TALLULAH

Have you ever done what you knew in your heart was wrong for all the right reasons?  So has Tallulah.  A homeless girl who has not been dealt a full deck within the card game of life, Tallulah finds herself in a situation where she makes a decision that ultimately affects not only her...but many others.

Tallulah and her boyfriend Nico (Evan Jonigkeit) are wandering through life trying to figure out what their next move will be.  Will they go to abroad or stay in New York?  One never knows, but Nico decides that he is done with Tallulah and leaves.  While trolling through floors at a hotel/apartment building, she stumbles upon a woman who is clearly troubled and with a toddler. This chance meeting will turn out to change Tallulah in ways she didn't even see coming.

Having debuted at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, this Chris Columbus produced dramedy is one of the best films I have seen yet this year.  Kudos to Bernie Telsey and his casting associates for gathering such a stellar cast.

Although Ellen Page (Tallulah) and Allison Janney(Margo) are turning in some outstanding performances, this film belongs the insatiably, sadistic Tammy Blanchard (Carolyn).  Since bursting on the scene as a 2011 Tony Nominee for the second revival of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Blanchard, those who have watched her star ascend knew it would be only a matter of time before all of her true talent would be showcased.  Her performance in Tallulah is only to be rivaled by that of Oscar winner Cate Blanchett in Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine.

Ellen Page is a task master at portraying young woman with no real moral compass.  She's brilliant at it actually!  Her presence brings the much-needed comic element to Tallulah and she never disappoints.  Ellen Page is the only actress I can think of that makes you want to slap her and hug her all at the same time.  This is certainly the gift of skills she bring s to the role of Tallulah.

Allison Janney is better and better with each film she appears in.  As an awkward, socially inept woman on the verge of divorcing her gay husband. Janney conveys all the colors and layers necessary to pull off the character of Margo.  Her attempt to seduce the doorman is hysterical and incredibly sad all at once, as well as, her anger burst toward her future ex-husband are outstanding moments.

It was nice to see David Zayas and Uzo Aduba, as well as, John Benjamin Hickey and Zachary Quinto on-screen in one film.  Each of them spectacular in their respective roles.

Director/Writer Sian Heder has honed his skills in the world of dramedy on such hits as Orange Is The New Black and Men of a Certain Age, but it's safe to say that Tallulah will be the breakout film garnering major attention for him and Blanchard this awards season.

Tallulah debuted on Netflix July 29th and is available for streaming now.

PETE'S DRAGON

A reimagining of Disney’s cherished family film, “Pete’s Dragon” is the adventure of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliot, who just so happens to be a dragon. “Pete’s Dragon” stars Bryce Dallas Howard (“Jurassic World”), Oakes Fegley (“This is Where I Leave You”), Wes Bentley (“The Hunger Games”), Karl Urban (“Star Trek”), Oona Laurence (“Southpaw”), Isiah Whitlock, Jr. (“Cedar Rapids”) and Oscar® winner Robert Redford (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”). The film, which is directed by David Lowery (“Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”), is written by Lowery & Toby Halbrooks based on a screenplay by Malcolm Marmorstein and produced by Jim Whitaker (“The Finest Hours,” “Friday Night Lights”), with Barrie M. Osborne (“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Great Gatsby”) serving as executive producer.

For years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted local children with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales...until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliot. And from Pete’s descriptions, Elliot seems remarkably similar to the dragon from Mr. Meacham’s stories. With the help of Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11-year- old girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill, Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about this dragon. Disney’s “Pete’s Dragon” opens in U.S. theaters on August 12, 2016.

As a special treat, Disney has offered a special activity packet for fans.  Click on the link below to open and print out to begin enjoying all the fun.

Pete's Dragon Activity Packet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPOamb6d_20

The Secret Life of Pets

Have you often wondered what your pet does to occupy his/her time while you are away?  I have often envisioned my Maltese having a card party complete with cocktails and snacks while I'm away.  Why?  He just seems way to chill when I walk through the door and it always leaves me with the feeling that he has definitely been up to something.

Nothing makes me happier than films with talking pets and babies.  As silly as it is, it just brings a big, fat smile to my face and let's me escape the reality of this troubled world we find ourselves having to navigate through on a daily basis.

The Secret Life of Pets takes us on the journey of how Max (Louis C.K.) was adopted, which is quite sweet.  however, when Max's owner feels that he might be a little lonely and buys Duke, things go awry.  Not only is Max NOT lonely, but is on a personal mission to make sure that Duke (Eric Stonestreet) get put out  is out - pronto!

However, Max's plans are thwarted when he accidentally hooks up with some street dogs led by tough top dog Snowball (Kevin Hart).  Snowball is proud of being a street thug and despises "domestics".  Of course, Max's secret lady-love Gidget (JennySlate) is on a mission to find her man and that's when things become even more hilarious.

My favorite scenes are the dog's rocking out while the owners are gone, spending the entire film running from the dog-catcher and  finding out that Snowball is just a softie at the end of the day.

For those of you who have a child's heart, you will adore this film.  It tugs at every heart string you might have and then some.  My Mom and I had a great time, as we likened a lot of what we witnessed to why my little Spanky behaves the way he does sometime.  I swear, if he could talk he might be speaking a little foul French (if you know what I mean).

The Secret Life of Pets has already grossed 261 million dollars in the US and is in theaters now!

HOPSCOTCH: An Opera For the 21st Century

If someone gave you  the gift of choosing what moments of your life would best represent who you are today...which ones would you choose?

KCET's ARTBOUND episode, Hopscotch,  examines that very question through a series of operas performed live in 24 cars driven all around Los Angeles.  Six composers, six writers, 126 performers and a team of  behind the scenes stage managers, designers, technicians and drivers all helped in bringing this ground-breaking avant-garde piece to life.

In November 2015, tickets were sold and each buyer would experience a different chapter of the story for 10 minutes.  How?  The vocalists and musicians helped weave the story of one woman from her childhood to becoming elderly in the intimacy and confined space of a car.

This team thought of everything!  They even created a hub in Downtown LA with tv screens numbered by chapters to the ticket buyers could see what chapter they would be joining in on.

Hopscotch gave it creators, participants and ticket holders a perspective of Los Angeles never seen...through the eyes of one woman's journey in a series of chapters in a car.

Watching the piece unfold before your eyes can be a little dizzying at first, but then you are totally sucked and longing for what happens next.  Director Yuval Sharon described Hopscotch as a piece in which "time is happening all at once".

Earlier this year at the Tribeca Film Festival, I screened a feature film starring Jason Bateman, Nicole Kidman, Maryann Plunkett and Christopher Walken  called The Family Fang.  Kidman and Bateman were the now grown-up children of a couple that became world-famous for performance art.  I couldn't help think of this film while watching this doc.  It was absolutely fascinating and the performances were stellar.  The voices on some of these vocalists was unreal and their commitment to the artistry was admirable.

It goes without saying that Yuval Sharon deserves a standing ovation for taking on such an ambitious project and pulled it off with flying colors. It was heartwarming and inspiring to hear Sharon speak of all the tragedies in the world over recent months.  Nice had not occurred yet, however, Paris, Dallas, Minnesota and so many others had happened.  I think his quote from Brecht sums it all up perfectly...

Hopscotch debts tonight as part of KCET's ARTBOUND series, which airs on Direct TV Channel 375, Dish Network 9410, and of course at 9pm on KCET in Southern California.

Check out the making of this interesting, avant-garde fascinating piece of art and the interviews I did with Kate Walsh and director Yuval Sharon.

[embed]https://youtu.be/fuhvn1Eo3-w[/embed]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LivzsddPn-Q

Olympic Dream - American Prejudice

In honor of the Olympic games in Rio this year, I thought we could take a look back through a documentary I had the pleasure of screening at the Los Angeles Film Festival this year.

Most of us remember from history class that Jesse Owens won Olympic Medals at the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin, Germany.  What we don't know is that there were 18 athletes of color in total that competed in those games.

With a documentary the debuted at the Los Angeles Film Festival and narrated by Blair Underwood, Director/Writer/Producer brings us Olympic Dream:   American Prejudice.

It is through her lens that we learn of all 18 Olympic Athletes and the adversity they faced in not only being people of color in 1936 Germany under Hitler rule, but how it also felt to be disrespected and unacknowledged by their own county.

For one athlete, she never even got to compete and never ran again.  Another, wound up as a janitor and would clean in his Olympic team jacket.  However, others would go on to make American history outside of their Olympic fame.

DEBORAH RILEY DRAPER

Here are the names of the 18 African-Americans Olympians in 1936.

Despite Hitler’s widely publicized xenophobic comments and actions prior to the Olympics, for propaganda purposes he asked people in the country to treat all visitors — even minorities — well.

“Berliners were certainly given directives to be nice to the foreign visitors and certainly make sure that no one [felt] any hint of persecution or discrimination,” Draper said.

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“You’ve got 18 black athletes, they have ‘America’ on their back, they’re wearing ‘Team USA,’” Draper said. “  Still, Draper said, these athletes were proud to represent the U.S.

Draper spoke about some of the athletes’ legacies and what really resonated with her about their accomplishments, on and off the field.

David Albritton — High Jump (Silver Medalist)

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David Albritton (far right) during the award ceremony for the high jump.

“Dave Albritton became a state senator.”

Cornelius Johnson — High Jump (Gold Medalist)

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Ralph Metcalfe — 4x100-meter relay (Gold) & 100-meter dash (Silver)

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Ralph Metcalfe (second to the right) and the rest of the 4x100 USA team, pictured with the silver medal-winning 4x100 Italian team.

“Ralph Metcalfe became a congressman.”

Tidye Pickett (first black American woman to compete in Olympics) — 80-meter hurdles

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tidye Pickett (front row) and others before traveling to Europe for the Olympics.

“Tidye Pickett’s daughters talked extensively about how much fun their mother had, and she met these cool Italian girls. And they just had a really great time in Berlin.

Matthew “Mack” Robinson — 200-meter dash (Silver)

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Mack Robinson (up top and third on the left) before the Olympics.

“Jackie Robinson’s brother comes home from Berlin, Germany, where he beat up on Nazis on the track field and has a silver medal at the Olympics. So if his brother can do that, integrating baseball is not going to be so hard. That’s something he’s going to be up for. He’s not going to be afraid because his brother did something equally, if not more, courageous.”

Archibald Williams — 400-meter run (Gold)

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Archibald Williams (center) after winning the 400-meter race.

“Archie Williams went on to become a Tuskegee airman. He was a trained pilot while he was at [the University of California, Berkeley] and he was a mechanical engineering major so he became a Tuskegee airman.”

Jesse Owens — 100-meter dash (Gold), 200-meter dash (Gold), Long Jump (Gold), 4x100-meter relay (Gold)

Check out what Riley had to say during our sit down at the LA Film Festival  and here is the link to learn even more about this very enlightening film...

For more information on this film and release dates, please log onto www.1936olympicsmovie.com

People vs OJ grabs 22 #Emmys Noms for 2016

The 2016 Primetime Emmy Awards Nominations were announced this morning with Black-ish star Anthony Anderson and once-and-future Gilmore Girls actress Lauren Graham being the hosts for the telecast.

HBO's Game of Thrones earned the most nominations and  in its first year of eligibility, USA breakout Mr. Robot made a strong showing.

The fascination of former football star OJ Simpson's Limited Series paid off for FX's The People v O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story with a whopping  22 nominations, only behind Game of Thrones.

UnReal and Orange is The New Black were completely dissed except for a Best Supporting nod for UnReal's Constance Zimmer.

Here is a complete list of the nominees. Drama Series

The Americans

Better Call Saul

Downton Abbey

Game of Thrones

Homeland

House of Cards

Mr. Robot

Comedy Series

Black-ish

Master of None

Modern Family

Silicon Valley

Veep

Transparent

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Limited Series

American Crime

Fargo

The Night Manager

The People v O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story

Roots Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Kyle Chandler, Bloodline

Rami Malek, Mr. Robot

Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul

Matthew Rhys, The Americans

Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan

Kevin Spacey, House of Cards Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Claire Danes, Homeland

Viola Davis, How to Get Away With Murder

Taraji P Henson, Empire

Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black

Keri Russell, The Americans

Robin Wright, House of Cards Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

Bryan Cranston, All the Way

Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock

Idris Elba, Luther

Cuba Gooding Jr., The People v O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story

Tom Hiddleston, The Night Manager

Courtney B. Vance, The People v O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

Kirsten Dunst, Fargo

Felicity Huffman, American Crime

Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill

Sarah Paulson, The People v O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story

Lili Taylor, American Crime

Kerry Washington, Confirmation Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Anthony Anderson, Black-ish

Aziz Ansari, Master of None

Will Forte, Last Man on Earth

William H. Macy, Shameless

Thomas Middleditch, Silicon Valley

Jeffrey Tambor, Transparent Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Ellie Kemper, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep

Laurie Metcalf, Getting On

Tracee Ellis Ross, Blackish

Amy Schumer, Inside Amy Schumer

Lily Tomlin, Grace and Frankie Supporting Actor in a Comedy

Louie Anderson, Baskets

Keegan-Michael Key, Key & Peele

Andre Braugher, Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Ty Burrell, Modern Family

Tituss Burgess, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Matt Walsh, Veep

Tony Hale, Veep Supporting Actress in a Comedy

Niecy Nash, Getting On

Allison Janney, Mom

Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live

Judith Light, Transparent

Gaby Hoffmann, Transparent

Anna Chlumsky, Veep Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Jonathan Banks, Better Call Saul

Ben Mendelsohn, Bloodline

Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones

Kit Harington, Game of Thrones

Michael Kelly, House of Cards

Jon Voight, Ray Donovan

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey

Lena Headey, Game of Thrones

Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones

Maisie Williams, Game of Thrones

Maura Tierney, The Affair

Constance Zimmer, UnREAL Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

Jesse Plemons, Fargo

Bokeem Woodbine, Fargo

Hugh Laurie, The Night Manager

Sterling K. Brown, People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story

David Schwimmer, People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story

John Travolta, People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

Melissa Leo, All the Way

Regina King, American Crime

Sarah Paulson, American Horror Story: Hotel

Kathy Bates, American Horror Story: Hotel

Jean Smart, Fargo

Olivia Colman, The Night Manager Outstanding TV Movie

A Very Murray Christmas

All the Way

Confirmation

Luther

Sherlock

Variety Talk Series

Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee

Jimmy Kimmel Live

Last Week Tonight With John Oliver

The Late Late Show With James Cordon

Real Time With Bill Maher

Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon Variety Sketch Series

Documentary Now

Drunk History

Inside Amy Schumer

Key & Peele

Portlandia

Saturday Night Live Reality-Competition Program

The Amazing Race

American Ninja Warrior

Dancing With the Stars

Project Runway

Top Chef

The Voice Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition

Ryan Seacrest, American Idol

Tom Bergeron, Dancing With the Stars

Jane Lynch, Hollywood Game Night

Steve Harvey, Little Big Shots

Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn, Project Runway

RuPaul Charles, RuPaul's Drag Race

Are you a OG Ghostbuster Fan or a Newbie?

I don't know about you, but I'm an OG Ghostbuster fan!!!  I remember seeing the film back in  the day and was scared to death.  Baby, when those lions on the NYC library steps turned into monsters...I was done! Not to mention my beloved Stay Puff marshmallow dude taking people out on the streets of Manhattan!  However, I was a die-hard Saturday Night Live fan and this film came out at the height  of the show's popularity starring Bill Murray, the late Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Dan Aykroyd, Annie Potts, Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis.  It was ridiculously funny and every kid wanted to be a "ghostbuster"...including me and my little brother.

We were treated to a wonderful tour of the Sony Pictures lot, GhostCorps headquarters with Ghostbusters creator Ivan Reitman and a fantabulous lunch.  Our tour guide Maryann (hope I spelled her name correctly)  was absolutely amazing!!   Here are some highlights and inside scoop on it all!!!

Needless to say, I was beyond thrilled when Sony Pictures invited me and a very impressive group of "mommy bloggers" to screen the Ghostbusters reboot at The Grove compete with 3d glasses and movie snacks!

Day 2 was the Ghostcorps tour with the film's creator Ivan Reitman.  The original script was done with Reitman, Murray and Ramis when the film was unleashed to the masses on July 8, 1984.  Reitman shared that now having three kids and four grandchildren he realizes that Ghostbusters helped make the "scary "ghost issue" more reasonable for kids" because now "there were "busters" who could capture and retain the ghosts".  These guys became role models and with the reboot release on July 15th, the role models have now become women with the casting of Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon and bringing in screenwriter Katie Leopold for an extra special touch.

Ever wonder why there has never been a sequel to the original?  I wondered that too!!!  Ivan Reitman told us that he, Harold Ramis and Bill Murray have owned the rights to the franchise all these  years!  I know right!!  Clearly, there were and are some very smart cookies.  With the recent passing of Ramis, it forced the other two to think about what would happen to the franchise should they depart this realm.  It was mutually agreed that they would transfer the rights to Sony Pictures.

Thus, the set up and launch of GhostCorps on the Sony Lot.  Ghostcorps houses ALL things ghostbusters, including massive memorabilia from the 1984 version, but all the merchandising set to be released with this summer's reboot.  Along every wall of the building are posters from all of Ivan Reitman's films.  In the conference room, there is a gas case featuring patches from some of the 500 charity-based Ghostbuster groups around the world  Can you believe most them build their on Ecto Mobiles and have even requested the dimensions for the proton packs the "buster" wear to make their experience completely authentic.

After taking a group photo with Ivan, it was off to tour the Sony lot.  Did  you know that Sony Pictures is the home of one of the most iconic movies studios in film history?  I know...I didn't know that either!  Sony Pictures was formerly name MGM Studios where my favorite film of all time was created...The Wizard of Oz.  Below is the rainbow from the original film that had to be included on the lot when Sony took over to commemorate that it was formerly MGM Studios.

Maryann took us to the Barbra Streisand Sound Stage, where I couldn't resist busting out a little "I Will Always Love You" after being told that Whitney, Barbra and Judy sang on that very stage!  Hopefully, the good vibes will rub off!

There is folklore that the stage where the Wizard of Oz was filmed...Stage 15 is haunted by someone named Charlie.  Apparently, Charlie worked with MGM for years and just can't tear himself away!  A very important bit of contract trivia involves the Wicked Witch of the West - Margaret Hamilton being burned when she is melted and was unable to be sent to the hospital due to the fact that she was not a MGM contract player.  I know!!!

After stalking Adam Sandler's Happy Madison offices, we make our way over to the home of Wheel of Fortune on Stage 11.  Over 500 contestants are brought on to the show yearly to play "wheel"with former weatherman Pat Sajak and letter turner/model Vanna White.  That wheel, by the way, weighs 2400 pounds and has over 200 lights!  You better make sure you get our workout on before hitting that show...lol.

We surely worked up an appetite and were treated to a nice lunch outside and then sent on our way to rest up for Day 3...the press conference.  Details to follow and thank you of the opportunity to share  a lifelong dream!

Check out the video I made when you get a moment.  It's pretty funny...

https://youtu.be/p_R5nfaN978

Life, Animated

The very time I became aware of autism, what it was and how it manifests was when I was in rehearsal for the 1st National tour of "The Who's Tommy".  You see the character of "Tommy" was a high functioning autistic child who becomes a rock star.  The creative team had professionals come in and tell us all about it, so that onstage our relationship with Tommy would be authentic and real.

About a year ago, I was chatting with my old friend Jonathan Freeman.  He began telling me about a book by Ron Suskind called Life Animated and about his kid named Owen who was autistic.  He revealed that Owen broke out of his autistic prison through watching Disney animated films. Now, this was fascinating, because both Jonathan and myself have a Disney connection.  I played Shenzi in Los Angeles production of "The Lion King" for three years and Jonathan is the voice of "Jafar" in the Disney animated feature "Aladdin" and performs this role eight times a week currently on Broadway.

BROADWAY'S JAFAR IN ALADDIN AND CARLA RENATA

As life works, while at Sundance 2016,  I found out Owen Suskind is now the subject of a documentary directed by Roger Ross Williams.  When I tell you, I spent 90 minutes doing the ugly cry while trying to laugh...I really do not exaggerate!

At three-years old, Owen Suskind began speaking gibberish.  After taking him to numerous medical professionals, he was diagnosed autistic.  For those of you who don't know what that means, it simply means that these kids have a brain that is overly stimulated.  They are brutally honest and don't know what lying or being polite is.  They simply live in the moment...whatever that moment happens to be.

After one year of complete silence while watching "The Little Mermaid", Owen uttered what his parents Cornelia and Ron understood as "juicer voss".  Owen was trying to say "just your voice" ( a line from the character Ursula). Now, as a 23-year old adult, Owen has transitioned into adult assisted living, had his heart-broken for the first time and secured employment at a local movie theater.

Life, Animated is one of the most inspiring, heartwarming and heartbreaking films I have seen in quite some time.  It was truly a reality check.  It reminded me that just when you think your life sucks, there is always someone else who has it just a little harder.

I wonder what Walt Disney would think about his films being the catalyst for a child who most people wrote off and were ready to throw in the towel on.  Ron and Cornelia Suskind  and their other son Walter NEVER gave up on Owen and continue to make his life as normal and easy-going as possible.

While saying goodbye to Jonathan, Owen and his family popped by and when we asked if he was tired of being a movie star, he simply replied "Yes, it will be nice to get back to me".  One of my favorite moments of the film was having Gilbert Godfried pop by Owens' Disney Club and do a live reading of Aladdin for all the members along with Jonathan.

Thank you Jonathan for bringing Owen and his beautiful family to my attention.  You and them have TRULY changed my life and mindset forever.

Life Animated opened in theaters on July 1st and remember you heard it here first...it will definitely be on the short list for the Oscars in 2017.

Happy 100th Birthday Olivia de Havilland

Gone With The Wind is one of my Mommy's favorite movies and has become a classic one of mine as well.

For the woman who played the role of faithful wife to Ashley Wilkes - Olivia De Havilland is the film's only surviving actor.  Today she turned 100 years young!

Born in Tokyo on July 1, 1916, to British parents, de Havilland and her younger sister Joan Fontaine grew up in California and both became Academy Award-winning lead actresses (the only pair of siblings to do so). Reportedly, Fontaine had originally been approached for the role of Melanie in "GWTW," but wanted to play Scarlett O'Hara.  She suggested her sister for the part instead.

De Havilland, who appeared in "GWTW" when she was in her early 20s, ultimately went on to star in dozens of movies and TV shows, winning two Oscars (for 1947's "To Each His Own" and 1950's "The Heiress") before stepping away from the spotlight in 1988.

One of my all time favorite films starring de Havilland was a Hitchcock thriller called Suspicion.  If you haven't seen her body of work, take a break from the barbecue and fireworks to check her out.  Like the iconic films in which she starred...Olivia de Havilland is a class act.

#Flashback: THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA

I am obsessed with Meryl Streep!  Then again who isn't.  She is one of the best actresses in our industry.  I am also obsessed with Anne Hathaway.  Who doesn't love The Princess Diaries with her and Julie Andrews?  Don't even get me started on her Oscar turn as Fantine is Les Miserables.

Who knew when The Devil Wears Prada opened in theaters ten years ago that it would clobber Superman Returns at the box office in 2006.  Miranda Priestly, fashion and a good old-fashioned love story would prevail in the end.

The film focused on a young woman, who while on the quest to find a job as a journalist ends up at a fashion magazine.  She ultimately becomes the assistant to the most powerful fashion editor in the world and that job changes her forever.

It kinda reminded me of a more up to date version of another one of my favorite films Working Girl.  i even had the pleasure of Guest Starring on an ABC monster hit Ugly Betty, which although was an American reboot of a Spanish show, still had that  'Devil Wears Prada' motif going on...not to mention they had Tony and Emmy nominee Vanessa Williams to pull in those viewers.

Not only did the film mark the film debut of Emily Blunt, but it catapulted her and Anne Hathaway into superstardom.  Stanley Tucci was no slouch either.

So for those who are all too familiar with this classic...here are some things  you may not know about The Devil Wears Prada...

1.  Meryl Streep was ready to walk over her the low salary offer. When it was doubled, she found a way grab that silver hair and keep it moving.  Can you even imagine anyone else as Miranda?   I think not
2. As badly as Anne Hathaway wanted this role, the first choice was Rachel McAdams.  I love Rachel, but Andy was meant for Anne
3. Meryl changed what would become one of the best lines of the Film.  During their table read, Meryl said, "Everybody wants to be us," instead of  "Everybody wants to be me."
4. Emily was supposed to be American.  The director loved Blunt's accent so much, they made her character British
5. Stanley Tucci met his real-life wife at Emily Blunt's wedding.  Isn't that fantabulous!!!
6. There was NO second choice considered for Miranda Priestly.  How you even gonna let second choice fall from you lips when you have freaking Meryl Streep!!!  I'm just saying!

Take a look back at the trailer for The Devil Wears Prada...

AS I AM: THE LIFE AND TIME$ OF DJ AM

Grandmaster Flash, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Steve Aoki, Daft Punk are some of tho most famous DJ's on the dance scene EVER!   Until the emergence of DJ AM.

DJ AM  aka Adam Goldstein was the first to command a million bucks to spin.  The phrase 'mash up" is famously aligned with his name and his spin crafting skills made him one of the most famously sought after DJ's  for such celebrities as Robert Downey, Jr,, Jay-Z, Tom Cruise, Madonna and many more.

As accomplished as he was at being a DJ, the one thing he couldn't quite a grab a handle of was his sobriety after a harrowing survival of a tragic plane crash.

Adam had the deck stacked against him from conception.  His Dad wanted nothing to do with  him, weight was an issue and self-love.  All these factors had a number in line with his ultimate addiction.  A habit that he kicked and would ultimately become his demise.

He was found dead -  shirtless in  sweatpants, a crack pipe and pills inside his New York City apartment at age 36. He tried desperately to kick a disease wont' let you run away if your will is weak...it just doesn't work that way.  At the end of the day, he would still always be a chubby, insecure boy that nobody liked.

For DJ's everywhere...he changed the game forever. Thanks to Director/Producer for putting this struggle on film.  In light of recent overdoses like Prince, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse...let us hope that if watching this saves just one life DJ AM's life was a life worth living.

AS I AM:  THE LIFE AND TIME$ OF DJ AM is playing at Arclight Cinemas  in Los Angeles as of June 3rd and various theaters in the New York area.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv7WmrSDhk8