Reel Access

I know this is a couple of days old and I really wanted to post this up on Tuesday, but I had to take care of a couple of projects that I am working on for the Oscars. I guess that they were so pleased with miss Betty White's commercial that premiered during the Super Bowl that they are considering on having her as a regular on 'Saturday Night Live'. This is pretty cool because Betty White is funny and I adore her on "The Golden Girls" as Rose Nylund. I hope this can worked out because this pretty much history in the making if she is part of the cast. It's good to know at 88 years old that she has it and let that be an inspiration to everyone.

To follow up to my older posts on the whole Aerosmith debacle. It looks like today it was confirmed that Steven Tyler rejoined the group and will definitely be touring this summer. I am very excited to hear that he will not be replaced by anyone. Cocked, Locked and Ready to Rock" European summer tour is what is called. I am quite jealous because I have no funds to follow the band in Europe, but hope they will playing soon in the U.S. I want to wish all them the best and continue with the music and peace.

I did promise all of you an update on the Abbey Road Studios.  I am happy to say that EMI is confirming that the studio will not be sold and that a plan to revive is in the works.  I am beyond belief on happiness about this. This place has a lot history that plays an important stamp in music history.  There were reports that EMI was in financial trouble and that's why there were reports of the selling of Abbey Road Studios came into play. I don't know where the reports of it getting demolished came in, but as of right now its safe. 

I think the studio should be turned into a museum, which can definitely make profit for EMI. I think a lot of Beatles fans would pay to tour around where they recorded their songs in. I know I would pay money to tour Abbey Road. In general, they are a lot of ways that EMI  can revive the studios. I hope this story continues to have a positive outcome. 

 The late and great country singer, Johnny Cash's final recordings before his September 2003 death are finally going to be released this month. "American VI: Ain't No Grave" will be hitting stores on February 26, which would have been the singer's 78th birthday. From what I read the album will have cover songs from Sheryl Crow and Kris Kristofferson. It was also have the last song that he written before his death called " I Corinthians: 15:55." 

I'm super stoked about The Twilight Saga: Eclipse trailer is definitely going to be one of the previews before Robert Pattinson's new movie "Remember Me." This is very crucial for all Twilight fans to see this trailer. This was just confirmed on twilightlexicon.com, which a great website dedicated to all things" Twilight." I'm happy that I don't have to buy Wal-Mart's special edition dvd of "New Moon" to see the trailer. Speaking of "New Moon", the release will be March 20th and I already confirmed my presence to Border's midnight dvd release party for it. The dvd actually is being released on the same date that "Twilight" came out on dvd. I will definitely have pictures and coverage of the event to share with all of you. 

Only three days ago after it was announced that the legendary Abbey Road recording studio, where The Beatles recorded many of their classic songs the National Trust may try and save it.  With many fans expressing their concerns since it was reported that Abbey Road was going to be demolished. Many people contacted National Trust asking for them to buy it. I'm very concerned about this because Abbey Road is part of the music history. I'm surprised that Paul McCartney or Ringo Starr didn't buy the studio. McCartney did express that he would be happy if National Trust will buy it. I really hope this conflict will be solved in a positive way. I will definitely keep you posted on this breaking news.

I thought since we are in the mist of the countdown to Tim Burton's "Alice In Wonderland", I read this article from Showbizspy.com in which Helen Bonham Carter talks about hating roles that portrays her as sex symbol. I thought it was cool and funny because she is a unique actress that I so happen to love. She mentions that her acting was improved due her aging. I thought that is pretty cool and brave to admit that age which is sensitive topic to middle aged woman played a part of her craft. She goes on to saying she doesn't like being the sex symbol, but prefers playing the grandma in films. Helen is so damn awesome for things like that. I find her quite honest and refreshing in all her movies that I have seen. 

I feel that a lot of young actors, who probably lost their way in the profession can learn from Ms. Bonham Carter. We constantly see actors, who abuse their talents and do retarded things and sadly lose their creditability. She seems to be in a much healthy and positive state of mind that actors should really be in. You can definitely tell who are actors and who are truly performers.To check out that article go to this link : http://www.showbizspy.com/article/200099/helena-bonham-carter-hates-playing-the-sex-symbol.html

HBO has a new show that just premiered this past Sunday, which reminds me of "Entourage." Jeez. I wonder why? Maybe because Mark Whalberg also produced it as well. "How To Make It..." is about Brooklyn friends Ben (Bryan Greenberg, One Tree Hill, October Road) and Cam (Victor Rasuk) who try to start their on denim jeans line. The episode was a typical pilot just introducing characters and getting a sense of their lifestyle in good ole' Brooklyn. I definitely feel that HBO has yet another hit on their hands and hopefully that other people will catch on to this television show.

On the ever so popular escape goat for movie material in the industry can add "Wonder Woman" and  "The Flash" on the list. This was just confirmed today that scripts will be announced soon. Just thinking about this as I'm typing this post is the burning question: who will be the lucky cast as the popular heroes? This is literally a challenge because these characters are so damn interesting especially Wonder Woman. Linda Carter will forever be her in my eyes. 

Speaking of superheroes, we know that "The Green Lantern" is coming out this year with Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively as his leading lady.  Also "Iron Man 2" and "The Green Hornet" with Seth Rogen. I can't that to come out. I believe that Seth Rogen had to lose extremely amount of weight for the part. I love Seth, so I will support even though I love comic books.

I just wanted to give you an brief update on the projects that I mentioned in a previous post that I'm involved with. The Reel Art podcast is back again for an awesome season and the website is up and running for you to follow and be a part of. I would like for you guys to support not only me, but my fellow workers on this project as well. We all share a passion and we hope to get as many followers on all aspects of work that we are currently working on. So you can check out the podcast and extra awesome stuff at www.reelartent.com. 

Thanks 

Lauren

I know this was last week's end, but I really wanted to take this all in and just come with a good respond to it. Vanity Fair magazine has an annually issue dedicated to the up and coming young actresses for the new year. The special issue so happens to be out on stands around Oscar season.  Well this Vanity Fair issue not only featured two actresses that were previously on the cover for the list, but did not feature up and coming actress Gabourey Sidbie (Precious: Based on the novel Push by Sapphire). This decision caused quite stir for most people calling the magazine racist and unfair. 

The magazine stated that there was a so called theme and style that they were trying to go with for the issue. I have checked on blogs and other comments on this and a lot of people are saying its unfair, while others think it's ridiculous. I feel that it was unfair to have two actresses are the cover twice and not have a new actress that is up and coming in movies. I honestly don't think the magazine are racist, well who knows, but I feel that they overlooked her. We live in a generation where the color of skin shouldn't be an issue, but unfortunately it still does. I hope this will change to be quite honest with you. 

Since we are now full bloom in award season with the biggest award ceremony on its way next month. It dawned on me the issue that I that occurs to many winners of the Oscars. And that is.... missing from the screen!!! I have heard about this so-called Oscar curse, which means after winning an Oscar you so happen to not make films or do terrible films after that. For example, Halle Berry won for "Monster Ball" and then we hardly saw her on the screen. I have not seen this film, but "Things We Lost in the Fire" didn't do too well. Denzel Washington on the other hand did continue to do good films, but has not been nominated since his win for "Training Day". 

Another one is Reese Witherspoon. I love her!!! She has hardly in films now. I did not see "Rendition", but it had some mixed reviews. Now that Sandra Bullock is nominated for her first Oscar, I hope and pray that she is one of the ones that survive the so-called Oscar curse because I like her films. We will wait and see everyone.

I had to quickly post these nominations. Avatar got nine nominations. I'm happy to say that I kind of predicted that Carey Mulligan got nominated for her role in "An Education", but I don't think she will win (even though she should) because Sandra Bullock, Meryl Streep and Helen Mirren on the category. Overall all the nominations are pretty much the same from the Golden Globes. I'm so excited for March 7th now!! I live for award shows, especially the Oscars. I get goose bumps just talking about it. LOL. Let me stop blabbing any post up all the nominees. For the rest of the other categories please go to http://oscar.go.com/nominations/nominees

Best Picture

Avatar

The Blind Side

District 9

An Education

The Hurt Locker 

Inglorious Basterds

Precious:Based on the novel 'Push' by Sapphire 

A Serious Man 

Up

Up in the Air

Actor in a Leading Role

Jeff Bridges

George Clooney

Colin Firth

Morgan Freeman 

Jeremy Renner

Actor  in a Supporting Role 

Matt Damon 

Christopher Plummer

Woody Harrelson

Stanley Tucci 

Christoph Waltz

Actress in a Leading Role

Sandra Bullock

Helen Mirren 

Carey Mulligan 

Gabourey Sidibe 

Meryl Streep 

Actress in a Supporting Role

Penelope Cruz

Vera Farmiga 

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Anna Kendrick 

Mo'Nique 

So we all know that actor Rip Torn was released on bail yesterday due to charges of burglary, criminal trespassing and some weapon offenses. This was one of those"WTH" moments to be honest with you. I am not familiar with his movies, but I know he is a well known. I just ponder this  question : why do actors do these things to themselves? I know their is a lot factors that the average American does not about their personal lives, but this is crazy. This kind of forwards my thoughts on the art of acting itself. I had a conversation last night with a visiting manager, Garrett from another American Eagle location on this same topic. 

Today's generation there are two categories. There are the movie stars and the actors. You might say that's the same thing, but in reality there are completely different. Some actors pick the most low budget movie because they like the work, the message it brings to them. Some just do it for the money. There are plenty of those of out there, but I'm not going into that. The thing is that anyone can be an "actor" and this generation is producing more of that with reality shows and so on. I don't know what Rip Torn's reasons and I'm not getting on him because all do feel like that some times. Rip Torn is not the only actor to act in this type of behavior and he probably won't be the last. That's the sad part when a beautiful craft turns into something different.

Last night's Grammy's was pretty interesting on parts that I actually watched. LOL. The night belonged to Taylor Swift, which I knew for some crazy reason that they would give her the "Album of the Year" award.  I know she is worthy of the award, but I honestly thought it was going to go to either Beyonce or Lady GaGa. Anyways, congrats Taylor on your awards because you deserve it as much as the other artists that were nominated. On performances, I liked Pink's and Beyonce's. I though they were really good, but I was not expecting Beyonce to sing Alanis Morrisette's ever so classic song , "You Oughta Now." I didn't think it was that good to be honest. Pink's performance was crazy as always. I was excited to see Stevie Nicks performing with Taylor Swift. That was a surprise for me. 

The real moment was the tribute to the late Michael Jackson. I did not catch last night, but I did view online. I did get to see his children Paris and Prince accept the award on his behalf. I thought that was a rare and genuine moment that words are too difficult to express how his passing is still a shock to us all.