Events: Free Brooklyn Bridge Movies

    For the past 12 years, the good folks at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservatory have shown free movies outside in the park. The astounding NY skyline overlooking the water is a rare place for peace and tranquility (not to mention romantic). I went every Thursday from July to September of last year. I’ve been more busy this year but I had the opportunity to go last week. The iconic 1961 classic “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” was played for all to see. The film about a quintessential and untraditional New York girl was the perfect antidote to my stressful week. It was a beautiful night without a cloud in the sky in 77 degree weather. I’ll go more into depth about the film next week with “What I Learned” but to see Audrey Hepburn in her famous Little Black Dress was a true “New York Moment.” No wonder the lawn was at full capacity! I highly recommend going to the park with your blanket and some fresh sandwiches.

Movies With A View continues until September 1. Movies are screened every Thursday. Check their site for the schedule.

Sandwich Snacks: What I Learned From: The Godfather

In All Matters, Make 'Em An Offer They Can't Refuse

 

Now, don’t follow The Godfather exactly! These boys had a WHOLE different approach to “business offers” but you can find the best solution and put it on the table.



Have A Trusted Consigliere

Tom Hagen was not only a brother to the Corleone family but the intelligent advisor and lawyer. When in times in need, you should have a someone like that in your life.

It's Not Personal, It's Business

Doesn’t matter what happens outside because you have to deal with the most horrific people in all aspects. Try not to burn bridges with undesirable people. Let the negotiations do the talking.

Never Tell Anybody Outside The Family What You're Thinking

 

Oh, Sonny Boy! Talk is cheap. Only trust those few with your concerns – the enemy doesn’t need to know anything!



Keep Your Friends Close, But Your Enemies Closer

 

This is probably one of the greatest pieces of advise ever stated in films. Always keep your eyes open because who can you really trust?


A Man Who Doesn't Spend Time With His Family Can Never Be A Real Man

Don Vito ran the mafia but he still had time to come home to his family for good meal. Now that’s dedication for good morale!


Finally, Don't Piss Off The Wrong People.

You'll always end up with the horse's head in your bed (Enough Said)

Buzzworthy Music Tuesdays: August 16

Semisonic "Closing Time" 

    After seeing Friends With Benefits, this song has been in my head ALL WEEK. It’s a 90's goodie that was overplayed. Now listening to this song, just simply reminds me of being younger but not in a good way. *Cringe 90's Fashion* 

    Too bad this band didn’t have any other hits. They definitely had the potential to break out and be like Third Eye Blind or Foo Fighters. Oh well, let us enjoy the one hit wonder given to us.

An Open Letter: Remakes

 

   The recent news this week involving remakes on TV and in movies has made me SICK. The newest update will be a remake of the classic 1960’s show Bewitched. The day before, studios announced a plan to remake Dirty Dancing. Right now in the “re-works” is Total Recall, Red Dawn, Juice, A Star Is Born, and The Thin Man. Coming out this week is Fright Night and Conan The Barbarian. WHAT?? ARE ALL THESE REALLY NECESSARY? I am appalled by this LACK of creativity. Now, I see advertisements for the newest installment of Charlie’s Angels and Footloose on TV.

    I mean COME ON. Are there no original ideas out there? Don’t even give me an excuse. "Well, we want to bring it the younger generations." There is this device called a DVD player and it's revolutionary! It allows the younger generations to view these classics. I wasn't born in 1963 but I love Charade. I saw Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant over 30 years later. I didn't see to see it revamped or with a new direction. It was perfection all in it's own. I refuse to even consider the remake 2003's The Truth About Charlie.

    Look at Inception or Pushing Daisies. We’ve seen these visionary concepts out there but not everyone hits the screen. Eli Stone was cancelled too soon; as was, Wonderfalls on TV. Please, please, please stop recycling these old ideas. I implored you! I can’t think of one good remake. (Steve Martin’s Father Of The Bride was a great companion to the 1950 version starring Spencer Tracy but you can’t replace the original.)

    Here’s hoping this little trend will stop eventually; or else, everything we see will become a horrible circle of the same thing but from 20 years ago.

Coming This Fall: New Girl Starring Zooey Deschanel

Zooey Deschanel posted 2 new posters for her show, New Girl on her Twitter page yesterday. It looks to be a delightful new comedy as she plays a dumped gal who moves into an apartment with 3 guys. I, for one, cannot wait. Besides being a talented songbird, this gifted comedienne is cute as a button in just about everything she does.

   

The New Girl is set to premiere in September 20th at 9pm on FOX. 

Check out the funny promo trailer. 

 

Paul Rudd Is A Marketing Genius For My Idiot Brother

   Paul Rudd’s crazy antics in this Funny or Die video literally had me laughing so loud that I was told to “SHH.”

    He’s starting the promotion kick as his new film, My Idiot Brother, is to be released Aug. 26th. I’m excited for this new movie. He plays the “outcast” sibling of a fabulous female cast which includes Zooey Deschannel, Elizabeth Banks, Emily Mortimer, and Rashida Jones.

    In this clip, he pitches out new promo ideas to media mogul Harvey Weinstein. It speaks for itself so take a look. Paul needs to be in more movies! He’s unstoppable…”Oh, is this your Oscar? … SLAM”

Paul Rudd Pitches Harvey Weinstein from Paul Rudd

See It or Skip It: Friends With Benefits

    Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis play Dylan and Jaime in this non-traditional rom-com. Beware folks, they are not just eye candy! *Gasp* These two have qualities that truly validate their movie star value. Who knew that little mouseketeer/boy band singer had the acting abilities for a leading man? Same with Ms. Kunis who was underused on The 70s Show. I can now say: I am a fan of both these actors and would see a movie for them!

   Set in NYC, Dylan and Jaime become fast friends after Dylan accepts a position at GQ Mag with the help of headhunter Jaime. Unfortunate for both, they don't have the best luck in relationships *WHAT?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? HAVE YOU SEEN THESE THEM?* So, "emotionally unavailable" Dylan and "emotionally damaged" Jaime decide "what the heck, let's have just have a physical relationship but without all the messy stuff." We all know how this ends. You may know how the story goes but watching these actors is worth the two hours. The chemistry between Mila and Justin is a tangible fun fest. Given Mila's recent defensive of Justin at a Russian press conference, you can tell these two are friends on and off the screen. There is endless witty banter between the couple. I think this is why it's A) so believable and B) so realistic. I mean Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher are good one their own but together in No Strings Attached - I just wasn't buying it. *Seriously, in what world?*

    Easy A director Will Gluck once again elevates a film. Let's face it: this is the 2nd movie of the year to have a "you-know-what-buddy"storyline. Friends With Benefits has by far received better reviews and is on it's way to making more money at the box office. The small touches in comedy are essential here. From the silly humor about 90s music to Jaime screaming at a Katherine Heigl poster for being a liar. Thanks to this movie, I think the one of the greatest breakup screens is created. It involves a John Mayer concert ("The Sheryl Crow of Our Generation") and a beloved Emma Stone freaking out and screaming over "Your Body is a Wonderland." PRICELESS.

    The subplots are a bit less interesting. I think Richard Jenkins is an amazing actor *Go rent The Visitor* but not as Dylan's father with Alzheimer's. I feel like the writers needed to fill that "drama-tearjerker" void. I couldn't gone without it. Patricia Clark as Jaime's hippie mom provides a kooky comedic touch. She was enjoyable on screen but her flaky mom story was a bit blah, blah, and then blah. Woody Harrison is great as a gay sports writer. I can't believe some of his quips. I miss him in comedies. Come back, friend! Also, I can't forget Bryan Greenberg (How To Make It In America) as a dreamy doctor. Even as a jackass, I still love watching him. Oh, please don't be fooled by the trailer  - Emma Stone and Andy Samberg only make brief appearances in the 1st five minutes of the film!

    I was shocked at how much I enjoyed this film. I have no faith in the average romantic comedy these days. I would describe this film as "cute" - NOT "mediocre. " I was pleasantly surprised by Friends With Benefits; even though, I wouldn't say go rush to the theater for it. However, don't get it twisted! I wouldn't put it near the Katherine Heigl rom-com for losers.

VERDICT: SEE IT or NETFLIX IT