" The Hunger Games"

"The Hunger Games" opened this weekend. I was there the second I walked out of work with my pre-purchased ticket, joined by friends who were just as excited as I was. Even more exciting, it's great! It's so much like the book. It really helps when the book's author is credited with working on the script too. Whew! I wonder how many little girls will be named Katniss?

Jennifer Lawrence was a wonderful Katniss. I saw her in 'The Beaver,' with one of my favorite young actors (Anton Yelchin) and again in 'Like Crazy,' with (Anton Yelchin). hmmm If Anton had not been in those films, I must confess, I would not have gone, but glad he was and that I had a notion of who Jennifer Lawrence was.

Also in the cast, a poofy, blue-haired Stanley Tucci and a favorite, Woody Harrelson as Haymitch (oh please, people, do not name your children Haymitch) and the oh so beautiful, Lenny Kravitz, as Cinna. (Probaby another name to watch out for. And it's like Pat, so it could be confusing.)

I'll share some of my original Lenny pictures from last year's concert just because he is beautiful and you haven't seen them before. See below. After Mercury stops screwing around with me and let's me without freezing.

Elizabeth Banks is great,  and plays Effie, a real dress up doll part.

I didn't recognize either of the lead males, but the guy who plays Gale is an Aussie, that's enough. We all know those Aussie guys are AWESOME and I did see one movie that Peeta was in, but don't remember him in it. They were both great too. Interesting that both of the leads are from Kentucky. For real that is.

Okay, don't listen to me, just go see it if you haven't already. And....stay tuned for the greatest thing coming out which is.....'Dark Shadows' with Johnny Depp.

Kevin Smith Rocks and dreams come true

Last night I experienced a dream come true. Again. Happening so often lately. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So grateful.

At least 10 or 12 years ago I cut out pictures of all the screenwriters and directors and actors I wanted to meet. I've been busy checking off that list and last night was a big one. Kevin Smith. I think one of the reasons I was so often reminded of how much I loved Kevin's movies: 'Clerks,' 'Chasing Amy,' 'Mall Rats,' and 'Dogma,' and 'Silent Bob and Jay Strike Back,' and so on was because I would send off to Kevin's store in New Jersey and order stuff. I have every 'Clerks' action figure and they were always positioned right next to my computer to remind me. I still have them, but in NYC with space limitations as they are, they're in storage right now. In addition to the action figures, I had magnets of 'Silent Bob and Jay,' and other fun things like a dog, giant bong, etc...on my fridge for years.

Kevin wrote a new book, 'Tough Shit,' and was at Barnes and Noble in Union Square to do a signing.

If you read this blog, you know that I attend quite a few of these types of things and have a great time meeting people and am even a bigger fan after meeting them. But Kevin takes the prize. He talked for 90 minutes and never even sat down. He stood up and talked with every single person for as long as they liked and signed his book and took photos and entertained and made us laugh and inspired us. It was just a dream coming true with a cherry on top kind of thing.....Thank you, Kevin Smith. You rock.

Wish everyone could have been there. Here's some pictures for you from last night....

' Salmon Fishing in the Yemens'

Last Friday night I went to see 'Salmon Fishing in the Yemens' with Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt and Kirstin Scott Thomas. It was one of those movies that I just wanted to watch over again as soon as it ended. Loved it! Loved it. Loved it. I will definately go to see it again. I think Ewan McGregor is an actor who is a great leading man and has chemistry with many of the actresses in his films. I can say the same for Emily Blunt. She was fantastic in 'The Adjustment Bureau' with Matt Damon. She and Ewan had that great chemisty going and the story is wonderful. Kirstin Scott Thomas is so great. Go go go to see this movie. You'll be so glad that you did. I can't wait to buy it on DVD.....Oh yeah, just have to mention how great Ewan is with Nicole Kidman in 'Moulin Rouge.' Another movie I can watch over and over and over. Love is grand!

David Lynch's exhibit at the Tilton Gallery in NYC

David Lynch's solo exhibit opened tonight @ the Tilton Gallery in NYC. There was a huge turn out for the event. We arrived before the gallery opened and there was a fair size crowd, but by the time David Lynch arrived and came inside, the crowd had grown to forming a huge line down the street waiting to get in. He graciously took pictures with everyone. I imagine more people were fans of  his movies and 'Twin Peaks,' than true art lovers. I took a few pictures and you can find more on line which are better if you want to see all the details. Really interesting.

Joan Rivers.... The funniest lady around.....

I think it was last week, but it's passing so quickly it could have been the week before that. Anyway, I went to see Joan Rivers for the 3rd time. Her act is different each time so I laugh just as hard every time. I'm talking about the kind of laughing where your jaws ache and your face hurts and you can't breathe. She is that funny. Nothing is sacred which is such a breath of fresh air in this "politically correct" society we have to put up with. She lets it all out and we all (everyone sitting there) LOVE IT.

It was a cold cold cold night, but well worth venturing out for. Chita Rivera was at a front table. I hear she's coming back to Broadway. I caught her one woman dance act on Broadway a few years ago and it was fantastic. She had on the most gorgeous red shoes and she looks beautiful.

Here's some pics with Joan, beginning with the most recent. And she is gracious and kind each time we meet.

The Cinema Society & American Expressed sponsored the NY Premier of the film "Detachment" with Adrien Brody

Last night began with a pre - party in the East Village where we had the opportunity to meet the stars of "Detachment," a film starring Adrien Brody in a fantastic performance, Lucy Liu, Sami Gayle in her movie debut, Marcia Gay Harden, James Caan and Blythe Danner. A perfect Spring night. I took a few photos (see below), but there was a professional photographer there and he took a lot so more pics to come. My favorite will be one with Adrien Brody!!!

From Madam Geneva's we walked over to the theater to watch the film. I hear Tony Bennett was in there, but I didn't see him. I did see Tony Danza for the 2nd time in 2 days at the after party. He was at the bar in front of me. The food was very good, the crowd was friendly and nice and I got home very late.

I smiled more than usual today!!!

Woody Allen and Dick Cavett at the 92nd St Y

Forgive me. This event was 2 weeks ago. I traveled, came back, tried catching up and finally, at last, I am ready to tell you about one of the top five experiences of my life.

Woody Allen and Dick Cavett with Annette Insdorf as moderator. It really, truly can't get better than that. Unless you were invited to tea with them.
But I wasn't. Yet. :)

Prior to a showing of Woody's film, 'Radio Days,' the three mentioned above, sat on the stage and talked. I was in awe. I was so thankful for the opportunity to be sitting in that theatre watching them live, that I can't even explain how much it meant.

I had just met Dick Cavett at the Raquel film fest and, to see him again with non other than my favorite, favorite Woody.

They talked about their personal radio days when they were boys, Dick Cavett growing up in Nebraska and Woody in NYC. Their lives and interests were very similar. They both loved doing magic tricks. Woody was as funny as ever as he described how terrible he was at it. He stashed his lunch money for a week and, on Saturday, went to the magic store to buy a new trick. While Mr. Cavett (I call him Mr. Cavett because he just seems as someone who deserves a title, like a Sir) I'm knighting him on my own....any way....he would send his coinage to the far away place of NYC to order his latest magic tricks. I related to that tale because I used to mail my manuscripts to the far off place of NYC and wait for them to mail me my checks for millions.

They talked about playing hookey and taking the radio into their rooms and listening to their favorite shows. It was hearing history live. I feel like gushing more, but you already know how marvelous this was.

They both possess wit and humor and charm to the max. And Annette Insdorf is someone I would love to hang out with. She knows so much about film. Google it and you'll find the pics somewhere. I wish I had them for you.

So yesterday I went to 'Shatner's World' at the Music Box Theatre and I have not told you about that yet either. I'll get to it. I promise. Neither event was good for photo opportunites. They will not let you take photos in the Y at these events and I only caught William Shatner as he left the theatre so I'll share what I have. I met him before though and got a good one.

Tomorrow night. Joan Rivers. Next week Adrien Brody.
Stay tuned.