“Major Movie Star” a rental
“Major Movie Star”
Opens: USA- TBD
Director: Steven Miner
MPAA: PG-13
Starring: Jessica Simpson, Vivica A. Fox, Cheri Oteri, Steve Guttenberg
Jessica Simpson’s new movie “Major Movie Star” was a #1 hit in Russia this month, but for American audiences it might go straight to DVD.
Like Simpson’s last straight to DVD release, “Blonde Ambition,” her movies don’t come across as those that we would pay $10-12 to watch in theaters.
Major Movie Star- Trailer
What do you think of Jessica Simpson’s new movie-”Major Movie Star?”
It is being reported that the movie will be retitled as “Private Valentine: Blonde & Dangerous.”
La Femme Reel- The Chick Flick Dossier
Chick Flicks on TV Oct. 31st-Nov. 2nd
Network:Oxygen
Center Stage Friday 4pm|3c, Sat. 5:30pm|4:30c & Sunday 2:30pm|1:30c
The Bodyguard Friday 6:30pm|5:30c & 9:15pm|8:15c
Network:TNT
Titanic Sunday 3pm central
Network:FAM
Practical Magic Sunday 7:30pm(eastern/pacific)
Mean Girls Sunday 10pm(eastern/pacific)
Chick Flicks on TV
Friday, Oct. 31st- Sunday, Nov. 2nd
La Femme Reel- The Chick Flick Dossier
” The Secret Life of Bees” Poll….is now working!
Sorry everyone, I had taken down “The Secret Life of Bees” poll because it wasn’t letting anyone vote…..but I have it working now!
La Femme Reel- The Chick Flick Dossier
“Coming Soon” Movie Trailers
“Bride Wars”
“Possession”
“He’s Just not that Into You”
“The Other End of the Line” Bollywood/Hollywood Romantic Comedy
Opens Oct. 31st (Limited)
“Happy-Go-Lucky”
“Happy-Go-Lucky”
Opens: Oct. 10, 2008 -Limited-(originally opened in the UK April 18th)
Director: Mike Leigh
MPAA: R
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Alexis Zegerman, Eddie Marsan
I was super excited to see “Happy-Go-Lucky” Wed. night at Seattle’s Siff theater with special guest, director Mike Leigh.
The movie was really great and Leigh stuck around for a Q&A at the end.
“Happy-Go-Lucky” has a wonderful organic feeling. Leigh explained how his creative process allows for this. He starts with an idea and then works with actors for around 3-6 months developing characters, intensively researching his ideas, and scripting the movie. Only when filming begins does he have a clear precise idea of what he will be shooting. He also says his filming is highly organized but the development period is not, which allows the actors to develop the characters freely.
“Happy-Go-Lucky” is the story of a “generous,” “caring,” and “open” school teacher named Poppy. Leigh goes on to describe Poppy as also having a healthy dose of “anarchy.” The movie is just about the everyday occurences in her happy-go-lucky life.
Poppy is 30yrs. old, single and living in northern London, which also seems to be the status of all her fellow friends. She has had the same flat-mate Zoe (Alexis Zegerman) for ten years. They with a crowd of others party on the weekends (very 80’s style…I might add) but hold responsible jobs during the week.
At the very beginning of the movie, Poppy has her bike stolen while shopping in London. This is one of the events that propels the movie forward. Poppy decides that it might be time to learn to drive and buy a car. She hires driving instructor, Scott (Eddie Marsan) for lessons every Saturday at noon.
Scott (Eddie Marsan) is a wonderfully rich character. He is one angry man who displays racism, paranoia, and fits of rage. He finds himself falling in love with Poppy which leads to the end of their lessons. Amazingly Poppy is able to relate to just about everyone and is able to calmly defuse just about any situation.
Because of a title like “Happy-Go-Lucky” you might be inclined to think the characters are fluffy and overly acted, but the case is the exact opposite.
Poppy is very adventurous in her choices. Having always wanted to take up Flameco dancing, she joins a colleague at her weekly class (after Poppy strains her back during her weekly trampoline sessions). Flamenco instructor (Karina Fernandez) is amazing as she explains the passionate history behind “Flamenco.” Fernandez left me awestruck as the instructor and with this being her only acting film credit (IMDB) it shows her amazing skill.
Poppy and sister, Alice, go to visit their younger sister Helen who lives out in the suburbs. Dir. Leigh describes Helen as caught up in the bourgeois fantasy that living in the suburbs is what responsible people do and aspire to. Poppy however is happy and responsible with her life choices.
Through circumstances with one of her troubled pupils, Poppy meets Tim (Samuel Roukin) a nice social worker. They have a wonderful, witty repoire which leads to a budding romance. As a viewer, I am glad to see Poppy end up with a nice normal man whom is very similar to Poppy. Leigh eloborated that if Poppy and Tim were to end up being married and possibly one day having children of their own that they would no doubt make wonderful parents.
There really is no big issue to resolve through out the movie. Poppy’s singleness is apparent but not really the central theme of the movie. Also, not any one relationship overshadows the others. Even the relationship with Scott(the driving instructor) isn’t the main focus in the film.
I guess Poppy’s unconventional choices is the main study of “Happy-Go-Lucky.” She is fearless and many times your senses are assalted.
Happy-Go-Lucky is so much more than your average chick flick. In fact, it might not be a chick flick at all. I have learned that previews for movies are sometimes misleading in their attempts to narrow a film into a particular genre. This is the impression I got from “Happy-Go-Lucky.”
If “Happy-Go-Lucky” doesn’t come to a theatre near you then make sure you catch it on Dvd.
La Femme Reel- The Chick Flick Dossier
“Happy-Go-Lucky” - 2 movie clips
“Happy-Go-Lucky”
Opens: Oct. 10, 2008 (originally opened in the UK April 18th)
Director: Mike Leigh
MPAA: R
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Alexis Zegerman, Eddie Marsan
La Femme Reel- The Chick Flick Dossier
“French Women Don’t Get Fat” the next romantic comedy?
-Official Press Release-
Hilary Swank and producing partner Molly Smith have acquired the rights to adapt the bestselling book “French Women Don’t Get Fat” for the duo to produce through their Alcon Entertainment-based 2S Films.
Swank may star in the adaptation that’s being envisioned as a romance comedy about the manager of a champagne company who thanks to some mentoring from her boss learns some tough life lessons.
First published in 2004, French Women Don’t Get Fat has been a runaway success for writer and former Champagne Veuve Clicquot executive, Mireille Guiliano, CEO of Clicquot, Inc. The book reached number one of the New York Times best-seller list and went on to sell well over one million copies in the U.S. and more than two million worldwide. Translated into 40 languages and reaching best-selling status in many countries, it spawned a New York Times best-selling follow-up “French Women For All Seasons” and multiple appearances by Mireille on the Today Show, Oprah, CBS Good Morning and leading TV programs from England to France to Australia.
“Lessons in life go especially well with laughter and champagne,” say Mireille. “I am happy to be part of this first-class collaboration and to help share some striking and telling lifestyle stories, both bad and good, from the world of luxury goods and image.”
Swank and Smith’s 2S Films will develop and co-produce the feature with Aaron Geller and Darryl Porter of PorterGeller Entertainment. Heather Hach, who penned the remake of “Freaky Friday” and the “Legally Blonde” musical, will adapt the book.
Photo Credits: Official press release available at www.mireilleguiliano.com/, http://psiloveyoumovie.warnerbros.com/
La Femme Reel- The Chick Flick Dossier
“Happy-Go-Lucky” movie trailer
“Happy-Go-Lucky”
Opens: Oct. 10, 2008 (originally opened in the UK April 18th)
Director: Mike Leigh
MPAA: R
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Alexis Zegerman, Eddie Marsan
La Femme Reel- The Chick Flick Dossier
“Sex and the City” the movie out on DVD
“Sex and the City” the movie out on Dvd, Tuesday Sept. 23.
La Femme Reel- The Chick Flick Dossier
Photo Credit: www.SexandtheCityMovie.com
“Jungle Red”
NARS has their very own version of “Jungle Red” the nail color of choice for the characters of “The Women” 1939 & 2008.
La Femme Reel- The Chick Flick Dossier
Photo Credits- “The Women” MGM 1939, NARS “Jungle Red” nail polish
“Made of Honor” New Chick Flick on DVD
“Made of Honor”
On Dvd: Tuesday Sept 16th
In Theaters: Friday, May 2nd, 2008
Director: Paul Weiland
MPAA: PG-13
Starring: Patrick Dempsey, Michelle Monaghan, Kevin McKidd, Kadeem Hardison, Chris Messina
“Made of Honor” stars Patrick Dempsey as Tom, a ladies’ man who steers clear of commitment and the institution of marriage. After all, Tom has witnessed his father marry/divorce several times over. His faithful date to all his father’s weddings is Hannah (Michelle Monaghan) who has been the sounding board and watchful eye in Tom’s ever revolving love life since college. 
When Hannah is called away on business to Scotland,Tom has a period of soul searching. He misses her and comes to the realization that he loves her. His plan is to start a committed relationship with Hannah on her return from Scotland. To his surprise, Hannah has gotten engaged to a handsome Scotsman named Colin (Kevin McKidd). 
Hannah in her excitement drops the second bomb on Tom. She wants him to be her Maid of Honor. Ouch…Tom hides his embarrassment with a smile and agrees to do her the honors. Tom’s close friend Felix (Kadeem Hardison) advises him to win Hannah’s heart by taking on the role of the perfect MOD. He helps Hannah with all her duties including gift registry, bridal shower, and trousseau shopping. (watch as Dempsey shows off his juggling skills with the Chinaware) 
Hannah, Tom and the whole bridal party soon travel to Scotland for the wedding. There we discover that Colin is a nobleman, owns a castle, and is heir to a prestigious family owned distillery. Oh, and Colin can also sing!? With a rendition of the traditional Scottish tune “Love is Like a Rose,” Hannah believes even more strongly that she has found the perfect man. 
Well, not to give it all away but, there are three weddings in “Made of Honor.”
I had two flashbacks with “Made of Honor.” It so closely resembles the relationship dilemma of “My Best Friends Wedding” that everyone will make this connection. Also, the introduction of MOD (Maid of Honor) as a new word took me all the way back to the “Clueless.”
Although “Made of Honor” is predictable, they do a good job of making us forget that Tom is a real jerk and that Hannah deserves better. Tom really isn’t made of Honor, but it is easy to forget this while faced with his dreamy good looks. The physical humor, the beautiful Scottish countryside & castle, and the good looks of Dempsey & Monaghan slightly redeem this wedding Chick Flick. Lastly, watch out for the completely unnecessary crude jokes.
In a strange coincidence Michelle Monaghan actually had her best guy friend as her Maid of Honor in her own wedding prior to signing on for this film.
La Femme Reel- The Chick Flick Dossier
Catch “The Women” 1939 Today on TCM
If you happened to have seen “The Women” in theaters this weekend (or not) and are wondering what the original 1939 version is like then be sure to catch Turner Classic Movie’s airing of “The Women” Monday Sept. 15th @8pm. (check your local listings)
La Femme Reel- The Chick Flick Dossier
“Coco Chanel” on Lifetime Sat.-Monday
“Coco Chanel”
This has been a busy weekend with “The Women” out in theaters Friday so, I was bummed to have missed the premier of Lifetime’s original movie on the life of Coco Chanel.
Just in case you missed it Sat., “Coco Chanel” will air again Sunday, Sept. 14th at 7pm/6pm (Eastern/Central) & 5pm/7pm(Mountain/Pacific) and Monday, Sept. 15th at 8pm(E/C) check your local listings to be sure.
La Femme Reel- The Chick Flick Dossier
A Who’s Who in “The Women” Past & Present
As most of you know “The Women” is a remake of a 1939 classic movie. Here is a break down of who will be playing who in the upcoming new version.
Meg Ryan reprise the role of Mary Haines (Mrs. Stephen Haines) originally played by actress Norma Shearer who has discovered her husband has been cheating on her with the “perfume” girl from a local large department store.
In the 30’s version, Mary’s best friend and cousin is Sylvia Folwer played by actress Rosalind Russell. In the upcoming version, Annette Bening plays Sylvia. In the original, Sylvia is married and fills her day with trips to the spa for gossiping.
Debra Messing is reprising the role of “Edith Potter “now named “Edie Cohen” original acted by Phyllis Povah. True to the original version, Edie is a baby machine who has yet to have a baby boy. 
Jada Pinkett Smith is playing the role of author “Alex Fisher.” In the original there is no character named “Alex Fisher,” but the character of writer “Nancy Blake” has to be the inspiration for the character of “Alex.” An actress named Florence Nash originally played “Nancy Blake.” Nancy is only seen briefly in the beginning of the movie and at the very end. She is the quick- witted author who pokes fun of the petty lives of her friends especially Sylvia!
Candice Bergen plays the role of “Mrs. Morehead” now “Catherine Frazier” originally played by actress Lucile Watson. In the original version, Mrs. Morehead helps Mary think through the ramifications of divorce and what that looks like for her daughter. Mrs. Morehead also whisks Mary away on vacation in the attempt to prevent Mary from acting rashly.
Bette Middler plays “The Countess De Lave” now renamed “Leah Miller” originally played by Mary Boland. In the original, Mary(Meg Ryan) meets “The Countess” on the train to Reno where women went to get a divorce. “The Countess” had been married and divorced several times over. While in Reno, “The Countess” meets her next husband (a ranch hand turned country crooner) “Buck Winston.” I am not sure what direction the new version takes this character. If they stay true to the original then “The Countess” plays a huge part in the demise of “Crystal Allen.”
Finally, the villain of the movie! Eva Mendes plays the infamous role of “Crystal Allen” originally played by Joan Crawford. “Crystal” works at the perfume counter of a large NYC department store. She is able to seduce Mary’s husband Stephen when he comes in to buy Mary a gift. She is a gold-digger and eventually this is her undoing. In the original, she seduces another character’s husband (besides Mary’s) in the hopes that he is wealthy but low and behold his wealth is not his own!
Photo Credits: Picture House, TheWomentheMovie.com, MGM “The Women” 1939
La Femme Reel- The Chick Flick Dossier
