'The Ides of March' is one more shout out against corruption

It's everywhere I turn. There's a message sounding out loud and clear. There are documentaries about the 1% who own it all and there's #occupy Wall Street going on. There are movie and tv shows shouting about the corruption and 'The Ides of March' is the newest. The message I got from this movie was, even if you're idealistic and good, if you're in politics, they'll get you.

But....I watched X Files last night and Scully was having none of it. A season 4 episode where she's brought before congress to tell them the whereabouts of her partner, Fox Mulder aka Spooky Mulder. She's composed and determined and she ain't talkin'.  Hoorah

Whoda thunk I liked 'Moneyball' better than 'Ides' and of course I liked 'Real Steel' better. Not to say I didn't love all performances and actors in all the movies. I did. It's just that like the rest of you, I'm ready to NOT LISTEN to what someone of authority says. I'm ready to stand up for what's right! I'm ready to stare them in the eye like Scully!!!! So the movies that reflect this feeling seem to be the theme of the day. Come out of the theatre rooting for the underdog.

'Ides of March' movies are the reminders of what's wrong with this world!!!!!

An encounter with David Duchovny aka Mulder.

Real Steel and Hugh Jackman back on Broadway

Oh what a night!!!! In many ways a very surprising night. I had my ticket all ready to go see Hugh Jackman talk about his new movie coming out, 'Real Steel.' What I wasn't ready for was all the bonus events that took place. I didn't know that Shawn Levy, the director of the movie would be there. I had honestly never heard of Annette Indorf, the director of undergraduate film studies at Columbia University. And I didn't know I was going to see an advance screening of the entire film! Okay, one more thing to add. I went to the box office to collect my ticket and they asked me if I'd like to upgrade and move to the 3rd row. Yes! So they all sat in front of me when the movie ended and I was enthralled.

Annette Indorf is a fascinating lady and she voiced my thoughts when she said that she wasn't that excited about 'Real Steel' by the trailers. I wasn't blown away by them either, but knew I'd be there on opening day anyway. It's Hugh Jackman on screen. Annette said she had been pleasantly surprised. I was as well.

Shawn Levy and Hugh talked about making the movie, about using real robots (Steven Spielberg's idea) and about the relationship between the boy and Charlie (Hugh).

I don't want to give any of the plot away, but I do want to say that this is a great movie and it gets better and better as it goes. You get deeper and deeper into the characters. A The lady next to me was actually doing upper cuts with the robot.

 As a writer the three on stage were talking my language, fueling the fires. That's why it's hours past bedtime and I can't think about sleeping. That and one other detail I haven't mentioned. Hugh Jackman had his arm around me for the pic. I don't think I was breathing.

And if all this isn't enough Hugh will be back on Broadway at the end of the month with an 18 piece orchestra. I saw him in Boy From Oz and as I told my daughter, "That was the best time I've ever had in my entire life." The next best time was 'Steady Rain,' where he stared with Daniel Craig.

I am grateful. I am grateful. I am grateful!!!!!!!!

Moneyball is one GREAT movie! This reel is real!

'Moneyball'   What a movie! What a message! Aaron Sorkin can write a script! 'Charlie Wilson's War' and 'Social Network'
and now "Moneyball,' to name a few. I guess this is a spoiler so read no more
if you don't want to know anything about the movie.

I love the message of 'Moneyball' because it's going against the grain. It's having the guts to stand up for what you believe. It's knowing what doesn't work and stepping into the unknown because somehow you just know it's the right thing. It's saying, Screw your money. Screw your old ways. And screw you. And then the ultimate great thing that made this movie work for me was,
temptation didn't get him in the end. That ghoul came dangling that carrot and he said no to it.  It boils down to fake or real.

Goldie Hawn's new book '10 Mindful Minutes' and a signing at Barnes and Noble

Goldie Hawn signed her new book '10 Mindful Minutes' yesterday at the Barnes and Noble in Tribeca. The signing was short and sweet. The book
is a guide for teaching children to be happy rather than stressed out little
people. Honestly, I just wanted to meet Goldie. My child is happy and well adjusted.  Common sense is also a good guide. But, I realize there are
lots and lots and lots of people who need help in understanding these things and hopefully they'll be led to reading this book or anything that can help them not screw up more people. Maybe someone should write a guide for people who shouldn't breed. tee hee

Anyhoo, here's some pictures from yesterday's event.

The Broadway Cares-Flea Market and Grand Auction Celebrate its 25th year today in TimeSquare

It's the 25th year for the Broadway Flea Market/Auction and my first time to get there. Times Square on 44th Street has table after table covered with memorablilia from Broadway shows playing now to way back when. I saw a Playbill with Richard Burton on the cover (Camelot). Now that would have been something to see, the play with Richard Burton I mean. :)

I heard the auctioneers yelling about a dress going up worn by Christie Brinkley in Chicago. Size 1. Are they serious? The lady is tall. Another person said, "but the material is stretchy." How stretchy?

I got my Jerusalem baseball cap that I missed getting on the last day. And, a Tony Awards tee.

There were raffles for backstage tours with the actors and singing lessons and you could bid for opening night tickets with an after party. I didn't hang around for all that, but it was a fun first run.

Here are some pictures from the event. And btw, see my very own Hugh Jackman 'Boy From Oz' autographed CD just as a reminder to tell you that Hugh is coming back to Broadway this fall. I'll be seeing hin on October 5th so stay tuned for that excellent adventure. Also I took a pic of Harry Connick Jr who is also returning this fall in 'A Clear Day You Can See Forever.' I saw Harry in the 'Pajama Game' the last time and it was great. Hugh will be in 'Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway' opens in November. My pre-see is at my favorite hangout 92Y.