Friday, February 11, 2011

Sammi really is a Sweetheart

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Ringing in the New Year!

Ringing in the 2011 movie season is always fun, especially with all the movies to look forward to in the year ahead. But before we get into that, let’s review “Little Fockers.” The cast of the film was packed with A-listers, and with salaries, according the the New York Post, quite astounding. The major chunk went to Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro racking in $20 million. Owen Wilson took in $15 million and Barbra Streisand $7 million. While Dustin Hoffman negotiated $7.5 million, and Jessica Alba was paid $3 million.


While I just love Robert De Niro (he is an amazing and talented actor), it’s certainly not his fault that the writers didn’t deliver. “Little Fockers,” was as funny as having a root canal. I mean it. In the 97 minutes that I watched the movie, I didn’t laugh once. The movie made no sense at all; since when do in-laws come to visit two weeks prior to the grandkids' birthday party? Perhaps if they live in a third world country, and getting there would be full of travel mishaps. A perfect example would be the original “The Out of Towners,” starring Jack Lemmon. I just didn’t get it. Even the title had little to do with the Focker kids. The third film in the Ben Stiller-Robert De Niro series went absolutely nowhere, and I suppose the only reason it made so much money New Year’s weekend, was that it had an A-list cast and the audience was curious. A decade ago, “Meet the Parents” was funny, and then the 2004 sequel “Meet the Fockers,” with Barbra Streisand and Dustin Hoffman added to the cast, was hilarious; however, “Little Fockers” was lost in translation.

Anything is subject to change, so while many dates are tentative, here is what is scheduled for the first three months. In January we have the film “Country Strong,” starring Gwyneth Paltrow; “The Green Hornet,” starring Seth Rogan; and the much-anticipated “No Strings attached,” starring Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman.

In February, we have a concert documentary about the boy, the legend, the fever, “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never.” So if you’re a parent of a tween, get ready for the much-anticipated movie. In March, we are graced with “Jane Eyre,” with Mia Wasikowska as Charlotte Bronte’s timid governess and Michael Fassbender as Rochester. For the kids, there is the voice of Johnny Depp in the Wild West cartoon, “Rango.”

So what’s ahead for 2011, besides these movies? We will see many more inspired ballet books, due to the phenomenal turn in “Black Swan” starring Natalie Portman. We’ll also see many celebrities steeping out with their fashion label. Recently, Justin Timberlake's collection William Rast will be featured at Target. Avril Lavigne, who two years ago launched her line to Kohl’s, currently relaunched her line on her e-commerce site, AbbeyDawn.com. Her collection includes handbags, shoes, dresses, denim, active wear and even a few men’s pieces.

Valentine's Day and more!

February is always a special month. It’s the month of the Super Bowl, Grammys and the Oscars. It’s that time of year where romance is in the air. Godiva chocolates, red roses and romantic getaways mean only one thing: Valentine’s Day!


Last year we had the movie “Valentine’s Day,” which was full of love and celebrities. It was a star-packed movie which starred Julia Roberts, Jamie Foxx, Anne Hathaway, George Lopez, Queen Latifah , Ashton Kutcher and Taylor Swift just to name a few. This year we have “Blue Valentine” starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. The film centers around a couple who go through the test of time. Michele Williams is brilliant in her role and has been nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actress category.

Valentine’s Day can seem very blue for single people. It is extremely hard when you think you found someone to love, but then you become disappointed. Once you open up your heart you are subjected to being hurt. Later you realize that love never fails, people do. It is a painful day for those who have loved and lost. The heartbreak of being tossed around like a salad, thrown in the trash and replaced perhaps by someone who has the IQ of 50, can leave anyone speechless. Single women certainly know how it feels to be dumped, especially before Valentine’s Day. Don’t take it personally. Usually it’s because they don’t want to break the bank account.

You can always rent my favorite movie “Legally Blonde” eat Godiva chocolates and throw the $30 box at the TV when he dumps Elle during that infamous scene when they are having dinner in the restaurant.
As Valentine’s Day nears, most lovebirds want to celebrate love with a dream wedding. Soon thereafter, once the question has been popped and someone has said "Yes," the happy couple will find themselves ensconced in the myriad details of planning a joyous occasion. One of the best ways to make sure your wedding is a magical experience is to attend a bridal show. We bumped into Doria Pagnotta of “Jerseylicious,” who does hair and makeup at the Gatsby. Doria is one of the sweetest and personable people I’ve ever met. Unlike her character in the reality show, she is a genuine, kind-hearted soul. Doria told us she will be on the third season of the show portraying the back-stabbing, conniving diva. Sometimes, Doria’s fondness for melodrama will give you the riveting, dazzling, emotional episode you don‘t want to miss.

Whitney Port and the Paparazzi!

Valentine's Day Giveaway!

Brides & jerseylicious!!