Be Social.

So I was just dying to see the movie "The Social Network," and I have to say I wasn't disappointed. The story; although slightly "Hollywood-ized" the film gave me a clearer understanding as to the timeline of facebook and how the words "wall," "status" & "face booking" were conceived. I give it two thumbs up for sure.

On this chilly, damp evening grab some friends, post on your wall, be social...go see "The Social Network."

In the meantime check out this AMAZING picture taken by David Mayland from his cell phone, STUNNING. Thanks for letting me share it David!



Cleveland, see a movie, stay warm and enjoy all those scarves and boots that were put away for the summer. Bust 'em out.

Spooky Walk & Movie.

Tis the season for Witches, Ghosts & Goblins, Fall and Halloween is upon us.

This weekend wear your tennies and walk the family friendly guided tour through the storied past of Cleveland's cool and historic Detroit Shoreway Neighborhood. Meet notable, notorious and spooky former residents and hear real life tales of life, love, murder and mayhem!

Friday, October 1st and Saturday, October 2nd from 6-9pm (last tour departs at 8:45) Tours depart from Parish Hall every 15 minutes beginning at 6pm Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and ends with refreshments and entertainment at the Gordon Square Atrium. $5 Admission for adults - Children 15 and younger are admitted Free

Neighborhood residents with lanterns in their hands and facts and folklore in their heads lead tour groups through the Franklin-West Clinton Historical District. As they walk, they encounter actors from the Near West Theater performing historic and entertaining scenes in front yards and on porches.



After the walking tour, hang out a bit and settle in for the midnight showing of The Phantom of the Opera at the Capitol Theatre only $5. Buy any popcorn and get a soda for free! Caffeine to stay away!

Friday fun!

Hello Friday! Oh how I’ve missed you since last Friday. :) It’s been too too long.

I have so many things on this weekends schedule and can’t wait to share some of my ideas with each of you! I think the onset of cooler temps and back to school has made me yearn to switch over my closet from bright & cheery summer to warm & cozy fall...but as all Clevelanders know....we MUST resist until at least mid-September. So while I wait....how about what is fun going on in our fearless city this weekend?

> Feel like taking a drive? In love with Max and the rest of the Where the Wild Things cast? Drive to downtown Kent as they show the movie on an outdoor screen...starts at dusk, should be fun for all! FREE

> There are LOTS of bike rides this weekend. Feel like hanging with a bunch of graphic designers? Head to the towpath this Saturday for AIGA’s ride. Feel like filling your belly with warm grilled cheese? Don’t miss out on Melt’s first fundraising ride this Sunday. If farms & barns are your thing visit the picturesque Cuyahoga Valley National Park this Sunday!

> I saw the first slightly disturbing movie, The Girl with the Dragon tattoo...but sorta like a car wreck where you can’t look away, I am very intrigued to see the second part film in the three part series. The Girl Who Played With Fire, showing at Cedar Lee.

> Get your last few wears of those summer sundresses, and if you are looking for a few extra summer something's, stop by Room Service for their 60% off summer apparel sale!

On a side note, I can’t tell you how much I LOVE living in Lakewood and would like to thank Travel + Leisure Magazine for the HUGE shout out! “Lakewood : Coolest Suburb Worth a Visit!

And last...for those of you that do find yourself at the mall this weekend stocking up on back to school clothes...pick up this short for yourself. EVERYONE in Cleveland should have one. In fact I think that as a tax payer, we should just get one free in our mail some evening, now wouldn't that be amazing? If you can’t wait for GAP to maybe send you one as a good Cleveland citizen...then make sure to pick yours up soon. I hear they are flying off the shelves.... Love yOUR city!!!

Free Twighlight! (06/26)

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Hey i heart cleveland readers...join vitaminwater this saturday, at the Great Lakes Science Center for a 'prepare for the eclipse' evening. FREE to the public!

They will be screening the 'twilight' film at 6pm, intermission in the planetarium (because this is the date of the lunar eclipse) and afterwards screening of 'new moon'. (flyer reads 'new moon' screening at 10p, likely to be earlier) complimentary popcorn + vitaminwater. giveaways + chance to win eclipse premier passes. everyone is welcome! see you there.

a "sweet double feature"

This weekend stock your car with twizzlers, rasinettes and snowcaps, throw in your favorite blanket and a pillow and head out to the Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In Theatre located in North Ridgeville.

The Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In was built in 1965 by the Sherman family and is still owned and operated by a third generation of the Sherman Family. The Aut-O-Rama Drive-In became the Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In for the 1972 summer season.

This weekends best double feature is Grown Ups (with Adam Sandler) @ 9:40pm and the Karate Kid @ 11:30pm. I think that this is by far the best double feature lineup they've had so far this season.

I also think this is pretty cool...rather than ban outside food at the Drive-In they give patrons a choice of weather or not to bring food or beverages into the drive-in. For a $5.00 fee, you can purchase an “outside food & beverage permit” at the box office to bring in your own goodies.

So, when the summer sun goes down, where will you catch your summer blockbuster hits? Hope to see you at the drive in!

FREE Sex In The City (2) TICKETS!

Yes, you read that correctly...

I have TWO FREE advance screening passes for TOMORROW night; May 24th at Cinemark At Valley View (6001 Canal Road Valley View, OH 44125) The screening is at 7:00 although you should plan to arrive no later than 5:00 as the show promoter and theatre give out more tickets/seats than they have...first come first serve ladies! Bring a cocktail to sip as you wait in line, all the sassy ladies will be doing it.

To win these tickets, tell me which character is your favorite & why! Also, please include your email address so I can contact you to get the physical paper passes to you. I will choose a winner tomorrow morning, around 8:00...good luck!

Food & FIlm Fest

So here we are, in the midst of this years Cleveland Film Festival...

Over the weekend I had the privilege of screening five fantastic films; from “Ingredients” to “A Matter of Size.”

While the festival committee requests of the viewers that all cell phones, audible watches and even pagers (do people still carry pagers?) be turned off during the film...what about growling stomachs?

Yes, this past Sunday as I sat and enjoyed the afternoon film, my stomach let out a loud, whining growl, and man was it long. Was I hungry? Did the walk through the “food” court of Tower City entice me? I think not. Had I not stuffed enough sweets into my pocket to satisfy my afternoon hunger? I had no idea why my belly was making such a scene.

Then I thought about it, although there is the “food” court and the traditional movie supplies (popcorn, twizzlers, m&m’s, etc) you often see film goers darting from theatre to theater with a small cooler in tow...what did they know that I didn’t? Even if you don’t think you will get hungry, YOU WILL! Watching movies is a hard sport and one that needs to be fueled strategically.



So, with that said, here are a few ideas for you to munch on as you plan your trip to the film fest this year....

Wine & Chocolate for those late night films...stop in at Lilly’s in Tremont to pack your purse with a “juice box” sized servings of vino and pair it with the perfect truffle for you and your movie sweetie. A big step up from diet coke and snowcaps.

Lunch on the go...put your emergency flashers on and run into Nate's Deli (on W 25th, near the Market) for a hummus or shawarma rolled pita sandwich ($3-$5). Both sandwiches could be devoured during a film if you quietly roll down the paper and offer your neighbor a bite. Otherwise schedule a few extra minutes prior to the film and have a Tower City “Nates” fountain picnic in order to have that extra energy to wait in the stand by aisle

Taking a break between films...there are many places close by that you can escape the crowds of tower city and enjoy a quick food fix. If you want to stroll around Tremont to stretch your legs, stop by Dish Deli for the lemon scented tuna salad and daily veggie special. Thinking you’ll meet your friends for the next movie for a drink or a bite first? Flying fig and Momocho both have great happy hours, check them out. Need to run home to let your dog out between movies? How about a smoothie from Liquid Planet? If you want to take a break, but aren’t looking to loose your parking space...when is the last time you’ve enjoyed the bar at the Hard Rock Café or sipped a manhattan at Mortons? Check it out!

Speaking of food...I’m hungry; for more films and for some good food. Happy Film Fest, happy eating to you!

lights. camera. action.

Happy Monday Cleveland! What a great Northeast Ohio weekend we had. Bright blue skies. Sunshine. Time with our closest friends. Good food. A drink..or two. A movie. A trip to the market. What did you do this weekend?



Is anyone as excited as I am about the 34th Annual Cleveland Film Fest? Did you know the film line up is available online and the little paper schedule books will begin circulating end of this week?

When I get my hands on one of the paper movie line ups I will make myself a pot of french press or pour myself a good glass of vino and begin my movie attack. From french foreign flicks to an eye-opening documentary. A romantic comedy to something a bit educational. I like to try and take in as many films while still being able to decipher one from the other.

When you get your time to plan your movie attack, "film" me in on any recommendations. I can't wait to see you at the movies!

film classics & egg benedict

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

This Sunday kicks off the first in the Sunday Classics at the Capitol Theatre - Brunch & Movie Series

Come to the Capitol Theatre at 10 am for a screening of the vintage classic of An American In Paris followed by Sunday brunch at LUXE Kitchen. Gene Kelly stars in director Vincent Minelli's 1951 classic musical that won 6 Oscars including Best Picture...I can't believe I have NEVER seen it yet?



The Capitol Theatre is launching its Sunday Classics Brunch & Movie Series. See a different classic film, each month and then enjoy brunch at their partnering restaurant immediately after the film.

The Brunch/Movie Package tickets are $25 ($5 for just the movie) and reservations must be made via phone M-F between 9:00 and 5:00. Please call 440.349.3306 ext. 111 to make your brunch reservation. Call today!

Sci-Fi Movie Marathon (1-15/17)

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 15th through the 17th, 2010.

Long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... In the early 1970's, there were several film groups on the Case Western Reserve campus. These groups had formed because of interest in different genres of movies. Along the way, the groups merged and formed the basis of the current CWRU Film Society.

This weekend pack your backpack, Red Bull, sleeping bags and tooth brush and go to the Science Fiction Marathon. This weekend of approx 36 hrs of back to back science fiction movies, trailers, and surprises was started in 1976 and is attended by CWRU students, the Cleveland community, and people from out of state and from other countries.



The movie schedule is as follows...
Friday
8:00pm Terminator Salvation (2009)
10:15pm Moon (2009)

Saturday
12:00am The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
2:00am SURPRISE I
3:30am First Spaceship on Venus (1962)
5:15am Independence Day (1996)
8:00am Moonraker (1979)
10:15am Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
12:45pm The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
2:45pm Short Circuit (1986) (JOHNNY 5 is ALIVE!!!)
4:30pm SURPRISE II
6:15pm The Phantom Planet (1961)
7:45pm The Fifth Element (1997)
10:00pm The City of Lost Children (1995)

Sunday
12:00am SURPRISE III
2:00am District 9 (2009)


For all of the details including parking visit the CWRU Film Society site.

Hometown Writers Movie Picks.

The Golden Globes are quickly approaching, ten more days to be exact. I always love this season when I try to squeeze in as many of the nominated films as possible, although my intake of twizzlers and popcorn and is a bit overboard right now, I am trying to get a handle on it.

Although not all nominated for "Best Performance by an Actor," Clint O'Connor of the Plain Dealer wrote a great run down on what HIS favorite top 10 movies of 2009. I think it was a great article and I couldn't resist passing it along!

Top 10 movies of 2009: Frequent fliers, troubled teens, blue aliens, political screams. By Clint O'Connor, The Plain Dealer

The 3-D revolution raged in 2009, evolving from visual gimmick to movie staple.

"Up," "Monsters vs. Aliens," "My Bloody Valentine," and "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" burst through screens to slap us in the face with brighter, sharper digital images. My brain is still processing those little white floaty things fluttering around Pandora in James Cameron's 3-D "Avatar."

Cameron waited years for the technology to catch up to his vision, and it was worth it.

Michael Bay should have waited for a good script to catch up with to his robots in "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." The drab "Transformers" sequel did score in the green dimension, however, topping the box office with more than $402 million. It needed to make a bundle, because it cost about $200 million to produce.

Conversely, Oren Peli made the scary "Paranormal Activity" for a paltry $15,000. It has pocketed $107 million at last count.

Despite the putrid economy, the Cleveland International Film Festival set glowing attendance records, proving Clevelanders love their movies. Especially if they're dark, weird, and foreign. Cleveland's Capitol Theatre, shuttered for 24 years, reopened as a sparkling three-theater digital palace. A victory for community partnerships and the West Side.

Sandra Bullock wins performer of the year honors for knocking out three films: "The Proposal," "All About Steve," and "The Blind Side." The latter is still going strong in theaters. Bullock expertly plays real-life force-of-nature Leigh Anne Tuohy, the Memphis woman who took in a homeless teenager in crisis and helped set his life on a strong course. A worthy deed in any dimension.

1. "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," directed by Lee Daniels. Brutal, harsh, harrowing. Daniels' documentary-like style lent the story of an abused teenaged girl a realism that gets inside your heart and stays there. Gabourey Sidibe's stunning performance as Precious was backed by unforgettable turns from Mo'Nique, Mariah Carey and Paula Patton.

2. "In the Loop," directed by Armando Iannucci. Savvy, sharp-edged political satire about a verbal gaffe that sends Middle East policy spinning. Iannucci's quick, two-camera shooting technique lent his fast-talking cast a comic immediacy that juiced the laugh-out-loud moments.

3. "Fantastic Mr. Fox," directed by Wes Anderson. The most painstaking process -- stop-motion animation -- was the perfect format for presenting Roald Dahl's children's story. Anderson's best film, with nifty voice work from George Clooney and Meryl Streep.

4. "Up in the Air," directed by Jason Reitman. Refreshingly smart and funny (and highly relevant in our downsizing cooperate-controlled world). George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, and Anna Kendrick have a ball with their roles. And so do we.

5. "Avatar," directed by James Cameron. It's not a movie, it's an experience. Cameron creates an entire world complete with its own language and culture, and lifts the medium of film to a new technological level.

6. "Me and Orson Welles," directed by Richard Linklater. One of the best and least appreciated American directors, Linklater spins a marvelously entertaining tale of Welles (Christian McKay) and his blustery brilliance at the Mercury Theatre in 1937.

7. "Inglourious Basterds," directed by Quentin Tarantino. Brad Pitt shines in this elaborate Jewish-revenge fantasy about the Nazis and World War II. Pitt's speech recruiting potential killers is a classic Tarantino talkie torrent.

8. "The Hangover," directed by Todd Philips. Somehow Philips and screenwriters Jon Lucas and Scott Moore managed to take the most overdone premise (a wild bachelor party in Las Vegas) and make a fresh and funny film.

9. "The Hurt Locker," directed by Kathryn Bigelow. The non-stop intensity of a bomb squad in Iraq is highlighted by Jeremy Renner's gutsy performance as Staff Sgt. Will James. When an officer asks what's the best way to dismantle bombs, James responds, "The way you don't die, sir."

10. "A Serious Man," directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. The care and detail devoted to even the most minor of characters sets the Coens apart yet again as they investigate the meaning of life in Minnesota, circa 1967.


Thanks Clint!!!! I agree on many of your pics...I still have a few I want to see including Precious, Inglourious Basterds and Me and Orson Welles.

a Wicked weekend

Halloween is my favorite holiday! The warm colors, the spicy scents, the sassy costumes, the sugary sweets it all adds up to the celebration of fall. Plus we fall back so we get a bonus hour of sleep.



This weekend along with bobbin for apples see if you can squeeze any of these little treats to your weekend rundown...

- An “All You Can Eat Buffet”
- A Party with the Dead
- A little Coco before Chanel
- Hoops with the boys
- Being okay with Miss Michaelson

So Happy HAlloween to everyone in the "Land-of-Cleve," and might I warn you, don't come by my house without a costume or you won't get any candy. :)

Wild Thing!!! (10/16)

I know we've all been waiting...and waiting...and waiting.

So....LET THE WILD RUMPUS BEGIN!!!



Head over to Cleveland's newest theatre, Captiol Theatre on Detorit in the Gordon Arts Square District for today's release of Maurice Sendacks show, where the wild things are ... showing at 11:30, 2:00. 4:45, 7:15 and 9:40!


Be there or "I'll Eat You Up!!!" :)

Maverick Movie (8/13)

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

Name this all time favorite flick...

"Maverick is a hot pilot. When he encounters a pair of MiGs over the Persian Gulf, his wingman is clearly outflown and freaks. On almost no fuel, Maverick is able to talk him back down to the Carrier. When his wingman turns in his wings, Maverick is moved up in the standings and sent to the Top Gun Naval Flying School. There he fights the attitudes of the other pilots and an old story of his father's death in combat that killed others due to his father's error. Maverick struggles to be the best pilot, stepping on the toes of his other students and in a different way to Charlie, a civilian instructor to whom he is strongly attracted." (IMDB)



Yep, you're right...TOP GUN. This alltime favorite is this weeks pick at Crocker Park, "Movies in the Park." Located in West Park, the movies takes place at dusk every Thursday evening. Bring a blanket of chair, this one is sure to be packed with aspiring pilots.

www.crockerpark.com

FREE Tickets (8/05)

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

Good morning Cleveland!

I have 2 pairs of tickets to this weeks early viewing of the anticipated flick Julie & Julia to give away thanks to the evenings host...Gatherings Kitchen.



Gatherings Kitchen is a custom catering kitchen that provides corporate and social catering to fit your enetertaining needs. Chefs Ruth and Doug also open their doors for Friday night Super Clubs - where you and your friends have the opportunity to cook together under their supervision. Along with catering & Supper Clubs, Gatherings Kitchen is also available for your private dining needs. Tucked along Madison Ave in Lakewood the space is a wonderful location for your engagement party, team building and childrens birthday party needs. GIve them a shout today for more informtion 216.228.2285


If you'd like one of the pairs of MOVIE TICKETS, leave a comment and tell me this: If you could learn to cook something along side of Ms. Child what would it be?

The contest is open until end of day August 3rd. (please include your email so I can contact you for your mailing address, the tickets will be mailed out today!)

Movie Madness (8/06-23)

August 6th, 2009

Looking for a cool summer afternoon escape? Head to the Palace Theatre for the annual Cinema at the Square movie celebration.

This summer the Palace Theatre’s famous screen (a 20 foot-high by 47 foot-wide super Hurly-Glo projection screen) will feature 15 film favorites as The Twelveth Annual Cinema at the Square Series returns to the Palace Theatre at PlayhouseSquare August 6-23.



On my list of MUST see's...
8/06 : Young Frankenstein (FREE!!!)
8/13 : West Side Story (SING ALONG PRESENTATION)
8/14 : Breakfast at Tiffany's (because I LOVE Miss Hepburn & her updo')
8/23 : Muppets Take Manhattan (because they are silly)

Moviegoers will be treated to pre-show organ recitals on a restored 1928 Kimball organ that contains 13 sets of pipes, a xylophone, Glockenspiel, a complete set of drums and many cymbals. The organ, donated to PlayhouseSquare in 1975, was painstakingly restored by volunteers and is the perfect complement to your evening at Cinema at the Square!

For the full film listing visit Cinema At The Square

Free Movie (7/16)

July 16th, 2009

Looking for a little summer fun this Thursday night? Pack a blanket and some brownies or popcorn and head to Crocker Park for their FREE Movies In The Park this week showing "Ghostbusters"

Three odd-ball scientists get kicked out of their cushy positions at a university in New York City where they studied the occult. They decide to set up shop in an old firehouse and become Ghostbusters, trapping pesky ghosts, spirits, haunts, and poltergeists for money. They wise-crack their way through the city, and stumble upon a gateway to another dimension, one which will release untold evil upon the city. The Ghostbusters are called on to save the Big Apple.



"Movies in the Park" is located in West Park, and taking place at dusk every Thursday evening (around 9-11pm). For more information contact Guest Services at (440)871-6880.

A Tuesday Flick (6/23 & 30)

Tuesday June 23rd and Tuesday June 30th, 2009

Looking for something to do on a quiet Tuesday afternoon? Beat the summer heat by taking in a movie shown on our big screen. Bring a snack if you wish. (twizzlers, rice krispie treats, "juice" boxes...sshhhhh...)



June 23 = Muppet Treasure Island



June 30 = Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Movies begin at 1:00pm For directions visit www.lkwdpl.org

Franco For Sale (6/21)

Sunday, June 21st, 2009

He's talented, attractive and IN PERSON, Cleveland welcomes Golden Globe winning actor (Pineapple Express & Milk), James Franco

Franco, of Milk and Spider-Man fame, makes a live appearance at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The museum will screen the Cleveland premier of the art film, Erased James Franco. After the film, Franco and the filmmaker, contemporary artist Carter, will speak to the audience in person. Museum Director Timothy Rub will moderate. The film will be screened in the museum's Lecture Hall.



For the film Carter approached Franco about reenacting scenes from previous films in his oeuvre (James Dean, Spider-Man trilogy & Rock Hudson) but to revisit these scenes with restraint. At no point is Franco given the opportunity to delve deeply into any one character. Instead Carter directs Franco to use a flat voice and limit his instinctual movement during the filming of each scene. Carter describes his direction as “artificially relaxed - to withhold James' natural ability to act …” which gives the film a muted quality.

Tickets are selling fast $20 for members, $25 for non members. 2:30pm.

Shoes! (5/08)

Friday, May 8th, 2009

If you are a fan of shoes like I am (total addict) then Shoes, Shoes, Shoes: Footwear Fashions Past & Present hosted by Cleveland Public Library, Social Sciences Department will be a reason enough to call in sick this Friday!

The documentary of Head Over Heels will be presented as well as an exhibit on the history of shoes. Come in and see what fashion and costume resources are available at the library. The exhibit will be on display throughout May.



10:00 am Cleveland Public Library, Louis Stokes Wing, 5th floor, 525 Superior Ave. Cleveland. www.cpl.org