The FORCE AWAKENS. It certainly has - in all of us! I spent the better part of the wee hours of this morning posting first reviews, videos and photos from Star Wars like some crazed adolescent fanboy! The opening of this movie may be the one thing that excites me ALMOST as much as my gig at City Winery on Jan 1st! I saw A New Hope with my mom and brother back in 1977. It was unusual- us going to the theater as a family to see a movie- but we knew it was special. They sold programs for that …
CHI-RAQ the movie, a Spike Lee Joint
I can hardly contain my enthusiasm over Spike Lee's newest film: CHI-RAQ (2015 US)! Loosely based on the Classic Greek comedy Lysistrata by Aristophanes, about women in ancient Greece who withhold sex against their men to negotiate an end to the Peloponnesian War. In CHI-RAQ the women go on a sex strike: "No Peace! No Pussy!" to end a senseless gang war on a Chicago Southside neighborhood between the Trojans (led by Nick Cannon) and the Spartans (led by Wesley Snipes) and it's collateral …
Best Picture Showcase 24-hour Marathon at AMC. Yep, I’m doing it.
Oh Lord. I have committed to it. I am going to attempt to watch all NINE Feature films nominated for the Best Feature Film at this year's Academy Awards Show. Yes, I love movies. And NO I don't know if I will be able to hang. I have been searching on line for stories to help me prepare. There are a few that offer suggestions like: 1. don't drink soda - the sugar will make you spike then crash. (bummer) 2. don't eat junk food. (bummer) So I reckon alcohol is a no-no. Bummer, they make the …
On Elaine Stritch
Elaine Stritch is a hoot. 89 years old and still making waves. A broadway diva, TV & Movie star, cabaret and now this Documentary feature. I met her while we both performed for an event in Chicago. She was writing her one woman show. I told her I wanted to do the same. she said: "It's the hardest thing I've ever done. Whatta pain in the ass!" I cried when I saw her perform her famous rendition of Sondheim's "Lady's Who Lunch" Of the audience (socialites from Chicago - ladies who lunch) she …
Why I love Movies.
Someone asked me why I am so passionate about film. I don't mean to sound dramatic but this is my truth and my relationship with the movies: A great movie will transform you just by experiencing its glory and taking the ride. A movie's glory is the way in which all of its elements make you feel. A great movie tells a story whether it's linear or not. The story, characters, acting, shots, editing, music, special effects, costuming, direction and mood transform you. It can render you …