Category Archives: Film

Ode to Bookstores

Posted in Books, Explore, Film, Fun by

Location: 12136 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City

It’s funny how some things just stick and feel so comforting. When I was younger I spent a lot of time hanging out in bookstores. My mom and I would go out on a Friday or Saturday night to the local Borders or Barnes & Noble, grab a coffee (I was hot chocolate at the time) and go our separate ways for a few hours. I would walk over and listen to CDs getting excited when the technology finally allowed you to scan any CD in the store and you could listen to it. I’d wander to another section and skim through a magazine or walk over and find a book that grabbed me with a catchy title, sit and look through it.

Fifteen years later and in gratitude to my mom, this is still one of the things that I love to do occasionally. When I’m bored, when I’m in a not so great mood, or I’m eager to check out a new book; I’ll go and sit in a bookstore, latte in hand, and melt into another place for a while. Last Saturday night, I revisited this favorite pastime of mine. How appropriate that the bookstore I landed in was an old movie theater with the marquee still intact. It gave it a unique charm. Sadly, there was no in-house coffee bar and it lacked some of the warmth that your typical Barnes & Noble would have (warm lighting and lots of seating) but I was happy to be around the books and exploring a new place none the less.

I know that times are changing and it’s becoming rare to have nights like this as more bookstores close or go out of business. I, too, am guilty of the ease and cost of ordering online, but nothing replaces the feeling or the experience of physically being around books. I’ll continue my love affair with bookstores until the last one closes, and my optimistic side hopes that day never comes.

Checking out Emily’s new book from her popular blog, Cupcakes and Cashmere.
Rows and rows of books!

Highlights: The Weekend

Posted in Breakfast, Brunch, DIY, Film, Food, Fun, Treats by

It was a complicated couple of days for me this weekend. Suffice to say I went through a myriad of emotions, for a myriad of reasons. (I think the ladies can understand this feeling every once in a while :)).  As the weather decided to be a bit kinder this weekend, so did my take on everything that was happening around me and within me. I managed to keep an eye on the sunshine! Here are a few highlights that brought many smiles to my face:

{FILM}.
Movie marathon on Sunday. Instant mood booster. We even covered three genres. Sometimes you just need a completely lazy day in bed watching movies.

{FOOD}.
The simplicity of grabbing my two favorites from Starbucks: an iced grande, soy, toffee nut latte & a cranberry orange scone.

My sweet boyfriend bringing a big bag of my favorite candy (don’t judge!)

{FUN}.
They say money doesn’t buy you happiness. In this case, I beg to differ and tend to do so when it comes to flowers. $5.00 well spent!

Fighting for Sparkle

Posted in Explore, Film, Fun by

“You won’t make it. You should have left sooner. Just go home, get into your sweats, and veg in front of the TV. Ooh, maybe I can order in tonight. Thai? Boo, traffic sucks!”

“No, this is a great opportunity. Yeah, you should have left sooner, but take a risk and see what happens.You might surprise yourself. Boo, traffic really sucks tonight!”

I had this internal dialogue back and forth in my head the entire time I sat in traffic on Sunset Boulevard fighting to get to Grauman’s Chinese Theater last Thursday. I had gotten passes to the world premiere red carpet screening for Sparkle. The passes simply meant that I had a chance to get in to see the film, but it was on a first-come, first-serve basis. While I’ve never been turned away from a screening, in this case, it wouldn’t have surprised me. I’d seen various outlets promoting the passes and the fact that the film featured the last performance from one of the greatest singers that ever lived, I knew would draw an even larger crowd.

50 minutes later, I arrived at the corner of Franklin and Orange and knew deep down that there was likely no way I was going to get in. The line had already wrapped around the corner but I thought, “I’m already here, it’s a 1,000 seat theater, why not get in line and see what happens?”

As I parked and made the nearly ten minute trek just to get to the line due to sidewalk closures, Hollywood Boulevard was bursting alive with activity around me. The red carpet was out, photographers everywhere, and onlookers stood across the street watching as celebs made their way down the press line and into the theater. Let’s not forget that this part of town is typically busy without a Hollywood premiere, and the summer season draws tourists by the masses. Needless to say, it was more than crowded. It was a zoo!

Meanwhile, I was still having the “go home, no wait and see” conversation in my head as I stood in line telling myself “I’ll give it 30 minutes max then I’ll head upstairs and see what’s playing at the Chinese 6 instead.”  Yet somehow, I got into mingling with a few of the other hopefuls as we waited in line. On top of that, you couldn’t ask for a better place to stand-back and people watch (a fun secret pastime of mine…shhhh). It’s then that the world becomes a larger place, full of different styles, cultures, looks, good fashion choices and plenty of bad fashion choices. Simply stopping and taking the time to look around you, to chat with a complete stranger and hear some of their stories can be so invigorating and was the best part of the experience.

An hour or so later we had heard that the theater was at capacity and that we wouldn’t make it in. I eventually found out that this was the case for those who arrived much earlier than I did. I wasn’t disappointed because I knew how it worked and was grateful for taking the time to immerse myself in the risk because it still turned out to be fun. I also wouldn’t have any “what ifs?”

I did walk upstairs to the Chinese 6 Theaters at Hollywood and Highland, but I’d either already seen the film or didn’t have an interest in it (“Brave 3D is still out?”) so I headed home.

As they say, “one monkey don’t stop the show.” Enter the beauty of the Arclight.

I took myself to see the movie Tuesday night, in my comfy pants, popcorn in hand, soda in cup-holder, and enjoyed every single frame!

Of all of the celebrity deaths in recent years, Whitney Houston’s was the biggest shock to me personally (Michael Jackson a close second). It was because the last time I saw her, she was sitting on stage with Oprah looking as if she’d really turned it around and was headed toward true freedom. In the end, we’re all human. I think we forget that sometimes because someone is projected onto a big screen in front of you, making millions of dollars. We all have our opinions of how someone should be or shouldn’t be, but I choose to remember Whitney Houston as the beautiful woman I used to imitate singing in the shower or with a brush in front of the mirror. What a great way to leave this life and into the next in Sparkle.

Side By Side in North Hollywood

Posted in Documentary, Explore, Film, Fun, Independent Cinema by

Location: 5240 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood

It was so warm this past Saturday, I didn’t even bother putting on makeup. It would have just melted ten minutes later and that would probably be a worse look than scaring my fellow Angelenos by going au-natural. It also added 5 more minutes to my life by not sitting in front of a mirror waving makeup brushes and mascara wands across my face. Let’s be honest, there’s nothing worse than feeling like your pores are clogging from the mixture of sweat and makeup. Yuck!

Back on topic…

In addition to this great tip for the ladies; another great way to beat the heat and kill two birds with one stone, man or woman? Spend some money to sit in public central air conditioning while catching a flick!

I crossed another Laemmle off my list this weekend when I went to enjoy the air conditioning, best popcorn ever, and Keanu Reeves’s new engaging documentary Side by Side at the Laemmle Theater in North Hollywood.

This facility is the most commercial and updated of all of the ones that I’ve been to (5 out of the 9 theaters). It features stadium-style seating, bathrooms where the door actually closes, digital monitors for everything from displaying showtimes to concession stand prices, and an all around cleanliness that – ahem – lacks somewhat at the other locations (but gives them lots of charisma anyway).

What I admire about the North Hollywood venue is that while it is updated, the theater still manages to hold its charm. There was only one ticket taker for all 7 theaters and the lobby and concessions area were relatively small, creating a quaintness that I like when choosing a Laemmle over say, an AMC. This location tends to play more mainstream films based on the programming I’ve seen, which is unusual in my experience from the other 4 theaters I go to that stick to independent and foreign cinema options only. The prices for popcorn are still reasonable and they even have Coke Zero, which always adds a touch of class. I spent $6.75 for a small popcorn AND and regular soda. I’d consider this a huge plus in this age of complete hijacking of movie-lovers’ wallets at the concession stand.

Side by Side is a film well-crafted and alluring to anyone who cares about the state of the movie-making business. It brings to light the question that the industry and filmmakers alike have debated for the last 20 years, yet with more urgency as the industry continues to change: will digital production techniques eventually replace the modus operandi of shooting on celluloid/film?

I walked out of the central air conditioning and into the summer heat feeling like I heard both sides of the story and got into the heads of those at the top of their game to offer their point of view. My opinion? At the end of the day I am a story lover and a believer in aesthetics first and foremost. I feel that the choice to shoot digitally or on film should be left up to the person who feels whichever method works for telling their story best. That being said, I do hope that we keep the option open for the filmmaker to decide and don’t create an environement that forces them to have to work in a digital format against their wishes. Part of the beauty of being an artist is the right to choose.

Highlights

Posted in Explore, Film, Food, Fun by

This week the days of summer hit hard on the weather front, but that’s the price you pay living in Los Angeles. It was a bit unbearable at times, but it put a smile on my face to grab a dress, some sandals and head out into the sunshine!

A few other things that brought a smile to my face and some sparkle to my week:

{FILM}.

I went to a screening of Hope Springs, a film I highly recommend for anyone in a relationship, married or not. Meryl Streep (this lady can do no wrong) and Tommy Lee Jones completely go there in this intimate portrait and character study of a 30 year marriage, 30 years later. Director David Frankel manages to maintain a steady sense of humor around a very serious subject: how to rebuild and preserve the chemistry in a long-term relationship. I admit some scenes can be pretty uncomfortable to watch as the couple, along with their well-acted counselor in Steve Carell, share how the deterioration and re-connection between two people can be the most difficult and rewarding aspects to life. I walked away from this film feeling like I actually learned something about physical and emotional intimacy. In a nutshell: you both have to want it and you both have to be willing to work at it. This will be DVD purchase to add to my collection in the fall.

{FOOD}.

I stopped to sit outside and enjoy the simplicity of a Rice Krispies Treat. I’d forgotten how much I loved these things and what a small pleasure it was to snack and gaze out at the LA skyline (the moment captured in the photo above).

{FUN}.
I’m getting such lovely feedback from you all about my new passion project, my blog, All That Glitters. Thank you for the comments, the likes, and taking the time to read it. I passed the 100 views mark this week!

 

 

The Queen of Versailles

Posted in Documentary, Explore, Film, Fun by

Location: 17200 Ventura Blvd., Encino

I’m not a Monday kinda gal. In fact, I’ve been making every effort to bring some sparkle to this dreaded day by making plans with my boyfriend after work to have something to look forward to throughout the day as I get re-acclimated to the routine of the work week. This past Monday was especially filled with some “sparkle” to say the least.

Having been a patron of the historic Laemmle Theaters on the west side of the city for quite some time now, I was excited to finally visit The Town Center 5 in Encino to indulge in my OBSESSION for documentary and independent cinema. There’s something so endearing about actually having to buy tickets through a window, sitting in an old movie theater, and eating decently priced popcorn – with FREE parking, no less.

Tonight’s flick? The Queen of Versailles, one of the most fascinating cinematic experiences I’ve had this summer. 1 hour and 40 minutes of complete access to seeing how the other side lives.

The film chronicles the lifestyles of the rich and *semi* famous (I had never heard of them prior to the movie). Billionaire couple, David and Jackie Siegel, are in the midst of building the most expensive home in the United States, an astounding 90,000 square foot American castle modeled after their love of the Palace of Versailles in France.Talk about “champagne wishes and caviar dreams!” I could literally hear Robin Leach in my head during the first half hour of the film as director Lauren Greenfield takes us into a world filled with chauffeurs, maids, nannies, private planes, closets filled with high-end in designers, diamonds, and Jackie Siegel’s very obvious boob job.

Until…

…the economic meltdown that will forever be the Year of our Lord, 2008. Though David and Jackie struggle in their own right (but still seemed to be living the high life compared to us 99 “percent-ers”) we are instantly transitioned into how this time impacts their spending, their family dynamic, and their relationship. I wouldn’t call this a riches-to-rags story, because the Siegels still slept in a mansion every night and not under a freeway; but cutting their personal house staff from 19 to 4 (with 8 children), taking commercial flights when traveling, shopping for Christmas presents at Walmart, and getting into disagreements about not turning off the lights in the mansion to conserve electricity bills are the highlights of their difficulties.

What resonated about the film is that you’d assume that people this wealthy would be completely mean-spirited, spoiled, and disillusioned; but there is a humanity to them that doesn’t make you hate the Siegels as you exit the movie theater. Jackie might look like your typical blonde trying to battle the aging process, married to an affluent man 30 years her senior, who is somewhat unenlightened about what is going on with her family’s finances; but she has such a charm and presence on-screen that you’re drawn to her. She’s funny, has an honesty about her that’s refreshing, studied engineering (hello!?!), and shares her compassionate side by loaning a good friend $5,000 when her house is in jeopardy of foreclosure. The fact that she doesn’t fully understand what’s going on with her personal finances alludes more to her disconnection from her husband, who in contrast is taking their economic hardships with great strife. By the end of the film, David has gone from a jovial, hardcore supporter of the Miss America Pageant festivities and women in general; to a man who barricades himself inside of a cluttered man cave, completely ignorant (or uninterested) of the family life around him.

The film doesn’t end with things on the mend, instead it depicts what we’re all still dealing with nearly 4 years later: making compromises to deal with the changing economic climate and reassessing how we spend.

I walked away from this film with three feelings:

{1}. No matter where you are in life and your set-point in your lifestyle, it seems that it’s never enough. Prior to the financial crisis and even during it, the Siegels seem to have it all: Wealth (or at least still more money than most), health, family and friends. Perhaps this is the best example of “having it all” but still feeling it’s not enough. The takeaway being that if billionaires still need more, we’re all in trouble.

{2}. There is such a thing as “too much” and it doesn’t necessarily guarantee your continued success. David Siegel, despite his initial accomplishments, was not exempt from the happenings of 2008, nor did he seem to be prepared to deal with the day when his fortune might be threatened. And p.s. – Why would anyone want to live in a 90,000 square foot home?

{3}. I promise I paid attention to the film, but spent at least half the movie staring directly at Jackie’s chest wondering how she doesn’t experience severe daily back pain?

A sparkling Monday night indeed!