Reel Life: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Rooney Mara, Rooney Mara, Rooney Mara….

Where do I start? Having not seen the Swedish version of “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” and not having read the book, I went into David Fincher’s version with no real expectations whatsoever….Rooney Mara.

This is what I came away from it with, TGWTDT is and adult movie with a capital “A” … and I do not mean for it’s violent & sexual content (we will get to that later).

It is a film for grown ups who like character exposition and plots you have to pay attention to. The first half of the film is dedicated to establishing who Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) & Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) are as people before their two paths cross. At first I thought this part of the movie to be a tad long, but the more it sat with me, the more I loved it!

When I see a movie and I think about it after the fact, well that is a good sign to me, it is better than it being disposable. 

Thus TGWTDT is a fascinating character study. My only quibble is, I wished Mikael Blomkvist was as interesting as Lisbeth Salander. Rooney Mara, OK, time to move past it, David Fincher has directed some of my most favorite in your face movies “Se7en” “Fight Club” & “The Social Network” …which, is one of the things I find quite interesting about TGWTDT -

The sex and violence are quite subdued…. Seriously lets site a couple of Jodie Foster films that illustrate intense quite well, Oscar winner “Silence of the Lambs” way more freaky violence wise, and “The Accused” a rape scene that had me so upset I wanted to lay it down on the next guy I saw on Hollywood Blvd. who even gave a woman that look.

Yeah, TGWTDT is quite tame by the abovementioned standards. So one of my fave directors, Fincher, has remained true to himself, yet oddly grown up. Did I like TGWTDT? Heck yeah! It was a really great film for adults…and in case I did not mention it Rooney Mara is amazing!

Note: Hey Mr. Fincher - you never disappoint, however, next time you want to be a big boy, a little up in people’s grill would be a nice addition.
　
http://www.dragontattoo.com/site/

Mel Carter "The Other Standards"

Mel Carter, the man responsible for giving the song "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me," a place in pop history, began his career in Cincinnati at the age of four when his grandmother held him up to the microphone in a penny arcade recording booth.

It was 25 cents well-spent; the unpolished performance had an unmistakable element of raw talent in those grooves.

Well he kept grooving and it’s time to celebrate the Holidays even more because the hit maker is back!

What’s Mel’s latest release you may be asking yourself? His latest release bears the title “The Other Standards” and as you Mel fans out there know, this is what Mel does best. To the new comers in the house it’s time to introduce yourself to the man with the hit making touch and golden voice.

Stand outs include “Cry Me A River” which is one of this writers favorite songs evuh!

Another stand out is…well they all stand out, it’s Mel Carter people.

2012 is near, don’t “Cry Me A River” I have my copy of “The Other Standards”….
So? What are you waiting for, get yours, and get it now..!

Find out more about Mel and get “The Other Standards” at: http://www.mel-carter.com/

What Does Emii Want For Christmas? Stilettos...!

"Oh damn this drunk chick just spilled the drink on my Manolos
And that's a no, no, baby"....

Forget Cha Cha Heels, that is so John Waters "Desperate Living" what does the well heeled gold digger want this Christmas?

The small woman with the big voice & sense of humor, Emii is back after her hit with Snoop Dogg "Mr. Romeo" ...And she wants stilettos, now damn it! Please make sure they are 5 or 6 inches, or you will not please her one bit..(of course 7 would be the preferable fit )....

What does she have to say about all this? "I have a sense of humor about a lot of things. It might be terribly inappropriate, but I have no qualms about joking around. It's all good".

Check out my full length chat with Ms. Thang about "Mr.Romeo" for Chorus and Verse at:
http://www.chorusandverse.com/content.php?id=20110404A

Pay her a Holiday visit at: http://www.emii.net/  and you'd better be bearing stilettos, b!tches...!

Disclaimer: None of the abovementioned is to imply Emii is a gold digger, and if you choose to say so, please preface it with Diva...Thank You  for your cooperation.

25 Years Of Christmas: Darlene Love

This year marks the 25th year that Ms. Darlene Love will be singing her rendition of "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" on the "David Letterman Show."

The venerable legend who made the Rock-N-Roll hall of fame last year, which I predicted in our interview for Chorus and Verse when we chatted about the CD of her beloved classics "Concert of Love."

http://www.chorusandverse.com/content.php?id=20101110A

Has been been bringing down the house, year after year, with this tradition on Letterman that puts a smile on everyone's face.

Ms. Love has this to say about her annual performance: "This will be the 25th year I have done David Letterman. It's so wonderful to have people come up to me and tell me they do not feel it's the holidays until they have heard me sing "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)". I told David we have to do something spectacular"!

Knowing this pro you are in for something really special.

Raise a Holiday toast to Darlene and tune into David Letterman Friday December 23rd and catch her 25th beloved performance.

Find out more about the CD of her classics "Concert Of Love" at: http://www.whoisdarlenelove.com/

WebTV: "Have Yourself A "Meaty" Little Christmas"

Here at "Entertain Me" we like to celebrate the Holidays some....OK, a lot, so in the tradition of the seasonal posts, Sandy Zacky's "White Christmas," Mike Clifford's "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" & 10 Silly Holiday Questions: Winter Wonderette's ..."Entertain Me" is happy to lay another Holiday celebration on you, oh yeah!

That's right, it's time to "Have Yourself A "Meaty" Little Christmas" with Mr. Meatballs....Woot!

As you recall from a November post yours truly did, Jonathan Brett's Mr. Meatballs is now in season 2 of it's WebTV prescence: http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2011/11/webtv-heeees-baaack-mr-meatballs-season.html

Well here is a blast from the season 1 past, a warm Holiday treat titled: "Tiny Tim Needs Help".

It has everything you love about the season, Wheel Chairs, Charles Dickens References, Santa, Hanukkah & most importantly, MEATBALLS...stick a fork in em, and you're done...!

Get "Meaty" for the Holidaze at:

http://www.youtube.com/user/MeatballsAreFunny

TV Watch: True Blood Season 5

It has been officially confirmed, after an initial press leak,  that Christopher Meloni, formerly of "Law & Order SVU" (Special Victims Unit, for those who need an acronymn translation) is coming to season 5 of my beloved "True Blood" (A special shout out to Debby Holiday for my intitial alert to the leak) ....

According to the press release he is playing a "powerful and ancient vampire" uh, aren't they all?!

As a fan of both shows this has got this fang banger quite stoked, can I get a heart ripped from someone's chest high five?!

No word yet on whether he is a good vampire or a bad vampire, I am guessing he is a total bad ass, and after last years annoying and lackluster villain Marnie (yes, she of the over articulated voice and a demeanor that only an infant could fear) I can't wait for someone as fierce as Mr. Meloni to let loose his devil inside..!

Here's to plenty of  "doing bad things to you"  on the upcoming season of "True Blood" Meloni style...

"Waiting Sucks"! Indeed....

http://www.hbo.com/true-blood/index.html

10 Silly Holiday Questions: Winter Wonderettes

Lowe Taylor, Julie Dixon Jackson, Bets Malone and Misty Cotton in "Winter Wonderettes"

The Holidays are a time of family, friends and most importantly music…lots and lots of music. That is what the hit show “Winter Wonderettes” now playing at Musical Theatre West in Long Beach, CA is all about.

Here to represent is Lowe Taylor who plays “Cindy Lou" tis the season...


MS: Happy Holidays to you and the Wonderettes, finish this sentence: Walking in a winter…

LT: Wonderland!! We sing that song in Act 2. Its one of our favorites!!

MS: What is your favorite Holiday song to sing?

LT: That is hard to choose. We do more than 30 songs in “Winter Wonderettes” and they are all so much fun. I think personally I get to have a lovely character moment singing “All Those Christmas Cliches“. But “Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town” is also a blast because its super 60's and very dancey.

MS: Can you name all 8 of Santa’s Reindeer?

LT: Not even close! Although I bet Bets Malone could! She knows everything about Christmas. We do "Donde Esta Santa Claus" in the show where we refer to Dasher Dancer PEDRO and Blitzen. Haha. Let me try though... Dasher Dancer Prancer Vixen Comet Cupid R--? Blitzen. Who am I missing?? I can't remember that one!! Dang. And Rudolph of course :)

MS: Which of you if any likes kissing under the mistletoe?

LT: My character Cindy Lou would definitely be the one caught kissing under the mistletoe. And lets just say, art imitates life :)

MS: Do you believe in Santa Claus?

LT: I think there is a little part of me that loves to believe in the magic of Christmas. Its the time of year when anything is possible. That might seem pollyanna but it's nice to live in that space sometimes.

MS: Name your favorite Holiday TV special.

LT: Definitely the “Rudolph” one with the old school animation. Claymation I think?

MS: If you were a Christmas tree what kind would you be?

LT: Lets be honest, in my living room in West Hollywood is a 6 foot white and silver tree with teal ornaments. I mean, fabulous much?

MS: You are playing the home version of Family Feud and you are to name things associated with Frosty the Snowman, what do you think the number one answer would be?

LT: Corncob Pipe!

MS: Ever crush on any of Santa’s Elves?

LT: Not generally. I like a tall drink of water ;)

MS: What message would you gals like to send everyone for the Holidays?

LT: I think I can speak for all of the girls when I say we would want to wish everyone a safe, happy and healthy holiday season and New Year. Be kind to each other and to yourselves. Yay!! How fun! I wish the girls could have done this with me!

All the show info is on musical.org. And my website is www.lowetaylor.com or people can follow me on twitter at @lowetaylor. 

For Immediate Release: James Durbin Update

Hey "Entertain Me" peeps remember my chat with James about his Rock-N-Roll fantasies?

http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2011/11/james-durbins-rock-n-roll-fantasy.html

Well here is an update on the rockin' "American Idol" finalist -

American Idol’s James Durbin Cracks Top 10 on Billboard’s Rock Album Chart with Debut Album, Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster

First Two Singles Impact Rock and Top 40 Radio

Revolver Magazine names James one of the “100 Greatest Living Rock Stars”

December 2011- Los Angeles, CA – American Idol finalist, James Durbin, is celebrating a whirlwind year with the release of his Wind-Up Records debut album Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster as it cracks the Top 10 on Billboard’s Rock Album chart at #8 and #36 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album chart.

Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster features not one, but two lead singles with the power-charged ballad “Love Me Bad” at Top 40 radio and the anthemic rock single, “Stand Up” which is a gleaming showcase for Durbin’s signature rock-star yowl and powerful, energetic voice. The NFL has tapped “Stand Up” as its stadium anthem featuring it on jumbotrons nationwide during its games this Fall/Winter season. James will be performing with his band during half-time shows at various games this Winter including the Atlanta Falcons game on December 15 and the San Francisco 49ers game on December 19.

People magazine gives Memories Of a Beautiful Disaster a 3 out of 4 star review and says “Durbin is one of the best voices to come out of Idol. His debut packs metallic muscle.” In addition, Revolver magazine has named James one of the “100 Greatest Living Rock Stars” alongside other rock icons including Ozzy Osbourne, Nikki Sixx, Gene Simmons and Dave Grohl.

Unforgettable performances on the Idol stage with legends such as Judas Priest and Zakk Wylde led Durbin’s own “Idols” to support the rocker’s first ever release. Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe, songwriters James Michael (Sixx A.M, Mötley Crüe) and Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Buckcherry, Ozzy Osbourne) along with Swedish rock band Hardcore Superstar all contributed to the making of Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster. Durbin, who co-wrote five of the albums tracks exclaimed it was “surreal” to be working with this bevy of rock royalty and recalls, “When Mick Mars started shredding on his guitar I literally lost my mind.” The long-time Mötley Crüe fan continued saying, “He’s a true rock legend and he’s playing on my record. It doesn’t get any cooler than that.” Mick Mars echoed the same fervor, “It was sick to have played on James’ debut album. To be the only featured guest artist on the record was really cool as I know a lot of others wanted to be on it. James Durbin kicks ass, he’s the real deal.”

On American Idol, James Durbin waved the flag for rock and it was that devotion to rock that helped him overcome his private struggles with tourette’s and aspergers syndrome. He touched the hearts of people everywhere while on the show, and with the release of Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster he is proudly waving that flag high again.

Follow James on Twitter and Facebook here: http://twitter.com/durbinrock, http://facebook.com/durbinrock, http://www.durbinrock.com

Mike Clifford's "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"

It’s time for more Holiday cheer from “Entertain Me”…Teen Idol Mike “I’m Not Dead Yet” Clifford is here to put a jingle in your bells for The Holidays with his rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”.

You may remember my November post about him:

http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2011/11/teen-idol-mike-clifford-im-not-dead-yet.html

The video is from his last solo performance in December of 1987 at the Vine Street Grill in Hollywood, CA - Clifford’s melodic rendition of “Merry Little Christmas” is here to make your Holidays a little brighter.

So, enjoy some more warmth of the season brought to you by the letters M & C.
　
Celebrate the Holidays with Mike at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Clifford-Close-to-Cathy/432999335318

Rock On: Theory of a Deadman

 Honesty is always the best policy. Theory of a Deadman adheres to that age old adage on their fourth album, “The Truth Is“…exactly what people need right now.

So let's get what “The Truth Is” straight from the man who wrote the songs, “Theory” front man Tyler Connolly…!

MS: Hey Tyler, tell the truth, you stated that the “The Truth Is” is a shared experience with your audience, in what way?

TC: I like to write from a fans perspective, whatever topics they are talking about, so…It’s one of the biggest compliments you can get, when a lot of fans relate to the songs and think it’s about them.

MS: Do tell...

TC: So, the truth on this record is, I went one step further and became outright with my lyrics. They are not so generalized, or vague. They may be a little over the top and stuff, tell people the truth, ya know? The album is like saying to someone: “You have a mole on your face and it’s so huge.”

MS: When I was listening to it I thought “There’s no room for interpretation here.”

TC: Yeah, the songs are about love or hate, nothing in between which is exactly what I think needs to be done right now, people are so afraid of it these days. The last label we had we had to fight them to put the album out because we had so many “F-bombs” on the record. We said “There are F-bombs” on the record because that’s how people talk, it’s not offensive.

MS: Hey, I talk like that around my good friends. BTW - I bet you have heard of the song, “The Cat Came Back.”

TC: Nooooo! Yes, of course….(laughs)

MS: The minute I heard your song “The Bitch Came Back” I went “oh they know that song.”

TC: Everybody comes up and whispers to me “Dude, I know about “The Cat Came Back”…It’s not like I stole the song so I was like, “Dude, yeah” the songs are very similar, but different.

Can you handle the truth? Get yourself a copy of “The Truth Is” and see what other theories these deadmen have at: http://www.theoryofadeadman.com/

Checking In With: Debby Holiday

Debby Holiday rocks, oh, and has a great dance beat too. With Billboard hits such as “Dive” and “Bring It On” Debby is a one of a kind Rock-N-Roll dance diva! 

My fellow “True Blood” fan is here to chat about her upcoming single, movie and intimacy…OK Debby, let’s rock!

MS: Hey Fellow Fang Banger how are you?

DH: That’s so weird I was just trying to call you and the line was busy, that’s because you were trying to call me.

MS: It must be serendipity since we are both “True Blood” fans! (both laugh) Thanks for alerting me that Christopher Meloni will be joining the cast.

DH: And you know he will be hot! (both laugh)

MS: And you know Russell is back next season and it has to be Pam that let him out.

DH: Of course she is pissed off at Eric, her maker because he doesn’t love her the way he used to, he loves Sookie.

MS: Yeah, Sookie and her “precious fairy vagina.”

DH: Right? I mean she is cute and everything, but c’mon y’all! Who would commit suicide over “fairy pussy”? (both laugh)

MS: Let’s talk about “An Intimate Evening With Debby Holiday.”

DH: You know, I love my dance diva stuff, it’s so much fun. Between that and my TV & Film licensing, It pays my bills, it’s my living. But I perform by myself, to tracks…this is the saddest story and I don’t know if you want to print it, but I had four shows back to back in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. About six months ago. I performed on stage doing maybe four or five songs, I got to the fourth song and I said, for our next song, and I turned around as if there was a band there. I thought “Oh my God I have lost my mind”! I missed playing with my band so much that they were there as imaginary band members. (laughs) I miss them.

MS: I bet.

DH: It’s cost prohibitive trying to do local Los Angeles shows. So I thought how do I perform and pay my band well?

With all my diva stuff I am always belting, there is a whole other side of my voice I am not using, I thought "you know I want to sing some of my softer stuff and original songs" and that is where I came up with my intimate evening. My first one is a private party this week.

MS: You also have a single coming out in January.

DH: Yes, I do, it’s called “Never Give Up” and it’s with DJ Phil B. - who I love!

MS: I’m not familiar with him.

DH: He’s a handsome Brit with a heart of gold. Every time I see him he is nothing but hugs and love and smiles. He’s just squishy yummy! I was so happy when he called me and said: “I have this song, I keep hearing your voice on it and I think we should do it.” I thought: “If you keep talking to me like that, I’ll do whatever you want”! (laughs)

MS: Too funny!

DH: It’s a cover of a song by Yolanda Adams and it’s really, really great! I love it because it is so positive. The song is out the middle of January, and Phil B’s mix is amazing!

MS: Your idea for an intimate evening is great BTW everything is so detached these days.

DH: It’s funny the other day I was iChatting with someone, then it hit me, we live three blocks away, I said: "Do you want to meet at the Coffee Bean and actually talk in person"? She was like: “Oh, yeah”…we left our homes and went outside and actually saw each other’s faces.

MS: That really puts your intimate evenings into context.

DH: Yes, it’s real and it’s happening right now, which is not the same as performing to a track, which I love too, I just would like to add that live connection with other human beings on stage together to what I do.

MS: Rumor has it you are making your movie debut soon.

DH: Starting in February, I’m getting really excited about being in the movie “The Trials and Tribulations of a Trailer Trash Housewife.” It’s the Del Shore’s play I was in for almost 4 years…it’s almost finished and goes to film festivals next year. Octavia Spencer from “The Help” is in it, plus some other really amazing co-stars, Beth Grant & Dale Dickey & David Steen. Also I get to sing and wear some really awesome red dresses throughout the entire film.

MS: Congrats, Ms. Holliday.

Get Intimate With Debby:
http://www.reverbnation.com/c/fr5/artist_408220?eid=A408220_10495679_

http://www.facebook.com/debby.holiday?ref=ts

10 Random Thoughts: Moses

With his new album “Predictions”, Moses takes listeners on a sonic journey into the mind of an adventurous young man not afraid to turn the conventional on its booty. His aim? To push buttons and change minds.

"I'm Your Man", featuring XELLE, is the first single off the album. Its dirty synth sound, heavy beat, and Moses's unique voice make "I'm Your Man" a check it don't wreck it listen. Time to get random with Moses ...!

MS: Hey Moses, how are you?

Moses: I’m good, how are you?

MS: I’m fine.

Moses: Are you in Los Angeles?

MS: You got it…shall we get random?

Moses: Let’s go..!

MS: Cross Dressing

Moses: I love cross dressing. Everyone cross dresses in one way or another. A mailman in my eyes is a cross dresser, everything in life is about cross dressing.

MS: Men

Moses: Men in general are something that we see in different variations. Men are masculine, some more on the interior and others more on the surface. What makes a man a man to me is if you do something you really love to do.

MS: Archangel

Moses: Being and looking as pure as you can and then being able to go to the other side and become a dark angel.

MS: Depeche Mode

Moses: That’s a band that I have so much respect for. I adore them and I grew up listening to them. They are an inspiration to my art.

MS: Tel Aviv

Moses: It’s a beautiful place that I grew up in.

MS: Xelle

Moses: They’re great! One of the band members is Mimi Imfurst who was featured in RuPaul’s Drag Race. I love working with them, I call them my girls. They are very fearless I need people like that around me, because I am.

MS: Unicorns

Moses: I love unicorns! It’s a fantasy, everything should be like a unicorn. Unicorn is a state of mind.

MS: “I’m Your Man”

Moses: “I’m Your Man” is who I am. It is my first exposure to the world, it introduces me. It says this is who I am, this is how I look and this is how I sound…take it or leave it.

MS: The 10 Commandments

Moses: Oh, the first one is: Thou Shall Not Stop Dancing (laughs)…I always say I have 11 commandments, because there are 11 tracks on my album. Having my own set of commandments is a lot more fun!

MS: “Predictions”

Moses: My prediction for my future is to continue making and performing music. The biggest prediction I have is I am going to perform at Madison Square Garden!

Join the universe at: http://www.mosesuniverse.com/

Sandy Zacky's "White Christmas"

Ho, ho, ho & Happy Holidays I thought I would kick off December with a Christmas posting. Yes people it is almost here and Sandy with a "Y" not "E" remember my chat with her in October?

http://mshinafelt.blogspot.com/2011/10/checking-in-with-jazz-chanteuse-sandy.html

is here to make your Holidays brighter with her rendition of "White Christmas"....

Like Darlene Love's cover of "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"on David Letterman every year
Ms. Zacky's flawless rendition of "White Christmas" has become a tradition on Radio & the Internet for three years now and counting...

Here is a sound bite from Sandy with a "Y" about the song & the season upon us: "The Holiday Season is a time of  friendship, love and most importantly family...the song "White Christmas" reflects all of these things perfectly to me."

Check out the video above of Ms. Zacky performing the song live at her CSUN performance...

you owe it to yourself to give a listen to the singer Don Grigware calls:

...Zacky is a cross between Rosemary Clooney and Ella Fitzgerald. She is a truly great singer with consummate phrasing...--DON GRIGWARE, GRIGWARE TALKS THEATRE

"Happy Holidays Everyone"....Love, Sandy

Join Sandy on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Sandy-Zacky-Fan-Page/142692019103428

Listen to her on Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/sandyzackymikeclifford

Be sure to request "White Christmas" on Boston Internet Radio: http://www.jhf-website.com/BIR/