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← Older posts Newer posts →The Fashion of AMERICAN HUSTLE
December 20, 2013American Hustle is the new drama from director David O. Russell, a fictional film set in the alluring world of one of the most stunning scandals to rock our nation. With the film set in the 1970s, costume designer, Michael Wilkinson, had a chance to express the decade’s distinctive design through the film’s fashion. His designs further expressed the film’s theme: the characters are remaking themselves – transforming themselves, in a positive way, into the people they aspire to be. Michael’s costumes – part of the film directed by David O. Russell, produced by Charles Roven, Richard Suckle, Megan Ellison, and Jonathan Gordon, and written by Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell – take audiences back in time and reminds them that what people wear reflects a lot about their personalities and aspirations. American Hustle opens in theaters in LA and NY on December 13, 2013 and nationwide on December 18, 2013. HOW FASHION DEFINES EACH CHARACTER As Wilkinson began his designs for the characters, Russell encouraged him to think about every detail. Wilkinson explains, “David’s characters are wholly unique and wildly imaginative. Their costumes require a cliché-free, thorough approach. With David’s script, there were a lot of opportunities to explore different social backgrounds, from the vibrant, racially diverse world of blue-collar New Jersey to ultra-fashionable Upper East Side Manhattan to the sprawling suburbs of Long Island. 1978 – the year the film takes place – is a fascinating year, because it marks the beginning of a transition away from a truly flamboyant, exaggerated lines of the 1970s and into a more streamlined, early 80s vibe.” BIOGRAPHY Michael Wilkinson’s designs include the hit films 300 and Tron: Legacy. He was nominated for a Costume Designers Guild Award and a Saturn Award for both projects. Previously, Wilkinson won the Saturn Award for Zack Snyder’s action thriller Watchmen, and …
Posted in Music, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentSounds of the Season
December 10, 2013It’s that time of year again! Family, friends, food, laughter, and love – a time to reflect upon the many blessings God has given to us. And as you gather around your fire places and have a glass of egg nog, I thought I’d share a few sounds that will help you celebrate the season. The Best Man Holiday Soundtrack, which reached No. 2 and No. 4 on Billboard’s Soundtracks & R&B Charts after the box-office success of the film, is sure to help set the holiday mood. With the smooth “Christmas I’ll Be Steppin” by R. Kelly, to Monica’s heartfelt, “Love Driven” and powerful rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,”the Soundtrack is definitely a crowd pleaser. The closing number “As,” by Marsha Ambrosius & Anthony Hamilton was originally recorded by the great Stevie Wonder. Marsha & Anthony pay homage, and do the song much justice. The Best Man Holiday Soundtrack is sure to get the Christmas spirit flowing with an all-star line up which includes Jordin Sparks, Ne-Yo, Mary J. Blidge and more! Next on my list is Tyler Perry’s a Madea Christmas Album. The soundtrack features some of my favorite Christmas songs. The Jackson 5’s “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” Stevie Wonder’s “What Christmas Means To Me,” and “Jingle Bells” by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. The album combines new Motown and classic Motown with the latest editions to the label MPrynt and rising R&B star Kevin Ross. It also features one of my personal favorites, “Let It Snow” by Boyz II Men featuring Brian McKnight. Tyler Perry’s a Madea Christmas Album is fun for the whole family. Next on the music roster is Tamar Braxton with Winter Loversland. Tamar graces us with her sultry vocals throughout the album – taking it to her Gospel …
Posted in Fitness | Leave a comment‘Roots’ Remake in the Works at History
December 6, 2013by Lesley Goldberg The cable network is prepping an eight-hour remake of the 1977 miniseries. History is revisiting one of the most successful miniseries of all time: Roots. The cable network is developing an eight-hour mini based on the 1977 entry, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. History has acquired rights to the 12-hour original from Mark Wolper, the son of late Roots exec producer David L. Wolper, as well as the book on which the mini was based, Roots: the Saga of an American Family, from the estate of author Alex Haley. Wolper will executive produce, with a search underway for a writer on the project, which is described as a contemporary take. The original mini — which aired on ABC in January 1977 — earned a whopping 37 Emmy nominations, taking home nine including best limited series and wins for Ed Asner (supporting actor) and Quincy Jones (music). For History, the Roots mini comes as the network continues to ramp up its original scripted programming on the back of critical and ratings success with its longform fare, including The Bible and Hatfields & McCoys, the latter of which shattered network records during its three-day run last year. The network has a rapidly growing roster of miniseries in the works, including a four-hour Houdini vehicle starring Adrien Brody. Source: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/roots-remake-works-at-history-653426 E-mail: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com Twitter: @Snoodit
Posted in Sports & Inspiration | Leave a commentHalle Berry Developing ‘Hannibal’ Miniseries for History
December 6, 2013by Philiana Ng History Channel is developing a Hannibal miniseries with Halle Berry. Berry will executive produce, with Oscar-nominated scribe Jeffrey Caine penning the project. The series, a co-production by A+E Studios and Red Arrow Entertainment, “will tell the story of the greatest generals in antiquity — Hannibal Barca and his archrival Scipio Africanus — who went head-to-head in the Second Punic War.” Oscar-nominated writerJeffrey Caine (The Constant Gardener, GoldenEye) will pen the script, with Berry serving as executive producer. “Hannibal was not only the greatest African general to ever live,” said Berry in a statement, “he may have been the greatest general, period. His story is an intricate and captivating ride, and I’m thrilled to get this project off the ground with our partners at History.” Hannibal kicks off in Carthage, in 264 B.C., at the beginning of his life in North Africa and goes through the second Punic War between Carthage and Rome. Hannibal and his archrival Scipio Africanus take a sacred vow to destroy the other and the nation he served. However, despite their firecely opposed allegiances, the two are brought together and grow to respect each other as brothers. For Berry’s part, this pact with History marks the Oscar winner’s latest trek into television. It was announced earlier this year that Berry will star in CBS’ 13-episode summer series Extant from executive producer Steven Spielberg, and she inked a two-year first-look deal with CBS Television Studios. Berry starred in HBO’s Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, for which she earned an Emmy, a Golden Globe and a SAG Award. She also snagged Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for Oprah Winfrey’s Their Eyes Were Watching God. In addition to Berry, executive producers on the project are Steven Jensen, Vincent Cirrincione and Caine. Simon Maxwell will be an EP for Red Arrow, while History & H2’s executive vp and general manager Dirk Hoogstra, Elaine Frontain Bryant and Julian P. Hobbs will be …
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentSOUTH AFRICA – SO AMAZING
December 5, 2013Kat St. Thomas Explores South Africa By arriving at Johannesburg Airport (O.R. Tambo) at night I was treated to a show of glittering, shimmering lights beneath our aircraft. The city below appeared to be natural platinum, diamonds and gold. After all, this city is known as the “city of gold.” The sight was simply breathtaking. Upon my arrival at the 5-star Michelangelo Hotel, the doorman, a tall African brother in top hat and tails, greeted me with a smile and the profound statement of, “Welcome home, my sister”. The Michelangelo is the crème de la crème. Saying it’s a super deluxe property may be an understatement. The hotel has direct access to the Sandton City Mall adjacent to Nelson Mandela Square. Sandton City Mall has everything any shopper could want – even several excellent restaurants in the square. One of my favorites is Lekgotla Restaurant, which means “meeting place.” The staff, in traditional attire, always greets patrons with a warm reception which includes some awesome “drumming” . . . and dinner is always fit for an African King & Queen and served in true African style. Another restaurant favorite is the 7 level Moyo’s, located in the trendy Melrose Arch area. On my first trip to Africa, I couldn’t wait to get to Soweto and Robben Island since my passion for South Africa began when I started following in Mr. Mandela’s footsteps way back when I was a senior in high school in Los Angeles. I cut school one day to go to a “Free Nelson Mandela” rally in Watts at Will Rogers Park. Mr. Mandela had only been incarcerated as a political prisoner for 3 years at the time. The images of the Watts riots were still fresh in my mind as I began to take an interest in …
Posted in Travel | 2 CommentsTYLER PERRY’S A MADEA CHRISTMAS – America’s Funny Holiday Comedy
December 1, 2013SYNOPSIS: Madea gets coaxed into helping a friend pay her daughter a surprise visit in the country for Christmas, but the biggest surprise is what they’ll find when they arrive. As the small, rural town prepares for its annual Christmas Jubilee, new secrets are revealed and old relationships are tested while Madea dishes her own brand of Christmas Spirit to all. TYLER PERRY’S A MADEA CHRISTMAS is written for the screen, produced and directed by Tyler Perry. Lionsgate and Tyler Perry Studios Present, A Tyler Perry Studios/Lionsgate Production, A Film by Tyler Perry. http://www.amadeachristmasmovie.com/ In Theaters December 13
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentANCHORMAN 2 – In Theaters December 18
November 30, 2013Synopsis: With the 70’s behind him, San Diego’s top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), returns to the news desk in ‘Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.’ Also back for more are Ron’s co-anchor and wife, Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate), weather man Brick Tamland (Steve Carell), man on the street reporter Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) and sports guy Champ Kind (David Koechner) – All of whom won’t make it easy to stay classy…while taking New York and the nation’s first 24-hour news channel by storm. Cast: Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner and Christina Applegate New Release Date: December 18th, 2013
Posted in In The Spotlight | Leave a commentAmerican Music Awards: Complete Winners List
November 26, 2013The American Music Awards, held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday night, honored Taylor Swift with the artist of the year award for the third time.Swift won Sunday night’s top honor, giving her a leading four trophies as fans celebrated the women of pop music. PHOTOS: American Music Awards Red Carpet Arrivals The singer didn’t perform, but she was a frequent presence onstage and the camera alighted on her as she danced to music from stars like Kendrick Lamar and Luke Bryan. Her win came after Katy Perry dazzled with her show-opening performance, Lady Gaga found another inventive way to grab your attention, Rihanna starred with her mother and Miley Cyrus closed the performances with the assistance of a giant lip-syncing CGI kitty on her song “Wrecking Ball.” The Complete Winners List is Below: ARTIST OF THE YEAR Taylor Swift FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – POP/ROCK Justin Timberlake FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – SOUL/R&B Rihanna FAVORITE ALBUM – COUNTRY Taylor Swift/Red FAVORITE ALBUM – RAP/HIP-HOP Macklemore & Ryan Lewis/The Heist FAVORITE ARTIST – ALTERNATIVE ROCK Imagine Dragons FAVORITE ARTIST – LATIN Marc Anthony FAVORITE ALBUM – POP/ROCK One Direction/Take Me Home NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY KOHL’S Ariana Grande AMA Icon Award Rihanna FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – SOUL/R&B Justin Timberlake FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – COUNTRY Taylor Swift SINGLE OF THE YEAR Florida Georgia Line Featuring Nelly/Cruise FAVORITE ALBUM – SOUL/R&B Justin Timberlake/The 20/20 Experience FAVORITE ARTIST – ELECTRONIC DANCE MUSIC (EDM) Avicii FAVORITE ARTIST – RAP/HIP-HOP Macklemore & Ryan Lewis FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – COUNTRY Luke Bryan FAVORITE BAND, DUO OR GROUP – POP/ROCK One Direction FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – POP/ROCK Taylor Swift FAVORITE BAND, DUO or GROUP – COUNTRY Lady Antebellum FAVORITE ARTIST – ADULT CONTEMPORARY Maroon 5 FAVORITE ARTIST – CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL Matthew West TOP SOUNDTRACK Pitch Perfect Source: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/american-music-awards-complete-winners-659685 Photo: Getty Images
Posted in COWBOY CARTER TOUR- ATLANTA - A NIGHT TO REMEMBER | Leave a commentWatch Trailer for MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM
November 26, 2013In Theaters November 29 MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM Synopsis: MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM is based on South African President Nelson Mandela’s autobiography of the same name, which chronicles his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison before becoming President and working to rebuild the country’s once segregated society. Idris Elba (PROMETHEUS) stars as Nelson Mandela alongside Naomie Harris (SKYFALL) as Winnie Mandela with Justin Chadwick (THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL) directing. Cast: Idris Elba and Naomie Harris Director: Justin Chadwick Official Site: http://mandelafilm.com/ #Mandela MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM will open in Atlanta theaters, Wednesday, December 25, 2013!
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentHoliday Cheer: Tips To Lift Your Spirits
November 25, 2013By Jazmyne Butler With the holidays quickly approaching, many are excited about visiting family and friends and spreading holiday cheer, but thoughts of loneliness, financial concerns and just the mere pressure to be cheerful can make some feel sad during what is supposed to be the most joyful time of the year. Regardless of challenging circumstances, focusing on gratefulness can make your holiday season brighter. Mood Lifters For Holiday Blues #1: Appeal to Your Senses. Whether you enjoy a warm mug of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows or a cup of herbal tea, delighting yourself with a tasty treat may do more than just satisfy your taste buds. Feeding your five senses may help change your mood. Open your window shades and let sunlight in. Brighten your home by decorating a Christmas tree, illuminating the room with lights or filling the room with music that prompts relaxation. Whether it is Christmas carols or gospel music, listen to something that encourages your best mood. Jan Banks, a former mental health therapist of seven years from Vicksburg, MS, emphasizes the importance of self-care and a positive environment. “You really have to focus on me time,” Banks said. “Whether it’s working out, quiet time, meditation or listening to soothing music, it’s important to take moments to yourself. Surround yourself with positivity and things that encourage and uplift you.” Scholars have concluded that certain pleasant fragrances can have a positive effect on your mood. Light a candle of an aroma that calms and uplifts you, allowing that scent to boost positivity. #2: Take Care of Your Financial Obligations. “Tis the season to be jolly,” but be sure not to over-indulge in “retail therapy,” which is sure to be a temporary fix. Don’t create more problems for yourself, by creating or increasing debt or …
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