Dwayne Johnson...fans in cold @ FASTER premiere! Seats over-booked by Power 106.1 & CBS Films!

Up front, everything looked pretty kosher at the sneak preview of FASTER last night at the Mann's Chinese Theatre.

A stream of limos pulled up to the curb, lookie-loo's gawked at the celebs who alighted from their plush environs, and a posse of frenized paparazzi snapped away fevisherly at the stars who ran the gaunlet under the glare of the dazzling kleig lights.

Oh, there's nothing like a splashy Hollywood premiere, alright!

For the celebrated elite, that is.

In contrast, the highly-publicized event - which touted an appearance by star Dwayne Johnson - was a lesson in humility for the die-hard fans who turned out in full force to take part in the glitzy festivities.

Although the cast and studio suits made their entrances into the Theatre in grand style - the fans were left to huddle outside on a windy corner (a stone's throw away) in a long queue that snaked all the way down one dark lonley side-street - and then on - behind a run-down old building across from the football field at Hollywood High!

Many of the filmgoers - who initially turned up all gaga and excited about the screening - ended up standing in line for over two hours before they were turned away with crumpled invites in their numb little hands totally pi**ed.

Uh-huh!

Once again, sponsors - this time it was Power 106.1 and CBS Films - overbooked the seats to ensure there would be a noticeably large turn-out on the "WALK OF FAME" - for appearances sake.

How many folks are anxious to catch Johnson's new flick?

In the past, it was evident that Johnson once had a following.

For example - I witnessed excited crowds turned out at a CineVegas Film Festival screening of "Get Smart" - to catch his comic performance in droves.

Post:  06/16/2008

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/06/get-smartfans-screen-out-for-rock-at.html

In this tough competitive market?

Don't think so, dudes!

However, there was upside to the fiasco that unfolded last night in the mean streets of Hollywood.

Folks waiting in line behind the El Capitain Theatre were treated to segments of the Jimmy Kimmel Show (which was being taped in the same block on a sound stage which opened at the rear of the building into a spacious parking lot) every time the security guards opened-and-closed the gate.

Curiously, Billy Bov Thornton (a star of FASTER screening across the street) was a guest on the popular talk show last night.

In the final analysis, fans got their monies worth, but in an odd round-about-way!

That's show biz for 'ya!

http://www.thetattler.biz




 

Chaz Bono...LA TIMES spotlights Cher's "son" on red carpet! Cher's hairy legs!

Much in the tradition of the New York Times - the staff at the LA TIMES cast caution to the winds this weekend - when they opted to publish a red-carpet publicity still of Cher's "son" at the "Burlesque" premiere in Hollywood earlier this week.

Chaz Bono was pictured beaming (in her new sexual skin) alongside current girlfriend Jennifer Elia.

Christina Aguilera was dazzling in an emerald green gown that flattered.

Other cast members - Julianne Hough, Cam Gigandet and Stanley Tucci - were well-received by a gaggle of paparazzi who snapped away at a fever pitch!

Was it just me, or did the photograph of Cher give off the impression she has hairy legs?

Inquiring minds want to know!

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

AFI Fest...whimpers to a close! Rinky-dink film par-tay a joke!

At the end of last week, the AFI's circuit offering, limped to a sorry close in Los Angeles!

What was the general consensus of film-goers - who attended the much-anticipated red carpet previews - in the end scenario?

The annual oft-ballyhooed event lacked - oomphf! - in the final analysis.

And, it was in large part due to the hit-and-miss attitude of the organizers, who failed to recognize that the medium of film  is capable of - not only entertaining - but, uplifting the human spirit, as well.

In a nutshell, the AFI Fest staff didn't know "snuff" about the Hollywood film industry, its in's-and-out's, who the players were, or how to put on a quality show under the big top!

In fact, their idea of the Hollywood "Dream" factory was a nightmare, from the get-go!

For example - one piece of celluloid trash the AFI staff screened (which was conjured up by a demented first-time-out Danish filmmaker) - couldn't help but stir up a nasty controversy.

Post:  11/11/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/11/afi-festscreens-sick-debauched-danish.html

"Smut masquerading as Art," was the way I put it - and, believe me - most who attended the preview of the sick flick wholeheartedly agreed!

Bob Gazzale - "doesn't know his a** from a hole in the ground" - some loudly lamented about the current disreputable President & CEO (as I rubbed my hands with glee on the sidelines).

The assessment was bang on, if 'ya ask me!

And, the Fest suffered miserably as a result, in the final analysis.

Of course, the program was plagued with bad omens, from the very start.

At one panel discussion (focusing on young up-and-coming rising superstars in the film industry today) - mics persistently sputtered beneath washed out film clips - in the midst of incompetent staffers who attempted to steer the derailed program back-on-track with little success.

Post:  11/06/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/11/la-times-actors-panelcarrie-mulligan.html

Actually, the fest's problems first festered up, when film buffs attempted to book tickets on the AFI web site which was ill-equipped to handle ticket reservations for the ten-day event to be held at a handful of prestigious venues such as Manns Chinese, the Egyptian, and-so-forth-and-so-on.

I was personally taken aback when tickets I reserved for - "The Black Swan", "Love & Other Drugs", and "The King's Speech" - were not forthcoming.

In fact, the ticket reservations vanished into thin air.

What a fiasco!

In the end scenario, I ended up with four tickets to Circus Kids, in spite of the fact I just ordered one lone ticket for the early morning screening at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.

And, there were other snafus to contend with, as well.

For instance, I was issued double the tickets I requested for Mon Oncle, Hour of the Wolf, Amigo, an Industry Panel Discussion featuring up-and-coming stars (aforementioned), a Sony Seminar on 3D filmmaking, etc. etc.

Whew!

Talk about a rinky-dink outfit, eh?

Film buffs who turned up later at the box office in person to sort out the snafus - like moi! - wondered aloud where the celebrated guest Artistic Director - David Lynch - was in their hour of need.

Certainly not at the helm, that's for sure!

Judging by the AFI promos that sputtered to life at a handful of screenings - then, off again - he was obviously off on a drunk somewhere!

Post: 11/06/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/11/david-lynchaudiences-laugh-washed-up.html


Next year I'll pass, thank you very much, Mr. Gazale!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Mann's Chinese Theatre an AFI venue in 2010

AFI Fest....screens sick debauched Danish film! Filmgoers shocked!

Last night I attended a screening of "Nothing's All Bad" at the AFI Fest - an Independent Foreign Film - that was directed by Mikkel Munch-Fals.

For the first time ever - I half-expected the Vice Squad to break down the Theatre door at Mann's Chinese Theatre, confiscate the reels of film, and haul all the filmgoers off to jail for participating in a screening of vile lewd material that was disgustingly pornographic in nature.

But, because the sick debauched tale about a handful of sexually-depraved degenerates was screening at an alleged prestigious film festival, the authorities must have assumed that the Danish flick was "high brow" or at least one of the Artsy-fartsy variety.

Wrong!

Everything about "Nothing's All Bad" was "bad".

For example, in one scene - a teenager is standing at a urinal chewing gum and taking a whiz - when a forty-something piece of rough trade strolls into the men's room and stares him down.

"Can't you do something better with those pretty lips," he snarled at the sexy young dude.

Without batting-an-eyelid, the hustler plucks the gum out of his mouth - and sticks it to the gritty wall - as he drops to his knees to give the pervert a nasty bl** job.

In another vignette (!) a woman loses a breast to cancer. 

Shortly after the operation, she sinks to the depths of depression when she suffers rejection from the men all around her in social settings, who can't deal with her physical abnormality.

One day, she strolls into a porn shop and stumbles on a couple of DVD's, which feature amputees and individuals who have been mutilated.

To satisfy her yearning for acceptance (and love ?!), she agrees to act in one of the low-budget sex flicks.

When she arrives on the set the day of the shoot, she is forced to squat on all fours - with a rubber bit stuffed in her mouth - as a young male mounts her from behind and fu**s her up the ass!

And, it gets worse!

The last time I reacted so negatively to a film was on the occasion when I took in a double-bill of two features - that turned out to be basic snuff films - at the New Beverly Cinema a couple of years ago.

Post: 08/07/08

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/08/chaos-and-murder-set-pieces-shocking.html

What shocked me the most about this AFI fest celluloid offering?

For starters, the fact that the film was not rated (restricted or otherwise), and was given the seal of approval for screening (in spite of the fact the Film Fest is supported by the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, a handful of Government Arts Councils, and a mainstream auto-dealer - AUDI - with a moral responsibility to the community).

I am thoroughly incensed that the aforementioned agencies (and individuals who acted on their behalf)agreed to screen this filth - which ultimately - degrades the body and demoralizes the human spirit.

Today, we need films that inspire a civilized society, not trash it!

The film should be - banned, burned, or confiscated by the local police - to prevent this kind of smut from seeping into the community at large in the future.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Werner Herzog...mobbed @ CAVE screening in Hollywood!

Respected director - Werner Herzog - was mobbed at a screening of his new documentary last night at a historic venue in downtown Hollywood.

"Cave of Forgotten Dreams" is an insightful foray into the fascinating history of the prehistoric paintings at Chauvet Cove.

The 35,000-year old renderings were etched on the walls at a time when humans and Neanderthals coexisted in an environment which was one of arctic tundra (a fascinating topic for the ever-curious filmmaker who headed up the Berlin Film Festival's Jury panel this past year).

Mr. Herzog - fit and lean (and thin of-the-face) - mingled with fans in the lobby of the historic Mann's much to their delight.

In addition to posing for publicity stills, the down-to-earth auteur took a moment to alight by a gentleman next to me in the mad crush and explain a technique he used in one particular scene which wowed the audience.

Mr. Herzog's last feature film - The Bad Lieutenant - was well-received in main stream theatres last year.

At a Q & A at the New Beverly Cinema (now backed by Quentin Tarantino) I had the opportunity to pick his brain a bit.

One of the truly greats in filmmaking, today!

Post:  11/18/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/11/bad-lieutenantoffbeat-role-for-nicolas.html

Later!





http://www.thetattler.biz

Halle Berry & Mark Wahlberg....stars nearly collide on starry night! Hollywood dazzle!

 

In downtown Hollywood last night the streets were awash - not only with excited fans dress-to-the-nines swarming Mann's movie theatres for coveted seats at a couple of hot-ticket film premieres (at the tail end of a sold-out film festival) - but graced with the dazzling presence of two popular stars pushing their careers and new flicks on the infamous strip.

Pretty Halle Berry was the epitome of style and good taste - when she flirted with the paparazzi in the main foyer of the Roosevelt Hotel - after holding court (where she offered up career tid-bits) in Mann's Chinese Theatre earlier in the evening to a packed house.

"I can't believe I just met Halle Berry," one fan gushed, as she strode past me, and disappeared into the ecstatic crowd of well-wishers who turned out - Hollywood-style - in full force.

Ms. Berry was invited to appear last evening at the historic Hollywood landmark to chat up an insightful host about her outstanding career accomplishments before (and behind) the camera here and abroad.

Berry will soon burst onto the silver screen in her next project - Frankie & Alice - which is a rivetting feature based on the true story of a woman suffering from mulitple personality disorders.

The gifted actress (who produced Frankie & Alice) won the Academy Award for Monster's Ball in 2001.

Meanwhile, rumors were spreading around the "Walk of Fame" that Mark Whalberg would be trotting down the red carpet to attend a "secret" screening of his new flick "The Fighter".

A couple of the local entertainment papers were issuing freebies to catch the drama, with strict orders from the producers not to discuss the details, however.

The theatre staff were forebidden to reveal the name of the project (or who was starring in it) until the guests were firmly ensconced inside the main theatre where security was tight.

Insiders tipped me off earlier in the evening - so I was able to enlighten a couple of folks about the hush-hush preview - so they could get into the rush line with the ultimate aim of catching the screen offering last-minute.

Is the studio a bit jittery about Wahlberg's latest vehicle for some reason?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Casino Jack...Kevn Spacey pays tribute at screening! Film sleazy potshot @ lobbyists!

My favorite scene in "Casino Jack" is when an FBI snitch quotes a line from the "Godfather" to Kevin Spacey's character near the end of the fast-paced political potboiler.

"I know it was you Alfredo. You broke my heart!"

The moral of the story was crystal clear at that juncture.

There is no honor among thieves.

The "Spacey" vehicle was launched last night amid a lot of frenzied fanfare at the exotic Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

Sleek limousines purred at the curb, the paparazzi jockeyed for position, and celebrities trotted down the red carpet into the theatre with high expectations.

After all, "Casino Jack" has been garnering a lot of buzz in industry circles of late.

Inside, in the packed lobby - a bevy of bodacious babes and eager male suits - hovered about the fringes like moths to flame anxious to hob-nob with the tony elite.

Meanwhile, from my own perch on the sidelines, I was able to surreptitiously catch the scuttlebutt as it swirled all around me.

A few guests quibbled about the fact the ushers failed to seat them in the prestigious reserved section where they could pass themselves off as industry VIPs for appearances sake.

Tsk!  Tsk!

In another corner of the plush environs, a couple of seasoned pro's cynically advised their friends to gobble down a bit of popcorn during the screening,  before heading over to the Roosevelt for the chi-chi after-party.

"There isn't any food this year.The PR folks cut back."

Golly, how the mighty have fallen in these tough economic times.

Imagine that!

A powerful Hollywood studio scrimping on the Tinsel at a splashy World Premiere!

In due course, the lights were dimmed, signalling that the screening was about to get underway.

At this juncture, a posse of stragglers were hustled into their seats, just as Kevin Spacey was invited up to the podium to launch the premiere of the much-anticipated feature about a posse of smarmy lobbyists plying the hill in Washington D.C.

Unfortunately, there was sad news.

Director - George Hickenlooper - would not be attending the festivities because of his untimely death a couple of weeks ago.

The actor - recently bestowed with an honorary Commander of the "Order of the British Empire" (for his role in reviving London's Old Vic Theatre - proceeded to pay tribute to his good friend and business associate who he greatly admired.

Spacey - with a wide smile on his likable face - fondly recalled that he was cast for the role of the scoundrel - Jack Abramoff - on Facebook.

"Someone mentioned that I might be good for the part. So, George was poked," he chuckled with glee, looking back.

After flying over to London to meet with Spacey on location, the respected director signed the award-winning actor on for the five-week shoot.

"Casino Jack was well-received at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)," Spacey proudly noted to the attentive filmgoers - obviously saddened - by the loss of Hickenlooper.

"In fact, for the first time, George was starting to receive long overdue rave reviews and accolades for his work," Spacey underscored to the rapt audience now hanging on every word.

"Thank you for coming and supporting the film and his family who are in attendance tonight," he finished up, with a touch of emotion in his voice.

The applause was stupdendous!

In a nutshell, "Casino Jack" is a dark political satire that takes a pot-shot at unscrupulous snake-oil salesmen lobbying for special interests (and in search of good favor) on Capitol Hill.

Kevin Spacey turns-in a remarkable bravado performance - one of his best - to date.

In fact, the celebrated thespian not only gets beneath the skin of the slime-ball character he is portraying, but breathes like into an unforgettable role that won't be soon forgotten.

For Spacey, the remarkable performance is a defining moment in both his personal life and professional career.

In reflecting on the film after the screening, I was inclined to recall a piece of advice my Art Professor once offered up on the subject of critiques.

"When viewing a work of art - whether it be a painting, a movie, or dance performance - the viewer must first stand back and fathom what just washed over them."

In the instant case of Casino Jack, the fast-paced dark farce about dirty politics, is so slick (well-written, acted to perfection, lushly produced) that it capably seduces filmgoers right out of the starter's gate before they are aware of what hit 'em.

Unfortunately, once the credits crawl to a close, there is a rude awakening.

I'll wager that once the initial potent power of the story-telling wears off, that - ten to one - a gaggle of filmgoers will ultimately feel like the innocents depicted in the film - that they have been taken.

But, if they're keen on a couple of hours of delicious raucous fun, all will be forgiven!

http://www.thetattler.biz

John Lovitz & Kevin Spacey turn in brilliant performances!