Too Scary for Me, Dana

OK, so the word of mouth for this film was great.  I mean, with the midnight showings in selected cities; the FaceBook review...etc.  The ads on TV showed audiences screaming their heads off at the appropriate scenes.  And, supposedly, if you watch this in the intimacy of your home, it is guaranteed to spook you to no end.
As the poster states, "What happens when you sleep?"  In my case, I sleep; wake and go to the bathroom; turn on and listen to the radio.  Once in a great while I will hear a sound that makes me hold on tight to my pillow, shut my eyes tight and wish for it to go away- but nothing that will make me lose sleep.
The current craze with ghost hunting is probably the reason for this film's release and popularity.  Saw it with friends and there were a few times I jumped.  The idea of a haunting in a nice suburban home...wait, creepy things happen in older homes and to innocent children, not young couples.  Apparently the heroine of this story has been stalked by a malevolent spirit since childhood and her boyfriend stands by her regardless.  He decides to use modern technology to record appartions, EVPs, and things that go bump in the night.  Oh, that does happen a few times.  A friend was wondering if this film lost something in the home viewing as opposed to the theatrical viewing.  I'm sure it did.  Three people shouting, screaming and jumping or "getting a snack" does not compare with the fun sharing the experience with a sold out audience.  Check back on the entry about The Amityville Horror- I may or may not have mentioned the "fun" a shared theatrical experience.
The more I heard about Paranormal Activity the more I realized this was The Exorcist experience for the 21st Century.  That film gave me sleepless nights and it was the talk of my friends back in the early 1970s.  And now I understand that kids have nightmares or the creeps when watching this film at home. To this day I will not watch The Exorcist alone, unless there is a group of us ready to scream and share a bowl of split pea soup with SF sourdough!
But I am not complaining...it was a well produced film; small budget and big, ginormous box office.  The young actors portrayed a nice, somewhat naive couple ready to conquer their demons (no pun intended).  Editing was part of the reason the film did so well in the scare department.  Makes one wonder if video recording all night is worth it.  I mean, even the ghost hunters have nights with no major boo factor.  It will be a film I will add to my Halloween list.  This is the third film, I've watched at least, that is in the "first person" perspective somewhat- the other two being Cloverfield and the amazing Blair Witch Project.  As always, keep an open mind but do have fun.  Get the popcorn and snacks ready.
Boo!

"I am not going in there first...you go first."
"Oh, come on, it's just a spook house."
"But you don't know what's on the other side!"
(dialogue between yours truly /the coward/ and friend upon going through the labyrinth at Universal Studios Hollywood- the 2005 edition of Van Helsing's House of Horrors- by the way, I did let out a blood curdling scream, because around the corner I saw a demonic figure- my reflection in a mirror!)

Who Are the Real Aliens?

Tuesday the 29th of December my friends and I went to the IMAX theatre in Cathedral City to see Avatar.  The film was sold out for the 12:15 showing; it was in a 3-d format, so the 3-d glasses were used.   Avatar is something that goes beyond verbal or written explanations.  The film is supposed to make the movie-goer experience something that has not been attempted.  I must say I am hooked.  Mr. Cameron is a genius.  The film is visually beautiful; I love the color blue and Avatar's blue hues are cinematically gorgeous.

The story hits a little too close to home.  For once, the bad guys are humans from the good old USA, trying to take a planet from its indigenous inhabitants.  Sound familiar?  As my friend Jon noted that it could have been in the wild west, the Warsaw Ghetto, ancient Britain.  To fight for one's homeland; to protect one's environment.  Some scenes made me think of what we are doing to the Amazon Rainforest.

The actors bring this story to life and must have been Mr. Cameron's dream cast for this ambitious film.  Sam Worthington, as James Sully, is fantastic.  Zoe Saldana as the female Na'vi who guides Sully in this strange world is a joy to behold, somewhat unrecognizable in her Na'vi guise.  Sigourney Weaver as a scientist who is sympathetic to the plight of the Na'vi, is wonderful.  A versatile actress indeed.  The music by James Horner, at times was reminiscent of Titanic, but nonetheless added that magic touch to the scenes.  And a few tears were shed.  It was emotionally cathartic.

I must say it is a refreshing change to see an "alien invasion" film where this time WE are the aliens...with the same intents as the aliens in other classic invasion films have.

Go and see this wonderful cinematic epic.  Relish it the first time and then enjoy it a second and third time.

Oscar Worthy

It is not your typical holiday fare.  It is not a light, frothy film.  It is a powerful drama that I am sure hits home.  It definitely packs a wallop.  Based on a novel called Push, the celluloid adaptation is known as Precious.  Apparently there is another film called "Push" and producers did not want to confuse the issue.  
Precious- about a 16 year old teen who is still in junior high, is a teen mother and lives in a home with a very physically and abusive mother, portrayed by Mo'Nique.  Mother wants to live and remain on welfare and because of Precious's status of teen mom, the mom will live off the dole.  Her first pregnancy is part of a dark secret Precious does not choose to talk about.  She seems to enjoy learning as she hits and tells a classmate to shut up because she is trying to listen to what the teacher says.  Her grades are somewhat good and her school counsellor suggests alternative schooling.  Her mom thinks school is a waste of time; she should live on welfare.  Precious wants to better herself, and that is such a positive in such a dark film.  She has a great fantasy life- imagining herself on the red carpet as a celebrity and other things.  I suppose lots of people escape to fantasy because reality is too harsh, too painful.  In an interesting non-glamourous role of Precious's social worker, Mariah Carey, tries to help the troubled teen.  
Precious does attend the alternative school where she slowly progresses and raises her reading level to that of an 8th grader.  Oh, she is pregnant with her second child, to which she gives birth and names him Abdul.  It is because of this second baby the mother goes into mega-bitch mode.  Needless to say, Precious survives this and wants nothing more than the best for her children.
Gabourney Sidibie is amazing as Precious.  Her first film and I would not be surprised that she gets an Oscar nod, as well as Mo'Nique.  It must have been physically and spiritually draining on all the actors in  this film to get through a lot of the scenes.  They are graphic and give a glimpse of what life is like for a lot out there in such a situation.  Not a film for all, especially small children.  It is a film to watch with friends and when you want non-escapism entertainment.  I'd even forgo the popcorn.  To say "enjoy this film" would be a mistake.  Go...see...learn...think...have hope.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

It is Christmas Day and it is gloriously sunny and warm- in the mid 60s.  It is quiet here in the Palm Springs area.  Just had a wonderful Christmas lunch- ham with all the trimmings.  My friends are watching a DVD...Valkyrie...starring Tom Cruise.  (Delightful holiday film, fun and frothy!)  
Last night I attended Christmas Eve services at St. Louis church in Cathedral City.  The church was overflowing and the music was so wonderful.  Everyone sang and it did not matter whether you could carry a tune or not.  The Gospel recounted the birth of Jesus and the homily was a wonderful holiday popourri of stories that told the holiday message without being too preachy.  One of them was as follows...
One Christmas Eve a young boy was looking at the stores and their displays.  His final stop was a pet store and he noticed a sign on the window that stated "Puppies for Sale."  He entered and the owner asked if he could help him.  The young boy asked how much the puppies were.  The shop keeper replied that the prices ranged from fifty to one hundred dollars.  The boy said he wanted to see them and eventually a dog and her litter came to the front.  There were five healthy puppies.  A straggler came slowly behind the healthy litter.  The boy said that he only had two dollars and thirty-seven cents.  He wanted to buy the straggler.  The owner said that he would give it to him free because the puppy was born with hip problems and would not be able to run and play like any other dog.  The boy didn't care and offered to pay a dollar a month until the puppy was paid for.
The man reiterated why did he want a dog that was not worth much.  The boy then lifted his pant leg and the owner saw a twisted leg with a metal brace.  The young lad stated that he could not run and play like his friends and that at least the doggie would understand him if he had the same problem.  And again he would pay full price to show that the puppy was worth the same as its healthy siblings.
It brought a tear to my, as well as other stories the priest told.  The most dramatic, if you will, was after Communion.  The meditation song was Silent Night with all the lights in the church off, save for the Nativity and holiday lighting.  I could not get through the third line as tears formed in my eyes remembering all my loved ones who are in heaven...Mama, Tia Luisa, Frank, Sister Louise.  Remembering my families....the Perezes, the Gonzalezes, the Mondoys, the Ellisons.  Remembering my friends Ron, Jon, Denise, Miz O,  Ismael, Dan.  Remembering all the children I have taught and teach...from 1982 to the present.  The men and women in our armed forces and police and fire departments.
After Mass I felt so happy and full of the Christmas spirit.  It is a joyous time that I wish we could keep all year.
Sometimes I feel that I am missing a special person in my life.  Yes, I would like that someday, but I am so fortunate and blessed to have wonderful people around me who love me and I love them back.
Merry Christmas!  Feliz Navidad.  Buon Natale!  Joyeaux Noel!
I even spoke to my dear friend Aidan.  He sounded good and will be retiring in January.  Be good to your friends and keep in touch.  Don't wait til they're gone to say you love and appreciate them!

You Are Now in Heaven and On Earth

The world has lost another great actress, Jennifer Jones.  My introduction to her was in the film The Song of Bernadette.  She was in her late teens when she auditioned and got the part of the young peasant French girl who had visions of the Mary.  She was a quintessential example of innocence in that film.  Of course, in later years she'd play a variety of roles- truly a versatile actress.  I am going to have to check more of her films.  Her role in The Towering Inferno with Fred Astaire was the last film I saw her in at the old Alexandria Theatre in SF.  She was truly a class act.  I don't think we'll see the likes of her again.  She was an original.  A lady.  Rest in peace, Jennifer.   And now you can actually see her and converse with her.

Where Has This Year Gone?

It was about a year ago that I started to keep this blog.  A year!  Where's the time gone?  I was rather apprehensive about keeping an online journal.  Let's face it, I'd be sharing my thoughts, feelings and idiosyncracies with the world.  And I must say I have enjoyed every single moment.  Those who have read the entries have gotten to know me and all my moods- silly, nostalgic, depressive, happy, patriotic, critical.  You have gotten to know the type of entertainments that bring a smile to my face.  You've gotten to know some of my friends, not in great detail, but yes, I do have friends!  LOL!  You've come to know that I am an educator- a profession I truly adore- it is an honor and privelege to teach, instruct, influence the future.
I had a dear friend from Spain come and spend time here in San Francisco; as the song says "un amigo para siempre."  I've tried to keep current friendships going this year.  I've rediscovered a good friend in Los Angeles and hope to nurture that friendship.  I lost a good friend, my principal Sister Louise.  I miss her dearly.
Am looking forward to my yearly holiday trek to Cathedral City in SoCal to spend time with my dear friends...to watch movies, cook holiday meals and play with my "goddaughters" Blue and Bonnie.
Only God knows what 2010 will bring.  Right now I am listening to Susan Boyle's rendition of "I Dreamed A Dream" and my eyes are getting watery, especially with the line "there are dreams that cannot be."  Know that I am an incurable romantic about everything.  I tend to like little details about things, something I hope to enhance in future writings on this blog.
Thank you for reading.  I know it is not the most exciting blog online, but know that I am happy knowing that some people do take time to read at least one entry.

People Who Need People

Saturday the 12th of December was a rather special one.  I was able to go to Los Angeles to meet with my good friend Dan...remember, the social worker I talked about a few entries ago?  It was so nice to reacquaint ourselves after an almost decade long silence.  So many things in our lives, all wonderful and positive.  It was fun actually introducing Dan to the latest music and some new movies; after all, the art of film started this friendship.  Our original plans were to go to Universal studios and the movies.  Well, theme parks and films will always be there, but the chance to volunteer for a wonderful organization  is a once a year event.  And that is just exactly what transpired.  Dan works for the Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team and they were sponsoring QUEST 2009, a beauty pageant.  He and his co-workers were to work this event and lo and behold, they needed some volunteers.    Did I mind?  No.  It was a chance to help, to volunteer, to do community service.  OK, so it was not in my hometown, but it was a chance to do something good.  My job was simple- direct people to the "Will Call" ticket table or tell them to go to the box office.  Many thought I was security- and I am as secure as a teddy bear!  Anyway, I was able to see people from all walks of life- government officials, members of the press, tv producer, etc.  It was an amazing cavalcade of humanity.  Mame Dennis would approve most certainly.
My "boss" for the evening was a very effervescent woman named Tara, one of Dan's supervisors.  You know, when you meet people you either like them or dislike them.  Tara most definitely made her imprint; her own words "I have a fan?"  She is an incredible person, hard working and nice.  I even told her that I would come down next year to help out.  I met several other supervisors, but the night being a busy one there was no chance to meet and chat.
Several speakers and the contestants themselves talked about the transgender community.  I have a greater respect for this community and have realized that they are also God's children.  Many of them are HIV+.  In fact, it is the transgender community that has the highest percentage of people with the HIV virus.  And victims of discrimination and domestic violence.  They are survivors.  And they are willing to work hard to overcome the intolerance faced by many due to gender, lifestyle choice, race, ethnicity, religion.  We do live in a somewhat ignorant society.  We don't take the time to learn about people.  We're complacent with the ones we know and don't dare take a risk to broaden our horizons in the area where human beings are concerned.
What I see in APAIT is compassion towards everyone.  It is a noble mission.  One that I applaud.  It seeks to educate about this horrid disease.  This pageant was an entertaining way to reach those who are ignorant about so many things.  APAIT embraces not only the Asian/Pacific Islander community, but all- Hispanic, African American- in short, people!
To all of the APAIT workers- God bless you on your amazing journey!
To Tara, keep sharing your infectious laugh and beautiful smile...and be nice to my friend.
To Dan, don't work too hard.  Thank you for inviting me to help out at this event.  Thanks for the friendship I truly appreciate!

"To love another person is to see the face of God."
-from the musical Les Miserables

In Search of A New Home

OK...this was a spectacular film, I must admit.  An incredible orgy of destruction as only Hollywood can give us.  The storyline reminded me other films that Mr. Emmerich has given the world...ID4 and The Day After Tomorrow.  In fact, these films follow the same formula of the Irwin Allen disaster films.  People from all walks of life somehow meet in some horrible doomsday scenario, and only a handful remain to survive and start life anew.  And I would add various tributes to earlier disaster films and TV shows...When World Collide, Volcano, Armageddon and Battlestar Galactica.
But, my concern today is the children, especially little ones.  As adults we know this is just a film, but little kids when they hear the world "will end" in 2012, they just get plenty frightened.  Parents out there, this is a great teachable moment.  Don't leave it to the teachers to explain that we are going to turn into cosmic dust.  Children today have so much to fear that this just adds to the anxiety.
The world isn't going to end in 2012.  Let face it, the Mayas ran out of stone to continue writing.  And how many doomsday scenarious have we survived?  Imagine children who have seen this film and feel their first earthquake?  Panic, maybe?  Parents, be nice and take the time to explain about Mother Nature's disasters.

The Day After That

Today is the day the world remembers those with AIDS.  Funny how humanity, or organizations, set aside one day to remember a disease, world event, or whatever.  And today you needed to wear red; I chose a red tie.  Not to make a fashion statement, but to remember all those who have perished or are living and/or surviving with this plague.
We've all watched or heard of people- from celebrities to the next door neighbor- who are living with AIDS, and we feel sorry, or at least attempt it.  It doesn't hit home, like the other diseases, until you know someone who has been diagnosed and is living with it.  For me it was my best friend from grammar school, Frank.  He was two years older than me; we met on a Good Friday in 1967 and were having a discussion about movies. (yes, even in the 60s it was a preoccupation!)  He was discussing Thoroughly Modern Millie whilst I was discussing John Huston's The Bible...In the Beginning.  Well, from that day on we became the brothers we never had at the time.  Our families became one family- my introduction to Filipino food and culture and his introduction to Nicaraguan food and culture.  He convinced me to go to the same high school and college, which I did.  I even applied to join him at USC.  I was accepted  but did not have the guts to pursue it.  
Needless to say our paths took different ways.  He worked for a medical school in the admissions office; I became an educator.  Our friendship was thriving, though.  Through Frank I was able to see a lot of the United States.  In fact, my first trip to New York City was with him and my first Braodway musical was Twiggy and Tommy Tune in My One and Only.  We even got to see Liza Minnelli and Chita Rivera in The Rink.  Oh, we had fun as school chums do.
But happiness can turn to sorrow.  In the early 90s he was complaining about not feeling well.  Our friendship by then was relegated to weekly phone calls.  Then, on one particular Saturday I went to visit Frank at home.  His mom and sister were subdued; Frank had been diagnosed with the HIV virus and didn't look good.  I tried to cheer him up to no use- he started to cry, took my hand and kept repeating "I don't want to die."  For once I was at a loss for words.
Frank died in 2001, a week after September 11th.  In fact, he was in New York in August visiting family who moved out there.
I got the phone call from his sister that if I wanted to say goodbye, that I'd best hurry.   Within 30 minutes, he was gone, listening to his favorite musical, Camelot- the motion picture soundtrack.
I was numb.  I lost my best friend.  The hardest thing to do was write a eulogy, which the family had asked me to do.  A funeral mass, a burial, a reception.  And all the memories that our friendship had built.  I miss him lots- he introduced me to foreign cinema and our love affair with Evita drove people crazy.  Was Patti Lupone the better Eva?  Or her alternate, Terri Klausner?  
Yes, today is the official day to remember those with AIDS.  Let us not forget that it is a disease that does not strike down one segment of society, but countless men, women and children.  May they rest in peace.  Amen.

And I Still Love Lucy

Saw three great classic "B" films from the early 1940s, starring Lucille Ball.  Before the television comedy, Miss Ball was an actress at RKO studios, making dramatic, comedic and even musical films. The three films are The Big Street; Dance, Girl, Dance; and Dubarry Was A Lady.  Ironically, in all three films she portrays an entertainer in either a nightclub or burlesque theatre, something that her latter persona, Lucy Ricardo, would not be allowed to do thanks to Ricky.  
The Big Street is a drama based on a short story "Little Pinks" by Damon Runyon, you know, the creator of the Guys and Dolls characters.  In this film, Miss Ball portrays a singer in a supper club, Gloria Lyons.  She wants riches, good food, jewels, etc.  Her boyfriend is a mob leader.  She meets a busboy, Little Pinks (Henry Fonda) and somehow their lives intertwine in an interesting way.  She earns the nickname "Your Highness" and it sticks with her throughout the film.  As luck would have it, Gloria wants to go out with other men; her boyfriend does not think so.  He slaps her hard that she falls down some stairs and is hurt badly- paralyzed from the waist down.  Little Pinks wants to help her in any way he can- he is smitten with her.  Miss Ball's character is so bitchy, a far cry from her comedy persona.  She does not like being taken care of by Pink and his neighbors.  She cannot see how kindness can help one get through a personal hell.  She wants to go to Miami Beach and Pinks helps her achieve this dream.  She is after a millionaire, by the way, who does not want damaged goods.  Many other things happen and towards the end Gloria realizes how good she has had it with Mr. Pinks.  By the way, have that box of tissue at hand.  Among the supporting players is one Agnes Moorehead- young and witty. And I swear there is a young Hans Conreid as a head waiter of the supper club.  Hmm.
Next, Dance, Girl, Dance with Maureen O'Hara, Ralph Bellamy and Maria Ouspenskaya.  Miss Ball's character in this film is Bubbles.  She's a dancer, a rather good one, in a club that doubles as an illegal gambling joint.  Her best friend, Judy, is also a chorine.  Both lose their jobs and return to New York City.  Judy aspires to dance in the ballet.  In New York they return to a dance school run by Maria Ouspenskaya, a classic character actress, wherein she must lower her standards and teach her students the hula.  Judy does not have the "oomph" needed to work in a club; Bubbles lands a job in New Jersey, eventually becoming a headliner in a burlesque theatre.  It's a great comedy and Judy works hard to achieve her dream.  There is a great "cat fight" between Judy and Bubbles.  No tissues for this one, just laugh and feel good.
Lastly Dubarry Was A Lady a hilarious musical comedy co-starring Red Skelton and Gene Kelly, and Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra.  In a supporting role, a young and not so chubby Zero Mostel.  The story opens in a nightclub (yes, again) and Lucy is a headliner.  Red Skelton and Gene Kelly are in love with her.  The first 45 or so minutes are in New York, then a trip back in time to Paris in the 18th Century where we meet Madame Dubarry and her control of Louis XV.  Three Cole Porter songs are used in the film, which is based on a Broadway stage version.  Miss Ball's voice is dubbed for the opening song, but her real voice is used in the finale, Friendship.  It is funny and filmed in lush technicolor.  You can see her red hair fire up each scene she is in.  
So, check out these films for a chance to see Lucy before she became the Lucy we all know and love.  Some of the lines are dated, so it's good to know your American history or slang from the times.