Poltergeist: The Legacy

I am enjoying reruns of Poltergeist: The Legacy on Chiller. I remember this series originally airing on television from 1996 to 1999. The cast is very good and includes Derek de Lint (“Derek”), Martin Cummins (“Nick”), Robbi Chong (“Alex”), and Helen Shaver (“Rachel”). Depending on the season, a few other actors are also part of “The Legacy,” but these four seem to appear in the most episodes.

“The Legacy” is a secret society that was founded in England, where there is a Ruling House in London, and protects humankind from occult dangers. Each house has a Precept. “Derek” is the Precept of the San Francisco House where the stories for this series take place. Viewers know that “Derek” has doctorate degrees in anthropology and theology, “Nick” is an ex-Navy SEAL and now investigator, “Alex” has psychic abilities, and “Rachel” is a psychiatrist. These characters are all intelligent and quite intriguing.

For more information about Poltergeist: The Legacy, visit these Web sites: http://www.thelegacy-ws.com/ and http://legacyweb.com/. If you enjoy horror and suspense, you will like watching this show.

Online Auction to Benefit Diabetes Research

The Fifth Annual Online Auction for Diabetes Research hosted by New York Times best-selling author, Brenda Novak (http://www.brendanovak.com/), includes an autographed copy of my book, GROWING PAINS - 10 short stories about growing up. You may bid (http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=1202950) on books beginning May 1st. Every year a prize package is offered to the person who places the highest number of bids. Help Brenda make a difference in the lives of millions who live with diabetes by shopping at her auction.

The Two Sisters Screening in Australia

My movie, THE TWO SISTERS (http://www.tdaentertainment.com/The%20Two%20Sisters.htm), has been accepted by the DeReel Independent Film Festival! The screening will be on Saturday, May 9th at 8:30 p.m. in Beaufort, Victoria, Australia. If you are in the area, I hope you can attend (http://www.dereel.com/sessions.htm).

In the Eyes of a Killer

This weekend at the Sacramento Film Festival I watched IN THE EYES OF A KILLER starring Louis Mandylor, Gwendolyn Edwards, Costas Mandylor, and James Marshall. It was a sold out screening, as the movie was made in Sacramento. Several local residents were cast in supporting roles and as extras, so many enthusiastic family members and friends were in the audience.

IN THE EYES OF A KILLER is a psychological thriller. In the beginning “Jack,” played by Louis Mandylor, is a great guy who is a blind college professor and wonderful cook who “Gwen,” played by Gwendolyn Edwards, enjoys dating and looks forward to marrying. “Jack” is apprehensive about going through with an experimental eye surgery, but “Gwen” encourages him to move forward with the process.

After a successful surgery, “Jack” regains his sight. Unfortunately, the eyes he receives are a donation from a man who was a rapist and murderer sentenced to death. “Jack” suddenly takes on characteristics of the man, drinking a lot of whiskey, killing people, and even terrorizing “Gwen” on the island where they spend their honeymoon.

Louis Mandylor is the film’s producer and director, and admits it was very difficult acting and directing in a movie at the same time. However, he says he would do it again. I think he did a nice job, and want to see him direct more movies.

IN THE EYES OF A KILLER has some good performances, especially by Louis Mandylor and Costas Mandylor. I also like Gwendolyn Edwards, who I hope to see in more movies. In addition, the story by Mamie Jean is good. Apparently this is a story Mamie wrote 20 years before producing, so it is truly a dream realized for her.

I like this movie, and appreciated the question and answer session after the screening. The best part about attending film festivals is being able to talk directly to filmmakers about their movies. This independent movie is worthy of a theatrical release, so keep an eye out (no pun intended) for IN THE EYES OF A KILLER.

The Haunting in Connecticut

If I am looking for a house to rent and the owner tells me that “the house has a history,” I would not only take him seriously but scratch that house off my list, especially knowing the history includes the home being a former funeral parlor with mysterious incidents surrounding it. This is the premise of THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT. Of course if the lead character, played by the wonderfully talented Virginia Madsen, thinks the way I do, the movie will end before getting off the ground.

Oddly, at one point the movie almost seems like an episode of the Home and Garden Television (HGTV) series, If Walls Could Talk, because the family discovers photographs and other items in the house after moving in. Since I never like giving away too much, I will not state specifically what they find. But some of it is quite disturbing.

THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT is more than a supernatural thriller with many shocking moments. It is also a drama. It seems while watching this story, I felt sympathy towards the family for having to endure such horrific, inexplicable experiences.

Finally, the acting in this movie is very good, and that is important. Otherwise, the film might be thought of as second-rate. It is unclear whether the movie is actually based on real events. I think that is just another element that can make the story intriguing for some people.

Are You On Remake Overload?

In the past few years Hollywood studios have released a lot of remakes. Most of the movies are horror or science fiction: Friday the 13th, My Bloody Valentine, Prom Night, The Amityville Horror, When a Stranger Calls, Halloween, War of the Worlds, The Last House on the Left (in theatres March 13, 2009), Children of the Corn (will air on television this year), A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) and so many more.

It is rare for someone to remake a comedy; however, as stated in my January 9, 2009 entry, there may be a MEATBALLS remake on the horizon. Also, I remember at one time there was going to be a remake of REVENGE OF THE NERDS, but that was cancelled. I really like the original REVENGE OF THE NERDS; it is a classic. So I am happy the remake did not happen.

As far as the FRIDAY THE 13TH and HALLOWEEN remakes, their filmmakers refer to them as re-imaginings. Many think that they are calling them re-imaginings so that they can keep the franchises going and take stories into different directions. This will end the original storylines.

I think it is okay to produce remakes, but are you on remake overload? Some of us have to realize these movies are not remakes in the eyes of the younger generations (under 25 years old). In many cases these remakes are “originals” to them.

The Entertainment Industry Has Changed

The economy is the cause of some of the changes in entertainment, but not all. I just know that as an independent filmmaker I have to do things differently than I did three years ago. It has always been important to have a good cast and promote projects, but now it is smart to keep the budgets low because distributors are paying less (this is because of the economy) and the World Wide Web exists.

Several famous actors are still becoming independent filmmakers. Several famous producers and directors have done the same. I am noticing that they have chosen to show original programs and movies on the Internet instead of on television or dealing with theatres (http://newteevee.com/2008/08/28/justine-batemans-fm78tv-says-tv-is-dead/). However, DVD is still a preferred choice of distribution. Many are even distributing DVDs themselves.

The Internet has made it possible for audiences to view projects that otherwise would not have been available before. This is good news. Major studios are no longer the sole distributors. Many people are unaware of this and still look for films the traditional way: go to the movie theatre, and then buy the DVD or wait for cable to broadcast them.

In addition, I urge you to go to film festivals and support independent filmmakers. Some of the movies screened at festivals will never be available anywhere else. Very few receive widespread distribution. For example, through my company, TDA Entertainment, I distribute my DVD of THE TWO SISTERS, but if people want to see it in other formats they must be in Australia or New Zealand because those are the countries where it has distribution.

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope you are able to spend today with someone/people who you love. It is not just about romantic love. Valentine's Day is also not just cards, chocolates, and flowers. Make sure the time you spend with loved ones is high quality.

Halloween Franchise

The movie, HALLOWEEN (1978), inspired many filmmakers, not just the ones making horror movies, but directors shooting other types of films, too. It inspired me because it was an independent movie made for a small amount of money ($320,000 US) by enthusiastic individuals who were fairly recent film school graduates, was a box office success ($55 million–one of the most successful independent films of all time), and people still talk about it today. Millions of fans showered affection on this film, and its legacy still lives on.

HALLOWEEN was successful because of its very talented crew and cast. The story, written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, about a six year old boy (Michael) who killed his 17-year old sister (Judith) one Halloween night was good: as a result of the murder, his parents had him placed in a sanitarium. Fifteen years later, he escaped and returned to his hometown: Haddonfield. His psychiatrist, Dr. Sam Loomis, knew exactly where he was going and followed him because he believed he was evil.

In addition to a good story, the technical aspects were excellent. The directing (Carpenter), music (Carpenter), lighting, cinematography, sound, editing, etc. were above average. And this was the feature film debut of Jamie Lee Curtis. She was wonderful in this movie. Overall, everyone in the cast was likable and believable, especially Donald Pleasence who played Dr. Loomis.

A movie like this had never been done before, so it was extremely frightening and other filmmakers imitated it. It even imitated itself, because there have been seven sequels, a remake, and in August a sequel to the remake will be released. I saw all seven sequels. They were entertaining, but not excellent like the original. The sequels had graphic violence and gore, which were absent in the first movie, and critics dismissed them. On the other hand, the original HALLOWEEN received many critical reviews (both good and bad).

Another problem with the sequels is the lack of story continuity. I guess since there were various writers and directors, this should be expected. HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH is an exception. It, like HALLOWEEN and HALLOWEEN II, were written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, and was a totally different story not involving Michael and Dr. Loomis. I like it, but missed seeing the two main characters. Many people, including the producer and owner of the franchise Moustapha Akkad, have said that the movie should have just been called SEASON OF THE WITCH, and not associated with the HALLOWEEN franchise because it is a good movie.

I like the documentary, HALLOWEEN: 25 YEARS OF TERROR, because it takes viewers behind the scenes of the entire series. Also, there are interviews with cast and crew, and footage from the October 2003, 25-year Anniversary Convention – Return to Haddonfield held in Pasadena, California (one of the filming locations of the original HALLOWEEN), including panel discussions with cast and crew. In addition, there is art, videos, and music from the fans.

This franchise certainly has some dedicated admirers, and I think that is wonderful. I have not even mentioned all of the other products, including fan films and comic books, which have been created by many people who love this franchise. As a filmmaker, I hope and pray that I will have such a following some day. It seems like it would be nice having so much support from people all over the world who would encourage me to keep doing what I enjoy, especially during the times when things may not be going so well.

I still watch these movies, especially around Halloween (October 31), because they are fun. I like suspense, and want to follow the series. I have even seen the 2007 remake directed by Rob Zombie. I am not sure what to say about the remake, but I remember after the movie was over people silently exited the theatre. Usually people talk, and I like to stay in the theatre to read the credits and listen to the music, but not this time; I walked out right after the movie ended with everyone else. I am not sure if I am going to see “remake part two.” Maybe curiosity will take over.

Slumdog Millionaire Wins Again!

Of course I was thrilled last night when SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE won a SAG Award for Best Ensemble in a Motion Picture! I especially liked how Freida Pinto took the time to acknowledge the young actors in the movie. They were stupendous and deserve recognition. Dev Patel also deserved his nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

In addition, I was excited that Richard Jenkins was nominated for Best Actor in THE VISITOR, but disappointed that he did not win. His performance was superb. See my December 10, 2008 entry to read more about THE VISITOR.

I want to see DOUBT and THE READER. These are two movies I have not seen yet that seem extremely intriguing. I like both Meryl Streep and Kate Winslet, so I know I will enjoy seeing them in their award winning performances. I am glad they were honored last night, just as I like seeing the very talented Sally Field win for her role in television’s “Brothers and Sisters” and James Earl Jones receive the life achievement award.

Unfortunately, Brad Pitt has not won an award for THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON. I think he was magnificent in the movie, and really hope he wins an award for it. Another movie that has not even received award recognition is GHOST TOWN. It is a comedy/fantasy that “marches to its own drummer,” if you will. The movie provides laughter and some romance. If you get a chance to see GHOST TOWN, do not pass it up. The movie is fun to watch and stars Greg Kinnear, Ricky Gervais, and Tea Leoni. To learn more about GHOST TOWN, visit the official Web site: http://www.ghosttownmovie.com/#/home.

High Tension and You Better Watch Out

I have watched some horror movies on FearNet recently. For the record, I like horror, not “gorer.” I prefer films that offer suspense, as Alfred Hitchcock accomplished so well. And as a friend of mine has said, “horror is whatever makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up.”

One of the movies I watched that absolutely terrified me was HIGH TENSION. Oh my goodness! It certainly provided high tension. I was petrified as an insane man entered a farm house killing each member of an unsuspecting family. However, for some reason he did not kill the daughter, and her college friend, who is visiting, manages to hide from him. It was frightening seeing him drive away in his truck with the daughter and her friend, who willingly got in the back of his truck without him knowing it. She did not want to separate from her friend. The ending was definitely unexpected, and is a bit disturbing, but I would recommend HIGH TENSION to horror fans. There was graphic violence, but the story kept my interest so I sat through it. For more about this movie, visit the official site: http://www.hightensionmovie.com/.

Another movie I watched was YOU BETTER WATCH OUT, also known as, CHRISTMAS EVIL. This independent movie was released in 1980, and is a psychological thriller about a man who is obsessed with Christmas and being Santa Claus. Apparently this movie was popular at Drive In movie theatres. I liked it because I actually laughed at some things, that were probably supposed to be taken seriously, but it was hilarious seeing this grown man have Christmas decorations up (probably year-round), take special care in sewing his Santa suit, drive a van with a sleigh painted on the side and while driving it he shouted, “Go Rudolph, Prancer, Comet,” etc., and to top it off, work at a toy factory. He killed a few people and decided which kids had been naughty or nice. He did not kill any children. Instead he gave them presents. But when adults made him angry, he killed them. This might sound crazy to you, but it was a fun movie to watch, and apparently is a cult classic.

Slumdog Millionaire is a Winner

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE deserved each of the awards it won at the Golden Globe Awards last night: Best Screenplay (Simon Beaufoy), Best Score (A.R. Rahman), Best Director (Danny Boyle), and Best Motion Picture Drama. I stated in my December 10, 2008 entry here that I thought SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE was very unique and refreshing, which is why I am so excited for everyone who worked on the movie.

While watching the Golden Globe Awards, I enjoyed seeing the cast and crew celebrate as each award was given. I particularly liked how presenter Freida Pinto (“Latika”) said that the movie has made her country (India) proud. Later when the Best Motion Picture Drama award was received, producer Christian Colson said that now the premiere in India will probably be a celebration.

To the cast and crew and anyone else who had anything to do with making SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE: Congratulations!!

Nash Bridges

Nash Bridges is back on television. Thank you WGN America! I have not seen this show since the 90’s, and am now able to DVR episodes and watch on a regular basis. I remember being full of anticipation, rushing home in time for the premiere episode, turning on my television just in time, having the first scene hold my attention, and being impressed with the opening sequence. San Francisco is a beautiful city and the perfect setting for the action comedy series.

Don Johnson is excellent as the twice divorced police inspector, “Nash Bridges,” who accumulates more vacation time than anyone else on the force. He is determined to work around the clock fighting crime and seeing justice is done. Besides, he is down on luck with women so why not spend every minute on the job? Speaking of women, Nash’s ex-wives could not be more different. Annette O’Toole plays his first wife, “Lisa,” who is also the mother of his daughter, “Cassidy,” played by Jodi Lyn O’Keefe. She and Nash communicate well as long as they do not get too intimate or spend a lot of time together. On the other hand, Serena Scott Thomas plays Nash’s second wife, “Kelly,” who is a passionate romantic; one wonders why they even divorced because they are very intimate.

For the second season, Cheech Marin begins playing Nash’s partner, “Joe Dominguez.” Marin’s comedic timing and chemistry with Johnson are incredible and give the series a special quality, setting Nash Bridges apart from other series’ like it. Also, with the character “Joe” viewers are introduced to his wife, “Inger,” played by Caroline Lagerfelt. “Inger” is Swedish and when her mother comes to live with her and “Joe” in San Francisco there are some funny things that happen such as Inger’s mother getting romantically involved with Nash’s father, “Nick,” played by James Gammon.

I could go on more about the cast, because throughout the series’ six seasons there was always a great one. Jeff Perry is amazing as “Harvey.” Perry is an actor who I wish I could see more; visit his official Web site at http://www.geocities.com/saxon777/Jeff_Perry.html. He is so natural and believable as a San Francisco police inspector. He is an actor with wonderful comedic and dramatic ability. We see him in most episodes providing the show’s special comedic moments and being a reliable co-worker, but also in episodes when a relationship did not exactly work out right and he is not such a good father to his child where he is given the opportunity to show he is also a dramatic performer. My other favorites throughout the series are Jaime Gomez as “Evan,” Mary Mara as “Bryn,” Cress Williams as “Antwon,” Yasmine Bleeth as “Caitlin,” Wendy Moniz as “Rachel,” Daniel Roebuck as the very goofy “Richard Bettina,” Kelly Hu as “Michelle,” and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa who I wish could have played “A.J.” for more than just nine episodes. There are also many other actors who had recurring roles that provided some interesting and fun storylines, including the WWE wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin and Tracey Walter as “Angel” who really thought he could fly!

Each episode of Nash Bridges is like watching a movie. The realization that you are watching a television show only becomes apparent when a commercial breaks in. The series can be formulaic but is not serialized. And, thank goodness, not all episodes end with a car chase. Uniquely, throughout the hour Nash visits (or calls) his daughter or one of his ex-wives, letting viewers know he is not all cop.

Nash Bridges is an entertaining and intelligent series. I like seeing Johnson on Miami Vice as “Sonny Crockett,” and was uncertain whether I would adjust to seeing him in another weekly television series. Several years later I see the Nash Bridges character is very different. Not only does Nash wear socks, but he is older, wiser, and calmer. It is nice seeing Don Johnson on television in a successful series. I truly enjoy watching Nash Bridges, and look forward to seeing him on another quality show.

Meatballs

I recently watched the movie MEATBALLS on The Movie Channel. It had been many years since I saw the 1979 classic comedy, starring Bill Murray in his feature film debut, and I still laughed a lot. The movie was so well done and hilarious.

MEATBALLS has inspired three sequels and several comedy movies with a summer camp setting. The setting is certainly a highlight. The music makes it clear with the children’s choir singing, “Are you ready for the summer. . .”

Bill Murray was working on television’s Saturday Night Live when he was cast in this movie. His performance was excellent, and while watching I was quickly reminded how much I enjoyed him playing these types of roles. His character, “Tripper,” was very funny, even silly, but Murray made him likable. I especially liked how he helped “Rudy,” played by Chris Makepeace, feel accepted. “Rudy” was a kid ready to leave camp because the other kids made fun of him, making him feel like an outsider.

My favorite scene in MEATBALLS is when “Tripper” lets the campers and counselors know that since they were defeated on the first day of the Olympiad against Camp Mohawk, “it just doesn’t matter if we win or if we lose.” He quickly gets everyone to clap and chant “it just doesn’t matter!” It’s funny and in a special way very inspirational for everyone at Camp North Star.

Watching this movie today, there is one more thing that is funny, which was not funny in 1979, and that is the music. It is very 70’s! I am a product of the 70’s so I am not making fun of the music. It just sounds funny listening to the soundtrack and remembering things about the songs. For example, during the social the song Makin’ It by David Naughton is playing. Do you remember him performing that song on Solid Gold or maybe American Bandstand? I think I do, and I also remember Makin’ It being a popular hit on the Billboard charts and in roller skating rinks! Sing along: “Makin’ it. . .I’ve got the chance I’m taken it. . .no more, no more fakin’ it. . .this time in life I’m makin’ it. . .whoa, whoa, whoa. . .” If you want to hear the song, go to the following Web site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyn2HnvKcjw.

Lastly, there is apparently a remake in the works. I am not sure what to think about it. Today we should probably be used to movies being remade because it has become so common. I guess movies made in the past are so good and/or well-liked that they have to be either imitated or remade.

All Things Are Possible

Hanukkah and Christmas may be over for this year, but one can still maintain a commitment to hope. Right now many people are doing this by making new years’ resolutions. By setting goals we strengthen our hope because that shows we have faith in it. This is the way to extend the season of miracles throughout the year.

The Season of Miracles

This is the season of miracles. The Jewish tradition of Hanukkah (the Holiday of Lights) commemorates the time when a small amount of oil lasted eight days and kept the light in the temple from going out. Christmas celebrates the coming of the “Light of the World,” God in human form: Jesus.

I have been watching my share of Christmas movies on Hallmark Channel and Lifetime Television. Each of the stories entails the theme of miracles. A family that usually does not celebrate Christmas has a stranger come into its life who introduces everyone to the glory of Christmas; a single woman who has had a negative experience with dating swears she is content without a steady companion suddenly meets and falls in love with a man who is just right for her; or a tragedy occurs in the life of someone who does not want to observe Christmas eventually experiences something, like an epiphany, and chooses to embrace the holiday, managing to inspire others.

I hope these stories do not seem too sentimental to you. I like them. I think we need them. Just as Emily Dickinson has written:

“Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all.”

That is just the first stanza of her poem, “Hope is the Thing with Feathers.” She personifies hope, giving it a life of its own, which makes me think that hope is something we should welcome. Hope is what can keep us alive, especially during this difficult time when so many have lost their homes and jobs. In the midst of those unfortunate circumstances, one can still hold on to hope, and believe this is the season of miracles.

Internet Social Networking

It seems Internet social networking sites are becoming more popular. I am even connected, and have been able to keep up with my busy friends through these sites. If you are on LinkedIn (professional networking), Plaxo, or Facebook you may connect with me so we can keep up with each other as well. Right now I am talking with people about my book, GROWING PAINS – 10 short stories about growing up. Please visit my Web site at http://www.tdaentertainment.com to read descriptions of the stories and see places where you can buy the book. We are also selling THE TWO SISTERS on DVD and via streaming VOD, as well as collectible items. If you are not on any of the above mentioned networking sites, the TDA Entertainment Web site has a Guestbook you may use to post comments.

Slumdog Millionaire

I saw the movie SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE last night. I thought it was a fun story. Everyone who worked on this movie did a great job.

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE is a very unique film, and is particularly refreshing because it has a mostly Indian cast and was made in India. The story is about two brothers, “Jamal” and “Salim,” who live in the slums of Mumbai. One day a group of men raid their community, killing many people, including “Jamal” and “Salim’s” mother. The two boys run away, and a young girl named “Latika” follows them. “Jamal” immediately makes a connection with “Latika.” As the result of some unfortunate events, “Latika” is separated from “Jamal” and “Salim.”

I am not going to tell you what happens next. Some of what I have already stated may explain the “slumdog” part of the title. As for the word “millionaire” being in the title, several years later “Jamal” goes onto the television game show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire? (Hindi version). He does not desire to be rich, but goes onto the show hoping “Latika” is watching and they can be together again. “Jamal,” played by Dev Patel, is charming in the game show scenes.

The movie is adapted from the novel, Q&A by Vikas Swarup. The cast is fantastic and I loved the music. I wish more movies like this were made.

There are predictions that Dev Patel may be nominated for a 2009 Academy Award for his performance, Danny Boyle may be nominated for directing, and SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE may receive a nomination for Best Picture (along with the exceptional THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON). I sure hope it happens, as the recognition is deserved.

The Visitor

THE VISITOR is a movie I saw during the summer that I thought was awesome. I have recently learned that 2009 Academy Award nomination predictions are being made for actors Richard Jenkins and Hiam Abbass. This is good news because both performances were fascinating.

THE VISITOR is about a widowed college professor (Richard Jenkins) in Connecticut who is told to attend and speak at a conference in New York City. When he arrives at his apartment in New York, a man named “Tarek,” played by Haaz Sleiman, and his wife “Zainab,” played by Danai Jekesai Gurira, are living in it. They are more startled than he is. He realizes they will be homeless if he makes them leave, so he invites them to stay in the apartment with him.

In an even more unprecedented twist, the three of them gain respect for one another and become friends. “Professor Walter” learns that “Tarek” and “Zainab” may be deported because they are not U.S. citizens; when Tarek is arrested “Professor Walter” visits him and develops a special friendship with his mother (Hiam Abbass) who comes to New York City after not hearing from her son in a while.

As usual, I will not tell you how this ends. I think THE VISITOR is a special movie that is well-paced. The characters are real people and the direction by Thomas McCarthy (who also wrote the screenplay) is fine (as in sharp, polished, and refined). THE VISITOR is an independent movie that I watched at an independently-owned movie theatre. Please support independent film.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Last night I attended a VIP screening of THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, starring the very talented Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, along with remarkable performances by Julia Ormond and Taraji P. Henson. I really liked this movie and recommend it, so I will not give too much away. The diversity and realism of the well written, multi-dimensional characters certainly captivated me.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON has more class than I have seen in films for a long time. By class I mean the story is complex, advanced, and respects the viewer’s intelligence. The movie is based on a short story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and opens in theatres on Christmas Day. I hope you check it out.