Martin Short...guest stint on "How I Met Your Mother" a lure for fans!

One of Canada's national treasures - comedian Martin Short - is returning to the small screen to inhabit a role on the popular CBS Sitcom "How I Met Your Mother".

Short - the star of big-budget screen features such as 3 Amigos (who has also taken on the challenge of demanding dramatic roles in "Damages" and "Law & Order") - has been cast to play the "boss" of one of the regular characters on the ratings-getter in a storyline expected to stretch out over several episodes.

The zany comic has skillfully played a myriad of off-beat (wild!) characters over the years - my favorite being - nutso talk-show interviewer Jiminy Glick (who was featured in Comedy Central's Primetime Glick).

Glick's one-on-one gab-fests with real-life celebrities such as - Bill Maher, David Hasselhoff, Goldie Hawn, Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart, David Schwimmer, Gene Simmons (Kiss), and Brian Williams - were a real hoot!

The charismatic star has also won numerous awards, including one for a stage performance in "Little Me" (which earned him a Tony Award).

Martin - break a leg - eh?

http://www.thetattler.biz

Jack Black...ecstatic over Kung Fu Panda! Deep family storyline appealed to actor!

Ever since Jack Black became a friend on MySpace, I haven't had much of an opportunity to give the comic a plug.

What are friends for, after all?

That all changed when it was announced that Kung Fu Panda 2 was slated for release in theatres countrywide this week.

With Jack making the rounds of the talk-show circuit there is much to gab about.

For starters, Mr. Black is thrilled with the outcome of the much-anticipated big-budget studio flick.

"I am so proud of this Kung Fu Panda. After all, long after I am gone, it will still be entertaining people," he proudly noted to one interviewer on a morning talk show.

How much of Jack is in the Panda character he plays?

"About ninety-percent. I left about ten percent to use for other roles."

At one point, Meredith Viera tried to stir up a bit of controversy in one interview when she posed a question which caused a little tension on the studio set when it first zinged off her lips.

"I interviewed Angelie in Cannes. She said that she had to go back into the studio to redo lines because you changed a lot of them in your studio session."

The camera panned over to Jack in time to catch an awkward look which flickered across his face for a second or two.

Say what?

"Is that okay?" Viera probed further in - what appeared to be - a shame-faced effort to seize the moment and make an issue of his acting "style".

"Well, yeah. I think so," Jack responded, as a polite look of astonishment visibly crossed his lovable mug.

Of course it is, Meredith!

When a director hires on a talent to work on a project, he or she has to be mindful of the fact that every actor approaches his craft differently.

It is a given that they - not only be ready to accommodate the "gift" - but be prepared to work with it in a unique straightforward hands-on way to flesh the talent out.

It is one of the quirks of "creativity".

In some cases, performers get a handle on their work by extraordinary methods, but that is the nature of the beast (in this case, the Panda).

Jack went on to point out that because the studio work was all "voice-over", it was a golden opportunity to focus on the true essence of the character, play up the nuances - and ultimately - find the heart of it.

"So, you try things in many different ways, take some risks."

A good director gives an actor a lot of leeway in that respect and only reins in "the talent" when necessary for the overall project's sake.

Jack pointed out that part of the reason he signed on for the sequel is because the storyline deals with deeper issues in respect to parenting and family.

Apparently, the film has an underlying message, and is not all comical fluff with slick special effects geared towards dazzling the filmgoers.

The children at the school where Black's kids attend were all treated to a sneak preview.

"They loved it," he gushed enthusiastically.

Now, let's wait and see what the critics have so say, eh?

I plan to catch it over the weekend.

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz

 

 

The Fearless Vampire Killers...Polanski film free screening @ Skirball Cultural Center...

The Skirball Cultural Center's "Jews on Celluloid" series revs up on Tuesday with a Polanski classic.

"The Fearless Vampire Killers" - starring Sharon Tate (the troubled director's former wife) - is  a comedy which will screen for free in a matinee time slot.

Info:  http://www.skirball.org

Sharon Tate bares all for Polanski's camera!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Killers...Kutcher's buffed bod stars! Katherine Heigl steals flick...

Ashton hangs - um - tough!

Okay, so the script has some holes in it.

And, it doesn’t quite make the cut for the “Black’ comedy genre it was aiming for.

But, “Killers” does make the grade as an offbeat piece of comedy bill-of-fare, because it is backed up with solid acting performances - and quite a few side-splitting sight gags - that will keep audiences entertained from fast-paced beginning to predictable end.

I laughed out loud throughout.

Essentially, the dead-pan tale, is about a professional “Killer” (played adeptly by heartthrob Ashton Kutcher who has managed to survive dubious title of flavor of the month til now) who retires his hired gun after falling hard for the girl of his dreams (Katherine Hiegl).

The handsome couple settle down in the burbs in a bold-faced effort to close the door on his nefarious past.

Unfortunately, Kutcher’s character is forced out of hiding, when an odd-ball turn of events set him up as a moving target.

At this juncture, all hell breaks loose, and theatre-goers are thrust into a roller-coaster ride that keeps them on the edge of their seats.

Katherine Hegl delivers a stand-out performance that manages to capture the imagination of film buffs because of her impeccable comedic timing and a natural style of acting which resonates with a truth that is refreshing (and way beyond the capability of a bevy of bimbo babes striving for her lofty status in the show biz arena just now).

Tom Selleck (Magnum P.I.), likewise, turns in a solid stint of acting, and confirms he’s still at the top of his acting game.

The towering stud is as charismatic and handsome as ever, too!

Unfortunately, Catherine O'Hara (Selleck's wife in this 3-star feature) falls a little short in her role due to a flawed script.

The jabs at alcoholism - which amounted to a one-trick pony during the course of the film - played itself out in the first ten minutes or so.

Boring!

Kutcher - who rustled up quite a few catcalls and whistles in the opening scenes where his buffed half-naked bod was played up for maximum exploitative value by the producers - essentially played a dimension of himself (which has been captured on screen on more than one occasion ad nauseam).

Who’s punkin’ who?

But, Demi’s hubby is so lovable and sexy and cute that film fans are inclined to forgive.

The exquisite European landscape, stunning cinematography, and delightful opening credits - seduced the rapt audience - too.

There is nothing earth-shattering or thought-provoking in "Killers".

But, it is definitely a flick to catch on date night with that special squeeze.

 
http://www.julianayrs.com/
 

Sex in the City...Liza Minnelli dazzles in cameo! Miley Cyrus surprise! Wild desert romp!

 

Liza Minnelli presides over a chi chi over-the-top gay wedding in Connecticut, Penelope Cruz makes a play for "big" at a New York premiere after-party, and a tempting night on the beach with a stranger (and a clash of cultures) lands Samantha under house arrrest.

For fans of the show, it was another chapter of side-splitting fun with the girls (with "girls") - who end up in an exotic midde-eastern luxury oasis that delights, tempts, forbids, spoils - and ultimately issues- an ultimatum:

Get out of town by high noon (or at least by Hotel check-out time).

Uh-huh!

As as our gaggle of giggling  gorgeous gals tear up the United Arab Emirates terrain - and shatter the mores of an ancient culture that is quick to suppress  a woman's voice - the hapless gals nonetheless end up at a Karoke bar belting out their theme song with bang-on sensibility:

"I am woman!"

It appears that the Muslim woman can't be far behind in a Nation that now considers itself the new Middle East.

In fact in one hilarious scene, it is a bevy of "modern Muslim babes" who save our plucky heroines from a fate too awful to fathom.

A flogging in the public marketplace, perhaps?

In addition to the usual round of snappy (at times outrageously naughty) rounds of quips and amusing banter, there are unexpected surprises that trigger spontaneous gales of laughter from the rapt audience.

For example, when Samantha is invited to a Hollywood-style premiere in NYC, it's an golden opportunity to dash off and pluck up a revealing sexy designer gown to flaunt in the glare of the spotlight.

After being advised by a fashionista at an upscale designer boutique that her selection was a bit "young" (you'll get your ti*s slapped, missy) she boldly throws caution to the wind and snaps up the racy outfit anyway.

When Samantha steps onto the red carpet to be photographed - eghads! - Miley Cyrus shows up moments later (playing herself) in an exact copy of the same designer gown.

Do they both crawl under the carpet embarrassed?

No.

 Miley senses the humor of the moment - and thus - reaches out to the over-sexed cougar.

The winsome twosome end up posing for the frenzied paparazzi arm-in-arm.

Early on, in the opening scenes, Liza Minnelli officiates at a gay wedding and the moment turns out to be a wild hoot.

In view of her own disasterous trek to the altar, Ms. Minnelli appears to be taking a poke at herself!

"Whenever there is a high concentration of gay energy, Liza Minnelli manifests," one character joked from the sideliness.

A short while later, Liza dazzles with a show-stopping glitzy number (accompanied by two energetic back-up dancers) that underscores the trooper is still in top form.

If you're into show tunes - and the Gay Men's chorus - this movie is for you

At the heart of the story is a message about marriage, and monogomous relationships, which is so cleverly woven into the undercurrent of the plot line (sometimes in a tedius long-winded way) that it doesn't sound preachy.

Carrie & "Big" come to realize, that exercising their freedom in the relationship, can surely add sparkle the childless union cries out for to ensure its longevity.

As usual, the girls each go through new personal dramas.

Of course - at a coffee clatch, spa, or in a quiet heart-to-heart - each crisis is handled one by one.

Yes, happy endings all.

The film is big and splashy and over-the-top - and essentially a blown-up version of the TV series - but with a higher dose of verve and style and panache.

"Sex in the City" was a trifle too long, unfortunately (the gay wedding could have been "cut" a smidgen instead of letting it run wild and willy-nilly "uncut" on the wide-screen to the film's detriment)).

Some judicious editing in the "Ishtar" scenes (fortunately "sex" didn't go that route and was thus saved from potential disaster) may have tightened up the  long sprawling out-of-control script so that it was more palpable.

But for fans, it is solid gold entertainment, without doubt.

And, what a curious breed they are.

In the lobby of the theatre, I was astounded by the eclectic mix that is the "Sex in the City" filmgoer.

The devotees have a distinctive "look".

The mostly female crowd (sprinkled with a handful of gay couples celebrating girl's night out) carried designer clutch bags, wore elegant (funky) heels, and squeezed their precious bods into gowns that ranged from floor-length body-fitting styles to short-short sun dresses that were chic and simple (punched up with a riot of  beads, baubles, and eye-catching bangles).

The "do's" were of all persuasion - and often adorned and highlighted - with fashion flourishes.

 http://www.thetattler.biz/

Ajumma! Are you crazy? Light-hearted spoof on K-drama phenomenon! Hawaii offering...

Recently, a series of shorts shot in Hawaii - by emerging filmmakers - screened locally to a packed house at the DGA.

One of the stand-out projects - in the comedy genre - was a hilarious tale about middle-age women (known as Ajummas) in hot pursuit of a soap star who lands in their backyard on a promotional tour for a popular TV soap.

"Ajumma! Are you crazy?" is well-crafted little gem - which suffers occasionally due to poor production values (the restraints of a low-budget, I expect) - but it’s easy to overlook those ragged edges because at the heart of the robust flick is a joyous celebration of life that resonates - and subsequently - touches.

Director Brent Anbe struck gold when he lined up three of the female leads (actresses Thea Matsuda, Tessie Magaoay & Cari Mizumoto) to camp it up in this amusing little yarn that leaves audiences exiting the theatre with a smile on their face.

The actor inhabiting the role of the studly heartthrob also turns in a finely-tuned performance which signals he’s ripe to be elevated to loftier status in mainstream feature-film releases of a more commercial nature with more widespread appeal.

The handsome Asian actor - Michael Park - has great screen presence!

Although this film is flawed, and appeals to a limited audience, I expect the director to land future projects (no problem) because he has demonstrated in Ajumma! that he is a capable craftsman with oodles of potential.

The entertaining spoof on the "K-drama Phenomenon" and the soap fantasy dream factory is a delightful way to wile away an hour or so.

Director Brent Anbe 

http://www.thetattler.biz

Jennifer Lopez...reveals secret to increasing breast size for flick!

Jennifer sans stuffing

On George Lopez tonight, Jennifer Lopez (no relation) was asked how she managed to make her breasts look larger during the course of a pregnancy featured in the plot line of her latest comedy feature release (Back-up Plan).

What was the trick?

“Chicken cutlets,” she giggled.

The talk show host’s jaw dropped.

Huh?

Jennifer explained that raw chicken cutlets were strategically inserted into her bra to expand the breast size and get the right jiggle effect.

Yech!

 
http://www.thetattler.biz/

Charlie Chaplin...Gold Rush to screen with SF Symphony! April 15th-17th...

The San Francisco Symphony will play the original score for the  classic film the "Gold Rush"  at a rare screening on the Davies Symphony Hall stage (April 15th-17th).

The comedy was written, produced, and directed by Charlie Chaplin - who appears in a role that he made famous - the "Little Tramp" - during the silent film era.

The black & white feature also stars Georgia Hale, Mack Swainam, Tom Murray, Henry Bergman, and Malcolm Waite.

A scene where the "Little Tramp" is forced to eat his boot to satisfy his hunger is one of the  most memorable cinematic moments from Gold Rush that catapulted Chaplin to great fame and fortune.

Chaplin, who also directed, got the little gem in the can with a budget of $923,000.00.

The Gold Rush was originally 96 minutes long in an uncut version but edited to 82 minutes when originally distributed by United Artists in 1925.

The Cinematography was by Roland Totheroh.

Info: http://www.sfsymphony.org

http://www.thetattler.biz

Kristen Stewart...alluring in Adventureland! Hilarious college pic entertainining...

Big fans of Kristen Stewart may want to catch ADVENTURELAND, a youth-oriented film which focuses on College students and their sexual hi-jinks, while toiling away at their ho-hum summer jobs.

At New Beverly Cinema last night, on a double-bill (with Zombieland!), I found myself chortling away at a lot of snappy dialogue, sight gags, and the folly of youth depicted in the 2009 production.

Ms. Stewart essentially steals the film out from under the other talented actors - in part due - to her natural acting style and a confidence on screen that resonates with filmgoers.

A curly-haired gawky teen - with active hormones - is hard to resist, too; in fact, his persona is downright captivating.

In the simple straight-forward storyline, the lead character - James (played by Jesse Eisenberg) - has just graduated with a degree from Oberlin College.

His big plan to tour Europe over a school break is cut short when his father is transferred and strained resources force James to take on a summer job at the local theme park

With the help of close friend Frigo (Matt Bush) he takes up smoking marijuana (which triggers some side-splitting scenarios) and the lusty pursuit of babe watching as his raging hormones start to kick into high gear out-of-the-blue.

In no time flat, he is bonding with co-workers, and finding his place in the scheme of things.

Oh, and on the fast-track to getting laid, too.

He's funny, offbeat, and perfect in the role of foil.

Ryan Reynolds is surprisingly low-key (and effective) in the skin of a part-time musician who claims to have once jammed with Lou Reed (keen on the right moves to launch to land a babe in the sack).

He's treading water as the park's mechanic who quickly and efficiently fixes things.

There is nothing earth-shattering going down in ADVENTURELAND, but if you're looking for a couple of hours of  mindless entertainment, this bud's for you.

Ryan Reynolds

(right where I want him)

http://www.thetattler.biz

Jason Reitman...screens Boogie Nights & Shampoo! Packed house...

 

Jason Reitman's programming event at the New Beverly Cinema was sold out on Sunday;  in fact, disappointed fans were forced to return last night to catch the filmmaker's second run of the two films he chose to screen this weekend  (Boogie Nights & Shampoo).

Reitman (UP IN THE AIR) is an expressive articulate filmmaker who gets passionate about the creative process - particularly evident - when his hands start to flutter to emhasize a salient point or two.

As surreptiously as possible (and mindful not to be too  intrusive) I managed to capture a few minutes of his enlightening dialogue on HD Video to share with you.

Once the footage is processed, I will post the Video here and at my YouTube site later today.

Jason Reitman (Shampoo & Boogie Nights)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrHHnVy5TWI

At the early show at the Revival House in Hollywood, Reitman excitedly gushed that" Shampoo" was a perfect film.

"Up in the Air" (his lastest directorial success) was inspired by the Hal Ashby adult comedy, according to Reitman.

"I grew up in the neighborhood (Beverly Hills) where the film was shot. Just bet I could tell you the names of all the streets depicted in the movie," he boasted.

Ashby was one of Reitman's heroes

"The three films he directed back-to-back underscored what a talent he was," the likeable film buff opined  in so many words.

"It humbles me as a director."

Of course, he was referring to "Harold & Maude", "The Last Detail" and "Shampoo".

Reitman chose the two films (Boogie Nights & Shampoo) for his programming debut for the double-bill (although they appear at first glance to be an odd coupling) because the characters in each project are essentially searching for themselves (trying to find their way).

The last time I caught "Shampoo" was years ago on cable.

With a lot of life experience - and film knowledge under my belt now - I found myself peeling away the layers I missed before when I was  a younger film enthusiast.

All I recalled 'til yesterday was that Warren Beatty played a hairdresser  with a sexual addiction to women of all shapes, sizes, and persuasions.

A straight stylist (a rare find), Beatty's character is tracked by Ashby as he hilariously tip-toes his way through a mindfield of off-the-wall trysts (mostly with former or current clients at the hair salon where he snips and tips).

Who could forget the Beatty "do" -  and the hip attire he sports with great machismo from that  era - that jolted back memories of the "way we were" when I got caught up in the side-splitting plot of Shampoo last evening.

Filmgoers smiled when "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" crept  in to buoy up a couple of pivotal scenes.

Once the story unfolded, though, it was obvious that Ashby was making a more profound statement, especially about sex and politics in particular.

Now and then, for instance, the camera lens panned to a television set to capture Richard Nixon campaigning for the election, which was quite telling.

Suddenly, it dawned on me this quirky comedy was all about sexual politics, not just about a romp in the hay.

In one of my favorite moments, "George" (Beatty) barks out:

"I don't fu** for money. I fu** for fun."

There you have it.

After a handful of choice revealing scenes, George comes to recognize his failings in life (too late).

What to expect?

Ashby subtly underscores (without banging folks on the head) that many choose relationships - not based on sex (or even love) - but on their potential for future security.

Especially, after they've played the field, and sown their wild oats (in George's case).

Ironic that the film features Nixon (once known as tricky "dick") and a plotline that focuses on the tricky situations George gets into because of his own (cock),

In another interesting parallel, Beatty professes his love for Julie Christie's character - intriguing -  since the two were lovers in real life off-screen for years.

I wonder how much of the dialogue rang true in uncanny impromptu moments on the set during filming?

"Boogie Nights" was the film, on the other hand, that revived an aging Lothario's career.

Of course, I am referring to Burt Reynolds,

His acting chops had pretty much  fallen by the wayside, written off by the industry, when he sprang back in this remarkable gem of a role.

It was rumored that he was so desperate for the part of the porn director that he worked for a measly 100 thousand dollars (in spite of the fact he once commanded milliions to star in big-budget studio projects).

The gamble paid off.

For Mark Whalberg, the meaty part  (in more ways than one) was a chance to be taken seriously as an actor.

Just prior to this release, I recall reading an interview where he complained that no casting director would hire him.

This was no doubt due to the fact their take on his acting ability was clouded by his Marky Mark persona and the underwear crotch-thrusting exhibitionist days of yesteryear.

But, there's been no looking back for Mark, since the release of Boogie Nights.

For me, it was a real hoot to catch Philip Seymour Hoffman in a dicey little role such as the one he played here (with tie-dyed t-shirt, belly hanging out, and tacky ill-fitting jean - which drew attention to the fact - he keenly prepares for a role)..

Catch the flick just for his performance alone.

All in all, it was a fun entertaining night out with Jason Reitman.

Reitman returns on Wednesday night for another double-bill.

He'll be screening two films:

Breaking Away &  Bottle Rocket

The latter was Wes Anderson's first venture into filmmaking.
At press time, it was announced the two leads who starred in  "Breaking Away" might attend schedules permitting.

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz

The Last American Virgin...screens @ New Beverly Cinema! Boaz Davidson & Paul Keith @ Q & A...

Midnight Screening!

Saturday night - date night and on the eve before romantic Valentine's Day - Amoeba Music and Phil Blankenship present a screening of "The Last American Virgin"

The classic comedy (written and directed by Boaz Davidson) will hit the funny bone at midnight.

If the witching hour doesn't cause you to howl, the movie - starring Lawrence Monoson, Diane Franklin, Steve Antin, Joe Rubbo, Louisa Moritz, Brian Peck, and Kimmy Robertson - surely will

At press time - actors Lawrence Monoson, Diane Franklin and Paul  Keith - were scheduled to appear live! and in person! for an interactive Q &A with the audience.

In a nutshell, the storyline revolves around a posse of cliche characters.

But, the lens is keenly focused on a regular teen (Gary) who attends high school - and his two best pals - Rick (a wolf with an eye for the ladies) and David (the stereotypical fat guy friend who gets laughs for all his sight gags).

Typical of most pimply-faced teens, the three lads are always keen on getting laid.

In one scene, the horny dudes try to steal glances at naked nubile pretties in a dressing-room next door by way of a secret peep hole.

In another, a bodacious babe is tricked into having sex in exchange for a hit of cocaine (which turns out to be sweet & low or some such thing).

Very sweet and very low!

The Last American Virgin is a remake of an Israeli film.
(Eskimo Limon / 1978)

Once a string of sequels played themselves out, Boaz Davidson hooked up with producers Golan-Globus (OMG! Do you remember those flakes to take a shot at a production geared towards the American market.

Eskimo Limon was originally a modest feature about kids growing up in 1950s Israel!

Yup!  Think American Graffiti (George Lucas).

For a more widespread appeal the location was switched to a suburb in Los Angeles.

The scintillating soundtrack was a knock out hit which included olden golden goodies, classic rock, and contemporary New Wave.

Curtain:  11:59 p.m.
Tickets:   $7

See 'ya there!

Star Lawrence Monoson

Paul Keith to attend screening!

www.julianayrs.com

Patrick Goldstein...Los Angeles Times writer pens pap! Wasted column inches...

Well, Patrick Goldstein is at it again.

Once again, he's penning ignorant musings for the morning daily, to satisfy his overblown sense of self-importance.

Just a few days ago, everyone was savoring a big chuckle over a silly piece he threw together on the Roger Ebert scandal.

If you recall, Roger Ebert confessed on his blog, that a nifty review on the feature - Tru Loved - was crafted without disclosing the fact the rotund little critic only screened about eight minutes of celluloid.

In response, Mr. Goldstein jumped into the fray (to rustle up some much-needed publicity for himself, no doubt. Poor baby!) and wildly predicted that Ebert's shame-faced admission would spark trouble for all critics around the country.

As I quipped at the time, baloney!

When I opened the newspaper and turned to the Calendar section and started to peruse his latest article this morning, I literally laughed out loud!

After noting that he attended a screening of a comedy this past week (Role Models), the ingenuous hack proceeded to ponder why the Academy didn't award more Oscars to that popular genre.

Duh!

In fact - he noted in the overly-long shallow piece - that after the screening he found himself "wondering" why the Oscars didn't recognize good work in comedy the way they do drama, animation, cinematography, editing (oh boy, he left no stone unturned on this one) - etc. etc. and so forth and so on!

The man is a piece of work, isn't he?

For starters, the subject he was whining about has been thoroughly covered - ad nauseam - for about two decades by a handful of top entertainment writers in the industry.

More galling, perhaps, is Goldstein's deceitful bold-faced effort to conjure up the impression that his take on the issue is a fresh insight!

Mr. Goldstein, do you honestly think everyone in the biz has lived in a vacuum for the past twenty years?

Or, just maybe, you thought we were born yesterday?

At this juncture, I think it's obvious why the Los Angeles Times is losing credibility (and suffering circulation losses) in recent months.

Who wants to read the tired old news that Mr. Goldstein is offering up under the pretense that it is his own original thought-provoking material?


Years ago, Frank Sinatra caught a lot of flack from the media for referring to journalists as a bunch of hookers.

In Mr. Goldstein's case, the label is right on the money.


If I was the managing editor at the daily, I would give Goldstein's butt a swift kick into the "Want ads" department.

His writing would be better-suited for drafting copy for used cars.

After all, his propensity for selling pre-owned properties, makes him well-suited for the task.