"Magic Mike"...x-rated trailer stirs up buzz for stripper flick! Matthew McConaughey's ass stars!

Last night news anchors were titillated by an x-rated trailer for "Magic Mike" which was being broadcast in tandem with a feature on the flick due for wide release in Theatres next weekend.

In spite of the fact "Magic Mike" has been hit with a "restricted" movie rating -  the film borders on soft porn from what I understand - the producers have not been deterred.

The ballsy filmmakers - instead - proceeded to craft a promotional clip which left little to the imagination.

And, capitalized on their best asset in the process, you betcha.

Uh-huh!

Matthew McConaughey's "ass"!

Tattler readers may recall that I just posted an article yesterday on a poll that was taken in recent months in which men around the country revealed that - if they had their druthers - they'd rather have a butt like the actor's.

Post: 05/14/2012

http://www.ijulian.blogspot.com/2012/06/matthew-mcconaugheybutt-rustles-up-mega.html

Go figure!


In one scene - there is a shot where Matthew turns to the patrons - and proceeds to shake his bare cheeks.


Needless to say, the Network "blurred" out the offending body parts when it came to viewer consumption in living-rooms around the country.


It does beg a question, though.


Will filmgoers be trotting off to the movie next week with the express purpose of gawking at McConaughey's tasty-looking cupcakes?


News at 11!

Princess Diana...Royal Collection at Queen Mary in Long Beach! Exquisite!

The Queen Mary is presenting a dazzling collection of priceless objects once-owned by Princess Diana.


According to the organizers in Long Beach (CA), the unique venue is the first of its kind to ever host such an exclusive array of her personal effects which includes exquisite evening gowns, cherished keepsakes, personal accessories, and memorabilia associated with both the Princess and the Royal Family.

The display is appropriately titled:

“The Legacy of a Princess”

The Royal Exhibition opens tomorrow on June 16th.

Proceeds from the exhibition will benefit breast cancer prevention and awareness (a cause dear to Princess Diana’s heart).

See ‘ya there!


 

 

Al Pacino..."Glengarry Glen Ross" stage gig confirmed by Producers! Play previews in October in NYC!

Yesterday morning, I reported that there were rumors running rampant in theatre circles in NYC that Al Pacino was pacting to star in a revival of "Glengarry Glen Ross" to preview in the fall season (2012).

Post: 06/14/2012

http://www.ijulian.blogspot.com/2012/06/al-pacinoto-play-salesman-in-glengarry.html

Later in the afternoon, the producers fessed up.

Uh-huh!

Word out of the big apple is that Pacino has agreed to take on the meaty role of Shelly Levene.

As predicted, Daniel Sullivan (who worked with Pacino on the "Merchant of Venice") will direct.

The play - written by Pulitzer prize-winner David Manet - is slated for previews in October and an opening night on November 11th.

Pacino is no stranger to the stage.

The formidable actor is a two-time Tony-winner, in fact.

The "Godfather" star has snapped up two coveted trophies in the past for performances in "Does a Tiger have a tail" (1969) and "The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel".

Is Pacino trying for a third shot at the brass ring?

Break a leg, Al!

Woody Allen...hates the sun & automobiles! "To Rome with Love" premieres in LA LA LAND!

Last night on the red carpet for the premiere of – To Rome with Love – Woody Allen was surprisingly at ease.

And, when it came to the subject of Los Angeles, he was quick on the uptake when asked if he’d ever consider moving to Southern California.

“No, I may visit for a day or two, but that’s it. I hate the sun,” he quipped with a straight face.

No wonder the bespectacled director was so pale under the glare of the spotlight.

“And, automobiles,” he uttered up, almost as an afterthought.

He hates automobiles, too.

Can you imagine the award-winning filmmaker behind the wheel of a car on the freeway texting?

Scary thought, eh?

On the other hand, I could relate to the insights he rustled up on the subject of fame.

“It’s difficult if you’re a normal person. One day you’re a nobody, and then the next, you’re recognized on the street everywhere you go.”

Most can’t handle it, he surmised with a note of sincerity in his voice.

It reminded me of an old truism.

Actors struggle all their lives to get famous - then, when they come stars - they toss on dark sunglasses so they won’t be recognized.

Even that doesn’t work, trust me.

They spy me wherever I go around town - with - or without ‘em sporting my snoz.

Do you think that maybe it’s my “do” (which draws attention because it is inclined to be a bit “surfer dude”, “rock starrish”, or reminiscent of Andy Warhol’s shock mop on a bad hair day)?

I first splashed into the limelight on the National News in Canada when I was 17 years of age when I was arrested for dancing on a police car.

Morley Markson, a filmmaker, caught the whole incident on celluloid which  he summarily edited into a documentary which went on to win an award at the Cannes Film Festival (Breathing Together: Revolution of the Electric Family).

Over the years, I’ve experienced varying degrees of fame ( triggeded by career profiles in the morning papers, appearances on talk shows, and due to a lot of exposure I received on a handful of TV Sitcoms and daytime soaps).

For the most part, I was able to handle all the attention.

Until lately!

In recent weeks I’ve become so recognizable to others on the street, in restaurants, and even on public transportation, that it has become overwhelming for even me to deal with at times.

I’ll be wearing two pairs of sunglasses, soon, or – just maybe – I’ll have to stay at home to avoid all the prying eyes!

By the way, Penelope Cruz was surprisingly candid in respect to her thoughts on Mr. Allen when she sashayed out onto the red carpet last night.

When asked about the man of-the-hour, she hesitated at first before answering, though.

“He’s – um…,” she stammered,

“A bit Quirky.”

Then, after composing her thoughts – did she almost bite her tongue there for a moment? - she elaborated.

“But, once I got to know Woody, I felt blessed.”

Apparently he's great to work with, and it's an honor of sorts to be welcome into the fold.

By the way, is it me, or does Ms. Cruz look a little “fleshy’ (overweight) in those film previews currently being broadcast here, there, and everywhere (To Rome with Love)?

News at 11!

Al Pacino...to play "salesman" in "Glengarry Glen Ross" revival on Broadway?

There are whispers in Tin Pan Alley that Al Pacino is pacting to star in a revival of "Glengarry Glen Ross" on Broadway.

If the project is green lighted for the New York stage, it will be slated in for the 2012 - 2013 theatre season.

It remains to be seen whether audiences will warm up to the play this time around.

The drama was penned by Pulitzer Prize winner David Mamet and was a sure-fire hit the first time out of the gate, though.

Insiders in-the-know are tight-lipped about the production because contact negotiations are still on-going in the big apple with the players.

Pacino is keen on assuming the role of Shelly Levene (a character in tight fix) - to challenge his acting chops - perhaps?

In a prior adaptation crafted for the silver screen, the Oscar-winning actor played the part of Ricky Roma - a hot-shot real estate agent - film buffs may recall.

Is Pacino's decision to switch characters triggered by the recent success of "Death of a Salesman" on the Great White Way?

By the way, It's rumored that Daniel Sullivan will helm the project.

Gosh, he's mum, too.

As Bugs Bunny would say:

"That's all, folks!"

For now, at least.

Stay posted for updates, eh?

Starbucks...Boo! Gay Pride Revelers denied access to restrooms & ice water!

On Gay Pride Weekend patrons were a little ticked off when they strolled in to Starbucks in WeHo (across from 24 Hour Fitness "erection") and were not only denied access to the restrooms - but also - refused a glass of ice-cold water!

Uh-huh!

When regulars - out-of-towners, too - strolled in to snap up a cup of steaming hot java or grab a snack to chow down on, they ended up SOL when it came to bathrooms and thirst-quenchers like plain healthy water.

Personally, I take the position that Starbucks should be forced to keep the facilities open to the general public or at least their paying customers.

After all, the consumption of a coffee (or tea) may easily trigger a need to take a whiz, even those of us with the healthiest of bladders!

Patrons were also annoyed to find out - once they ordered-up food - that the baristas would not be serving up any glasses of ice water either.

It appears that in view of the masses about to descend on the neighborhood for the Gay Pride Parade on Sunday afternoon, Management at the popular hang-out took the "lazy" way out by shutting down those services altogether.

Or, just maybe, the young staffers couldn't be bothered to come up with any equitable solution to the problem?

Shame on Starbucks!

It appears that they care more about sales and profit than the needs of the community-at-large that they serve!

It was a bad public relations move if 'ya ask me!

Matthew McConaughey...butt rustles up mega hits @ Tattler site!

In recent days, a post I penned on Matthew McConaughey many moons ago, has been rustling up mega hits at the Tattler once again.

In that feature article, I reported that in a poll (taken several months ago) U.S. males overwhelmingly acknowledged that the handsome actor's "ass" was the best in the biz.

And, the one they - um - pined for!

Yup.

If they had their druthers, they'd prefer his "butt" to their own (or any other studly dude's in the public eye currently, for that matter).

I expect that Matthew's recent trot down the aisle (he wed long-time girlfriend Camila Alives in Texas this past week) - and his upcoming appearance as a male stripper in "Magic Mike" - have stirred up fantasies and intrigues around the A-List Star of late.

Hence, all the hits at my site!

Keep 'em coming, folks.

And, how was your day?

Los Angeles Film Festival...glittering galas & red carpet events to dazzle Tinseltown!

There’s been a buzz around town this week as film buffs prepare to descend on the ever-popular LA Film Festival in downtown Los Angeles which officially opens its doors to the public June 15th through June 24th.

The invites to screenings and “mixers” with filmmakers from top industry movers-and-shakers have been flying in fast &furious, so I expect my calendar will be pretty booked up this and next week.

Locals may recall that the prestigious Fest was originally based in Westwood (a cramped space!) before it moved lock-stock-and-barrel downtown near the Convention Center (which has proven to be a much better venue for what is becoming known as a World Class event attracting film enthusiasts from around the globe).

This year there is an eclectic array of offerings to choose from.

At one end of the spectrum there are well-crafted insightful documentaries – and at the other – intriguing high-quality foreign entries.

There is something for every taste, in fact.

As usual, there will be a smattering of special events, glitzy galas, intimate conversations with filmmakers about their exciting projects, you name it.

Some screenings - such as “Magic Mike” (a film about male strippers starring Channing Tatum), To Rome With Love (Woody Allen’s latest flick), and BRAVE (Pixar’s 3-D Animated Feature) – have sold out.

Understandably, the 2012 roster has also placed a searing lens on films that tackle Afro-American themes and women’s issues.

For good reason.

Stephanie Allain – a black woman – was recently installed as the Director at LAFF.

At a press junket recently, Ms. Allain underscored that was the beauty and thrill of being “at the table” during the program selection process.

“You get to be an advocate for issues you believe in,” she noted, in so many words.

For example, the Festival will be screening “G-DOG” – a documentary on Father Boyle (the founder of Homeboy Industries) - who helped gang members get off the mean streets of Los Angeles so they could get a fresh start in life.

Review

http://www.ijulian.blogspot.com/2012/06/g-doginspiring-documentary-about-father.html

In addition, LAFF will run “The Invisible War”, a doc that focuses on rape in the Military.

Review

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2012/06/invisible-warrape-occupational-hazard.html

There will be a handful of big-budget mainstream screenings, too, which will be shown gratis to the community.

For example, “Dirty Dancing” will play at the California Plaza next week.

There will also be a screenings of "E.T." and "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" for fans of Sci-Fi.

William Friedkin – who is the guest director this year – will also preside over the theatrical release of his flick – Killer Joe – at the Bing Theatre at LACMA (which I expect will sell out).

The Fest has even lured Woody Allen to attend the premiere of his flick (aforementioned) unless he bows out at the last minute and heads off to the nearest jazz bar to jam a little with fellow musicians.

Oh, well, that's show biz!

By the way, Tickets are reasonably priced for all screenings.

Prices range from $5.00  - $13.00.

For a gander at the program, cruise on over to the film festival site.

INFO:

http://www.lafilmfest.com

See ‘ya there!

And, check back here, for my reports!

Prince William...caught with pants down? Paparazzi scoop on the Royal Jewels!

Imagine that!

A low-brow gay rag just published a racy shot of Prince William caught with his pants down.

Well, actually, with pecker in hand!

And, according to one employee at the publication - who has seen the uncensored evidence - the Royal Jewels are something to behold!

Uh-huh!

Allegedly, the handsome future King was anxious to take a whiz.

Instead of dashing off to the water closet, he trotted over to the nearest fence - flipped out his "Johnson" (I'm not sure what the slang for "cock" is across the BIG pond) - and sought instant relief.

Of course, the publication "blurred" out the crotch area (so they wouldn't be sued I expect).

But, the bemused gossip columnist swears up-and-down that Prince William has nothing to be ashamed of.

Apparently, the lad is well-endowed!

"Lucky Kate," he quipped.

Well, that all depends.

It's possible that William's darling bride isn't a size - um - Queen.

Just betcha, the perky Royal prefers to squeeze his cute little butt, eh?

News at 11!

G - DOG...inspiring documentary about Father Boyle & Homeboy Industries!

G – DOG is an inspiring documentary which tosses the spotlight on a remarkable man who just might be a Saint in everyday clothing.

In the Los Angeles area locals may be familiar with Father Greg Boyle – a white Jesuit Priest – who strode into one of the toughest neighborhoods in the city about twenty-five years ago and shook up things up with an intriguing philosophy:

“Nothing stops a bullet like a job!”

With that in mind, Boyle founded “Homeboy” Industries and a center for gang members to take shelter at they were able to find a way out of the violent street scene in the hood.

In fact, each year approximately 12,000 gang members show up at Father Boyle's door, where they are welcomed with open arms.

At “Homeboy” the “refugees” are given job training, tattoo removal for free, expert legit counseling, guidance on fatherhood, as well as the precious opportunity to learn how to kick “shooting” at substance abuse classes.

Those who stick with the program land gainful employment working as cooks, bakers, janitors – you name it – in one of the Homeboy Industries businesses around town.

After 18 months, the dedicated few are then set free, to go into the community and make a fresh start for themselves.

According to the producers of "G – DOG" - there has been a remarkable 70% success rate (which they chronicled at the facility in 2010) - in spite of the fact Father Boyle was nearly forced to shut the doors for lack of funds or any help from the local community.

The documentary is inspiring and tells a tale about a man who beat the odds because he toiled endlessly from a place of compassion first-and-foremost to achieve an unselfish goal.

Indeed!

Father Boyle ended up creating a global model for social reform and a beacon of hope for destitute families, law enforcement officials, children’s advocates, and Government policy makers.

In the final analysis, Boyle created the largest and most successful gang intervention and rehab program in the U.S.

His remedy to reach out with boundless restorable love worked!

The filmmakers were inspired to tell his story after they stumbled on his best-selling book:

"Tattoos From the Heart"

The book is a window onto the world of “Homeboy” and triggered the fimmaker's curiosity.

“A priest, gangs, and love. What’s this all about,” director Freida Mock (an Academy-Award Winner) recalled wondering aloud one fine day.

And so, at that juncture, the heartfelt project began.

G – DOG may be heart-wrenching – and bring a tear to the eye now-and-then during the course of a screening – but it will make you laugh, too.

Such is the miraculous power of the man known to the gang members as G - Dog!

By the way, the documentary is screening at the LA Film Festival next week, so catch it if you can.

A video clip of Father Boyle being greeted by well-wishers at a theatrical release last week may be viewed at this link:

http://youtu.be/14OdjTJ4XP8

3 1/2 Stars!

 

Goodbye Promise...flawed vanity project entertains! 2 Stars!

If you’re residing in Los Angeles, chances are you are gainfully employed as an actor.


If so, lucky you!


According to the actors Union (SAG/AFTRA) 90 % of its members are out-of-work at any given time.


Many may have moved on to other sectors of the industry to become talent agents, casting directors, public relations officers – or even gone into real estate (the ones who enjoy eating and having a roof over their heads) - when the dream became too elusive.


Those who elected to hang in there – against all the odds – may have made themselves a promise, though.


They’ve vowed to themselves that if they don’t “make it’ within a given time frame, that they will get real and find a day job!


That’s the premise of “Goodbye Promise” – an independent feature film – that has been making the rounds in recent days at local Movie Revival Houses and Film Festivals.


Gregor Collins (who co-wrote the script) plays a struggling actor in Tinseltown (gosh, how original!) who faces a dilemma.


He promised himself when he first trotted in to town that if he didn’t succeed in the biz in seven years, that he would return home (having gotten rid of the “acting bug” hopefully).


Now, the deadline is on the horizon; in fact, it's just a week away!


Does he leave town with his tail between-his-legs, or muster up the balls to hang-in there until he lands a gig that catapults him into the limelight - and ultimately - superstardom?


In a nutshell, the uneven scripted material focuses on an avalanche of emotions that overwhelms him as he reflects on his life, his career, and his time spent on the glittering West Coast.


Understandably, during that last few days he is inclined to visit a few haunts, chat up a couple of friends (in particular, one or two he crossed paths with on the acting trail) and even look up a former flame for old time’s sake.


When he learns that his acting buddies are “connecting” in the industry – and landing legit roles - it doesn’t help matters much.


For good reason, he doubts his own talent and senses a feeling of lack of worth.


At one point, when an ex-girlfriend informs him that she is in love with another man, he laments sadly:


“Nothing ever works out for me.”


For the first time during the course of the film, the audience reacts sympathetically from below the footlights of the theatre.


“Aw!”


But, at this juncture, it’s too late for him (and the flick).


After all, "Goodbye Promise" has dragged along miserably at a snail’s pace, and only managed to deliver up every tired old cliché in the book!


"Same old same old" when it comes to the heartaches actors face onscreen and off.


One of the problems with this vanity vehicle is that the actors are too close to the project.


No wonder.


The performers acted, directed, and produced it.


Hence, their vision was obviously clouded during the whole production.


For starters, "Goodbye Promise" is too self-indulgent.


A bit of judicious editing may have tightened it up; instead, the excessive baggage drags the potentially worthwhile project down down down.


The Director’s decision to get a bit artsy was a fatal mistake, too.


Especially when you consider the fact that he lacked the vision – or ability – to execute properly.


If I had to look at the back of one more head during the sceening, I would have screamed!


Curiously, on the night of the World Premiere, the producers thanked a film editing company for working on the production values just before the screening.


I didn’t see any evidence of any professional work up there on the screen.


The lighting was bad, some shots were fuzzy, you name it.


What I didn’t see on the screen was problematic, too.


Although there was a lot of talk about acting and auditions and pounding the pavement for elusive jobs, there wasn’t one scene depicting any casting session or legit effort to land a job in front of the camera or on stage.


On a couple of occasions, some dialogue focused on the fact that Gregor’s character was working out.


“Are you bulking up for an acting job,” one of his pals quizzed.


Uh-huh!


That said it all, really.


Hollywood (stardom, at least) is all about “looks” and beefcake and not about “the method” or acting.


Superficial?


Yes, just like this film.


Sorry, guys.


2 stars!

Justin Beiber...free concert in Mexico City attracts thousands of screaming fans!

A Justin Beiber free concert in Mexico's historic main plaza - The Zocalo - attracted thousands of adoring teen-age fans with their parents in tow on Monday.

The normal daily routine was understandably disrupted for tourists - and locals alike - despite the fact there were 5,000 police officers on hand to maintain the peace and keep order during the duration of the standing-room only concert.

By the way, when the "Beib" appeared on a talk-show interview bright-and-early this morning, he appeared to be sporting "highlights" in his famous "do".

Do you suppose the heartthrob was "kissed" by the sun on the Mexican beaches or while lolling about poolside with cocktail in hand?

Or, did a swishy hair-stylist dip the Golden Boy's lustrous locks in a magical potion to perk up the heartthrob's "look" at tad?

News at 11!

One Direction...slated to perform at Sold-Out Concerts in Southern California!

One Direction (MySpace friends) - the English sensation from across the big pond - are about to hit town this weekend for sold-out concert gigs at the Gibson Amphitheatre and the Anaheim Honda Center in Orange County.

Locals can expect a lot of fan hysteria, a slew of girls (and boys) screaming and pulling their hair out in ecstasy, and mayhem in the community-at-large as the young pop stars are escorted around Southern California to hook up with their admirers.

Olly Murs, a headliner with a million-dollar-selling release back home in Jolly Old England, is expected to wow ticket-holders stateside when he acts as the band's opening warm-up act.

The musical pop phenomenon - a British Invasion? - is being likened to the heady days of Beatlemania back in the sixties.

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!





Olly Murs a warm-up act for One Direction!

LA Pride...huffy black women insults reporters at Media Check-in! Rude unprofessional behaviour reflects negatively on Christopher Street West!

It was pretty smooth sailing for the news media covering the LA PRIDE weekend celebrations at the Christopher Street West festival grounds "compound" - until Sunday night - that is!

A few reporters were on the high-security site adjacent to the WeHo Public Library (off Robertson Boulevard) covering events all afternoon - but made the mistake of exiting the grounds to chow down on the strip - before returning later after to finish up their assignments.

When one reporter attempted to glide through the media check-in after the dinner-hour, a huffy black woman in the employ of Christopher Street West began harassing the man.

"But, I was on the festival grounds all afternoon," he politely informed the homely gal, as he pointed to his press badge hanging around his neck.

"I doubt that very much, " she hissed at him.

Imagine that!

She was essentially calling the media person a liar!

"I have the video footage to prove it," he casually uttered up.

At this point, the power-mad handler was suddenly speechless.

Uh-huh!

Talk about egg on the face!!!

It was obvious that the loud-mouthed loser was not only an idiot, but had all the intelligence (and personality) of a worm.

At this point, she waved over a gentleman who was in charge of the shift at the media desk.

When the reporter explained the situation once again, the sober-faced staffer finally waved the reporter in.

At least he had the good sense not to step in the other employee's "shit".

But, he did act a bit like a dismissive Queen, however.

You know the type!

From where I stood, I thought the individual was entitled to an apology, free drinks on the house, or at least something to ease his pain.

Nothing!

No one attempted to smooth over the waters - least of all fess up to the fact that the shocking conduct of the Christopher Street West staff was - not only inexcusable - but unacceptable.

It was pretty obvious at this juncture that the organization is a rinky-dink unprofessional outfit. 

A joke, in fact.

Typical, though, of unsophisticated uneducated types with no class or manners to speak of.

Yup.

Gays - and the organizations that represent them - often make so many demands on the media (and politicians, too).

The truth of the matter?

When they learn to give respect, they'll get respect back, folks!

Actually, Christopher Street West employees treated the media like garbage the whole weekend.

For example, there wasn't any press tent, no refreshments offered up (in spite of the sweltering heat the crews had to endure for two days in the hot mid-day sun) or even an electrical outlet provided so reporters could recharge their video equipment, cell phones, or whatever.

And, of course, not even a - "thank you very much" - for the media coverge and free publicity!

So, I trekked across the street to Pavilions, and plugged in at their cafe.

My video camera recharged as I snacked on a light supper by the way.

Which triggers my thoughts on another issue.

At the Christopher Street West fair grounds people had to cough up to $20.00 a shot to get in the gate and what did they have to endure?

They had lay out $5.00 for a small plastic (!) glass of draft beer and upwards of $8 - $10 for a small plate of rice and few tidbits of poorly-grilled tasteless chicken.

You would have to be a couple with two "male" salaries to be able to pay for the privilege to attend their gay get-together in the chi chi fenced in grounds that they were touting as the best party in town.

On the contrary!

On Santa Monica Boulevard revelers were having a lot more fun taking in the festive colorful parade curbside gratis, where they were able to bar-hop and cruise all the hot numbers in attendance, while they tossed back exotic cocktails more reasonably-priced (and larger in volume) at the local bars and nightclubs.

I couldn't help but reason that the Christopher Street West party was just a big rip-off to the gay & lesbian community (run by a posse of tired old Queens trying to get a stranglehold on the community).

Needless to say, it is doubtful I'll be giving those losers much coverage in the future, you betcha.

Next year, the City of West Hollywood should toss the assholes out on the street, and run the whole shebang themselves.

The WeHo gay community would be a lot better off!

Amen!