2010 Scandal #1?

For me, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games coming to my city is not so much about the sports. I have no tickets to any actual events - so if you have any Gold Medal Hockey tickets you would like to donate to me... that would be awesome. Ha! That is not quite true. I am going to the Dress Rehearsal for the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday. Which is pretty cool. And no, I will not be sneaking in a camera or spilling any secrets, so don't ask :)

I know it sounds trite and cliched and tacky, but this is honestly a once in a life time opportunity. In spite of all the other crap going on in my life.... this is it. In just over 2 weeks, this will be over. And how much would it suck to let it pass me by? I live so close to all the action, I would be a fool to sit at home and bitch and moan about a few disruptions to my life.

And my fellow Australians are definitely embracing the mantra of once in a lifetime opportunity. I am sure you have all seen this big ass boxing kangaroo flag that they hung in the Aussie quarters at the Athletes Village. It has made headlines around the world as one of the first bona fide scandals of these Games. They are not the only country to have flags hanging. They are not the only country to have massive flags hanging. The IOC (not Canada, Vancouver or VANOC) kinda sorta wanted it taken down. Something to do with it being a trademarked product and not an actual country flag. The whole thing was blown totally way out of proportion but praise Jeebus the IOC "backed down" and the Aussies can keep their Boxing Kangaroo flying high. Hello Mountain....meet the Molehill. People were freaking over nothing.

To that I say.... Aussie Aussie Aussie Oy Oy Oy!!!

XO

Sundance Portraits Make Me Smile and/or Quiver

At the start of this years Sundance Film Festival founder Robert Redford pronounced that this year would see a return to it's roots and that it would again enable unknown filmmakers to find an audience. That declaration remains to be seen and will be debated by much cleverer people than me in the weeks and months to come. I am pretty much here to post pictures of people I like and ridicule posted images of those I don't like. This specific post is more on the love side....

Let's begin with 2 of my absolute fave indie queens. On the left we have the amazing Catherine Keener - a staple at film festivals. One of the most respected working actors around, she never seems allows herself to be sucked in by the Hollyweird bullsh*t. She is with Oliver Platt - her costar in the upcoming film Cyrus. On the right is one hi-larious lady - Parker Posey. She has been in a ton of films, I especially loved her the Christopher Guest movies - Best In Show, Waiting for Guffman, A Mighty Wind. She was also too funny in Scream 3....do not judge my love of the Scream Trilogy. I will fight you on this. Parker was not promoting anything at Sundance this year - she was one of the judges.

Next up is my girl crush Kristen Stewart who is the indisputable Princess of the festival with 2 films showing. The top right picture is with her director Jake Scott and co-star Melissa Leo from Welcome to the Riley's. The other pictures, of course, are with her costar Dakota Fanning as well the totally bad ass Joan Jet and Cherie Currie who Kristen and Dakota are playing in The Runaways. I have already written a ton of stuff about both these films, so won't say anthing further.

I have already posted candid pictures of my new favourite imaginary couple Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. I love these pictures, although they do make me rather distracted. And I have already had to wipe the drool off of my keyboard once this week... I don;t want to do it again. Their film Blue Valentine is getting good reviews and looks like it will get picked up. Yay!

Cute boys in flannel, dirty jeans and boots are always a good thing in my mind..... Oh James Franco, another many who makes me quiver in my nether regions. Howl was one of the first films screened at the Festival this year and seems to have gotten decent (but not fantastic) reviews. It has a great cast (including the dreamy Jon Hamm, Bob Balaban, Mary Louise Parker & David Strathairn) and a very interesting premise. On the right is the Orlando Bloom - who still makes me quiver - and Juliette Lewis who are costarring in Mark Rufallo's film Sympathy for Delicious about a newly paralysed DJ who seeks out a world of faith healing. Hmmm. Interesting!!

Sarah Polley is the Queen of Canada's indy film scene and an Oscar nominee. She is pictures here with her director for the thriller Splice. No specific reason why she is included in this set of pics. I just admire her a lot. Such a young and talented young lady! I adore Naomi Watts. Ever since Brides of Christ and Hey Dad! - which unless you are an Aussie you will have no idea what I am talking about. She is very very very talented. Her movie Mother and Child looks very interesting. Watts plays the daughter of Anette Benning who was given up for adoption by Benning when she was born. It also costars Kerry Washington, Samuel L Jackson, David Morse and Jimmy Smitts. The few reviews I have read are all positive, which is a good! I also just saw on IMDb that Watts is signed on for a remake of The Birds - inspired casting if you ask me!

Last up is a group of Aussie actors who were in town for their crime drama film Animal Kingdom. Guy Pearce is probably the best known of the cast, but was not in Sundance sadly. But Ben Mendelsohn was. I heart him. Very well known and respected in my home and native Australia. Not so much elsewhere. He has had a number of smallish roles in some films, but nothing substantial. He did costar in one of my favourite movies from Australia - The Year My Voice Broke - such a good movie!!! The chick - Jackie Weaver - at the front is best known to me for being married to a very well known personality in Australia (Bert Newton). But she has also done a ton of TV and Film work in Oz. She was actually the one I initially recognised in this picture for some bizarre reason!

All of these shots are from the EW Photo Studio - an annual tradition at Sundance. I am such a fan of these shots and the photographer - Ture Lillegraven. Sundance wraps up over the weekend and then the focus will be on Tuesday's Oscar nominations. I am finally going to see Crazy Heart over the weekend. I may actually write a quick review - it has been a while!

XO

Aussie Aussie Aussie Oy Oy Oy

And just to clarify for any non-Aussies reading this, it is pronounced "Ozzie"... as opposed to "Aussssssie". There are only so many times I can hear Mary Hart or Nancy O'Dell mangle the mangling of my homeland's name. :)

Nearly every Australian who is prominent in the Entertainment Industry was on hand last night for the Black Tie Dinner that serves as the primary publicity vehicle for G'day USA: Australia Week 2010. This always sold out event honours individuals for their significant contribution to their industry (primarily sports and entertainment) and for their excellence in promoting Australia in the US. Australia Day is January 26th - they really should move this event a little later in the month doncha think?

Last night, Simon Baker was honored by super star couple Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman who sang a Simon Baker themed version of the iconic Australian Crawl song - Down Under. Loved it. More importantly I loved seeing Nicole be so free and loose. She really seemed to be having fun with her hubby, honoring her friend Simon. The amazing Toni Collette was also honoured, but I don't believe she was serenaded by the hawtness that is Keith Urban.

The Australian contingent in Hollyweird is a close knit one. Apparently they are all friends. I wonder if they all get together weekly and watch Neighbours? Or maybe Home and Away as both Simon and good friend Naomi Watts were in that. With Fosters and Vegemite sandwiches of course.

XO

KFC Ad = Misguided not Racist

The furor surrounding a 20 second ad about Cricket and KFC is just a little ridiculous doncha think? Apparently this ad was considered racist when it was uploaded to YouTube and was seen by American audiences. While I do acknowledge that at first glance this little ad may be seen to be promoting racial stereotypes that rowdy black people will calm down if you give them some fried chicken, a few contextual points should be noted.

First up these supporters are not African American. They are from the West Indies. That being said, there doesn't seem to be any negative stereotypes associated with people from the West Indies and Fried Chicken. One could make the argument that those who are condemning this ad are making offensive stereotypes themselves for assuming that the people in this ad are African American.

Secondly, when the white dude says he is in an "awkward" situation, it is because he is the lone Aussie supporter amongst a whole schwack of rowdy West Indies Supporters, not because he is surrounded by black people. I think it would have been prudent for the ad team to consider including one white supporter apart from the white dude.

Finally, I would hazard a guess that the majority of Australians are not aware of any stereotype regarding African Americans and Fried Chicken. Geez, outside of the US, there are probably not many who aware of this stereotype.

KFC quickly caved to the outcry and have removed the ad from the air. But the debate rages on. My opinion - for what it is worth. Racist - no. I do not think that the Ad men/women who came up with the concept for the ad made a conscious decision to make an ad that would be construed as racist. Oh and did I mention that the ad was never intended to air in the only segment of the population that would find it racist or offensive.

I completely understand that this ad viewed in a vaccuum may be considered racist. I understand why so many people are up in arms and offended by it's content. But I do not think it was intentionally racist. Misguided most definitely. I am pretty sure that a few of the marketing team at KFC Australia may be looking for new jobs right about now.

XO

See you on the flip side - 2009

I am not one for creating end of year lists. Top 10 Movies, songs, TV shows, Bands, CD's, Books. Any of that stuff. I have nothing against it per se. But I just don't typically do it. No time, no inclination. One exception to this is my top 10 Buffy Episodes which is causing me a lot of anxiety as I am having a lot of trouble limiting it to 10. I am also thinking of starting on my favourite movies of all time, but that too is proving a little difficult to limit.

One list I am comfortable with is the Celebrity Death List. Go figure. Because, was it just me, or did a lot of famous people die this year? I mean come on, it seemed like nearly every day there was a either a celebrity or a celebrity adjacent death. This is by absolutely no means an exhaustive list of those famous people who have passed away this year. It is simply those that have impacted me in some way.

Ricardo Montalban - January 14th

Natasha Richardson - March 18th

Andy Hallett - March 29th

Bea Arthur - April 25th

Charles "Bud" Tingwell - May 15

Ed MacMahon - June 23rd

Farah Fawcett - June 25th

Michael Jackson - June 25th

Walter Kronkite - July 17th

John Hughes - August 6th

Senator Edward Kennedy - August 25th

Dominick Dunne - August 26th

DJ AM - August 28th

Patrick Swayze - September 14th

Brittany Murphy - December 20th

The pictures are in the order of their death. There are a ton of reasons why these people impacted me life in come way. And you likley haven't heard of a few of them. But these are the famous or at least famous to me people who died in 2009.

Andy Hallett passed away at the age of 33 from heart failure. Outside of the world of Whedon, most people likley had no idea who he was. But to me, he was Lorne from Angel. Charles "Bud" Tingwell was in at least one episode of every television program I watched growing up as a child in Australia. He was a veteran of the Australian acting community and was given a state funeral when he passed away from complications due to Prostate Cancer.

Some of these deaths were shocking - MJ, Brittany Murphy, Natasha Richardson and DJ AM were definitely huge surprises of the sad variety. Others such as Farrah Fawcett and Patrick Swayze were the result of very valiantly fought public battles with Cancer. Others still bring back memories of my childhood - watching Fantasy Island & The Golden Girls.

But the death that impacted me the most this year was hands down John Hughes. His films defined my teenage years. The Breakfast Club will most definitely be on my top 10 movie list (when I get around to writing it). As a filmaker John Hughes was able to speak to a teen audience in a way I have rarely seen since. Teen movies these day are typically wild and wacky sex romps where the dorky guy/girl struggles to overcome their dorkiness, but ultimately triumphs over said dorkiness and ends with the girl/boy of his/her dreams. And there is normally a mean girl/boy who gets their comeuppance in some hilarious manner. It is the same formula for every movie that is made. And I find it pretty insulting. Granted, some of them are entertaining. But they condescend to the audience and tell the same sad tired jokes and delliver the same tired message.

I feel honoured to have been a part of the John Hughes generation of movies. I know that it was unlikley that he would have made another movie. But now, with his tragic death at the age of 59, that will never happen. And that makes me so very sad. Before Hughes died, 4 young filmakers set out to find the notoriously reclusive Hughes. Their film, Don't You Forget About Me is a final love letter to John Hughes. I just wish that we could write more.

Did I leave anyone off? Is there a celebrity death that impacted you the way John Hughes impacted me? Sound out in the comments people! Lemme know you are out there.

XO

I Should Be So Lucky

When I was in 6th Grade, my friends and I would regularly race the four blocks from our school as soon as the bell rang in the hopes of being able to watch filming of what was then our favourite television show - Neighbours. Actually, it was pretty much everyone's favourite show. Most of the time we would show up and there would be nothing going on. But on a lucky few occasions, there would be barricades up and we would be able to watch them film scenes on world famous Ramsey Street.

Even though it was around 20 years ago - eek! - I have a perfect memory of showing up one day to find the Scott & Charlene in the middle of a major fight. OMFG!! I almost peed my pants - Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, in the flesh. So exciting. I couldn't find the scene n the interwebs...... so this is them remembering their first meeting. Lordie! They were both so young then right? The hair, the clothes, the accents! Oh the memories of my Aussie childhood.

During the years since Charlene left Ramsey Street forever and Kylie became Stock, Aiken and Waterman's premier pop princess - I have loved her and I have hated her. The hate stemmed from the undeniable fact that pretty much every Aussie soap star in the late 80's to early 90's tried to sing..... whether they were from Neighbours, Home & Away or the oft forgotten E-Street - if you were the hot young thing on the show - you had a recording contract. Most had a hit or two and then realised that just because they could "act" didn't necessarily mean they had a future as a singer.

Kylie was different however. And for me, since "Confide in Me" it has been pretty much love. In the years since this song came out in 1994, I have even developed a new appreciation for the songs that I originally despised - such as Locomotion, Lucky Star and the always enjoyable Especially For You (fabulous duet with Jason Donovan). I have never seen Kylie in concert - which for an Australian is something akin to treason.

This month, 41 year old Kylie Minogue embarked on her first North American tour. It is shocking to me that she has never toured here. It is also shocking that she is not a bigger star here. In Australia and the UK, she is on the same level as Beyonce and Madonna - but here - people know who she is, but .........

I am not going to see her while she is in North America. Her only Canadian date is Toronto and the closest she came to Vancouver is Los Angeles. Considering I fly out to Boston and New York next week, I couldn't really justify flying down to California for a concert. I am super bummed I am not going. All reports and reviews I have read have been glowing. Much smaller venues than she would normally play - which would have made it even more awesome. This saddens me even more.

Maybe next time.

XO

Michelle Williams does Vogue

Michelle Williams looks radiant on the cover of Vogue's October issue. The stunning and talented 29 year old actress opens up about how she has coped since the death of Heath Ledger, father to her 3 year old daughter Matilda, and the constant struggle she has as a single parent under the never ending glare of the paparazzi spotlight. Can I start by saying how fricking gorgeous she looks in these photos. Her pixie haircut looks gorgeous,, and I love the styling and costumes in these shots.

I have been a fan of Michelle since her days as the troubled Jen on Dawson's Creek, and absolutely loved her in last year's critically acclaimed Wendy & Lucy. She is a phenomenally talented actress next appearing in Martin Scorsese's much anticipated Shutter Island, where she plays a ghost opposite Leonardo DiCaprico. Due to the understandable fascination with Heath and her relationship with him, Michelle has been extremely reluctant to do any press, even promoting of her movies for fear of being asked about what happened between her and Ledger when they separated prior to his tragic death in January 2008.

She speaks of the difficulties of grieving in the public eye and explaining to her young daughter why people are so interested in their lives. After an encounter with a child in their neighbourhood coffee shop, who asked Matilda what it was like to be famous and whether she was sad that her father died, Michelle had to explain to her daughter "It's because people really loved your daddy that they want to take your picture; to know you're all right" No child or parent should have to go through that. It is hard enough to mourn someone you love, but to do it under the watchful eye of the press and public must be excruciating. I am not surprised that Williams is so hesitant to do interviews.

Michelle is fiercely private and protective of her daughter, dividing her time between Brooklyn and an undisclosed location in upstate New York. The paparazzi shots I have seen of her and Matilda lead me to believe that Matilda is a happy, well loved child. In the article, Michelle also confirms that her relationship with director Spike Jonze has ended: "The timing was impossible. I thought falling in love again was the only thing that was going to save me from the pain. This erroneous idea: It just makes things more complicated." And dating with a kid? "I obviously don't know how to do it."

Michelle seems content to be focusing on her relationship with her daughter rather than any romantic entanglements. But then again, she is very guarded in all interviews, so if she was dating someone, it is not like she would tell the interviewer right? She filmed a movie with Ryan Gosling recently - could you imagine the magnificence of them together? That would be pretty rad. I am pretty sure it's never gonna happen, but a girl can dream right?

Check out the full interview in October's Vogue. Shutter Island hits theatre's in February 2010.

XO

A kinder gentler Russell Crowe?

Aussie Actor Russell Crowe has been known just as much for his dislike of the media and his temper than any of his roles in recent years. We all remember that incident in 2005 when he threw a phone at a hotel employee.

Crowe has just finished filming his role as the title character in Ridley Scott's Robin Hood and has returned home to Sydney for some downtime. When this article, written by columnist Annette Sharp was published earlier this week, she drew attention to his workout regime which consisted of regular smoke breaks during his 20 km bike ride, finishing up with a meal consisting of tacos and pop. Rather than rant or rave, threaten to sue, or start a twitter-war, Crowe challenged Sharp to tag along on one of said bike-rides.

Crowe proceeded to kick the married mother of 3's ass. And he behaved like a total gentleman. He didn't crow about beating her (sorry I couldn't resist). He was genuinely concerned when she had a spill on her bike. But, kick her ass he did.

I love this. I love that she went. I love that he acted more like a grown up than most of the people in his industry. I know that she did it for the international press she is now getting. But I don't care. This was awesome.

I am a fan of Mr Russell Crowe. He was in the amazing Romper Stomper - one of my favourite Australian movies. I think he is a talented actor who loves his family, loves his rugby team (and by "his" rugby team, I mean the one he owns - the South Sydney Rabbitto's) and doesn't like the press that much. At least this time he handled it like a man instead of behaving like his character Hando from Romper Stomper.

This is a rough movie. But it is fantastic. Russell is phenomenal in this role. It is what got him noticed in Hollyweird. This is the movie that started it all........


XO

RIP Sam the Koala

Do you remember this video from the devastating Bushfires in my home and Native Australia? "Sam" the Koala became a world wide Internet phenomenon and a symbol of hope to Australians suffering through the worst fires in the country's history. Volunteer firefighter David Tree encountered the animal gingerly making its way through the blackened bush north of Melbourne, and another member of the crew filmed him giving much needed water to the dehydrated and injured Koala.

Sam suffered second and third degree burns on her paws and had been recuperating at the Southern Ash Wildlife Centre. During surgery for an unrelated medical condition, Sam sadly was put to sleep when it was discovered that her condition was considerably more severe than initially thought. As with up to 50% of Australia's Koala population, Sam was suffering from urogenital chlamydiosis (yes, chlamydia).

RIP Sam, you dirty slutty Koala you.

XO