it before the masses and my friends. Everything seems like a disappointment after the hype. This I know for sure. Jennifer Hudson is electric not because of her acting. She does the big sassy black girl better than most but that’s not a stretch since that is built into every black woman I know. The role is written better and more developed than the other characters. It’s a star-making role.

Her strength is her voice and dignity. Her version of ‘And I Am Telling You’ is Acting 101. What she achieves through this song is short of a miracle. Up until this point in the film I was under whelmed but hoping for more and I got it. I was in tears at the end as the rest of the audience broke into applause. Even the little old white ladies next to me were clapping. She didn’t reach Jennifer Holiday depth but she fought like hell to make it her own. I don’t think she has a long lasting career as an actress but she’ll be around as a vocalist if she can resist the temptation to enter Top 40 pop/hip hop hell.

Jamie Foxx is great as the bad guy. He’s a mix of Barry Gordy and Ike Turner. I’m on the fence about Eddie Murphy. He has great charm and surprising range as an aging soul singer but I don’t know if it holds up to other performances this year but it’s a personal best that will boost his profile and lead him to more diverse roles. He could become one of these comedians who develop into an amazing dramatic actor ala Tom Hanks and Robin Williams.

I’m going to be honest here in the most direct way. Beyonce cannot act. She’s beautiful, hardworking and talented but even her voice has a limited range. I respect the fact that she’s a nice girl. She sings, writes and produces music. I get that but she’s can’t act. She was everything this role called for unbelievable beauty, that’s about it. Very Diana Ross in Mahogany not Lady Sings the Blues. She never reaches outside her limited acting range to bring more humanity to her character because she can’t. Even her song of independence ‘Listen’ (which she co-wrote) was screechy and trite. It lacked a subtle beginning and the powerful ending. It was all power and little pitch.

Beyonce must have seen the parallels between her character and her real life. Replace Curtis with her father. I’m not hating on her. I’m just a realist. She is a figment of clever marketing and public relations. You can believe that her father was adamant that she be co-writer on the new songs for the movie. Thus, getting her a nomination for Academy Award as well as a performance. Brilliant!

I have to say it was great to see black people on the screen without shooting each other, speaking Ebonics or with their pants falling down dripping in bling. It’s an important movie for African-Americans and keeping the musical alive.

What did you think of Dreamgirls?

Christmas miracles are possible

This is a magical time of the year. J managed to do all the shopping for Ohio and mailed it out. He’s getting something special for that. They should receive it on Saturday. Crisis averted. Though, by this point I’m going with the flow. With the holiday season racing along, I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thanks for reading and please feel free to comment. You don’t have to always agree with my words of wisdom and deep thoughts but I want to know what you think.

May your holidays be crammed with love, fun, family, joy, friends, food, music, wine, hot sex and loads of movies. Fantastic entertaining movies. Enjoy.

I Will Always Love the Duck Man

Last night I had the best flash back. Nothing dramatic like in those movies when you realize you got drunk and may have committed an unspeakable act. It was a high school flashback. My hair was teased to the heavens. I was wearing head-to-toe hot pink and turquoise. You remember two T-shirts, leggings and two pairs of socks. My flashback was caused by the film Pretty in Pink. I adored all of the John Hughes movies. I have Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink on DVD.

It’s amazing how watching a movie can lift your spirits and in this case take you back to a simpler time. I was young, wild and free. I wanted to be a black Molly Ringwald. She had that unique quality where she was hip in her thrift store clothes, pretty enough to get the cutest boy but not pretty enough to alienate herself from the other girls. Girls wanted to BE Molly.

Seeing the film again made me laugh at how mature James Spader and Andrew McCarthy seemed. They looked and acted like they were 30-year-old members of a country club. They represented the unattainable hot rich popular boys. Who else wears white linen pants and a blazer to school? John Cryer was the quintessential outsider. He was sweet and adorable but always the friend.

The 80s were a great time for music (Culture Club, Wham, U2 and Madonna), fashion (you can’t beat baggy sweaters, leggings and ankle boots) and movies. The 80s were the heyday for the teen genre of movies. They were about coming of age and having a good time. They didn’t have to contend with heavy issues like drugs or sex.

Here are few of my favorite teen movies from the 80s:

The Boy Who Could Fly (1986)

I don’t know why I like this movie so much or remember it. It has a nice message of faith, acceptance and love. He was bizarre but cute in that Forrest Gump kind of way. It’s worth a look, if not for the movie, for Mindy Cohn. Natalie Rules!!

Sixteen Candles (1984)

This movie has the dreamiest hunk ever in Michael Schoeffling aka Jake Ryan. The character’s name reeks of popularity – Jake Ryan. Heaven. All of the supporting characters are memorable especially Farmer Ted and Long Duk Dong. What’s a happenin’ hot stuff?

Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1984)

Come on. The new girl, a cute guy and a dance contest. Are you kidding me? This has all the makings of cinema magic. Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt have come a long way.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

This is one of my all-time favorite teen movies. Watching this is like opening a time capsule. It’s of that time. I was young when it came out but this is the way I remember my older sister, her friends and growing up in a town where the mall is the social center.

Valley Girl (1983)

This is an 80s cheesetacular gem. It barely works on a basic level but is memorable. Nicholas Cage shows great promise as the smitten outsider. This takes me back to elementary school when I saw a kid’s newspaper that talked about Valley Girls and their phrases. I drove my parents Totally nuts. Oh My God. GAG ME WITH A SPOON.

What is your favorite 80s teen movie?

Deck the Halls

The countdown has begun. Five days until Christmas. I don’t have all of my shopping done and I missed my deadline to get presents to Ohio on time. Fa la la la la freakin’ la la la!!! I’m trying to find my inner zen but there’s too much traffic to find peace. I’m about to go into stealth mode where you realize that there is no such thing as the perfect Christmas.

Until I get there, I look for joy and merriment in just about anything. The Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel does a hilarious section every year called Scared of Santa. Readers submit pictures of children petrified of Santa. Some of the older photos remind me of A Christmas Story. Don’t get me wrong it’s a stroke of genius because everyone has one of these photos but on some level it’s sadistic. These terrified tots are clearly out of their minds with terror but you can’t help but chuckle.

I don’t know when or where this time-honored tradition of the picture with Santa started but you can best believe those kids were a lot calmer and centered. I have several theories why children are scared of Santa:

1.) He’s a stranger. Children love the familiar.
2.) He has a snowy white beard and red cheeks. He probably looks like some sort of chubby bear and who the hell embraces and takes a picture with a bear.
3.) Everyone is staring at them. Who can be cute and adorable when everyone is staring at you in the center of the crowded mall?
4.) Children never do what you want them to do. They are like women unpredictable and strong-willed. If you wanted the child to cry and crap its diaper, they would have smiled for the photographer.

Why do you think children fear Santa?

What's next? Heroin Barbie.

I'm going to keep this short and simple since my day is busy. I couldn't believe my eyes when I read an article about the reigning Miss USA. It had been in the news recently that she was struck by the deadly Hilton/Lohan virus where she felt compelled to be booze it up at NYC hotspots. This didn't go over well with Donald Trump who owns the Miss USA/Miss Universe franchise. The Donald don't play that. He's blasted his girls for getting pudgy in the past and was poised to utter his famous phrase to his latest beauty.

Then a Christmas miracle happened. He gave her a second chance. Okay. And she'll be enter rehab. WHAT? Miss USA will be able to keep her crown and go to rehab. If she truly has an addiction, she needs to battle it full time. If she's an irresponsible frat girl, she needs a better chaperone and to grow up. I can't believe Trump would send her to rehab and let her retain her crown. What kind of role model is she to young girls? There's no disgrace in having a drinking problem but there are consequences.

What do you think? Crown or no crown?

How the hell should I know?

I had a pleasant weekend in which I never left my house. Okay, Saturday the weather was nice enough for me to take a walk but besides that I was relaxing on my couch and bed – alternately. Sunday turned out to be my Lifetime and Hallmark day. They were showing an embarrassing barrage of Christmas movies.

You know the type where there is a widow or widower with a cute precocious kid who experiences a Christmas miracle by Santa or a mysterious stranger. I love these crappy sappy movies. They allow you to enjoy the simple sugary plot and smile. I adore Fox Family Channel’s 25 days of Christmas. It doesn’t get better than that.

During a break from one of these yuletide treasures, I saw a preview of the dumbest reality/game shows possible and you know how I felt about this past season of Survivor. Gay, Straight or Taken? Follows different women who think they are going on three dates with potential partners, only to find out that one is gay, one is straight and the other is taken. If the lucky gal picks the straight guy, she wins a romantic getaway with him. If she loses, he gets the vacation.

The stroke of marketing genius behind this shows claims that “you and your friends play it at parties?” Do we? I’m not single but this smells of an episode of Friends or Sex and the City. The creators mean that THEY play this game. They’re also probably fed up with the dating scene. This is sadistic.

Sadly, this game must be close to impossible to play. The lines between these groups are hopelessly blurred. I worry about the type of deceptive man that would sign up for this reality show. I’m scared of the man who gets his kicks off pretending to be gay or straight. What kind of sick mindtrip is that? Despite my shock and disdain, I feel compelled to watch an episode. Don’t judge me. I’m just wondering if it’s as truly bad as it sounds.

Will you watch it?

Beware of Double Agents

The Hollywood Foreign Press is at it again. Confusing us with their eclectic choices for recognition but again that’s what makes the Golden Globes puzzling and fun. The categories are put together with child-like precision. They separate drama from comedy and pair comedy with musical, which is great because it allows varied winners in the acting categories and gives musicals a venue.

I love that Apocalypto was nominated as Best Foreign Language, which gives it a distinct home since he can’t be honored by the Academy as Best Foreign film. Letters from Iwo Jima is also in this category but is a USA/Japan production that might allow it to be nominated for Best Foreign Film by the Academy.

Here’s the Diva’s take on the noms:

They Work Hard for Their Money

Move over Jude Law, several actors are doing double time. Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood and Helen Mirren face stiff competition- themselves. This has to be some kind of record. I'm not sure if this helps their chances of victory or not. Emily Blunt, Toni Collete, Beyonce Knowles and Chiwetel Ejiofar are also double nominees. Ejiofar was fantastic in Kinky Boots. The story was amusing, the movie was mediocre but she, I mean, he was magic.

The Ms. Ross Award

Beyonce benefits from the comedy/musical acting category here. She was also a co-writer on Listen. I can’t knock her hustle. Her rise to stardom will be studied in marketing classes along the likes of Madonna. Her father has mapped her career with strategic mastery. She works hard and is talented but dazzling good looks and business smarts will take you to the moon. Hello, Diana Ross.

Get Out of My Way Bitch

America Ferrera, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, Julia Louise-Dreyfus and Mary-Louise Parker make the Best TV Actress in a Comedy or Musical the category to watch. Cross is a bit of a question for me but my money is on Felicity or America. Don’t count out Globe darling Mary-Louise.

You Get It

I was encouraged to see great actors nominated. They may not have a snow ball’s chance in hell but they are spot on to be acknowledged. Sacha Baron Cohen has stolen the show in every movie I’ve seen him in. Still haven’t seen Borat but loved him in Talledega Nights and Madagascar. Alec Baldwin is hilarious in 30 Rock while Jeremy Piven still makes with want to hug it out in Entourage. Katherine Heigl deserves her nom for her devastating portrayal of a grieving med student. Sarah Paulson’s character is complex and well-written. That alone deserves recognition even if she is grating. Hugh Laurie is still my favorite doctor with piercing blue eyes and Vicodin addiction. Rinko Kikuchi gives Jennifer Hudson a run for her money. I told you so. Masi Oka is the best in Heroes.

Move over 24

I was pleased to see Big Love and Heroes given a chance in Best TV Drama. Big Love was an oddly inventive and inspiring family drama. Heroes sucked me into its fantasy world and cliffhanger endings. It dangles information in front of you like a drug dealer and makes you want more.

Okay You Dropped the Ball a Little

Matthew Perry did receive a nomination for The Ron Clark Story but he deserved one for Studio 60. Chole Sevigny was overlooked for her unstable Mormon second wife in Big Love. She’s amazing in that role.

What was your opinion of the nominations?

Peace in the Middle East

George Clooney has Darfur. Bono has Third World debt. Leonardi DiCaprio has the environment. Sharon Stone has AIDS. Oprah Winfrey and Angelina Jolie have the world. It seems every celebrity has a cause. The newest trend is lending your name to a disease or issue. I don't want to debate the reasoning behind this because it's a win-win situation for everyone. Millions of dollars get funneled into charities and celebrities get to look like they care about humanity and not the opening weekend box office.

With that said, it makes me wonder what would be my celebrity cause. Of course, I'd work with empowering women and young adults but there are other serious causes out there as well that need attention. Here are a couple of ideas:

The Diva Institute of Spandex
This innovative organization leads the crusade against spandex, pleather and other synthetic fibers. Woman and select men are literally taken off the street and put in Tacky Rehab where they learn the benefits of natural fibers and full length mirrors. Graduation occurs once they can select an appropriate outfit for a formal dinner party. Lycra mini skirts are an automatic trip back to detox.

Diva's Soul Food Kitchen
This hot spot serves up delicious comfort food for malnourished starlets. Diners are immediately given a plate of hot cornbread with real butter followed by baked macaroni and cheese and fried chicken or catfish. Meals and compliments are free. There plenty of carbs and no judgement for eating refined sugar or starch.

What would be your cause?

Reading isn't the only things that's fundamental

I was surfing the Internet when I came across this cool article about the effect of television on baby boomers. It shaped a generation while presenting relevant topics. Some of these programs were well-received from the start (Davy Crockett) but others had rocky starts (thirtysomething).

The article made me think of my long love affair with television. I like to joke that I cut my teeth on the Carol Burnett show and graduated to Desperate Housewives. I was a soap opera aficiando at the age of 12. I count Ryan’s Hope and Search for Tomorrow as my early favorites. I dabbled in Days of Our Lives and General Hospital but my specialty was CBS. I spent many summers watching Young and the Restless, Capitol, the Bold and the Beautiful, As the World Turns and Guiding Light with my mother.

I’ve always been a TV/movie junkie. I’m on the cusp of Generation X, a generation defined by MTV, angst and Adam Sandler movies. I grew up watching re-runs of classic television like The Brady Bunch, Leave it to Beaver and Laverne and Shirley. While these shows were entertaining and formed a solid base of knowledge for me, there are also shows that helped refine my perspective of television as a medium for topical issues and different lifestyles.

Here are sampling of defining television programs from the last two decades:

The Cosby Show
Boy could I relate to these people. Not because the parents were a doctor and a lawyer but because the family was black and educated. They weren’t in the hood and spoke in double negatives. The Cosby family was a rainbow like mine, all shades of skin and hair textures. Blacks are more diverse than any media or TV program has dared to portray. The Cosby Show reflected the way my family lived and I was grateful for the show.

Murphy Brown
Murphy was a force of nature. She was smart, independent and funny. I loved her maverick attitude. I think a lot of women found strength and acceptance in this character. She embodied a more modern American women that translated to all races.

A Different World
This show was out when I was in college and learning more about my culture. It portrayed a traditionally black college, which had always seemed like this fun fantasy. I thought about going to a black college but couldn’t find one that had my major. This was an uplifting entertaining show for young blacks. I know it inspired me.

Sex and the City
Bold. Racy. Intelligent. Funny. I grew to love these women. They became my girlfriends. I miss them to this day but feel I’m a stronger more open person because of the show.

What TV shows shaped your life?

Nicole and the Angry 20 pounds

It’s big news today, or at least the media is making it the lead story. Eternal party girl Nicole Richie was arrested for DUI over the weekend. For some reason this is interesting. As J said, “Who cares?” I have to admit for one minute I was thinking really but for the most part I don’t care. I feel it’s a shame that someone with so many opportunities seems to burn them but it just brings the point home that celebrities are people like us. It just seems that with more opportunities and money comes more temptation and wasted chances. It’s a balancing act.

One thing I’m sure won’t be addressed in this “news” story is how dangerous her behavior is to others. All we care about is that she was high on Vicadin and pot. What a combination? When these situations arise, there are always lurid details of the bust and the embarrassing mug shot. I’m trying to empathize with her dilemma or drum up some emotion close to caring but it’s difficult. I will say that this illustrates why Skinny Minnie needs more weight on her. Not only would she be healthier but she’d be able to handle her drugs and alcohol like an adult. It wouldn’t help her with making bad decisions like getting behind the wheel, which is probably the bigger problem.

Here are a few more common celebrity stories that aren’t really news:

Canoodling sessions
This used to be informative and insightful but it’s finally become apparent that Hollywood is horny. Making out with someone doesn’t constitute a relationship. Sometimes a kiss is just a kiss.

Ex-boyfriend/girlfriend/employees rants
While these inside stories are usually titillating, they are also usually based on sour grapes. It’s hard to take someone’s word when talking about an ex. It all comes across as someone with an axe to grind. Jennifer Lopez's ex only became public and threatened a tell-all book when he lost his job at her restaurant.

The Will
This is a popular story on Entertainment Tonight. No one really cares what is in a will unless the person is a hot name or leaves it all to their dog. Exceptions to these have been poor Tori Spelling, no pun intended, and Anna Nicole Smith.

I Love the Nightlife
Covering Paris and her partying crew has become a whole industry in itself like whale watching. Will she come out? Will she hit a car? Will she call someone firecrotch? Watching starlets cruise the clubs isn’t that interesting. Show me the footage of Lindsey Lohan reading a book at home on a Friday night. Now that’s news.

Imaginary jealousy
I know there is backstabbing in the entertainment world. I saw Showgirls but the media would have you believe that no one gets along on a movie or TV set. The truth of the matter is no one cares unless it brakes out into a brawl like the “professionals” on the Grey’s Anatomy set.

What are some more "celebrity stories"?

I Needed a Holiday

I finally made it to the movies this weekend. I was torn between Blood Diamond and The Holiday. My PMS won out and I saw The Holiday. It was light, sweet and frothy. Just what I expected it to be. The theater was full and everyone laughed at the appropriate times.

Directed and written by Nancy Meyers, the film tells the story of a polite Brit Iris (Kate Winslet) and career driven Amanda (Cameron Diaz). Both have split from their boyfriends and are looking for an escape. The escape comes in the form of a two-week house swap, which transports Amanda to Surrey, England, and Iris to Los Angeles. Along the way, romance blooms, wilts then blooms again for the ladies.

Meyers is the genius writer of Something’s Gotta Give. She also penned my 80s favorites Irreconcilable Differences, Baby Boom and Protocol. I just saw Protocol again last week. Goldie Hawn is great in it. Here Meyers has written a pretty formulaic romantic comedy. The stand out was Winslet as the everywoman Iris. She transcends the average material and turns in a memorable and heartbreaking performance. She has come a long way since being miscast in Titanic and being labeled a young sexy starlet. Her strength is not her sex appeal, it’s her vulnerability and likability.

Diaz, on the other hand, was an issue from the start. Her character wasn’t that likable; she came across as the stereotypical neurotic L.A. businesswoman. It was hard to sympathize wit her. The first third of the movie was awkward as you tried to figure out her motives. They were out of left field. Her charisma finally kicked in at the end but it wasn’t her best role to date.

Jack Black, as Miles, was his usual goofy self but was the perfect match for Winslet. Jude Law, as Graham, was a bit too practiced and perfect. You know, the sunny smile and precision haircut. It wasn’t until his “secret” came out that he became more human and adorable. He’s about as charming as it gets. The movie had a whimsical side with its movie trailer gag. Cute! Overall, the movie was fun. It's no, When Harry Met Sally or Pretty Woman but at least it wasn’t Two Weeks Notice.

Here are some romantic comedies that are picking up where When Harry Met Sally left off:

50 First Dates (2004) -Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler are adorable together in this movie.

Return to Me (2000) - It breaks your heart in the beginning and warms it in the end.

Hitch (2005) - Very funny. Made me think of Will Smith in another way.

Runaway Bride (1999) - Julia Roberts and Richard Gere have great comedy together.


What is your favorite romantic comedy of the last decade?

'Tis the Season

To be cranky, tired and broke. Fa la la la la! Seriously though, Christmas has become my favorite time of the year. It symbolizes that magical time of the year where people are actually kinder to one another. People say excuse me before they cut in front of you at Old Navy. It’s truly peace on earth.

I also look forward to my favorite Christmas offerings on TV. My taste runs the gamut from old school claymation to twisted holiday cinema. Below are some of my favorites:

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
You have to love Charlie Brown. He’s such a depressed, anxiety-riddled, mopey little boy that is he lived today he’d be on Xanax. I love his colorful friends and cheecky dog. Snoopy rocks. My favorite is Pigpen. I went to grade school with a kid who could give Pigpen a run for his money. I even love his pitiful Christmas tree.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
I adore the Grinch’s cranky persona. Dr. Seuss was onto something with this character. Even his dog is scared of him. This cartoon is my Dad’s favorite. We watched this gem together for years. The Grinch has the best theme song next to Shaft. He’s a mean one.

Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town (1970)
This has been my favorite since I was a budding Diva. My sister and I still laugh to this day because we always compared our mother’s hair to the Heatmeister’s. It’s a nostalgic pick for me.

Christmas Story (1983)
Funny story behind this movie. I went to the movies with friends back in the day. While at the theater, part of my delegation decided it would be a good idea to see Christine but I wimped out because it was rated R and I was afraid of scary movies. I made the right choice because this film is now a classic. I love its mid-western take on Christmas rituals. It’s on the money.

Scrooged (1988)
Bill Murray is perfection in this film. It’s not the best film overall but contains several brilliant scenes. I relish the scene where he gets knocked in the head with a toaster. Sounds silly and it is but it’s also hilarious.

Christmas Vacation (1989)
This is one of the funniest Christmas movies ever. The scene where the squirrel flies out of the tree is timeless. I laugh like an idiot each time. The movie is non-stop laughs. Chevy Chase is the perfect everyman that can’t get a break.

Love Actually (2003)
This might not be considered a proper holiday movie but it embraces the principles of the season and takes place around Christmas. Some of the stories hold up better than others but all are entertaining. Emma Thompson is outstanding as a perceptive wife who senses her husband is up to something. Hugh Grant is his usual charming self as the Prime Minister of England who likes to boogie.

What is your favorite holiday movie?

It's That Time of Year Again

It’s official. Awards season is underway. I can feel the excitement in the air. As you know, awards season is my play-offs leading to my Super Bowl. There are a number of amazing films coming out that I want to see. My husband will once again become a movie widow. Poor J. Maybe I’ll have an Academy Awards party complete with red carpet. I’ll make everyone dress in formal attire and we’ll sip champagne. I’m seriously considering it.

The National Board of Review announced its winners in several categories. Top movie honors went to Clint Eastwood’s Letters from Iwo Jima. I had no idea he had directed the Japanese counterpart to Flags of Our Fathers. I think I just crushed a little harder on this talented silver fox. I was also pleased to see Rinko Kikuchi recognized for her role in Babel. If you’ll remember, I called her out weeks ago as the awards season darling. I’m like Nostradamus – only black and a woman. Here is a list of the other winners.

The Board also released its picks for top ten movies of the year. I’ve only seen three of the movies so I have to get my butt in gear.

Letters from Iwo Jima

Babel

Blood Diamond

The Departed

The Devil Wears Prada

Flags of Our Fathers

The History Boys

Little Miss Sunshine

Notes On A Scandal

The Painted Veil

If you’ve seen any of these movies, tell me what you think. Are they worthy of top ten status?

Ice still has it

J, my husband, has been on my case for about a week about this hilarious movie. He’s been pushing me to watch it. Last night, after watching The Da Vinci Code, I relented and finally watched it.

A little side bar about the Da Vinci Code. It was well done but I have to admit that it was a little anti-climatic after reading the book. The book painted a more vivid picture that plays into your imagination and allows you to imagine what people look like or how situations play out. It was a great fast-paced film, which matched the energy of the book. However, once you’ve read the book you know the secrets and waiting for the secrets to be unveiled is the fun of the book, it was a bit of a let down. In this case, I suggest reading the book or watching the movie. Either or. Read the book.

The movie J was raving about was the indie darling Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) which was written with much flair by Shane Black. Black also directed this film noir-inspired comedy. The film tells the story of budding actor Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey, Jr.) who gets tangled up in a murder mystery with detective/film consultant Gay Perry (Val Kilmer) and the beautiful Harmony Faith Lane (Michelle Monaghan). The movie derives its spark from its sarcastic script and the dead-pan delivery of the actors. Corbin Bernsen is an unexpected talent in this movie.

Downey is effective as the ambling and affable narrator of the story. He brings a self-depricating nature to the main character that allows you to laugh at his flaws and misfortunes. You’re rooting for him to solve the mystery. It’s nice to see him sober and still with us. It would be such a waste of talent to let the drugs win. Kilmer is spot-on as the gay film consultant. Calling him Gay Perry was a funny touch. I was never a big Val fan but he could be branching into character actor territory here. Look out Johnny Depp. Monaghan was funnier than I thought she’d be. It was a little difficult to shatter the pretty girl persona but was worth the effort.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang gives a comic and probably honest look at the Hollywood scene. I don’t know if this is a new trend but this was the second movie in three weeks that involved torturing a man’s testicles. The other was Casino Royale. This movies didn’t change my life but it was an entertaining escape and isn’t that what we need from time to time. Downey is worth watching and the writing elevates the usual twist-and-turn plot.

Who could have seen that coming?

A lot has been made about the hit movie Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. While boasting big numbers at the box office, some of those unknowingly filmed for the movie were outraged by their inclusion in the project. I haven’t seen the movie yet but am familiar with the character from Sacha Baron Cohen’s Prince Ali G show on HBO. My husband and I have spent hours cracking up at Borat’s adventures across the United States.

I always wondered why people didn’t know who he was or why they couldn’t figure out that he was pulling their leg. I understand their discomfort. No one wants to look like an ignorant fool but Cohen manages to fool them every time with humorous results. I guess it’s no surprise that in the land of lawsuits, participants in this movie are threatening legal action. On one hand, Cohen is deceptive but on the other, people need to ask pertinent questions before allowing themselves to be filmed or doing an interview. I’m having trouble feeling sympathy for them.

Cohen has come forward to explain his spontaneous madness to Rolling Stone by saying,” "I was surprised because I always had faith in the audience that they would realize that this was a fictitious country (sic) and the mere purpose of it (the film) was to allow people to bring out their own prejudices. The reason we chose Kazakhstan was because it was a country that no one had ever heard anything about, so we could essentially play on stereotypes they might have about this ex-Soviet backwater. The joke is not on Kazakhstan. I think the joke is on people who can believe that the Kazakhstan that I describe can exist - who believe that there's a country where homosexuals wear blue hats and women live in cages."

This would be fine and dandy if everyone was on this elevated level but that wasn’t the case in marketing this movie. It was positioned as high comedy but not necessarily a farce. They marketed it to the same 14-year-old boys who adore Jackass. There’s a big difference between this group and the ones who will understand these extreme situations as comedy. Unfortunately, the quality of humor has gone down in cinema. A truly gut-busting comedy without malice is hard to find these days.

Marketing in everything for a movie. The movie trailer tells you what type of movie it is and who it speaks to. Movie studios further sell the film to certain markets by deciding where the movie will be previewed. In other words, if it’s a chick flick you will see the preview during The Holiday not Spiderman III. Get it. If marketing a movie is everything, what happens to a movie that misses the mark? Below are some examples where the preview didn’t match the true nature of the film:

Cable Guy (1996)

This was a marketing nightmare. Everyone entered the theater looking for a slap-stick comedy featuring rubber-faced Jim Carrey but were presented with a sadistic dark comedy. It was funny but a bit painful to watch at times. It got a poor reception because people were expecting something completely different.

The Truman Show (1998)

Yet another misunderstood Jim Carrey movie. Here we were treated to a sentimental movie about finding your own will and way in life. No one expected the dramatic element to be so strong.

Closer (2004)

This movie is the ultimate mind-fuck. It raises more questions than answers. It’s provocative, honest and frightening. It shows the depth and angst that relationships can bring. You definitely can’t watch this with your loved one. I loved it. Loved it. However, it’s billing as a relationship movie only scratched the surface of its complexity.

The Break-Up (2006)

The previews promised us a hilarious romantic comedy. The movie delievered up a War of the Roses-style film that starred the bland Jennifer Aniston and a toned down Vince Vaughn. It was disappointing as a comedy but worked as a drama.

What other previews were deceiving?

Hello my name is Lindsey

Party girl Lindsey Lohan is in the news again but not for her jet set ways or emaciated frame. Her mother spilled the beans on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show that Lil’ L is attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Momma Dina nonchalantly mentioned that her famous daughter sought help but was quick to add that this was the first time she attended meetings. Okay. Whatever.

Lindsey’s most recent revelation is the latest in a series that made me ponder her existence and relevance. Despite her vapid exterior and bad girl ways, a lot can be learned from her. Here’s what I’ve learned from Lindsey Lohan:

All Play and No Work Makes Lindsey a Dull Girl

I learned this lesson early on in college and it has proven to be handy when I entered the workforce. Lindsey’s behavior reinforced this simple rule. Finish your work and there’s always time to party and you’ll feel better about partying because you’ve gotten all your work done. God, that’s about as mid-western as it comes. She’s paid a ridiculous sum of money to act in movies. The least she could do was take a shower, pop a tic-tac, slap on some sunglasses and make her call time. She’s 20 not 15. She’s a young woman with responsibilities. Responsibilities based on being a professional and making it to the set and being on time. The public’s curiosity in her won’t last forever. Somewhere along the line, talent will have to make an appearance. Remember Kristy McNichol.

Use Spell Check

That’s what it’s there for. If you’re not an English professor, use spell check. Lindsey made herself look like an illiterate boob by writing an incoherent letter honoring the late director Robert Altman. What should have been an endearing letter about a mentor turned into a cautionary tale of child actors not receiving a proper education. Then her PR person tried to spin it by saying grammar doesn’t matter because the letter came from the heart. Her reps called it unconventional grammar. By unconventional they must mean illiterate.

There is No Such Thing as Off the Record

This is rule number one for me when I do media training. Don’t bring it up if you don’t want it in print. Don’t say “off the record” that you like to do drugs or have an eating disorder. It will come up again and be thrown in your face especially if the reporter is astute and bright. Reporters can pick up on subtle cues and incorporate that into an article. Wise up. An article has more selling power if it has a little juice. Don’t volunteer the juice and then try to deny it. It doesn’t work and it makes you look like a liar or defensive. Silence is often the best policy.

Choose Your Friends Wisely

Image is everything in Hollywood. If you hang out with a crowd that loves the jet set party life, don’t be surprised when people dub you a party girl. It’s all in the company you keep. If you get drunk at the company Christmas party and sleep with Stan and Bill in purchasing, you may be called a slut. It is what it is. You can’t be outraged or baffled when you get a reputation as a party girl when you hang out with the most notorious party girl of 2006. The jig is up. You’re a party girl. Embrace it.

Have you learned anything from the Mean Girl?

Do you know where you're going to?

On this happy Friday (Isn’t every Friday happy?), I turn my attention to happiness or the pursuit of it. The reoccurring theme in my life these last weeks has been finding your Holy Grail. Remember I just saw Spamalot. Friends are branching out and chasing their dreams through writing adventures, sabbaticals and new job opportunities. I even have a card up my sleeve.

Wyclef Jean was on the front page of the Miami Herald touting his charity work for Haiti. His satisfied grin and assured demeanor led me to the realization that he is living his dream. He has a creative musical career and devotes equal time to charity. He seems to have found his Holy Grail. I realize his life isn’t perfect. His wife probably nags him and he might be carrying around too much weight but it’s easier to handle these issues when you’re satisfied and content with your life.

At 35, I’m still searching for the grail but feel I’ve made great strides in my journey. I know my contentment will come from broadening my horizons through travel and meeting and helping new people. I consider my life an educational adventure. Everyday gets me closer to being the person I want to be. I know the concept is fluid and accept that I will be constantly evolving. Very Madonna-like without the raunchy Sex book and African baby.

Wyclef reminds me of Oprah in that they are both an inspiration and seem to be content. Below are some other celebs that seem to have found the winning combination and balance:

Sting
This Silver Fox is still creating interesting music and he can have sex for extended periods of time. Now that’s truly happiness.

Goldie Hawn
I don’t know if it’s her flighty exterior but she seems to have handled fame, divorce, raising children with much finesse. She’s survived the highs and lows of Hollywood popularity and is still a crowd pleaser.

Angelina Jolie
She’s smart, grounded and philanthropic. She went from the crazy girl with the wild eyes and vials of blood to a nurturing mother and domestic partner. She’s definitely become a force to reckon with. Bitch!

George Clooney
The Sexiest Man Alive is having the time of his life in the most laid back and charming way. He seems to create, love and enjoy simple pleasures all from the comfort of his Italian villa. He’s even recently set his sights on the conflict in Darfur. Bravo.

Have you found your Holy Grail? If not, who do you think has?