I was a fan of Carson, but my favorite nights were later when Joan was guest hosting.   All these years later, I realize it was many of my friends favorite nights as well.   Why do we all love Joan?  The reason is Joan Rivers pushes buttons.   She says things you shouldn't say.   She says things you would never say.   This is exactly why she is here to stay, and at 77 is having a huge  success on the big screen. 

"Joan Rivers A Piece of Work" is a documentary film by Ricki Stern & Anne Sundberg of Break Thru Films.    The movie follows Joan for one year as she travels the RICKI STERN & ANNE SUNDBERGworld at a pace that performers half her age would find hard to keep up with.    The movie is brilliant in the way it lifts the veil on what it means to be a celebrity.   People think of red carpets, limos, and mansions - but who really thinks about all the work that goes into creating the aura of a famous personality.   

Rivers is a hybrid when it comes to performers.   She started as an actress, became famous as a stand-up, invented the red-carpet interview, made millions selling jewelry on QVC, and is still on the road performing all year long.    Not only is Joan ground breaking in her comedy, she was the first major celebrity to embrace home shopping on QVC.   While others were looking down their noses at the thought of selling anything on television, Joan established herself as THE celebrity designer on QVC.   Twenty years later, she is the biggest selling resource on the network and is now joined by major fashion designers and celebrities that are clamoring to sell to viewers at home.  I almost forgot to mention that she also competed and won Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice at 75!  Last but not least, Joan hosts the hit show on TV Land Prime - "How'd You Get So Rich".  Work much?  

It is a cliche to use the phrase " when life gives you lemons".. but if you can think of anyone able to make sweeter lemonade than Rivers from the cancelled shows, bad reviews, and even the suicide of her husband -please tell me who it is?  

A Piece of Work was a huge hit at the Sundance film festival earlier this year and is now in theaters.   Anyone interested in show business should see this movie.   Take notes.   Listen and learn from the woman who wrote the book on creating a successful career on your own terms, at a time when women where still expected to be polite wall flowers.  It's no mystery why people like the film.   The directors clearly wanted to show you the struggle of what it means to be a star.   Joan Rivers lovable personality shines through all the negativity and hard knocks.   You see that at her core, Rivers is a big hearted woman who protects her own and doesn't know the word quit.  I'm going to buy this movie when it is available on DVD and watch it anytime I'm feeling wiped out or sorry for myself!   Joan's work ethic could kick all of us in the pants to get up and go!

Bottom line:   she is funny and people like her.

Watch the trailer now:

I recently watched the Hollywood classic - Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, watching it for the first time in it's entirety and in HD.   I now have a whole new appreciation for this gem.  Released in 1953, it is amazing how well the film looks 57 years later (even in HD!).  Stunners - Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe star as best friend show-girls Dorothy Shaw & Lorelei Lee.   The two look more like cartoon dreams than real life flesh and blood!   This dynamic duo are basically singing and dancing good cop / bad cops.  DOROTHY & LORELEI HATCH A PLAN Russell plays the street smart Dorothy, a brunette with the tough exterior.   Monroe is the bubbly  Lorelei, a platinum blond who is sly like a fox when it comes to the bottom line.   The film is a study in fashion 101 for any aspiring designer or stylist.   Of course, even if you don't know the movie, MARILYN SINGS "DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND"you know the most famous musical number from the movie " Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend".   Monroe's performance cemented her legend, and also influenced the most famous blond since Marilyn - Madonna.  (Madonna has payed homage to Monroe's style in so much of her work).   Russell and Monroe had the on-screen chemistry that movie makers dream of.  Think Lucy & Ethel.MARILYN TAKES THE CALL

Much of the wacky adventure takes place on the high seas, as the duo head to Paris aboard a luxury liner jam packed with millionaires, Olympic athletes, and the two sexiest troublemakers in musical history!    Things only go from kooky to crazy once the gals hit Paris.   First up, an all day shopping spree that is intoxicating.  Legendary French fashion houses  Schiaparelli, Dior, & Balenciaga all get a shout out.  (Talk about amazing marketing).  What follows has to be seen to be believed, but lets just say - the two take "singing for your supper" to an extreme! 

Of course the third co-star of the film is the amazing wardrobe.   Impeccably created and styled by Billy Travilla, both women take your breath away scene after scene.   It is no surprise, as Mr. Travilla left his thumbprint on countless Hollywood classics such as Flamingo Road starring Joan Crawford.  He also contributed to Dynasty, which was one of the most image conscious shows in television history.   Nolan Miller was officially the man in charge of creating that world of big shoulders and big color for the imaginary Carrington clan.   The show was known as much for fashion as it was for hair pulling drama!    

As for the title of this film, the allure of the platinum blond never ceases to amaze me.   Me and the rest of the world that is.   The film pokes fun at the hypnotic effect that golden tresses have on everyone of the male persuasion.   The courtroom scene is not to be missed!  Don't let the title fool you however,  there is a happy ending for most aboard this love boat!

JANE RUSSELL & THE ATHLETESJane Russell was also as famous for her figure as she was for her acting ability.   Her wide shoulders, generous endowment ( that later earned her a lucrative Cross Your Heart bra campaign) and legs that look longer than Marilyn's body, make her one co-star that's hard to upstage!   The pool scene with Russell and the U.S. Olympic athletes in speedos, that just happen to be on board, is one of a kind to say the least!   Russell was many things - but a great dancer was not one of them ( think Whitney Houston in any of her videos).  It is amusing to see her keep up with Monroe when they shake, shimmy, and high kick their way from NY to Paris!

Rent this classic today.   If you are a fan of Hollywood musicals, it will become one of your favorites.   If you work in the fashion industry - it should become one of your favorites!

Oh, and if it is any consolation to all the brunette readers out there- they made a follow up film two years later with Russell titled - "Gentlemen Marry Brunettes".   So there you have it!

That was of course before Bravo unleashed The Real Housewives of Orange County, New Jersey, Atlanta, and New York City.   Clearly, there are wannabe women and men in every city.   Even if there is not one bona fide socialite in any of those shows, the scense are true enough of the second tier socials that are hungry for attention.  

While these shows are not reality- they are a scripted version of what is happening just beyond the fabulous set.    WEEDS on Showtime is also a great look at what happens when you scrape off the veneer of a luxury suburban community.   

When I saw the movie trailer for THE JONESES with Demi Moore and David Duchovney, I knew I had to see the film.   While the movie is flat lining at the box office, the social commentary of this story is brilliant.   So on point in fact,  everyone with a Facebook account should rent the movie.   Written, produced and directed by Derrick Borte..  the movie is able to nail the angst, emptiness,  and insecurity that fuels a major portion of the American Economy.    While Facebook and Twitter are never mentioned, social networking is taken to another level in this story set in an upscale suburban existence.   It seems marketing companies have taken the next step to getting the word out to the target market.   Lauren Hutton makes a surprise appearance as cold as ice boss lady representing the powers that be.    

Watch the movie and hopefully it won't be like looking in a mirror!

The Runaways is a Rock & Roll romp on film that taps the universal theme of teen rebellion and angst that is part of every kid's coming of age.   This real life story of 5 teen girls set in Southern California during the mid 70's seems like a kinder, gentler time by today's standards.     Simply put - in 1975 girls did not "Rock".   There was no Courtney Love or even a Madonna for a girl to look up to.    This was before it was business as usual to package rock bands like pop rocks, making them the  big hair caricatures of the 80's.   Certainly there were no girl bands.  DAKOTA FANNING & KRISTEN STEWART AS CURRIE & JETT

The Runaways all started with Joan Jett.  A girl who wore Men's leather jackets and dreamt of being a rock star.   Surrounded by milk and honey California blonds, Joan had relocated with her family from back East and did not fit in.  Remember, this was Marsha Brady land.   That was how girls were supposed to look.   The sunset strip was the only place for a lost youth who preferred the smoke filled clubs of rock and roll heaven to the sand and suntan lotion at the beach.

The story of the group is like an American fable.   Producer gets five unknown girls together who are all fresh faced, pretty, and most importantly American.  Producer then takes pinup style photos of the girls with guitars and lingerie. Producer unleashes pictures to the Japanese press.   Millions of pop culture loving Japanese teens almost had an aneurism over the images alone of the Runaways.   

The story is a real rollercoaster ride - with highs as dramatic and fantastic as the lows.   Joan Jett became the biggest and most successful performer from the group, but then again - it always was about her.   Some of you might remember a metal rock chick from the 90's by the name- Lita Ford.   Her big single "Kiss Me Deadly" was all over the radio - not to mention her duet with Ozzy Osborne - "Close My Eyes Forever".   I never knew Ford was one of the Runaways!  That makes so much sense!  THE REAL RUNAWAYS - CIRCA 1975

Kristen Stewart of The New Moon Twilight Saga fame does an excellent job in portraying the pent up male energy that young Joan Jett channeled.   Her performance showcases how Jett's intelligence and rebellion complimented each other in her  pursuit for fame.   

Making the most dramatic appearance in the film is all grown up Dakota Fanning as the coming of age too soon lead singer - Cherie Currie.    Cherie is smoldering with sexual energy that makes you squeamish at times as the viewer - when you remember Fanning just turned 16 in February!  Especially as there is sexual tension between the leading ladies..  Wow...   kids today.. or wait.. it was kids in the 70's.. I guess we always grew up too fast!  Fanning also costars in The New Moon /Twilight Saga with Stewart as well.    Let's just say that the girls in The Runaways experienced things that a pop tart like Britney Spears could not imagine or survive.    Madonna or Gaga could handle it...

If you don't see the film - BUY THE SOUNDTRACK.   It is a keeper!  Would be great for any house party or event.   Also, the movie is the perfect DVD to buy or rent this summer at your beach or country house!! 

Watch the trailer, and try not to get excited!

PENELOPE CRUZ IN BROKEN EMBRACES

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

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.

The Mother and Daughter duo known as "Big" and "Little" Edie Beale have had a cult following for 30 years as the eccentric cousins of Jackie O.   The true story of the Beales shocked the world in the mid 70's.  Their riches-to-rags life was put under a microscope via the documentary "Grey Gardens", made by another family duo - brothers Albert and David Maysles.

As with so many things in life, the unlikely story of "Big" and "Little" Edie Beale made it to film by chance.   The Maysles were working on a project with Lee Bouvier  who had contacted the brothers to film a documentary of she and her sister Jacqueline Bouvier.    The two debutantes charmed the society world and celebrity social circles as they made a name for themselves traveling the globe and being in the right place at the right time.    The Bouvier girls were like a high class version of the Hilton sisters.   Chic, Charming, and connected - the two plotted and planned and brought to fruition - a very full life that many envied from afar.   Of course, Jackie  would later become first Lady and one of the greatest style icons in the world.DREW BARRYMORE AS "LITTLE" EDIE BEALE

During their heyday of youth Lee had the idea to make a film about the Bouvier childhood and upbringing.   Part of the film would include a mention of their eccentric Aunt, Edith Bouvier Beale who had recently been exposed in a scandal by the tabloids.   At one time Edith "Big Edie" Beale was the Doyen of East Hampton Society and her Mansion- Grey Gardens was a center of social outings and was a symbol of the Gentry setting of the privileged East End Lifestyle.  

Once the Maysle brothers met big and little Edie, Jackie and Lee were out - and the documentary Grey Gardens took shape.  The sight of the women living in squalor in a dilapidated 28 room mansion with no running water and overrun with vermin was hypnotic.

The new movie version of the story by HBO stars Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange as "Little" and "Big" Edie - respectively.   The film is a love note to the Beales.  The cinematography is stunning as we flashback to East Hampton in the 30's.   Drew Barrymore captures the beauty and zest for life this young debutante possessed.   Easily the strongest performance of her career, Barrymore gives an uncanny performance as "Little" Edie as she struggles drawing the line between the past and the present.

"LITTLE" EDIE BEALEJessica Lange is also magnificent as "Big" Edie.   If you close your eyes, at times you would think you were listening to the original documentary.   The film has the added benefit of those beautiful flashback scenes that you can only imagine when watching the original documentary.
The story has long been a source of inspiration for designers, singers, and artists for years.   Marc Jacobs and John Bartlett both created fashion collections inspired by the Beales (JB was first).  Rufus Wainwright wrote a beautiful song titled "Grey Gardens" that really captures the sense of melancholy felt watching the documentary. DREW BARRYMORE & JESSICA LANGE AS THE BEALES

Why so many people are drawn to the story - who can say for sure?   At the core, we are watching a love story of a mother and daughter who have such a bond that they shut out the world when it lets them down.  Clearly, the voyeuristic thrill of watching a train wreck is also in play when watching the documentary.   Seeing racoons and cats living amongst two one time debutantes as they themselves eat cat food with a fork is something you just don't see everyday.  

Click below to watch footage from the original documentary, featuring a song by "Big" Edie Beale.

I think that "little" Edie also touches the hearts of so many of us that grew up in a small town and dreamt of something more.   We feel her sense of sadness and anxiety as it is so clear life has not gone the way she planned. 

Also, anyone watching the film who has parents that are senior citizens can't help but think of their own family, and how to handle our own loved ones as they make difficult life choices as they age.

I had the unique opportunity to watch this film on two international flights - two weeks apart.   I watched the movie on both flights and in my little seat with noise cancelling headphones I would watch and doze off and wake up over and over.  The effect somehow made the movie seem like a dream to me.  

The film is beautifully shot, I'm guessing that everyone who watches will think of this film as a dream.  A dream directed by Michael Sucsy.

Watch the HBO film trailer below.  The film was released in April - but continues to air on HBO.   You can also purchase the DVD - which is a great addition to any collection.   Click Amazon to purchase the DVD.