a LIFE of STYLE

PENELOPE CRUZ IN BROKEN EMBRACESThe latest film by legendary Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar is not to be missed.   Broken Embraces is classic Almodovar, the film has that surreal, yet so real sense of whimsy, sensuality, and suspense that is as recognizably Almodovar as a fingerprint.  Almodovar muse Penelope Cruz has never been better as she portrays Lena.  We watch as this woman goes from rags to riches in her quest to care for her family and her own pursuit of happiness.  As if it were ever that easy!  There is love, turmoil, betrayal, joy and of course sex!  A true slice of life as only Almodovar can cut on film.

While there are so many layers to discuss, I wouldn't be a true fashion fanatic if I didn't mention the fact that this film could have served as a commercial for Chanel.   From the moment Penelope's character becomes a woman of leisure - the CC's start flowing!   Couture, RTW, Accessories, scarves, you name it!  Of course the items are not current as the film was shot two years ago.  In fact, much of the wardrobe was from the Cruise 08 collection.  

side note : The little color blocked knit from one scene almost made it into another major fashion film.   Stylists for Sex & The City The Movie borrowed the same sample for Sarah Jessica for the opening scene.  While it didn't make the cut, there was a serious amount of Chanel in the first SATC movie as well.   How could there not be?ROSSY DE PALMA AS "KIKA" BY ALMODOVAR

Look for a cameo by another famed Almodovar muse - Rossy de Palma.   Her trademark profile is as strong as ever - and her presence on film is refreshing to see, albeit brief.   You might also recognize Rossy from George Michael's Too Funky video.   Fashion designer Thierry Mugler directed that infamous video - as de Palma was also a muse of his - having walked his runway show in Paris.

Look for Broken Embraces at the independent theater in your town - or rent it when you can!  Watch the trailer below:

Yes, you read that correctly.   Although the big screen, bigger budget musical -NINE has failed to attract many viewers, one of it's leading ladies received an Oscar Nomination today!  Penelope Cruz was nominated in the best supporting actress category. PENELOPE CRUZ IN ARMANI PRIVE Her  portrayal of Carla, mistress to famed director Guido Contini is one of the highlights of the film.  Nine follows the mid-life crisis of the most famous movie director in Italy, Guido Contini.  We watch Contini,  played by Oscar Winner - Daniel Day-Lewis as his high profile life unravels.   Cruz gives an eye popping fantasy love dance to her Guido, that could make Lady Gaga blush!   What is so evident in Penelope's performance - and in all the performances for that matter, is how much they trust and admire the films director - Rob Marshall.   Best known for his smash hit- Chicago, Marshall was able to get these Hollywood heavyweights to give till it hurts (us more than them!).    Stars like Sophia Loren, Nicole Kidman, & Dame Judy Dench step out of their comfort zones and sing us through this loosely woven story.   Day-Lewis had to sing lyrics that are more uncomfortable to watch than his amazing portrayal in There Will Be Blood!

MARION COTILLARD IN CHRISTIAN DIORThe other highlight besides Penelope Cruz is Marion Cotillard.   Her portrayal as devoted wife Luisa to Day-Lewis' Contini is sincere and authentic - and her singing is some of the best in the film.    Considering how lackluster the rest is, that doesn't sound like much of a complement - but it is!   I must admit that your time would be better spent by just renting the classic - 8 1/2 by Fellini.

Fans of Cruz should go and see Pedro Almodovar's latest - Broken Embraces.   It is classic Almodovar and Cruz is at the top of her game - blossoming as usual in the creative hands of Almodovar.KATE HUDSON IN MARCHESA

Kate Hudson also appears in NINE.   She portrays a Vogue editor, and even considering the fact that the film takes place in the 1950's - it's an embarrassing role.    Hudson's highlight is that she channels her real life mother - Goldie Hawn in a dance performance that could give you a flashback to Laugh-In from the 60's - if you are so historically inclined! 

The Ladies of Nine sparkled on the red carpet for the Golden Globes this year.  Penelope stole the show there as well in Armani Prive.  Cotillard was stunning in Christian Dior.   Hudson looked beautiful in white, but the dress by Marchesa didn't flatter. GEORGINA CHAPMAN & HARVEY WEINSTEIN  Also, the fact that the dress was designed Georgina Chapman, wife of the films producer - Harvey Weinstein - just felt forced.   It always does,  you will notice many starlets performing in Weinstein projects - suddenly choose Marchesa.

See Nine while you can, but don't say you haven't been warned.  Watch the trailer below - I know it looks great.

One of the most written about characters in modern literature has once again made his way to the big screen.  Brought to us by director Guy Ritchie, this Sherlock Holmes is a version like you have not seen.   While the hero has been a favorite with readers for over 100 years, you never saw him like this.   Ripped, roaring drunk, and even knocking it out Fight Club style!   Brought to life by Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, it seems the cosmic forces were pulling for a blessed project for all these of these men.    DOWNEY JR. AS SHERLCOK HOLMES

Ritchie, Downey, and Law have all had a trying couple of years.   Ok, for Downey it was a decade or so, but the success of IRON MAN and now Sherlock Holmes means he is one of few actors in Hollywood to ever have two movie franchises heating up at the same time!  who would have thought? 

While Jude Law has always been well received in his films, he rarely has the spark with movie goers that he has ignited with his portrayal of Watson.

Guy Ritchie of course is a celebrated movie maker, but I have never been a huge fan.   While I appreciate his work, I always fee like he makes the same movie - over and over again.  (Snatch & Lock, Stock, & Two Smoking Barrels).  The synopsis being there are a bunch of guys who are going to smack the hell out of each other - after a chase scene.

I am a big fan, however, of his technique of bringing you so close to the action.   During the fight scenes, you feel like you are in the fight.   Many times, you can't even register what is happening, as you feel as disoriented at the guy being punched.   This really works in Sherlock Holmes and brings a grittiness and a physical brawn to a Character that has at times in other versions, come across so old fashioned and persnickety.

One of the big stars of the film are the costumes!  Transporting us to another time and place - the detail and design are the best tailoring seen on the big screen in some time!

Of course, Mr. Ritchie spent most of the last 8 years in the press for his personal life with Madonna.   They do say that success is the best revenge.  Not that I'm saying revenge is called for in that case!

Side note:  I am going to once again predict that Sean Penn and Madonna are going to find their way back together.   I said it here first over a year ago - but now that they are both divorced - perhaps it doesn't sound so crazy.

Go see Sherlock Holmes.   You will enjoy it - and there is a sequel coming - so you want to be caught up!  

If you are planning a trip to London- visit the official Sherlock Holmes Museum! Also, read more about the creator of Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle.

Watch the trailer below:

Out of this world.  Out of this world.  Out of this world!   The latest offering from legendary director James Cameron is nothing less than wonderful.   With the most financially successful film of all time - Titanic, as his last effort- Cameron had quite a challenge in creating a project that would come anywhere close to sinking that figurative ship of a milestone.   To say Cameron met the challenge would be the understatement of the century, as he not only created a beautiful film - he created a whole new world in which this movie takes place.  

Avatar is the story of ex marine, Jake Sully, played by Sam Worthington.   Sully joins a mission that his late brother was committed to, before his death in the line of duty.   Sully takes his brothers place in the Avatar program due to the similarity in his DNA.   In the film, the U.S. government has a plan to excavate an ore found on the planet Pandora, light years away from Earth.   The planet's indigenous people, the Na'vi are a nature rooted, spiritual people who believe every living creature and organism is connected through energy.   To survive on Pandora, humans need to use a breathing apparatus or live through a life like humanoid called Avatars that are grown in a lab using Na'vi and human DNA.  

The Na'vi female who befriends Jake Sully and becomes his love interest is Neytiri, voiced by actress Zoe Saldana.  ( I think the movie makers made her look intentionally similar to Angelina Jolie in the movie poster).   The incredible beauty of the Na'vi people are one of the big stars of the this film.   The imaginative design and look of this life form are part futuristic and historic at the same time.   The Na'vi give us the feeling of indigenous tribes we know on Earth such as Native Americans, or perhaps tribes of Africa.  They are beautiful and primal, muscular and sleek, tall and graceful.   They introduce a new race to the psyche - as they have blue skin.  The way they are treated by the new arrivals to their land, unfortunately,  is not so new.Naytiri of Pandora

Pandora itself is the big star of the film.   Every single element from the Tree of Souls, to the Alleluia mountains aka The Floating Mountains of Pandora are breathtaking.   The flying creatures open your mind to imagine the possibilities of evolution, and the revolution of nature that could be taking place on planets far, far away.  From the Pandoran wild dogs to the six legged horses,  each and every creature is a work of art.  I'm sure jewelry maker- Pandora is getting an unintentional boost to their brand recognition thanks for Avatar.  While subliminal, it will have a literal effect on sales!

The story has many metaphors and moral lessons for the modern world.   Many on the political right in the U.S. have said the film is anti-American.   The film shows one government that is determined to take a natural resource from another people at any cost, including the lives of the inhabitants of that planet.   I think if we can draw a parallel to any foreign policy actions of the  U.S. to those in the film, that is the real issue and speaks volumes for itself.  The fact that Jake Sully is financially motivated to join the Avatar program, in order to be able to afford medical treatment to repair his legs back on Earth, is a sad but true parallel to our current reality.   Let's just say, I think it would be a safe bet that James Cameron did not vote for George Bush.

Bravo to James Cameron for creating this film, for delivering such a hopeful message of peace and love, and to 20th Century Fox for distributing it.    It will be the highest grossing film of all time, and rightfully so.   While Avatar is pure entertainment, let's hope that the message of equality and universal love can change the hearts and minds of those who have contempt for their fellow man.

This film is so BIG, it is not a question of if you should see it, but how.  There are currently 4 versions playing.   There is the traditional 2D version, and three, 3D versions out there - the most spectacular is the IMAX 3D.   Seeing Avatar in IMAX almost makes you feel like you are in outer space!

Of course the video game is already available on Playstation, xbox, Wii, etc.   There is also an iphone Avatar game and just about any other media outlet you can imagine has a program.   There is no escaping Avatar!  But then again, why would you want to?  Watch the trailer below.