The Chinese Go Green

Chinese actress Zhou Xun 周迅 is featured on the cover of Elle HK for their July issue. (Not loving that weird 'fro on her head, but she's still very pretty.) It's very interesting to me that they are doing a "Green Issue," as both Hong Kong and China are notorious for their smog issues, but at least there is awareness now to counter those issues, among other eco-friendly prerogatives.

Here Zhou Xun talks about the issue below. I actually enjoyed this clip a lot. For those not in the know, she is a huge star in China (although she hasn't made the leap to international stardom just yet), so for her to lead this initiative is akin to a Cameron Diaz or Charlize Theron showing you how cool it is to live green. I like how they talk about not owning too much clothing (this ties in a lot to that long blurb I wrote last week), or too much of anything, so that with less consumerism, comes less harm to the environment. I also like her story about Jackie Chan traveling to 5 different countries, and although he's mega rich, he carried one bar of soap with him so that he isn't wasteful. That's dedication!



You can also click here to see some behind-the-scenes footage from Elle HK.

The same issue also features actor Takeshi Kaneshiro 金城武; he's so yummy!


Incidentally, both he and Zhou Xun starred in a musical called "Perhaps Love," which I haven't seen yet, but have been dying to. You can see a romantic singing sequence between the two of them here. So cute together!



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throw Barbie to the birds

While Mattel is still in a bitter dispute over the ownership of the Bratz, they continue to push the boundaries with their most famous property, Ms. Barbie herself.

This time around, they thought it would be fun to show her in victimized form, attacked by birds, as inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's classic film, "The Birds."


You know, Barbie used to be about fashion and independence. Even romance didn't play a big part of her life, as can be seen by her break-up with Ken back in 2004. But to be attacked by birds? What the heck is up w/ the toy designers? Have they run out of ideas? While they're at it, why not actually scratch up her face and bloody her dress? I think it's all or nothing here, man.


Actually, the expression on her face is really laughable. It's that sheer look of terror. Yes, nothing is more attractive than a terrified Barbie.

If you're into the whole horror movie toy genre, why not include this one for your collection?

Alfred Hitchcock "The Birds" Barbie - $44.99

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"The Edge of Love" premieres...

"The Edge of Love" premieres are this weekend, and both Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller are on a fast-running PR train, promoting the film in the UK and Scotland. When I first heard the synopsis of the film, the last thing I would associate with this movie was the word fashion. Maybe words like sordid affairs, tragedy, and confused souls come to mind, but def. not fashion.

Anyhow, I LOVE what Keira has worn to her premieres. She appeared in a purple frock at an Elle event in London, in a TopShop blouse at the daytime photocall in Edinburgh, and at night, head to toe in Chanel.


I like Sienna's risk in her fashion choices, but I'm slightly baffled by the strange concoctions she's put together, at least for Edinburgh. (See Elle UK video below to see her in a beautiful red dress.) I am definitely more wowed by Keira's wardrobe (so much so I am gaming to get that TopShop top!).

As you can see from the Elle UK clip, the movie focuses a lot on the fashion as well, which looks really lovely in its old-fashioned, prim and proper romantic way. I really can't wait to see this film. :)

Here's another view of the trailer...



A video of the Edinburgh premiere...



And some interesting/fun interviews...!





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R.I.P.

Cyd Charisse
1922-2008

Legendary dancer Cyd Charisse passed away last night from a heart attack. Growing up, I remember thinking how beautiful, tall, and graceful she was in those intricate dance sequences with Gene Kelly in "Singin' in the Rain." She epitomized glamour and style like no other, at once exuding innocence, and in a heart beat, sensual sexuality. Her legend will live on, but few will be able to replace her.

Read more about her here, and see some of my fave scenes of her below. Watch both to see what I mean about her being capable to be both vixen and romantic. (I LOVE that second video; she is absolutely gorgeous in it!)





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"It" girls can be normal, too

Sienna Miller is in the July 2008 issue of Elle UK, promoting "The Edge of Love," a new film co-starring Keira Knightley.

The only film that I've ever actually seen Sienna in was "Casanova," co-starring the brilliant Heath Ledger. That was actually a delightful romp, and considering how Sienna's real-life reputation as a party girl preceded her as an actor, I was pleasantly surprised by her performance.

Anyhow, she has a nice, edgy pictorial in the magazine.


The interview centered a lot on her private life, including her love for her boyfriend, who she's reportedly dumped since this went to publication. :P

My favorite part of the interview has to be the tidbits about her hanging out with Keira doing normal stuff. Who knew they both had such an obsession with food?

Her performance as the dark, sex-obsessed, hard-drinking depressive Caitlin is remarkable, particularly bearing in mind she was drafted in two weeks before filming started, when Lindsay Lohan dropped out.

‘I freaked out,’ she says. ‘I had absolutely no time to do all the research I wanted, so a lot of the acting was instinctive. I loved the idea of Caitlin and I loved the idea of working with Keira. I was actually pretty nervous about acting alongside her because my part required me to put on weight. I just stuffed my face for the months that we were in production. It wasn’t hard for me. We were staying in this incredibly eccentric Welsh manor house. I had huge fry-up breakfasts, pasties for lunch and lots of toasties.

‘Then I had to face seeing myself alongside Keira, who is the most beautiful woman in the world. Luckily she is also one of the nicest. We totally bonded on the movie and it was so amazing to find a girl friend in this business. We are actually quite similar.

‘She has said I’m the confident one because at parties she’s very shy and I’m loud. But we just have different ways of dealing with nerves. She goes quiet and I go all effervescent.’ She shakes her head. ‘In Hollywood they don’t know what to make of us because we both drink and smoke and eat. Keira completely shares my obsession with food and cooking. We’re actually on for a cook-off at some point. The competition is pretty tough.'

Since the movie finished, Sienna has been round to Keira’s for ‘one of her infamous Sunday lunch parties’. ‘Keira has this amazing wooden table that everyone just carves anything they like into, from their names to pictures,’ she says. ‘It’s totally vandalised and completely amazing. She’s also a great cook. I did annoy her last time, though, by going home fairly early. Out came all the guitars and I stood up to leave. She was like, “But Sienna, you’re the party girl. You can’t leave.” It’s true. I’m usually the one forcing everyone else to stay up and do mad things like run naked on the beach or wait for the sun to rise, but I also need sleep. When I’m working, I turn into OhmyGodIhavetogotobed woman.’

Click below to see Sienna's behind-the-scenes of her cover shoot.



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Keira as the Duchess

Speaking of Keira, she has another new film coming out this fall, called "The Duchess," which stars her and, drum roll, please....the excellent Ralph Fiennes (loved him ever since I saw "The English Patient")! While her other film, "The Edge of Love," looks a tad more enticing based on the trailer, there is no doubt I will watch this, as I'm very interested in the life of the Duchess of Devonshire, Georgiana Cavendish, who was considered one of the first original "It" girls back in the day, known for her fashion, sexual scandals, gambling, etc....you know, like Paris Hilton now, only, I think, a bit more sophisticated, and of actual aristocratic blood. :P

Fun fact: Princess Diana is actually a blood relative of the duchess, having descended from Georgiana's brother, George, the 2nd Earl Spencer.

See the trailer below.

Mmm, Christian Bale... :P

In an interesting marketing strategy, Giorgio Armani and the film "Dark Knight" are coming together to promote Armani's line of Hand Made-to-Measure elegant suits. Ads featuring Christian Bale don't advertise with his moniker, but rather, features the namesake of his alter ego, Bruce Wayne, aka Batman.

Apparently, all the suits and coats for Christian in the film were provided by Armani. While this campaign is provocative (and Christian is gorgeous, so no complaints here!), I wonder how much revenue or interest it will actually generate for the suits themselves. It might appeal to the investment bankers, maybe some fashionable CEOs, but men wearing pristine suits are far and few, so is this look only tailored for the silver screen? Will the wealthy actually clamor to have their suits made by Armani 'cause they saw Bruce Wayne wearing them?

Anyhow, here are some more handsome shots of Mr. Bale in his custom Armani suits. Can't wait to see him and the film on the big screen!


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candid Angie

Is it me or does Angelina Jolie look very waxy here? I don't know if it's the photoshopping or maybe she got some major microdermabrasion, but she looks really fake, which is such a different look from her Vanity Fair photos, which ranged from wild siren to angelic nurturer, but at least she looked real there.


Anyhow, Angie gave a rather candid interview to Entertainment Weekly. She talks a lot about Brad, how they're raising their children, her role as an activist in real life vs. assassin on-screen; lots of nice tidbits for Angie fans.

The weirdest thing in this article is that machine gun pendant that you can see her wear above. Apparently, for Mother's Day, her son Maddox drew a machine gun (he's 6, so that's understandable), and Brad made it into a necklace for her, which I agree is very sweet (he seems to be ever attentive, huh?), but the fact that it's a machine gun makes it sort of ironic. At least it fits in with the theme of her new film "Wanted," right?

BTW, here's a short but high-quality trailer for the film she's been promoting. The effects look awesome, but I wonder how well James McAvoy will pull off the action hero star, since he's always comes off as a softie in films like "Atonement" and "Becoming Jane."



For the EW interview, read it here.

The Darcy of all Darcys?

If you know the history of Jane Austen, you will know that at around the time she was 21, she fell in love with a man named Thomas Lefroy. However, due to their circumstances (both of their families were considered poor), although they were in love (or at least starting to be in love), they were separated by their families, and never saw each other again, as they both needed to find more suitable families to help with their financial situations. Tom Lefroy went on to marry an heiress that his family approved of, and became a chief legal justice in Ireland. He had a daughter who he named Jane, but it is not known if she was named after Austen. Austen received one proposal from another man, accepted, then the next day, rescinded and never married.

Historians and scholars differ on their analysis of whether or not this short flirtation that took place became the inspiration for the character of Darcy in her novel "Pride & Prejudice." Some say that it fueled the great romance between Lizzy and Darcy, noting that despite the gap of wealth, Darcy accepted Lizzy nonetheless and married her. However, Tom Lefroy in real life was not considered proud, silent, or passionate (traits of Darcy). He was considered a pleasant, talkative fellow, and a penniless law student at that, so this is where the discrepancies start sneaking in.

Despite that, fans of Jane Austen will surely want a piece of him, as a miniature portrait of Lefroy will be available for sale at the Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair in London between June 12th-18th, sold by Judy and Brian Harden. It is considered only the 2nd known painting of him as a young man out there; the other version is in the possession of his descendants. The asking price, you ask? A cool £50,000!!!

The watercolour is painted on ivory and measures just 3 inches by 1 ¼ inches. It is by George Engleheart, the great English miniaturist, and the only one which is dated and signed with the artist's distinctive cursive E.

While they are totally trying to profit from the Austen-craze, if you can't own a piece of the man, you can see a portrayal of him on film. James McAvoy played Tom in the film "Becoming Jane," which also starred Anne Hathaway as the author. (I haven't seen this film yet so don't know if it's any good.) The film is loosely based on their short romantic affair, so it's probably full of inaccuracies, but it could give you more insight on the man that might have been Darcy.


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"Tropic Thunder" steals the show at MTV Movie Awards

As promised, here is the longer version of the "Tropic Thunder" viral video that aired on the "MTV Movie Awards." Totally hilarious! :D



The guys also made an appearance last night, presenting the Best Movie award.




Every picture I see of them just makes me want to laugh. They are like the new Three Stooges, only even wonkier and stranger. I mean, Jack Black looks like a turnip that just exploded here.


Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention, "Iron Man" won Best Summer Movie So Far. Woohoo! Man, RDJ is just très cool these days...!


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Keira Knightley Singing "Blue Tahitian Moon"

Remember when I wondered if Keira Knightley would be singing for real in the film "The Edge of Love?" It appears that yes, she is singing for real! "I did some lessons with a voice coach because I can't sing," the actress recently said. "It was live. There were 100 extras and John [Maybury, the director] was like, 'Now you're going to sing.' I've never been so frightened in my entire life." I must say, I'm much impressed! It really does that have retro-feel in her voice, nothing modern, and her singing voice is higher and, dare I say, a much sweeter sound than her speaking voice. Take a listen. :)

another video from the guys of "Tropic Thunder"

I don't know how, but at some point, this blog became some unofficial shrine to "Tropic Thunder," mainly 'cause I keep talking about it, when it's one of the unlikeliest movies I'd thought I'd ever want to see. The big part of the appeal for me has been the viral marketing, one that continues to charm and humor me. Tonight was the "MTV Movie Awards," and while it is one of the most shameless and self-absorbed shows out there, the spoof skits continue to try to push the envelope. Here is the latest one for "TT." Me want that movie poster! (Watch the video below to get what I mean.)



Note: This is only a taste. A longer version of this video aired on the award show. Waiting for someone to post the full video. :)

"Sex and the City" delivers! <3<3<3

I just came back from seeing SATC, and all I have to say is LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! Critics might say that it feels like a super-sized episode, but really, what's wrong with that? The show's format was a success for a reason, and even on the big screen, it works. I think you have to really love the characters to buy into some of the more obvious visual gags, but it works, truly works, for the biggest fans. There were so many emotional and heart-tugging moments, I was nearly teary-eyed in every moment, but there was a sweetness with all of the stories that it was like magic to see them all together again.

I just read that SATC is on its way to be the top-opening romantic comedy of all-time; quite a feat! This is def. a film I wil buy when it's out on DVD to add to my SATC collection. Did you all get to see it, and if so, did you love it as much as I did? :D

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Tropic Thunder exclusive trailer

A "Tropic Thunder" fan (thanks, Trailer Girl!) tipped me off about this exclusive, uncensored trailer for the film. This version of the trailer has even more to the story than the previous trailer that I've seen. I already fawned over their American Idol appearance, but this is really what the film is all about. Check it out; it's freakin' hilarious!

BEST VIDEO EVER...!

While I was very happy that David Cook won last night on "American Idol," by far, my ABSOLUTELY FAVE moment last night wasn't seeing Mike Myers as the "Love Guru" (although he was pretty funny), or Carrie Underwood (she looked gorgeous, but I wasn't loving the song), but THIS, this HIGH-LARIOUS video. I was laughing so hard, but the tone of the video was perfect.



Apparently, in a not-so-obvious marketing ploy, the stars of "Tropic Thunder," Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr. all made an appearance, and in this case, in the form of back-up singers for Gladys Knight as the original "Pips." Jack Black had the smoothest dancing and comedic moves, but as I'm currently in a love-fest with Downey Jr. 'cause he's still Iron Man in my mind, I was excited to see him, too. (And in case you didn't know, RDJ plays an African-American in this film. Digest this a bit...)


Anyhow, watch, enjoy, and if you decide that you love it, d/l it from iTunes, as proceeds will go to charity. :)

Funny, but not funny enough!

Absolutely flawless!!!

Red Cliff at Cannes

Tony Leung 梁朝偉 appeared at the Cannes Film Festival to promote "Red Cliff," (赤壁) an epic based on the events during the Three Kingdoms, an important historic period in ancient China. The film is so long it will come out in two parts. The first will be released before the 2008 Summer Olympics, the second at the end of 2008.


The film has an all-star cast, including Takeshi Kaneshiro 金城武, Vicki Zhao 趙薇, and Lin Chi-ling 林志玲. Directed by John Woo 吳宇森, the film's trailer promises many exciting battle scenes, some of which remind me of the recently award-winning film "The Warlords," (投名状) which starred Jet Li 李連杰, Andy Lau 劉德華, and also Takeshi K. War scenes are increasing complex and gorgeously filmed in China. In some cases, I think they exceed what Hollywood can do in terms of detail and breadth.



I LOVE Tony, but for a man in his 40's and always hailed a "cinematic god" in Asia, he sure can look schmucky sometimes, huh? But I still think he's one of the best actors of all time!!! :D


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Iron Man, my hero...

I saw "Iron Man" this past weekend, and it was awesome!!!! And do you know who made it awesome? Robert Downey Jr. He's SOOOO good as Tony Stark, never mind the playboy attitude and smooth player who talks a mile a minute and can't remember the names of the women he slept with. I walked into the theatre knowing nothing about this superhero, who in my mind always looked a tad dated and lame, 'cause his iron mask doesn't elicit much excitement (like a tin-can droid from the 50's), but after seeing his evolution from man to hero, I can't wait to see the sequel.


I know I said that I'm a fan of period dramas, but I have a soft spot for action movies, too, esp. if they're done well. I think this was one of the more memorable and likable comic book films I've seen in a long, long time. I've seen almost all that have come out (Batman, Superman, Spiderman, X-Men, Sin City), but this is one where I could re-watch it and still enjoy it. Jon Favreau really did a great job directing, and the editing really makes the film jaunt along. Love the comedic timing. Terrence Howard was also very likable as the best friend, and you can totally see him as the wing man if him and RDJ ever hung out in a bar together.

My only complaint is Gwyneth Paltrow as a modern damsel-in-distress. She didn't have any blood-curdling screams like Kirsten Dunst in Spiderman 3, but still, couldn't she have done more than wander around in 6-inch stilettos? The sexual chemistry was good in that they stayed platonic, but still.....there needs to be an Iron Woman or something!? Enough of this prim-and-proper-assistant crap.

If you haven't seen it yet, go check it out before all of the other blockbusters knock it out of the bigger screens!


Iron Man, in theatres now.

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SATC on EW

"Sex and the City" is being featured on the current cover of Entertainment Weekly. It's a nice little article that reveals behind-the-scenes factors in developing the film. This is probably one of the last few pieces of news coverage before the film comes out. I really hope that the film delivers!


Read the full article here.