Film Review: Hugo

MV5BMjAzNzk5MzgyNF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwOTE4NDU5Ng@@._V1._SY317_

"Films have the power to capture dreams," we are told by a character in the new film Hugo, which opened today across the country.  When I was in high school, I watched every film that crossed my path.  They were either foreign films or black & white classics.  I remember the day that I saw Cinema Paradiso.  I was completely  transported into another place and time  and was reminded about the power of film and the effect that it's had on the world and my own life.  Twenty-five years, I have once again been transported with an unusual and … [Read more...]

“Monte Carlo”, a Film for Tweens

selena3

Interviewing Selena Gomez this past summer, with my daughter as my assistant, remains the highlight of my blogging career.  We are still celebrities in the eyes of her friends, and for me, it was a shining moment when my burgeoning journalist daughter took the reins and asked her favorite TV and pop star questions about her singing career and Paris.  It was also worth getting up at 8:30 to see her new film, Monte Carlo.  We were leaving for Paris just a few short weeks later, and it definitely put us both in the travel spirit. That's why I'm … [Read more...]

LOL with “Bridesmaids” – Literally

Bridesmaids

There is a scene in Bridesmaids that is undeniably hilarious: The setting is an engagement party where Annie, the maid of honor for her longtime friend Lillian, has been asked to make a speech. Annie (played by Kristen Wiig, who co-wrote the script) takes to the stage, glass of champagne in hand, and makes a short toast. But then another bridesmaid grabs the microphone and delivers a moving monologue filled with funny anecdotes and Thai proverbs. The evening rapidly goes down the tube, with each woman famously trying to outdo the other in sentiment … [Read more...]

Meeting the Real Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman

When I was invited to a screening of Real Steel and a chance to interview and meet the real Hugh Jackman (his Twitter handle is @RealHughJackman and he apparently tweets from that account himself!) this week, I was elated.  I have been a fan for a long time when I first saw him in the movie Kate & Leopold and have been following his career ever since, from Australia to The Prestige to Wolverine.   Of course, as the Culture Mom, I have always been keenly interested in his theater career and have often knocked myself on the head for not seeing The … [Read more...]

Review: Sarah’s Key, the Film

sarah's key

One of the first posts I wrote on this blog was about the book, Sarah's Key by Tatania de Rosnay.  I described it as "a very sad, haunting book, whose images and impressions will linger with you long after you’ve set the book down. De Rosnay is a brilliant story teller, and she certainly had an important story to tell."  There was so much about the book that I appreciated, particularly that De Rosnay was able to bring an important story to the mainstream public.  Even I had never heard of the Vélodrome d’Hiver round-up, when thousands of Jews … [Read more...]

Review: Why I Recommend “The Help” (the film)

The Help

I've been quiet this week for a reason but it's kind of ironic.  I've been hanging out with 3,000 other bloggers at a conference called BlogHer in San Diego but I've hardly blogged.  I have so many posts to write post BlogHer, but I feel compelled to write about The Help, since it premiered in the theaters today.  I attended an advance screening hosted by Dream Works, which was a highlight of the weekend, and also a rest from the craziness. I had a feeling I'd like this movie.  I read the book by Kathryn Stockett last year and finished it in 2 or … [Read more...]

Giveaway: Win a Pair of Tickets to see “One Day” with Anne Hathaway

One Day

To celebrate the August release of the new Anne Hathaway movie,  One Day, KODAK is hosting a contest on the KODAK Facebook page.  All you have to do it share the photo of your one perfect day for a chance to win a trip for two to Paris, France and great KODAK products.  The contest officially kicked off on August 4th and runs until August 15th. Kodak is providing a pair of tickets to see the film to a Culture Mom reader!  One Day opens in theaters on August 19th and your free tickets will be redeemable virtually everywhere, with the exception … [Read more...]

A Chat with Andie MacDowell: Mom, Actress, Culturalist and Advocist

Andie MacDowell

When I was asked to take part in a conversation with Andie MacDowell this week, I was thrilled.  She is an actress I have grown up with and adore.  To come face to face with one of your life long heroes is pretty amazing.  I was told I'd be on a phone call with a few other bloggers and would be allowed to ask a few questions, so I asked about her film career, balancing motherhood and her career, on being an advocate and bringing culture into her children's lives. Do you have one famous person that you've been told you look like your entire life? … [Read more...]

Review & Giveaway: “Monte Carlo” with Selena Gomez (Out July 1st)

Monte Carlo Selena Gomez

    Monte Carlo, a new film starting Selena Gomez, is hitting theaters nation-wide on July 1st.  I saw it last week at a special press preview with my daughter in tow.  You can read more about that here. When Grace (played by Selena Gomez), a new college graduate, and her best friend (played by Katie Cassidy) and step-sister (played by Leighton Meester) get to Paris, they check into their not very nice hotel and set off on an organized tour around Paris.  They hit the Louvre, Notre Dame and, of course, the Eiffel Tower, where … [Read more...]

On Meeting Selena Gomez and Seeing “Monte Carlo” (Out July 1st)

Monte Carlo

  We're headed to France in a few weeks and my 8YO daughter has been very non-chalant about the upcoming trip.  Sometimes I wonder if taking my kids around the world since they were a few months out has impacted their love of travel.  In the weeks before we leave, they both complain about leaving their friends and everyday lives behind.  As soon as we arrive in our destination, they tend to be as happy to experience new sights and sounds as much as we do. When I received the invite to screen a preview of the film Monte Carlo (out July 1st) … [Read more...]