Saturday, August 15, 2009

Bandslam




Fantastic! When I went to see Bandslam, I had low expectation. I thought not another band movie. How surprised I was, when this delightful gem unfolded in front of me. Will Burton (Gaelan Connell) the new kid in town, painfully shy and obsessed with contacting David Bowie his idol. Charlotte Banks (Aly Michalka) a popular cheerleader who dropped everyone she knew to become different, more edgier version of herself. Sa5m (Vanessa Hudgens) "the 5 is silent" in her name, is a lone wolf searching for herself and finding friends along the way.

Karen Burton (Lisa Kudrow) is Will's mom, she loves him unconditionally, but can't understand why his peers don't see, what she see's in him. Karen decided to move to Lodi, New Jersey to help her sister with her business. Will who's been wishing to leave the small town that he lives in, at first he was ecstatic to hear the news. But then he ponders about the move and starting over. Shortly after arriving to the new school Will is in the cafeteria notices Sa5m sitting alone reading a book. At the same time Charlotte see's Will and is curious about the new boy. Later that day, Charlotte spotted Will doing a good deed for a stranger and decided to drag him in to the after-school daycare class she volunteer in and after talking to him she realizes that Will is very knowledgeable in music. Charlotte convinces Will to manage her band so they can compete and win the "Bandslam" contest. Which is more popular then sports in New Jersey? The story build up from there.

The chemistry of the cast was well displayed. The two writers Josh A. Cagan and Todd Graff had a specific idea. Mr. Graff who is also the director made sure that this film was not stereotypical movie. And by-gosh the seceded. This is not a cookie-cutter version of a band movie; this is a unique blend of music as the characters themselves. Stand up and dance because you will.

I give this 4 1/2 Stars.

The Ugly Truth







Where can I start with this movie? It isn't pretty. The two lead characters Abby (Katherine Heigl) is a neurotic, stubborn, frigid woman; who is the producer of a local T.V. talk-show. Mike (Gerald Butler) has a caveman-like personality which he displaces on his cable access show, with an overactive libido that does all his thinking. Mike has nothing good to say about women on his show. In generals, you wonder who broke his heart, stomped on it, and then tossed it up in the air like confetti.

The couple's chemistry was laughable. As you end up totally disliking Abby and feeling sorry for Mike. You end up not caring if they end up together or stay alone. The true scene-stealer was their two co-stars Cheryl Hines and John Michael Higgins, who I wish had more scene time. They played the two married co-host of the morning talk-show produced by Abby.

The only two memorable scene between Abby and Mike were the orgasm and masturbation scenes. This was clearly a tribute to "When Harry met Sally". The restaurant scene with the vibrator underwear was a funny twist, and the baseball masturbation scene that allow me to tolerate this film. This is a dismal try to create a good romantic comedy. Please try again!!!

I give this movie 2 1/2 stars.

Introducing A Star In The Making, Steven Strait


When I decided to start this article and introduce, new up and coming actors from films and T.V. I wonder who could be my first project. Unexpectedly this surprising gem come my way. His name is Steven Strait, you may not have heard of him, but he has done a few movies. I wanted my reader to know a little more about this remarkable man, talents. Steven Strait was born and raised in Greenwich Village, New York City. As a child, he attended P.S 3, Xavier High School and took some classes at the Stella Adler studio of acting. During his teens years, Steven began to appear in magazine ads for L'uomo Vogue, Spoon, Pop,Details, and Hollister CO. He worked with world-renowned photographers: Bruce Weber, Herb Ritts, and Ellen Von Unwerth to name a few.

Bitten by the acting bug, Steven interest in acting grew at a young age, but not without a little nudge from his family. In the sixth grade, he started taking classes at the Village Community School. Stumbling in to it at first, Steven found passion for the craft. In 2004, he moved from New York City to California to pursue acting full-time.

After numerous auditions, Steven got his big break in 2005, his first movie debut in, "Sky High" he played a misunderstood teen superhero name Warren Peace. In addition, it was in that movie that Steven discovers his second passion, music. He sang the song "One thing leads to another" by the Fixx, for the movie soundtrack. His talent for singing didn't end there, a few years later he started singing with the band "Invidia", which means("envy" in Spanish), a death metal band from New York City. But unfortunately for him, the members remove him from the group when they convey, that Steven vocal style no longer blend well with the rest of the group. Steven next endeavor, he appeared in the romantic/comedy "Undiscovered" he played a singer/songwriter who has been toiling for years without a record deal, starring Ashlee Simpson. This movie gave the industry the chance to take notice of his talent. In 2006, he had landed the starring role in this horror/thriller the "Covenant" as Caleb Danver a warlock, who is an immediate descended of the Salem witch clan. After the leading role in the "Covenant", Steven next gig was in 2008, with an epic movie in the action/adventure "10,000 BC" about a prehistoric caveman hunter trying to find his true love who's been kidnapped and traded in to slavery, played by Camilla Belle. Steven next project, that same year was the war drama "Stop-Loss" in a cameo role as Michael Colson starring Ryan Phillippe. Now, Steven latest role in 2009, is the off beat comedy "City Island"as Tony Nardella and starring Andy Garcia.

Not wanting to divulge to much in Steven personal life, but this would not be a complete introduction if the main question on everyone mind, is not answer. Is Steven Strait single or married? Sorry everyone but the sexy 6'2 man is married to fellow actress Lynn Collins. They Started dating back in 2006. In 2008, after a short engagement they were married.

Steven Strait has shown diversity in his acting ability. He started as a young boy with big talents. Who has mature into a handsome man with passion to match. Steven Strait is one of Hollywood stars in the making.




Roxie tells all

On this blog, I will introduce new up and coming actors from film and T.V. This is in view to all the magazine, that is out there. In one contain format I want to answer all your questions. Please if you want for me to interview your favorite performers, let me know.